 Welcome to
 Norfolknet!Round and About Norfolk Since 1999 Community Home Page of Norfolk, Mass. 857121 7/4 11:35pm | July 4 2008, Friday  |
|
About Us |
Notes |
Calendar |
Un-Classifieds |
Contact
This is the Norfolk, Massachusetts community web page
and on-line newsletter.
It is not run for profit, we're not selling anything;
we just hope you find the information useful.
We welcome posts and messages from town residents,
and would love to hear from you!
Mail us your comments, suggestions, or just to let us know you visited.
|
|
Please try to keep it short and civil
(Posting Guidelines).
Older notes are archived.
Post your business card! (56)
Quoth Horace:
"If one class possesses all the wealth and the education, while the residue of society is ignorant and poor, it matters not by what name the relation between them may be called: the latter, in fact and in truth, will be the servile dependents and subjects of the former. But, if education be equally diffused, it will draw property after it by the strongest of all attractions; for such a thing never did happen, and never can happen, as that an intelligent and practical body of men should be permanently poor. Property and labor in different classes are essentially antagonistic; but property and labor in the same class are essentially fraternal. The people of Massachusetts have, in some degree, appreciated the truth that the unexampled prosperity of the State -- its comfort, its competence, its general intelligence and virtue -- is attributable to the education, more or less perfect, which all its people have received; but are they sensible of a fact equally important,- namely, that it is to this same education that two-thirds of the people are indebted for not being to-day the vassals of as severe a tyranny, in the form of capital, as the lower classes of Europe are bound to in any form of brute force?A quality, community-funded public education is, thankfully, a right in this country. I am sorry that you view parents and other community members who have this view to be a scourge on society.
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,July 4th, Independence day is, above all else, a holiday to celebrate of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, thereby establishing the 13 original American colonies (later to become the United States of America) as a free self governing nation. The freedom and liberty that was earned with the blood, sweat, and toil of true American patriots was unlike anything else in the world. How can you not admire men who willingly stand up and sacrifice their lives, liberty, and belongings for beliefs as pure and as simple as those written into our original Constitution and the Amendments? From then to now, there have been countless brave and faithful guardians of our land who placed themselves in harms way to protect and maintain the principles that made our country so great and so unique compared to other nations. Yet, almost 250 years later many of us find our freedoms being eroded and our God given rights being bastardized under the same hypocritical guise of "government knows best" from which we revolted. Our nation is gradually reverting to many of the same pitfalls we experienced and found so repulsive, in colonial times.
People who don't understand, or are opposed to our American Principles,
are increasingly causing an overwhelming number of our problems and
actual internal conflicts. Some of those renegades are constantly
attempting to insidiously embed political ideas from their native, or
other nations, into our own America ideals. Others, being thoroughly
self-serving parasites, undeservedly gorge themselves with the fruits
from the labor of their less demanding neighbors; they have grown to
feel entitled to the unearned benefits that they now demand. Too many
complacent citizens, claiming to love their country, this United States
of America, sit idly by, while the very essence of what our country is
all about is being shredded into no longer recognizable pieces, which
primarily serve only the privileged self-indulgent special interest
groups home and abroad.
Oh, sure, I hear the complaints from people who claim to be
"like-minded" and are also concerned about our present state of affairs,
but where are they; where are their voices when they're given the
opportunity to speak up? Are they the notorious "Sunshine Patriots"
who are so reluctant to stand up and be counted? How can they turn a
blind eye as the very foundation, on which the United States of America
was so carefully built, is being dismantled?
Norfolknet, a local E-forum, in my town, often features complaints and
demands of "the other side", that is comprised of an apparently large
representation of the Norfolk citizenry, who constantly want more--and
the very best of it, at that--yet they don't seem to understand the
meaning of being accountable and responsible for themselves; they don't
want to pay for the benefits that they insist upon, but instead
[...]
insist that the entire community pay to support them and the
lifestyle they profess is their right even though they also claim to be
unable to afford. The most recent examples of subjects dealing with
the lacking of personal responsibility is their inability to understand
that everyone must pay their own way instead of one segment expecting to
be allowed to feed off the general community. One matter has to do with
free bus and other school services. Another is the insistence of
transforming Norfolk into an imaginary life-sized Norman Rockwell or
Thomas Kinkade postcard a clutter with dandy little shops and an endless
list of every other whimsical artificial accouterment imaginable.
Of all the patriotic writings, I've read, on true love of country,
concern for its future, and on addressing national crisis, the words of
clear thinkers like Thomas Paine deliver a resounding message that is as
true today as when original put to pen. On December 23rd 1776, Thomas
Paine wrote his first paper addressing the American Crisis. His
articles are meant to address our nation, as a whole. My hometown of
Norfolk Massachusetts is simply a microcosm of the dangers facing the
entire United States, but if diligent Americans cannot stand together,
in their own respective communities to repel the scourge that has fallen
upon us, the United States of America collectively cannot survive as it
was intended to be.
I've placed an excerpt from that above-mentioned American Crisis article
below. Of course, feel free to use your own imagination to substitute
other words or expressions to replace words like Britain or Tory-after
all, the spirit of the cursed threat from both is still with us.
"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but "to bind us in all cases whatsoever," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. . . .I have been tender in raising the cry against these men, and used numberless arguments to show them their danger, but it will not do to sacrifice a world either to their folly or their baseness. The period is now arrived, in which either they or we must change our sentiments, or one or both must fall. And what is a Tory? Good God! what is he? I should not be afraid to go with a hundred Whigs against a thousand Tories, were they to attempt to get into arms. Every Tory is a coward; for servile, slavish, self-interested fear is the foundation of Toryism; and a man under such influence, though he may be cruel, never can be brave."Sleep on this. God Bless America,
Many people who post here regularly seem to view the Norfolk "glass
as half empty" when criticizing our fellow citizens who are serving
the town. We should give them the benefit of the doubt unless they
demonstrate that they are not acting in the town's best interest.
Putting up with the constant petty criticism would certainly dissuade
me from considering a run for office in Norfolk.
For now, I am going
to leave the tea in my kitchen cabinet where it belongs... Happy
Independence Day.
It has been fairly well established that this type of bus fee does
not run afoul of the Constitution. While it may make it more
inconvenient to attend school, it does not effectively prevent
children from being afforded the benefit. If, however, the lines
were drawn on the basis of race or gender the analysis could be
different, but that is never the case. In fact, even if it were
shown that the law impacted only those with less economic means,
this likely too would be ok since economic status is generally not
a protected class under the Constitution. This 2-mile rule has
been instituted throughout the US and has been rarely challenged.
I'm sure town counsel has assured the School Committee that the fee
is legal so long as it complies with the Mass law as written.
While I think it's fair to discuss the fairness of a disproportionate
bus fee, I think we all had our chance to weigh in on the issue
when we voted on the override. The increased tax would have been
spread among all Norfolk residents and would have been tax deductible
as well (a bus fee obviously is not).
The proposal of a bus fee
is hardly a surprise. It was discussed last year and the School
Committee made absolutely clear at town meeting that they would
consider bus fees and even proposed it in lieu of an override along
with earmarking certain prison mitigation funds for education.
Logic only follows that they would consider it if the override
failed. As Dean Manning points out, next year we are really in for a
challenge as the state budget issues begin to weigh into the equation
further.
I don't want to begrudge anyone the opportunity to make their voice
heard but I think it's clear that the fee is legal. You can probably
guess that I am not opposed to paying a fee (as I was increased
taxes) if some important services can be maintained. The discussion
again comes down to paying a fee or sacraficing services and as I
mentioned above, the discussion around proportional payment has
already passed (with the override). At this point, accepting the
reality of a bus fee, I am interested in discussing some of the
mechanics around the busing issue/fees such as:
1. If the School Committee did away with busing for those within
2-miles, what about families with one child at HOD and one at FC?
One could imagine a situation where one child would be afforded
busing while another could not.
2. Has there been a discussion of a family cap for bus fees?
3. For those who are concerned about ability to pay, perhaps the
SC will consider a need waiver much like as is done with full day
kindergarten.
Regards,
* In order to continue to view the programming listed, you will need to subscribe to the digital package stated. Digital converter box and remote necessary to receive digital programming (current monthly service charge of $3.95) are not included. Not all programming and services available in all areas. Other restrictions apply. Call 1-800-COMCAST complete details. &copr;2008 Comcast. All rights reserved.That box is for standard definition; a high-definition box apparently costs more. Both phone lines to the Foxboro office were "not in service" when I called today.
No live person was available on-line at
www.comcastdigitalworld.com
They
will mail something to me to arrive in 5 to 7 business days.
Has anyone been through the exercise of subscribing to the "digital
starter" service, and getting a high-definition box, etc.?
Incidently, Verizon FIOS TV is not available in the -384 area and
Verizon could not say when it would be, as of today. (Ref FIOS office,
1-800-870-9999)
Not a lawyer but to add to the discussion on who would be effected by a
bus fee, from the Mass DOE web site, it appear that theoretically anyone
who lives over 2 miles from the school, but has a bus stop that is less
than 1 mile from their house would not be entitled to "free bus"
service. I could therefore live 2.9 miles from the school, have a bus
stop which is .9 miles from my house, and would therefore not be
entitled to "free bus" service.
Additionally, one could argue that anyone could also be exempted within
the 2 mile radius with the clause "Exceptions to this policy may be made
when road conditions do not provide for the physical safety of the
children".
One could certainly argue that with no sidewalks the "road conditions do
not provide for the physical safety of the children"
The administrative cost of figuring out who is covered by not only the 2
miles, but taking into account all bus stops for each house in and of
itself seems may be prohibitive. As written, a bus fee seams certainly
ripe for challenge in a lawsuit, which would drain needed resources and
$$.
Just my 2 cents.
[doe.mass.edu info]
I strongly urge all parents who have the same concerns to contact Mr.
Ross and Mr. Brown and request ammending this law
for the protection of our children.
Please send your emails to
Rep.RichardRoss@Hou.State.MA.US
and
Scott.P.Brown@state.ma.us
These spider are rather unsettling; quite large really... especially when
one is au natural in a tub with one!!
Cheerio, and a great 4th to you and yours!
[It was mentioned below as $410K - Wm.]
CHAPTER 71. PUBLIC SCHOOLSI, for one, love the fact that our legislature has ensured a method for the school committee to grab money by decree. Typical. Oh, and any of you living on a "Private Way" better watch out regardless of mileage.
Anyway, as it is lawful for the School Committee to do exactly what is
proposed, I guess we have to suck it up. However, I am going to
contact Senator Brown and Representative Ross to see if they will help
amend this law so that it reads "If the distance between a child's
residence and the school he is entitled to attend exceeds two miles,
or there are not sufficient walkways present in the municipality to
safely allow students to walk" or something similar. I will keep
everyone advised as to what responses I receive.
<soapbox>And for full disclosure, my children would only have to walk
about 1/4 of a mile without sidewalks, and that on a fairly calm road.
Those whose routes would include Union, Rockwood, Cleveland, or North
(to just name a few) would be crazy to let their kids walk to school.
But again, it's not about the fee, it's about the patent unfairness of
it and the method in which it will be installed. </soapbox>
[The total cost was mentioned in the post as $410K, with $100K reimbursed by the state. - Wm.]
First of all, an update on
the current situation: a decision has not been made at this time.
We are hoping to bring our new Superintendent on board as quickly
as possible so they can be a part of the discussion of how we close
the funding gap created by a lack of adequate funding from the town
and the subsequent failed override. The Norfolk Elementary Schools
have been funded at an average of 1.9 percent for the past three
years while most other departments have been funded at an average
exceeding 5 percent. In addition, as has been pointed out on this
board, we need your input and honestly want to understand the parents
perspective that such a fee or bussing elimination will impose. The
issues facing us now are do we charge fees for transportation (within
2 miles), eliminate it altogether (within 2 miles), or cut further
programs? At the moment we have already cut the Spanish program
(2 teachers), the Health program (1 teacher), 1 Assistant Principal,
and 2 classroom teachers. At this time the cost of such a fee has
also not been set. We have discussed fees ranging from $200 to
$600 per child ($600 represents the actual full cost to bus a student
for the year). The cost of such a fee is dependent on how much of
the $307K we currently pay to transport students within two miles
we need to recover and our expectation of how many students will
pay the fee and ride the bus versus find other means to get to
school. In addition details such as discounts for additional
children, payment plans, one way plans, etc. have not been worked
out.
Next, the issue of the 2 mile radius needs some clarity. This is
a state law; we have zero control over it. I sincerely wish we
could change the situation so any transportation impact would be
spread equally over all parties, but we cannot legally do so. I
have suggested in the past and will continue to do so that if a fee
is chosen as an option that we request families that live outside
the 2 mile radius to voluntarily donate the same amount to the
Norfolk Elementary Education Fund. Of course this is still not
equitable since a family that lives within 2 miles would have to
pay the fee to use the bus and those outside it would not and any
donation is purely voluntary. Again this is a state law that
dictates the distance and governs the funding the state provides
to Norfolk for this expense. We currently pay over $410K for bussing
and the state reimburses us for approximately $100K, which is the
proportion of children that live more than 2 miles away from the
school they attend by the most commonly travelled route.
Lastly,
the issue of lack of sidewalks and potentially putting children at
risk needs to be discussed. The town of Norfolk decided several
times at town meetings in the past 3-4 years that it does not want
sidewalks by voting down funding for them. We all wish we had them
as it would make our decision easier. The Norfolk School Committee
is very concerned about the safety of all children in town. The
bottom line, however, in my opinion is that the decisions made
affecting getting a child to school safely is ultimately the parents'
responsibility. The schools (or transportation companies) liability
starts when they step onto the bus or when they step onto school
grounds during school hours. If we could afford to pay for bussing
without further impacts to instruction we would and the decision
parents face would continue to be easy since putting a child on a
bus is the least risky way to get them to school (but this is still
a choice the parents make).
Looking ahead, the next budget year
starting in July 2009 will be worse and I fully anticipate that if
we are able to avoid imposing transportation fees or eliminating
busses (again only within 2 miles) this year, such a move will be
required next year. There are no easy answers, we hope to make
decisions by the middle of July and continue to welcome your input.
Regards,
Registration fees for all children of board members are waived!
To address some other points that have been raised on this issue,
I teach in a town where there are bus fees for students living
within the 2 mile range, but there are also sidewalks. When the
bus fees were introduced, many parents started using the car pick-up
line because they did not feel safe having their kids walk to school,
and we now have headaches with that (it can take up to 35 minutes
to wait in line to get your child). Of course, those are usually
the parents whose (non) work schedules allow them to be available
in the morning for 1/2 hour or afternoon for 1/2 hour to save
the hundreds of dollars in bus fees. Other parents are either
paying the bus fees, a babysitter to wait in that line, or after-care.
So in the end, everyone is sacrificing-either it's a one income
family with a stay-at-home parent, or they have to pay someone else
to transport their kids. I wonder if the layout at either HOD or
Freeman would accommodate the number of parents who would choose
to drop off/pick up rather than pay.
Also, as far ``paying tuition'' to attend a public school, my school
system did just that: we have a full day kindergarten option for
$4000 per child (imagine having twins or triplets), or, the option
of 1/2 day K with many parents still needing 1/2 day childcare.
I am amazed at how many parents pay the $4000 after doing all the
calculations of 1/2 day + childcare. We can't even offer 1/2
day in our building this year because not enough parents wanted it,
so we're paying to bus those 6 kids to another school to complete
a class. Talk about segregating the haves from the have-nots (though
I'm sure some parents choose philosophically to do 1/2 day).
My point is, people end up paying one way or another: through an
override, a fee, childcare, the loss of an income to have a parent
available or the services that will be lost at the schools if no
revenue is found. It is impossible to have a one income family
these days and it is impossible to have two working parents. It is
impossible to feel safe having your kids walk to school not knowing
what creeps might be out there. It is impossible to feel safe
having them on a bus with bullies. It is a much different world
today.
One final thought: so if I decide to pay for the bus to pick up my
kids within the 2 mile range, but several of my neighbors do not
(they walk or drive) does it cost less for the bus to drive to only
my house and not pick up their kids? No, the cost to run the is
the same regardless of how many kids get on it.
One; safety is an issue. Neighborhoods or streets where sidewalks do not
exist should not be considered for no bus service. It's ludicrous to put
children on the sides of streets as they walk to school. They may walk
there anyway, but without sidewalks they have no choice. That's not
safe.
Two; those faced with bus fees and do have sidewalks their children can
walk on need to get off the soapbox and lower the threat threshold. I
get the feeling there are some in this category out there who are
complaining because of the fee. Sorry, but you'll need to get over it.
If lawsuits threatened so far are based solely on a desire not to pay
the fee, there is sufficient precedent out there in the land of
Massachusetts school systems to show that things may not go your way. A
quick search this morning (good 'ol Google) brought up an article from
2003 that stated the following:
"Almost a third of the 290 Massachusetts school districts are charging bus fees, from a low of $50 per child in Rockport to as much as $325 per student in Belmont. Just in the last three years, Barnstable, Belchertown, Natick, Northampton, Carlisle, Haverhill, Saugus, and Stoughton all imposed bus fees."That's a third of all the systems 5 years ago. And things have probably changed since then. A big-time change is the economy, insecurity felt on the part of town residents that their jobs will be there tomorrow, the inability of town residents (any town) to pay increased taxes to support town services, and cut-backs in those same town services due to..., well.., less money to work with. Norfolk is not alone in seeking fees for services that used to be considered part of what we paid taxes to get. There are a lot of towns struggling with this dilemma.
Unless there is a proven absence of a safe walking route for children
living in a certain area, I don't think a lawsuit will gain anything. If
there is no safe route for these same children, town and school
administrators should be engaged in some serious rethinking.
In determining where bus service can affordably be provided, a line has
to be drawn somewhere, and somebody ain't gonna be happy. That's life.
In determining where bus service can be cancelled, safe walking routes
should trump the money thing.
I was under the impression that public school was for all, regardless of
income. If the town is going to charge students to ride the bus, and it
seriously effects a child's ability to get to school each day, you might
as well just start charging tuition to attend public school. Is that
legal? Those who can afford it will get a Norfolk education, those who
can't get there will just fend for themselves. My children have a right
to attend school regardless of my ability to pay the bus fee. My
children will not be walking down Union street to the town center. It's
much too dangerous for an adult, how could anyone think that it would be
safe for elementary school children? The same is true for other main
roads around town. I also feel that the 2 mile radius is ridiculous. I
grew up in a city where we all walked to school. The keyword here is
"city". Walking even one block on a winding, narrow road could be
considered more dangerous than walking over 2 miles on lesser traveled
roads or roads with sidewalks. My oldest did just that when he attended
the middle school. I cannot count the number of close calls that he had
walking to school each day. There is no bus stop for the kids who live
along King street from Chickadee to Union Street. While it's true that
other towns have eliminated their buses, I am willing to bet that those
towns have a denser population and are heavily sidewalked. For those of
you who have raised children in Norfolk, or in any other public school
system... I 'll tell you what I tell my children's own grandparents.
"When your children attended school, somebody else in town (without
children) paid taxes and helped to fund your children's education... Now
it's your turn to help the younger generation."
I know how hard times are
right now for those on a fixed income, but we are talking about a very
basic thing here... not a fancy school that we don't need or sprucing up
the town center. I would never ask those in need to pay for something
like that. But this is about providing ALL children with a chance for an
education. Not just those that can pay for it. I really believe that
buses are a necessity.
Dear Norfolk School Committee members:
It's easy to maintain, park, and ride. I register it at RMV for 2
years ($40.00). A regular driver's license and a DOT helmet is required.
It can go on any road, except major highways.
Mine gets about 99 miles to the gallon, and I think most of them are
close to that. I purchased mine from Red Streak, on Rte 1, near the
Walpole/Norwood line(N bound).
Oh! dare I say it - I'm 65 years old, and my kids think I'm a nut case,
but they aren't paying for the gas in my guzzler!
Please send your suggestion about the daily use to the School Committee
members. Right now I think it's an all-or-nothing proposal. The School
Committee really does want to hear your creative solutions to our budget
shortfall problems so e-mail them at
schoolcommittee@norfolk.k12.ma.us
and tell them what you think about the bus fee idea.
[And, in a follow-up:]
The answer to the
question is as follows: The beach is open to Norfolk residents for $4
per person for a day pass or $100.00 per season for a family. It is
open Mon-Sun 10am-7pm. It closes for the season at the end of August.
Anything that rings would work just fine.
Thanks!
Nursery Web Spiders
I am not clear about how much this will end up costing me. Does anyone
know the proposed fee per child?
Is there a break if you have two or more kids in the schools? Would
the fee be paid in lump sum or can it
be spread out throughout the year?
Also, if we decide not to use the bus service and save the money, is
there a program where you pay to ride for
only the days you use the bus? For instance if I cannot pick up my kids
one day, can they take the bus and
pay a fee for daily usage? Kind of like the lunch program. You pay $2
per lunch. Just wondering. That option
may be better for us.
To: LMM. On second thought, perhaps I will do some more research re:
wolf spiders... Thanks.
To: LMM Okay, did my research... not a wolf spider... next, but thanks
all the same... PRR
2. Did you vote in the two recent town elections?
BA: Yes, because of my work schedule (I often travel Monday through
Friday), I voted by absentee ballot. And as someone asked - I voted for
both overrides.
3. Did you attend ANY days of the town meeting?
BA: I am doing my best to make our ends meet, so my work schedule did
not allow me to attend Town Meeting.
4. Do you attend school committee meeting (or any town meeting)?
BA: See the above, please.
5. Did you complete and return the bus fee survey from the school
committee(its not too late)?
BA: To my knowledge, I did not receive such a survey. Now if the brains
of the outfit (my wife) received such a thing, I am sure she completed
it.
I doubt you are the first to consider legal action against a town for
charging a bus fee so do your homework first. Hey, here is a better
idea, eliminate the school bus altogether. Oh, that's been done too.
Yep, Randolph did that a year or two ago.
BA: I am all for that, too! At least it would apply equally to all.
I have always been very politically active in local, state, and national
politics. While I consider Town Meeting an antiquated way of running a
town (given the nature of employment these days and that so many
travel), I respect the institution and abide by its rulings. But as I
understand the bus fee, it is a fiat, not a vote.
Thanks for your interest in my civics life!
I was thinking it might be a brown recluse and after googling I discovered
that there are actually 11 different native species of the brown spider in the
US. They are usually found farther south, but they have been known to be
brought into this state. There are many myths about the brown recluse spider.
One cannot always identify it by the assumed violin design on top. They are
sometimes called "Violin or Fiddleback Spiders because SOME species have a
violin-like mark on the top of the cephalothorax." But the key point is that
colored markings are not a definitive identifier. The eyes, the six eyes, that is
usually the give-away feature. I also read that, "Although there are
suspected variations in virulence among the species, all Loxosceles spiders should be
considered potentially capable of producing dermonecrosis to some extent.
(Arachnids Submitted as Suspected Brown Recluse Spiders (Araneae: Sicariidae):
Loxosceles Spiders Are Virtually Restricted to Their Known Distributions but
Are Perceived to Exist Throughout the United States)..."
I studied my photos, of which I took many... and saw that there were
actually, four eyes on top and then
two on the bottom, but the body confused me... also, I don't know...
What is this spider... I didn't want to murder it... but, hey, my bath tub is
off limits... especially when I am in it!
Thanks!
Assuming you heard the one about the Norfolk townie who made it out of town
for the first time when he enrolled at KP High? He gets to campus and asks
"Where's the library at?" The Principal tells him "Here at KP we don't end
our sentences with prepositions." And you know how the rest goes.
So about the tricked out ambulance lights... Consider the following possible
reality. There are 2 ambulance manufacturers, Acme and AAA. Acme builds
ambulances only for Massachusetts towns, and every nut and bolt is built
exactly to state specs. Acme builds 1,000 ambulances a year, and sells them
for $50,000. AAA builds ambulances for 50 states. Using a single production
model, they built to the highest specification, from all 50 states, for
every single component. AAA builds 100,000 ambulances per year, and sells
them for $40,000.
With these possibilities, Norfolk could have purchased an ambulance which
exceeds the state specifications in every single category for less money
than buying one which only met state specifications.
What's my point? I know absolutely nothing about what the town did or did
not pay for the ambulance. I know absolutely nothing about the
specifications. I would venture to guess that not a single reader, save for
the fire chief, knows any of these details either. Yet these
examples/observations/premises, however you'd like to term them, are
constantly used here to "document" the waste and mismanagement of tax
dollars, and therefore used as fodder for the
let's-teach-them-a-lesson-crowd.
Substitute tricked-out-ambulance-lights for any issue we have faced lately
and we've got similar examples posted here. And, I am extremely disappointed
and disheartened that we will not be able to adequately fund basic school
curriculums or improve the public safety infrastructure for our own benefit,
in large part (my opinion) to this sentiment. Not just on this site, but at
town meeting, at DD, and everywhere else you go. What's worse is that it's
progressed to the next step of let's cut EMS/ALS, let's cut street sweeping,
let's cut the town from defending itself against lawsuits, let's cut the
road repair, and on and on.
I would personally prefer to have less money in my pocket and live in a
nicer community than the opposite. This will ultimately pay you a dividend
in the form of increased home values, and you'll come out ahead financially.
But I am obviously in the minority here with these beliefs.
I don't consider a potential lawsuit about this issue frivolous. It's
not like I spilled coffee on myself and claimed to be unaware that
coffee is served hot.
When I moved to Norfolk, I was aware of the high taxes, lack of services
that many other towns provide their taxpayers, decent schools, and the
utter lack of sidewalks. I was concerned about the lack of sidewalks,
but there was a school bus that picked up all children who wanted to
ride that way, so my decision to buy a home where I did was influenced
by that fact. Had I been informed that there was a fee for all kids to
ride the bus, I still would've bought the house where I am now. Had I
been told that if I moved to the end of the road, I wouldn't need to pay
that fee, well, you can bet I would've moved to the end of the road!
And again, I state that I will gladly (well, not gladly, but without too
much grumbling) pay a fee to use the bus, providing that all parents
whose children taking the bus have to pay this same fee. However, to
penalize those of us who bought a home within this "magic circle" by
changing the rules without any say in the matter, I feel is unfair.
Now I suppose, to demonstrate the error of their ways and to address and
remedy my wrongs, I could run over the Selectmen or School Committee
members while they are walking along Rockwood Road on the way to work.
However, that would be uncivilized, arguably immoral, completely messy,
and I couldn't afford the surcharge. So yeah, while it wasn't my first
thought (as you can tell from the above), a lawsuit does seem to be an
option.
Because it's my understanding that this fee, unlike the recent override,
is not up for a vote, but will be installed by decree. Put it to a vote,
and I will abide by the decision - whatever it is.
Your comment about a rebate for the bus fee is specious. You are asking
for a rebate for a fee you are admittedly not paying. Thus, there can be
no discrimination (forgetting the precedence for that with the recent
stimulus/tax rebate checks where people who didn't pay taxes got money
back).
Your argument about the real estate taxes is slightly more on the mark.
However, when we moved into this town, indeed, into Massachusetts, we
knew that the real estate taxes, among other things, supported the
schools, and we all pay our $13.01 per $1,000 (in 2002, anyway). No one
has suggested changing the tax rates so that you're paying real estate
taxes, and, because I live a certain distance from the town hall, I will
not.
I hope, MH, that I've made my reasoning a bit more clear, and that I
write, with respect, to explain my position. You are, of course, free to
disagree. That's another great thing about our system! It is ever so
much better than chalk lines on Rockwood Road.
PS: I most certainly do not know everything - however my mother does.
PPS: Bonus points for anyone who can identify which of the above fallacy
types describes the following argument:
Statement 1: Massachusetts sets standards for ambulance lighting
Why does filing a law suit have to be the first thing that people think
about when they do not agree with something? There are all kinds of
inequalities in the world that people just need to learn to live with. I
don't have kids in the schools, should the town have to give me the bus fee
rebate because I don't use the service? If they don't, wouldn't that be
discrimination against those of us that don't have kids? I think I should
get a rebate on my property taxes too since I don't use the school system.
I
don't use the library as much as some others, perhaps I am due another
rebate. There are many people in the town that do not have the same benefits
that you have. Give me a break.
Perhaps there is an answer for monetary assistance with the bus fee for
those who are within two miles and simply can not afford to pay. A
scholarship of sorts, based on need. Something tells me though that if you
are looking to file a law suit, you probably would not qualify. I would give
money to the town for the frivolous lawsuit fund and then boot those that
file such suits right out of town. Wait, would that be discrimination?
I live less than 2 miles from the schools, yet there are no sidewalks
for the majority of the walk to the Freeman from where I live, and
minimal to the H. Olive Day. Quite simply, it isn't safe for my
children to walk to school (or anyone else's children who live in my
neighborhood).
Yet, as I understand it, because I live within the Magic Circle, I
will have to pay the town to provide transportation, or provide it
myself.
Now, I have no problem paying the town or providing transportation
myself providing I am NOT being discriminated against because of my
domestic residency beliefs!
And if we color that magic circle on a map to indicate who will pay
versus who will not, I am now being discriminated against because of
my color!
Where's Al Sharpton? Where's Jesse Jackson? No justice, no peace!
All kidding aside, as much as I hate to cost the town (or myself!)
additional money on a "frivolous" lawsuit, I will do more than protest
this fee, I will sue.
"6/29 5:59pm Hi... Would you please post that letter from Alan Shaw... How disgusting; I have been saying for some time now that we need 5 Selectmen on the board -- the 3-some is too intimidating... It sure sounds like "If you don't agree with us, we don't want you". . . ."I've been aware of Allan Shaw's work for many years and have always appreciated his unpretentious manner, his sincerity, and his genuine concern for the well-being of our town. For some time there's been a growing trend freely practiced by our political hierarchy filling all appointed--and elected--positions with submissive conformists; as of today, Mr. Shaw is just the most recent casualty on the side of honesty and integrity. As much as many of us will miss Allan's truly conscientious, unselfish and honorable efforts to preserve and protect what little is left of our most precious resources, our natural environment, I fully appreciate and salute his decision to follow one of the most worthy teaching, "To thine own self, be true." Good luck, Allan; I hope that we'll still see you around town, now unshackled, working to put Norfolk back on track.
I'm taking the liberty of attaching a photocopy of the text of Allan
Shaw's referenced letter written to the Norfolk Board of Selectmen. Mr.
Shaw is certainly not alone in his most astute observations of current
town affairs.
[From the letter: It is quite clear to me that the Board has little interest in knowledge and experience as qualifications for the Commission. The Board is basing its decisions on appointment on political reasons and personal prejudices. Candidates will only be considered if they fit the political criteria that the Board members set. The Town loses the services of really good candidates because of that and is poorer for it. The Commission will be weaker and less effective as a result.]
The next fight, of course, is schools and I am sure I wouldn't want to be
one of the new school committee members - my hat is off to you. A lot of
schools in many other towns are facing similar problems, most have had
busing fees in place for a long time; we should be thrilled that we have not
had them up until, it looks like, perhaps, now. It seems to me that our
schools are doing ok, maybe not as well as we would like, but pretty good.
All in all, Norfolk is not such a bad place to live. I think the people are
nice here, the school system decent, good commuting with the train nearby,
fair housing prices, a nice, pretty area. So many things can be improved
upon, true; however, can't that be said of any town?
I am dismayed by the amount of trash that I have seen along the roadways in
town lately. I actually witnessed one car throw some trash out the window,
but could not catch up with them as they were speeding as well as littering.
Looked like kids, though. Remember way back, maybe in the 70's when they
showed a commercial with people littering and a Native American Indian
crying? I loved that commercial. That's how I felt the day I saw them
throwing the trash, like crying. (Yes, I did stop and pick it up--it was a
McDonald's bag)
I am glad to see the street sweepers out, even in this economy; sand on the
road is not safe for anyone, even pedestrians. Will you all just quit
complaining about every little thing anyone does? It is really getting very
petty. I mean you have a right to complain about how your tax dollars are
being spent, but really, come on.
So those are my random thoughts for now; I wish you all a safe and happy
summer. Keep smiling, enjoy the sunshine and be happy! It is summer!
This web site has come under fire by some who have either misread
it or decided to personalize it. It is not, nor has it ever been, a
global condemnation of the NPS. It simply describes my direct
experiences over the past several years in regard to special education
services. Whatever one may feel about SPED services, it is my belief
that no one should have to endure what my family has gone through.
As some of you may remember, I have been pulling together a support
group for parents of disabled and special needs children. If I can
get some interest over the summer, I may try to set up a meeting.
It is my hope that with the upcoming change in Upper Management,
the climate may become better for those of us who have had difficulties
with the administration (not service providers) of special education.
Please contact me at
info@truthaboutsped.org.
Yes, it clearly tells me that you don't understand the issues at hand...
state aid cuts combined with certain expenses far outpacing overall
inflation.
Please, enough of
[. . .]
However, you're using other people's money, who do care.
Some on here proceed to demonize all those people that voted no by
saying they don't care about our kids or our police or our firemen.
Why is it that almost no one on here holds your elected officials
responsible? Another person noted that the budget has increased
more than 6% and that inflation is only a little over 3%. Does this
tell you anything?
I pointed out two areas in my post, and so far the only one that has
stirred anybody is the fire department. All I'm saying is to think
about it, do you as a town really need this? And you answered by
voting no. Enough said.
Yes, I am a former resident but for some reason I do still take
pride in Norfolk. All of my friends and their families have for the
most part moved out of town because of the cost or just to downsize.
None of them care an ounce about what goes on there. They laugh at
me because I have a Boomerang subscription. They haven't even driven
through the town in 10 years, even though they spent 20 years living
there and all their memories of their childhood are there.
The vote is over and I felt I needed to say something for personal
reasons. I won't bother any of you in the future. CJG, you have no
idea who I am so to call me completely misinformed is okay by me.
You can choose to hear me or not. I am aware of the situation both
past and present and my information is not as misimformed as you
may think.
To all of you who are trying to change the spending habits, my hat
is off to you. Don't let people make you feel bad for trying to fix
this problem. You work hard for your money and gladly pay over
what you owe and then you expect your leaders to do what's right
with it. It's not about kids and firemen. If your money was used
right in the first place, we wouldn't even be needing a forum like
this.
AD: One more thing, there are a lot of people, hard working, who
have to work Christmas day, Thanksgiving day, nights away from their
families and every weekend, making 10 bucks an hour or less, just
trying to survive. A lot of people work 10-12 hour days, every day
with no resting except for lunch and 15 minute breaks. Get back to
reality, stop looking at life through your obviously small window.
As one other on here said, not a bad job considering the pension.
How many private companies even offer a pension any more? 401k and
that's it for the most part. So you work 2 days (48 hours) a week,
get to sleep, get paid a very good salary and get a pension. Now,
don't take what I said the wrong way (I know someone will), I do
believe firemen work very hard sometimes, but so do alot of others
who don't get a 1/4 of what they do.
I must have missed the item in the water report detailing the hallucinogen
levels in our water supply, but there seem to be a lot of crazies coming out
of the woodwork these days.
For everyone now wrapped up on if $1.50 of your tax dollars were flushed
away while a firefighter rested between calls, why don't we just end the
socialism approach to public safety. Privatize the police and fire, and we
can subscribe to tiered service offerings. Entry level pricing will send the
police to your house only after a DD run, and the firemen will only try to
save the primary subscriber and not any freeloading dependents.
With this approach (it's called thinking outside of the box, JS), anyone who
is unhappy with the rampant waste of the tax dollars can simply opt-out.
The messages are continued
in the archives, (here).
.
Old items are archived.
9/7 Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Opening Day - Sunday, September 7th. Mark your calendars - this is a free event for all Lions Soccer players and their families! 9/21 September 21 - 4th Annual Dunkin Donuts DARE to Run 5K & 1K Fun Run - www.norfolkdare2run.com |
.
Keep it brief, and in case of doubt, refer to our
Ad Posting Guidelines.
Items older than one month are archived here.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I will respect your home and I will keep your home neat and clean during
the painting process. I have painted so many interiors in Norfolk and
have great references.
Dependable, Thorough & Honest
