"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts." - Republican President Abraham Lincoln
BECOME A TRAINED AND CREDENTIALED VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Tri-EPIC REPC will be hosting CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) Training for any resident of Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, or Sturbridge who would like to help their Community.
This Training is FREE!
Classes will be held at the Southbridge Community Center (Former Armory), at 153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge - Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 P.M. for approximately 12 weeks beginning on March 15th, 2012.
You must be at least 18 years of age and a Criminal Records Check is required.
Please contact your local CERT coordinator for further Information and application by March 5th:
Charlton: Lt. Carl Ekman, Charlton Police, 508-248-2056
Dudley: Captain Paul Konieczny, Dudley Fire, 508-949-8040
Southbridge: F.F. Paul Nault, Southbridge Fire, 508-764-5430 (Packet available At Fire Station)
Sturbridge: Sergeant Kevin Mercier, Sturbridge PD, 508-347-2525 X117
Recently, a series of letters to the editor, news reports, and efforts in terms of a town-wide ballot petition have addressed a desire to revoke the Community Preservation Act (CPA). This initiative is designed to "reduce" the financial burden on residents and "prevent any further spending" or debt burdening by way of the CPA.
There is little doubt that many if not most residents face financial challenges due to a devastating national economy combined with increased prices on nearly everything and reduced incomes for all too many. Discretionary income is non-existent for most and despite some news reports of an improved economy, the vast majority of Americans and Sturbridge residents are still financially challenged and find themselves unable to bear any more financial burdens. In the face of such, revocation of the CPA appears to be not only prudent, but necessary.
Back in June during a public meeting of the Board of Selectmen specific to tornado recovery efforts, I spoke to the need of developing/purchasing a more robust town-owned/operated/leased communications system that could provide timely and relevant information over a variety of electronic networks. As most of you perhaps know, we do not have unlimited access or control to the Reverse 911 system as that is owned by the Worcester Sheriffs Department as they (rightfully so) have strict protocols for use and permission access. During that meeting I specifically asked Chief Ford and the Town Administrator to conduct a comprehensive review of available systems and to provide a report to the Board for review. In support of that effort, Finance Director Barbara Barry (also in attendance) mentioned a system used in Palmer, MA that is similar to the ConnectEd software used by the District, which - as parents of Tantasqua/Burgess school children can attest - provides information directly to parents via mobile or land-line specific to school closings, delayed openings and other relevant matters. Over the past months, I have had frequent conversations with the Town Administrator and at times Chief Ford specific to this issue.
Back on December 20, 2011, I sent a correspondence concerning an official letter submitted to the Department of Public Utilities by Selectman Priscilla Gimas and myself. In that letter I closed with a commitment to facilitate discussions with National Grid as follows: "In addition to the path available to us via the Public Hearings, a meeting is forthcoming after the holidays with members of National Grid's executive management staff and some representatives from our community to better identify the challenges faced, develop cooperative efforts to address same, and to foster a coordinated approach to any future events".
After detailed and deliberate consideration, and in recognition of the great privilege I’ve been extended these past three years, I have - with deep humility - decided to seek your support for another term as a member of your Board of Selectmen.
As many who know me can attest, and as reflected in many public statements made over the past 3 years, I have steadfastly maintained my focus as a one-term selectman, believing it vital to preserve a sense of urgency in fulfilling my obligations as an elected official responsible to each of you in this community.
