FOOTNOTE:
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Comment has circulated in a discussion forum, nemasket regarding the finalists and previous comments link to what others are reporting: Middleboro: Impressive Choices!
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The relationship with the Town Manager is intimate and one assumes relatively long term.
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Those who followed the previous BOS fiasco and embarrassment, are more than familiar with the inability of the Middleboro BOS to function effectively.
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Little questioned was the current Town Manager from Mansfield whose actions created a judgement against Mansfield yet to be resolve and legal fees being negotiated.
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The failure of the Search Committee, chaired by Wayne Perkins, known for his failure to do his due diligence, overlooked the issues in Mansfield. That begs the questions of what else they overlooked.
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When the issue was raised in the discussion forum, the following is the response from the editor of the local weekly newspaper, the Middleboro Gazette (emphasis mine):
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WildRice
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:52 am
Quote:
Another candidate, John D'Agostino, Town Manager of Mansfield seems to be having problems with political enemies in that town. According to the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, he seems to be the impetus for a nasty recall election in progress there. No details were given, however.
WildRice
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:52 am
Quote:
Another candidate, John D'Agostino, Town Manager of Mansfield seems to be having problems with political enemies in that town. According to the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, he seems to be the impetus for a nasty recall election in progress there. No details were given, however.
At Rotary last night I talked to Bob Saquet, who is town moderator in Mansfield. He said the problem in Mansfield is with a couple local "characters" and not with the town manager, who has behaved very well under pressure and has been on the job for 10 years. From his resume and what I have heard about him from search committee members he is very impressive. Seems like everyone should at least look at the interviews before making a judgment. Yunits, on the other hand...I got him on the phone yesterday morning. He's the lead story in today's Gazette (still only 50 cents).
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Bob Saquet ..... said the problem in Mansfield is with a couple local "characters" and not with the town manager,
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WR, some of us have heard Mr. Saquet speak and fail to consider his words the last authority on ANY issue impacting Middleboro. Sometimes, when you allow personal relationships to color your professional judgement, you fail your task.
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There are some who might wonder how Mr. Saquet ever stopped talking long enough to hear any facts.
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It would seem from a journalistic standpoint, you have failed once again to do your homework.
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Have you reviewed the lawsuit and judgement? Why did you fail to comment in the Gazette article?
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Those couple of local "characters" were not adequate to compel a Recall, as can be said of Middleboro's Recall that you repeatedly condemned to support the Whizz Bang Team of Financial Geniuses currently whining about the need for an override because they can't balance their own checkbooks.
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D'Agostino caused a judgement against Mansfield.
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How many more judgements can Middleboro afford? Some of the information included in the Executive Sessions the BOS refuses to release are applicable to previous legal fees and judgements. No wonder they refuse to release them for voters to see.
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What's happened to the 2 cases that are pending in Middleboro -- the former Town Accountant and the one against the Veteran's Agent? In both of those cases, you have taken a snarky editorial position to defend the Town even though evidence seems to indicate otherwise.
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Were D'Agostino applying for the position AFTER appeals and settlements were concluded, it might be an appropriate discussion. But now? Credentials and resumes don't count, when facts seem otherwise.
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Of Mr. Yunits' relationship with the Liberty Square Group, The Middleboro Gazette reports that the Chairman of Selectmen Adam Bond was unaware of the relationship.
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No wonder Middleboro was easy pickings for international investors who perceived the Town as uninformed hicks. No one seems willing to prove otherwise by doing their research.
34 comments:
They're going to interview the candidates on Saturday and make a decision, but haven't done there homework? Is anyone surprised? I didn't vote for them and won't next time around. This is why.
The town has to do more research about the professional ball team Yunits was involved with before making a decision.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than Jack Healey .....
Bob Saquet knows so much, he should do somethng abot his dumpy buildings.
MR---You have raised some very valid question not only about the candidates, but of the whole process of searching for, interviewing, and appointing a TM. It seems critical that at this crucial time in our town's history that we know as much as possible about the public records, history, and associations of each applicant before a selection is made.
Therefore the question of how much background checking the Search Committee has done is relevant. Better to take time and err on the side of caution than make a regrettable mistake that could impact this town for years to come. The need for transparency is paramount and it is extremely important that the BOS reveal the minutes of their Executive Session to the public before making any decisions or announcements.
I do not know Mr. Sacquet or the editor of the Gazette, but a casual impressionistic endorsement of any candidate seems inadequate and premature. It's what we don't know that concerns me, and personal opinions are just that.
I would encourage every resident to make the effort to attend Saturday's interviews of the candidates. If, after listening, residents have any concerns or questions, residents can ask the BOS to address them in whatever way is appropriate. Remember this is OUR town and we have every right to be involved in the process. I am not at all comfortable with accepting paternalistic decisions without residents being allowed to give their imput. The press has already raised questions that need to be addressed.
I guess when you question local pundits and powers that be, you become a "character". To paraphrase an old adage, Prophets are seldom accepted in their own town.
Backroom deals to sell land, refusal to allow public discussion, gavelled to silence, rushed deals, rushed agreement, refusal to allow public questions, rushed plans at BIA, and now this? When Wayne Perkins endorses anyone, watch out!
Hmmm.........seems curious that the interviews are taking place while much of the town is on vacation. Coincidence?
We stopped our subscription to the Gazette for many reasons but the bias was clear. An online news source is needed similar to cape cod today. The people involved in the process were either too lazy to do the research or thought we were too stupid to figure it out.
Mr. Saquet, You don't live in Middleboro. This decision will not affect someone who just does business here as much as it will impact residents. Save your bloviations for Mansfield. BTW, I understand that many residents there are very upset by chronic, unaddressed complaints about the problems caused by youthful patrons of the Tweeter Center. Are you listening to the people in your own town?
Does anyone do their homework in Middleboro? Unfortunately not the ones who make the decisions!
I thought newspapers were supposed to give a fair, balanced, objective viewpoint. Oops! I forgot! This is Middleboro!
I, for one, am getting rather fed up with Ms. Lopes misguided opinions. She asked another narcissist about an issue and that works for her? She seems to attract and admire them! Someone has an issue.
My subscription to MG is almost up. I think I will skip it next year, or until there is a more balanced approach. Remember, less than 50% voted for the current group of jokers. That's a large group of readers.
anonymous 6:24PM, You got that right! We stopped it after the TMFH when MG looked like the Welcome Wagon for the Rapist. Neutral?
It is alarming that the editor of the local paper relied on the comments of others when information is publicly available and widely circulated on both of the 2 questionable candidates.
Shame on all.
New Mansfield Crossing seems to have something to do with our candidate. I think a little more investigation may turn up a little issue. Seems that Mr D is not that well respected among the townspeople and his character is being questioned. Research is required before jumping the gun
If the BOS had done their homework, Jack Healey wouldnt have been hired and this town would have been beter off. We endured 20 years to get rid of him and now more of the same?
I will NEVER vote for anothr incumbent in this town -- EVER.
There's enough information about yunits and dagostino to eliminate both of them just from the internet. What going on here? Stupidity or just plain greed?
What we do not need is somebody that will give the casino backers what they want, when they want it, just to turn it inot a job after he decides he doesn't want to be manager any more. Yunits fought to get the Brockton Rox into the city, then forgave a payment to the city of $800,000 and then became the teams president after he was no longer mayor. And to hire a manager with a discrimination lawsuit loss against him is asking for trouble.
Who's on that Search Committee? Don't these people have computers? This reeks of a Wayne Perkins' backroom deal. Haven't we had enough?
This says it all in my opinion. We do not need more of this type of controversy.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/10/21/judge_official_must_pay_worker_who_sued/?page=2
If the BOS even seriously considers 2 of the candidates, they will define themselves as the uninformed clowns they have become. And Minnie Mae's comments? Who voted for her? Oh, I forgot! Oak Point where they don't pay taxes and live in a gated community and don't participate.
Bet you won't see them at Town Meeting because there's no issue that Darmon will feed and bus them to vote for.
According to Jane, the problem with D'Agostino is a couple local "characters" and has nothing to do with a judgement against Mansfield? I'm glad you said it, Jane. And I'm glad we let our subscription lapse after all the slanted coverage. It's still only 50 cents because that's what it's worth.
Much information has also been posted on the nemasket.net/forum regarding regarding Yunits and D'Agostino. Since, according to the Enterprise, the BOS is asking for public input on the candidates, may I suggest that residents tune into yesterday's interviews on local access tonight at 7, then communicate their thoughts to the BOS? So much is riding on this appointment. Community involvement is crucial.
Don't trust Yunits and D'Agostino. Too much baggage. Too much at risk to take a chance. Will definitely be watching the interviews closely tonight.
Did you catch the part where the TM from Mansfield said town employees pay 30% of their healthcare costs? plus $15 copays? And they eliminated the Quinn Bill?
Didn't Wayne Perkins extend the Quinn Bill to the Fire Dept?
We're just voters, but we're paying attention and we watched the pitiful performance of the candidates' interviews last night.
It is clear that not a single board member has interviewed for a job or interviewed other. The questions were weak, poorly worded, ill-conceived. It's clear no forethought was given to the process by a single board member.
Mini May sounds like a blond that they make all those jokes about.
Based on all available infromation, the nod should go to Costello.
You meant Lou Costello?
Wise choice!
Minnie May keeps asking about the downtown. Why doesn't she fix up the buildings she owns? Has anyone looked at them?
The same goes for Bob Saquet.
That should have been one of the least important questions that was asked.
MM is clearly in over her head.
We watched the broadcast of the clowns' performances last night and are deeply disturbed by their conduct. A great deal has transpired in all 3 municipalities during the tenure of the potential candidates yet not a single selectman asked an informed question.
My husband interviews and hires employees at work. If he did such a poor job, I dread the thought of those he would hire.
I, for one, am not satisfied with D'Agostino's explanation of his actions.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/12/03/his_notion_let_losers_pay_law_bills/
The charges involved sexual discrimination and harassment in the case of Stoyle, and wrongful termination in the case of Beliveau. Both cases are expected to be heard by the court next summer.
http://www.mansfieldma.com/selectmen/minutes/2005/February%209%202005.htm
I spent the day unpaking from vacation and trying to catch up on this issue. Did the BOS deliberatly do this during vacation week? They don't do their homework but make a decision in a week? Your post and comments provide some perspctive on the isue and we need more information.Inciedally we stopped our Gazete subscription last year and wont buy it again.
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