Monday, December 18, 2006
problems with the charter changes!
Let me be the first to say that the passage of this proposed charter change will become a major problem for our towns infrastructor. Lets look at this scenerio. The town negotiates with the 7 unions and works on a deal for a 3% cost of living increase in FY 07 FY08 FY09. Lets say the charter passes and it takes into effect in 08. lets say the voters vote NO on a budget and then the follwing year No again. You have a flat line budget for 2 years but already agreed to pay the unions thier cost of living increase. Guess what gets cut first folks-Yes roads don't get done and capital programs don't get done- the part that is scary is that by the time your roadway is in such dis-repair the folks who brought you this change of goverment will be long gone. The very sad thing at that time will be when folks get mad- who do you turn to? Town council you say-The answer from them will be " don't blame me, the people voted down the budget. And then our goverment will be pitting one neighborhood against another. Folks, If you want change then vote on your council rep seat- Don't take this town backwards because to straighten it out again will be very costly and remember you have plenty of times to be heard in our current form of goverment-Don't let them tell you different.
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14 comments:
What a GREAT forum! I am just as appalled as your fellow councilor Ms. Fairbanks that SHE would be offended by FREE SPEECH! YOU GO!
Thanks from a Derry Citizen!!!
I fully support this blog and your right to speak your mind!!! In life we find two kinds of people, those who want to be free and those who want to constrain. Shame on any council member who supports the latter.
Freedom of speech is the foundation of a functioning democracy, and internet bullies shouldn't use this to stifle legitimate free expression!!
Every citizen of Derry should ask themselves these questions: What are Councilor Coyle and Councilor Fairbanks afraid of? What are they trying to hide? The truth or the lies?
I tend to agree that the charter changes can cause major financial issues when the residents (who are feed up) continue to vote down tax increases. I think the charter should not flat line to the previous years budget, but rather include an inflation growth of 2-3 percent. The main issue is that the town has no long term strategy ... I mean who needs a drug store on every corner! The drug problem in Derry is on the bike path! Capital inprovements and trading 'favors' with developers is the main issue!
My taxes in Derry are $13,400 / Year!! The council keeps voting in bond after bond. I vote in EVERY election and it doesn't seem to matter. 'New School, please please please, we won't bond another project till its paid off'. Short memories these people have.
Thanks for the Blog, glad I found it!!
Greetings from Danville, where we have an unofficial town web site: SpeakoutDanville.
One of our 3 sponsors is *selectman* Shawn O'Neil.
Why is it that some people feel you have to check your civil rights at the door in order to participate in town government?
SHORT MEMORIES...TELL ME ABOUT IT...VOTE FOR LOWER TAXES..VOTE FOR FAIRBANKS..GIVE ME A BREAK! I DONT PAY LESS...I PAY MORE..THANKS JAN AND ALL OTHER COUNCILORS FOR THAT ONE!!!!!!
VOTE FOR LOWER TAXES..VOTE FOR FAIRBANKS...WHAT A JOKE! SHORT MEMORIES IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS COUNCIL HAS...I CAN'T WAIT TO VOTE MOST OF THEM OUT!!!
Brian although you don't come out and say it and never would (because to do so would offend those you serve with) but we all know that good government is not for the people but by the people. We don't need closed doors, we don't need secret meetings. We need honesty and above all else involvement in our lives and in our communities. You have given the people a chance for that. I have dealt with you in the Real Estate circles and you were upfront and honest in what sometimes can be anything but that. You will most likely be railroaded for the very traits that make you a well thought of human being. I hope the people you try so hard to protect do the same for you.
Good luck
Dennis Reid
Brian,
I completely suppory tour right to free speech.
I also support the proposed charter change. It provides for a check and balance against the town council. The whole point is the voters get to make the decision. The whole problem boils down to your last sentence. We have time to speak in our current form of government. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the majority of the council is listening.
Tom Seidell
BC-
I'm home from college for a few weeks and today I was able to read the Derry News. On the front page was the story about this blog. I think it is sad that you are being criticized for doing a good thing. People deserve to know exactly where a councilor stands on the issues. Whether or not Coyle and Fairbanks agree with what you are saying, they should applaud you for being a good councilor and a good leader. I would rather hear them offer constructive comments on the issues, and not petty attacks on a productive public servant. Derry does not need partisan thinkers and actors like Fairbanks and Coyle. Derry needs the open sharing of ideas and healthy debate. Thank you for promoting good government. Keep up the good work.
Matthew LeFrancois
II Friday's edition of the Derry News there was a comment regarding the posting of comments before council votes. While I appreciate cnclrs Fairbanks' and Coyle's concerns, I fail to see what harm is imposed by this blog. It offers another medium for voters to see how their council works. What are the others trying to hide?
I don't consider myself a supporter of BC, but I do agree with the point that Coyle and Fairbanks have not brought any positive changes to the council.
Last year I was in favor of the Charter idea, but after watching the two of them in action this year I am going to be very careful how I vote.
I think there is a direct link to the lack of production by the Town Council and the loss of a superb administrator. I believe this lack of production is directly tied to Coyle and Fairbanks.
i would very much like the tc to have an open forum someday at the high school on a sat.where all the informed taxpayers could suggest ways to cut spending,you now,for example ,having ladder trucks that belong to our fire dept ,stop picking up birthday cakes with two men.stop sending pentions to the lakes region to criminals,and stop hiring people outside the town to hold office.these are only a few cost saving measures .say the rest of a few hundred taxpayers come up with 2 each.the town would have a good start on common sense buggeting.
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