KoolAid at the Enterprise!

Letter to editor:

It's certainly rewarding to know that you read my missive!

Disappointing is that you have ignored the facts.

To dismiss Middleboro's current fiscal situation as being similar to all other cities and towns and to assess blame proclaims that you have drunk the Kool Aid, like others.

There are advantages that set Middleboro apart that you have ignored.

That Middleboro has a G&E that has prevented borrowing should set the Town above others.

That Middleboro is blessed with the generosity of the Peirce Trustees should set the Town above others.

The Peirce Trustees' largesse should be used for the 'frills,' but instead has been employed for the necessities that are no longer affordable.

The Middleboro Finance Committee lacked the funds to pay for the cost of an 'audit' and requested the DOR to conduct an audit.

When the Middleboro FinComm received the DOR response, they were advised that the DOR required a written request from the BOS. Were you aware?

That was how the DOR Report came into existence.
Have you reviewed it?

One of the most striking monetary recommendations
contained in the report is the adoption of quarterly real estate tax billing.

The Town Treasurer has estimated that that alone would net the Town $50,000 PER MONTH.

Isn't that the deficit from the ATM?
Do you recall?

Have you noticed how many NEW TOWN EMPLOYEES have been hired?

The DOR Report raised the issue of 'A PLAN.'

Mr. Perkins said the BOS had 'A PLAN.'

Where is it? Have you seen it?
Where is it posted?

Mr. Perkins said the DOR Report had been implemented. Where?

The BOS hired a NEW Town Accountant. Have you reviewed his contract?

Are you aware that the Accountant earned $63,000 in Freetown, was hired by Middleboro for $75,000 FOR A 4 DAY WORK WEEK.

Does that mean he's working 4 - 10 hour days?
It's not in the contract.

Do you have a copy of the Confidentiality Agreement he signed?

When he finds a tv set charged to the Town, as the previous Town Accountant did, what do you think his actions will be according to the terms of that Confidentiality Agreement?

When Middleboro finds itself in the same position as Bridgewater next year, will you simply whine that it's similar to all other cities and towns?

Each time I hear that specious claim, I am reminded of young children who lament that their peers are wearing certain clothes.

Have we become such clones that we are incapable of thought that sets us apart from others?

I raised the issue of 'Legal Affairs' as described in the Middleboro Town Charter. Have you reviewed that section of the Town Charter?

How does Middleboro conform to the prescribed Charter provisions? What is Town Counsel's salary? What is Middleboro disbursing in legal fees? Why is Town Counsel billing Middleboro for $150 an hour?

When I requested a list of Town-owned vehicles, the list was generated by the insurance agency.
There are 212 items on the lists, most with a $500 deductible.

Any frugal person, seeking to reduce their expenses, fully realizes that the first $1,000 is the most expensive to insure.

Have you reviewed the list?

When was the last time the Board of Selectmen conducted an audit of Town owned vehicles?

I was reminded by former Selectman M. Victor Sylvia that the Town, at one time, had insured 2 vehicles that were no longer owned by the Town.

Is that the case now? How do you know?

It would seem to make sense to track ALL town-owned vehicles within town departments to track mileage, maintenance, project replacement, and a multitude of other uses.

Have you read the Auditors' Report?

Should you be interested, I can send you a copy in pdf format. Perhaps it's too dull & boring in its description of lack of fiscal controls, but that's the substance of the recall.

It is my understanding that the matter of the Selectmen's Secretary receiving a 36% pay increase, increasing her salary to $66,000 per year was resolved last week.

My understanding is that the Meeting Minutes from the Executive Sessions become public once the matter is resolved. Have you requested them under FOIA? I understand what transpired. Do you?

Clearly, there are many more issues to be raised.

Should you care to disagree with me based on issues with factual information that would seem justifiable. That you chose to use your platform without facts seems dubious.

Voters are beginning to pay attention, become involved, attend meetings and understand the issues. I hope you'll do the same.


AS A PERSONAL FOOTNOTE: I HAVE THE AUDITORS' REPORT AVAILABLE IN pdf FORMAT, AS WELL AS A DOR REPORT OF ALL CITIES & TOWNS THAT LIST # OF RESIDENTS TO TOWN EMPLOYEES. POST A COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS & I WILL FORWARD THEM TO YOU.