Thursday, March 15, 2007

Meet the Candidates - Karin Furno


My name is Karin Furno and I am running for the 1 year seat on the Board of Selectmen. Being new to politics, I've decided to run for the shorter term so I can see if this is right for me. I look forward to extending my tenure on the board if this is a good fit. I do not want to commit to a longer term if this is not the right direction for me, the town has seen enough resignation as of late.

I have been in Millville for almost 19 years and have served on the Millville Fire Rescue Ambulance since 1990 as a Massachusetts Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

I graduated from Douglas High School and currently work as a Medical Assistant in a cardiology office in Milford.

I live on Hope St with my husband Steve and our daughter Melissa.

Steve and I moved to Millville when we were married and we love this town. We are proud to call Millville home !!

If elected to the Board of Selectmen, I look forward to serving this town I love. I will not try to be someone that I am not. I am up front about my beliefs and feelings. I hope to be a part of Millville moving forward and being a voice for the towns people.

14 comments:

Registered Voter said...

Hello Karin,
How do you feel about the fiasco that happened with our police department?

Do you feel the current BOS did the right thing?

Here's a chance to sell yourself; why should I vote for You?

Anonymous said...

Another registered voter comment:
I enjoyed reading about Karen's background. While her enthusiasm seems real enough, it is my opinion and experience that one should not run for an office to see if it is "right for" you nor should the basis for decision to run be that of "feelings" --That being said, I wish Karen good luck
and applaud her for her courage!!

Karin said...

Hi Registered Voter,

Thanks for your interest.

I am very proud of our current BOS, and the tough decisions that they made and how they stood their ground through all the negativity.

It makes me sad to see how Millville was divided and hurt throughout the "fiasco." But our police department is healing, and they have a great leader and attitude.

I would like to ask you for your support in this election. I look forward to being your voice.

Thanks again for your interest.

Karin :)

Anonymous said...

Dear registered voter,

How do you feel about the "fiasco" at the police dept. ?? It's good to talk it out...I'm not sure where you sit on this...

Anonymous said...

In a recent question directed to Karin Furno, the writer referred to a "fiasco" happening with our police department...A "fiasco" indicates a failure/washout/unsuccessful/ take your pick --It is very apparent that the result of the BOS's action resulted in anything but a "fiasco" my friend...Sometimes one has to face the truth and go on.

Registered Voter said...

You're making the assumption I was referring to the BOS' undertaking as a “fiasco” and not the former Chief's and Patriot's bid to retain his position and force the impeachment of our current BOS.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for our current elected and volunteer board members. Though I may not always agree with each and every decision they make, I truly feel they are doing what they think is “Best” for Millville. Many of these individuals and their families had to tolerate unjustified personal attacks and put up with the juvenile antics of many nameless critics…and still they continued to push for what they felt was right…that’s why they’re the true leaders.

The events that transpired over the previous year had pitted many neighbor against neighbor, ole timers against recent transplants, and made our town a topic of conversation, for all the wrong reasons. Many feel (self included) that Millville is finally on the mend; however there are a few who refuse to let go. It is important to remember that without an audience these social misfits will crawl back under their rocks (aka blog-buckley) and slowly fade away.

LongTimeSpectator said...

Will Ms. Furno be following the town personnel by-law that states a town employee involved in seeking office must be placed on leave of absence status during the campaign for such office?

Will Ms. Furno, like her "mentor" before her Mr. Gikas accept her selectman's salary and Firefighter/EMT wages as well?

Will Ms. Furno seek an opinion from the State Ethics Commission regarding this direct conflict of interest, as well as the conflict of interest that will exist with her husband being a full time employee of the town of millville?

Will Ms. Furno excuse herself from all matters relating to the Fire Department?

Is it true that Ms. Furno will seek to not reappoint the present Chief of the Fire Department?

Anonymous said...

My goodness, you are all over the place with your questions...
Do you still not realize that a town of under 5,000 people has a different set of numbers????
Why do you have to be so very negative?
You answered most of your own questions..like hello......Karin has to recuse herself from all fire dept. voting. You said it yourself and are still questioning, maybe it is time for you to have a nap...
Think positive and enjoy the day.

Anonymous said...

to longtimespectator,

Exactly how is it a "direct conflict of interest" ? She's an EMT.

LongTimeSpectator said...

For those not familiar with the state ethics laws: Her conflict lies with the fact that she directly benefits financially with her husbands' employment.

Decisions also made or negotiated with the fire department and their union would also be a conflict as she would benefit from the outcome of the decision/negotiation.

Not sure why the reference to under 5000 people, so would like some clarification on that statement.

I really want to hear an answer to the last question. Seems that in the past firefighter-serving as selectman has resulted in issues at 196 Main St.

It is not a secret that there have been issues between Ms. Furno and her boss (the fire chief).

Note: The EMT's fall under the supervision and management of the Fire Chief.

Anonymous said...

The town struggles to fill positions to do the town's business. Your concern is the $800 the selectmen are paid ? It has already been stated she will have to recuse herself from any Fire Dept. issue if elected. I think the BOS has made it clear that all town departments will have independent assessments done. That takes all the "personal" issues out of the equation. Sounds like you would support that and it should put your mind at ease.

Anonymous said...

Long time spectator,
you need glasses!
Karin would have to stepdown from the BOS when there is any discussion,voting,etc to do with fire dept. business.

Fire Marshall Bill

Anonymous said...

A neighbor comments:

Hey folks, we live in a small town. The issue of recusal and Karin's relationship with the MFD has been exposed. The state does have a mechanism for sanctioning folks for the unethical behavior of elected officials.

Karin, these questions are for you just to see if you are a good fit to the voting community: What do you feel are Millville's largest issues to tackle? Also, please prioritize these issues, and please identify what you feel are the solutions to these problems. Thirdly, please estimate how long, and with which resources you feel that these projects can be completed with.

Eagerly waiting your reply.

P.S. Your opponents will be posed with the same questions. Good Luck.

Anonymous said...

Dear Karin,

It's nice to meet you. Although I still am looking forward to hearing from all of the candidates, I admire your honesty. I have reviewed the comments about possible conflicts of interest, but I believe that this town is so well aware of the conflicts in the past that any issues regarding this matter will be well aired and decisions regarding correct procedures will be put into place. Good luck in your campaign. Please be don't be discouraged by the Grinch(es?).