CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

mskala, It does sound odd, doesn't it? Troy originally said that I hailed from Precinct 7. He obviously corrected it, but I don't know how to delete my post. Troy?

Troy, I hail from Precinct 9

mskala, I've never said that we shouldn't finish the high school. We need to finish the job, and I stated that in the post immediately above yours. However, for all the talk, there isn't much substance and too many questions remain unanswered. For example, we've been told that the project is 2/3rds done and most of the surprises have been found. If so, why are we replenishing the contingency fund (the 'just in case money') to the original $8 million? Why isn't $2-3 million enough? That's a serious red flag, and it's but one of many.

Hmmm...never said "yes" ('Putnam appeared to waffle a bit, first offering a "yes, but there should be an audit now" answer'); what I said was that the high school needs to be finished, but we need to get the questions answered and the issues resolved. I ran out of time listing off the outstanding issues, so when Mr. Lowell asked for clarification, I said I'm leaning against it.

2. Agreed, and most folks understand the need to keep things under wraps. But the selectmen could at least assure the public that a full investigation will be done and all litigation information will be made public. Open the books.
1. Agreed, but do we inconvenience another generation of children because we are rushing headlong into this project? The contractor is under investigation, they don't pay their subs, the roof leaks, the windows leak...why isn't this going out to bid so we get a good contractor who gets it done right the first time?
I want to see the high school finished, and I'm willing to pay what is needed to get the job done. However, the "changes" to the process are superficial. Replace the entire building committee, open the books and put this out to bid.

Here's a different perspective...
10. There are two new members on the building committee, but their recommendations are being ignored.
9. According to a statement by new member Callahan, they don't really know how much it will cost to finish the high school.
8. I've not met one person who wants to leave the job half-done; they just want answers BEFORE they approve the funds.
7. It's not about punishment, it's about accountability. Even new member Callahan said we need to know who is responsible for what so we can hold them accountable.
6. We want an audit now, not in two or three years when the project is completed. How about some fiscal responsibility?
5. According to Asst Superintendent Mark Dupuis, we will not lose our accreditation if this override fails to pass.
4. Everyone has their own definition of affordable. Regardless, it has to be finished.
3. We're supposed to be 2/3rds of the way through this job with all the surprises behind us, yet they want to re-fund the contingency funds to the original $8 million. Why isn't $2-3 million adequate? Too many unanswered questions...

mskala, I'm honestly working on that, but I'm a little new to the political arena and the 30-second sound bite.

Well written, Troy; couldn't have done better myself. I won't be attending because I will only get angry over the outcome, which, I fear, will be the worst. Even if we get 4 of the 5, the motion town meeting approved says nothing about a Prop 2-1/2 override or the May 20 vote.

Troy, I too was surprised by the arrogance - contempt even - that Selectman Bumpus displayed when I spoke before the selectmen last night. I've personally spoken with several members of the building committee (not to mention publicly before them and the selectmen last night) and shared what I and other town meeting representatives need to vote 'aye' on this issue, but they still haven't delivered. I want to support this - you're right that a half-finished school benefits no one - but without answers...

And there are those out there more skeptical than I.

hamalcar, I used to serve on the conservation commission, and while I consider myself to be pretty level-headed and down-to-earth, I still had to remind myself that I was there to serve the people, not the other way around. It is true...too many appointed and elected officials forget who they serve.

Troy, It's been a while since I last browsed your blog, and I must say that this is one of your best posts. There are times when I think I'm the only one rocking the boat, so it's nice to know that someone out there encourages - instead of discourages - it.