Thanks to the WebMaster of the BM for bringing this important repository of discussion back to life. Though my work schedule of late has been quite hectic, I look forward to reading and contributing in the weeks and months ahead.

The second and final session of the 2009 ATM wrapped up last night.  The voters overturned the FinCom recommendations on a couple of key items.   Voters restored funding for the Senior Center Director, as well as increased the recreation account from $1,000 to $1,500.  Voters also allotted an increase of $3000 in the Board of Health Inspection account after some very confusing discussion.

Presently with no certified free-cash and a balance of $155K in the stabilization fund, the town cut services,   reduced hours, and is planning on merging the public safety dispatch with Mendon some time in FY2010.

Word has been received on the passing of Retired Fire Chief John J. Sitnik.    Sitnik a Millville Native and World War II Veteran (US Navy)  Served as Chief of the Fire Department from 1970 to 1983.

He is survived by his wife Lois and his son John J. Sitnik, Jr.   For the past 25 years Chief Sitnik has resided in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

From the Boston Globe: 

SITNIK, John J. of Stoneham, formerly of Millville, April 17, 2009 at age 85. Beloved husband of Lois C. (Crosby) Sitnik. Father of John J. Sitnik, Jr. Step father of Marty Lyons and his wife Ann, Bill Lyons, all of ME, Steve Lyons of WA, Patty McGinty and her husband Chuck, Lori Gray, all of ME. Cherished grandfather of 10. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. US Navy Veteran, WW II. Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT 28) STONEHAM Wednesday at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating John’s life in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Tuesday from 3-7pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants will be available. Interment Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. In lieu of flowers, please honor John by making donations in memory of him to DAV, Mass Chapter, Room 546 State House, Boston, MA 02133-1042. 

By Phil Tympanick

It’s been 87 days since the historic election of President Obama, and more importantly, since the Democratic Party has come into absolute power. I was committed to giving our new president 100 days before I commented on his administration. I wrote in an earlier post that, for the sake of our country, I prayed he would be successful and admittedly cautioned then, that he might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You be the judge.

Let me start with offering some perspective of our past Presidential elections, because it’s an important foundation to understanding what is happening today.

The BlogMaster just received this letter from one of the candidates in Monday's Annual Town Election:

Hello,

 As you know an Election was held in Millville on Monday in which I was a candidate for the Board of Selectmen.

 I lost by 4 votes.  There has been much speculation around town about a recount being done.

You are probably out enjoying a nice Saturday in late winter, or preparing for the impending snow and rain event later tonight.  In any event, the Governor is hoping you didn't catch his little announcement yesterday on his plan to make Massachusetts the #1 place in the nation in gas taxes.

You gotta love that Deval, he really knows how to put the wood to you, along with his pals in the Legislature.  He even has the media outlets on his side.   You have to look far and wide to find this story on the Boston Globe Boston HeraldWebsite (see image).  However the Herald has it right out in front on page 1 of their web edition.

By Phil Tympanick

If you were dying of a heart attack, doctors would surely administer a dose of adrenalin to save your life. So why is an economic stimulus package, whose intent is to resuscitate the economy from its cardiac arrest, looking more and more like a big, fat, dose of crack instead of a sure, proven dose of adrenalin?

President Obama is treading on perilous territory with this stimulus package architected by the most partisan of his party, Nancy Polosi and Harry Reid. On one hand, everyone expects the government to come to the rescue, and on the other, most agree that it needs to do so in a fiscally responsibility manner. After all, given the current economic climate, would you choose to borrow 100 times your income to keep your standard of living in tact, or simply choose to cut back on your spending and ride out the storm? Why are the federal, state, and local governments not thinking this way?

Dean's motion ignored by Moderator  -  Truck vote fails to get 2/3rds Majority

FinCom Table is "Empty"   Like the Town's Coffers.

John F. Dean's attempt to defer all monetary articles last night due to no FinCom recommendations fell on the deaf ears of Moderator Kelliher. 

However sanity prevailed, and with the exception of the "Special Interest Group" other wise known as the Town's Firefighters -  all monetary articles were stricken, and no action was taken.   We understand that this will have no impact in the town setting its' Tax Rate, nor will it affect the town operation in FY09.   Tax bills are probably right around the corner!  So Merry Christmas!

The Fire Department's request for a $355K fire truck, that had support of Voters say no to replacement3 of the 5 selectmen (Laura, Lima, Poulin) failed to get the necessary 2/3'rds vote as some of the funds would be borrowed.    Arguing against the unnecssary purchase were the Town Accountant, other Selectmen and the former FinCom Chairman.

According to the Call the Chief claims that the present Engine 1 is rusting away. (Lack of use?).  He needed the truck ordered now, so they could save $30K in new regulations going into effect on 1/1/09.

We seem to be making things up as we go along here.   Very troubling.  Seem that the new world order may be being snookered by the veterans of the board and the go-along ExecSec and Town Counsel.

Seems as though with the departure of Mr. Labonte, the FinCom lacks a quorum, and is therefore unable to conduct their business.  No dobut the Town Moderator hasn't upheld his sworn oath, and filled the vacancies on this important board.

So we wonder how the town can conduct its' business on 12/8 if there are no FinCom Recommendations?

We think it is about time the town fathers and mothers got together and did what was right here.  Stop with the good-old boy approach to these important matters.