First I applogize for the lenght of this response. Also not all these ideas can be done, but let's ask thes questions and many more. I am sure there are many in our community with good ideas. Let's stop fighting and suggesting unrealistic ideas.

Mr. Caron, I fully agree with you that some numbers need to be looked at; however, common sense rather than irrational and irresponsible ideas would help. There is absolutely no way possible to close the HS and get students into another school system by September. There is no single schools system around to take them all. You could possibly look at vouchers in the future, but that brings a whole set of different issues which could not be solved by September. However I do believe some thinking outside the box, asking tough questions and making tough decisions could help. I would wonder why we are not first looking at every area where we can consolidate and save. While I must admit, I do not know the detail of every cut or option that has been put on the table; I would suggest some questions to be considered by our school board and town council.

1) Do we really need 3 elementary principals, 3 elementary nurses? The schools are not that far apart, 10 minutes max. (Approximately the same number of students as the middle and high school. For those that argue if the little ones get hurt we need a nurse on site, the nurse is a qualified teacher, let him or her teach, rather than sit and wait for the possibility of someone getting sick.)

2) Do we need the curriculum director any longer? With the state mandating more of what is to be taught. Maybe the business manager position is managed by the Treasurer’s department?

3) Do we need the number of guidance counselors we have at each level?

4) Do we need the number of levels of each course at the high school? (i.e. do we have more than 2 in grades 9 and 10, honors and prep. Even if someone is not going to college they shouldn’t they be at the prep level for future living needs?

5) What are the minimum class sizes at the high school before the class is taught? On the AP level are we doing any regional teaching via webinars? These students are advanced and have small class sizes. Could they get the lectures via webinar, with the department chairs or selected teacher available for questions and guidance?

6) How many classes do the department chairs teach?

7) Have they considered the possibility of lengthening the school winter break to save on heating costs? Start the year earlier, end later or combo of both. What are the costs - benefits?

8) Are there any potential savings in extracurricular actives without eliminating them?

9) On the town side, a little more difficult, but I would ask similar questions about each department. Can we consolidate any positions in the fire department and police department? Do we really need a paid fire department? If so what is the appropriate size? Do we need more fire trucks or more EMT’s? Can the police be cross trained and vise versa? Do we really need a street sweeper? Is there a cheaper alternative to getting the few spots that actually require sweeping? How many snow plows do we really need versus contracting with private plows? Why do we have different maintenance departments for the school and town? Why can’t the town take over the maintenance of the schools or at least the grounds? Maybe we would need less personnel or lawn mowers? Pennies to dollars.

10) Town hall. Do we really need each department having their own personnel to cover the max need? Each having their own head? Are things really that complicated that we need a clerk, collector, treasurer and assessor? Can any of these be consolidated? Are departments as self supporting thru fees where possible – clerk’s office, building inspector’s office?

11) Senior center. Do they provide services for free based on need or just because someone qualifies based on age? Do those that can afford it, pay or at least give a donation?

12) Can we cut the number of streets lights? Do we charge for police responding to domestic disturbances or other calls? If not why not, can we fine or place a lien to be paid at time of sale or refi? We charge for ambulance service if they have insurance. Do we charge enough to cover for the cost of the fire truck if it has to respond with the ambulance? Do we have to pick up trash every week? Why not every 10 days or every other week?

In the long term, we should being to investigate the regionalization of numerous administrative positions, on the school and municipal side. Why do two small counties, geographical and population wise (Newport and Bristol) need separate school administrations, central office personnel, business managers, superintendents and curriculum coordinators. The same question applies to Police chief, Fire chief, Treasurer’s office, Tax Collector and Public Works. Many of these positions could be consolidated, while at the same time keeping each town autonomous. Yes everyone needs to be willing to give up a little, including control.

Rather than all of us fighting each other we need to get the state and federal government to get their house in order. We need our Reps to step up and speak up; don’t go along to get along. One teacher contract, no more leaping each community in pay scale as the contracts are staggered to maximize their opportunity to say we are the lowest paid. We need to address the runaway philosophy of everyone needing an IEP. We need our Senators and Reps to say stop spending and fixing the world lets fix ourselves first. If TCC and other community groups want to get taxes under control, maybe you need to go after your state and federal reps, too.

Why should the budget committee and town clowncil work to cut spending when it is EASIER to raise taxes... just saying

Jeff Caron - Founding member of the TCC.

I said it before, I'll say it again, and you heard it from his own lips: The TCC -closing high schools, fire depts and libraries... Coming

soon to your town.

These people measure a community by the money in their wallets. They don't need no stinkin services, especially for schools in which they don't have kids. Ask them - come on I dare you. How many of them have kids in the schools. How many of them have ever stepped foot in our libraries or taken in a Little League game at Town Farm. How many of them would be screaming if private rescue couldn't find their house in time to save a loved one. Come on - ask them!!

REALIST - get real, of course it is not easy. You would rather have no town?

COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER, SO I WON'T:

TivertonDad says:

Anyone who cares about Tiverton as a community and not their own individual interests should be very concerned--frightened actually--at the prospect of closing THS. This is a permanent solution to a temporary problem brought on by a number of factors, including poor leadership and planning, and a crippling recession. In fact, closing THS will likely make things worse. According to the 2008 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 27% of home buyers listed school quality and 21% listed proximity to schools as deciding factors in their home purchase. Of all the local neighborhood amenities that can influence a buyer's decision to purchase a home, proximity to good quality schools is one of the most influential. That is one of the primary reasons why I bought my house in Tiverton fifteen years ago. (My kids are in grade school and kindergarten).

Tiverton already has a glut of homes for sale, including many that are vacant or facing foreclosure. The solution to a shrinking tax base is not to drive away wage-earning families, which is precisely the effect that closing the high school would have.

My father grew up in the Depression, and I grew up with the understanding that you used something until you wore it out. While THS will eventually need to be upgraded or replaced (just like everything) it's not worn out yet. Don't fall for the hysterical predictions about replacement costs. The idea to close the school is a premature, yet calculated, part of the TCC's agenda to selectively eliminate services or to place a greater burden for these services on specific groups of taxpayers.

Their goal: to lower their own tax rate. The cost: the future of this town.

Don't buy the TCC rhetoric about this being for the kids. It's for them. It's unfortunate that a few years after you moved here, the country entered a financial crisis and Rhode Island was among the states hit the worst. But the solution is not to turn all of Tiverton into a gated community with a sign reading "Families enter at your own risk."

I hope everyone goes to the town budget meeting and votes for the solutions that are best for the entire community.

If I am not mistaken, the state set cap is 4% this year . The town can not exceed it without approval from the legislature. Since no request was made to exceed the cap, the town will budget within it. The bottom line is the salaries and benefits. are costing to much. We either close the school or cut the cost of labor. I prefer the latter, and so does the majority of people in town. The high school will be there next year and the year after as long as the elected officials do there job and live with in our means.

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE OUR TOWNS PROBLEMS.www.tivertoncc.com JOIN US

"We either close the school or cut the cost of labor. I prefer the latter, and so does the majority of people in town. The high school will be there next year and the year after as long as the elected officials do there job and live with in our means."

Sounds like a threat Jethro. So if the powers that be don't attack the town employees to TCC's satisfaction, they will close the high school. Ok. At least your upfront about it.

The TCC does not negotiate contracts, that is our elected officials duty. We can only encourage them to do the right thing.The squeaky wheel gets the oil, so make some noise. I will say though if the school Comm. had listened to us. the TCC, and not given those retroactive pay raises, we would be in better shape. Now we have to get it back, and it's not easy.

What is all this about an 11.83% increase. The Treasurer reported in the FR Herald that we have over $7 million is surplus. The budget committee has to release that money to offset tax bills. No way we should have that much in our rainy day fund when people are hurting. Article here:

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1920344588/Tiverton-treasurer-and-auditor-present-finance-report

The article states that town’s combined ending fund balance was $7.3 million, not that it was surplus. Much if not all of that must be the operating funds needed to get through this fiscal year.

Please support the TCC, jethro and the Town Treasurer as we advocate for the closure of the North Tiverton Fire Station and a taxpayer refund of our $7M surplus! Thank you sailski ("I'm not Jeff Caron") and the TCC!

TCC fool

You are not a member of the TCC, never have been, never will be.

Check back in to rehab ,get off the drugs.

It's funny, if the Fool took the time to check,he would see that Sailski posted on Thursday night while Jeff was at the Budget meeting. Ramblings of a fool, and a ridiculous way to try to spin the truth. Then, what do you expect, from that crowd.

Poor towns usually have poor schools. Good towns usually have good schools. The TCC wants people to believe that Tiverton is a poor town and deserves poor schools. I hope everybody that believes Tiverton is a good town will show up at the financial town meeting and vote for the future, not the unfortunate and temporary present.

TivertonDad whip out that check book and make a huge donation to the school. We appreciate the donation .

Tiverton is made up of a lot of different types of people and they have different levels of income. Seniors who live on fixed incomes can not afford two to three hundred dollar tax increases every year on there multi thousand dollar tax bills . You say {Tax the rich} but we also tax the poor. Raising the tax rate hurts all of Tiverton.Tiverton Careers

Among the most common occupations in Tiverton are Management, professional, and related occupations, 30%. Sales and office occupations, 28%. and Service occupations, 15%. Approximately 74 percent of workers in Tiverton, Rhode Island work for companies, 16 percent work for the government and 4 percent are self-employed.

Popular Tiverton Jobs

Currently, the most commonly listed Tiverton Jobs are for registered nurse jobs, physical therapist jobs, occupational therapist jobs, physical therapy jobs, financial advisor jobs and project manager jobs.

Tiverton Industries

The leading industries in Tiverton, Rhode Island are Educational, health and social services, 21%; Manufacturing, 13%; and Retail trade, 11%. Simply Hired's Tiverton job listings indicate that the following industries in Tiverton are hiring the most workers: Catering Services, Food Service Contractors, Clinics & Outpatient Services, Hospitals and Outpatient Surgery Centers.

Tiverton Job Salaries

According to government data, the average salary for jobs in Tiverton, Rhode Island is $34,021, and the median income of households in Tiverton was $45,683.

Average Salaries in Tiverton, RI

In USD as of Feb 20, 2010

15k 30k 45k

Tiverton, RI

$34,000

Tiverton Unemployment Rate

Tiverton has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, compared the national average of 5.8%.

According to our Tiverton Trends data, the number of Tiverton, Rhode Island jobs has decreased by 45% since June 2008.

Tiverton job trends

Tiverton Employment Statistics

Population of Tiverton

Total population 7,282

Male 47.89%

Female 52.11%

Median age 42.2

Tiverton Housing

Owner-occupied homes 76.2%

Median cost of a home $132,300

Median mortgage payment $755

Renter-occupied homes 23.8%

Vacant housing 4.8%

Median monthly rent $648

Average Income

Median for all male full-time $39,786

Median for all female full-time $28,256

Household Income

Less than $10,000 8%

$10,000 to $14,999 9%

$15,000 to $24,999 9%

$25,000 to $34,999 10%

$35,000 to $49,999 18%

$50,000 to $74,999 22%

$75,000 to $99,999 14%

$100,000 to $149,999 7%

$150,000 to $199,999 2%

$200,000 or more 1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8%

9th to 12th grade, no diploma 13%

High school graduate 32%

Some college, no degree 18%

Associate's degree 7%

Bachelor's degree 14%

Graduate degree 8%

Marital Status

Never married 22%

Currently married 61%

Separated 2%

Widowed 9%

Divorced 7%

Race

White 99%

Black or African American 0%

Asian 0%

Other 1%

Tiverton Commute

Carpool 8.2%

Public transportation 0.2%

Average travel time 25 minutes

2/20/10, 08:11 AM

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jethro says:

So where are all these rich people?

Household Income

Less than $10,000 8%

$10,000 to $14,999 9%

$15,000 to $24,999 9%

$25,000 to $34,999 10%

$35,000 to $49,999 18%

$50,000 to $74,999 22%

$75,000 to $99,999 14%

$100,000 to $149,999 7%

$150,000 to $199,999 2%

$200,000 or more 1%

2/20/10, 08:15 AM

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unionguy says:

Notorious (aka Joe Sousa) Paramedic systems is owned by Alert Ambulance which the town of Tiverton contracted with in the early 90's...they were let go i beleive after they continually couldn't find the addresses of the emergencies that they were responding to. The town then contracted with Norfolk Bristol Ambulance and had similar problems (paramedics who didn't know where they were going). Anyway these companies charge big dollars now to come in and do ems, while Tivertons rescue actually bills and brings in money..so maybe you and your group should do a little more home work before you just think you can cut everything and save money...like someone above said penny wise and pound foolish..

2/20/10, 08:29 AM

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jethro says:

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE WORKING TO BRING AFFORDABILITY TO OUR TOWN www.tivertoncc.com JOIN US

Damm union guy how did you get in there.

Jethro, your facts above state the town has only 7,383 people. Did we somewhere along the line cut the size of the town in half?

Population15,083

I knew we were small but not that small of a town.

There's no way jethro killed that may people...yet!

Buddha won't be happy until he has closed every town building and laid off all of the people who work there. Good job keeping YOUR taxes lower while everybody else loses there job, Buddha!

When are you people going to wake up and realize that it is the Unions that are bankrupting this and all other towns and cities across this nation. Most of us have seen what Unions do to private companies (most of which have had to move over seas for reasonable labor costs) now maybe you will see what happens to your taxes even while in an economic downturn, because of Local , Government Unions. Teachers, Police, Fire Public Works, etc, etc, all paid with your taxes find it offending and unwilling to make consessions. When will people wake up and realize the problem.

Thanks jethro for that extra post..lol....

How does closing the North Fire station which is the towns busiest in the most populated area of town even make sense??????That station alone does 75% of all the towns calls and thats the station the TCC wants to close? a lot of research went into that i guess..if your want to make changes at least do a little home work first..

Larry, right after they understand what the Hearth Care Companies have been doing to them for over a decade.....

And they will understand that right after they see what the Military Industrial Neo-con complex has been doing to them (ask IKE).....

Sorry, I'm afraid people don't get it. They are angry and willing to lash out at ANY red meat hung on a rope in front of them, but they do not see the big picture.

And, BTW, although there is of course some truth to what you say, let me mention that "right to work" states and cities such as Florida, SC and MANY others are going 100% broke without unions. Perhaps you can explain that one to us?

Also, places like NYC which are total Union are still above water.....at least to some extent.

Somehow the private companies without unions in SC and TN also laid off all their workers...who would have thought?

But don't let me confuse you, Larry.........after all, talking points always work better than a complete story.

Please see this comment, cut from the comment above. "That station alone does 75% of all the towns calls and thats the station the TCC wants to close? "

I have never endorsed the closing of any facility, period. Statements of this kind are wild fabrications.

TCC supports the preservation of current services , holding the line on taxes and reduction of labor costs through contract reform. Any 2010 spending increases must be kept well below the Tax Cap.

TCC stands for taxpayer rights, and receiving value for the taxes we pay.

Dave Nelson

Mr.Nelson , perhaps you should reign in some of the commentary made on these pages by your TCC cohorts. Some would have us believe that the town only has 7000 residents and have stated that we should privatize many of the towns services. They say these things as well as attack any one who opposes them while posting for your group.

I noticed that not one single member of TCC is listed by name on their website. Why the secrecy? I thought that TCC stood for openness and transparency.

I propose: 1) That TCC post a list of their officers their website; 2) That TCC post a list of Tiverton elected officials who are members or supporters of TCC.

TivertonDad, That will never happen. The TCC is too busy pointing out everyone elses flaws that they can't see how non-transparent they really are. Just check out their campaign finance sometime if you want a real laugh.Transparency and rules are for everybody else.

No doubt citizens have the right to tell government to hold the line. I have absolutely no problem with that.....

BUT, groups like TCC have to understand when certain problems are beyond the capability of their local body. In this case, our communities have gotten used to having a good local, state and national economy and they have committed to schools and other infrastructure based on that. NO ONE had any idea that we were going to see the greatest Recession since the 1930's. So this is like a 100 year storm!

TCC and Dave have to be VERY clear as to which parts of their wants and needs are within the actual capability of an ongoing budget, and which are just the usual screaming and ranting that goes on about taxes.

NO ONE likes to pay taxes. NO ONE likes to pay more taxes. However, we as a country and state have failed to address some of the foundations of our economy, and now we are paying the price.

BTW, in Southern NJ where I lived for 30 years, the current tax rate on a $250,000 hour would be about 45 cents, which would translate to about 11,000 per year for that house. Those costs are driven almost 100% by schools. The idea somehow RI will be able to get by with vastly lower taxes (teachers in my NJ town started at 35K, so there is not a big difference) is laughable.

I have still not heard a single person explain to me how someone with 2 or 3 kids in school.....who costs the town 25-30K per year, can pay 5K in taxes..and you NOT have problems.

It's the difficult questions that are hard to answer...a lot easier to just generally complain.

Oh, and in general, I agree with Dave about caps on yearly increases in taxes. There should be caps and they should be held to. However, when 100 year event shake our economy, you have to make some adjustments...on ALL side of the issue.

Craig the people of Tiverton work as a collective to fund the schools .The older citizens had there kids in the schools, and every one paid for them. It is a generational thing, and it will continue. Over time the citizens will pay for there kids schools by paying for the next generation. It works as long as people stay involved, and informed.

It works as long as the previous generation cares enough about the next generation. The hysteria over the town budget is overly focused on the present, when every step we take as a community should be focused on the future. Budgeting should not be reactionary; it should be strategic. The reactionaries in this town who oppose quality education either don't care about the next generation or are oblivious to the long-term impact that rash, knee-jerk and selfish actions will cause.

to Tivertondad

to your remark..."I propose: 1) That TCC post a list of their officers their website; 2) That TCC post a list of Tiverton elected officials who are members or supporters of TCC. "

This is public data.

I am the President of the Tiverton Citizens for Change -A Political Action Committee , Deetta Moran is the Secretary. That's it for officers

The elected officials who were endorsed by TCC and accepted that endorsement were , Jay Lambert, Cecil Leonard, Ed Roderick, Donald Bollin, Daniell Coulter, Robert Coulter, Thomas Parker, Sanford Mantell.

One additional remark - you and others post here are anonymously demanding transparency while making false statements, a seemingly duplicitous approach.

Thanks. You should post this on your website. Please tell me which of my statements you consider to be false and I will correct or clarify.

Tivertondad in response to above.

your statement "The TCC wants people to believe that Tiverton is a poor town and deserves poor schools"

Neither of these two connected thoughts represent my thinking, intentions, or public statements.

You may arrive at that conclusion on your own, however subscribing it to TCC in not accurate.

Dave Nelson

Sorry. I can't apologize for something that I believe to be 100% true. That may not represent your individual feelings, but this is the perception that TCC and its supporters project.

Mr. Nelson,

Since the TCC is so involved with the teacher's contracts, I am curious to know about your position on the police and fire fighter contracts? I have never heard you or anyone else voice your concerns with either department. Sometimes I wonder if your political views are just geared towards one group.

With that being said, this talk of shutting down a fire station or reducing the police force is rediculous. If I call 911 from my house, I want a fire truck, ambulance, or police officer to show up at my house. We NEED a new fire truck. Are you people that invested in your political beliefs that you're willing to risk your safety?

Finally, Mr. Nelson, if the TCC had their wish, I am curious to know what kind of place you envision Tiverton to be? Has your group ever thought about advocating for some new business in town? I know there is commercial space available to attract some kind of business like a Chili's that would generate some much needed income into the town. With that being said, it is not my wish for Tiverton to become a Seekonk or a Middletown, all I ask is we welcome some type of business into town to OFFSET THESE TAXES YOU ALL COMPLAIN ABOUT!!!!

Jon Devolve

Mr. Nelson says, "I am the President of the Tiverton Citizens for Change -A Political Action Committee , Deetta Moran is the Secretary. That's it for officers. The elected officials who were endorsed by TCC and accepted that endorsement were , Jay Lambert, Cecil Leonard, Ed Roderick, Donald Bollin, Daniell Coulter, Robert Coulter, Thomas Parker, Sanford Mantell. "

So Mr. Nelson are publicly stated that the following are not TCC members:

Jim and Madeline O'Dell

Jeff Caron

Cindy Nebergall

Justin Katz

Mel Platte

Eric Schoenholz

Joe Souza

Sorry, that is are you publicly stating the list above are NOT members?

Or if we are just going with elected officials (TivertonDad's request), are you saying that Jeff Caron, Cindy Nebergall, and Phillip DiMattia are not TCC members?

Please refrain from using our names in public. If you will kindly notice, Mr. Nelson's original post was removed. Accountability and transparency does not apply to us, only you little people!

Wow, no one there can want a nearly 12% increase in property taxes.

Here is where government data that kept Social Security payments from rising this year due to deflation seem more than a bit disconnected from reality.

4.2% from National Grid, 6.1% from BCBS, 9% from the BCWA, 8% from Cox cable, and gasoline and heating oil up dramatically from the same time last year.

These property tax increases over the next few years in order to maintain the public employment status quo is literally going to force some people from their homes.

Of course nobody want a 12% increase. But TCC's hatchet-wielding solution is to kill off the schools, the lifeblood of the town that bring in new wage-earning families and stabilize the tax base. I think every tax payer would say that strategic cuts are needed in almost every municipal department, while at the same time the council needs to seek out and encourage appropriate new income streams.

Again Mr. Nelson as long a you are being all transparent and all:if we are just going with elected officials (TivertonDad's request), are you saying that Jeff Caron, Cindy Nebergall, and Phillip DiMattia are not TCC members? Your silence speaks volumes.

I had posted some "solution" ideas on the other budget story blog but I am going to post them agan here:

All proposed 10/11 budget lines:

Town Administrator: $2227 RAISE to $86127

Building/zoning: $508 RAISE to $55508

Town Planner: $1014 RAISE to $68614

Tax Assessor: $1300 RAISE to $64800

Treasurer: $1653 RAISE to $63853

Fire Chief: $1125 RAISE to $76209

Police Chief: $2101 RAISE to $79591

Dep Chief: $2323 Pay CUT (so the Chief can get his raise!)

Highway Sup: $1466 RAISE to $81466

RI Leagues of Cities and Towns/Chamber: $9375 WASTE OF MONEY

Police OT: $103,000 Ok

Fire OT: $245,000 What the hell kind of ship is Chief Lloyd running?

Total of $11394 for salary INCREASES after asking the unions for a pay freeze.

Pay cut of $2323 for a position NOT FILLED at this time. (Dep PD Ch.)

An INCREASE OF $80,000 in fire department overtime from 08/09 budget. Please explain that one Chiefy.

An INCREASE OF $1000 in police department overtime from 08/09 budget. THANK YOU Chief! Good job.

RI Leagues of Cities and Towns: let's help the cities and towns while raising the membership fee! They are useless as they have proven in 2009 and so far in 2010. DUMP THEM.

And last but not least...before anyone tries to do a comparison of salaries from other towns equal in charachteristics to Tiverton, keep in mind what those towns HAVE for community events/functions, business zones, tourism, etc. Tiverton needs to wake up!

I love this town but come on folks, let's wake up and get some ideas going to move this town forward. (Jethro you stay out of this one - Stone age is still looking for you)

2/26/10...

That being said. These are REAL line items from our proposed budget but you don't hear the TCC endorse cutting anything specific. They said "hold the line". Unless you specifically see what your "holding" then you can't just hold the line.

Also, YES the Herald News did run a story on Jan 28 stating that Tiverton has a $7.3 million UNRESERVED AND AVAILABLE FOR USE surplus.

Why don't we cover what MUST be raised (such as oil, elec, gas) and hold the line on most of the other requested raises (such as listed above).

I would recommend that we consider the new fire engine request (not ladder), and any roof, window, and heating repairs reqested (for obvious reasons).

I would not recommend any parking lot repairs, new boats, new volleyball nets (the TCC will hold a volunteer drive to do that work), new dugouts and bleachers (again, the TCC would be more than happy to organize a volunteer drive for manpower and materials do build these community-benefitting projects).

Let the surplus cover ALL of the overage from last year INCLUDING the STATE REQUIRED automatic percentage increase in taxes. As of right now, from last year to this year the difference in current budget and Budget Comm Recommended is $1,553,227. All of which could be covered by the surplus.

ATTENTION TCC MEMBERS:

Are you ready and willing to take the challenge?

You can lead by example and step up to the plate RIGHT NOW.

Here is how...

2010/11 requested items

NEW $6400 Pocasset dugouts

NEW $9000 Ft Barton bleachers/dugouts

NEW $1000 Grinell volleyball area repairs

I want a KNOWN TCC member to step up to the plate and organize a community event to get these projects done with as much donated materials as possible. NO LABOR COSTS - all community built.

1. Publicize a meeting

2. Organize a leadership team (a pro builder, a fundraising crew, materials donation crew, etc.)

3. Set a date in the early spring

4. Let's accomplish something as a community!!!

NO PARTISAN BULLS**T. That includes non-TCC members as well.

Any takers for this challenge?

Walk the talk and let's all work together!

These community oriented projects have been done in Barrington (Legion Way Skating Rink, Veteran's Park trails rebuilt, Sowams Road practice field built, Kid's Cove Playground built, etc.) and in other towns as well.

Sorry folks I am home sick today! Nothing else to do...Lol...

BTW, sports fields and their long term upkeep can become one of the big drivers of the discretionary part of a town budget. I saw this happen in many other towns. It starts out "for the kids", but the code word is really "for the parents....of certain kids". Interestingly enough, certain sports are "blessed" by the lord and the town....and largely paid for by every taxpayer, while MANY other sports (skateboarding, hockey, etc.) are not blessed, so the individual parents must invest thousands a year for their kids benefit.

Sports should, other than the bare minimum, charge substantial fees to cover the costs. Yes, we are responsible for education of each others children, but NOT for a tournament grade field with night lights, etc. (not saying Tiverton has done this yet...just watch out!)

As to those raises...it would seem a very prudent thing to so in this economy for all raises to be put on hold. I would gladly do so if I were employed there.....I'd be glad to have my job!

Still, taken together all that will hardly make a dent in things....it sounds like it is time to dip into that reserve/surplus...and tighten the belts while hoping the local and national economy improve. Hope for the best, while preparing for the worst (just like sailing, eh?)

Craig...sports are obviously a good thing for EVERY community and yes the Town has to kick in a little in the form of field maintenance. Is that too much to ask? I agree that some sports are "blessed" and others are not but let's do a quick analysis: skateboarding - no way to "organize" a sanctioned "league" with direct supervision aka little league, pop warner, school sports, etc.; hockey - have you ever priced hockey equipment? a full set? and then the ice rental... I love hockey but it is what it is in Tiverton. Maybe down the road?

sorry... also as far as soccer goes, I pay good money for my daughter to play and don't complain - she loves it! However, the league lines the fields (at no cost to the town) and there are even high school students "employed" as refs (at no cost to the town). I don't know how little league works or pop warner but I would have to imagine it is similiar.

ATTENTION TCC MEMBERS:

Are you ready and willing to take the challenge?

You can lead by example and step up to the plate RIGHT NOW.

Here is how...

2010/11 requested items

NEW $6400 Pocasset dugouts

NEW $9000 Ft Barton bleachers/dugouts

NEW $1000 Grinell volleyball area repairs

I want a KNOWN TCC member to step up to the plate and organize a community event to get these projects done with as much donated materials as possible. NO LABOR COSTS - all community built.

1. Publicize a meeting

2. Organize a leadership team (a pro builder, a fundraising crew, materials donation crew, etc.)

3. Set a date in the early spring

4. Let's accomplish something as a community!!!

NO PARTISAN BULLS**T. That includes non-TCC members as well.

Any takers for this challenge?

Walk the talk and let's all work together!

ripolitics it looks like you are home sick and bored lol. I would have to agree with you on your challenge to the TCC.

So...

Bring it TCC! What is your response to ripolitics post above - the challenge?

>>>own has to kick in a little in the form of field maintenance. Is that too much to ask?

I've heard that again and again, but I have also seen many towns go WAY overboard on it. And there is a real question about whether the blessing of TEAM sports with taxpayer money is a part of our government? Wouldn't you agree that it might be a stretch to ask old folks to chip in because Johnny is a good QB?

Let me tell you where I am coming from, and Tiverton and other towns should watch out for this. I lived in a town of 22,000 for about 30 years. It started out with sports as many towns do - volunteers using a few town (park) fields and school fields. What happened then is very educational. The big sports parents.....pushed and pushed and attended every council meeting so that upgraded facilities could be bought and installed. Little by little, the budget increased....some of the sports parents got elected to council and other positions of influence. Next thing you know, they approved a 1.5 MILLION dollar construction of new fields...with lights, of course (60,000 a year for electricity)........

By the time they were finished, they had not only sucked the town budget, but after that they used up BOTH school money (lights for the school fields ) AND also sucked up money from all the local businesses by effectively bribing them (if you are a local bank, you can't say no to a town pol who asks for sports money)......this means those businesses had no money left to give to other things, like to take care of folks with serious diseases, etc.

As all this was taking place, the sports Orgs swore up and down they would help take care of the fields, etc. etc. etc.

Guess what? Now the town has a line item of about 700,000 a year just to take care of all the fields and pay for the lighting, etc....

So, I am not saying Tiverton is there and doing that. What I am saying is heed the warning.....AND, that Team Sports are a luxury, not one of the three R's. We could debate all day long whether it is good for character....I could show you a LOT of kids whose inferiority complexes started at just about the time the coach decided they should spend more time on the bench. I could show you a LOT of my friends...successful adults, whose high school injuries are still with them today. But that is another matter - we are talking money here!

Our federal or state constitutions guarantee a public education in certain subjects. Football is not one of them.

Ahhhh...Craig...an OBVIOUS TCC member. Well I will add you to the list of TCC members refusing the above challenge then.

TCC volunteer refusers:

Craigimass

Yes, the whole anti-kid tone of that letter kind of gave him away. Craig, I don't know why you are going on about team sports in Tiverton when you obviously don't know anything. The town does minimal maintenance. They cut the grass mostly. But I have seen coaches and parents personally raking and lining the fields, along with donating countless hours of their time and energy actually giving something back to their community. If only members of the TCC were so public spirited. I'm sure they the TCC devotes countless hours of their time to kids--mostly trying to figure out how to give them an inferior education so that they can save a few dollars.

RI Politics, that's a great challenge. If the TCC wants to put their time and money where their mouths are, I will be there with my toolbelt to help.

I don't think that Craig is tcc or anti kid. I think he may be trying to pint out the flaws in the system for funding that currently exists. I am sure he can explain it more clearly.

A couple of things...

1) the town pays for nothing for these youth sports leagues..they cut the grass only... which they would have to do regardless of the leagues or not. The lining of the fields, the umpires, and everything else is paid for by the individual league.

2) Don't hold your breath waiting for Caron,Nelson,Nebergall,Souza, Coulters or any of the other TCC members to step up and actually get their hands dirty and help the community..thats certainly not what they're about....they're about cutting the bottom line on spending no matter what the cost is to the community....NO MATTER WHAT THE COST IS TO THE COMMUNITY......

3)BUT... i am absolutely positive that if the TCC takes this chalenge the towns unionized workers will be shoulder to shoulder with them volunteering to get theese projects done...so I will be waiting for the date and time of the first public meeting and we'll be there...The balls in your court Mr Nelson.

Unionguy,

Mr. Nelson and the rest of the members of the TCC do not have to fortitude to step-up and suggest improvements to the town. I agree with you 100% that this radical group only cares about keeping their pockets "fat." I do think there are some members that have some good points (Jethro) but, ultimately, I believe they do not care about the future of Tiverton at all. If they truly did care they would have promoted a plan of their own to increase revenue to this town, realized the importance of education for all, and worked together with all groups in town to make sure this place is affordable for all and that basic ammenities are afforded to all citizens in town. That's tough to do when the president of this group is a retired VP of IBM and has to juggle between shifting his wealth around on Wall Street and trying to get everyone in town to believe in "false principles and goals" to maintain the lifestyle he and some of his fellow members have.

Have you Tiverton people seen where you will be losing $1.5 million a year in state school aid? Portsmouth will lose $2.7 million and Bristol/Warren over $9 million. Middletown $3.1 million, Little Compton $187,000, Newport $1.66 million

This may change some conversations about spending

http://www.projo.com/news/2010/popup/school-funding-map/ri-school-funding-plan.html

Unionguy, great post. Nail on the head. Are you a carpenter?

Why has Mr. Nelson become so shy?

We are just asking, are you now or have you ever been a member of the TCC? Stand up and be counted, accountability matters, right? Don't run away from the mess you have created and continue to advocate for:

Donald Bollin

Jay Lambert

Danielle Coulter

Robert Coulter

Thomas Parker

Sanford Mantell

Jim O'Dell

Madeline O'Dell

Ed Roderick

Jeff Caron

Cindy Nebergall

Justin Katz

Mel Platte

Eric Schoenholz

Deetta Moran

Cecil Leonard

Leonard Wright

Roger Winiarski

Joe Souza

**** BASH FEST 2010 ******

GO UNION GUY YOU GOT ALL THE ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joseph R Sousa get it right Drunk

WOW Joe can dish it out but he can't take it.....LOL..It's ok for your group to come on here and bash the schools, bash the fire department, bash any employee in town getting a raise but when people start standing up all of a sudden we're having a BASH FEST..your kidding right? I don't have all the answers nor have i ever claimed to, but i along with a lot of other posters here would be a lot more willing to roll up our sleeves, and get to work for this town rather then slashing the heart out of it with a ball point pen! Which I know is all The TCC is interested in...doing for themselves..(example).I can only imagine the taxes on that 2 million dollar mansion on the water that Nebergall built...and now she wants to cut from the workers of the town to keep her taxes lower...I'll say it again your kidding right?

unionguy don't believe there is any thing you can say to get me riled up.

Cool as a cucumber, son.

How about the old widow who lives on SS, and a small pension. Does she deserve to loose here home

The only way the little old lady who live in a shoe will lose her home is if you kill her, jethro! How many little old ladies are on your list of greed above? They are all folks who have the money and want to keep it. Guess what, those are the ones we are going to take it from. The ones with the multi-million dollar valuations, not working stiffs like you.

Speaking of Tiverton Citizens for Change, the only thing I want to change is the ugly mug at the top of this page! Can somebody do something about that?

drunk, If you vote, you will cancel out my vote for him. This man put his personal life on hold to help the town as a volunteer. He has taken on the role as budget chair again this year, and is working a lot of hours to bring us a correct and accurate docket. Tell us what public service you engage in. Standing on a soap box does not qualify.

If paying a few extra dollars in taxes will help keep a little old lady in her house, then I'm happy to do it. But how come the little old lady is more important than a child getting a good education. Stop with the scare tactics and just be honest about your motives.

Stop trying to say we don't spend a lot of money on education. We give our all in this town. But it is never enough for some.

Break out that check book, and cut that check for the town. We welcome donations.

The Tiverton School Department has a total school population of 1958 students who are supported by a professional staff of 184 teachers and 70 non-certified support staff. The district is comprised of three elementary schools grades K-4, one middle school grades 5-8, and one high school grades 9-12. All five of the school department's schools have hosted successful SALT (School Accountability for Learning and Teaching) visits and our high school is currently accredited by the N.E.A.S.C. (New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Ha, a bunch of conspiracy nuts!

Having three kids and paying over 10K a year in property taxes, I am anything but anti-kid.

What I am trying to explain is that things get out of hand little by little by little. You can see the sports nuts right here taking offense that their ox might be gored, but the same people might be promoting shaving some money off a teachers pay!

My posts are clearly worded. I admitted I know little about Tivertons current sports setup, but gave my experience only as a warning and example of how things can get out of hand.

As far as me being a member of TCC or any other org........ask Jethro about that! No way, Jose......I'm simply a person like any other except with quite a bit of both business and municipal experience.

Appropriation for 2009

Just under twenty fire million dollars. NOT TO SHABY!

Speaking of a fleecing, whenever you hear all those talking points like:

"little old lady"

and

"for the kids".......

that's the time to run quickly the other way! People who are honest don't have to set up excuses or straw men to tear down.

Orgs like TCC can stand on their own. If they are are comprised of taxpayers who want a tighter purse, more power to them...whether I agree with them now or ever is of no importance. In the general scheme of things, though, I DO agree that all levels of government have to cut back to match the current reality. That is just common sense and business sense.

Craig we are glad you moved to Mass LOL. I hear you on the health care issue. Lets hope Congress can find a solution that we all can live with.

Jethro, the difference between you and me is that I am actually willing to put my money where my mouth is--every time I get my tax bill. I know what's important. You just talk about it.

Craig, your post was very clearly written. It's an example of the type slippery slope logic taht people like to use as a scare tactic. The very fact that Tiverton supports little league and softball will lead to out of control spending. The TCC equivalent is the very fact that Tiverton has a school system will lead to out of control spending. It was also very clear that you know little about Tiverton.

And Craig, do you really think that all kids need to learn is school is the three Rs?

So where is the public service you offer to help our community. Blogging don't cut it. What have you done to make our town better?

I will go out on a whim and say nothing. Two types of people in America, those who come to the table with meat, and those who come with a fork. You appear to be the later.

>>>And Craig, do you really think that all kids need to learn is school is the three Rs?

Don't get me started on that one! I've heard Dads standing at council meetings saying how the competition of sports is gonna prepare them for competitive rat race they will face in corporate America......BS......

It sometimes teaches them the worst things, also, like just a bit of cheating or a friendly ump can make all the difference, that being the coaches son might help, and that being born naturally good looking and muscular entitles you to special treatment!

But to answer your question - I am very much for MORE vo-tech training, history, current events, civics, music, art and anything else that either the budget or the volunteers or business community can help with. Personally, I hated school.......as they say, I learned all I needed to know in Kindergarten (how to get along)....and then most other things I know I learned after I got out of school.

My middle daughter, who is a high achiever (top environmental lawyer and engineer) also claims she learned nothing in High School (a top notch suburban high school)....

Personally, I think our whole educational and vocational system needs to be reformed, but that is another story.

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE OUR TOWNS PROBLEMS www.tivertoncc.com JOIN US

There is a big surprise. I see support from NON TCC members to my challenge but not a single word from a TCC member.

Your credibility is falling faster then it has been in weeks. Joe why don't you step up? Or maybe the retired VP from IBM who might have some time on his hands (and maybe a little cha ching to donate).

TCC HAS NOT YET ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE FOLKS. THEY ARE PROVING THAT THEY ARE A JOKE!!!

The NEA has spoken

The National Extortion Association" working for there own interests, first and always.

TCC Founding member and BC Chair Jeff Caron said “I went out of my way,” and “commended the three school committee members who voted to investigate closing the high school.” “I think there can be serious savings in the school budget” if the high school were phased out"

ENOUGH SAID JETHRO AND TCC!

ATTENTION TCC MEMBERS:

Are you ready and willing to take the challenge?

You can lead by example and step up to the plate RIGHT NOW.

Here is how...

2010/11 requested items

NEW $6400 Pocasset dugouts

NEW $9000 Ft Barton bleachers/dugouts

NEW $1000 Grinell volleyball area repairs

I want a KNOWN TCC member to step up to the plate and organize a community event to get these projects done with as much donated materials as possible. NO LABOR COSTS - all community built.

1. Publicize a meeting

2. Organize a leadership team (a pro builder, a fundraising crew, materials donation crew, etc.)

3. Set a date in the early spring

4. Let's accomplish something as a community!!!

NO PARTISAN BULLS**T. That includes non-TCC members as well.

Any takers for this challenge?

Walk the talk and let's all work together!

Great posts unionguy, ripolitics and tivertondad.

But the challenge has still not been accepted. They must think its a joke. It's not! I will be there shovel and hammer in hand for the good of my "adopted" community AND the children of Tiverton. Unionguy says he will be there and he has the support of other union members in town. I know that others will get involved and enjoy the feeling of getting involved a community activity.

Bleachers and Volley ball courts are not the problem at all it is the teacher's pay and benefits. They are looting the system so that items like bleachers are not affordable. Little Compton does not have a high school look how low the taxes are there. Tiverton needs to think outside the box and restructure how things are done. By the way I am not Jeff Caron. Never was and never will be.

Ok so Sailski is out too.

THE TCC SUPPORTERS ARE DROPPING LIKE FLIES ON THIS CHALLENGE ISSUED TO THEM.

next..

"Little Compton does not have a high school look how low the taxes are there. Tiverton needs to think outside the box and restructure how things are done"

1. If i`m not mistaken isnt little compton population alot smaller then tiverton, i would like to see a comparison as to the number of students that Little compton has in high school compared to tiverton.

2. It has been said to send all the kids out to another school but Jethro says NEVER EVER to fall river schools.... so where would we send them Portsmouth? How are these schools suppose to handle the influx of students? Every town is hurting and we expect them to just take our kids with a small stipend per student?

Jethro, you keep talkign about going to the Financial Town meeting and slashing the budget worse then last year, stating how "fun" it was and that it was a "pleasure" the tcc states they want to preserve services yet if you go to a financial meeting and override the reccomended budget by BOTH the budget committee and the town you ultimately resort to service cuts. Indirectly (or maybe even on purpose) you may be increasing the sizes or our classrooms risking our teachers ability to effectively teach, shutting down our trash pickup or closing our libraries and cutting our public safety departments and DPW.

I know, i havent lived here my whole life (7 years now) but we have to be a team and not resort to cutting after a budget is submitted to reduce the risk or losing what we already have (which is what the TCC supposedly wants)

Little compton in 200 was only about 3500 people though is has grown since, I would just say it is expensive to send students out of town now adays and reginalization is far from the fix all some people think ask anyone in the bristol/warren district.

It is never funded ever at the rates the state promises if you do it and they are cutting the hell out it now and constantly change the rules and then the taxpayers get slammed every damn time. Dont know what the best answer is for this state education but anything they been doing for the last few decades sure as hell isn't working.

jack

lol ahh thats 2000 not 200 though probaly wa about 30 then lol.

Jack

LOL! had to assume you meant 2000! but your right jack, regionalization works in theory and i do think it will work to an extent by reducing managemnt levels ... but the time to talk about drastic measures like this isnt a few weeks before the FTM.... We need to market our town better and bring back pride town wide! people say they want a small town but all we are doing is growing, look at all the developments that are going in and the bourne mill apartments! these are bringing in more kids to our school systems and think about how much money is spent elsewhere by the ever increasing population becasue we have nothing in town....

Sailski says, "Little Compton does not have a high school look how low the taxes are there."

Hmmm, same thing the SC Chair Jan Bergandy claimed. Who has the Chair been talking to?

Little Compton has like 30 kids per class, so way different than Tiverton's 150 per class. And they have MANY, MANY summer residents who aren't looking for schools, services etc. That is why there taxes are low - very few year round residents who need year round services in exchange for very high property tax revenue. That comparison just doesn't work.

LittleCompton police and fire is about a third less than Tiverton, and a highway dept that is non existent

I`m still waiting for jethro to answer the points i made.... i see that he addressed the other articles but i really would like to hear his and the tcc`s response (maybe from mr nelson) to my points raised earlier yesterday....... i feel these are valid points and i would like to see a productive answer put forward...

tivcitizen... they won't anwer your questions. I have caught on by now. They just spew nonsensical bullsh*t on here and hope that people are stupid enough to follow the sheep.

I understand taxes are getting bad. I understand the econemy sucks. I understand there are people in town that are having a hard time.

As far as our teachers go:

There are ways to go about things and ways to not go about things. I am a union supporter, no secret there. I AGREE that there may need to be a curriculam review at the schools and that some of the "luxury" classes may need to be cut. I reviewed the study on Tiverton schools that shows and increase in spending and a decrease in student population. I also read the article in the Providence Panphlet yesterday about Tiverton school funding getting cut. That would indicate to me that the formula being used is agreeing that the student population vs the amount of curriculam are not on the same page. I DO NOT agree with laying teachers off. I do agree with holding off on hiring after there are retirements to review what is truly needed for classes and what may be considered a "luxury". This is NOT an anti student or anit teacher opinion. It is simply a question of what the state deems necessary vs what can we hold off on until times are better.

Police:

Leave them alone. They do a great job with what they have.

Fire:

Leave them alone. They do a great job with what they have. We do need to invest in a new pumper. The fire chief also needs to review his $245,000 overtime budget (sorry guys - I see this as an administrative problem - not a union problem).

As I sit here and read this Blog and the posts in it written obviously by people on both sides of the fence, I have to wonder..... if closing the High School and shipping the students to other communities is such a viable choice ie: if it would be such a good deal for the other communities, .... meaning it would fiscally be a good option, then why don't we engage in talks with the other communities and offer to educate their students. Wouldn't we kill two birds with one stone?

"I AGREE that there may need to be a curriculam review at the schools and that some of the "luxury" classes may need to be cut."

Like what, RIpolitics? Just curious. And shouldn't we also hold off on hiring additional police and fire after they retire until things improve?

snj1000

cutting of classes began 5 years ago.....if we cut any more the kids will have to be put in studies which is not allowed with the "time at task" requirements of the state. The students need credits to graduate. for that, they need classes.

sjn1000 and edavisiii

I was not aware that class cutting has been going on for 5 years if that is indeed true. I believe the entire education system is screwed up begining with the Feds and then the State. We should indeed have a solid core Statewide program and then leave it up to individual cities and towns to allow the extras. After reviewing the Tiverton High School curriculum online, the only classes I really see as not needed are "clothing construction" and "advanced clothing". I can't believe they would even offer them! Business classes are great to have and although I feel as if "Oceanography" and "Environmental Science" are a luxury, I would have to say that considering our surroundings, they are good to have. That really only leaves me with my theory of reducing staff as the student population decreases but only through attrition! I do not agree with layoffs.

RI and SNJ

Although those classes, clothing, and advanced clothing, are listed in the program of studies the have not run in years. Not since the 2nd FCS teacher retired and was not replaced. There are many classes, (example Auto Tech - teacher cut 2 years ago) that have not run but are still listed. Once you drop them from the program, there is a time consuming process that you have to go through to get them back in. Less work to leave them there even though you know they are not going to run!

The principal said, at the school committee meeting in Feb., that the HS is down to a barebones core. If you go to the Graduation requirement page you'll see that there is now and arts and technology requirement for graduation. The new Performance Based Grad requirements also call for students to take a math related subject. So as funds decrease, graduation requirements have increased. It is hard to cut from the lower grades. Most of what runs is required by law. So the HS is what is looked at first.

Sometimes a listed class can be decieving in it's use. The early childhood development classes, lost with the cutting of the 2nd FCS teacher, are greatly missed. Every year there would be a group of young girls, who weren't greats students, with little college asperations, who would take that class and a light would go on. They would work in the daycare. Once a week parents and teachers would bring in their toddlers to the daycare and it was such a great experience for these students. As a result, there would always be a group that would enroll at CCRI for the the early child ldevelopment program. These girls were educations version of the "middle class." The class did not help them with their test scores, weren't required by the state, but they got students interested, motivated, into college, and on there way to a rewarding career.

edavisiii,

thanks for the info. I agree with RIpoltics that a lot of the problem lies with the Feds and the State. A lot of mandates (NCLB being one of the biggest) with little funding behind them. While I think the new State Commish seems on the right track, I see lots of mandates coming from her en as well. Frustrating to say the least! But one thing I am positive about, throwing our HS kids away by moving them out is NOT the answer. For them or for our community.

I agree...I know a lot of former students from LC who hated riding the bus to Middletown when Tiverton high was right up the road!

And for all those people saying how "LOW" Little Compton's taxes are. Try buying a house there. Yea that's right - most of us couldn't afford to live there. Only the wealthiest can afford to buy property there.

Hey it's the new "TCC Tiverton" - no poor kids or families (you know that kind that go to public schools), no expensive elderly (you know that kind that need rescue service and senior centers). ONLY wealthy people with property values so high it keeps the riff raff out. Put the sign at the state line now!

If the new school funding formula goes through as is Tiverton will lose more state aid every year till the cut back reaches $1.5 million a year in 10 years. Just to keep even funding taxes will have to go up every year and there will be cost increases every year as usual.

You need to call your state reps and make sure this doesn't happen.

With the exception of East Providence and Barrington everything east of Providence is losing out, some more than others.

2011 - $150,000

2012 - $300,000

2013 - $450,000

2014 - $600,000

2015 - $750,000

2016 - $900.000

2017 - $1,050,000

2018 - $1,200,000

2019 - $1,350,000

2020 - $1,500.000

RIpolitics

There is and effort by a TCC member to help get the roof replaced on the senior center. We will hear more about that soon as his efforts progress. We have members who serve in public office and donate there time to help our town . Myself, I clean the park and ride on Fish rd., along with other members. Weather permitting this time of year. I removed about 60 large trash bags of trash last year, recycling half at my house. We have members involved in many civic org. in town. I am going to run for Budget com. this fall, along with others who have decided to help out. We are an active group with the best intentions in mind for our town.

The TCC has a new website coming, you may use it to seek volunteers to help with your projects. I would suggest starting, by getting a small group to prioritizing and finding costs for these at current rates . You can use the site to attract volunteers to the cause. We will be looking for laid off Roofers soon for our project, maybe you can do the same. I expect you to lead some of the effort, along with your cheer leaders. ha ha.

RIpolitics says:

But thanks for telling me where you clean so I can go dump my dogs crap all over the place for you.

Good to see that you keep the conversation on an intelligent level.

Just trying to keep it at a level you can understand my friend! You seriously think I would do that? Lol!

I would not put it past you.

sjn1000.....wait to hire police and fire after they retire until things improve?????????? What do you think the OT budgets will look like then? The reason why the fire OT is that high is because they don't want to hire the proper number of FF's, therefore have to pay OT to fill shifts. Also, don't think it needs to be that high, maybe someone can tell us why? Is it a management issue?

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE. www.tivertoncc.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE JOIN TODAY LEND A HAND

Jethro,

You mean Justin's new website. Just somewhere else for him to spew his self-aggrandizing views. Been there, done that at AR. Nothing new about it.

It makes me so sad to read everyone lashing out instead of providing CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS to make the situation better. I have lived in Tiverton my whole life as did my parents and my grand parents. I have never seen the residents behave as badly as I see them today.

I am a strong advocate for keeping our high school. You all wanted to keep it a quaint little town by denying the "mall" to come in and provide help with the tax base. Small businesses are leaving because neighbors are taking them to court over the size of signs. Everyone thinks they are OWED something. You can't expect to keep the quaint little country atmosphere, isolated from the rest of the world and enforce city policies like a regional school.

As far as the fields go around town, they are not used only by preferential sports teams. On any given day you can drive by Town Farm and see families enjoying the space.There are elderly people, children, teens and pets. Some of them are using the fields while others are just there to enjoy the space and spend time with neighbors.

As far as the high school goes, well if you have ever attended any sporting event run by the school, you would know that it is mostly manned by parent volunteers. THe only people getting paid a very small stipend are the coaches and the game officials.

Do I have some suggestions for a solution...why yes I do. They may not be what everyone thinks is the politically correct thing to suggest, but to quote my husband I would like to "be part of the solution, not the problem" so here goes...

I think the teachers need to shop around for a more affordable health care plan.

I think ALL TOWN EMPLOYEES (teachers,police,firemen etc.) should absorb a reasonable amount of the cost...they have to eat too.

I think there should be a better tool to evaluate teachers. Those that are not doing their job should go and be replaced with someone who wants to be there....this is a BIG ONE! There are some teachers making high step salaries that are not doing their job!

I think ALL TOWN EMPLOYEES should pay for their own uniforms.

I think the amount of waste needs to be eliminated. I can't tell you how many duplicates I get of notices from the school and town....Email is a wonderful thing. Save the mailings for those that do not provide an email address.

I think the salaries of the administrators (both town and school) should be scrutinized.

Let businesses feel welcome to come into town. We don't need another coffee shop or bank...a grocery store would be nice. Someone should be pitching the idea instead of scaring people away.

Rent out the vacant buildings that are cropping up all over town...a ymca would be really nice.

Quick fix...Raise $1,000,000 by charging everyone in town a one time fee of $65.54 based on the 2000 cencus of 15260 residents...taxes can be left alone.

I am not a politician or an expert by no means. I am a Mom with a union husband who pays a substantial amount of his health care, buys his own work clothes, works hard everyday and yes pays the taxes. We have had to make cuts like everyone else, but closing the high school is really a pathetic solution.

I have to say the example being set for the young people of this town by it's community leaders is deplorable. Believe me when I say...they are paying attention.

I love this town and the people in it as did my parents and grand parents before me. We all end up paying for the next generation to get a good education at a safe school with competent staff. I have had the pleasure of working with many dedicated teachers as I have 3 children in the system. I thank them all!

Everyone needs to sacrifice something. If I have to pay for my trash pick up, well so be it. Will I be happy...no, but I will do it because it is part of the solution.

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE. www.tivertoncc.com

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The headline in last week's Sakonnet Times read: "Budget Committee Head Sees 11.83 % Tax Hike". It sure sounded familiar. Sure enough, I found an article from a year ago in which Budget Committee Chair Jeff Caron had said, "If cuts are not made, the budgets for the next fiscal year would result in a 12% increase in the tax levy." As Yogi Berra once said, it was "deja vu all over again". But wait: after Mr. Caron's confident assessment last year, the actual tax-levy increase proposed to meet town and school requests was just 3.36%. You've heard someone totally off-base called "100% wrong"? Well, Mr. Caron was 200% wrong. So why would he repeat the same claim again this year?

Jeff Caron isn't just the Budget Committee Chair, but a founding member of Tiverton Citizens for Change. TCC is a political action committee with an extreme-right political agenda, comprised of people with a single concern: lowering their taxes at all costs, whatever the consequences to the community. Given how amazingly wrong Mr. Caron's calculation was last year, there are two possible explanations: either he was manipulating numbers to achieve his political goal, or he has no clue what he's doing. Either way, the credibility of his calculation of this year's increase is approximately zero. He uses figures and makes assumptions that support his political goals, in order to scare and mislead the people of Tiverton. I could put together a spreadsheet featuring equally biased assumptions and show a projected tax decrease, and the math would be impeccable, and it would be just as useless; garbage in, garbage out.

Mr. Caron and several other TCC members on the Budget Committee are using their positions to push the TCC's anti-tax, anti-schools, anti-government agenda. Consider last year's Budget Committee travesty. After calling for 15% budget decreases all-around, and being told of the devastation this would cause to services, TCC members on the BC began floating "solutions" such as a volunteer fire department, closing schools and fire stations, "privatizing" town services, and of course, going after town/school employees. But a majority of the BC responsibly rejected the radical plans. Several of the TCC members on the BC even voted to approve the trim 1.5% school budget increase, and TCC voiced its support for the recommended budget. This apparent consensus caused many people to believe they didn't need to attend the Financial Town Meeting (FTM).

But at the FTM, TCC launched a plan to cut $625,000 from the school budget, with several Budget Committee members who had voted for the school request now inexplicably voting against it. This cut passed by 5 votes, with just 3% of Tiverton voters in support. Holding public office is an admirable thing, but with that office comes a responsibility for putting the needs of the whole community above personal agendas, and operating in an open, honest manner. I believe this trust has been violated, and as things stand, the Budget Committee is irrelevant. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

In addition, Budget Committee members continue to overstep their limited responsibilities under the Town Charter. The Budget Committee's two main duties: to review the budgets submitted by the Town Council and School Committee and make budget recommendations to voters at the FTM, and to prepare the FTM docket. Mr. Caron says, "The Budget Committee could make the cuts itself". Wrong. It is the FTM voters alone who get to decide the budget and tax-levy. The Charter also makes clear that the power to set policy, negotiate contracts, and create budgets belongs exclusively to the Town Council & School Committee. The Budget Committee is simply an advisory body, and when it becomes tainted by an extreme political agenda, it's advice isn't worth much. Citizens looking to preserve community & school services have the option to ignore the BC and vote to approve the Town Council's & School Committee's requested budgets.

To his credit, Mr. Caron admits his true agenda: "I think there can be serious savings in the school budget if the high school were phased out, perhaps through regionalization." This clearly isn't about good government; it's about obsessively dismantling our school system and community services to lower taxes. We must assume TCC will again attempt surprise cuts at the FTM, and all must show up to prevent a repeat of last year. Remember, a 5-vote victory cost the schools $625,000, and a similar outcome this year will likely result in the loss of our high school and a dismantling of our community services.

Once again I am not Jeff Caron!!!! Dismantle and regionalize our school system or have a town with unaffordable taxex with no one in it. Drunk lawyer is just that drunk and not able to undertand the true concepts here. Higher taxes does not make the town better or the kids smarter. Look at the scores our kids are again being short changed by the NEA. Why the the test scores so much better in communities outside of RI who spend less money?

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE. www.tivertoncc.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE JOIN TODAY LEND A HAND

"Why the the test scores so much better in communities outside of RI who spend less money?" So which is it, Jeff...a state problem or a town problem? Name a district in RI the provides more with less. I wait for my answer after you respond to unionguys challenge. Don't use my kids locally to set an example for your agenda that needs to be addressed at the state level. You may be fortunate to send your kids to private school like the rest of TCC but the rest of us need public education.

drunk_laywer you are just pathetic !!!

TIVERTON $4,065,368 $5,563,390 -1,498,022 -26.9%

This is Tiverton, watching state aid shrink, and shrink, and shrink.

***************THIS JUST IN ***********

TIVERTON DEMOCRATS HAVE A PLAN TO SAVE TIVERTON

AND HERE IT IS.

WE WILL RAISE TAXES 12% EVERY YEAR, AND FUND ALL THE SHORT FALLS ALONG WITH BIG BIG RAISES , TIVERTON IS RICH, AND DUMB

AH AH AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

************THE TIVERTON DEMOCRATS ***************

WORKING TO SUPPORT BIG GOVERNMENT

TAX AND SPEND POLICIES

AND OF CAUSE, BIG TAX BILLS!!!!!!!!!

HELL YOUR KIDS DON,T NEED CLOTHES,

GIVE THE TEACHERS A RAISE

Hell let's look at closing down the High school and the hiring a private company to run our rescue and then maybe going back to a volunteer police force. These are some good ideas Jethro. You and the TCC seem to have it all figured out. Now Jethro will need to call the Katzman in order for him to tell Jethro what talking points need to be used in response.

I checked out the TCC website. Doesn't seem to be much there except request to donate money. If taxes are so high, how would people have money left over to donate to the TCC? Hmmm.....

Wow jethro joe...now your just getting obnoxious!

Wow jethro joe...now your just getting obnoxious!

UP your buddy

Only low lives steal from Children, and the Elderly.

Not stealing but guess what? You have pissed me off enough to vote FOR any tax HIKE this town wants pal!

That way the CHILDREN and ELDERLY get their respective services!

Schools and Senior Center!

How does that tickle your fancy buddy?

Your better off shutting your mouth Joe because believe it or not people agree with trimming taxes and overlapping services but you and the TCC are so naive that it makes people go against you...such as me! I can afford my taxes in my modest house with my modest UNION salary (from another town) and I can also afford a tax raise if need be! Move out of town Joe. No one wants you here anymore. You are way too negative my friend. You failed to answer a challenge to save money and all you do is @&*%&# like a little girl. GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN!

I'm sure you will support your pay raise .

Just wondering, can you bring back Rastabri or U_T we miss them.

Joe you really are dumb aren't you?

Actually A**HOLE I, along with the rest of my union, gladly took a zero percent raise for THREE CONTRACT YEARS to help out. So when the time comes joey YES I will support my raise from another town to gladly pay my TIVERTON TAXES and SHOP in Tiverton and EAT in Tiverton and spend that towns money in Tiverton!

You really are a moron! Wow!

And who the hell is "Rastabri" and "U_T"? I don't give a sh*t about them.

I am not only staying, I am going to run for office .I am about five years away from retirement. Then I will have even more time to give to our community. Joe Sousa for budget com. good Government is one vote away. Nov. 2010

Lol! Thank you! You have about as good a chance as Patrick Lynch for Gov or Ciccilline for Congress!

But Joe you have a good rest of the day. I am going to spend my unionbucks at CVS and then somewhere in town to eat tonight.

You should really use something like "Jethro Joe for budget committee". That way you seem cooler!

OtherSide says:

Joe you really are dumb aren't you?

answer. I don't think so, at least I pay attention to the towns affairs' and remain active. If I make a few people mad, and they disagree. I only hope they are mature enough, to be an adult.

That's great. "Jethro Joe for budet committee". Nice jingle! Good luck Joe. You DO NOT have my vote!

RIpolitics says:Try Buddies, good food cheap.

Oh come on Joe. Like some of the stuff you post on here isn't childish? Like:

jethro says:

************THE TIVERTON DEMOCRATS ***************

WORKING TO SUPPORT BIG GOVERNMENT

TAX AND SPEND POLICIES

AND OF CAUSE, BIG TAX BILLS!!!!!!!!!

HELL YOUR KIDS DON,T NEED CLOTHES,

GIVE THE TEACHERS A RAISE

and...

***************THIS JUST IN ***********

TIVERTON DEMOCRATS HAVE A PLAN TO SAVE TIVERTON

AND HERE IT IS.

WE WILL RAISE TAXES 12% EVERY YEAR, AND FUND ALL THE SHORT FALLS ALONG WITH BIG BIG RAISES , TIVERTON IS RICH, AND DUMB

AH AH AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

and...

The National Extortion Association" working for there own interests, first and always.

Last Friday night was "Family Ties" (which is moving to the old Christophers building) and that food was great. Where is Buddies? Is that near the fire station on Main Rd?

Yes next door very good

OtherSide ,you are right, very childish, he he he he

A little fun, makes life a joy.

The Sakonnet Times headline last week read, "Budget Committee Head Sees 11.83% Tax Hike". As Yogi Berra once said, it was "deja vu all over again”. A year ago, Budget Committee Chair Jeff Caron proclaimed, "If cuts are not made, the budgets for the next fiscal year would result in a 12% increase in the tax levy." Yet the actual proposed tax-levy increase last year was just 3.36%. Someone totally off-base is often called "100% wrong". Mr. Caron was about 200% wrong. So why repeat the same claim?

Budget Committee Chair Jeff Caron is also a founding member of Tiverton Citizens for Change. TCC is a political-action committee with an extreme agenda and one concern: lowering their taxes at all costs, regardless of consequences to the community. There are two possible explanations for last year’s epic miscalculation: manipulating numbers to achieve a political goal, or incompetence. Either way, it makes this year’s projection hard to take seriously.

Some on the Budget Committee are using their positions to push the TCC agenda. Consider last year's Budget Committee travesty, when a rational majority of the BC voted to reject recommending radical cuts. A larger majority then voted to approve the trim 1.5% school-budget increase. TCC voiced its support for the recommended budget. But at the FTM, TCC launched a plan to cut $625,000 from the school budget, with several Budget Committee members who had voted for the school request weeks earlier now inexplicably voting against it. This cut passed by 5 votes, with the votes of just 3% of Tiverton voters. While the plan succeeded, it also destroyed the Budget Committee's credibility and has helped make it irrelevant. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Whatever they claim now, TCC will surely attempt to repeat last year’s surprise FTM cuts. Citizens looking to preserve community & school services need only attend the FTM MAY 8th 9am and vote to approve the responsible budget requests of the Town Council & School Committee.

Jethro are you really dumb enough to believe that every person who posts in opposition to you is either a NEA member or one person posting as many. That sounds like something that you are notorious for doing. You are good at motivating people. I have heard many people talking about going to the meeting and looking for reasonable solutions. Most are inspired by you and the TCC moronic talks about closing down our kids high school.( that and the sad performance of the TCC friend Treasurer and the sad performance that he displayed at the last meeting. Now go ahead and ask Justin what you should be saying and posting. When he gives you something good please post it for us to read.

Oh fisherdog,

You must just be a townie. Versus the Tiverton Citizens of Country Clubers (TCC).

Or how about these for the TCC:

Tiverton Cutting Children

Tiverton's Country Club

Tiverton's Cutting Community

Tivertonians Causing Catastrophe

Oh, I'll play.

How about TCC:

Taxpayers Chopping Community

Together Censoring Children

Tiverton Chapter of Cads

Tiverton Ceases Civility

TIVERTON CITIZENS FOR CHANGE PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP OUR TOWN THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES www.tivertoncc.com

To the Editor:

I want to thank the new Tiverton Town Moderator, Michael Smith, for the compliment he gave me on my role as last year’s Moderator (“Profile” section, Sakonnet Times, 3/4/10). I wish him the best in his debut at this year’s Financial Town Meeting (FTM).

Mr. Smith’s statements in the related Sakonnet Times (“Moderator explains meeting plans”, 3/4/10), however, raise serious concerns.

An unbiased Moderator wisely uses his available supports such as the Town Solicitor, Town Clerk and Board of Canvassers. The Moderator should meet with these officials to discuss meeting space setup, vote counters, special rules, etc.

Instead, Mr. Smith denounced the Solicitor as having a conflict of interest. Funny, this is the same position that Tiverton Citizens’ For Change (TCC) leader and Budget Committee Chairman Jeff Caron took with me last year when I asked him to meet with me, the Town Solicitor and the Town Clerk prior to the Financial Town Meeting (FTM). Mr. Caron went so far as to call a logistical planning meeting illegal!

Mr. Smith, though, says he has found an unbiased, advisor in Budget Committee Vice Chairman Rob Coulter, an outspoken leader in the small anti-public education, anti-town services TCC special interest group. Mr. Coulter and his wife are suing the Town over tax issues. At last year’s FTM, Mr. Coulter and Mr. Caron snubbed their noses at their Town Charter defined responsibility to advocate for the Budget Committee endorsed budget and instead led the TCC charge to strip $600,000 from the school budget.

I also am concerned about other statements made by Moderator Smith, such as that he “…want(s) to limit the amount of amendments to particular items.” The Moderator does not have the right to limit voters voice and choice as this statement suggests Mr. Smith plans to do.

He states that he wants to push the school budget to the end of the docket. However, the docket format is set by state law (see RIGL 44-35-7) which requires that educational expenses be considered prior to “town” expenses.

Mr. Smith’s closing comment is “I don’t want…to allow this town to break the state cap”. Since when is it the Moderator’s job to give voters permission on what they decide the budget should be? It’s not – in fact the Moderator cannot participate in debate or formulating motions.

Mr. Smith clearly plans to take his directions from the TCC special interest group rather than serve all voters as a fair and unbiased facilitator of our FTM. I hope I am wrong.

Sincerely,

Michael S. Burk

Tiverton

Mr. Smith clearly plans to take his directions from the TCC special interest group rather than serve all voters as a fair and unbiased facilitator of our FTM. I hope I am wrong.

Sincerely,

Chicken Little

The sky is falling the sky is falling!!!!

**TIVERTON DEMOCRATS HAVE A PLAN ** CHECK IT OUT AT****

www.TAX THE HELL OUT OF YOU .COM AN 11.73 % INCREASE

COME TO THE FTM. AND VOTE TO HOLD THE LINE

The TCC (Tiverton Carpetbagger Coalition) is please to present this year's fundraiser: Star Wars VII: Tiverton High School, The Final Chapter. Check our this line-up of malcontents, anti-socials, bitter ignoramuses, anti-public education zealots, cheapskates and otherwise fine upstanding me-first Americans:

Rob Coulter as Luke Skywalker

Colonel Tom Parker as Han Solo

Joe Sousa as Chewbacca

Danielle Coulter as Princess Leia

Don Bollin as Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi,

Michael C. Smith as R2-D2

David Nelson as Darth Vader

Leonard Wright as Lando Calrissian

Cecil Leonard as C-3PO

Cynthia Nebergall as Yoda

Philip DiMattia as Grand Moff Tarkin

And of course, Jeff Caron as Jabba

Joe Sousa as Chewbacca

Is it my beard,or the way I say awwwwwww!

Victory is close at hand! Please join us in our support of the dollar more budget we have recommended for the school department. At least one school will be closed and maybe more!

"Our hats off to the Tiverton Budget Committee who last night voted 6-3 to add $1 to the municipal contribution to the schools, essentially level funding the Schools for 2011..."

Dave Nelson

President Tiverton Citizens for Change

tccFoolhater THIS IS WHY YOU LOST YOUR ELECTION . You cant expect people to believe your lies. You are no Dave Nelson, he makes sense, you play in the mud.

PEOPLE OF TIVERTON

We can only hope our school com. has the fortitude to hold the line and get concessions.

Come to the FTM and help hold the line on taxes. The short falls need to be made up with contract concessions, and alternate plans to deliver these services. Stand with us at the FTM, and hold the line. Together we can make Tiverton livable, for all it's citizens.

THIS WAS SENT IN AN EMAIL BY TCC TO ALL ITS FOLLOWERS:

"Our hats off to the Tiverton Budget Committee who last night voted 6-3 to add $1 to the municipal contribution to the schools, essentially level funding the Schools for 2011..."

SJN1000 says:cluck cluck cluck Chicken little

www.tivertoncc.com The voice of Tiverton

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