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GRAFTON, Mass. - TheDailyGrafton.com accepts signed letters to the editor. Letters may be emailed to jpaluzzi@mainstreetconnect.us. Endorsement letters will only be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 11.
To the people of Grafton please take note of Bruce Spinney for selectman.
I have spoken with Bruce several times, I find him real - he's a dad of three kids, husband of a supportive wife, lives in town, has been involved with many different boards and volunteer positions.
It is obvious he loves the town of Grafton.
He is a new face with some new ideas, mesh this with some old ideas and we have a plan.
When you're the incumbent, it is easy to know the right topics and what sections of town to prioritize them.
The other night I listened as a great idea was presented to five town residents by the incumbent, I asked myself why now -- why not seven or eight months ago....oh yeah, election year. I also listened and wonder why he never spoke to these folks before about this there always in the town hall -- yep election. The incumbent has done some nice things as he has written in his campaign ad:
- He also was a great supporter of the Mega Library.
- He likes to spend.
I refer to some of our leaders as flags, they wave in the wind -- never publicly committing to anything -- if you speak to them privately they will say they are on your side till the next person comes along then they're on their side...
I ask Bruce if he would stand by what he said taking into account the wants and needs of the majority of the towns people -- he said yes. OK maybe it is the election speaking but he doesn't have a history of it, which makes me say yep, lets see what the new guy will bring to the table.
He is extremely worried about the taxes in town. Bruce has strong ideas about how to spend or not spend our tax dollars.
Bruce is an independent thinker -- he is his own man.
I am asking you all to vote for Bruce Spinney, mostly vote, the town needs some fresh ideas - "really aren't we tired of the rolling eyes and gestures from the guy on far right!"
Thanks
Deb Adams
(all opinions in this letter are solely my own and not to be mistaken for other family members)
Comments (17)
You think emails are bad, wait until the printed flyers come home in the tiny tots' backpacks! I hope we've learned our lesson from that one!
Mr. Walsh appears to have missed my point and that of other bloggers. Of course we could easily contact a candidate individually. However, people are looking for candidates to put forth opinions and ideas publicly (I repeat, publicly). So, I would like to hear (publicly) whether Mr. Spinney would support an Prop 2 1/2 underride vote to reduce the levy limit. That's certainly a solution, if one is concerned about taxation. Yes, there is economic development to raise revenue but the other way is to reduce spending. So, switching gears, how many "holds" can we expect at Town Meeting on our annual budget to reduce some of those line items? Last year, there were none and the budget got voted through without any debate. That says alot.
Roger: Actually, I do understand that...but sometimes, candidates have many topics to deal with, and respond to, that sometimes...they may miss the mark as to *which* matters in particular the voters, in general, would like to hear about. Bruce Spinney has spoken at length about many financialy beneficial steps for Grafton to take, and a few issues that he would have liked to have seen gone differently that would have, in his view, created a better outcome.
But, not everyone has the same concern over every issue, so, the candidates have to pic and choose from a grab bag of choice topics to talk about in public, for the general public. Best course of action, in cases like that, if your concern was not covered...is to contact the candidate yourself, and ask your particular questions.
Yes, the media helps get a candidate's general message out there to the public, but, it doesn't replace...by any means...good, old fashioned *face to face* conversation with a candidate. Just because you may not hear a candidate cover an issue through the media, don't assume that he's avoiding the questions regarding it, quite often that's not the case at all.
Publicly, yes, that'd be wonderful if candidates knew every topic that every group in their area wanted to hear about, and had the chance to speak on every topic, in public, that anyone had questions about. But, in reality, it's never done, honestly. The public is always welcome to meet with them, though, and raise the questions in person.
And about the budget: Are you proposing that it was all Brook's dealings and vetting that lead to the budget last year being just voted on? I hope not, because there are 4 other members on the BoS who had just as much to do with it, and the Finance Committee...and not to mention all the other boards and commissions, etc. As far as a campaign issue, I wouldn't try to use that vote last year.
I sit here struggling and questioning if I should respond to the comments in this article concerning the "emails in question". Sometimes when we feel passionate about something, in this case, candidates running for election, lines get drawn or "friendships" are called into question. Every voter has a right to their opinion no matter if we agree with them or how they feel... they do however, have the right to voice their opinion.
That being said, my husband and I both received the "email in question" from the non profit organization. In fact this is the second time we have received such an email to endorse a candidate. Both emails were received from the same organization. The first was asking us to vote for Mary Ann Cotton. This one was asking us to support Brook. The person who sent this email is the president of said organization and included a disclaimer that these were his personal views and not the views of the organization, oh, and the email addresses were from his "personal email address book and I must have received an email from you to my personal email address at some point in time through the years". Here is the problem with that, his "personal email address" is the email address listed on the organizations web site to contact regarding the organization. I do not know him personally, nor have I ever met him. There would be no reason for him to have my personal email. I am not involved with any Town committee for him to have access to my personal email address, especially my husband's. My husband has NO involvement with anything having to do with the Town. He hears it enough when I get home from work. The ONLY way that this person had access to our email addresses was off the registration form for my child that was filled out. I did email another member regarding the fact I was not receiving emails concerning notifications. Initially, I though, "oh, that must be how he got it, after all, he is the president of the organization". It was when my husband told me he received the same email that it made sense. He is listed on the registration form as a second email contact. The person who sent the "email" says it's his "personal email address", yet I get my electronic receipts stating that my child's registration was as accepted and the amount I paid... all from that same email address. Is that considered "personal"? I think not.
I did email the President of the organization telling him, in so many words, that I felt it was inappropriate to use my email from the organizations email list to endorse a candidate for election. I have yet to get a response. If there is a question as to how factual my statements are, I have the email that was sent this week and all other emails from this organization and I am more than willing to show anyone who wants to see.
I am looking forward to this election being over! In the 13 years I have lived in Grafton, as a registered voter, this is the ugliest race I have ever seen! Dirty looks have been given, ugly things have been said, and "friends" are no longer speaking....ENOUGH ALREADY! I would like to wish Brook and Bruce the best of luck! I'm sure this has been most difficult for the both of you.
Again, Good Luck Gentleman!
Tammy Kalinowski
I recieved the e-mail in question and I am not a member of the non profit organization in question.
I guess I missed the nasty responses that '123 saw. I saw opposing response, but they didn't seem nasty at all.
For those that accuse Mr Padgett of excessive spending, in addition to the responses already posted, let's not forget that Mr. Padgett was the champion of the combined fire/police building which would have saved the town $5 million (if I recall correctly). His support of that proposal cost him significant support, especially with certain groups in town. But he supported it regardless, in the interest of saving $5 million.
Re: Graftonite123's comment. As far as I know, any emails were not sent out on behalf of a non-profit. They were sent out by an individual who never represented anything but his own personal views, from an email address not belonging to the non-profit. Think of how many distribution lists we're all on. We then create contact lists for various purposes. Many of these same people are involved in numerous activities and their email address is everywhere. Just check out the committee list on our town web site and see how many email addresses you can data mine. I just added 10 more from GEA's home page alone.....nope, wait, I already had them from other email blasts. The only way that the accusation of using a non-profit's internal distribution list could be remotely credible is if the recipients were only those of that group. Has that been proven? As far as Jim Gal's comment about the levy limit, there is a simple solution if you have a concern about the levy limit: put a Prop 2 1/2 underride proposal to the voters. Yes, an underride. Opposite of an override, it would lower the levy limit. Is that what you're proposing, Jim? Deb, how about you? Would Bruce support this? No rush. You have 4 days to mull it over. I'll be waiting.
Why not ask the man himself, Roger?
I know it's a natural tendency to ask the supporters who put out the ideas in blogs, posts, comments, etc. But, if one actually gives a...hoot...about what the candidate in question has to say, from his own mouth...ask him, and hear it from his own mouth. :: shrugs :: :)
What, takes 5 minutes more to email him via the town's website:
http://www.grafton-ma.gov/Public_Documents/GraftonMA_Planning/index
or his own campaign website:
http://www.spinneyforselectman.com/page1.htm
or his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1557164833
or even his campaign page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SpinneyforSelectman
Now, I have done the work for you on how to seek out *internet* contact options for all of you who have questions for Bruce...now all you have to do is ask him your questions.
And...you're welcome. lol :)
Great job Deb (as usual). Bruce is our man and our best bet to get us away from the levy limit during his 3 year term.
I appreciate that Debbie Adams stands up for what she believes in. As a matter of fact, many of the folks who support both candidates are doing just the same and it doesn't make them bad people - certainly not deserving of angry, personal attacks and vitriol. Whether you are a supporter, an avid supporter or rabid supporter of any candidate it is best to keep in mind that we are all neighbors before during and after the election. I was reminded of the following quote recently. If you find yourself racing to the send button after seeing too much red, take a moment reflect on the following. It just may bring your blood pressure down a bit.
“If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secret of getting along -- whether it be business, family relations, or life itself.” - Bernard Meltzer
True true true. :)
Two of my best friends in the entire world have completely different political views than myself, but, I still love them as if they were my brother and sister by blood. We have learned over the years how to agree to disagree on many issues. :)
Just a few thoughts from an observer...... I have read letter in support of both candidates and I have also read the somewhat nasty responses from those in support of Mr. Padgett. I have yet to see like comments from those supporting Mr. Spinny. I have heard the scuttlebutt around town (that no one seems to want to address) about "Brook supporters" which are members of non profit organizations using non profit resources ie email addresses to endorse Mr. Padgett. If there is any validity to this, I find it extremely disturbing that a so called leader of the town would engage in such behavior! As for me, hearing this, changes my vote, and I will now give my vote to a candidate that won't engage in "dirty politicing"!
A few things need to be clarified, as Buckets indicates Mr. Padgett has served on the the Board during a period of tremendous growth in which many large capital expenditures came about including the police station, fire station and new school. Mr Padgett supported these along with the remainder of the Board, including Mr Adams. How does Mr Spinney feel about these buildings? Do you support the new school Bruce, it must be spring because all I hear is crickets.......
As far as the library, yes Mr. Padgett supported it and so did Mr Spinney, prior to the vote he spoke in support of it. Does he still support it or has he flip flopped? Again crickets......
As far as calling Mr Padgett a flag he is the furthest thing from that, he very really flip flops and is a man of his convictions.
If people don't like Mr Padgett just say it, but don't question the job he has done as a Selectman because he has done an excellent job for this town and if he is not re-elected the town will be the loser, trust me!
CRL: Certainly sounded like a negative, *attack* on Mr. Spinney there...note: Is this only the first attack of it's like from the Padgett camp? Let's get serious, though, if you seriously are concerned and want to hear what Bruce has to say about the school and library, ask him!
As I recall, even before the vote for the library came up, he voiced many concerns he had for it, and reserves about the facts which were presented. I personally do not recall if he voted against it or not...why don't you actually make the effort to ask him, instead of talking to the fields and listening to what the crickets have to say. As a man who would like to be on the BoS, with an election at risk this year, I am certain he would be more than happy to go into details with you over the matter, if you truly want to know what his response is. He wont bite you...he is very approachable, and happy to go into details on any issue of concern.
About the "...town will be the loser,"...why do people get so ugly during election time? That's not true, and you know it. The only reason you wish to make people think that the town will suffer terribly under one candidate if *your* candidate loses, is completely foolish, especially as far as local elections go, and the particular *powers* of the BoS itself. What this campaign is more so about is a difference in opinion on how the town should proceed with it's growth, what projects will be classified as *needed* by the BoS, and if that classification is *spot on* with what the town actually *needs,* or if it will be more so a *wish list* of certain parts of the community, rather than the town as a whole.
So, let's stop the attacks on either candidate, and focus on how we want our BoS to vote in regards to upcoming projects, and the future developement of our great town! That's actually what this election is about...character wise, both Brook and Bruce are awsome. But, it's their approach to *vetting* projects, and how they weigh the *needs* list over the *wants* list that make them two different choices for the selectman seat.
Myself, I'm voting for Bruce Spinney, because I have taken time to hear out both candidates, and I feel Bruce's vision for Grafton's future is closer to what I would hope for for our town. I love Grafton, and I want my kids and grandkids to be able to afford to live here, too. I personally believe Bruce has got the views that will help Grafton become even better, while maintaining a *cost of living* in town that most people can still afford.
Great Job Ms. Adams! For someone with close connections to people “in the know”, your comments come completely out of left field! First, I must admit, I am supporting Mr. Padgett – but I have NOTHING against Mr. Spinney. He seems like a nice man. I have heard him speak and while he seems passionate about serving Grafton he has yet to submit a concrete plan needed to garnish my support. He seems to be a candidate that wants to set up a lot of “committees” to analyze issues!
It is true that Mr. Padgett has been on the board for quite a while, but I look at that as a result of the substance of his decisions. You refer to Mr. Padgett as –someone who likes to spend! Unfortunately, in a town with a population of 18,000 residents one has to spend money. Mr. Padgett has served on the BOS during a time where it has had some unusually high expenditures (2 schools, fire station, police station…) all the while keeping Grafton’s tax rate lower than almost every other town in our area. As well as achieving a AA bond rating – which speaks to the towns ability to appropriate and recompense monies. If this is a negative characteristic of Mr. Padgett, well I guess it’s all in how you look at things!
Mr. Padgett’s experience on the BOS is what Grafton needs at this time! Perhaps, I will vote for Mr. Spinney next year – if he decides to run again! Can anyone tell me who is up for re-election next year? ;-)
Shame on you!
The headline should read "Deb Adams Speaks Negatively About Brook Padgett" Not surprised..Another scathing, negative attack from her.
Funny, when I read letters supporting Brook, the authors simply stick to their candidate. When I read letters supporting Bruce...I read a lot of Brook bashing. Why?
Also let me address a point Deb has brought up. "Brook is a big spender" Deb, as you know, since your husband sits on the same board, BOS brings articles to the citizens so THEY can vote on it. The BOS doesn't spend millions by itself. They simply approve things that have already been approved at Town Meeting. The Town Meeting that EVERYONE votes on!
Did Bruce vote for the Library or the new High School? Still haven't heard those answers yet. Did you ask him Deb?
You also suggest that Brook is doing things this year simply because it's an election year. Do you suggest he sit quietly on the board for 6-9 mos prior to an election so as to not appear to be doing things for "election sake".
You missed the mark with your letter. Bruce is a nice guy and all but you squandered your key strokes ripping apart the opposition.
Dear Ms. Adams,
As an undecided voter, I've spent the last several weeks reading every single letter submitted for both selectman candidates, hoping that it would help me decide which candidate to vote for on May 15. I want to thank you for solidifying my vote for Brook Padgett, whom I have never personally met, but only watched on TV.
If you are representative of the Spinney campaign and how Mr. Spinney would represent the town of Grafton on the Board of Selectmen, he does not deserve my vote. Your letter was unprofessional, poorly written and mean spirited. I've not seen that in a single letter so far from either campaign.
Hopefully your letter has not permanently moved this contest in a negative direction and for Mr. Spinney's sake, I hope your letter has not done irreparable harm to his campaign.