Comments on MillvilleMa.net: Meet the Candidates - Bob Baker

Dear Anonymous,

The beauty of this forum is...

2007-03-29T17:34:00.000-04:00

Dear Anonymous,

The beauty of this forum is that everything is on record. I'm not sure which blog site you are referring to. This forum I started for the citizens of Millville. Judging by the visits per day, I would say it truly is a Positive Alternative. I am on record here and on cable access about who I am and what I'm about. It would be easy for me to not post comments, like yours, that don't paint a very good picture of me. I post all comments. I don't run. We haven't even had an election yet and you claim I resort to "dirty politics". I think "dirty politics" is when you just come here, to this web site and just make things up. I have and will continue to take the high road in this election. I've met Charlie Poulin once, I shook his hand and wished him well. Charlie asked not to be part of this web site and I have honored that wish. People who visit here can leave "anonymous" comments just like you did.

Wow Mr Baker, are the personal attacks and defamat...

2007-03-29T16:18:00.000-04:00

Wow Mr Baker, are the personal attacks and defamation of character going to continue if you are elected? Perhaps you question your own "geological attributes". Your character is flawed, that has been shown by the amount of time you have spent responding to a BS blog site. Perhaps if you spent more time telling us what you are actually going to do instead of painting with such broad and nonspecific strokes. I question if you actually have the ability and the knowledge and experience to be an advocate for change. That is what a selectman should be capable of. I only have one specific response to your 'meet the candidate' post. You say that you believe everyone in town should have to abide by and be protected by the bylaws and there should be no special favors (obviously I am paraphrasing). How do you explain the current, very specific bylaw violations by the current BOS chairman. These violations also fall under con-com regulations, a board which she is also a part of. Sounds like special favors and selective noncompliance to me. You? If you are oblivious, I am referring to Mrs. McCutcheon having 5 unregistered vehicles and stockpiles of hazardous material on her property. I know those are bylaw violations, I've read them, have you? Anyway, I ask again more clearly, How will YOU move us forward and implement changes? I ask for the benefit of others, you have never had nor will ever have my support, your character here speaks to what we could expect from you as Selectman. Dirty politics have no place in a small town arena.

If you dish it, you need to be able to take it, an...

2007-03-21T20:46:00.000-04:00

If you dish it, you need to be able to take it, and for sure I can.

I wanted to make sure people knew that the mis-information Abe was spreading was just that. Mis-information.

Now back to the blog!!

Happy Spring!

OMG ... Did I hear him right ? "hurtful" comments ...

2007-03-21T19:29:00.000-04:00

OMG ... Did I hear him right ? "hurtful" comments ... isn't that the pot callimg the kettle black. Maybe Mike should take Abe's advice to "look into a mirror" starting with his own website !

Seems like ol' Abe has struck a nerve didn't he .. Mike doesn't like to taste his own medicine

Way to go Abe !

I guess Millville's A. Lincoln will never be confu...

2007-03-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

I guess Millville's A. Lincoln will never be confused with Honest Abe, our 16th President.

If you were to go check on your facts Abe you would find that

All capital costs over $10K are the responsibility of each member town with regards to facilities owned by the member town. That would be the elementary schools in both towns, AFM, JFK, and MES. The cost of the repair of the water system therefore falls to the towns and not the BMRSD. It is part of the "Regional Agreement" adopted for full regionalization effective 7/1/1982.

If you ask the Superintendent, he can give you a copy of the agreement for your review.

I think you will find, and I expect Mr. Baker to agree that there is little "fat" in the budget now, or before. The district has always prided itself in spending the money allocated for education for that purpose, and not to feed overhead or beauracracy.

In case you missed my presentation at the meeting with Senator Moore and Rep Callahan, let me explain to you that the district, has always contributed money from the Excess and Deficiency account every year for at least the last 20 years to lower the towns' assessments.

Also during that time the district has, among other things,
replaced the roof of the HS, repaired and replaced the leaking oil tank at the HS and poured close to a million dollars into technology, capital improvements, updates and repairs to the Auditorium, as well as internal room reconfiguration to eliminate overcrowding at BMR when it served 6 grades.

The committee also updated and renovated the tennis courts and track and adjacent fields.

All the monies for these projects were used from the Excess and Deficiency account. This was the result of excellent budgeting and hard work by the frugal School Committee, without coming back to the Towns for supplimental or extra appropriations. (Go check on other towns that always seem to need to come back for more for these types of capital improvements)

Oh, and by the way: the new 21.6M Middle school architectural and engineering fees were paid for out of the E&D so the towns didn't have to put any money up front.

Unlike the Town(s) the District has its' financial house in order. I find your comments about the water issue and the BMR budget to be not accurate and shows that you are not very well informed.

Finally, in case you are wondering, since Fiscal year 2002, the district has used 2,464,018 of E&D money to lower the town's assessment.

If you doubt this, feel free to contact the Superintendent on this matter.

Regarding the personal attack in the last paragraph, I guess that is okay with this blogMaster. There is little you can say about me that has not already been said. While those comments are hurtful, I am glad for you if it makes you feel better. However, remember that no matter what you think of me on that topic, I do know what I am talking about when it comes to school finance and the BMR Budget. I am very proud of the hard work I did while having the honor of serving the towns of Blackstone and Millville. I get great pride from knowing that I played a part in establishing and continuing the tradition of Educational Excellence for the Children of both of our Towns.

Have a nice day A. Lincoln.

Your starting to show some backbone Mr. Baker … a ...

2007-03-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

Your starting to show some backbone Mr. Baker … a pre-requisite for holding the office of selectman. However, your efforts are futile in trying to convince the blobmaster , aka ex-prodigal son of Millville, of your opinion. He is full of hatred and bitterness from his own shortcomings and mistakes. You see Mr. Baker, just like Mother Mary, he needs to look into the mirror to find the answers first.

As a past school committee member for many years, he was present when all these problems first started. It is a fact that the BMRSD took care of all capital needs at the schools including MES for many years. This also involved getting waivers from DEP for the water quality problem at MES as well. As a result of budget crisis, this was dumped on our BOS to deal with … how nice. Why you ask ? Because there was no more fat in the school budgets to use to pay all these capital needs such as water problems. When the BOS from Blackstone and Millville started to challenge the budget it stopped. At the time, the BMRSD budget had more money in its’ EM&D account (free cash) than the Town of Millville ! Of course, they sparing applied it to reduce the Towns’ assessments over the years. Thank you for giving us back our Towns’ money.

I’m sure he’ll respond to ol’ Abe accordingly but I could really care, and won’t respond back to his forked tongue. Joyce … you right on target about that ! I would be wasting my time responding to his lies on the other site as well. Again …You can’t change the facts … go investigate it if anyone wishes. Its’ fact … it happened and can’t be changed or blacked out by family tree connections. On the brightside, the ex-prodigal son did one good thing for the towns before moving on … we now have in place a by-law to remove school committee members for unethical behavior !

A. Lincoln

I stand corrected on school choice...I went to Sup...

2007-03-21T12:06:00.000-04:00

I stand corrected on school choice...I went to Supt. Campbell for clarification.

"No, actually by the Committee voting not to allow school choice students to come into the District, we would lose a substantial amount of money. We would not have students entering our schools to offset the students leaving. Students may leave BMR whether we allow school choice or not. Any student in any school in the state may leave their district as long as they can find a district that allows school choice. For example, Bellingham was losing over $300,000 until they finally allowed school choice to balance the problem last year. That assesment changes as students move in and out of school choice status. It is assessed against our Chapter 70 and other receipts."

I was under the assumption you had to be in the school choice program for our kids to participate (migrate).

I'm learning to assume nothing.

Don't look now, but BK is now calling in the reinf...

2007-03-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Don't look now, but BK is now calling in the reinforcements!

Good luck Abe.

Good morning Mr. Lincoln,

Would I be imposi...

2007-03-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Good morning Mr. Lincoln,

Would I be imposing if I asked you to jump in on this discussion ??
Something tells me you have sat in one of the selectmen's seat at one time or another...

Back to the school choice thing. I define upside ...

2007-03-21T06:49:00.000-04:00

Back to the school choice thing. I define upside down as owing more than you take in..if the numbers provided by Mr. Buckley are correct, we're upside down by 40K. And my point that "maybe the 38 families could move to Millville/Blackstone"...the point was if we scrap school choice, this is an option for the 38 kids...and the only reason I brought it up was because at the budget meeting the other night, Supt. Campbell brought it up...obviously they are looking at everything. And the greater point is since we continue to cut teachers & programs, the desire to take advantage of school choice and come here begins to dwindle...

Hi everyone,

I think that too much time...

2007-03-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

I think that too much time is taken responding to the negative comments made through the other site or their "Webmaster". We need to move on. I can forsee that these comments will continue as long as attention is given to them. I understand that we all adhere to the idea of free speech. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but sometimes it makes more sense to just say "I disagree" than to argue with someone who is bent upon being an agitator.
Please let's just move on.

We can quit with the "3rd person"...I don't think ...

2007-03-20T18:34:00.000-04:00

We can quit with the "3rd person"...I don't think you realize what you have done. You have pitted people against each other. Truly divided this town. Anytime people start coming together, you throw wood on the fire. You need to stop that if you truly care about this town.

Why the heck is Buckley still interfering in our t...

2007-03-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

Why the heck is Buckley still interfering in our town affairs? He alleges it’s because he’s a Millvillian at heart; but based on his actions that’s a crock of bull. I realize the webmaster wants to keep all lines of communication open, but I’d prefer to keep the MillvilleMA blog open to Millville residents only and not out of town perverts that like to drive around Woonsocket looking for hookers.

There is no quest to "destroy" Millville. That is...

2007-03-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

There is no quest to "destroy" Millville. That is just complete nonsense. What Millville folks should know is how a candidate stands on some of the issues. If you take a stand, you should be able to defend that stand, not worry about looking over your shoulder. Last time I checked, Mr. Buckley lived out of town now, but certainly had deep town roots! Does it matter that he still feels greatly for the town he once resided in?

Dear anonymous,

Are you suggesting I don't ...

2007-03-20T17:22:00.000-04:00

Dear anonymous,

Are you suggesting I don't let people post ? I'm sensing you don't want me to respond to comments...that's the whole point of a forum. And you are right...I do have a problem with Buckley and his personal crusade to detroy Millville. He has everybody in town looking over their shoulder. I've had my fill of it. I hope Millville feels the same. We'll find out April 2nd.

Millville's problems, while very complex really ne...

2007-03-20T17:02:00.000-04:00

Millville's problems, while very complex really need the following:

- Consolidate where possible - MRI tells the BOS that the prisoner watch and dispatch is too expensive to maintain. Be agressive and merge this regionally.

- Eliminate duplication, and employ workers that have a diverse job description. Be forward thinking, and use technology where you can.

- Hire a qualified higher caliber Executive Secretary, or Town Manager and allow them to make the day to day decisions of managing a multi-million dollar operation.

The rest will fall in line. Very simple!

Do you believe I took the time to read all thrugh ...

2007-03-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Do you believe I took the time to read all thrugh "anonymous said" /aka Michael Buckley said???well----
"Whoever said" , they sure took lots of time to take Mr. Baker to task...is it too late for that individual, who is chock full of knowledge, to take out papers????
Seems to me that they have all the answers to Millville's future endeavors....Moreover, its apparent that there remains personality conflicts here...It disheartens me to read all this. Don't we, taxpayers, residents of the Town of Millville,deserve better????

Well Mr. Buckley,

You got me on "vilify"......

2007-03-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

Well Mr. Buckley,

You got me on "vilify"...I hate when that happens...my dictionary is in my desk here at work...mine doesn't say anything about Nazi's though...you embellishing adnauseam...what a stretch.

So let's replace "vilify" with "exonerate" everyone...my bad.

Maybe you could share with us what you would do since you seem to have such a keen interest in a town's politics that you no longer live in. You know, do something constructive. Seriously.

I have decided to break down my reply to BB regard...

2007-03-20T12:11:00.000-04:00

I have decided to break down my reply to BB regarding his candidacy. I hope the other blog picks this up as well:

The Town of Millville is a business. I have co-owned a business going into our 9th year. We have survived (in my industry) when many have not. Our business has peaks and valleys. You learn how to survive the valleys by cost cutting where you can, while always trying to raise revenues. It's important to see the "valley's" coming and adapt. Because if you don't, your done. Customer service is also very, very important. I believe this skill set makes me a viable candidate for selectmen.

Interesting take on this: "Always raise revenues" that would indicate his support for higher taxes. Is that what Millville wants? We all know that Customer Service is important, however the candidate doesn't show any ideas here on how he accomplishes this. How do come up with innovative solutions for complex problems. This is much harder than cleaning old computer parts up for re-sale. We are glad that he is still in the used computer resale business, but wonder what his long term vision for Millville is? Does he have one, or does he just go along, like his business, and depend on others to create opportunity?

Anyone who tells you they're "going to do this" or "going to do that", without having all the facts in front of them, is just blowing smoke. Ask Governor Patrick.

This is rather disengenious on the candidate's part. What does he stand for? Sure education support, public safety support etc. Those are all noble sound bites, but what about the taxpayer? Where do we figure into the equation?

The recent questioning of the Millville Elementary Water situation is a prime example. We had all these so called "experts" telling us how they would handle the situation with no facts in front of them. They were completely off base. Then come to find out all the facts are there for anyone who wants them. It's the BOS's job to supply them, they can't make you read them.

This statement doesn't show how the candidate would have approached this problem. It has been an issue - a town issue - for over 3 years. Suffice it to say if we had true leadership it would have been addressed years ago. This still would not be an issue to debate, rather an issue to show how leaders can get things done.

This issue did make me go dig and find out what was going on. From what I've read and the people I've talked to, I think the BOS has a pretty good handle on it. How anyone else would go on record without facts is astonishing. Unless you're sitting in the selectmen's seat, with all the facts in front of you, you shouldn't be making statements and finger pointing, you should be fact finding.

He still didn't get the whole answer though did he? He simply is taking the word of career beauracrats from DEP, his pal Dave, and the BOS as gospel. We think there is much more to this story. The old adage of the squeeky wheel getting the grease applies here. The town has let DEP off the hook, and DEP continues to drag its' feet. Meanwhile your children are at risk.

The BMR School District is asking for a 7.75% increase for FY08. The state is giving us a .98% increase in Chapter 70 reimbursement over FY07. By my calculations, this will cost Millville an extra 464K. This increase will take us north of 2mil. Something has to give.

What has to give here? Should we not educate our children? Should we do without Trash pickup? Should we cut other town services? What do you suggest Mr. Baker? Give us some insight into your great skill as a business person and how you will apply those lessons learned to the town operation? Will you support the higher number that BMRSD is asking for? If so, why? If not, why?

It must be hard, since you have made many promises, and have blindly supported the MRI report, which if taken in face value, you will see there are many expensive suggestions that they have recommended the town undertake. Do you support those associated costs too?

It has come to light we're upside down on school choice. We ship out 31 students and take in 38. The towns where the 38 students come from pay the BMR District. We in turn pay for the 31 students who choose to go to other schools. 38 in/31 out and we lose money. The state keeps track of what is spent to educate each student by town. I think this clearly shows we have found a way to educate "lean". The numbers speak for themselves. I know some of these 38 kids. They are awesome kids. They contribute to the personality of the school. Maybe the formula can be changed or something. Maybe we can talk the parents of the 38 kids to move to Millville (or Blackstone).

While the BMRSD sees approximately $165K in School choice income, and approximately $205K in charges for outgoing tuition, we are hardly upside down here. School Choice is a hard sell when you have devastated many of the quality programs at all school levels. The loss is minimized in this situation to about $40K. Note that all choice monies are used to lower the district budget, so it is being applied right to the programs. Mr. Baker is incorrect in his statement that "maybe we should get the parents to move to either town". That would be self-defeating, since once they move into town, the money for tuition stops. - That probably isn't a very good idea. It is bad enough this is a -40K situation, but far better than the -205K situation it could become if we follow Mr. Baker's suggestions.

We have a landfill with some issues and a salt shed that's falling down. Both happen to be across the street from the Blackstone River. This will take town resources. Considering what we have going on with the school, money will be pretty tight. Who knows what will be left after we educate the towns children and fund each town departments budget. I'm sure the town will be looking to get relief at the state or federal level.

This is the best of them all: Relief from the state or Federal Government! He was in attendance the other night when the state reps basically said, "no more money in our well for you". In case you have not noticed there is a decline in Federal Assistance all around, and in the words of Senator Moore, with a war going on, as well as all of the federal tax cuts, don't expect the Fed's to help you".

Some tough decisions will have to be made this year. Anyone who tells you they have the answers right now is being disingenuous to say the least. Educating the towns children is a priority for me. You reap what you sow. The town needs to take care of it's own. That includes our children, our seniors, our families, our police, fire fighters, etc. All this with limited resources. The selectmen's job is to figure out how to do it in a manner that's fair, and bring it to the Annual Town Meeting for a vote. Not everybody is going to be happy with the outcome. Comes with the territory.

These are good points: There will need to be tough decisions. You fail to point out a single solution or suggestion. Are you willing to let the existing BOS "lead the way"? Will you just be another rubber-stamp? [we know the PAC beckons!]

I believe the town is moving forward. My goal and reason for running is to continue that trend. There was some fear that some potential candidates were going to run to "get even" for the police fiasco. One candidate happens to be a so called "Patriot". Personally I find the moniker offensive. You have to earn that name in my opinion. So, my choices were to sit on the sidelines and hope for the best, or, go to town hall and pull papers...you know walk the walk. The MRI Assessment of the PD vilified the BOS. I have talked with some of the police officers, the changes at the police station are a breath of fresh air. Chief Landry interacts with his department. He sits and talks with them. He is firm but fair. The Chief is going to reach out to the public for "community policing". The Police Dept and Fire Dept now talk to each other. That is moving forward in my opinion. I want to help that continue town wide.

The Town is .... moving. The question is: Is it moving in the right direction? Taken the present budget situation as presented, it may be headed for some very difficult times. Not once does Mr. Baker make any suggestions how he would "LEAD" the town. We also now we have to assault people's character here. Please note, our name is not on the ballot, so what you say about the other blog or other people in town is just an attempt to put people down to raise your own self-esteem. Just so you know Bob, I looked up the word Villified. Here is the definition:

Vilify: spread negative information about; "The Nazi propaganda vilified the Jews"

Are you sure you wanted to use that word?

IF you believe what the other blog types, I'm probably wasting key strokes. Let's be serious, how does the webmaster question anyone's character ?

As you can tell I'm straight forward. I don't sugarcoat.

This sentence above is about as comical as one could ask for. I am so glad you responded with your reasons to be elected.

I hope I can count on your vote April 2nd.

I hope by us all getting to the bottom of your reasons for election, the good people of Millville will see through your candidacy, and think twice about casting a vote for you.

Let's answer why you should vote for me.

...

2007-03-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

Let's answer why you should vote for me.

The Town of Millville is a business. I have co-owned a business going into our 9th year. We have survived (in my industry) when many have not. Our business has peaks and valleys. You learn how to survive the valleys by cost cutting where you can, while always trying to raise revenues. It's important to see the "valley's" coming and adapt. Because if you don't, your done. Customer service is also very, very important. I believe this skill set makes me a viable candidate for selectmen.

Anyone who tells you they're "going to do this" or "going to do that", without having all the facts in front of them, is just blowing smoke. Ask Governor Patrick. The recent questioning of the Millville Elementary Water situation is a prime example. We had all these so called "experts" telling us how they would handle the situation with no facts in front of them. They were completely off base. Then come to find out all the facts are there for anyone who wants them. It's the BOS's job to supply them, they can't make you read them. This issue did make me go dig and find out what was going on. From what I've read and the people I've talked to, I think the BOS has a pretty good handle on it. How anyone else would go on record without facts is astonishing. Unless you're sitting in the selectmen's seat, with all the facts in front of you, you shouldn't be making statements and finger pointing, you should be fact finding.

The BMR School District is asking for a 7.75% increase for FY08. The state is giving us a .98% increase in Chapter 70 reimbursement over FY07. By my calculations, this will cost Millville an extra 464K. This increase will take us north of 2mil. Something has to give. It has come to light we're upside down on school choice. We ship out 31 students and take in 38. The towns where the 38 students come from pay the BMR District. We in turn pay for the 31 students who choose to go to other schools. 38 in/31 out and we lose money. The state keeps track of what is spent to educate each student by town. I think this clearly shows we have found a way to educate "lean". The numbers speak for themselves. I know some of these 38 kids. They are awesome kids. They contribute to the personality of the school. Maybe the formula can be changed or something. Maybe we can talk the parents of the 38 kids to move to Millville (or Blackstone).

We have a landfill with some issues and a salt shed that's falling down. Both happen to be across the street from the Blackstone River. This will take town resources. Considering what we have going on with the school, money will be pretty tight. Who knows what will be left after we educate the towns children and fund each town departments budget. I'm sure the town will be looking to get relief at the state or federal level.

Some tough decisions will have to be made this year. Anyone who tells you they have the answers right now is being disingenuous to say the least. Educating the towns children is a priority for me. You reap what you sow. The town needs to take care of it's own. That includes our children, our seniors, our families, our police, fire fighters, etc. All this with limited resources. The selectmen's job is to figure out how to do it in a manner that's fair, and bring it to the Annual Town Meeting for a vote. Not everybody is going to be happy with the outcome. Comes with the territory.

I believe the town is moving forward. My goal and reason for running is to continue that trend. There was some fear that some potential candidates were going to run to "get even" for the police fiasco. One candidate happens to be a so called "Patriot". Personally I find the moniker offensive. You have to earn that name in my opinion. So, my choices were to sit on the sidelines and hope for the best, or, go to town hall and pull papers...you know walk the walk. The MRI Assessment of the PD vilified the BOS. I have talked with some of the police officers, the changes at the police station are a breath of fresh air. Chief Landry interacts with his department. He sits and talks with them. He is firm but fair. The Chief is going to reach out to the public for "community policing". The Police Dept and Fire Dept now talk to each other. That is moving forward in my opinion. I want to help that continue town wide.

IF you believe what the other blog types, I'm probably wasting key strokes. Let's be serious, how does the webmaster question anyone's character ?

As you can tell I'm straight forward. I don't sugarcoat.

I hope I can count on your vote April 2nd.

Warm Regards,
Bob Baker for Selectman 3 year term

My daughter had a concert this evening, that trump...

2007-03-19T23:09:00.000-04:00

My daughter had a concert this evening, that trumps you believe it or not. I'll answer for the citizens of Millville...not for a bitter guy in Blackstone...unless you moved back to town ?

Still waiting to hear Mr. Baker's platform and an ...

2007-03-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

Still waiting to hear Mr. Baker's platform and an answer to my questions regarding his vision for the town.

Maybe he is wrestling with his answers? Not sure, but we should get answers to these simple questions.

Pepere aka Dick Mercure:
Since when to you list...

2007-03-19T16:42:00.000-04:00

Pepere aka Dick Mercure:
Since when to you listen to what people are saying? That can be dangerous..and moreover, a complete waste of time..Asfaras the "other thing" (the other blog) goes, I haven't checked that out since I have been introduced to this site which has, for the most part, very positive imput..In addition, I have great faith that Mr. Baker, being an adult, intellegent man, can speak for himself and will when the occasion presents itself...But for now, LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a problem as to why people don't understand...

2007-03-19T15:55:00.000-04:00

I have a problem as to why people don't understand the need to rebut the blog. It's not like people who view this site don't view the blog, that's pretty obvious. I can honestly say I won't and don't give it a look see, but listening to what people tell me, no one has been more negatively subjected by the blog master than myself. Unfortunately,I know him and his demeanor and that's why he is where he is today.
So you see I can understand where Mr. Baker is coming from, trying to set the record straight,for those of you who visit that other thing. Just a thought DICK MERCURE

Mr. Baker.

Now is your chance via your own ...

2007-03-19T09:19:00.000-04:00

Mr. Baker.

Now is your chance via your own forum here to tell us voters why we should vote for you.

What is your vision for the Town? Like the question asked under KF's profile, what do you bring to the table?

What are your priorities? What and how to you balance the town's needs with the town's resources? How will you keep my property taxes from increasing?

What are your goals? Now the other blog would say you are nothing but hot-air, or person of questionable character, do you agree with that assessment?

I don't care about general statements of "level playing fields". I want to know details!

In other words Mr. Baker, why should I vote for you?