Past News:

Selectmen and Fire Union Reach Agreement on Captain Doug Campbell

(Settlement Letter from Selectmen's Legal Counsel to Fire Union here)
Selectman Chairman Dick Levine and Peter Denneno of FF Union 1512: Their Views ( Letters)

The "Joint Statement" (submitted by SFD Union 1512 illustrating changes made by town) (Here)

Statement Released by Firefighters Union 1512 to Residents (Here)

From Peter Denneno: "This shows we in fact did not back out the town did. This from our attorney to town council confirming what they wanted." (HERE)

From Dick Levine. "Perhaps Mr. Denneno should get together with the union's attorney so they are in concert as to what their decisions are.  So far they have not been on the same page." (HERE)

PREVIOUSLY:

Media Packed Fire Union Press Event at VFW on Friday (2/29)

FIRE UNION CALLS STOUGHTON "THE MOST UNPATRIOTIC TOWN IN AMERICA"

(HERE)

Click Here for Video

Although this writer is in full support of Capt. Doug Campbell getting paid the difference between his military pay and salary in town---and his full benefits-- it does appear that some negotiation (give and take) has to take place here. Calling out Stoughton as "the most unpatriotic town in America" is inflammatory, untrue, and so negative as to reinforce the "Banana Republic" crap heard here the past few years. it does not reflect well on our fire department, which I consider to be one of the best in the State.

Selectman Chairman Dick Levine writes, "We have offered more but the union has rejected everything we have put on the table.  They want him to receive full pay (above and beyond his military pay), health insurance, and all the other benefits he would be getting if he were working for the SFD, like uniform cleaning allowance, accrued sick time and vacation time, earned time for not having called in sick, and the list goes on. What they want should have been included in the collective bargaining agreements.  Where was the union during the past two bargaining agreements when they should have presented their case?  Now they want to go way beyond what their agreement calls for."

Adds Selectman John Kowalczyk, "It's obvious that facts should never get in the way of their agenda. Doug Campbell is getting paid. The town (town meeting) has not adopted any laws that he mentions. The town fathers have voted months ago to pay him and to continue his health insurance for his family during his deployment even though the only thing we are required to do is to hold his job open for him. Nothing more! It's the union that is dragging their feet. They should all be ashamed of themselves for propagating this misinformation and dragging the good name of the Town of Stoughton through the mud."

But, one fire union official told Snyder's Stoughton, "We're just sick of being nickeled and dimed by the Board. Capt. Campbell is putting his life on the line for his country, and paying him what's fair is the least his town can do." Stoughton Firefighters Local 1512 president Peter Denneno said, "The town has not paid Captain Campbell or his family anything. Despite the 2001 policy, he has not been paid the difference of his town salary and military pay. He has not been given benefits. In fact, if his union brothers had not been covering his shifts, he would not be getting paid at all. Brave soldiers fighting overseas should not have to worry about bills being paid back home."

At a media-heavy event held at the VFW Post at noon today (2/29), the FireFighters Local and State leaders toned the rhetoric about the town down low, but turned it up on officials. "This is the most unpatriotic board of selectmen and town manager in America," said Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts President Bobby McCarthy, adding, "This town puts everyone they have questions about on paid administrative leave. Why didn't they put Capt. Campbell on paid leave and asked a few questions afterwards?" No officials from town attended the event, other than Fire Chief David Jardin, who had no comment regarding the proceedings. Selectmen Joe Mokrisky, who was intrumental in the passing of the 2001 policy covering employees in the military, was a target of local union reps. But Mokrisky told Snyder's Stoughton, "It is very sad that the Stoughton Fire Fighters Union would stoop to lies, threats and imtimdation. The Town of Stoughton has and continues to stand by their employees and their families. We offered to pay the difference between Military and Town Pay, Full Insurance and Vacation Pay. The Union--Not the Town of Stoughton-- refused to sign the Memorandum of Agreement. My message to the Union: Give the residents and everyone involved all of the facts. You dishonor the sacrifices over all veterans when you make their service a political issue. To call the Town of Stoughton 'The most Unpatriotic Town in America' is disgraceful. You have dishonored yourselves and the residents you serve."

(Stoughton Firefighters Local 1512 President Letter To Board of Selectmen)

(Selectmen's Response To Stoughton Fire Dept. Local 1512 President)

TOWN PROPOSAL TO LOCAL 1512 (see notes below)

(Note from FF Buddy O'Neil regarding town proposal: "Our main concern is Sections 3, 8 and 9.)

(Note from Selectman Chairman Dick Levine: "Mark, The 'proposal' that you have posted on your web site at the request of the fire department is simply another example on their part of not telling the truth.  It was in no way to be considered as an actual agreement.  There were stipulations that it would not become one without the full consent of the Board of Selectmen.
That document was drawn up at the request of their attorney.  It was sent to him by myself and the Town Manager and union was told that if they were in favor of the document, we would recommend it to the full Board of Selectmen at our regular meeting to be held on March 4. If the Board was in agreement, it would then become a Memorandum of Agreement.  They never gave the document much of a chance and rejected it almost as soon as it was received by their attorney.  I could go on and on about the circumstances surrounding this document but I don't want this subject to be fought in the media.  It would serve no useful purpose. The original Memorandum of Agreement offered by the Board of Selectmen to the union is still on the table awaitng acceptance from the union.")

CHANNEL 25 STORY

Channel 5 Story

Channel 4 Story

Herald Story

Journal Story

Enterprise Story

Stoughton Firefighters Local 1512 President Peter Denneno addresses crowd at VFW (photos by Hank Herbowy)

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? Send it to snyderssstoughton@aol.com and see it (HERE)

UPDATE: Selectmen & Union Working It Out (story)

from the Professional FireFighters of MA Website:

PFFM members Paul Jacques, Attleboro Local 848 far left and Doug Campbell, Stoughton Local 1512, 2nd from right, stand with Iraqi soldiers at an airbase in Baghdad.

PFFM members descended on the Town of Stoughton at the VFW on Washington Street on Friday, February 29th in a show of support for Brother Doug Campbell.  PFFM President Bob McCarthy chastised the Stoughton Board of Selectmen as "the Most Unpatriotic Politicians in America" for not paying brother firefighter Doug Campbell while he is on active duty in a war zone.  Fire Captain Doug Campbell has been deployed to Iraq as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard since January 2008.  A Press Conference was held and was well attended by all of the major media outlets of the Greater Boston area who were in attendance with about 150 members of the PFFM on Red Shirt Friday to show our support for not only Brother Doug Campbell, but all of our troops who are currently serving in our armed forces.

Message Received from Doug Campbell:

Sent: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 7:50 pm
Subject: RE: "Support Our Troops:

President McCarthy,

Thank you for your time and effort, trust me, the efforts of the PFFM
and Local 1512 are greatly appreciated.  I'm stationed with a member of the Oakland CA FD here and he's forwarded the PFFM web site info to his Local to spread the word as well (Oakland opted to pay him full pay and benefits just before he left, they normally pay the difference I believe). I can't thank you and the PFFM staff enough for your efforts. It does take some of the worry about home away.

Respectfuly and Fraternally

D.R. Campbell Msgt
447 ECES/CEF (Fire Dept)

PFFM/IAFF L-1512

A Taste of the Islands Comes To Town

The former Jamaican restaurant at 756 Washington Street is re-opening with some island flavors. Floretta and Sherwin Doughlin expect to open Coconut Grill this weekend. 

A Perfect Taste

A new Kosher restaurant has opened in the former location of Manhatten Bagel at 530 Washington Street. A Perfect Taste is owned by Neil Morris of NRM Catering. It will also be operating the Kosher Cafe at Striar Jewish Community Center.

Overlays Gone Wild

An article presented by Planning Board member Joe Scardino and Mike Sammarco requested that the Business Overlay District be extended down Rt. 138 to the Canton line in one direction, and the Easton line in the other direction.  Planning Board member John Stagnone said he never saw it. ZBA member Bob O’Regan added, “You want testimony on why we need a town planner, this is it.” Scardino told Snyder’s Stoughton, “The Planning Board approved the Overlay District, and a subcommittee worked on its parameters. Billy Angelos and myself worked with Acting Chief Engineer Jonathan Beder.”  In dismissing the article, Selectman Chairman Dick Levine remarked, “I’m not sure how many people living in this district would support it.”  It’s a good idea to expand that business district overlay from the downtown, down through Rt. 138. Scardino needs to fine tune the idea, and pick up support from those affected, to make it work for next year’s Annual Town Meeting.  

Century 21 Real Estate Tour Bus (Here)

Jerk Ruins Gym Experience (Here)

FIRST REPORTED HERE--FACTUAL, FAIR & ACCURATE:

SELECTMEN REFUSE 19 ARTICLES FOR WARRANT INSERTION

The Board of Selectmen---Chairman Dick Levine, Vice Chairman Tony Sousa, Joe Mokrisky, John Kowalczyk and Scott Carrara---refused to insert 19 articles into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant last Tuesday night, in a move that was called "unprecedented" by some former selectmen. Long time Town Meeting member and former selectman Cynthia Walsh remarked at a Rules Committee meeting that, "I've never seen that happen. It's just a common courtesy to put items requested from town department heads on the Warrant. No one has ever had to come in and plead for their article." Town meeting usually deals with 50-75 articles in the average Warrant, and Town Meeting members have no trouble rejecting unpopular requests. But, it has usually fallen to Town Meeting members to make that decision. Former selectman Mark Kelley, a Town Meeting member, said that, "They should have inserted everything and let Town Meeting decide. It shouldn't be the Chosen Three to not list them." Former selectman and Town Meeting member Richard Fitgerald agreed, adding, "They even cut out the ADA article, which is probably leaving us open to legal action and fines." Selectman John Kowalczyk defends the decision, telling Snyder's Stoughton, "We've had items every year that we do not put on the Warrant. I agree that it's a bigger volume this year, but there were more requested articles. There was no one there. We don't insert as a courtesy. They didn't send an explanation for many articles. We had questions. It was the eleventh hour. They should support their petition, and show up as a courtesy." Although only the schools, fire department and senior center saw their articles cut, Kowalczyk said no one was targeted. "They submitted a lot of articles, some got inserted, others didn't. But, here's the problem. The schools are submitting more and more each year. They are supposed to cover these items in their budget, which is the town's largest budget. There was no one there for them to answer questions. I remember when Tony Sarno used to come to Warrant discussions before the Board." Among the items not placed on the Town Meeting Warrant were A Modular Addition to the high school (to build new science labs to replace the ones that are over thirty yesrs old. Next year, science is a graduation requirement of MCAS); A Master Plan for ADA Renovations, and Upgrade of Town Wide Sites; Upgrade of the video system & repairs at the Senior Center; Replacing windows & insulation at the police station; and replacing a fire engine and ladder truck. Kowalczyk said the ADA issue is near and dear to him, but, "We've spent millions on this ADA. I support it. But, we didn't have enough information about it." As for the anger reflected by some at the rejection of 19 articles, Kowalczyk said, "It's much ado about nothing." Selectman Joe Mokrisky said this was really a management decision. "We don't have the money for many of these articles. We need proper management. Why waste the time of Town Meeting members with articles we don't have the money to fund?" Mokrisky said that "the department heads should have made presentations to support their articles. I don't know what past practice has been the past few years, but if we don't have the money for something, then it can't be a priority. I supported the school articles, until I saw the vote falling." As for the fire department requests, the chief has always come before the Board. For the most part, past practice is that they came before us." Chairman Dick Levine tells Snyder's Stoughton, "The articles we did not insert were worth 14 million dollars. We simply don't have that kind of money. This was not a vote against the schools, or any other department. Putting articles on the Warrant as a courtesy is a waste of time. You can't do it for the sake of just doing it. They can place it on the Special Town Meeting. If department heads had explained some of their requests, they might have found some support." Interim Superintendent of Schools Tony Sarno says that department heads have never gone before the selectmen for articles, in his recollection. "The School Commitee and the Superintendent went before the Finance Committee," he told Snyder's Stoughton. "In this instance, if the Selectmen had communicated with us, we'd have explained each article to them, and if they felt there was not enough money available, we'd have withdrawn them at Town Meeting. I am a compromiser. But, there's definitely a lack of communication here. The Democratic process has certainly has been changed. We never had a chance to present these to the FinCom for their consideration. " The School Committee sent a letter Friday (2/8), along with 290 signatures, requesting the opening of a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting, specifically to address the A.D.A. article. That Special Town Meeting was opened Tuesday night (2/12) by the Board of Selectmen. Sarno said the School Committee would re-submit each rejected petition article, along with 100 signatures, to secure their place on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Tom Colburn and the School Committee release a statement saying, "The Stoughton School Committee wants to continue to keep the lines of communication open with town officials for the betterment of the children and adults in this great town. Committee decisions and recommendations are always based on need and available funding." Alan Mills, vice chairman of the School Committee, was a bit more direct, saying, "This is setting a bad precedent. If it's a tough fiscal time, we will dismiss them all at Town Meeting. But, if additional revenues came in, then they couldn't move forward. Those articles represent where we need to go. We owe it to the citizens that our well-thought out articles move forward. The selectmen should have placed them on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, whether they agreed or disagreed with them." Council on Agine director Christine Quinn defended the selectmen, telling Snyder's Stoughton, "Money is very tight in the town right now as you know. I believe that is why some of my articles were not placed on the Warrant. Fire Chief David Jardin said if he had realized they were discussing Warrant items, he’d have been there. “My bad. I always attend the Warrant hearings with the selectmen. Years ago, the selectmen asked me to prepare a ten year plan. Each year I submit what was laid out in that plan. The fire truck I am requesting this year was requested a few years ago, and each year since. I had requested two originally. They purchased one for $375,000. That truck is now $450,000 and rising. And, now we need a new ladder, too. I have no problems with the Board, but I do want Town Meeting members to know that when the replacement equipment is not on the Warrant, I can’t bring it up.”

(The following Article ID's were NOT inserted by Selectmen: 28 (human resource director, 29 (town hall repairs), 31 (11 windows at SPD), 33 (Insulation at SPD), 35 (Security cameras at SSC), 39 (Replace Fire Engine 4), 40 (replace Ladder 2), 41 (replace deputy chief and training captain fire vehicles), 45 (replace ambulance 3), 46 (upgrade and remodel Freeman St. fire station); 48 (build new fire station on Park Street; renovate/remodel station 3 on Pleasant Street); 60 (purchase musical instruments for high school and middle school), 62 (modular classrooms to create new science lab for SHS to meet new MCAS science graduation requirement), 64 (design & bid plans for new Jones School roof), 65 (replace telephone switches system wide for school system), 66 (Master plan for ADA renovations, upgrade of sites townwide), 69 (upgrade video system at Stoughton Senior Center), 71 (Building repairs at Stoughton Senior Center), 72 (sealing/crack repair at senior center parking lot.)

***UPDATE***

School Articles Are Back: All of the school department articles that were tossed from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant last week by the Board of Selectmen, were re-inserted in the Special Town Meeting within the ATM by selectmen Tuesday night. The school department got enough signatures to place it on the Warrant, without selectmen approval. Now, Special Town Meeting will decide if there is money available to fund the items in question (discussed in detail here last week.) Also inserted into the STM were the new window and insulation requests by the Stoughton Police Department, with Acting Chief Chris Ciampa explaining to selectmen that the new windows and ceiling insulation were a stop-gap measure to try to extend the life of the heating and air conditioning unit in the dysfunctional nine year old building. Between the police station and the new fire station, the town has wasted millions.  An article requested by the Stoughton Fire Department, about a state-mandated program, mentioned fees but didn’t specify what they were.  Selectman Joe Mokrisky said, “I understand Chief Jardin is on vacation, but his deputy chief could have been here and answered our questions. I don’t feel comfortable inserting this article without specific fees.”  The article was not inserted into the Warrant for STM by the Board, as many members spoke up with the same concerns as Mokrisky.   

COPS CATCH CUMBY'S CROOK

(here)

ALLEGED STOUGHTON BANK ROBBER NABBED

(here)

First Reported Here----

TOWN ENGINEER PLACED ON LEAVE
Inappropriate Material Found On Computer

Stoughton Town Engineer Jim Miller was escorted from Town Hall yesterday (1/31) and was being placed on paid leave. Sources tell Snyder's Stoughton that his computer has been confiscated and that inappropriate material was found on it. Dr. Larry Gray, director of technology for Stoughton, reported finding this on Miller's computer and told Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz. Stankiewicz, who told Snyder's Stoughton he had no choice in the matter, calledtown counsel, and then the police. Stankiewicz said that the "incident is being reviewed, and Miller is on paid leave until the incident is resolved." Although not confirmed at this time, it can be assumed that the Assistant Town Engineer Jonathan Beder will be interim Town Engineer. Lt. Robert Devine tells Snyder's Stoughton that, "This is under investigation. We'll do forensic analysis on the hard drive. You can tell through forensics if the offending material came from the user." No arrests have been made in the case, according to Devine. "We won't jump into any action until all the analysis is completed." Dr. Gray, in an email to Snyder's Stoughton, writes,"I reported finding evidence of the use of the Internet to access inappropriate material on a particular town-owned computer.  There is no direct evidence indicating who accessed the material using that particular computer. Using a particular person's name is inappropriate without further investigation." (Since Mr. Miller was publicly led out of the building and his computer was confiscated, it was not secret among those in town hall and beyond.) A call placed to Miller's cell phone has not been returned. As someone who knows and respects Mr. Miller, I'd remind people he is innocent until proven guilty, and I hope that an explanation is found that exonnerates a man who has done his job well for our town.

Story reported later by others (and even "borrowing" my words):

(here) &

(here)

Allan Stein's Enterprise Story Here

UPDATE: Sources tell Snyder's Stoughton that Miller may be allowed to "retire" from his employment. Police sources would not say if any prosecution would be taking place.

Lori McKenna: Glamorous: Peanut Butter & Kids (here)

WALSH AN EAGLE SCOUT

(story here)

VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH HOLLYWOOD DIRECTOR GREG YAITANES (son of Realtor Fred) on his show Prison Break on FOX (here)

Pizza Winners Announced

(Photos by Hank Herbowy)

The Lions Club "Pizza Bowl" at Stoughton High School on Sunday (1/27) was a smashing success. Over 250 people came in and helped decide---with their taste buds--who has the best pizza in town. The People's Choice winners--selected by the crowd--were Denneno's Pizza for Best Cheese; and The Village Pub for Specialty Pizza (based on their tasty "Steak Bomb.") In that catagory, I took special note of a Potato Skins pizza from X & O. That was excellent---and different--as well. The event was a major success raising funds for the charitable Stoughton Lions Club. Independent judges (from out of town) named The Big Cheese (formerly Dominoes, but now an independent shop owned by Chris Tradeno) as the recipient of "Best Cheese"; Papa John's for "Best Sauce"; and Denneno's Pizza for "Best Crust." Denneno's was truly the big winner, with Victoria Denneno coming away with $210 in the 50/50 cash raffle!

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PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG LUNCHEON A SUCCESS

The fundraiser for Party All Night Long (PANL) on January 27 was a sellout once again. "The beauty of this fundraiser is that we can sell 125 tickets, and through the generosity of Outback Steakhouse in Randolph, we get to keep all the money for the all night party," PANL Co-founder Chuck Bloom told Snyder's Stoughton. "It was extremely successful. We raised between 1300 and 1400 dollars. We have the restaurant in the afternoon when it is usually closed. We sold 125 tickets, but only about 70 people actually came to eat." Outback Manager Mark Dennis and his crew put up a bountiful buffet of steak, chicken, french fries, and caesar salad. For $10, the all-you-can eat deal was a bargain---and ALL the funds went to PANL.

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CHILD ALERT PROGRAM

Stoughton Police Detective Tony Bickerton takes photo for new "Child Alert" program

Approximately four years ago, the Stoughton Council on Aging and the Stoughton Police Department initiated a program called "Grey Alert". This program photographs at- risk elders and keeps their picture and pertinent information in a secure data bank at the Police Station. If an elder were to "go missing" the SPD would be able to bring up the elders photo immediately on computers in the police cruisers. Being able to identify an individual immediately could save his or her life. Council on Aging director Christine Quinn tells Snyder’s Stoughton, “Alzheimer’s patients wander, and they could die from the elements outside. It increases the percentage of individuals recovered by having their photos in police cars.” So, the next logical step was offering to do the same for special needs children. “Kids who aren’t special needs get abducted. It really seems like a good program for everybody.” When asked what the costs of the program are, and who is picking up the tab, Quinn had good news. “Right now, the only cost to the program is the time that Tony Bickerton and myself are spending on it. “ Quinn says they have presented the program to the Massachusetts Conference on the Council on Aging (MCOA) to great response, and that other towns may soon offer a similar program.

Last Thursday evening (1/17), Stoughton Police Detective Tony Bickerton photographed sixty children. As liaison with the seniors, Bickerton had also taken many of the senior photos, as well. The brand new "Child Alert" program now has over one hundred children in it's data base. Quinn says, "I would encourage anyone who wishes for an additional layer of safety for their child or parent to call Detective Bickerton at 344-2575, or to contact me at 344-8882. If your parent has a cognitive or language impairment, or if you have a child with special needs, Detective Bickerton will make arrangements to photograph your loved one sooner." What a wonderful idea! Let’s all participate. This could save the life of one of our seniors or children. Pat on the back to the COA and SPD for thinking “outside the box.”

(ADD ON TO STORY: "Hi Mark, A little history about Grey Alert; Four years ago Greg Bartlett, Executive Director of the Stoughton Housing Authority, spoke to myself, Ruth
Belinsky and Tony Bickerton of photographing seniors living in elderly housing so that they could be easily identified if they were lost. A resident of the
Housing Authority had been missing and there were no recent photos of this individual for the police to use to find him. Ms. Belinsky took this idea one step further encouraged the Council on Aging and the Police Department to move forward with this idea and "Grey Alert" was born."---Chris Quinn)

SOMETHING ROTTEN AT ROTENBERG CENTER IN STOUGHTON

(STORY)

Excellent GLOBE Rail Story (HERE)

If you did not attend this round of meetings, there will be another set of meetings in March of 2008.  For a full calendar of events and to sign up for meeting notices and updates, go to www.southcoastrail.com.  You are also welcome to send comments to us via the website or postal mail.

    The Executive Office of Transportation

Ten Park Plaza, Room 4140, Boston, MA 02116          Kristina Egan, South Coast Rail Manager

from the Boston Globe:

Thanks to Lou Gitto and Gerry McDonald, Stoughton's Reps on this issue!

STOUGHTON CABLE CONTRACTS EXPIRES IN JULY 2009

The contract between the Town of Stoughton and Comcast expires on July 29, 2008. The Cable Advisory Committee has been meeting, along with Selectman Joe Mokrisky, to try to come up with parameters for requests in the next contract. Citizen input is welcome. Verizon is hoping to offer FIOS service to Stoughton residents. Since Comcast is discontinuing local cable access broadcasting from their Easton site in November of 2008, the Cable Advisory Committee, with Town Counsel, is trying to work out a plan to establish a non-profit entity that would be autonomous and take monies generated from Comcast and Verizon and broadcast local access programming from a studio, yet to be created. It would allow ALL current shows to continue, and many new shows to emerge. If you'd like to make any comments, write to the chairman at pmpco@aol.com. Your comments will be shared with the committee.

Stoughton's Current Contract (HERE)

Town Plows Through Snow Budget

(Story Here)

Cumberland Cash Caper

(story)

Worker Seriously Injured at Target Site

A worked was seriously injured Thursday (12/27) at the Target construction site, in an accident there. Snyder's Stoughton has learned that the incident occurred at 8:04 a.m. when a 27 year-old male worker fell twenty feet. Captain Jasmin was supervising at the scene, with Fire Chief Jardin, as paramedics stabilized the victim and placed him in an ambulance. A Medflite was requested, but was not sent, due to weather conditions. The seriously-injured victim was taken directly to Boston Medical Center in a Stoughton Fire Dept. ambulance. Fire Captain O'Donnell tells Snyder's Stoughton that Stoughton Building inspector David Tonis and OSHA were notified, and the work site was shut down. The victim, suffering from head and neck injuries, was stable in serious condition Friday morning. Another life-saving effort by the Stoughton Fire Department, on the heels of the saving of a construction accident victim on Raymond Road earlier this year. Earlier reports, provided by two selectmen, that the man had died, proved to be false.

Journal Story

**UPDATE**: Stoughton Police officer John Bonney was given a citation for risking his life to help save this individual.

BRICKSTONE: It's NOT Over Yet!

If it is built it WILL affect Stoughton traffic!

Latest Article

Here's the battleground--read the emails and see for yourself (HERE)

Sharon Board of Selectmen Minutes: What do they reveal? (here)

Bob Barbell's Brickstone Blog: (here)

NORFOLK COUNTY D.A. INVESTIGATION OF TOWN OF SHARON & BRICKSTONE: (Here)

Stoughton Community Development Plan from 2004 (here)

STUDENT ARRESTED IN ALLEGED SHS GUN INCIDENT

Stoughton Police made an arrest in the recent incident where an out of town student came into the parking lot at Stoughton High School with an alleged weapon. The student was from Boston and was arrested on Saturday by SPD's Juvenile Officers John Bonney and Roger Hardy. The student, who was arraigned this morning (12/17), had a BB gun, that looked like a real weapon.  According to Superintendent of Schools Claire McCarthy, "Brett Dickens, SHS Principal, is confident that this arrest will bring this matter to a close. In addition, I want to recognize and thank the successful police work done by Officers Bonney and Hardy. They worked very closely with the Stoughton Public School's administration and were instrumental in bringing about the arrest of the out of town student." The suspect, identified as Adlai Tejeda, 17 of Roxbury, is charged with multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, according to Stoughton District Court Clerk Don Stapleton. He is being held without bail. Bonney, who is credited with the arrest, said this was multi-jurisdictional effort, utilizing an interview through Mansfield's police department, and with Quincy Police Officer Lisa Linsky's help in tracking a student down, through an alias given to the Stoughton Police Department. Bonney tells Snyder's Stoughton, "Officer Hardy and I conducted an interview in Quincy. We were able to get the names of individuals from Boston involved, through this informational interview. We executed a search warrant in Roxbury at 9:40 Saturday morning (12/15) with five officers from Stoughton and another five from the Boston police juvenile unit. They helped us out with this. During the execution of the search warrant, we had an arrest warrant in hand. He was extremely cooperative, and we recovered the BB gun and he was taken into custody." Bonney explained that, "BB Guns, when used as a threat of a real gun, are considered a dangerous weapon. BB gun are considered a firearm when carried onto school property. We had suspected it was a real gun, and didn't know otherwise until we actually recovered it." Bonney concludes, "I could not have done this without an enormous amount of help from many others. My name may be on it, but it couldn't have happened without all the other officers involved." This was the conclusion of an incident that began at a 16 year-old birthday party at the Holiday Inn in Brockton a couple of weekends ago, and resulted in lockdowns and extra security at drop-off and pickup at Stoughton High last week.

Fire Chief Jardin Hands Out Awards

A number of firefighters, from Stoughton and other towns, received citations honoring them for their work in rescuing a man trapped by a two ton slab of concrete on Raymond Road in early November. According to Chief Jardin, "95% of victims succumb to their injuries in situations like we had. 65% of the time rescuers are injured or killed. We had a positive outcome on both counts." Pictured here are members of Group 1, which was on duty that day. Captain Don Jasmin, senior officer of the unit, is pictured in other photo. (Photos by Mark Snyder)

Cohen Fundraiser Nets $30,000

A fundraiser in Canton last weekend for former Stoughton Police Sgt. David Cohen was a huge success, according to people who attended. About 300 people, including a number of his former colleagues in the Stoughton Police Department, family and friends, enjoyed music, food, raffles and a night to support their friend's large legal bills. In fact, one woman who was there told Snyder's Stoughton that the room was "packed so solid you couldn't move. They had raised about $30,000 the last I heard." Cohen, who is currently housed in Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk, was convicted on four charges this summer. An appeal is set to be heard in January at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham.

Comcast To Stop Local Cable Access Broadcasts in November 2008

It will be up to the Stoughton Board of Selectmen and the Cable Advisory Committee to put in a plan to have Comcast, Verizon and any other company granted the rights to offer cable in Stoughton, to contribute to a Public Access Non-Profit set up to broadcast local access. Brockton Community Cable has been doing this for years. If Stoughton Community Cable was set up as a non-profit, then a studio location could be rented, new equipment purchased, and local access programs would continue--and be available to be seen on any company that offers cable in Stoughton. It's very important that this Committee not be political in nature. ALL programs currently seen, and any new ones proposed, should be seen on local access. I would be happy to be part of a non-profit, and I think that folks like Dick Murphy, Steve Fradkin, and Shirley Farber should also be included. It is SO important for the Board of Selectmen, in congress with the Stoughton Cable Advisory Committee, to be working on this NOW. I understand Selectman Joe Mokrisky is taking the lead on this. Easton's cable access is stopping at the same time as ours. It might be wise to combine our resources with a couple of adjacent towns to create a better facility, by sharing costs. It is so important to make sure this town HAS local access, to air meetings of the selectmen, school committee, town meeting, and other important boards and committees. More on this soon...

(NOTE: The Cable Advisory Committee is now acting to present the selectmen, along with town counsel, some ideas to incorporate into negotiations with Comcast & Verizon. The Committee is supporting the creation of a non-profit organization to receive the money from the cable companies and coordinate the creation of a studio and equipment for local access. ALL current programs, and any new ones proposed, would be welcome. The access station would air on Comcast AND Verizon. Mark Snyder, John Stagnone and David Asack are Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary for the Committee)

Ed Sheehan Honored For Service
(read proclamation here)

Immaculate Conception Church is building a Sacred Grotto.

(info here)

Snyder's Stoughton Broke This Story :

Appeals Filed In Stonegate; 7 Million Dollar Law$uit Filed As Well

Four abutters of the Villages at Stonegate have filed an appeal of the permission granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals to West Street Group, the developer, to build a scaled-down version of their originally-proposed project. The neighbors, including Rad Williams, Elisa Blanchard, Mary Lynch and Stephen Shephard, filed an appeal via their attorney Jon Witten of Daley and Witten, LLC . In addition, West Street Group has filed a 30-page appeal in Dedham Superior Court, through their attorney, Joseph Krowski, and intends to sue the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Town of Stoughton, and the town's consultants on the case. West Street Group is claiming: "the Town of Stoughton, as well as certain consultants to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and Open Space Committee, engaged in a calculated effort of wrongful coercion, interference, and influence of public boards and processes to defeat WSG’s development of The Villages at Stonegate comprehensive permit project and cause substantial economic damage to WSG." West Street Group is asking for nearly SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS in damages. We asked Jon Witten for his comment on his client's appeal. He said, "The complaint speaks for itself."

John Anzivino of the Stoughton Neighborhood Coalition (a candidate for Selectmen) told the Stoughton Journal in August his position: “The Stoughton Neighborhood Coalition is interested in what is best for Stoughton. The West Street Group is interested in what is best for their bottom line. It is our opinion that Stonegate is not in the best interest of Stoughton. We do not accept the explanation that if not Stonegate, something worse could go in. We believe Stonegate is something worse.”

As for West Street’s James Marathis, he tells Snyder’s Stoughton: “We began this process as a local initiative, under the endorsement of the Board of Selectmen. We believed that we invested in a fair process. We have spent a great deal of money. The town has spent a great deal of our money on independent reviews. In the end, there were a number of town officials who were supportive and participated in good faith. There was also an organized conspiracy to obstruct the process. The end result is now out of our hands.”

Stoughton Community Development Plan from 2004 (here)

READ THE WEST STREET GROUP'S COMPLAINT: (Here)

NEIGHBOR'S COMPLAINT (Here)

Stoughton Junction Third Phase:

A tractor sits on top of the dirt pile at the Rose St. site of Stoughton Junction Phse III

Final Bow for Stoughton Cinema

(we broke this story, too!)

(photo by Mark Snyder)

(story here)

Stoughton's Total Income From Train Station Parking: $0

Selectman Joe Mokrisky Tuesday Night (11/20) told his fellow Board members, "I have been sitting here since April, and we haven't collected a penny in rail parking fees. We have lost at least $26,000 in uncollected fees. Out of towners are having a free ride. They don't pay anything. We are doing nothing and that's wrong." A proposal by an attorney in town, issued through DPW Director Larry Barrett, is going to be considered by the Board. It allows Stoughton residents, business owners and employees first dibs at spaces, and guarantees the town a minimum of income. Mokrisky said the Board shouldn't wait another day, "We are losing another month or two of income if we wait." Selectman John Kowalczyk said it was worth taking time, "to get the deal done correctly." Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz felt that the $26,000 figure quoted by Mokrisky was off the mark. "There are expenses added to the equation once you take fees, in terms of liability, maintenance costs, and salary for the collector." But, clearly, this is something that should have been addressed LONG ago!

COMPARE GAS PRICES (HERE)

Compare Oil Prices (here)

Archdiocese of Boston Recognizes Locals

Stoughton Life Teen , a part of Immaculate Conception Church, has announced that four of its CORE members have been selected by the Office of Life and Family Ministries of the Boston Archdiocese to receive the Light of the World Award. The Light of the World Award is presented by the National Federation For Catholic Youth Ministry to express appreciation and gratitude to adults who have demonstrated a commitment to young people and youth ministry as reflected in Renewing the Vision. The four CORE members receiving the Light of the World Award are: Justin Braga, Richard Harrison, Renee LeBlanc, and Jaclyn Skelly.
Snyder's Stoughton congratulates all four for a job well done!

John Capone of St. James Parish who was one of only two people awarded the “Champions On The Journey Award” for his many years of serving & leading the youth of the 542 Page Street parish. He has been teaching 10th grade religious education and involved in the Confirmation program for 33 years at St. James Catholic Church. Congrats for all your hard work, John!