schlock
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On the article Newton Override: Is $11.4M Enough?
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On the article Newton Mayor Proposes $11.4M Tax Override Package
schlock
6:20 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
ReplyTiming is everything - amazing that override supporters are already lining up without even knowing what the final version will be. One would have learned from the 200 mil fiasco that the devil is in the details. Still unclear from Ouida Young is the degree to which the BOA can modify the proposed override as well as the veto stamina, mayoral correctiveness, and parliamentary maneuvering by the committee of the whole chair Gentile. The mayor has only one bite at the apple with this being his defining performance rating by the taxpayer voter. Let's hope he does not underestimate the intelligence of the enlightened independent unenrolled voter...
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On the article Newton School Officials Propose Adding Modular Classrooms to Four Elementary Schools
schlock
6:54 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ReplyI especially like the idea that after the expansion of enrollment and buffer zone stabilization occurs, we will have an abundance of reusable modulars. Relocating the modulars in a circle for storage on city land will be an alternative school - Newton's modular village drawing folks from all around Newton.. Once again Newton becomes the magnet for bohemian education.
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On the article Newton Mayor Proposes $11.4M Tax Override Package
schlock
6:04 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ReplyWhere questions 2 & 3 are clear cut designations of physical plant structure, looking back at the NNHS $200 mil, the omission of expected price tag cap is deja vu of Cohen's folly ( heres hoping Lemieux catches that political side). Question 1 is more of a vote of confidence in the mayor's fiscal prowess than it is for the actual intended funding purposes. Setti's hallmark has been the ability to change priorities as changing times demand adaptation. Flexibility to need with a guiding firm hand will show a dedication to see the taxpayer thru these challenging economic times. In 2008 the previous mayor did not recognize the undercurrent of taxpayer furor leading to override defeat. The override opponent leaders then were spokespeople for a movement, but it was the cause and not the leaders that spoke at the ballot box - a good leader now will recognize the skepticism and undercurrent of taxpayer dissatisfaction and so doing will not attempt to oversell on the pro override cause..
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On the article Report: Newton Paid Out $427,000 in Settlements
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On the article [UPDATED 1:04 p.m.] Hurricane Sandy: Newton Info Center
schlock
12:57 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
ReplyIf folks need neighbor to neighbor help with tree branches, sump pumps, etc. and the City is not able to keep up with the demand, send us an email at downsizetheboard@comcast.net – Newton Minutemen
- your tax dollars not at work..Read more: http://village14.com/netwon-ma/2012/10/newton-getting-ready-for-hurricane-sandy/#ixzz2Ad3QPfrC
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On the article Enforcement of Texting While Driving Ban Will Come From Above
schlock
8:13 am on Sunday, October 21, 2012
Replyand let us not forget the story of the operator in NYC who after being stopped by police for alleged texting appealed on the grounds that he was actually building a ship in a bottle...
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On the article Enforcement of Texting While Driving Ban Will Come From Above
schlock
7:43 am on Sunday, October 21, 2012
ReplySo big brother will be watching from overhead for illegal texters, seatbelt use, alcohol, 420, firearms and just about any other improper activity. Invasion of privacy is no longer a concern when it comes to highway safety. Move over Joan Claybrook - welcome to the 21st century Massachusetts. Leave your rights at the border - your tax dollars not at work..
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On the article Newton Mayor Proposes $11.4M Tax Override Package
schlock
3:10 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Replyunclear is whether the tax calculator is just for the general operational override question # 1 or the entire package including #2 & 3 debt exclusion overrides. This is important for tax payers to understand for parochial interest. Also the mayor's speech does not distinguish question 2 & 3 as a temporary reoccuring yearly tax levy. - death & taxes we are all certain.
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On the article Police Investigating Rash of Car Breaks in West Newton Area
schlock
5:16 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Replyrelated to car break-ins are bicycle thefts. We offered to pay for and provide for a 'bait bike' sting program knowing firsthand there is a youth bike theft ring in Newton. The social and administrative stigma attached to acknowledging that this type of problem exists here in Newton prevents positive deterrents from happening. Unfortunately Newton lags in dealing with problematic crime beforehand and like helmets are only good after the incident.
schlock
7:28 pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012
Let us not also note Thursday nite that Maureen Lemieux indicated her calcs are based on the current trend in the economy and hopefully fan improving one s well - What's the backup plan for Newton should the economy tank like in 2008.
And technology, forget about it, is it CIP fungible or should it be operationally expensed? should I stay or should I go scenario.
The major voting taxpayer block is unenrolled independents with an enlightened reference of having been burned by the previous administration. Seniors and those especially hard pressed financially are not going to swing with the 'lemmings over the fiscal cliff' scenario. Working stiffs won't buy it; stop the premature oversell and realize fiscal reality.