Lincoln Andrews: In response to anonymous comments ....

In response to anonymous comments posted initially by Lincoln Andrews, former Selectman, that were trivial, it seemed an answer was necessary.

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Lincoln, it's time to raise the level of discussion. Clearly, judging from my emails, others expected better of you.

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I have consistently heard two comments from you: 1. There is little that the BOS can do with the budget; 2. The Town needs a Prop 2 1/2 Override.

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Are those solutions? I think not!

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Following are edited comments:

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Well, Striper, since you put this front and center, let me comment further.
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Those comments originated from a poster who is posting under the name of 'Yes' in that other venue.

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He was posting under the name of 'Roots' on the nemasket forum until I challenged several questionable statements made by him.

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One of those statements indicated the intent of the town to sell house lots on the Fuller St property to reimburse the town for the cost of buying the land to prevent a 40B subdivision.

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That property LACKS road frontage.

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When I asked 'Roots' how the town could sell house lots without road frontage, he failed to respond and deleted his membership.

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That poster is Lincoln Andrews, a former Selectman who as a former member of the Planning Board should be fully aware that road frontage is required.

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He failed to explain his comments.

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So, it seems that Lincoln Andrews, rather than making informed comments would rather toss out uninformed information and criticism.

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Lincoln Andrews passed me on his way out of the COA last night and certainly could have questioned why I was standing in the hallway.

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It happened to be during a period when questions were being asked about the casino agreement.

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In my opinion, there is a Town that needs to be run regardless of what happens -- casino or no.

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The casino process appears beyond the control of the BOS at this time and there are many others involved who will determine its outcome, but not the BOS.

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Instead, Lincoln chose to make up nonsense because he lacks any substance and is incapable of adhering to the issues.

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Lincoln, how about let's talk about the issues and money?

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The current Board of Selectmen have grossly neglected MANY significant issues in the governing process to the detriment of the Town.

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It has cost YOU the taxpayer money by their neglect.

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Tax bills were sent out 3 months' late because of the BOS actions/inactions.

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Do you believe that's defensible, Lincoln? Are you content to accept issues such as that without comment? What about the $150,000 it cost the town?

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The recommendations contained in the Department of Revenue Report and the previous Auditors' Reports have been ignored.

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Sending out tax bills promptly and adopting Quarterly Tax Billing should produce an additional + $300K per year, depending on interest rates.

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Better fiscal management will improve the town's bond rating.

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It's not sexy or glamorous, but it's a hidden cost YOU as a taxpayer absorb.

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Wasn't it Lincoln Andrews who asked about a Prop 2 1/2 override?

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I agree with Steve McKinnon FULLY and will support a Prop 2 1/2 override 5 days after hell freezes over!

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I saw a COD oil truck yesterday that announced a gallon of home heating fuel for $3.74.

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We have friends, in new homes, buying 100 gallons of home heating fuel at a time because of the costs.

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This is NOT the time to ask anyone for more money, UNLESS AND UNTIL EVERY DIME HAS BEEN SQUEEZED OUT OF THE BUDGET.

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It's time to run the town with the cooperation of ALL to the best of our ability.

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And it's time to focus on the dull and boring dollars we're misspending.

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And, Lincoln, it's time to discard your petty nonsense and address the substantive issues, like money and solutions.

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It's not sexy, but the facts are rather dull and boring -- it's about money and what we can do by working with ALL departments to improve the town's fiscal condition.

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Whether ANYONE attends or has attended Town Meeting in the past, does not excuse tax bills being sent out 3 months late. Nor does it excuse the inaction on important issues.

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The next several years will be difficult for many and not easy for municipalities.

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Let's not continue to get bogged down in your trivial anonymous attacks for which you're becoming known, but work to move forward and accomplish what needs to be done.

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We need every single idea and suggestion that is offered instead of trivial attacks. And townspeople have presented some constructive suggestions. It's time to listen.

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'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead