This may not be a good year to propose a tax increase. WW voted their budget down last night. See article from the KC Times:
WW residents vote down budgets
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
WEST WARWICK — Taxpayers defeated the municipal budget, school budget, and voted down any tax levy with a resounding majority at the Town Financial Meeting last night.
Of the 416 voters counted by the West Warwick Board of Canvassers in a ballot vote, 333 voted against the municipal budget presented by the town council at $30,512,700, a majority in a standing vote defeated the school department budget of $49,269,685, and all but three people voted down a motion to keep the tax levy the same as it was last year.With nearly three times the attendance of last year’s financial town meeting, the meeting began at 7 p.m. and did not let out until 10:45 p.m. In his opening remarks Council President David Gosselin appealed to the taxpayers of West Warwick for help by supporting the budget. “We are in the perfect storm and this is a wave we need to get through and a wave we will overcome you’re your support tonight,” he said.But multiple residents criticized the council and the school committee for coming to them with a budget that included a 4.75 percent increase in a time of economic difficulty. More than one resident warned the council that an increase in taxes would push them into foreclosure on their home.
Seniors and other residents of fixed incomes voiced the same concerns. A comment from resident Alan Johnson drew applause and cheers from the audience when he told town leadership that they would never have better attendance at their meetings until they started running the town differently. “Until you learn how to handle department heads, pensions, and health insurance, they’re not going to come to your meetings because they don’t believe that they can make a difference,” he said. Although School Committee Chairwoman Lindagay Palazzo introduced the school budget for Fiscal Year 2010 as a victory of recent history, coming in at $3,645,140 less than the allocation the schools requested last year, the residents voted it down. The resolution regarding the tax levy was originally worded to allow for a 4.75 increase in the tax levy, but when he presented it, Councilman Peter Calci set the figure at the fiscal year 2009 tax levy, in an effort to prevent any increase in taxes. It was voted down in spite of this adjustment.Even if the levy stayed at the 2009 level, Beattie said, there would still be an increase in taxes because the state has changed motor vehicle taxes and money is apportioned differently in the town this year.
By voting down the budgets for 2010, Council President David Gosselin said at the end of the meeting, the taxpayers chose a municipal and a school budget that are higher than the ones proposed for this year. The $2.2 million increase in the fiscal year 2010 budget, Gosselin said, was to close the gap left by losses in state aid and other local revenues and by the new settlement payments for the Station Fire, the actual budgets presented by the schools and the municipal government represented a decrease in operating expenses. Leaving the Town Financial Meeting, residents expressed confusion about what would happen next.Even as tax assessor, Beattie wasn’t sure, he said. “Both the budget and the tax levy have not been voted down for at least the last thirty years,” he said on his way out of the meeting. “I have no idea what comes next. As far as I know we’re not even authorized to send out tax bills.”
The Home Rule Charter does speak to this situation, according to Town Solicitor Gregory S. Inman, who provided legal counsel during the meeting. In Section 504, “Failure to complete the budget,” the council is direct that “in the event that the budget shall not have received final approval by the start of the fiscal year, the departments, officials and agencies of the town shall have the authority to continue making expenditures at the rates authorized in the budget of the previous fiscal year until such a time as a new budget shall have been approved,” the charter reads.
Unlike many municipalities, Inman said, West Warwick is not required to take any further action. They may continue to operate until the fiscal year 2009 budget if they see fit. They do have the option, he added, under the West Warwick Special Acts Code, to call an all-day referendum to vote on an amended budget that is lower than the amount proposed that was voted down, or to call another Financial Town Meeting and try for any amount by presenting warrants. “But there is no time frame,” Inman said. “Nothing bars them from [continuing with last year’s amount.]”
The voters did look favorably upon two of the five warrants read at the Town Financial Meeting. They voted to allow the town to pay bills that come in after the fiscal year is over, as long as they were for items that fell within the fiscal year 2009 budget. They also voted to allow the school department to spend any federal or state funding that they are awarded over the next fiscal year.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Busy Meeting Week
There's a lot of meeting activity this coming week:
Town Council May 18. Please note the location of the meeting:
Town Hall Annex Auditorium
1675 Flat River Road, Coventry, RI
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/74156.pdf
Board of Canvassars May 19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2009/73207.pdf
Town of Coventry Animal Control, vicious dog hearing May 19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/3763/2009/74005.pdf
Housing Authority May 20:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4242/2009/74022.pdf
Planning Commission May 20:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/74029.pdf
Town Council May 18. Please note the location of the meeting:
Town Hall Annex Auditorium
1675 Flat River Road, Coventry, RI
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/74156.pdf
Board of Canvassars May 19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2009/73207.pdf
Town of Coventry Animal Control, vicious dog hearing May 19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/3763/2009/74005.pdf
Housing Authority May 20:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4242/2009/74022.pdf
Planning Commission May 20:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/74029.pdf
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thomas Jefferson Quotes
I received an e-mail with some T. Jefferson quotes which I found interesting.
John Kennedy once said to a assembled group of scholars in the White House "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
The quotes below could prove his point.
His words have come to pass..................
The quotes --
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
These are all quotes attributed to Mr. Jefferson. See also http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff109181.html
John Kennedy once said to a assembled group of scholars in the White House "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
The quotes below could prove his point.
His words have come to pass..................
The quotes --
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
These are all quotes attributed to Mr. Jefferson. See also http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff109181.html
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Letter to the Editor
Posting an LTE written by Joel Johnson that appeared in the KC Times on 05/11/09.
Time for Creative Thinking in Coventry
Based on the initial reaction of the School Committee to the suggestion by the Town Council that their budget might be level-funded for FY 2009-10, it appears that very little thought went into how to meet that challenge while having the least effect on the education received by the town’s school children. Instead, the School Committee chose to trot out the same old, tired list of threatened cuts that every school committee has held over the heads of frightened parents for at least the past 40 years: “We’ll have to cut sports!, We’ll have to cut extra-curricular activities!, We’ll have to eliminate ROTC!, We’ll have to close a school!” - all the while feigning incredulity. Oh so predictable, oh so disingenuous.
There is no doubt that the Town of Coventry pays a premium to have its children educated. Asking the school department to absorb what amounts to only a 3% cut to its increased funding request (while the municipal side is being told to brace for what amounts to a 10% cut below the current level of funding) is, under the circumstances, getting off easy. To claim that “It can’t be done!” implies an admitted lack of creativity and/or laziness on the part of the School Committee and the administration. I choose to believe that isn’t the case. Rather, I believe that Superintendent Di Pietro is more than up to the challenge of meeting the goal set before him by the Town Council. No one can dispute that he’s a smart, savvy individual who knows his way around a budget dilemma. It’s now time for him to prove his worth and deliver the goods.
Please stop the hysteria! It is time that the taxpayers of Coventry demand that their elected School Committee representatives stop the bellyaching and do what is prudent and justifiable in light of the current financial challenges facing our town, state and nation. Furthermore, this can be accomplished without having to plead their case while groveling at the feet of the Coventry Teachers Alliance. Renegotiating that contract at this point is a bad idea, completely unnecessary and, in the long term, counter-productive. To do so now would be tantamount to merely “kicking the can down the road”. Past experience would indicate that every dollar in union “concessions” would likely yield two or more dollars in additional costs somewhere down the line - thus, shouldering the Coventry taxpayer with an even bigger burden in the future.
Enough is enough. No tax rate increase in Coventry is possible. Dedicated public officials can make it a reality if they choose to do so. Taxpayers should thank them for it.
Joel Johnson
Coventry, Rhode Island
Time for Creative Thinking in Coventry
Based on the initial reaction of the School Committee to the suggestion by the Town Council that their budget might be level-funded for FY 2009-10, it appears that very little thought went into how to meet that challenge while having the least effect on the education received by the town’s school children. Instead, the School Committee chose to trot out the same old, tired list of threatened cuts that every school committee has held over the heads of frightened parents for at least the past 40 years: “We’ll have to cut sports!, We’ll have to cut extra-curricular activities!, We’ll have to eliminate ROTC!, We’ll have to close a school!” - all the while feigning incredulity. Oh so predictable, oh so disingenuous.
There is no doubt that the Town of Coventry pays a premium to have its children educated. Asking the school department to absorb what amounts to only a 3% cut to its increased funding request (while the municipal side is being told to brace for what amounts to a 10% cut below the current level of funding) is, under the circumstances, getting off easy. To claim that “It can’t be done!” implies an admitted lack of creativity and/or laziness on the part of the School Committee and the administration. I choose to believe that isn’t the case. Rather, I believe that Superintendent Di Pietro is more than up to the challenge of meeting the goal set before him by the Town Council. No one can dispute that he’s a smart, savvy individual who knows his way around a budget dilemma. It’s now time for him to prove his worth and deliver the goods.
Please stop the hysteria! It is time that the taxpayers of Coventry demand that their elected School Committee representatives stop the bellyaching and do what is prudent and justifiable in light of the current financial challenges facing our town, state and nation. Furthermore, this can be accomplished without having to plead their case while groveling at the feet of the Coventry Teachers Alliance. Renegotiating that contract at this point is a bad idea, completely unnecessary and, in the long term, counter-productive. To do so now would be tantamount to merely “kicking the can down the road”. Past experience would indicate that every dollar in union “concessions” would likely yield two or more dollars in additional costs somewhere down the line - thus, shouldering the Coventry taxpayer with an even bigger burden in the future.
Enough is enough. No tax rate increase in Coventry is possible. Dedicated public officials can make it a reality if they choose to do so. Taxpayers should thank them for it.
Joel Johnson
Coventry, Rhode Island
Upcoming Meetings
Conservation Board 5/12:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4239/2009/73658.pdf
School Committee 5/12:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/73675.pdf
Tax Assessment Review Board 5/12:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/73742.pdf
Board of Canvassors 5/19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2009/73207.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4239/2009/73658.pdf
School Committee 5/12:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/73675.pdf
Tax Assessment Review Board 5/12:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/73742.pdf
Board of Canvassors 5/19:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2009/73207.pdf
Monday, May 11, 2009
Clarification from Coumcil Member
Forwarding an e-mail from TC Vice Pres. Laura Flanagan that clarifies her previous memo on proposing a zero property tax increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to take a moment and provide clarity to a point raised in the below e-mail. My e-mail is not intended to imply, nor should it be construed to mean, that the Superintendent concurs with my opinion, but is to say that I have had the opportunity to ask questions of him in person, and have taken his views into account, as well as the views of many others, before formulating an opinion. I am convinced that we all share a common goal… the desire for an excellent educational system for our children, provided at the most cost effective/efficient manner.
That said, I remain convinced that a 3% reduction in the School Budget (level funding) could be accomplished with a minimal impact on children’s programs. As I mentioned, it would involve “sacrifice”. I arrive at that opinion, in large part, due to the knowledge that the increase in this year’s budget is primarily due to salaries and benefits. Despite all of the rumors and speculation you may hear, I do not believe that level funding will destroy Coventry’s educational system if we create efficiency and seek some amount of sacrifice!
I continue to be interested in the thoughts of all Coventry taxpayers as to an increase in our property tax levy, as we draw nearer to the adoption of a FY 09-10 Budget and I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Warmest regards,
Laura
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to take a moment and provide clarity to a point raised in the below e-mail. My e-mail is not intended to imply, nor should it be construed to mean, that the Superintendent concurs with my opinion, but is to say that I have had the opportunity to ask questions of him in person, and have taken his views into account, as well as the views of many others, before formulating an opinion. I am convinced that we all share a common goal… the desire for an excellent educational system for our children, provided at the most cost effective/efficient manner.
That said, I remain convinced that a 3% reduction in the School Budget (level funding) could be accomplished with a minimal impact on children’s programs. As I mentioned, it would involve “sacrifice”. I arrive at that opinion, in large part, due to the knowledge that the increase in this year’s budget is primarily due to salaries and benefits. Despite all of the rumors and speculation you may hear, I do not believe that level funding will destroy Coventry’s educational system if we create efficiency and seek some amount of sacrifice!
I continue to be interested in the thoughts of all Coventry taxpayers as to an increase in our property tax levy, as we draw nearer to the adoption of a FY 09-10 Budget and I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Warmest regards,
Laura
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Message Regarding Property Taxes
I received an e-mail from TC Vice President Laura Flanagan, see below. I could use a break on my property taxes and support a zero increase this year if it's at all possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want to pay more in property tax to protect the “status quo” and continue “business as usual”?
ANSWER: (please provide your thoughts with as much, or as little, detail as you are comfortable with)
Okay, so here’s the scoop. The Town Council is fairly close to closing in on a budget for 09-10 that calls for a ZERO tax increase for property owners! As you can imagine, achieving this result was very difficult and the UNIONS are lobbying hard against this proposal spreading gross exaggerations of the impact on “our children”. I have personally met with the Superintendent of Schools and I believe the schools can be level funded with minimal impact to children’s programs. There will be changes that create efficiency, and some sacrifice. We have already made proposals to reduce the Town budget by over 10%. We are only asking 3% from the schools.
I can assure you that our sons and daughters will not be jobless, homeless or unable to compete in our world in the future because the 2009 Town Council asked the school to reduce it’s budget by 3%! 3% of a $64 Million budget in the midst of the worst recession we have seen since the Great Depression is not an unreasonable reduction request.
SPREAD THE WORD.
Two points here.
1) As taxpayers, you have a VOICE. It’s time that the Town Council and School Committee heard directly from the voters who elected them! We have had ENOUGH of high taxes with no end in sight!
2) If ordinary taxpayers remain silent, the only voices being heard are those with a special interest….. and taxes WILL GO UP.
What can you do to support a ZERO tax increase this year?
1) Answer the question above and send this e-mail to at least 10 people you know in Coventry concerned about their tax bill. Please ask them to share their thoughts on this matter and send it along to 10 people they know, repeating the same process.
2) In your request, ensure that a cc: is sent to me at megsmile38@gmail.com
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND ATTEND THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING ON JUNE 9TH TO BE HELD IN THE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM AND TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU WILL NOT BEAR ANOTHER TAX INCREASE! COVENTRY NEEDS TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION.
Laura A. Flanagan
Vice President
Coventry Town Council
District 2
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead
16 Knotty Oak Lane
Coventry, RI 02816
megsmile38@gmail.com
(401) 378-3566
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want to pay more in property tax to protect the “status quo” and continue “business as usual”?
ANSWER: (please provide your thoughts with as much, or as little, detail as you are comfortable with)
Okay, so here’s the scoop. The Town Council is fairly close to closing in on a budget for 09-10 that calls for a ZERO tax increase for property owners! As you can imagine, achieving this result was very difficult and the UNIONS are lobbying hard against this proposal spreading gross exaggerations of the impact on “our children”. I have personally met with the Superintendent of Schools and I believe the schools can be level funded with minimal impact to children’s programs. There will be changes that create efficiency, and some sacrifice. We have already made proposals to reduce the Town budget by over 10%. We are only asking 3% from the schools.
I can assure you that our sons and daughters will not be jobless, homeless or unable to compete in our world in the future because the 2009 Town Council asked the school to reduce it’s budget by 3%! 3% of a $64 Million budget in the midst of the worst recession we have seen since the Great Depression is not an unreasonable reduction request.
SPREAD THE WORD.
Two points here.
1) As taxpayers, you have a VOICE. It’s time that the Town Council and School Committee heard directly from the voters who elected them! We have had ENOUGH of high taxes with no end in sight!
2) If ordinary taxpayers remain silent, the only voices being heard are those with a special interest….. and taxes WILL GO UP.
What can you do to support a ZERO tax increase this year?
1) Answer the question above and send this e-mail to at least 10 people you know in Coventry concerned about their tax bill. Please ask them to share their thoughts on this matter and send it along to 10 people they know, repeating the same process.
2) In your request, ensure that a cc: is sent to me at megsmile38@gmail.com
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND ATTEND THE FINANCIAL TOWN MEETING ON JUNE 9TH TO BE HELD IN THE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM AND TELL YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU WILL NOT BEAR ANOTHER TAX INCREASE! COVENTRY NEEDS TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION.
Laura A. Flanagan
Vice President
Coventry Town Council
District 2
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead
16 Knotty Oak Lane
Coventry, RI 02816
megsmile38@gmail.com
(401) 378-3566
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Meetings this week
TC 04/27/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/73055.pdf
SC 04/28/09 - Executive Session:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/72958.pdf
Tax Assessment Review 04/28/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/73101.pdf
Next week - Zoning, May 6th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/72770.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/73055.pdf
SC 04/28/09 - Executive Session:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/72958.pdf
Tax Assessment Review 04/28/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/73101.pdf
Next week - Zoning, May 6th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/72770.pdf
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Proposed Board/Commission Appointment Procedure
Sorry, I do not favor this ordinance as proposed. It gives too much power/control to the chairs of the local Democrat and Republican parties. There is no provision for any resident, whether they are a D, R or unaffiliated to directly submit their name to the town for committee positions. If a resident is a member of a certain party and is not on good terms with that party's chair then the resident would have a slim chance of being nominated for a board position. The ordinance calls for representation on these boards by both major parties but is silent on how independents are to be represented. I fear that many qualified residents who are unaffiliated, who would like to serve or are presently serving on town committees will not want to go through the party chairs as part of this new application process. If the TC insists on passing this new ordinance, I hope they will at least include some provision for direct submission of applications from the public and also state the extent to which unaffiliated residents will be represented on boards.
Council revisits repealed dictate
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
HANNAH CLARKIN
COVENTRY — An ordinance to maintain bi-partisan membership on town-council appointed bodies provoked a lengthy discussion at the Monday night council meeting.
The ordinance, drafted by Town Solicitor Patrick Rogers at the request of the council, requires that minority parties in the town be represented on every town body over which the council has authority. The boards would not be repopulated upon the passage of the ordinance, it stipulates. Rather, as openings come up, the council will request a list of three names from the chair of the majority and minority parties in the town. One minority party would be required on a body with three members; two out of a membership of five; three out of a membership of seven; four out of a membership of nine; and so on, the draft of the ordinance reads.Residents interested in serving on one of these bodies would submit their applications to the chairpersons of the majority and minority committees, who would then provide the council with a list of three names for each open position.
This proposal would restore an ordinance that was repealed within the last decade, Rogers said at the meeting. The intent of the ordinance, Rogers said, “is to insure that there is representation of all views, especially the minority party,” and speaking to the current minority, he added, “The shoe could be on the other foot.”Whatever majority is on the council will be automatically reflected in the makeup of these bodies, if this ordinance is approved, according to Council Vice-President Raymond Spear. There was a reason that this ordinance was repealed in the past, Councilman Frank Hyde, said during council discussion, indicating that he did not think restoring this ordinance was necessary. This ordinance would make it very difficult for independent or unaffiliated residents to find a place on town committees, commented resident Wayne Asselin. He likes the easy access of the current process, Asselin said, where anyone in the community can submit an application to the council and be interviewed.
As the ordinance was written on Monday, the minority and majority party chairs would be the “funnel” through which all applicants would go, Rogers said. If the council so desired, he can rewrite it to represent a third-way for independents and unaffiliated applicants to get appointments without going to a party chair.The council voted 3-1 to pass the ordinance on its first reading; Hyde dissented.While they did pass the first reading, Rogers expects that the ordinance will be reworked before it reaches its second reading and will have to be advertised again.“The town council is committed to bi-partisanship and balance on all of the town of Coventry Boards and commissions and very much wants to include independents and all non affiliated voters on boards and commissions,” Rogers said. What the draft presented on Monday does not specifically provide is an easy mechanism for independents and non-affiliated to apply for these positions, Rogers said. “While they did a first passage on Monday, the council wants to see some substantial changes to accomplish the goals that I just outlined. We’re going to have to go back to the drawing board to accomplish that goal so when it comes before the council next time it will be a substantially new draft.”
There are currently 22 unfilled positions on town bodies, said Council Vice-Chair Raymond Spear on Monday night. Not all the bodies currently represent both majority and minority parties, he added.Coming up with 66 names each is a tall order, said Republican Committee Chair Charles Vacca and Democratic Party Chair Rick Kalunian, respectively. If the council wants to fill all those positions immediately after an ordinance is passed, Vacca and Kalunian will be responsible for coming up with 132 names.
Council revisits repealed dictate
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
HANNAH CLARKIN
COVENTRY — An ordinance to maintain bi-partisan membership on town-council appointed bodies provoked a lengthy discussion at the Monday night council meeting.
The ordinance, drafted by Town Solicitor Patrick Rogers at the request of the council, requires that minority parties in the town be represented on every town body over which the council has authority. The boards would not be repopulated upon the passage of the ordinance, it stipulates. Rather, as openings come up, the council will request a list of three names from the chair of the majority and minority parties in the town. One minority party would be required on a body with three members; two out of a membership of five; three out of a membership of seven; four out of a membership of nine; and so on, the draft of the ordinance reads.Residents interested in serving on one of these bodies would submit their applications to the chairpersons of the majority and minority committees, who would then provide the council with a list of three names for each open position.
This proposal would restore an ordinance that was repealed within the last decade, Rogers said at the meeting. The intent of the ordinance, Rogers said, “is to insure that there is representation of all views, especially the minority party,” and speaking to the current minority, he added, “The shoe could be on the other foot.”Whatever majority is on the council will be automatically reflected in the makeup of these bodies, if this ordinance is approved, according to Council Vice-President Raymond Spear. There was a reason that this ordinance was repealed in the past, Councilman Frank Hyde, said during council discussion, indicating that he did not think restoring this ordinance was necessary. This ordinance would make it very difficult for independent or unaffiliated residents to find a place on town committees, commented resident Wayne Asselin. He likes the easy access of the current process, Asselin said, where anyone in the community can submit an application to the council and be interviewed.
As the ordinance was written on Monday, the minority and majority party chairs would be the “funnel” through which all applicants would go, Rogers said. If the council so desired, he can rewrite it to represent a third-way for independents and unaffiliated applicants to get appointments without going to a party chair.The council voted 3-1 to pass the ordinance on its first reading; Hyde dissented.While they did pass the first reading, Rogers expects that the ordinance will be reworked before it reaches its second reading and will have to be advertised again.“The town council is committed to bi-partisanship and balance on all of the town of Coventry Boards and commissions and very much wants to include independents and all non affiliated voters on boards and commissions,” Rogers said. What the draft presented on Monday does not specifically provide is an easy mechanism for independents and non-affiliated to apply for these positions, Rogers said. “While they did a first passage on Monday, the council wants to see some substantial changes to accomplish the goals that I just outlined. We’re going to have to go back to the drawing board to accomplish that goal so when it comes before the council next time it will be a substantially new draft.”
There are currently 22 unfilled positions on town bodies, said Council Vice-Chair Raymond Spear on Monday night. Not all the bodies currently represent both majority and minority parties, he added.Coming up with 66 names each is a tall order, said Republican Committee Chair Charles Vacca and Democratic Party Chair Rick Kalunian, respectively. If the council wants to fill all those positions immediately after an ordinance is passed, Vacca and Kalunian will be responsible for coming up with 132 names.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thoughts on the Town Budget
Here are some ideas on the town budget by Town Council member Laura Flanagan. If anyone has ideas on how the town can save $$ please attend the public hearings on the municipal budget Wednesday 4/15 and the school budget Thurs. 4/16 and share them.
It is important for the taxpayers of Coventry to be educated and informed as to the finances of their town. I have long felt that our tax burden was too high and the underlying reasons for this burden were not being discussed with or disclosed to the community. Year after year, we have borne large increases, bringing us to a crossroad, the place we are today. I would submit to you that our community can no longer sustain such increases. During my campaign, and today, I was and remain committed to addressing the tax burden with conservative, fiscally sound decisions. I believe that my fellow council members are committed to this end, as well. The newly elected members of the Council share a love of Coventry and a desire to advocate for the taxpayers of the community. Further, they possess the tools, breadth of background, wisdom and knowledge necessary to take on the task before us.
It goes without saying, our national economy is in the midst of a difficult, long lasting recession that we have yet to see a clear way out of. “Why?” and “How?” many ask, did this occur. I would like to offer a brief, yet poignant answer, to this large question. As individuals, and as a society, we have lived well beyond our means for far too long. Today, we are brought the reality that we can no longer do so. As Rhode Islanders, we are all very much aware of the added stress this recession places on our own State’s economy, with unemployment and foreclosure rates at a height most of us have not seen in our lifetimes, and a State deficit that is staggering.
Here in Coventry, we are in the midst of the 2009/2010 budget cycle. Taxpayers will hear many things from many different special interests groups who are struggling to maintain the “status quo”. Some will say that this new council is being “dramatic” or that we are “alarmists”. Some will say that we have misrepresented the revenues and expenditures of our town to the public. Many groups will say that their departments are too important or too essential to take one dime less than they received last year. Some will say that it just isn’t fair. The truth of the matter is simple…. We must change the way local government operates in Coventry. We cannot continue down the same path, because we can no longer afford “business as usual”. By human nature, people are generally afraid of change. Comfort is found in the normal routines we have grown accustomed to. Even still, it is true that hard times and drastic measures can bring folks together, to brainstorm and think outside the box, resulting in a positive plan to move forward. We, as a community, should embrace the financial position we find ourselves in and allow it to move us in a positive direction, creating efficiency and using our innovation to become a better, wiser and more thoughtful community. It is clearly time to move Coventry in a new direction.
Our financial problems will not go away by hiding from them, masking them, creating paper numbers that are more attractive or by any other tool of avoidance. Positive change only comes when we stand willing to face and address problems squarely.
So, here is the challenge….
As a council, we received a proposed budget that called for approximately $5,500,000 in new money. This figure is arrived at for a number of reasons.
1) Governor Carcieri, and our state representatives, have indicated that there will be no state aid to towns and cities in fiscal year 2009/2010. This results in $847,000 in lost State Aid and Grants for Coventry.
2) The phase-out of excise automobile tax resulted in an additional loss of revenue to Coventry of approximately $500,000.
3) There have been declines in general Town revenues in the approximate amount of $598,000. These declines relate, in large part, to local economic conditions, consisting of reductions in land evidence recordings, building permits, licensing fees, interest on investments, among other things.
4) An additional structural deficit was created by the prior council through its use of $653,606 from the Town’s reserve fund to meet expenses in the 2008/2009 fiscal year.
These items, when aggregated, represent an approximate $2,600,000 deficit before new requests from the school or other departments are considered. The school has requested approximately $1,900,000 and municipal departments have requested approximately $1,000,000. $2,600,000 (deficit) plus $1,900,000 (requested from schools) plus $1,000,000 (requested by municipal departments) equals $5,500,000.
Senate Bill 3050 places a cap on the amount a municipality can raise in revenue from taxes. This year, the limit is 4.75% of last year’s levy, or approximately $2,807,610. (For budgeting purposes, we estimate a 98% rate of collection during the fiscal year, or $2,751,457.) It is important to note that the auto excise tax loss of $500,000 is added back, bringing the total maximum allowable increase on taxpayers to approximately $3,307,610, or an average 6% increase to property owners.
In simple terms, if the Council were inclined to raise taxes to the maximum amount, it would still lack over $2,000,000. ($5,500,000 (need) minus $3,300,000 in new, collected taxes equals $2,200,000).
I submit to you that a full increase on the taxpayers of Coventry is unacceptable. Folks in our community are struggling, some out of work, some with reduced hours, some facing foreclosures. Businesses are struggling as well, with a number being forced to close their doors. Our real estate market is seeing very little movement or growth, and there is an approximate 91 pupil decline in enrollment in our schools.
I would also suggest that taking from our reserve account to plug this whole is not a wise, or responsible, option. Our $5,000,000 reserve account is more than offset by debt primarily loaned out to the Sewer Enterprise Fund of approximately $5,500,000 in the form of tax anticipation notes. As you will note, this liability is larger than our cash reserves! If we dip into this fund, we can be fairly certain of a number of negative consequences:
1) We could face a significant increase in the interest rate on our debt (it currently stands at 5% but could increase to the maximum amount allowed under state law);
2) We would decrease our credit worthiness (our bond rating). A decrease here would make it costly to bond necessary projects in the future, and may even preclude us from issuing bonds, when appropriate.
3) We would create an additional structural deficit for the FY 2010-2011, only pushing today’s problems off to tomorrow. We cannot go into the next fiscal year creating deficit of over $2,000,000 before we are even out of the gate.
If our desire is to create a local economy that attracts young families and businesses to move into our community, we must work diligently to lower our tax burden. Lower taxes stimulate growth. Lower taxes give residents more money to put into their local economy. Lower taxes attract businesses that can further stimulate growth.
We simply must decrease our expenses and live within our means. This is certainly a large challenge and this Council has given our department heads a tough, but attainable, job to do. With the right attitude and by coming together as a community, I believe we can accomplish this task. If we do so, Coventry will indeed be better for it in the future.
Laura A. Flanagan
Councilwoman – District 2
Coventry
It is important for the taxpayers of Coventry to be educated and informed as to the finances of their town. I have long felt that our tax burden was too high and the underlying reasons for this burden were not being discussed with or disclosed to the community. Year after year, we have borne large increases, bringing us to a crossroad, the place we are today. I would submit to you that our community can no longer sustain such increases. During my campaign, and today, I was and remain committed to addressing the tax burden with conservative, fiscally sound decisions. I believe that my fellow council members are committed to this end, as well. The newly elected members of the Council share a love of Coventry and a desire to advocate for the taxpayers of the community. Further, they possess the tools, breadth of background, wisdom and knowledge necessary to take on the task before us.
It goes without saying, our national economy is in the midst of a difficult, long lasting recession that we have yet to see a clear way out of. “Why?” and “How?” many ask, did this occur. I would like to offer a brief, yet poignant answer, to this large question. As individuals, and as a society, we have lived well beyond our means for far too long. Today, we are brought the reality that we can no longer do so. As Rhode Islanders, we are all very much aware of the added stress this recession places on our own State’s economy, with unemployment and foreclosure rates at a height most of us have not seen in our lifetimes, and a State deficit that is staggering.
Here in Coventry, we are in the midst of the 2009/2010 budget cycle. Taxpayers will hear many things from many different special interests groups who are struggling to maintain the “status quo”. Some will say that this new council is being “dramatic” or that we are “alarmists”. Some will say that we have misrepresented the revenues and expenditures of our town to the public. Many groups will say that their departments are too important or too essential to take one dime less than they received last year. Some will say that it just isn’t fair. The truth of the matter is simple…. We must change the way local government operates in Coventry. We cannot continue down the same path, because we can no longer afford “business as usual”. By human nature, people are generally afraid of change. Comfort is found in the normal routines we have grown accustomed to. Even still, it is true that hard times and drastic measures can bring folks together, to brainstorm and think outside the box, resulting in a positive plan to move forward. We, as a community, should embrace the financial position we find ourselves in and allow it to move us in a positive direction, creating efficiency and using our innovation to become a better, wiser and more thoughtful community. It is clearly time to move Coventry in a new direction.
Our financial problems will not go away by hiding from them, masking them, creating paper numbers that are more attractive or by any other tool of avoidance. Positive change only comes when we stand willing to face and address problems squarely.
So, here is the challenge….
As a council, we received a proposed budget that called for approximately $5,500,000 in new money. This figure is arrived at for a number of reasons.
1) Governor Carcieri, and our state representatives, have indicated that there will be no state aid to towns and cities in fiscal year 2009/2010. This results in $847,000 in lost State Aid and Grants for Coventry.
2) The phase-out of excise automobile tax resulted in an additional loss of revenue to Coventry of approximately $500,000.
3) There have been declines in general Town revenues in the approximate amount of $598,000. These declines relate, in large part, to local economic conditions, consisting of reductions in land evidence recordings, building permits, licensing fees, interest on investments, among other things.
4) An additional structural deficit was created by the prior council through its use of $653,606 from the Town’s reserve fund to meet expenses in the 2008/2009 fiscal year.
These items, when aggregated, represent an approximate $2,600,000 deficit before new requests from the school or other departments are considered. The school has requested approximately $1,900,000 and municipal departments have requested approximately $1,000,000. $2,600,000 (deficit) plus $1,900,000 (requested from schools) plus $1,000,000 (requested by municipal departments) equals $5,500,000.
Senate Bill 3050 places a cap on the amount a municipality can raise in revenue from taxes. This year, the limit is 4.75% of last year’s levy, or approximately $2,807,610. (For budgeting purposes, we estimate a 98% rate of collection during the fiscal year, or $2,751,457.) It is important to note that the auto excise tax loss of $500,000 is added back, bringing the total maximum allowable increase on taxpayers to approximately $3,307,610, or an average 6% increase to property owners.
In simple terms, if the Council were inclined to raise taxes to the maximum amount, it would still lack over $2,000,000. ($5,500,000 (need) minus $3,300,000 in new, collected taxes equals $2,200,000).
I submit to you that a full increase on the taxpayers of Coventry is unacceptable. Folks in our community are struggling, some out of work, some with reduced hours, some facing foreclosures. Businesses are struggling as well, with a number being forced to close their doors. Our real estate market is seeing very little movement or growth, and there is an approximate 91 pupil decline in enrollment in our schools.
I would also suggest that taking from our reserve account to plug this whole is not a wise, or responsible, option. Our $5,000,000 reserve account is more than offset by debt primarily loaned out to the Sewer Enterprise Fund of approximately $5,500,000 in the form of tax anticipation notes. As you will note, this liability is larger than our cash reserves! If we dip into this fund, we can be fairly certain of a number of negative consequences:
1) We could face a significant increase in the interest rate on our debt (it currently stands at 5% but could increase to the maximum amount allowed under state law);
2) We would decrease our credit worthiness (our bond rating). A decrease here would make it costly to bond necessary projects in the future, and may even preclude us from issuing bonds, when appropriate.
3) We would create an additional structural deficit for the FY 2010-2011, only pushing today’s problems off to tomorrow. We cannot go into the next fiscal year creating deficit of over $2,000,000 before we are even out of the gate.
If our desire is to create a local economy that attracts young families and businesses to move into our community, we must work diligently to lower our tax burden. Lower taxes stimulate growth. Lower taxes give residents more money to put into their local economy. Lower taxes attract businesses that can further stimulate growth.
We simply must decrease our expenses and live within our means. This is certainly a large challenge and this Council has given our department heads a tough, but attainable, job to do. With the right attitude and by coming together as a community, I believe we can accomplish this task. If we do so, Coventry will indeed be better for it in the future.
Laura A. Flanagan
Councilwoman – District 2
Coventry
Friday, April 10, 2009
Meetings next week
Town Council 4/13/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/72411.pdf
School Committee 4/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/72325.pdf
Conservation Commission 04/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4239/2009/72088.pdf
Tax Assessment Review Board 04/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/72441.pdf
Housing Authority 4/15/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4242/2009/72425.pdf
I think there are public budget hearings on 4/15 and 4/16 but need to confirm.
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/72411.pdf
School Committee 4/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/72325.pdf
Conservation Commission 04/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4239/2009/72088.pdf
Tax Assessment Review Board 04/14/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/72441.pdf
Housing Authority 4/15/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4242/2009/72425.pdf
I think there are public budget hearings on 4/15 and 4/16 but need to confirm.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Yes, Please Re-work the Budget
Cov. council must rework budget
Tuesday, 07 April 2009
HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — The Coventry Town Council called for a complete reworking of the budget prepared by acting Town Manager Paul Sprague at their first work session with department heads on Monday night.
The council was under the impression that Sprague’s municipal and school budget required $3 million in new money, Council Vice-President Raymond Spear said. Upon reviewing the budget in more detail they learned that the proposed budget would require a number closer to $5.5 million to accomplish everything Sprague outlined. Roughly $2.5 million will be required next year, Spear said, just to compensate for losses in state aid, fees and the automotive car tax, among other things. “So there’s $2.5 million that we were not aware of.”Every department head was asked to go back and re-evaluate their needs for the coming fiscal year, Spear said. “We told them that if we level-funded the budget for next year that at the level that they’re spending this year we would still need to have the full maximum levy just to meet the lost revenue to the town.”
In an effort to avoid raising taxes to the full amount, Spear asked department heads to come up with budgets that are 10 percent lower than this year’s levels, he said. Sprague’s budget was balanced by drawing money out of the reserve fund, Spear said. However, because of loans made to the Coventry Sewer Project, most of the $5 million reserve is still loaned out and has not been paid back. The council has asked for revised budgets from department heads within the week, Spear said. “We asked them to tell [Sprague] to what extent they can [work with] a 10 percent decrease and then give us all the rationale for the maximum amount that they need.”The position the town is in is “drastic,” Spear said. “It may mean some loss of jobs. I don’t know, we’d like to hope not.”
At $22,943,415 on the municipal side, Sprague’s budget anticipated a full 4.75 increase in the tax levy, which would equal a 6 percent raise in taxes for residents, Spear said. The council is committed to moving forward with no tax increase for the next fiscal year, Spear said. “We thought level-funding budgets would do it; we have now learned that it won’t; now we have to look at budget cutbacks as a way to get the budget down. We are still shooting for no tax increase but we’re not sure what we can get.”
The meeting with municipal department heads was only the first of several work sessions before the budget is presented at a public hearing for residents of the town Spear said.The council will be meeting again tonight with the school committee and Superintendent Kenneth DiPietro to discuss the school budget, Spear said. In Sprague’s budget the schools were allotted $64,870,966, but that amount is not likely to be feasible this year, Spear said. “I have talked to [DiPietro] and told him that we cannot allow any increase in the budgets for next year,” Spear said. Because of maintenance of effort, the council cannot allot any less to the school department then they did last fiscal year, Spear said, but town legal council will be researching the specifics of that requirement.
The work session with the school committee is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the town council chambers at the Coventry town hall, Spear said. The public is welcome to attend.
Tuesday, 07 April 2009
HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — The Coventry Town Council called for a complete reworking of the budget prepared by acting Town Manager Paul Sprague at their first work session with department heads on Monday night.
The council was under the impression that Sprague’s municipal and school budget required $3 million in new money, Council Vice-President Raymond Spear said. Upon reviewing the budget in more detail they learned that the proposed budget would require a number closer to $5.5 million to accomplish everything Sprague outlined. Roughly $2.5 million will be required next year, Spear said, just to compensate for losses in state aid, fees and the automotive car tax, among other things. “So there’s $2.5 million that we were not aware of.”Every department head was asked to go back and re-evaluate their needs for the coming fiscal year, Spear said. “We told them that if we level-funded the budget for next year that at the level that they’re spending this year we would still need to have the full maximum levy just to meet the lost revenue to the town.”
In an effort to avoid raising taxes to the full amount, Spear asked department heads to come up with budgets that are 10 percent lower than this year’s levels, he said. Sprague’s budget was balanced by drawing money out of the reserve fund, Spear said. However, because of loans made to the Coventry Sewer Project, most of the $5 million reserve is still loaned out and has not been paid back. The council has asked for revised budgets from department heads within the week, Spear said. “We asked them to tell [Sprague] to what extent they can [work with] a 10 percent decrease and then give us all the rationale for the maximum amount that they need.”The position the town is in is “drastic,” Spear said. “It may mean some loss of jobs. I don’t know, we’d like to hope not.”
At $22,943,415 on the municipal side, Sprague’s budget anticipated a full 4.75 increase in the tax levy, which would equal a 6 percent raise in taxes for residents, Spear said. The council is committed to moving forward with no tax increase for the next fiscal year, Spear said. “We thought level-funding budgets would do it; we have now learned that it won’t; now we have to look at budget cutbacks as a way to get the budget down. We are still shooting for no tax increase but we’re not sure what we can get.”
The meeting with municipal department heads was only the first of several work sessions before the budget is presented at a public hearing for residents of the town Spear said.The council will be meeting again tonight with the school committee and Superintendent Kenneth DiPietro to discuss the school budget, Spear said. In Sprague’s budget the schools were allotted $64,870,966, but that amount is not likely to be feasible this year, Spear said. “I have talked to [DiPietro] and told him that we cannot allow any increase in the budgets for next year,” Spear said. Because of maintenance of effort, the council cannot allot any less to the school department then they did last fiscal year, Spear said, but town legal council will be researching the specifics of that requirement.
The work session with the school committee is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the town council chambers at the Coventry town hall, Spear said. The public is welcome to attend.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Upcoming Meetings
Town Council 4/6. Work session on municipal budget:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71933.pdf
Board of Tax Assessment Review 4/7:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/72055.pdf
Town Council 4/8. Work session on school budget:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71934.pdf
Zoning Board 4/8 at Town Hall Annex:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/71532.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/71718.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71933.pdf
Board of Tax Assessment Review 4/7:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2009/72055.pdf
Town Council 4/8. Work session on school budget:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71934.pdf
Zoning Board 4/8 at Town Hall Annex:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/71532.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4234/2009/71718.pdf
Friday, March 20, 2009
Upcoming Meetings
School Committee March 21 1:00 pm Executive Session:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/71303.pdf
Town Council March 23 4:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71386.pdf
Town Council March 23 6:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71387.pdf
School Committee March 24 6:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/71306.pdf
Town Council March 25 10:00 am:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71388.pdf
Planning Commission March 25 7:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/71345.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/71303.pdf
Town Council March 23 4:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71386.pdf
Town Council March 23 6:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71387.pdf
School Committee March 24 6:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/71306.pdf
Town Council March 25 10:00 am:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/71388.pdf
Planning Commission March 25 7:00 pm:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/71345.pdf
Thursday, March 12, 2009
In God We (Should) Trust First
Jeremiah 17:5-10
5
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6
He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.
7
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.
8
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
9
More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?
10
I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.
When you trust people, corporations and other institutions first, sometimes not-so-good things happen:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29651773?GT1=43001
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29535417
5
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6
He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.
7
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.
8
He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
9
More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?
10
I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.
When you trust people, corporations and other institutions first, sometimes not-so-good things happen:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29651773?GT1=43001
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29535417
Friday, March 6, 2009
Upcoming Meetings
Town Council 3/9/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/70674.pdf
School Committee 3/10/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/70653.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/70674.pdf
School Committee 3/10/09:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/70653.pdf
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Meetings This Week
Town meetings for this week -
Town Council Feb. 23 -
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/69959.pdf
School Dept. Feb.24 -
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/69824.pdf
Planning Commission Feb. 25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/69980.pdf
Two items of interest: CONE and CVS
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING –Request to be Continued to the
March 25th meeting
Amended Master Plan: “Centre of New England Phase 6”; Commerce
Park Realty, LLC
28 Additional Residential Condominium Units
AP 6, Lots 3.1; Zone BP
Centre of New England Blvd
Pre-Application for Development Plan Review: “CVS Pharmacy”; CVS
Realty Co.
Proposed New Store
AP 38, Lots 105, 106 & 107; Zone GB
Tiogue Avenue & Wood Street
Town Council Feb. 23 -
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/69959.pdf
School Dept. Feb.24 -
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/69824.pdf
Planning Commission Feb. 25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/69980.pdf
Two items of interest: CONE and CVS
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING –Request to be Continued to the
March 25th meeting
Amended Master Plan: “Centre of New England Phase 6”; Commerce
Park Realty, LLC
28 Additional Residential Condominium Units
AP 6, Lots 3.1; Zone BP
Centre of New England Blvd
Pre-Application for Development Plan Review: “CVS Pharmacy”; CVS
Realty Co.
Proposed New Store
AP 38, Lots 105, 106 & 107; Zone GB
Tiogue Avenue & Wood Street
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hero of Conservation
Congratulations go out to Jeff Hakanson, who has been named one of three "Heroes of Conservation" by Field & Stream Magazine for the month of March. Jeff is President of Tiogue Lake Association and an all-around good guy. An article about Jeff and the lake appears in the March '09 issue of F&S, bottom of page 29. Kudos to Jeff for all the years of hard work and advocacy on behalf of Tiogue Lake, a body of water owned by the Town of Coventry and home to our only public beach. Preserve, Improve, Protect the lake!
To read the article use the link below and then scroll over to page 29:
http://www.zinio.com/express3?issue=373227373&o=int&prev=sub
To read the article use the link below and then scroll over to page 29:
http://www.zinio.com/express3?issue=373227373&o=int&prev=sub
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Meetings this week
Town Council Jan. 26:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/68538.pdf
Our state delegation meets with the TC at 6 pm.
School Committee Jan. 27: http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/68472.pdf
Planning Commission Jan. 28: http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/68548.pdf
There is a proposal for CVS on Tiogue Ave. to construct a new building to replace the one that's already there.
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/68538.pdf
Our state delegation meets with the TC at 6 pm.
School Committee Jan. 27: http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2009/68472.pdf
Planning Commission Jan. 28: http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2009/68548.pdf
There is a proposal for CVS on Tiogue Ave. to construct a new building to replace the one that's already there.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thanks DPW!
Thanks to all at Dept. of Public Works for the great job you did clearing the snow off of our streets!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Town Council Meeting Monday 01/12/09
There will be a work session at 6:00 PM on the status of the municipal sewer system . The WS will consist of 1) a presentation by Chairman Hall of the Sewer Subcommittee, and 2) immediately afterward the public will have some time to express their questions, comments or concerns. This is the first time in a long while that the sewer issue is being discussed at a Council meeting. I hope that many of you can attend.
Here is the full TC meeting agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/67780.pdf
Here is the full TC meeting agenda:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2009/67780.pdf
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS
And Now, for an Important Announcement.
And Now, for an Important Announcement.
Galatians 4:4
But when the fullness of the time had come,
God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
Galatians 4:5
to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
[8] Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
[10] Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
[11] For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
[12] And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
" [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest,
[14] And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
[15] So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.
" [16] And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
[17] Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
I. It Was Personal—“to you.”
A. The shepherds were surprised at what they saw and heard. They did not expect to hear such songs or see such sights.
B. We are surprised that shepherds were chosen to receive this greatest of all announcements. We would expect that the heavenly choir would sing for a prestigious audience. Can you imagine the Metropolitan Opera putting on a performance for illiterate herdsmen?
C. We may never know why they were chosen, but the fact that they were chosen is a comfort to all of us ordinary people.
D. Paul suggests a possible reason in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. God often chooses humble things for grand purposes, and ordinary people to do extraordinary deeds.
[26] For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
[27] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
[28] and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
[29] that no flesh should glory in His presence.
E. Now centuries later we must still hear the message as a personal message. The fact that hundreds of years have passed and thousands upon thousands have heard must not diminish the impact of the message. It is still personal!
II. It Was Universal—“for all people.”
A. The fact that it was universal does not contradict the fact that it was personal.
B. It was personal in impact, but universal in scope. All people were to have the opportunity to respond individually and personally to a God who loves them individually and personally.
C. The fact that the announcement is universal destroys any ethnic pride that we may have.
D. This fact also makes us humble. God’s chosen people today are those who choose to believe.
E. It makes us evangelistic. God wants us to share the message with everyone
F. It gives us missionary zeal. God wants us to share the message in every place.
G. The apostle Peter learned that God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34, 35) His words “every nation” were the proper response to Jesus’ words “all nations.”
Acts 10:34-35
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
[35] But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
[35] But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
III. It Was Timely—“today.”
A. Spiritually it seems that every Christmas we are celebrating the birth of Christ for the first time.
B. Nationally and internationally we seem to need Christmas especially at this time.
C. Perhaps in your life Christmas has special meaning this year.
D. We must never be content with simply recalling a past event.
E. The famous Christmas carol says “Be born in us today!”
IV. It Was Also Timeless—“a Savior.”
A. That’s what people needed then.
B. That’s what people need now.
C. That’s what people have needed in all the years between then and now.
D. That’s what people will need until the end of time.
Conclusion
It is never enough to just listen to the announcement even if we listen attentively. It is not enough to just listen to the announcement, even if we listen reverently. We must respond to this angelic announcement.
Illustration
While it is proper to pay special attention to these verses in December, it is equally true that they are important to us every day of the year. On any Sunday we could appropriately sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!” At any time of the year we could appropriately sing “O Come All Ye Faithful.” God’s love was poured out on mankind that first Christmas in Bethlehem
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A Visitor to Tiogue Lake
A bald eagle paid a visit to Tiogue Lake on 12/20/08. I'm not sure if there were eagles here years ago, but it was interesting that one of these birds stopped by to check out the area. Thanks to Jeff H. for the photos.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Meetings this week
Board of Tax Assessment Review, Dec. 15:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2008/66393.pdf
Sewer Subcommittee Dec. 15:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4247/2008/66750.pdf
Planning Commission Dec. 17:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/66642.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2008/66393.pdf
Sewer Subcommittee Dec. 15:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4247/2008/66750.pdf
Planning Commission Dec. 17:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/66642.pdf
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
New council's goal - transparency
From the KC Times --
New council's goal transparency
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — The first full-length meeting of the newly-elected Coventry Town Council attracted an attendance in excess of 75 people, all of whom were curious about how the new council would run its meetings.
They found out pretty quickly. In a new part of the agenda, called the President’s Remarks, Council President Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5) told residents what they could expect: transparency.
“We’re going to make a point of telling you things,” Cloutier said. “Some will be good, some will be bad, but this is your town and you’re paying the bill along with us, so you have the right to know.”
At future meetings, attendees can expect several large changes: meetings will begin with an address by Cloutier and be followed by updates by each council member on their districts and any special projects they are handling. Public Comment will also be allowed on any major resolutions before the council votes and will be restored to the end section of the meeting.
In his remarks, Cloutier addressed the appointment of new town solicitor Pat Rodgers and his firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, which has been frequently questioned since the last meeting.
“It’s not unusual for a new council to engage a new solicitor,” he said. “My two years on the council exposed serious legal issues relating to environment damage at the landfill and numerous lawsuits. The advantage of [this firm] is their size. We can’t afford not to have a big firm.”
Rogers will work specifically for the council, Cloutier said, but as highly-specific issues arise, there will be no need to engage additional law firms to handle them. Other questions regarding the solicitor were referred to a presentation by Rogers later in the meeting.
The second issue of town-wide concern that he has seen, Cloutier said, is the sewer project. “It’s the 900-pound elephant in the room,” he said. “We all know it’s there but we don’t want to deal with it.” This council will deal with it head on, Cloutier said, by correcting the relationship between the sewer commission and the council. Later in the meeting, the council appointed Vice President Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1) to act as a liaison to the commission.
Executive sessions under the new council will be very different than under the old one, Cloutier said. “I have sat through more executive sessions in the past two years than I want to for the rest of my life,” he said. “We are going to go into executive session as infrequently as possible — but whenever we do the solicitor will explain to the public why we are going in.”
Monday’s executive session, following the meeting, Rodgers said, was a no-action briefing relating to work the new solicitors had done on the landfill problems, an update on the Centre of New England litigation, and an overview of a lawsuit filed against all Rhode Island municipalities by National Grid.
When the time came for public comment, it lasted nearly an hour. Questions ranged from a permanently disabled veteran from District 2 who wanted to know how the town could better help people in his condition, to thanks from residents of Island Drive and along Wood Cove who said they were grateful that the council would be trying to fix their bridge problem.
A good part of the public comment centered on now-familiar issues with the recent appointment of Michael Baird to the Planning Commission and comments about the sewer assessment made by developer Nicholas Cambio.
New council's goal transparency
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — The first full-length meeting of the newly-elected Coventry Town Council attracted an attendance in excess of 75 people, all of whom were curious about how the new council would run its meetings.
They found out pretty quickly. In a new part of the agenda, called the President’s Remarks, Council President Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5) told residents what they could expect: transparency.
“We’re going to make a point of telling you things,” Cloutier said. “Some will be good, some will be bad, but this is your town and you’re paying the bill along with us, so you have the right to know.”
At future meetings, attendees can expect several large changes: meetings will begin with an address by Cloutier and be followed by updates by each council member on their districts and any special projects they are handling. Public Comment will also be allowed on any major resolutions before the council votes and will be restored to the end section of the meeting.
In his remarks, Cloutier addressed the appointment of new town solicitor Pat Rodgers and his firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, which has been frequently questioned since the last meeting.
“It’s not unusual for a new council to engage a new solicitor,” he said. “My two years on the council exposed serious legal issues relating to environment damage at the landfill and numerous lawsuits. The advantage of [this firm] is their size. We can’t afford not to have a big firm.”
Rogers will work specifically for the council, Cloutier said, but as highly-specific issues arise, there will be no need to engage additional law firms to handle them. Other questions regarding the solicitor were referred to a presentation by Rogers later in the meeting.
The second issue of town-wide concern that he has seen, Cloutier said, is the sewer project. “It’s the 900-pound elephant in the room,” he said. “We all know it’s there but we don’t want to deal with it.” This council will deal with it head on, Cloutier said, by correcting the relationship between the sewer commission and the council. Later in the meeting, the council appointed Vice President Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1) to act as a liaison to the commission.
Executive sessions under the new council will be very different than under the old one, Cloutier said. “I have sat through more executive sessions in the past two years than I want to for the rest of my life,” he said. “We are going to go into executive session as infrequently as possible — but whenever we do the solicitor will explain to the public why we are going in.”
Monday’s executive session, following the meeting, Rodgers said, was a no-action briefing relating to work the new solicitors had done on the landfill problems, an update on the Centre of New England litigation, and an overview of a lawsuit filed against all Rhode Island municipalities by National Grid.
When the time came for public comment, it lasted nearly an hour. Questions ranged from a permanently disabled veteran from District 2 who wanted to know how the town could better help people in his condition, to thanks from residents of Island Drive and along Wood Cove who said they were grateful that the council would be trying to fix their bridge problem.
A good part of the public comment centered on now-familiar issues with the recent appointment of Michael Baird to the Planning Commission and comments about the sewer assessment made by developer Nicholas Cambio.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Off to a Good Start
Last night's Town Council meeting was long but I thought it went well. Council Pres. Ken Cloutier allowed about one hour for public comment, there was a presentation by new TC solicitor Pat Rodgers/Edward & Angell, the regular agenda items were dealt with and then there was an executive session. So far so good. Comments on, you can post anonymously, moderation on.
Monday, December 8, 2008
A Breath of Fresh Air
From the KC Times:
Council to change public comment
Sunday, 07 December 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
'hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — At its first meeting since being sworn in, the new Coventry Town Council plans to make good on its commitment to be open and transparent to the public, according to President Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5).
On Monday, the council will hold a question and answer session with the new town solicitor, Pat Rodgers of the Providence firm, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, Cloutier said.
He will also be adding a new part to the agenda called “president’s remarks,” Cloutier said. This section will serve whatever purpose is needed on a given week.
“I want to be able to discuss things that are going on in town that aren’t always on the agenda,” he said. “Each meeting, I’ll touch on some different subjects and give folks updates on what’s going on. If there is something of concern, I’ll allow folks to e-mail or call me.”
Vice President Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1), just elected to the council, was particularly vocal about increasing public access to meetings.
“My desire is to provide an opportunity of public comment during discussion of items, instead of people getting up and speaking before the council speaks not knowing what the council is going to say,” Spear said.
While there are no big resolutions on the agenda for Monday night, in the future, the public can expect a chance to comment before the council takes a vote, Cloutier said.
“Mr. Spear’s point was well taken,” he said. “In the past, there were times when the council would discuss a resolution and pass it and the public wasn’t allowed to comment on it at that time. They were allowed to speak at the public comment section but were not always aware of what the council would say. In the future, what you’ll see is that the public will have an ability to have comment right before we pass a resolution.”
While they do not plan to discuss it at the meeting, Mike Baird’s appointment to the planning commission is under review by the new solicitor, Cloutier said.
“We asked our attorney to give the council the options that we do have,” he said. A proposed condominium development called Redbrook Landing off of the New London Turnpike will not be discussed at this meeting, Cloutier said, because the new council is not entirely aware of all the issues involved.
“I discussed it with [acting Town Manager] Paul Sprague and we’re going to put it off until January,” he said.
Council to change public comment
Sunday, 07 December 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
'hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY — At its first meeting since being sworn in, the new Coventry Town Council plans to make good on its commitment to be open and transparent to the public, according to President Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5).
On Monday, the council will hold a question and answer session with the new town solicitor, Pat Rodgers of the Providence firm, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, Cloutier said.
He will also be adding a new part to the agenda called “president’s remarks,” Cloutier said. This section will serve whatever purpose is needed on a given week.
“I want to be able to discuss things that are going on in town that aren’t always on the agenda,” he said. “Each meeting, I’ll touch on some different subjects and give folks updates on what’s going on. If there is something of concern, I’ll allow folks to e-mail or call me.”
Vice President Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1), just elected to the council, was particularly vocal about increasing public access to meetings.
“My desire is to provide an opportunity of public comment during discussion of items, instead of people getting up and speaking before the council speaks not knowing what the council is going to say,” Spear said.
While there are no big resolutions on the agenda for Monday night, in the future, the public can expect a chance to comment before the council takes a vote, Cloutier said.
“Mr. Spear’s point was well taken,” he said. “In the past, there were times when the council would discuss a resolution and pass it and the public wasn’t allowed to comment on it at that time. They were allowed to speak at the public comment section but were not always aware of what the council would say. In the future, what you’ll see is that the public will have an ability to have comment right before we pass a resolution.”
While they do not plan to discuss it at the meeting, Mike Baird’s appointment to the planning commission is under review by the new solicitor, Cloutier said.
“We asked our attorney to give the council the options that we do have,” he said. A proposed condominium development called Redbrook Landing off of the New London Turnpike will not be discussed at this meeting, Cloutier said, because the new council is not entirely aware of all the issues involved.
“I discussed it with [acting Town Manager] Paul Sprague and we’re going to put it off until January,” he said.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Upcoming Meetings
Town Council 12/8/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/66385.pdf
School Committee 12/9/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/66221.pdf
Memo from Town Council member Laura Flanagan re: Proposed videotaping of TC meetings:
"Councilwoman Laura Flanagan of Coventry, today announced her desire to implement a broadcast of Town Council meetings on the Rhode Island Public Broadcast System (“RI PBS”). Flanagan indicated that a number of Rhode Island Communities currently employ this avenue as a means to involve and inform citizens of the activities of their local government. Broadcasting through RI PBS is free to Rhode Island State and Municipal Agency programs. The initial costs for Coventry would involve the purchase of a video recording device and tapes, which Flanagan estimates would run between $1,500 and $2,500. Other communities currently involved in broadcasting have eliminated service costs by allowing volunteers from the public handle the video camera, recording the meeting. Ongoing, the only necessary monetary outlay would be the cost of the tapes, which Flanagan sees as minimal.
Flanagan states that the actual procedure is very simple. The town would record the Town Council session and then deliver the tape to the Warwick Public Access Studio. Coventry would be assigned a regular time slot. Coventry would be required to sign paperwork releasing RI PBS of responsibility for the content of the broadcast. RI PBS requires the media format to be either Mini-DV tapes or DVD-R. The tapes will be returned to the town after the broadcast. When employed, the recordings would initially be aired on channel 18 and eventually moved to channel 17 (currently being set up for municipal broadcast only). With the approval of the Council, Coventry could begin broadcasting the sessions in the very near future.
Flanagan wishes to invite the community to express opinions on this topic by attending the next Council Meeting on December 8th at 7:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers located at the Town Hall Annex building on Flat River Road. Anyone interested in volunteering to run a recording device at meetings is also encouraged to attend and express this interest.
During my campaign, I committed to work to restore openness, accountability and community involvement between the Coventry Town Council and its citizens. I recognize that it is difficult for many folks to find time between work, children and other responsibilities to attend regular meetings. In my view, implementing this program is a great first step in reaching out to our community and keeping citizens well informed of the happenings in their local government. Therefore, I encourage members of the community to attend our next meeting and share their views on such a program, as I believe this input is important to the Council when deciding how to best keep the public informed. For those unable to attend the meeting on the 8th, I can be contacted by e-mail, megsmile38@gmail.com or telephone (401) 378-3566 and I would be pleased to discuss this further and answer any questions.”
Laura A. Flanagan
Councilwoman - District 2
Town of Coventry
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/66385.pdf
School Committee 12/9/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/66221.pdf
Memo from Town Council member Laura Flanagan re: Proposed videotaping of TC meetings:
"Councilwoman Laura Flanagan of Coventry, today announced her desire to implement a broadcast of Town Council meetings on the Rhode Island Public Broadcast System (“RI PBS”). Flanagan indicated that a number of Rhode Island Communities currently employ this avenue as a means to involve and inform citizens of the activities of their local government. Broadcasting through RI PBS is free to Rhode Island State and Municipal Agency programs. The initial costs for Coventry would involve the purchase of a video recording device and tapes, which Flanagan estimates would run between $1,500 and $2,500. Other communities currently involved in broadcasting have eliminated service costs by allowing volunteers from the public handle the video camera, recording the meeting. Ongoing, the only necessary monetary outlay would be the cost of the tapes, which Flanagan sees as minimal.
Flanagan states that the actual procedure is very simple. The town would record the Town Council session and then deliver the tape to the Warwick Public Access Studio. Coventry would be assigned a regular time slot. Coventry would be required to sign paperwork releasing RI PBS of responsibility for the content of the broadcast. RI PBS requires the media format to be either Mini-DV tapes or DVD-R. The tapes will be returned to the town after the broadcast. When employed, the recordings would initially be aired on channel 18 and eventually moved to channel 17 (currently being set up for municipal broadcast only). With the approval of the Council, Coventry could begin broadcasting the sessions in the very near future.
Flanagan wishes to invite the community to express opinions on this topic by attending the next Council Meeting on December 8th at 7:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers located at the Town Hall Annex building on Flat River Road. Anyone interested in volunteering to run a recording device at meetings is also encouraged to attend and express this interest.
During my campaign, I committed to work to restore openness, accountability and community involvement between the Coventry Town Council and its citizens. I recognize that it is difficult for many folks to find time between work, children and other responsibilities to attend regular meetings. In my view, implementing this program is a great first step in reaching out to our community and keeping citizens well informed of the happenings in their local government. Therefore, I encourage members of the community to attend our next meeting and share their views on such a program, as I believe this input is important to the Council when deciding how to best keep the public informed. For those unable to attend the meeting on the 8th, I can be contacted by e-mail, megsmile38@gmail.com or telephone (401) 378-3566 and I would be pleased to discuss this further and answer any questions.”
Laura A. Flanagan
Councilwoman - District 2
Town of Coventry
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Shotgun Season December 6th through 14th
For those of you who hike and bike through Arcadia, Big River and all other state management areas, shotgun season for deer begins tomorrow Dec. 6th and runs through the following Sunday, Dec. 14th. Best to stay out of the woods until after that date to ensure that hunters won't mistake a hiker or mountain biker for a deer. Shotgun season on private land takes place December 15th through the 21st. Happy hunting, Scott!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Is it Time to Raise Taxes?
Check out the Projo survey. Not scientific, but a huge majority of participants said NO:
http://www.projo.com/perl/common/surveys/vote_now.pl
http://www.projo.com/perl/common/surveys/vote_now.pl
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Whistleblower Hotline
Should the town of Coventry have something like this?
http://www.projo.com/ri/northkingstown/content/NK_WHISTLE_BLOWER_12-03-08_PMCCBBT_v28.3d542cb.html
http://www.projo.com/ri/northkingstown/content/NK_WHISTLE_BLOWER_12-03-08_PMCCBBT_v28.3d542cb.html
Friday, November 28, 2008
American Civics Test
Take the Intercollegiate Studies Institute test:
http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx
From the website: "Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen? The average score for all 2,508 Americans (who were surveyed by ISA - WA) taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%."
I got 27 out of 33 questions correct. How did you do?
http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx
From the website: "Are you more knowledgeable than the average citizen? The average score for all 2,508 Americans (who were surveyed by ISA - WA) taking the following test was 49%; college educators scored 55%."
I got 27 out of 33 questions correct. How did you do?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
GOVERNOR'S THANKSGIVING MESSAGE
If the Pilgrims could be moved to offer thanks under the most trying of circumstances, we may also pause to do the same even during difficult economic times. I am thankful for Rhode Islanders who give everyday without counting the cost: parents, teachers, small business owners, caregivers, and the countless other individuals who exhibit Rhode Island's true spirit.
I hope that Thanksgiving Day will be a time for all of us to count our blessings and to give in return. The Pilgrims' giving of thanks was also an expression of confidence in the future: that adversity would be overcome, that want would give way to plenty, that hardship would yield prosperity. Let our observance of this natonal holiday find us no less dedicated to a brighter future for all Rhode Islanders.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Donald L. Carcieri
Governor
If the Pilgrims could be moved to offer thanks under the most trying of circumstances, we may also pause to do the same even during difficult economic times. I am thankful for Rhode Islanders who give everyday without counting the cost: parents, teachers, small business owners, caregivers, and the countless other individuals who exhibit Rhode Island's true spirit.
I hope that Thanksgiving Day will be a time for all of us to count our blessings and to give in return. The Pilgrims' giving of thanks was also an expression of confidence in the future: that adversity would be overcome, that want would give way to plenty, that hardship would yield prosperity. Let our observance of this natonal holiday find us no less dedicated to a brighter future for all Rhode Islanders.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Donald L. Carcieri
Governor
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Inauguration Tomorrow Night
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. "
Philippians 2, 3-4 (New Revised Standard Version)
Please attend tomorrow night's swearing in ceremony for Town Council and School Committee members.
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/65790.pdf
Also, School Committee meeting Tuesday 11/25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/65668.pdf
Philippians 2, 3-4 (New Revised Standard Version)
Please attend tomorrow night's swearing in ceremony for Town Council and School Committee members.
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/65790.pdf
Also, School Committee meeting Tuesday 11/25:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/65668.pdf
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The bitter fruits of R.I.’s tilted elections
I agree with Mr. Achorn's assessment of the election, at least on a statewide basis.
http://www.projo.com/opinion/columnists/content/CL_achorn18_11-18-08_4SC90AN_v13.3e2d33e.html
http://www.projo.com/opinion/columnists/content/CL_achorn18_11-18-08_4SC90AN_v13.3e2d33e.html
Monday, November 17, 2008
TC appoints Two to Planning Commission
In case you didn't see this in the KC Times from 11/13/08. My comments in italics.
Outgoing council adds to planning committee
Thursday, 13 November 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY—As a parting gesture on Monday night, the current Coventry Town Council made two appointments to the Planning Commission.
Ignoring requests from council members-elect Laura Flanagan (R-Dist. 2) and Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1) that the current council forgo making the appointments in favor of letting the new council handle them when it was seated, current Council President Justin Pomfret (D-Dist. 1) nominated George Colwell (correct spelling is Caldow - WA) and Michael Baird to the seats on the planning committee. The two nominations were seconded by Anthony Colaluca (D-Dist. 2) and passed on a vote of 3-1 with Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5) dissenting.
Prior to the appointment, Spear requested that the council focus on the consent agenda and items that needed immediate attention and leave the appointments and resolutions to the incoming council. When the council began considering the appointments, Flanagan made the request again, through a point of order. “I will consider your comments,” Pomfret said, before making the nominations.
There was no argument about the appointment of Colwell (Caldow), but Flanagan said she disapproves of Baird’s appointment.
“In my opinion, that appointment was not in the best interest of the taxpayers,” she said. “The electorate spoke last week — there was no immediate reason to make an appointment to the planning board, there is nothing urgent that is pending and it clearly should have waited until next week,” Flanagan said.
At the meeting, Republican Town Committee Chairman Charles Vacca said he was concerned about appointing a developer to the planning commission. Hyde indicated he was surprised the incoming council reacted so strongly against Baird’s appointment.
“Mike Baird is a Republican,” he said. “It sounded to me like a good way to make a non-partisan appointment, to put a Republican on when we were going to have a Republican-dominated council.”
If Baird has conflicts because of his work as a developer, “he’ll have to address that on an individual case by case level,” Hyde said. “But the fact that you have a Republican on the planning board once again shows our non-partisan approach to try to work together and the fact that he’s a developer means that he can bring another perspective to the planning board that’s never been spoken about. He’s had to come before the board before — I would think that would be an asset.”
Baird’s experience was the reason he supported his appointment, Colaluca said. “He’s been in town for a while, he has a lot of business and planning experience and I feel that he’s more qualified than some of the members on the board that have less experience,” said Colaluca. Pomfret could not be reached for comment.
As for allegations leveled by those opposing his appointment that Baird had multiple planning violations in past years, Associate Planner Jacob Peabody said he could not comment. As a member of the commission, Peabody said, Baird would not be able to sit on any discussions or make decisions concerning his own developments.
Town Planner Paul Sprague could not be reached for comment. Local developer John Assalone said he was very disappointed in the council for this appointment. “To my best knowledge, Baird is one of the greatest zoning violators and continued violators in the Town of Coventry in recent history,” Assalone said.
Although he supports the sitting council, Assalone said, this action was inappropriate. “This was done to take a shot at the new town council and stick this town with someone who is going to sit and judge others with planning concerns when he is one of the greatest violators that have ever been. This is wrong, unseemly, and sleazy and I am completely disappointed in that action,” he said. Assalone alleged that Baird has a court date on Friday for zoning violations, and said the council should suspend Baird’s appointment until he is in complete compliance with the town. “You have time to undo what you’ve done,” Assalone said to the sitting council. (I don't recall John being at the Council meeting that night -WA) “For the good of the thousands of people in this community, for the planning of Coventry, this man should be removed instead of leaving it to the new council.” He did not apply to be on the planning commission for his own interests, Baird said.
“I submitted an application like everyone else and [the council] called me up and told me to be at the meeting,” he said. “What throws me for the loop is the fact that I’ve been running on a Republican ticket for the past 41 years of my life but I wasn’t welcomed very well by the incoming Republican council.”
He is in complete compliance with the town, Baird says, and the Friday court date mentioned by Assalone involves a controversy with Nicholas Gorham — and has nothing to do with planning violations. He already has an injunction against Assalone for previous harassment issues, Baird added. “When I build something, I go by proper channels,” he said. “If I make a mistake, I fall under the same guidelines as anyone else — I’m not asking for special treatment. I asked to be on this board because I think that there should be small businessmen on the boards in this town and right now I don’t think we have anyone.”
As a member of the commission, Baird said, he hopes he can “help speed the processes up so that it doesn’t make things harder for small businessmen. I will help in any way I can, I will put my best foot forward. I don’t build without permits; I do not operate illegal businesses. There are things that need to be fixed in this town and I want to help to fix them. I am a ‘get it done’ guy — and anyone who knows me knows that. If they’re afraid of me, it’s because they’re afraid to get things done.”
He does not intend to play favorites while on the commission, Baird said.
“Everybody in this town should get a fair shake and that’s one of the things that I’m interested in doing. I want to make the town of Coventry look more like Kittery, Maine, than the mess that it is now. I just want to help,” he said.
Also, here is the Projo's article on this issue:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/COVENTRY_APPOINTMENT_11-15-08_06C9IKP_v18.39df70f.html
Outgoing council adds to planning committee
Thursday, 13 November 2008
By HANNAH CLARKIN
hclarkin@ricentral.com
COVENTRY—As a parting gesture on Monday night, the current Coventry Town Council made two appointments to the Planning Commission.
Ignoring requests from council members-elect Laura Flanagan (R-Dist. 2) and Raymond Spear (R-Dist. 1) that the current council forgo making the appointments in favor of letting the new council handle them when it was seated, current Council President Justin Pomfret (D-Dist. 1) nominated George Colwell (correct spelling is Caldow - WA) and Michael Baird to the seats on the planning committee. The two nominations were seconded by Anthony Colaluca (D-Dist. 2) and passed on a vote of 3-1 with Kenneth Cloutier (R-Dist. 5) dissenting.
Prior to the appointment, Spear requested that the council focus on the consent agenda and items that needed immediate attention and leave the appointments and resolutions to the incoming council. When the council began considering the appointments, Flanagan made the request again, through a point of order. “I will consider your comments,” Pomfret said, before making the nominations.
There was no argument about the appointment of Colwell (Caldow), but Flanagan said she disapproves of Baird’s appointment.
“In my opinion, that appointment was not in the best interest of the taxpayers,” she said. “The electorate spoke last week — there was no immediate reason to make an appointment to the planning board, there is nothing urgent that is pending and it clearly should have waited until next week,” Flanagan said.
At the meeting, Republican Town Committee Chairman Charles Vacca said he was concerned about appointing a developer to the planning commission. Hyde indicated he was surprised the incoming council reacted so strongly against Baird’s appointment.
“Mike Baird is a Republican,” he said. “It sounded to me like a good way to make a non-partisan appointment, to put a Republican on when we were going to have a Republican-dominated council.”
If Baird has conflicts because of his work as a developer, “he’ll have to address that on an individual case by case level,” Hyde said. “But the fact that you have a Republican on the planning board once again shows our non-partisan approach to try to work together and the fact that he’s a developer means that he can bring another perspective to the planning board that’s never been spoken about. He’s had to come before the board before — I would think that would be an asset.”
Baird’s experience was the reason he supported his appointment, Colaluca said. “He’s been in town for a while, he has a lot of business and planning experience and I feel that he’s more qualified than some of the members on the board that have less experience,” said Colaluca. Pomfret could not be reached for comment.
As for allegations leveled by those opposing his appointment that Baird had multiple planning violations in past years, Associate Planner Jacob Peabody said he could not comment. As a member of the commission, Peabody said, Baird would not be able to sit on any discussions or make decisions concerning his own developments.
Town Planner Paul Sprague could not be reached for comment. Local developer John Assalone said he was very disappointed in the council for this appointment. “To my best knowledge, Baird is one of the greatest zoning violators and continued violators in the Town of Coventry in recent history,” Assalone said.
Although he supports the sitting council, Assalone said, this action was inappropriate. “This was done to take a shot at the new town council and stick this town with someone who is going to sit and judge others with planning concerns when he is one of the greatest violators that have ever been. This is wrong, unseemly, and sleazy and I am completely disappointed in that action,” he said. Assalone alleged that Baird has a court date on Friday for zoning violations, and said the council should suspend Baird’s appointment until he is in complete compliance with the town. “You have time to undo what you’ve done,” Assalone said to the sitting council. (I don't recall John being at the Council meeting that night -WA) “For the good of the thousands of people in this community, for the planning of Coventry, this man should be removed instead of leaving it to the new council.” He did not apply to be on the planning commission for his own interests, Baird said.
“I submitted an application like everyone else and [the council] called me up and told me to be at the meeting,” he said. “What throws me for the loop is the fact that I’ve been running on a Republican ticket for the past 41 years of my life but I wasn’t welcomed very well by the incoming Republican council.”
He is in complete compliance with the town, Baird says, and the Friday court date mentioned by Assalone involves a controversy with Nicholas Gorham — and has nothing to do with planning violations. He already has an injunction against Assalone for previous harassment issues, Baird added. “When I build something, I go by proper channels,” he said. “If I make a mistake, I fall under the same guidelines as anyone else — I’m not asking for special treatment. I asked to be on this board because I think that there should be small businessmen on the boards in this town and right now I don’t think we have anyone.”
As a member of the commission, Baird said, he hopes he can “help speed the processes up so that it doesn’t make things harder for small businessmen. I will help in any way I can, I will put my best foot forward. I don’t build without permits; I do not operate illegal businesses. There are things that need to be fixed in this town and I want to help to fix them. I am a ‘get it done’ guy — and anyone who knows me knows that. If they’re afraid of me, it’s because they’re afraid to get things done.”
He does not intend to play favorites while on the commission, Baird said.
“Everybody in this town should get a fair shake and that’s one of the things that I’m interested in doing. I want to make the town of Coventry look more like Kittery, Maine, than the mess that it is now. I just want to help,” he said.
Also, here is the Projo's article on this issue:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/COVENTRY_APPOINTMENT_11-15-08_06C9IKP_v18.39df70f.html
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Upcoming Meetings
Sewer Subcommittee 11/17/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4247/2008/65376.pdf
Board of Tax Assessment Review 11/17/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2008/65239.pdf
Planning Commission 11/19/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/65307.pdf
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4247/2008/65376.pdf
Board of Tax Assessment Review 11/17/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4236/2008/65239.pdf
Planning Commission 11/19/08:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4233/2008/65307.pdf
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Meetings next Week; Election Certification
Town Council November 10th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/65017.pdf
School Committee November 12th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/64994.pdf
Board of Canvassers November 14th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2008/65066.pdf
I first thought that the council members were going to be sworn in on Monday the 10th, but the BOC must first officially certify results of the election, which is supposed to happen next Wednesday.
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4232/2008/65017.pdf
School Committee November 12th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4248/2008/64994.pdf
Board of Canvassers November 14th:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/omfiling/pdffiles/notices/4237/2008/65066.pdf
I first thought that the council members were going to be sworn in on Monday the 10th, but the BOC must first officially certify results of the election, which is supposed to happen next Wednesday.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Election Results
Here are the results for Coventry:
http://www.ri.gov/election/results/2008/general_election/coventry/
Congratulations to the newly elected/re-elected officials. The election is over, time to focus on the challenges we face - all of us together. I continue to urge residents to attend meetings; we need to hear your comments, concerns and questions.
To all of our town & school employees -- if anyone sees or becomes aware of theft, damage or destruction of paper or electronic town records, please report it immediately to the Coventry or State Police. Thank you.
http://www.ri.gov/election/results/2008/general_election/coventry/
Congratulations to the newly elected/re-elected officials. The election is over, time to focus on the challenges we face - all of us together. I continue to urge residents to attend meetings; we need to hear your comments, concerns and questions.
To all of our town & school employees -- if anyone sees or becomes aware of theft, damage or destruction of paper or electronic town records, please report it immediately to the Coventry or State Police. Thank you.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Election Preview -- Lisa Tomasso, Joel Johnson, Charter Questions, Etc.
*** 11/02/08 - Comments are on, moderation is on.
1. IN SUPPORT OF LISA TOMASSO
I am writing to endorse independent candidate Lisa Tomasso for School Committee in District 5. Lisa is an effective and tireless advocate for our schools, having served as a PTA president, sixth grade liaison, and on the School Capital Improvement Study Team.
In addition to her unwavering support of our schools, Lisa was also the former Program Director of the Literacy Volunteers of Kent County. She has worked and interacted with the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee members, teachers, parents, and most importantly, our children.
What makes Lisa such a unique candidate is that she has also been a volunteer in Coventry classrooms for over seven years. She has worked alongside teachers, other school staff, and other parent volunteers to improve the quality of education for our children. She knows our schools from the inside-out; and she knows what works and what needs to be improved. This is the unique perspective that Lisa will bring to the School Committee.
Having served on the Coventry Town Council, I know what skills and abilities are needed to make a difference. In my opinion, Lisa has the experience, dedication and vision to successfully serve on the School Committee. Please consider supporting Lisa with your vote on November 4th.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Thibeault Jr.
Former Town Councilman, District 4
My comments - Lisa has my full support as well. She is confident and knowledgeable of school issues. I saw her at one of the public meetings held by two Town Council members about the failed bond issues in 2006 which included a bond to fix roofs of several schools and bring some buildings into compliance with current fire codes. Lisa asked several well thought out questions. More recently, she attended the TC public meeting about the proposed Town Charter changes. Again, she asked pointed questions of the Charter Review chairman and she kept asking until she got answers. Lisa will bring a different perspective to the School Committee; she will ask the hard questions, she will listen to our own tough questions. I believe Lisa will be the agent of change the SC needs right now. I ask the voters of District 5 to support her on November 4th.
2. IN SUPPORT OF JOEL JOHNSON
A few months ago I was very happy to learn that Joel Johnson was running for the Town Council seat in District 3. I can’t think of anyone more suited to being on the Council. He is someone of character, is well qualified and doesn’t have a personal agenda. I have known Joel for about 30 years and can attest to his character. Much of his career has been in municipal government. He started out as an Administrative Aide to former Coventry Town Manager Ron Owens in the late 1970s. Then he spent 18 years working for the City of Newport as an Administrative Assistant, Research & Budget Analyst, City Treasurer and Director of Finance. He even served as that city’s acting City Manager for a short time in the mid-1990s. Joel doesn’t have any plans to help himself, his friends or special interests; he is committed to serving the people of District 3 and the entire town. Joel’s temperament, municipal experience and willingness to put the town first make him well qualified for public office. He is the obvious choice for Town Council. I ask the voters in District 3 to show their support for Joel by voting for him on November 4th. Feel free to visit Joel's website:
http://johnson4council.weebly.com/
3. SAMPLE BALLOT SHOWING THE TWO STATE BOND QUESTIONS AND 5 PROPOSED TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENTS.
Thanks to the town for putting up this link to the sample ballot:
http://www.town.coventry.ri.us/Charterchange.pdf
Here are my recommendations on these proposed Charter changes.
Ballot questions #1 and #2 are State of RI items.
http://www.readbeforevoting.com/
You may not agree with everything that's on the site but there is a lot of information to mull over. We definitely need wholesale change in RI.
.
4. Please continue to check the Duck's blog this week: http://twopartysystem.blogspot.com/
5. FROM MY POST OF OCT. 22:
Before you vote on Nov. 4, please ask yourself these questions (borrowed from President Reagan) "Are you better off than you were two years ago?" and "Is our state better off then it was two years ago?" If the answer to either of these is "no", then please vote for all new people at the Federal, State and Local level to represent you. We need some new faces and fresh ideas in the US Senate, US Congress, State government and on our Town Council & School Committee. Remember, in a democracy the people get the government they deserve. I think we deserve better, so vote for change.
Will continue to update this post until 11/04 post so please check in again soon.
1. IN SUPPORT OF LISA TOMASSO
I am writing to endorse independent candidate Lisa Tomasso for School Committee in District 5. Lisa is an effective and tireless advocate for our schools, having served as a PTA president, sixth grade liaison, and on the School Capital Improvement Study Team.
In addition to her unwavering support of our schools, Lisa was also the former Program Director of the Literacy Volunteers of Kent County. She has worked and interacted with the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee members, teachers, parents, and most importantly, our children.
What makes Lisa such a unique candidate is that she has also been a volunteer in Coventry classrooms for over seven years. She has worked alongside teachers, other school staff, and other parent volunteers to improve the quality of education for our children. She knows our schools from the inside-out; and she knows what works and what needs to be improved. This is the unique perspective that Lisa will bring to the School Committee.
Having served on the Coventry Town Council, I know what skills and abilities are needed to make a difference. In my opinion, Lisa has the experience, dedication and vision to successfully serve on the School Committee. Please consider supporting Lisa with your vote on November 4th.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Thibeault Jr.
Former Town Councilman, District 4
My comments - Lisa has my full support as well. She is confident and knowledgeable of school issues. I saw her at one of the public meetings held by two Town Council members about the failed bond issues in 2006 which included a bond to fix roofs of several schools and bring some buildings into compliance with current fire codes. Lisa asked several well thought out questions. More recently, she attended the TC public meeting about the proposed Town Charter changes. Again, she asked pointed questions of the Charter Review chairman and she kept asking until she got answers. Lisa will bring a different perspective to the School Committee; she will ask the hard questions, she will listen to our own tough questions. I believe Lisa will be the agent of change the SC needs right now. I ask the voters of District 5 to support her on November 4th.
2. IN SUPPORT OF JOEL JOHNSON
A few months ago I was very happy to learn that Joel Johnson was running for the Town Council seat in District 3. I can’t think of anyone more suited to being on the Council. He is someone of character, is well qualified and doesn’t have a personal agenda. I have known Joel for about 30 years and can attest to his character. Much of his career has been in municipal government. He started out as an Administrative Aide to former Coventry Town Manager Ron Owens in the late 1970s. Then he spent 18 years working for the City of Newport as an Administrative Assistant, Research & Budget Analyst, City Treasurer and Director of Finance. He even served as that city’s acting City Manager for a short time in the mid-1990s. Joel doesn’t have any plans to help himself, his friends or special interests; he is committed to serving the people of District 3 and the entire town. Joel’s temperament, municipal experience and willingness to put the town first make him well qualified for public office. He is the obvious choice for Town Council. I ask the voters in District 3 to show their support for Joel by voting for him on November 4th. Feel free to visit Joel's website:
http://johnson4council.weebly.com/
3. SAMPLE BALLOT SHOWING THE TWO STATE BOND QUESTIONS AND 5 PROPOSED TOWN CHARTER AMENDMENTS.
Thanks to the town for putting up this link to the sample ballot:
http://www.town.coventry.ri.us/Charterchange.pdf
Here are my recommendations on these proposed Charter changes.
Ballot questions #1 and #2 are State of RI items.
Ballot question #3 Board of Canvassers and Registration/Redistricting - APPROVE
Ballot question #4 School Committee – Filling Vacancy - REJECT
Ballot question #5 Town Manager – Qualifications - REJECT
Ballot question #6 Probate Court – Substitution - REJECT
Ballot question #7 Financial Provision – Referendum Amount - REJECT
Ballot question #8, Dept. of Finance – Qualifications - REJECT
Here are some of my notes from the Sept. 10th TC meeting relating to the charter questions, along with my additional comments.
“#3. Redistricting – relating to Article II, Section 2.05 At the request of the Coventry Board of Canvassers, the Charter Review Commission recommended a charter change to provide for redrawing of district boundary lines every four years —within a year of the gubernatorial election — instead of every two years, as it currently stands. “The board of canvassers’ chairman [Francis J. Perry Jr.] said it was a real difficult thing to do it every two years,” Capaldi said. “A lot of times it doesn’t change a lot in two years; in every four years there may be a change.”
My notes – Per Mr. Perry of the Board of Canvassers, the current time requirement for boundary changes is every two years. Mr. P said that this creates problems for certain voters who live near district boundaries, since each election many people are moved to a different district and then back again the following election. It appears that by approving this amendment, voters would remain in a given district for at least four consecutive years. If approved by the voters, this amendment would take effect on 01/01/2009.
10/31/08 Comments -- this makes sense; it would provide a little more certainty where to vote for residents who reside on district borders. APPROVE.
“#4. School Committee – relating to Article IV, Section 4.03The commission recommended the charter be changed such that, if a vacancy occurs on the school committee 12 or fewer months before the next regular election, the vacancy will be filled for the unexpired term by the town council. The current limit for the council to appoint to fill a vacancy on the school committee is six or fewer months before the next election.” The board of canvassers said this would make more sense to have a long period of time instead of a short period of time,” Capaldi said. “It’s less costly than running another election.”
My notes – Some reasons given for this proposed amendment were to lessen confusion among the voters, to give candidates more time to run for office and this move might also lessen the need and hence the cost of a special election.
10/31/08 Comments -- Expanding the time to allow an appointment to an otherwise elected position infringes on my right to vote, and is unacceptable. REJECT.
“#5. Town Manager – relating to Article V, Section 5.01 The current charter requires a candidate for town manager to hold, at minimum, a master’s degree in business administration from an accredited college or university and to have spent at least three years as the manager of some city, town, or county; or, that the candidate have a minimum degree in public administration from an accredited college or university with special preference to actual experience in respect to the duties of the office. The commission recommended allowing consideration of town manager candidates who have Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees and at least three years experience in administration, not specifically management, in some city, town, or county.” I cannot remember who suggested it,” Capaldi said. “But I personally am in favor of changing — not lessening — the standards, but giving the council more leeway in selection. It’s wise to have a degree [requirement] that is more open — [a candidate] still needs the experience in town government, but it gives the council more freedom.”
My notes – I asked if the standards were being lowered, and the answer was yes. Current standard is a master’s degree in public administration is required; the new standard is a Bachelor of Arts degree plus at least 3 years experience in city, town or county government or a minimum degree in public administration. The reasoning here is that lowering the standards would enlarge the pool of possible candidates for the Town Manager position. I was surprised that the proposed new requirements did not state 3 years experience in city, town or county government AS A MANAGER OR ADMINISTRATOR.
Here is a link to 11/01/08 projo article on this subject:
http://www.projo.com/ri/coventry/content/COVENTRY_TOWN_MANAGER_11-01-08_FKC4HNB_v12.3b9497c.html
From the article: "...voters will be asked to change the charter to allow hiring someone with ANY type of bachelor’s degree and at least three years of ANY municipal job experience." That's exactly my problem with this proposed amendment.
10/31/08 Comments -- This amendment is unacceptable in its present form. There may be a need to amend qualifications for the Town Manager position to enlarge the pool of candidates, but there needs to be some requirement of experience as a municipal TM or Administrator. Suggest that the next TC start a new Charter Review board to revisit this area. REJECT.
“#6. Probate court – relating to Article VI, Section 6.04This change would allow the probate judge to be represented in his absence by the municipal court judge as well as the town solicitor, Capaldi said. The charter currently limits the duties to the town solicitor.”
My notes – there weren’t many questions about this proposed amendment. The handout I obtained at the meeting states “Shall Article VI Section 6.04 of the Town Charter be amended to state that in the absence, disability or disqualification of the judge, the duties of the judge shall be performed by the Town Solicitor or Municipal Court Judge?” I should have asked why it this amendment was necessary. If the judge can’t make a meeting, couldn’t the item on that day’s agenda just be move to the next meeting when the judge was in attendance? If the judge were to be absent for a long period of time, couldn’t the Town Council just appoint a replacement? Couldn’t the TC appoint two persons to act as probate court judges concurrently to address the absence issue?
10/31/08 Comments -- I'm not sure this amendment is necessary. There are too many unanswered questions and not enough information for the public to make an informed decision. REJECT.
“#7. Financial Provision – relating to Article VIII, Section 8.18The commission suggested a change to the charter such that amendments to the capital or operating budgets that raise them by $175,000 would require all-day referendums. Currently, amendments that raise or lower the budgets by $100,000 require a referendum — an amount that is not as large as it was in 1972 when the charter was passed, Capaldi said. The recommended change also includes a clause that would adjust the amount requiring a referendum yearly according to the change in the Consumer Price Index.”
My notes – I asked why the amount that would require an all-day referendum is being tied to an automatic index like the Consumer Price Index. Mr. C said that the $100,000 is a low amount by today’s standards (I agree) and that a higher amount makes sense (I agree). The Charter Commission thought that a COLA adjustment for automatically increasing the referendum threshold would make sense. I don’t favor any automatic increases; this should be an item that should be reviewed and conscious deliberation taken by future charter review boards.
10/31/08 Comments -- I agree that the $100K should be increased, but I am against any automatic increase/annual COLA adjustment. Local government should not be on automatic pilot. Suggest that the next TC start a new Charter Review board to revisit this area, perhaps amend the charter to allow for an increase now with provision that the TC review every 5 years and adjust via ordinance. REJECT.
"#8. Director of Finance Qualifications – relating to Article X, Section 10.02 and Section 10.11 The recommended changes in this section were put forth by Moffitt, Capaldi said. One relates to the director of finance and the other to the town treasurer. Under the proposed change, the director of finance shall have knowledge of municipal accounting, finance, taxation, budgeting, financial control and investments and shall have a minimum of a bachelor of arts or science degree in a financial area of study. The charter does not currently mention knowledge of investments or state a degree requirement.” Since the town manager depends on the finance director, the finance director should have some experience in that area — the position should require knowledge in investments,” Capaldi said. “These requirements [are] a little stricter.” The treasurer, under the proposed change, must have a minimum of a bachelor of arts or science degree in the financial area of study. The charter does not currently state a degree requirement for the position of town treasurer, saying only “The town treasurer shall have knowledge of accounting and shall have had experience in budgeting and financial control.”
My notes -- I asked if the current employees in these positions would be grandfathered. Neither the Charter Review Commission chairman, nor the Town Manager nor the Town Solicitor could give a definitive answer.
10/31/08 Comments -- There was no assurance at the public meeting that current employees would be grandfathered, would keep their positions. For that reason I find this amendment to be unacceptable. REJECT.
3. Go to this website before you vote (kudos to Duck for the link)http://www.readbeforevoting.com/
You may not agree with everything that's on the site but there is a lot of information to mull over. We definitely need wholesale change in RI.
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4. Please continue to check the Duck's blog this week: http://twopartysystem.blogspot.com/
5. FROM MY POST OF OCT. 22:
Before you vote on Nov. 4, please ask yourself these questions (borrowed from President Reagan) "Are you better off than you were two years ago?" and "Is our state better off then it was two years ago?" If the answer to either of these is "no", then please vote for all new people at the Federal, State and Local level to represent you. We need some new faces and fresh ideas in the US Senate, US Congress, State government and on our Town Council & School Committee. Remember, in a democracy the people get the government they deserve. I think we deserve better, so vote for change.
Will continue to update this post until 11/04 post so please check in again soon.
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