Entering Falmouth

Falmouth Selectmen Candidates Answer Questions

Unedited Answers to Queries on Capital/Debt Exclusions and Falmouth's Future

Recently, I sent a set of questions to the three candidates for Falmouth's top board, incumbents Ahmed Mustafa and Catherine Bumpus and challenger Brent Putnam.  Each dealt with pressing issues facing the town, including finances, operations, and community character. Each candidate provided answers within the alloted time.  Their unedited responses follow.  Commentary on these responses will be provided before the May 20 election.

Question 1. What is your vision for the next three years fiscally, operationally, and socially in Falmouth?

Catherine Bumpus: My vision for Falmouth is for continued high level of service and a more responsive and open relationship between the citizens and the town government.  The next three years will be tough times financially and a lot will depend on whether the debt exclusions pass.  I believe if the current capital exclusions pass we can continue to barely maintain the town's infrastructure. If they do not we may be faced with operational cuts to offset some of the smaller capital needs.  Socially I hope we see an easing of the divisiveness in town and renewed focus on the character we all think is terrific in this town.

Ahmed Mustafa: The current economic situation in our country is an indication that Falmouth is also in for some hard times ahead. To continue to function in this environment in a manner acceptable to us and to bring things around for our town will require careful planning and even stronger cooperation. More effective communication among the various departments, leaders and authorities of the town is vital. Operationally, we must continue to think outside the box, adapting into a more creative survival mode that implements new methods of supplementing the budget while using our land resources and natural surroundings thoughtfully to our benefit. We must continue to be socially responsible, staying in constant contact with our citizens to maintain an awareness and understanding of their needs, hardships and interests.

Brent Putnam: Falmouth has a diversity seen in few communities of this size. We have multi-generational natives and wash-ashores; blue-collar tradesmen and PhD's; young families and retirees; a tourist trade and academic institutions. We need leaders who can relate to, and unite, all of Falmouth's demographic groups; leaders who work for the common interest rather than special interests.

This morning I was in Woods Hole and a local businessman asked about my thoughts on the proposal to widen Water Street and eliminate street parking. I hadn't yet formed an opinion - I really didn't know that much about it - but as I listened to his concerns, I found myself thinking that this situation was very much like one East Falmouth faced not too long ago.

For many years, Route 28 in East Falmouth did not get repaved because the state wanted to widen the road dramatically. The residents of East Falmouth resisted because the entire character of the village would change if this happened, turning what is now a main road into a de-facto highway.

These may be different villages and different roads, but there are common values and a common interest here; something that can unite us as a town.

Socially, I envision a Falmouth where we seek out these common values and interests and support our neighbors instead of focusing on our divisions and squabbling amongst ourselves.

Fiscally, Falmouth may have a great bond rating, but that has more to do with paying our bills than having a good, sound budget. I see a budget that is balanced not by passing overrides year after year, but by exercising good, fiscal common sense.

Rather than repeat myself, I'll refer you to question #2 for details and examples.The United States of America is the most productive nation in the world by a wide margin. Such efficiency is not an accident; it often requires an up-front investment of some sort that reaps rewards later on. With this in mind, I was disappointed when the selectmen chose not to support the DPW reorganization. Sure, there's an initial cost to this, but it's an investment that promises increased efficiency and productivity.

Operationally, we should be seizing these opportunities, not shelving them. Over the next three years, I see an aggressive attempt to rethink every facet of town government; to leave no stone unturned in an effort to maximize the taxpayer's dollar.

Moreover, this is one of those common interests that everyone could support. Improved efficiency means doing as much, if not more, with the same budget; we could both save and spend money without increasing taxes. It's the best of all possible worlds.

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Question 2:  Do you feel, as has been stated at Selectmen's meetings, that a debt/capital exclusion is now "a way of life" for our local government? Why or why not?

Catherine Bumpus:   The financial constraints on the town are real.  The town government, like all its citizens, is facing increased costs largely associated with fuel, energy, and health care.  On the revenue side the fees that the town charges have been increased about as much as they can be, and new growth is slow, even stagnant.  As you know from your time in town government the town is up against the Prop 2 ½ cap.  The community as a whole has some tough choices to make: we can dramatically cut services, we can continue to fund projects through debt and capital exclusions, or we can let our infrastructure go which will cost us more later on. 

Cutting services may sound painless to some, but both the citizen and visitors have come to expect a certain level of service. Taking those services away could cause hardship to many and might well be detrimental to our tourist-driven economy, putting the town in a worse position financially.

New debt and capital exclusions will be the only way to fund much needed infrastructure repairs and upgrades.  Some things can be let go but the cost of the repairs will have to be paid at some point, and those costs will only be bigger later.  A number widely considered appropriate for the repair costs is between .1 and 1% of the value of the infrastructure yearly.  Falmouth is spending nowhere near that amount.  At some point that structural funding deficit will catch up with the town.  That being said, there's only so much that the taxpayers can bear. Even the most important maintenance may have to be put off at some point, and the ballot questions give the electorate that opportunity for ongoing input.

Ahmed Mustafa: No, I am hopeful that we are not going into that hole. There may be times when we might need to use this concept and put it to use effectively, but to depend on financial exceptions as a way to take care of expenditures on a regular basis is not in the best interest of the town. We must learn to take care of expenses in a timely, prioritized fashion and work through a maintenance fund to keep our facilities in good repair thus avoiding the "debt/capital exclusions".

Brent Putnam: The use of overrides for anything other than major capital projects reveals a failure to reduce expenses or increase revenues - or both - in order to balance the budget.

By separating essentials - such as new fire department equipment or road maintenance - from the budget, the town management has successfully avoided trimming the fat. Few people will vote against a new ambulance, and anyone who drives won't tolerate potholes very long. These are needed, so the taxpayers will fund them.

However, things that aren't needed - and which taxpayers won't fund - are still in the budget. For example, the town manager's office has $9,100 in this year's budget for out-of-state travel, i.e., conventions. Do we really need this for the town to function? I certainly don't think so.

Even worse, town management has made a habit of unnecessary overrides. In 2006, they tried to disguise an override as a water tower that was already bought and paid for. That failed, but last year they succeeded in getting an override to pay for sludge removal - an operational expense that should have been covered by increasing the water/sewer rates and the fees paid by septic haulers.

This practice endangers future projects because the taxpayers will eventually cry 'uncle' under the parade of overrides and start rejecting these tax increases. What if it's sewering that they reject? What then for Oyster Pond, Waquoit Bay or West Falmouth Harbor?

That said; there may be times when more money truly is needed.

One option is to increase the tax rate via an override, or an increase in assessed fees (for things like dump stickers). This is an inherently unpopular way of raising revenue.

 The other option is to broaden the tax base, which in turn will increase revenues. Unless we get creative and come up with new fees and taxes (also unpopular), broadening the tax base usually means encouraging business.

However, we need to diversify our economy; we need businesses that operate year-round which pay wages high enough to raise our standard of living. Aside from tax revenue generated directly by these businesses, the jobs created would make it easier for residents to afford things - like boats and cars - which generate excise taxes.

Finally, there's the question of being up front and open about the fiscal needs of the town. If there's truly a need to raise the tax rate permanently, then town management should make that case instead of stringing the people along year after year with one "temporary" increase after another.

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Question 3: The Town of Braintree just changed its Selectmen/Town Meeting form of government in favor of a Mayor/Town Council. How do you feel about this as it relates to Falmouth?

Catherine Bumpus: I hope what Braintree did works for them.  I do not think it would work for Falmouth.  I think Town Meeting is beloved by the people of Falmouth.  People coming into Town Meeting as observers or newcomers have said to me that they are impressed by how knowledgeable the entire body is on a vast array of issues from zoning to nutrient loading.  The last Town Meeting was a great example, three days of largely thoughtful well reasoned debate on very significant issues in the town.  I do not believe Falmouth is ready to give that up as it would have to with a mayor/town council system.  I also think that the Board of Selectmen provides a good balance of opinion that a strong mayor system does not allow for.  Certainly the current Board of Selectmen has a wide diversity of opinion and experiences and we all have to work for what we believe will be the best for the town.  I think the five of us do a better job than any individual would, but I'm sure there are some people who would see the advantage of expediency in the mayoral system.  I do not see any operational advantage to a weak mayor/strong town council system over that of the Board of Selectmen.

Ahmed Mustafa: In April 2006 the voters in Braintree after repeated tries opted for the Mayor/Town Council form of government. Although the population of Braintree is about the same as that of Falmouth, our distance from Boston will likely put this type of government off for a few more years. Many towns are feeling the pulse of growth and the need for what some think is a more streamlined form of government. In my opinion nothing is better than being able to sit down with the Selectmen to get a "pothole" filled without the long and arduous task of paperwork and delays. A simple phone call usually had the hole filled within two hours. Our form of government will be dictated by time and the pace at which the town grows.

Brent Putnam: I've heard from folks on both sides of this issue, and while there are pros and cons on both sides, the issue of accountability stands out.

With respect to town meeting, one Falmouth resident noted in a local paper that there is "very little basis for judging any candidate's past performance because there is no record of how he/she voted, no accountability." As far as I know, I'm the only town meeting representative to publicly post my town meeting votes; getting all 243 town meeting members to do this could be a challenge. In a smaller body, such as a town council, the votes are much easier to record and publicize.

The problem of accountability also exists at the executive level, albeit in a different way. Day-to-day operation of the town is done by the town manager, but he is not directly accountable to the people. He need only satisfy three of the five selectmen to keep his job, whereas a mayor must satisfy the people.

 There's much to be said for tradition, and Falmouth's representative town meeting is the oldest in the state. However, as the size and complexity of our community grows, there is a greater need to hold our leaders responsible for their decisions. This can be accomplished either by electing those who inherently believe in being held accountable, or by changing our form of government so it is easier to hold our leaders accountable.

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Of Timing, Times and a Time to Ponder

Big Bucks for low-number plates is no gas.

While timing may not be, as they say, everything in politics and local government, it certainly is the sandwich featured at the picnic.  Good timing can make a decent proposal seem extraordinary; bad timing can turn a winner into a stinker in short order.  That being said, I'm wondering if now is the right time to float the proposal of auctioning off the low-numbered Cape Cod license plates while most of us are choking and sputtering like an old VW with gas prices dashing toward $4 per gallon. 

The Cape & Islands License Plate marketing committee, an offshoot of the Cape Cod Economic Development Council, has announced that this summer, they will hold an auction for the always-coveted low number editions of the popular MA tags.  Numbers 1 - 9 are expected to fetch at least $10,000 apiece, while their second tier cousins sporting numbers 10 - 99 will have a minimum bid of $1,000.  (My x2-56 Cape plate is available for any interested bidders.)

The idea itself is fantastic, and the monies will benefit the same worthy Cape organizations as the rest of the cape-plate proceeds - The Community Action Committee, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Baseball League and others.  I'm just thinking that the plates have been with us for 13 years and the time might be better for this auction when petrol is a fancy way to say gas and not a dirty word.

Who will be #1?

As I said, though,the concept is indeed a winner, and with that in mind, here are some thoughts on some folks with Falmouth ties that should bid, and why:

• Plate No. 1 - Bill Zammer.  Bill is the Cape's #1 Restauranteur, our local college's #1 hospitality benefactor, Falmouth's #1 function king, a guy who doesn't mind being #1, and they are not offering a plate with the number  H2B.
• Plate No. 07 - Falmouth Commodores Coach Jeff Trundy. Although I think his car is registered in another state, someone should buy him a car and this plate along with it as a symbol of our local 9's contribution to the '07 World Champion Red Sox, most notably Jacoby Ellsbury (although David Aardsma and Kevin Cash are coming along nicely this year).  Since there is some question whether phenom Ellsbury is actually old enough to drive, we'll offer the car and low number plate to Coach Trundy for now.
• Plate No. 45 - Sheriff Jim Cummings. Any time I hear this number, I think of a .45 caliber, which makes me think of the police, which makes me think of our top Cape lawman, who is from Falmouth. Call the Kevin Bacon logic flawed, but you know this plate would look cool on the Sheriff's Crown Vic.
• Plate No. 59 - This one, in honor of our local seat of government at 59 Town Hall Square, has to go to my friend and debate foil Andy Dufresne, who has been contributing to our community for about as many years (and he can afford the entry fee).  Runners up for this rather obscure number, which will only get bids from Falmouth, are Eddie Marks, Gardner Lewis, Peter Clark, and Virginia Valiela.  (Sorry Dave Vieira, you and I aren't old enough yet).
• Plate No. 86 - In honor of Falmouth's year of birth (1686), this plate should wind up on the front and back of the ride of Falmouth's first Town Administrator and now first retiree, Peter Boyer.  We know he won't mind the entry fee, as he already has a vanity plate. As a numbers guy, he'll appreciate the significance of such a Falmouth-centric tag, and it also represents the amount of times he has challenged current Town Manager Bob Whritenour on Town Meeting floor. (I don't know who's keeping track, but I think Peter's in the lead).
• Plate No. 93 - In honor of Falmouth's own Katherine Lee Bates who wrote "America the beautiful" in 18983. She was born in a house on the Town Green in Falmouth on August 12th, 1859. Her father was the pastor of the Congregational Church right around the corner. This house is impeccably maintained by the Falmouth Historical Society today. Miss Bates moved to Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley College in 1880. She was a professor at the college until 1925. Read about her here.
  

Feel free to share other thoughts and encourage locals to bid.

They Used to Call it a "Time"

Back in my day, (you know, the good old days of the 1990's), they used to call a political fundraiser a "time." Well, since our local elected set all are either running or pondering an office, here is an update on some times coming up:
- Sunday, May 4: Carey Murphy for State Rep., 3 - 5 p.m., Bobby Byrnes Pub, Mashpee.

- Sunday, May 4: Catherine Bumpus for Selectman, 4 - 6 p.m., Moonakis Cafe, Waquoit.

- Tuesday, May 6: Ahmed Mustafa for Selectman, 5 - 7 p.m., Conference Table Restaurant, Falmouth.

Other times will be posted as they are scheduled. 

Speaking of the candidates...

A Time to Ponder

Falmouth voters will have much to ponder with the three ballot questions and contested races for many positions on the ballot. Watch this space this week for the full text of questionnaires provided to the candidates for the Board of Selectmen as well as my analysis of their answers.  Each of the ballot questions will be discussed and my opinoins of those foisted upon you as well.

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The Tinman cometh...

Like a Phoenix rising from the ember, the rebirth of the Tinman is near


Like the legendary Phoenix which could only see rebirth from the ashes of its own demise, the Upper Cape mainstay Tin Man Diner is seeing a renaissance.  The original location, just north of the Otis rotary in Bourne, still offers a nostalgic but tragic reminder of the original Tin Man, with its charred remains still standing and evoking thoughts of years of simple but delicious comfort food.  Owner Barbara Lind is leading the effort to establish the second edition of a culinary trip to the land of OZ at the four corners location in North Falmouth Village, across from the Tedeschi's "Superette" and the Rockland Trust. 

Lind herself rose out of her own ashes of sorts, struck with depression and despondence after the fire destroyed her original dream; she worked for years with those struggling with mental illness.  This new vocation helped her develop a renewed perspective toward her own blessings and inspired her to return to her love of food and people.  Like Dorothy in the upbeat tale, Lind is clicking her heels and celebrating that there's no place like home.

The new edition replete with its own yellow brick road and over $50,000 in donated improvements, is slated to open May 6.

In other local news....

Finish Falmouth High - Meeting is Nigh

The Committee to Finish Falmouth High School will hold an organizational and brainstroming meeting on Thursday May 1 at 6:30 P.M. in the basement of the St. Elizabeth Seton Church on Quaker Road in North Falmouth.  Interested residents and supporters are asked to attend and bring ideas, energy, and donations. For more information, contact Laura Lorusso Peterson at completefalmouthighschool@gmail.com. 

Charter Review Committee to Meet

The Falmouth Charter Review Committee, dormant for some time, is also coming back to life and will meet on Wednesday April 30 at 5:00 P.M. at the Falmouth Public Library.

Selectmen to Discuss Beach Openings

Responding to a citizen petition at Town Meeting and lively discussion on both sides, Falmouth Selectmen will discuss tonight their policy on beach closings.  A split Beach Committee last week discussed the measure and may recommend an 11:00 P.M. closing for the all beaches.  Some Committee members who live near town-owned beaches would like to close off public access earlier.  For years, requests to leave the Falmouth Heights Beach parking lots open for local business has been met with vehement opposition from locals. Tonight's discussion is set for 8:30. 

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Top Ten Quotes This Spring Season

With new television episodes finally supplanting the reality t.v. overload with the Hollywood writers back to work, I asked the "Late Night" writers to take a minute to share some chuckles with us on the recent political scene in Falmouth.  With great thanks to those hard-working scribes, here are

Late Night Falmouth's  Top Ten Quotes for 2008 (so far)

10. "We have to get all the information so we can make our decisions educatedly." - Selectmen Chairman Kevin Murphy on DPW requests at Town Meeting.

9. "I am not Jesus Christ." - Town Engineer George Calise on the status of the bid opening for the Shining Sea Bikeway extension.  (George later walked across Shiverick's Pond after leaving the meeting.)

8. "You wanted the title of Manager, now manage!" - Local gadfly Dan Shearer on the Selectmen assuming a greater role in the High School construction.

7. "Mr. DeWitt didn't get $250 an hour because if he did, he'd still be here." - Town Counsel Frank Duffy on the cost of a non-employee associate counsel.

6. "Don't do it, sir.  Mr. Latimer did it to me once." - Town Moderator David Vieira to a speaker at Town Meeting on the inadvisibility of looking into a laser pointer.

5. "It takes its time to do things and it doesn't set artificial deadlines to meet someone's profit standards." - Town Planner Brian Currie defending his board and their pace of deliberation on a rezoning article at Town Meeting.

4. "When your water rates go up, thank your neighbor." - DPW Director Ray Jack on a lack of funding to detect pumped but unmetered (and unbilled) water usage.

3. "I'm not frustrated like Ray Jack." - Fire Chief Paul Brodeur on his relatively uneventful journey to Town Meeting for capital funding.

2. "If the money's not spent, it will not be spent. " - Selectman Kevin Murphy on, well, spending for the High School.

And the #1 quote thus far.....

"People come to Falmouth for boating, beaches, and some for golf if they don't know any better." - Dan Shearer speaking about his petition article to keep the beaches open.

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World Series Trophy, High School Committee, & Other Good Stuff

World Series Caravan Comes to Falmouth

Hundreds of people of all ages waited in line at the the Conference Table Restaurant in Falmouth yesterday to catch a glimpse and take a photo (and perhaps sneak another) of the 2004 & 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series trophies. The line was orderly and moved along swiftly, giving the throngs gathered time to visit with the tangible evidence of the first trophy, which symbolizes the shattering of the "Curse of the Bambino," and the second, which clearly established the Red Sox as a 21st century baseball dynasty.  Rumors of a mass pilgrimage to the Bronx to place Boston Red Sox and Falmouth Clipper jerseys in the foundation of the new Yankee Stadium did not materialize, although steady stream of White Tie Limos was seen leaving their nearby headquarters and heading south.  Stay tuned...

Committee to Finish Falmouth High School Established

Responding to a call from the Falmouth Selectmen to garner community-based support, a grass-roots committee has been formed to support passage of Question 1 on the May 2o ballot asking citizens to fund the $18.8 million renovation of Falmouth High School.  Laura Lorusso Peterson has formed the Committee to Finish Falmouth High School and is actively seeking donations and volunteers.  Contact Peterson at: completefalmouthhighschool@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.

Last Day to Register to Vote

Speaking of the May 20 election, which will not only have the High School question but will feature races for Selectmen, School Committee, and capital items for the Fire and Public Works Departments, Town Clerk Michael Palmer has announced that the last day to register to vote to be eligible to cast a ballot for any of these items is Wednesday, April 30. For more information, contact Palmer's Office at 508-495-7360, or Palmer himself at: mpalmer@falmouthmass.us.

Spring Cleaning for All

The annual Falmouth spring litter cleanup sponsored by the Falmouth Beautification Council is scheduled to start April 26 and run through May 3.  Residents and Falmouthphiles alike are encouraged to contact their "village coordinator" for information on cleanup schedules and activities.  This town-wide event, which has been held for more than 30 years, brings citizens together in an effort to reduce litter and blight throughout Falmouth's 44 square miles. Village coordinator contacts are:

• Woods Hole - Meg Fitzelle, 508-548-7703
• Sippewissett - Nancy McDonald, 508-548-4060
• Falmouth Village - Nancy Carliss, 508-360-5137
• Falmouth Heights - Winnifred Grant, 508-548-4135
• West Falmouth - Martha Ross, 508-548-3435
• North Falmouth - Heidi Marotta, 508-564-9509
• Teaticket - Mary Little, 508-548-3883
• East Falmouth - Linda Davis, 508-540-1156
• Waquoit - Sally Hampton, 508-540-8915
• Hatchville - Louise Houle, 508-563-5009
• Ashumet Valley - Robert Bates, 508-563-3283

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Message to Voters - STAY HOME

Do the Famouth Selectmen trust the voters?

That nip you feel in the air today is not the gentle breeze of a crisp April day, it is the chilling wind of democratic disdain.  That broken shell of a man you see weeping on a park bench is not a local struggling for survival, he is the personification of democracy, beaten, discarded, and left to languish in tragic memories of better times, when he mattered and had a place in the consciousness of our elected leaders.

The Falmouth Selectmen will assemble tonight, as most Mondays, to conduct the business of the people.  Unlike most Mondays, though, a cloud hovers over this board, a product of the shadows who drifted through the recent Town Meeting and lurk still in the crannies and crevices of Town Hall. These unnamed shadows have ensured that the trustees of our democratic process, the voters themselves, are unimportant and irellevant.  They have laid claim to sole possession of knowledge of what is good and proper and have cast their spell on our decision makers, leaving us, the trustees, to shiver on the park bench with our dying friend, yearning for the warmth of the inner circle, where those that know better determine our fate.

The Selectmen will vote tonight, for the second time, whether or not to place the request for funding to complete the Falmouth High School on the ballot. The question before the town's chief elected officials is not one of support or opposition for the project, that has been firmly established.  From Town Meeting Members to town officials, to the coffee shop prognosticators, opinion is widely held that although the project has suffered from managerial malaise, it must be completed. The question tonight is one of far greater importance to the future of Falmouth.

Do the Selectmen trust the voters
Or do they only trust themselves?

The answer given tonight will determine the nature and tenor of political discourse in our community for years to come. If the answer is tragically the latter, the message to the average working person is clear: "Stay home, we don't need your opinion. Your taxes, your thoughts, and your input are nice, but when it comes to that which matters, we don't think you've got what it takes to participate." What a powerful and damming message.

This issue is only before the Board a second time because a person or group of people made sure that standard language included in all articles making adjustments to proposition 2 1/2 was not included in the main motion made at Town Meeting for this article. Furthermore, the well established fact of a necessary 2/3 vote of the Selectmen was inexplicably revealed to the public and Town Meeting Members  after the Selectmen had voted once and after Town Meeting had deliberated and decided the issue.  A cynic would point to a deliberate subversion of the democratic process and a twisted Machiavellian "end justifies the means" manipulation. An optimist would point to an unfortunate oversight by otherwise well-intentioned officials and volunteers.  The truth lies in the hearts of those officials and volunteers and will never be revealed.

But really, those shenanigans notwithstanding, the cure is simple and obvious: vote tonight to place the funding question on the ballot, and place trust in the trustees. To do so would be to validate our system of venerable and varied citizen voices. Our withering friend on the park bench would sit up with a start, renewed and refreshed by the confidence and belief that he indeed is central to our way of life.

If the vote tonight is otherwise, join me in shedding a tear for the loss of a friend, and in mourning the hole in the soul of our community.

*** POST-MEETING UPDATE ***

Our friend is alive and eager, and the soul of our community is intact.  The varied voices will be heard. The Selectmen voted unanimously to place the funding question on the ballot. Many of them discussed trusting the voters and healing a divided community.  This action tonight is a welcome beginning to the healing.  I write frequently about leadership.  From the time they began to wrestle the reins from the School Building Committee, Selectmen have responded and begun to fill the leadership void.  Selectmen Ahmed Mustafa talked about "bringing forth the light from the darkness of yesterday."  Tonight's vote has done that.

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Falmouth High School Money In Voters' Hands

$18.8 Million Approved on Voice Vote

School Building Committee spokesman Dr. Robert Antonucci makes his pitch last night.

Falmouth Town Meeting Members last night overwhelmingly approved the second largest borrowing in the town's history, reserving a place on the May 20 ballot for $18.8 million to complete the renovations of Falmouth High School. The largest ever appropriation was the original $67 million appropriation. Town Meeting Members made their intentions clear enough that a voice vote was accepted and a standing count not required.

Town Meeting Gadfly Richard Latimer, previous winner of the "Badge of Bombast." Led by a frank but firm request by committee spokesman Dr. Robert Antonucci, School Building Committee members embraced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently signed with the Finance Committee, Town Moderator, and Selectmen to share authority and information as the project moves forward.  Although a 2/3 majority was required for this vote, a simple majority will be required when voters have their say.  The ballot vote is not required, but is moving forward based on a recent vote of the Selectmen, who cited the need for the voters to have their voices heard and hold sole authority to place items on the ballot.

Antonucci walked Town Meeting Members through a detailed handout which explained costs to date and future requests amounting to the requested $18.8 million. He noted that with the MOU, "checks and balances are in place," and praised his colleagues for doing their "very, very best" on what has been an admittedly complex and frustrating project. Antonucci also noted that the exisiting high school was "flawed from the day it opened," as the open-campus-style building never lent itself to a sound learning enviroment with few internal walls and even fewer operating windows.

A million here, a million there...

Selectmen Chairman Kevin Murphy provided information on the MOU, which, he added, is not a "power grab" by the Selectmen, but an opportunity to gain the public trust in the leadership of the project. He pledged the full resources of the town, including Town Manager Robert Whritenour and Assistant Town Manager Heather Harper, to "move forward and provide the scrutiny of the entire town" to bring Falmouth's largest-ever building project to a successful completion. He assured those present and viewers at home that "For every dollar spent, there will be accountability," and assured skeptics that "if you're looking for some watchdogs, you got 'em."

The first speaker was not convinced.  Long-time Town Meeting Member Robert Young offered an amendment to reduce the requested additional amount to $13,716,000, a cut of roughly $5 million.   School Building Committee members urged rejection of the amendment, explaining that they want to "come once and only once" to ask for additional funds.

"We can be slapped and chastised. If that be the case, let it be." - Dr. AntonucciAntonucci offered an open and hearfelt plea for support.  "We can be slapped and chastised.  If that be the case, let it be," he said, clearly acknowledging the angst in the community. All speakers remained respectful, though, and Town Meeting Members' reputation for handling difficult issues with dignity and tact remains. Although the amendment received the lion's share of the discussion on the article, it ultimately failed, based by the words of some on a lack of detail in the $5 million reduction and worry that a reduction may cause further requests and delays. 

The vote on the amendment, which requires a majority, clearly failed, leaving the original $18.8 million on the table.  Moderator Vieira did not ask for additional discussion on the main motion, opting instead to move right to the vote.  The intent was clear, and the article passed.  Town Meeting Members headed into the break ready to move on.

Frequent pot-stirrer Michael Freeman had other plans. He asked for reconsideration, which was soundly defeated and the School Building Committee, Selectmen, Finance Committe and Moderator will continue their discussion toward the May 20 climax, with full support of the Town Meeting in hand.

With one article finished, the time was 9:30, and, as Willie Wonka would say, there was so much to do but so little time.  Town Meeting quickly disposed of several more articles, primarily those related to spending under the Community Preservation Act, but deliberations continued well past 11 to complete work on a near-handful of petition articles that have grabbed headlines and attention spans over recent weeks:

Other articles acted upon

- Article 50 was a petition article that asked Town Meeting to take back the authority to enact regulations under the town's wetlands bylaw.  This authority was ceded to the Conservation Commission in 1984. After a lengthy debate, which included charges of "over-regulation" from former Conservation Administrator Pamela Truesdale, Town Meeting opted by a wide margin to keep the process intact.

- Article 51 sought by petition to keep all beaches open 24 hours per day.  Although many expressed agreement with the concept, most agreed with Assistant Beach Superintendent Bruce Mogardo that a solution to the vexing problem of opening beaches on a summer morning with the lot full already begs additional review. The article was rejected.

- Article 52 sought through petition to highlight the ongoing process of siting affordable housing in the village of Woods Hole by asking that the now dormant plan to construct 15 units on town-owned property at 419 Woods Hole Road recently coined as "Webster Woods" move forward.  Selectman Carey Murphy offered the main motion, attempting to provide a forum to discuss the four-year effort by the Affordable Housing Committee to develop the property, which was dismissed recently by Selectmen. In what was among the more awkward moments of the entire three-night meeting,  petitioner Marc Finneran and Selectman Catherine Bumpus regressed into playground behavior, both using the word "stupid" to describe the other's thoughts. The article failed by a wide margin, most assuredly sacrificed by promises that other plans are in the works. 

All told, this memorable and successful gathering of civic-minded Falmouthites approved spending of over $129,000,000, gave new life to a reeling project, stood firm on development, and even gave a bump to the Town of Barnstable's homeless program. I love democracy in action!  The next Town Meeting is Nov. 10.

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Falmouth Town Meeting - Night Two Was Special

DPW & Fire Equipment Headed to the Ballot

   Town leaders look on as Jeff Parish, owner of the West Falmouth Market, discusses a zoning change

During its second night of deliberations, Falmouth Town Meeting members spoke with a clear and united voice on most issues.   They said "no" to rezoning,  "yes" to maintaining the town's roads, bridges, and sidewalks, and shouted a resounding "yes" to improving and maintaining the equipment and readiness of the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department. On items of less consequence, they were not so sure.

A DPW proposal for $3.2 million and a Fire Department proposal for $1,850,000 were both approved by wide margins on a voice vote, easily satisfiying the required 2/3 to claim a place on the May 20 ballot.

When presenting the DPW capital program and its recommendation, the Finance Committee suggested a single year capital exclusion, while the Board of Selectmen offered a three year plan.  Each would have a similar impact on the tax rate, with the Selectmen's plan offering a guarantee of three years of improvements while the FinCom plan would require the DPW to return to Town Meeting and the ballot every year. 

After some debate, which included a detailed discussion and endorsement of the FinCom approach by former Town Administrator Peter Boyer, Town Meeting members chose the three-year option. The average homeowner will see taxes increase by roughly $11 per year under this plan, which will address road and bridge maintenance, heavy equipment purchases, and improvements to the town's waste management facility, all of which have been deferred in recent years due to to tight funding. DPW Director Ray Jack, still smarting from the previous night's rejection of his department's reorganization which was a priority of the Board of Selectmen for five years, then discared weeks ago, minced no words in his presentation supporting the capital program. "We don't have the money for basic maintenance," warned the department veteran, who oversaw water and sewer activities for the Town before becoming Director a little over a year ago.  "The water main in front of Town Hall is from 1898.  I guess we'll have to hope it lasts another 100 years," he quipped. Jack explained through photos and graphics how some roads could be failing within years from a lack maintenance. 

Fire Chief Paul Brodeur did not have as tough a time. "I'm not frustrated like Ray Jack," said the veteran Chief, who offered sound effects and anecdotes to entertain and win over Town Meeting Members.  In explaining technology for proposed defribilators which can detect an arterial blockage, Brodeur explaind that "eight years ago if you had this (form of blockage), you'd wind up at Chapman Cole & Gleason.  Today, we'll take you to the jewel on the hill (Falmouth Hospital) for treatment." Voters endorsed the FinCom and Selectmen's plan to finance this major equipment upgrade, which will also put a 5th ambulance in service, replace two fire engines which are over 20 years old, and replace an outdated brush breaker.  The proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion will last 10 years.

The total cost for a homeowner with a $500,000 home for both initiatives will be approximately $57 in additional property taxes for the first year, with amounts declining annually until the debt is paid.

Before the entertainment began with the capital presentations, Town Meeting Members deliberated on and disposed of the fifteen article Speacial Town Meeting Warrant.  Town Meeting Members:

- Rejected a proposal from the decades-old West Falmouth Market to expand the business zoning on their lot to allow for reconfigured parking as part of a renovation plan.  Opponents were concerned with the amount of traffic generated with a newly expanded market and feared encroachment on residential properties in the area if other business owners with split-zoned lots attempted the same.

- Rejected a proposal from the CLSV Limited Partnership, developers of the Ballymeade subdivision, to create a new "B4" zone in Falmouth which would allow for retail space as well as senior care retirement facilities, the latter of which has been a stated  objective of the Planning Board for some time.  CLSV attorney Mark Gildea of Mashpee was unable to motivate Town Meeting Members to support the B4 proposal despite the fact that a 175 unit 40B project is winding its way through the state approval process. 

- Debated for nearly an hour on a request for $5,000 to benefit the Town of Barnstable "In From the Streets" program.  This initiative, managed jointly by town officials and volunteers works to provide temporary housing for people whose other option may be sleeping on the streets. Despite an objection then offer from Town Meeting Member and Selectman candidate Brent Putman to personally write a check for the requested amount, Town Meeting approved the request. It seems that every year, one article for a small amount of money gobbles up vast amounts of time.  This was it.

- Approved a lease of up to 20 years for the cultivation of town-owned cranberry bogs.  As the vote concluded with minimal discussion and no opposition, Town Meeting Members from all sides of this near-legendary conflict applauded.  "I never thought I'd see the day," beamed Town Moderator David Vieira, surely encapsulating the sentiment of many who have followed this volatile and contentious issue for nearly 10 years.  Indeed, it appears that an end to the cranberry wars is upon us.

Article 29, the request for nearly $19 million in additional funds to complete construction of the Falmouth High School, will be first on the agenda when Town Meeting reconvenes tonight at 7.

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$100 Million Spent, but the Best is Yet to Come!

Operating Budget Approved - High School Funding Looms

The Brian Boru pipe band leaves after opening ceremonies
Falmouth Town Meeting Members acted on more than half  of the 54 articles on the Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant in Falmouth last night, including the town's $103 million operating budget.  Voters did not make enough progress to get to Article 29, the request for an additional $18.8 million to complete the construction of Falmouth High School, but managed nearly four hours of debate and presentations on subjects ranging from a $100 million pricetag for wastewater management to stagnant revenue growth.

When the meeting concluded just after 11 p.m., work had just completed on the fiscal year 2009 operating budget, which begins July 1.  Save for an amendment adding $10,000 to the Town Clerk's budget to maintain an electronic copy of the town charter and bylaws, the $103,462,827 that will be used to run the town was passed with little debate.  The discussion, though, was preceeded by a stern warning and gloomy fiscal outlook for the coming years by both Town Manager Robert Whritenour and Finance Committee Chairman Gary Anderson.  Whritenour noted that the town is entering its 6th straight year of stagnant revenue growth alongside unabated pressures of health care and retirement costs for town employees.

A lengthy and somewhat philosophical discussion

Town Meeting members contemplate an articleIn a lengthy and somewhat philosophical discussion on the push-pull of the town's financial pressures, Anderson presented a matrix of options for town initiatives, explaining that costs, urgency, and methods of payment must contribute to decisions on spending, although he stopped short of offering specific recommendations on present and future spending cuts.

In addition to the operating budget and other routine articles passed under the quick disposal of the "blanket vote" such as setting elected official salaries, Town Meeting Members:  

- Passed a zoning change that will allow for temporary parking of school buses during the day in residential areas.

- Heard a report from Wastewater Superintendent Gerald Potamis on the ongoing comprehensive wastewater management program.  Potamis discussed potential sites for additional treatment to reduce nitrogen in Falmouth's southern watersheds, an initiative that could cost up to $100 million.

- Rejected a zoning change that would have allowed Dr. Frank Alfano to rework commercial activity on his property which borders Route 28 and Beagle Lane in Teaticket.  Beagle Lane, which also borders the Teaticket Post Office, is limited by narrow lanes leading into a small residential area.  Zoning Consultant Diane Thompson pledged to work with the Planning Board to manage the property.

- Approved, after nearly an hour of debate, creating the position of Associate Town Counsel.  This full-time position, which will be funded from the existing legal budget, was created to assist Town Counsel Frank Duffy with the current caseload, hovering near 50 outstanding cases.  Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Kevin Murphy argued against the Finance Committee's recommendation of indefinite postponement, noting that the money could be transferred from the exisiting legal services budget and, other than a $20,000 increase in benefits, would represent a "cost containment" for the legal department. Many citizens disagreed and suggested hiring a contract counsel which may cost more per hour, but would not carry the long-term costs of a permanent employee.  Mr. Duffy made an empassioned plea for support of the article and noted that those who saw the new hire as a part of a plan to groom a replacement were mistaken.  "I'm here for the forseeable future," noted Falmouth's long-serving barrister. The article was approved by a wide margin

- Rejected soundly a request by the Department of Public Works to reclassify several positions within the department.  In its opposition, Finance Chair Anderson suggested that upgrades be conducted on a larger scale and not be offered "piecemeal."  He did not address the concern expressed by some that the positions were being offered as part of a negotiated settlement with several unions.

Tonight's meeting will begin with the Special Town Meeting, including a review and vote on rezoning for the CLSV limited partnership, the developers of the Ballymeade subdivision.  The proposal is to rezone 31 acres along Route 151 to allow for the construction of a senior care retirment facility and associated retail uses. Once the Special concludes, deliberations will return to the Annual meeting, where proposition 2 1/2  exclusion votes for the DPW and Fire Departments will be discussed first before the High School funding is debated.

The meeting is broadcast live on FCTV Channel 13.  Regular updates will be posted all week on CC Today.

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The Best Of...Life in our Slice of the Penninsula

Some observations on good things worth noting that nestled into my squash recently...

"To breath and to vote.
That's all that's left that is free."
  - Selectman Ahmed MustafaThe Best Sign of Spring - Enjoying a vanilla cone with cherry dip at the Falmouth Dairy Queen is not only a rite of the season change, it is mandatory to rewire the brain to prepare for traffic-laden days to come.

The Best Local Sports Story - The story just keeps getting better with Boston College hockey netminder and Falmouth native John Muse.  This kid is quickly  becoming to Falmouth what Doug Flutie is to Natick.  Muse and the Eagles are now at the top of the college hockey world, skating and scoring in the "Frozen Four."  Nice family, great kid, and the best is yet to come - this is Muse's freshman year!

The Best Food & Service - Kudos to the quality of care and the varied board of fare at the Falmouth Hospital.  I was in for a couple of days last week for surgery.  The nurses could not have been nicer, the care better, or the cheeseburger juicier. 

The Best Display of Class - The recent resignation of Peter Clark from the School Building Committee was noted by many as just another bump in this ever-undulating road of a project.  It was much more.  Clark has been giving selflessly of his time and experience since the day he retired and knows the local political scene well.  He realized that the committee needed a shakeup and that the community was calling for heads and offered his own, clearly  in the interest of keeping the peace and the project on course. You can agree or disagree with his politics, but falling on the sword  in the public good was the class act of this journey.

The Best Reality Check - With the Selectmen in Sandwich screaming at one another about open meetings and one Selectman in Provincetown pooh-poohing the DA's office because she thinks she knows the law better than they, it's nice to know that our local fab five may not say and do what we want all the time, but they do it in the open.

The Best Quote - Speaking of the Selectmen, the best quote I've heard in a while came from that direction this week. "To breath and to vote.  That's all that's left that is free."  So said Selectman Ahmed Mustafa during a recent debate on, what else, the High School.  I don't charge him for my advice, so he may have to change this signature phrase. Look here for more quotable quotes and pictures next week when  Town Meeting kicks off.

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