The Long Awaited BarnstableBlog Endorsements

Ok. Ok. Ok.

Hundreds of you have been complaining that the BarnstableBlogster has not made endorsements yet.

With election day right around the corner, here it goes.

For Town Council Races.

Precinct 9

The Blogster has studied this race and the nod goes to JAMES TINSLEY.

Analysis:

Both candidates are political newcomers and both bring enthusiasm and sincere commitment to the race. But after watching the Hyannis Civic Association debate, it is clear that Tinsley brings a higher level of maturity and level-headedness to the race. While this call is relatively close, in the 9th, it's James Tinsley.

Precinct 3

The Council race in the 3d Precinct probably will go down as the most mean-spirited and negative race in the Town's history. For this and other reasons, the Blogster knows that there is only one choice: JAMES MUNAFO.

Analysis:

The reason for the negativity is simple. Eric Schwaab. Schwaab recently moved into Town and just registered to vote. Many still believe that he lives in Brighton.

But Schwaab, working through his Hate Blog, has slashed and burned everything in the Town of Barnstable. He spent two years trying to convince Barnstable residents that things in Town are terrible. Then he offered himself up as the solution.

He has attacked every Town official, every Town employee and every Town volunteer. He has attacked every town initiative no matter what it was.

What a way to win a race. The Schwaab campaign represents the very worst in us. When he loses on Tuesday, Schwaab should spend months thinking about the tragedy that was his campaign. In the end, you can't criticize those around Schwaab, like John Julius, Gary Lopez, and others. The responsibility for the Schwaab campaign's kamikaze strategy is the responsibility of Eric Schwaab. Shame on you!

The campaign has truly gone bizarre in the last few weeks. Posts by Schwaab on his Hate Blog represent a strange and odd way to want to win a race. Just a sampling of Schwaab's rantings:

"I want you all to know something up front.Today, this one car drove by 3 or 4 times. Two creeps were driving. I could tell that they worked for Munafo and just wanted to steal my signs as soon as I left.They drove by three times and flipped me the bird. I want you to know that when my wife joins me on Saturday, I'm bringing a pile of rocks. If these fu---rs drive by and flip my wife the bird, I'm going to knock out their front teeth. I'm don't fucking around with this one. If Munafo's goons go after my wife they are toast."

Is this the guy you want as your Town Councillor?

In Precinct 3, there is only one choice: JAMES MUNAFO.

Precinct 11

In the Precinct 11 race, the nod goes to Henry Farnham.

Analysis:

The Blogster gives the endorsement to Farnham for two reasons. First, Henry "Hank" Farnham has worked hard for his precinct. He goes to meetings, he listens, he learns. He is knowledgeable about Town affairs and has earned the support of the residents. Secondly, this is really a non-race. John Brennan has yet to mount a race. The only reason Brennan is a candidate must be so that Farnham didn't go unopposed. Nice concept. But it doesn't add up to an endorsement.

In the 11th Precinct, it's Henry Farnham.

Wealthy Bostonian Tries to Buy Race

Can you imagine spending over $8000.00 to win a Barnstable Town Council seat?

Yes, I said $8000. Not $80 or even $800. I said $8000.

Too crazy to be true?

Not if your Eric Schwaab. Yes, that's new resident and voter Eric Schwaab from Boston and Hyannis.

According to the Barnstable Patriot, Eric Schwaab has funneled over $8000 of his own money into the race for Town Council.

And if that is not bad enough, he plans to spend $800.00 on a party on Election night.

Whatever happened to a local home grown, hometown race where you bang in a few signs and wear out the old shoe leather going door to door.

I was told by a Hyannis old-timer today, "that is not how you do things in Boston."

I guess it isn't. But why would someone in his right mind spend $8000. for what is essentially a volunteer position.

If Eric Schwaab wins, I guess that our seats are for sale in Barnstable. For sale to the wealthiest party.

Bostonians must think we are all pretty dumb in Barnstable.

The Eric Schwaab Strategy

Move into Town.

Throw in $8000.

Tell a bunch of lies.

Win a Council seat.

Have an $800 party.

Don't we deserve better. Let's tell Eric Schwaab we aren't for sale.

Let's tell him if he want's to buy a seat, go home to Boston.

What do you think?

The Truth About Eric Schwaab

The truth about Eric Schwaab is that he apparently can't tell the truth.

Why would Barnstable residents support a candidate who can't tell the truth? In the end, that is what the Precinct Three Town Council election is all about.

The foundation of the Schwaab run for Town Council is that the incumbent, James Munafo, has been unresponsive to resident concerns. Schwaab say Munafo didn't return the phone calls of his constituents. If true, it is a legitimate claim.

Schwaab said at a recent debate that THE reason why he chose to run was that Munafo did not and would not return his repeated phone calls.

As I said, a pretty legitimate claim, if true.

But when Mr. Munafo reminded Schwaab that Schwaab never called or contacted Mr. Munafo, Schwaab did not refute the charge.

So we have a campaign founded on a lie.

Why would someone/anyone do that?

For all the legitimate reasons one might use to justify a decision to enter a political race, why choose a lie?

And what other claims used by Schwaab are untrue? That asbestos lined pipes cause cancer? That Councilors implemented the bus fees? That Munafo is in favor of raising taxes?

In the end, this race does come down to one issue. Honesty. Or the lack of it.

Here is a guy who just became a resident and registered voter in Barnstable. What do we really know about him?

We know he has tons of time to campaign. We knowhe says he is employed. We know he is affiliated with the likes of John Julius, Gary Lopez and Lou Gonzaga.

But what else do we know?

Other than the fact that he has a tough time with the truth?

Don't we deserve better than that?

What do you think?

Lopez' Kiss of Death

Every Election season over the past few years has included what is known as the Gary Lopez list of losers. They are the blessed few endorsed by Centerville Nut Gary Lopez. So who made the fatal list this year?

Town Council Candidates

Eric Schwaab
Jason Cox
John Brennan


Tax Collector Candidate

Maureen Niemi

School Committee Candidates

Peg Dandridge
Tom Dolby

Charter Commission Candidates

Oliver Cipollini
John Julius
Bradley Ouimette
Taryn Thoman
William Cronin

So, as before, we pass the word to all in Barnstable.

STAY AWAY FROM THESE CANDIDATES.

What do you think?

The Beginning of the End For Schwaab

The Barnstable Patriot formally endorsed James Munafo for Precinct Three Town Council race.

No surprises there.

Why?

Because Eric Schwaab is a self-serving, arrogant, shameless newcomer who knows better than anyone what is right and wrong with this town. If you doubt it, just ask him.

So what did the Patriot say about this race?

Munafo for Town Council

"Jim Munafo has been known to frustrate his colleagues. He’s an adherent to the charter, a stickler for rules and a needed influence on the council.Above all, Munafo is reliable in how he acts, thinks and considers the decisions to be made.

We don’t always agree with those decisions, but we’ve never questioned the integrity with which they were made. In our experience, the same cannot be said of candidate Eric Schwaab, whose dedication to accuracy and fairness we seriously question.Candidate Michael Hersey, who was bested in the preliminary, penned a letter in support of Munafo in which he said Schwaab broke each agreement the two reached during the campaign. That’s similar to our experience with him, as well, and of others with whom we’ve spoken.We give Schwaab credit for engaging his supporters and critics on his Web site. It provides a direct connection to a candidate, allowing everyone the same opportunity for observations and insights. That interaction is valuable and we recommend that voters take a look before going to the polls.Munafo has done the work and deserves the trust of voters."

Well said Barnstable Patriot.

Well said.

The Election In Precinct 3 is Pathetic

Have you ever seen anything like it?

How embarrassing. How sad.

The election for Town Council in Precinct 3 has brought local campaigning to an all time low. Candidate Eric Schwaab started this campaign with a campaign theme that "we can do better". He is right. We do deserve better.

But Eric Schwaab should be shamed of the campaign that he has conducted. It is the very worst of what politics has to offer. Built on fear, person attacks, innuendo, smear and lies.

Council candidate Eric Schwaab has brought local politics to such a low level I wouldn't be surprised if no one showed up to vote.

So far we have seen:

1. A candidates debate with a debate official now admitting he met with Schwaab the night before the debate to discuss issues.

2. Complaints of harassment to Barnstable Police that candidate Schwaab had repeatedly verbally harassed a supporter of his opponent by repeated phone calls to his business.

3. Candidate Schwaab publicly admitting that he went onto private property and illegally removing and stealing a campaign sign of his opponent.

4. Candidate Shwaab starting a cancer scare for no reason but to win votes.

5. Candidate Schwaab alienating almost every sitting Town Councilor by allowing scandalous posts and vicious personal attacks about them on his website. And he expects to work with them after the election?

Barnstable does deserve better. The Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable Patriot, The Register and every radio outlet should endorse Schwaab's opponent by stating that Barnstable is, "a No Place For Hate" community. The hate spewed by candidate Schwaab has never been seen before on this side of the bridge. It might be commonplace in Boston, but is that what we have come to?

Schwaab should take his hateful ways back to his residence in Brighton.

We can do better. Better than Eric Schwaab.


What do you think?

The Shameful, Shameless Politics of Eric Schwaab

There is an old adage in business that says to succeed, you first have to create a crisis, then serve your business up as the solution. It isn't used much because consumers can usually can see through it. Usually.

Sometimes political candidates are pretty good at using this ploy. Sometimes they aren't.

Precinct 3 Town Council candidate Eric Schwaab is the worst.

In what has to be the biggest case of selfish sensationalism and shameful scare tactics ever used in a local political race, Schwaab is creating a cancer scare, then offering him up as the solution. All to win a Barnstable Town Council seat.

Has he no shame? Schwaab is playing with the emotions and trauma of those who have either faced this horrid disease or are afraid of it. All to win seat on our Town Council?

Shameless. Shameful. That's Eric Schwaab. Their must be a special place in hell for those who would resort to such tactics.

What do you think?

Calling All Bloggers--Calling All Bloggers

This guy Eric Schwaab thinks he is the cat's meow. You doubt it? Just ask him.

As Election Day draws nearer, we still don't know squat about this guy. He just showed up. Became a voter about ten minutes ago. He says he has all the answers. So the BB is asking?

Who knows this guy? His background? Any interesting stories? Any run-ins with Mr. Eric Schwaab?

Let's find out who this guy really is.

What say you Bloggers?

Hate comes back to haunt the The Hate Blogs

For several years, the Hate Blogs, written by two guys named Gary Lopez and Eric Schwaab, viciously attacked numerous people in Town Hall. One of them was Bob Smith, the Town lawyer. They called Bob everything in the book. They questioned his competence, his honesty, his integrity and his morals. They unmercifully attacked him. Bob died a few days ago.


Now Schwaab and Lopez are calling him a good guy. They're saying we should honor his memory. They say we should be sensitive to his wife and kids. They are saying he did some great things for our town. They say Mr. Smith was a wonderful guy. Oh really?


Where was Schwaab and Lopez' sympathy and sensitivity when Bob was alive? Were they thinking about how their mean spirited and hateful attacks were impacting Bob and his family when Bob was alive?

Bob had a lot of friends. Even if we didn't know Bob, we admired him. Almost everyone in Town did.

Except for Eric Schwaab and Gary Lopez.

Hate does come back to haunt the hate blogs.

What do you think?

The Problem With Schwaab

Congratulations to all Premary Election candidates, winners and losers alike, for their commitment to our Town.

Now the real work begins. In the 3d Precinct, James Munafo will face Eric Schwaab. Schwaab, a newcomer who is sponsored by the hate blogs, says we can do better. He is right about the fact that Barnstable should always work to do better. But his cheap campaign slogan seems more than a tad bit opportunistic. So what are Schwaab's campaign issues? He says he has three.

1. He favors the residential exemption, or a tax break for full time residents, at the expense of second home owners. Munafo apparently doesn't. But wait. Munafo doesn't want a tax increase for anyone. Schwaab favors a tax increase for second homeowners. Precinct Three residents should be leery that if he supports a tax increase for second homeowners today, who will be next? Do you want a candidate who does not believe in tax increases for anyone, or do you want a candidate who SUPPORTS tax increases for one group today, another tomorrow.


2. Schwaab is for eliminating the School Committee's bus fees. But wait a minute. Munafo is against the fees too. So the difference is?


3. Schwaab says he wants to replace the water pipes in Hyannis because some contain asbestos. But wait a minute. Isn't Munafo for improving the infrastructure too? Schwaab shamelessly wants you to believe that there is asbestos in our water. Sounds like a scare tactic to me.

So what is the problem with Schwaab? He is too gimmicky. He has no local experience and has just became a voter. He has proven that he can't and won't work with anyone to build consensus. In short, he will not get anything done.


He also has much to answer for in running a mean spirited hate blog for two years.

And we can't figure out what he really does for a living. All he has done, over the past six months according to his own testimony, is campaign. If that is true, he is either independently wealthy or unemployed.


In addition, he has brutally attacked good and kind residents who had the decency to run for office, like Michael Hersey. He has attacked residents like Deb Krau and Allan Goddard on the Hyannis Water Board. Unlike Schwaab, they choose to do more than complain by volunteering.


Schwaab has attacked and aliented Hyannis and/or Barnstable residents like Representative Demetrius Atsalis, Senator Rob O'Leary, Town Manager John Klimm, Water Board Chairman Deb Krau, the members of the Hyannis Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District, Main Street merchants, Hyannis Golf Club golfers, to name but a few.


And now his last minute attempt to suck up to residents just won't work. Our residents are not that dumb.


That is the problem with Eric Schwaab. He is arrogant, he is mean-sprited and he thinks we are all dumb. So maybe we are too dumb. Too dumb to vote for you Eric.

What do you think?

Election Day Around the Corner

We're into the swing of things in Barnstable with Election Day right around the corner. Barnstable citizens will have an opportunity to vote in the preliminary election on Tuesday, September 18th for at least one race (depending on where you live, it may be more).

For Tax Collector, the BarnstableBlogster hopes that Maureen Niemi and Gary Brown advance to the final elections. Why?

Because both have a record of accomplishment in the Town of Barnstable. Ms. Niemi is presently employed by the Tax Collector's Office. She obviously brings some hands on experience that would serve us well.

Gary Brown has many years of dedicated and committed service to the Town as a Town Councilor and a volunteer on many efforts. He also is a decorated Veteran which means much to the Blogster. He has the educational background and the experience to serve us well.

We hope Niemi and Brown advance.

In the Hyannis based precincts we have two preliminary contests. The Barnstable Blogster believes that Barnstable would be best served if Michael Hersey and James Munafo advance in Precinct 3 (although Eric Schwaab has waged a serious challenge) and Lou Gonzaga and James Tinsley in Precinct 9.

See you at the polls!

An Embarrassing Record of Failure

The Hate Blogs, authored by Gary Lopez and Eric Schwaab, have been whacking away with their mean-spirited attacks on hard working and decent town employees, elected officials and volunteers for two years.

They said they represent the vast majority of Barnstable residents. They promised to field a slate of candidates in every race. The results thus far?

Councilor James Crocker is unopposed.

Councilor Anne Canedy is unopposed.

Councilor Greg Milne is unopposed.

Councilor Rick Barry is unopposed.

Councilor Henry Farnham is facing a challenge from John Brennan, who ran against Farnham four years ago and is not a Lopez candidate.

Councilor James Munafo has two challengers. One is Michael Hersey who is a local lawyer and not affiliated with Lopez. The other is Eric Schwaaab, the only Hate Blog candidate in this year's Council race.

Councilor Gary Brown is term-limited out. Three candidates are vying for the seat, Jason Cox, Lou Gongaga and James Tinsley, none of which are Hate Blog sponsored candidates.

The net result? After a six month recruiting effort, the Hate Blogs, AKA Gary Lopez and Eric Schwaab, convinced the grand total of ONE person to run for Town Council. Eric Schwaab.

And let us not forget the School Committee race. Three incumbents, Patrick Murphy, David Lawler and Peg Dandritch are up for re-election. Former Superintendent Tom MacDonald tossed his hat in the ring, too. He obviously is not a Hate Blog candidate. He cares about Barnstable too much.

Two hate Blog candidates have entered the race, Thomas Dolby and Sean Walsh. So the Hate Blogs recruited two candidates.

One just dropped out. Sean Walsh announced he is no longer in the race.

That means there is only one candidate left, Thomas Dolby.

So that means that after months of recruiting, Lopez and Schwaab recruited a grand total of three candidates. One dropped out. That leaves Tom Dolby and one other. Eric Schwaab.

An embarrassing record of failure.

What do you think?

Don't Cry For Me Gary Lopez

I know. I know. The Hate Blogs hate it when the BarnstableBlogger toots Barnstable's horn. TOOT. TOOT.

All they do is cry everytime something good happens in Barnstable.

The Hate Blogs, AKA Gary Lopez and Eric Schwaab, spend two years beating the daylights out of the Town. Why?

Because they hate the Town of Barnstable. And they will NEVER admit that we are a wonderful community. They are miserable people. Terminally depressed, mean-spirited and angry people who want to assume the worst in life.

What will they do when they hear about the latest financial good news in Barnstable? Lopez and Schwaab will proclaim that the fix was in. They will say that Finance Director Mark Milne is related to a Moody. They will say anything to make the town look bad.

Well, too bad for them.

The Barnstable Patriot covered the story about our Town's incredible financial position. And what did they say?

Barnstable bond rating upgraded by Moody’s
Second best rating given

By David Still IImailto:IIdstill@barnstablepatriot.com

The Town of Barnstable now has two bond ratings to be proud of.
Town finance director Mark Milne was informed this week that Moody’s investment house had upgraded Barnstable two positions to Aa1, a step below its highest.


According to a memo from Milne to Town Manager John Klimm, it was Moody’s, not the town, that sought to take another look. Moody’s last rated the town in 1999, giving it an Aa3 rating, three steps below the highest.
Barnstable’s upgraded bond rating essentially translates into a higher credit score for the town.


Milne wrote, "Moody’s felt they owed it to bond holders who are holding town bonds that were rated by them to update the bond rating." The benefit to bond holders is that the new rating provides a higher-graded investment "which could bring them more money if they decided to sell it," Milne wrote.


In an interview this week, Milne said that the town stopped using Moody’s as its rating company after 1999 "because we didn’t think they really understood Cape Cod communities."


In addition, Moody’s stuck close to the numbers, instead of reviewing overall management practices and decisions in a community.


"Management decisions can affect a bond rating more quickly than anything else," Milne said.


In his memo, Milne wrote, "There are only 7 other communities rated Aa1 by Moody’s in MA (Acton, Bedford, Boston, Lincoln, Sudbury, Waltham, and Westwood). Both are excellent bonds ratings which the community can be very proud of."


The town’s financial advisors indicated that it would be unusual for a rating to jump three rankings at once. Milne expressed confidence that the town could achieve Moody’s highest rating "so long as the town does not deviate significantly from the course it has been following."
Barnstable received an AAA rating from Standard and Poor’s earlier this year in association with a sizeable bond issue.


That rating allowed the town to sell its bonds in the retail market for the first time, providing competition among bidders and a lower rate on the bonds.
The two ratings are independent of one another. Moody’s new rating does not affect the bonds issued under the AAA rating from Standard and Poor’s."

Another victory for the hard working employees and the citizens of Barnstable.

Lopez and Schwaab are just going to have to cry in their spilt milk. Again.

Don't Cry for Us Gary Lopez.

What do you think?

It's Laughing at Lopez

All you can do is laugh. This guy Lopez is so out of touch it is pathetic. His blog, CapeKog is deemed at best, a joke. So what is the latest illogical, inaccurate and embarrassing post from Lopez?

"Breaking news….Niedzwieki out of Cape Cod Commission…

COG sources report that the Cape Cod Commissioners have decided against Barnstable Assistant Manager, Paul Niedzwieki, for the Cape Cod Commission Director’s job.
Paul, who is scheduled to have an interview for the job tomorrow, might just as well stay home. If there are COGgers out there who know Paul, why don't you call him and save him the trip down here....

COG advises Paul N. to look for work north of the two bridges, because his name is tarnished locally. Good luck in your career, Paul, because from this corner, it looks like you’ll need it…
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush…It's not to smart to give up a job that pays $100,000+ when you don't have another in hand. As far as COG is concerned it's good riddance the bad rubbish, because you weren't worth the money on the town job."

So Paul Niedzwiecki is not getting the job, right? He is the only one being interviewed and is rumored to already have the job. Are there any lights left on in Gary's head?

So what else does Lopez say?

My sources haven't been wrong yet. The whole idea of blogs is to pull back the drapes and open the window on corrupt practices. Just like lifting up a boulder and watching the bugs all flee in every direction, the corruption, once under the spotlight goes away. Niedzwieki may be interviewed today, but he won't be hired. There are at least ten others who filled out applications, and are scheduled to be interviewed next week. I believe the decision won't be made until the second week in September. I'm batting 1,000, it's you're right to bet against me."

There isn't one ounce of fact in anything in the last paragraph. There are no interviews other than Niedzwiecki's. The decision will be made next week. Lopez is batting about 125.

Lopez' latest predictions are so bad, one must wonder if he is suffering from Alzheimers. What a joke.

It's Laughing at Lopez.

What do you think?

Let's Elect Einstein for Councilor

This guy, Eric Schwaab, is real bright. He can sure pick issues to run on. Yes, this guy is something to behold. If you doubt it, just ask him.

Let's take a look at his priorities, also known as convenient no-brainers for politicians.

SCHWAAB'S CAMPAIGN ISSUES

Issue #1. Let's eliminate the Bus Fees for school children. Now there is an issue if I ever saw one.

Wait a minute, though. Did Councilor Munafo vote for or support the bus fees? Did Candidate Hersey come out in favor of the bus fees when we weren't looking?
Now that you ask, have you ever met anyone who is FOR bus fees? (other than the School Committee who unfortunately implemented them so that they could give large pay increases to school staff?)

The point is no one wants the fees. But has candidate Schwaab EVER attended a School Committee meeting to ask that the vote be rescinded? Has he ever lobbied School Committee members to change their vote? Has he ever done anything to correct the situation? Or is he just looking for issues to run a political campaign on?

Issue #2. Maintain the Residential Exemption at current levels.

I'll tell you something. That candidate Eric Schwaab should be up for the next edition of Profiles In Courage. He says, let's tax non-residents more than the rest of us. You now the theme, screw 'um since they can't vote. (interesting stance from one now that he has finally become a Barnstable resident).

Issue #3. Implement the Split Tax as recommended by the citizen committee who developed the proposal.

Hey Candidate Schwwaab, I thought it was Lopez and Julius who recommended the split tax rate. So, it was the citizens committee after all. Thanks for the clarification. Once again, the majority of Precinct 3 voters are not small business owners so guess what? Another nomination for Profiles in Courage.

Issue #4. Rebuild the water company by replacing the asbestos/concrete pipes - sooner rather than later.

Interesting recommendation from someone who could have become a major player on the issue, but quit. Since then, has candidate Schwaab attended meetings of the Water Committee to convince the citizens committee to add his recommendations to the long range plan? We all know the answer to that one, too.

Issue #5 Fix our Roads.

Now there is an issue that differentiates the candidates from candidate Schwaab. I am sure Councilor Munafo and candidate Hersey are Pro-Pothole candidates. I am sure they DON'T want the roads fixed.

But wait a minute. Didn't Councilor Munafo support the longe range Roads plan passed by our Council?

Why do I have this strange feeling that, once again, candidate Schwaab has done nothing other than offer criticism.

All of this leads to the real question, is this about making our community better or is it really about doing anything or saying anything to get elected to office. Is this about Barnstable or about Eric Schwaab?

Put it this way folks..... it ain't about Barnstable.

What do you think?

A Review- Aselton Park Alive and Well

One of the wonders of the Summer Season in Hyannis has been the addition of live entertainment and theater on Aselton Park in Hyannis.

Aselton Park, named after a Barnstable Police Officer killed in the line of duty, has been transformed into a beautiful and vibrant Park with performances all summer long. An interesting mix of locals and tourists join together bringing lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The wonderful volunteers and staff responsible for the creation and expansion of activities on Aselton Park should be recognized for a job well done.

Hyannis is alive and well. If you haven't experienced it lately, you should.

What do you think?

Arrogance and Ego are Terrible Things to Waste

If you doubt it, just ask Town Council Candidate Eric Schwaab.

Schwaab wrote a note to his opponent, Michael Hersey, on the great new website by the Barnstable Patriot, www.barnstablepatriot.com/joomla .

The note defies any sense of logic, sportsmanship or mutual respect.

Schwaab writes, "If you support Hersey, I suggest you tell him to get the word out on his campaign. " (How arrogant do you have to be to tell your opponents supporters what they should be doing?)

Schwaab continues, "I've respect Micahel(?), but he has been very slow to get the word out on his campaign." (How arrogant do you have to be to criticize your opponents strategy in the campaign. We are not even close to the Preliminary Election yet. It really sounds like old Eric is more than a tad bit concerned about Mr. Hersey, doesn't it?)

Have you had enough arrogance yet?

Schwwab continues, "This may be because he's taken very middle of the road positions on taxes, roads and Barlaco land deal. We have a lot of work to do rebuilding our roads and fixing our water system in Hyannis. My concern with Hersey is that he doesn't have a fire in his belly. (So we are to believe that good old Eric is CONCERNED that Mr. Hersey does not have fire in his belly? How well does Schwaab know Mr. Hersey? I thought we read that they just met? Once again, it looks like Schwaab is scared to death of this guy.)

Schwaab concludes, "I'm concerned, he won't get the job done..... " P.S. Does anyone know where he stands on bus fees? (Does anyone care where Mr. Hersey stands on bus fees? He is not running for School Committee, the body that gave us the bus fees.)

The Schwaab note smacks of arrogance, from an obvious control freak who wants to set all the rules of the campaign. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't work that way.

The BarnstableBlogger has some advice for Eric Schwaab. Why not let the good citizens of Precinct 3 worry about Mr. Hersey.

Your Arrogance Runneth Over!

What do you think?

Precinct Three- The Issues, The Answers

The issues being raised in the Precinct 3 Council race are an interesting snapshot of the candidates raising them. Candidate Eric Schwaab continues to raise the Town's acquisition of the Barnstable Water Company several years ago. Fair enough.

The problem with candidate Schwaab is that he attempts to create a crisis and then serves himself up as the solution. Not a bad strategy, but for the fact that many of his potential constituents, unlike himself, have been around too long to buy it.

For decades, Hyannis was served by a self-serving private corporation who refused to spend one dime on improving the system as they extracted every dime out of the company for profit. The Hyannis Fire District, which has always had the right to buy the company, refused to step forward for over ten years. Then a Connecticut Corporation stepped up and bought the company. Once again, the Fire District refused to step forward.

So, the town finally did. The company is now in public ownership and , for the first time, repairs are being made.

Candidate Schwaab has some problems with that. Fair enough. What are his complaints?

First, he says we paid too much. Not so, according to a Cape Cod Times article quoting not one, but two experts in the utilities field.

Next, he says the plan to fix the infrastructure is ill-conceived. It may or may not be. But why did Eric Schwaab quit serving on the committee of citizens overseeing the operation? Also, why has Eric Schwaab not attended subsequent meetings (all open the public) to offer advice, criticisms or suggestions? I would hate to think it is because he wanted to use the criticism as a campaign issue.

And lastly, Candidate Schwaab criticizes the rate increase recently passed. A 5.75 annual increase from date of purchase is too much? The rates in the Hyannis area have not been increased since 1998. Wasn't it clear that whomever purchased the company, that increases would be necessary to fund a rebuild of the system?

The point is that Eric Schwaab has every right to criticize the Town's purchase. The question is, why has he ONLY criticized and not attempted to offer solutions in a venue that matters?

What do you think?

Does Everyone Really Hate the Tax Collector?

No. Not really. Historically, the tax collector was the person we loved to hate. Not hate personally. We just hated the thought of handed over our hard earned earnings to the King, Queen, President, Governor or Selectmen. It is as distasteful as April 15th, Tax Day each year.

In Barnstable, our Tax Collectors have all been decent, honorable, and even likable sorts. Our retiring Tax Collector is a delightful and wonderful public servant. And the next one will be, also.

But there is some controversy in this year's race for Tax Collector. It seems there is a local regulation that prohibits existing Town employees from getting paid, if they are a candidate for elective office.

The story goes that the regulation was overlooked by all and that now one of the candidates, Maureen Niemi, who also happens to be the present Assistant Tax Collector, is facing lose of pay until the election.

The BarnsableBlogger thinks that this is a fairness issue. If no one informed Ms. Niemi of this regulation, it should be waived this year. Apparently, the Personnel Board has the authority to recommend this. This is not an endorsement of this candidate, but simply a statement that she was not dealt a fair hand. The Personnel group should meet ASAP. And they should waive the regulation.

And then we should enjoy a spirited, enlightening and fair race.

What do you think?

So Much Happening in Barnstable Today

There is no doubt that Barnstable is a community on the move. A week doesn't pass without reading another story of unselfish dedication by our citizens, a new or improved program by our local government or another recognition or award achieved through the hard work of many.

We read this week that the Assistant Town Manager, Paul Nedzweicki, will be leaving for greener pastures. He has done an admirable job over the past few years and apparently is in line to become the new Director of the Cape Cod Commission.

That is good news for Nedzwiecki, good news for the Cape Cod Commission and, having him there, good news for the Town of Barnstable.

We also read about an upcoming meeting between the Airport Commission and the Town Council. Apparently, the Airport Commission has finally heard the pleas of the Town Administration who has insisted that they scale back on the project so that the Town is not placed in financial jeopardy and that we make sure the environment is protected and traffic congestion reduced. The BarnstableBlogger will again comment when the details of the plan are known.

The Council also has a huge opportunity to set a new tone at the Airport with new appointments to the Airport Commission. We continue to advocate for new faces on the Airport Commission.

We also applaud several new programs being proposed by Town Hall. One would finally address the issue of our access to our oceans and harbors. As a fisherman, I applaud any effort to improve our ways to water, boar ramps, etc.

I also see that the Manager is proposing a new program to help our residents who were left out in the cold when we adopted the confusing residential exemption. While the details are sketchy, it sounds both innovative and also simply the fair and just thing to do.

We are also beginning to hear from the candidates for local offices, whether it be the School Committee, Town Council, Tax Collector or Charter Commission. The BarnstableBlogger reminds all candidates that we recieve over 250 visitors a day and we welcome any and all candidates to write explaining why we should vote for them. Please don't waste our time telling us what's wrong with the other guy(gal), but what is right with you.

As I said, another interesting week in Barnstable.

What do you think?