CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

“Come tonight there would be a new B of H chairman and new hours." Statement that was heard from Bill Snowden prior to the Yarmouth Board of Health Meeting. Is there a Open Meeting Law Violation here? Mmmmmmm.

"Cape Wind merits swift approval." - Martha Coakley. US Senate candidate Coakley endorses Cape Wind.

The Ice Lady lives in Medford. Sure she would endorse this loser of a project. State Senator Scott Brown, the Republican candidate, will not support this project. He wants to keep his electric bills down and knows this project will cost us. I wonder how many votes were promised to Coakley, aka the Ice Lady, from the Wind Farm supporters,

The people who fly to Nantucket should have their luggage screened just as it is in P town gong to Boston. They would find a huge amount of illegal drugs that is going to the island. That would take a bit out crime that’s for sure. Oh, I forgot, the owner of one of the airlines has objected to this procedure. Mmmmmm I wonder why?

Bittersweet:"Fox News Channel continues to refuse to admit that they're an extension of the Republican Party? Are you serious or are just repeating what the failing Democratic Administration in Washing wants everyone to believe. Ever since the Bush regime came to power? Hey get over it. The Democrats need to stop blaming Bush for everything. They need to stand up and start to be held ACCOUNTABLE!! The next thing you’ll hear is the Health Care Bill failed because of Bush.
Speaking of the Health Care Bill, can you hear it, “Flush” That’s the sound of the Health Care Bill and where it’s going along with the NoBama Presidency. The Health Care Bill is DOA!! I’m sure the Democrats, aka, Socialists, will blame Bush for this.

Democrats vying for Ted Kennedy seat? I must remind everyone the Senate seat is an OPEN SEAT and the title of the article should have said this. The seat doesn’t belong to Ted Kennedy or any other Kennedy, it belongs to WE THE PEOPLE!!. Although the Democrats also think it belongs to them.

Only GOP oppose? Again another misleading headline. You have to read the article to see that State Senator has taken a stance on the Wind Farm, and rightly so. There are members of the GOP who do favor the Wind Farm so to label the whole GOP as against the Wind Farm is wrong.

BOSTON - Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Thomas Connolly has scheduled an 8 a.m. Hearing tomorrow to consider the request for injunction filed today by the Massachusetts Republican Party. In its request, the MassGOP states it believes Governor Patrick has overstepped his authority by attaching an emergency preamble to the Senate vacancy law signed today and appointing Paul G. Kirk Jr. As Interim U.S. Senator.

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Jennifer Nassour said: "I thank the court for taking the time tomorrow for what we consider to be an important legal question. From the beginning, the Republican Party of Massachusetts has been focused on ensuring the laws of our Commonwealth are properly followed. While we opposed the change in the election law, once changed, we believe Governor Patrick has an obligation to follow the law as written. By immediately making an appointment, we believe the governor has overstepped his authority."

Kirk for the Kennedy seat? Are you kidding? Why should anyone jump because one of the Kennedys says so. They think they own the seat. The Senate seat belongs to We The People. Appointing someone to the seat will only represent the Socialist Democratic Party. The Socialists Democrats who support this appointment are hypocrites. Mr. OLeary is the leader of these hypocrites and lies to his constitutes trying to explain why we need two Senators in Washington. We will still have only one elected Senator by the voters in this state in Washington and he isn't listening too anyone but himself. Hypocrisy is running rapid. The only thing the Socialist Democrats want to do is shove this health care program down the Americans throats, when the majority of Americans are against it.

Richard, the Far left Socialists, for your information the US District Court in California last week,ordered a hearing on Obama’s birth certificate. So your leading Socialists, No Bama will have to bring into the court the original birth certificate, if he has one!! I would call this DIRECT EVIDENCE!!!!!

Headline-Senate OK's Kennedy successor bill. It should read, We The People lose Again!!. The State Senate, which is controlled by the Socialist Democratic Party, took away our right to have a representative in Congress. The appointed individual will represent the Socialists Democratic Party and not the Voters/ Taxpayers here in this state. So, we will still have one vote that represents the people, and this is with Mr. Kerry.
Mr. O’Leary should be ashamed of himself for lying to his constituents while supporting this bill. He should resign. All this to get one vote on a critical bill that the Socialist Democrats are trying to force down our throats.

The state is considering using the base? I was on the base last week and the road that leads to the base, Snake Pond Rd, is in bad shape now. The road goes right through a residential neighborhood. I doubt the residents will allow this.
On the base itself the Sandwich Gate is in the process of being moved. They are building a new one further down the road on the base. The roads on the base are old and are not very wide and are also in bad shape. This is very poor planning to say the least.
There is a road that cuts through the ranges off Rt 130. The Gate that leads to this road is called the Gibbs Gate. This road is closer to the Mid Cape on RT 130, and is away from the residential neighborhoods. This road is presently a dirt road and with proper planning it could be paved and it would lead to an area near the Bourne Rotary. Those of us, who know the base, know this would be the best way to set up any evacuation route that will lead to the Bourne Bridge. The ranges in this area are not being used, and I doubt they will ever be used again. Having the traffic go through the base will only lead to more congestion and traffic back ups.

This is a smart move. He will avoid a Republican Primary for Governor and allow Charlie Baker to concentrate on the Governor race and pound away on Tax It All Deval. He has the name recognition statewide. He has the money, 10 million dollars. This is more that any other candidate. The Democrats fear this man because he will draw the Independents.
We need a new voice in the US Senate. A breath of fresh air so to speak and I believe Christy in one who will represent all in this state.
He still might have a primary though. State Sen. Scott Brown will make a decision this week and I’m also hearing that Jeff Beatty is considering a run once again. The voters in this state are getting fed up with the Democrats in this state, and especially the Democrats in Washington.

Changing the law to appoint a temporary successor to the late U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy is the same gutter politics the Democrats did in the early 60’s. What the Democrats did was to appoint a temporary Senator until Teddy boy was old enough to run for the seat. The Taxpayers in the State do not need any more back room gutter political deals by the Democrats. I urge all to call their representatives and insist that an election be held under the present law. Tell them no more back room deals!!!!

Hearing the sad news in the Death of Lance Cpl Nicholas Xiarhos has hit home very hard. He is truly an American Hero. My wife Kathleen, and I, pass on our condolences to the Xiarhos family. May God accept Nicholas with open arms.

Tom Sullivan USAF Ret.

WOW!! Walter I’m surprised and I agree with 100%. In the private sector you have to cut expenses to survive. The same rule has to be applied to the Towns. Giving the Towns the right to accept and expand the meals and rooms tax will only help to feed the town machines. It will only be used to give out pay raises. The Town of Yarmouth is considering a Special Town Meeting in August wasting thousands of taxpayers dollars to do what? Raise Taxes? To raise the costs on all those who live here. The restaurants will pass this new increase along to those who live year round never mind the tourists. The taxpayers in each of our towns should go to their respective Town Meetings and Just Say NO on any new taxes. I know I will if Yarmouth does have a taxpayer wasting Town Meeting for this purpose.

Here’s a good one. The Yarmouth Board of Selectmen voted to shut off the Street Lights in Town to save money. This program starts in April. Do you think there are a lot of break in’s now? Wait till the lights are off. WOW!! The Stupidly of our elected officials!!!!

Yes the Boston Insiders are pushing Charlie Baker. Sen. Scott Brown has been going around the state meeting Republicans. I kinda like Sen. Brown, but then I have no clue what Mr. Baker stands for, yet. Now, as for Christy. He has burned his bridges with the Republicans, BIG TIME. You have to remember, Republican have long memories and carry grudges forever. They have been known to eat their young. This is the main problem with the party!! They still have a fresh memory on what Mr. Mihos did in the last election. I don’t see him representing the Republican Party any time in the next 1,000 years.

It's great to see Mr Mihos running ads calling for No More taxes. I have a suggestion for Mr Mihos. Go to the Yarmouth Town Meeting starting on May 4th and say the same thing. It would be a first !!!! Attending a Town Meeting that is.

The Senate seat is not a Kennedy seat. The Tax Hiking Governor we have will have to call for a new election. Hopefully the voters in the state will see and say they have had enough of the Tax Hiking, Big Spending Democrats and put in a Republican.

What part of NO doesn't Mr Patrick understand. NO Gas Tax it's simple. NO Expansion of the Motel Tax, No increase of the Meals Tax. Mr Patrick, stand up and cut the State budget and stop the Double Talk. You just have to look at the Shovel ready projects the State has released for the Spending Bill . There is a huge amount of PORK in there. One example, Repair a state owned Golf Course Fairways, and there is more, WOW!!!

Matt Patrick said,”The rest of The Cape shouldn't have to pay your town expenses?” Well, I have some news for Mr Patrick, We here on Cape Cod shouldn't have to pay for the foolish taxing and spending that you have done with your stupid Democrats. We the people, don't want our taxes to raise, instead, we the people, want the Democrats to cut the dumb State programs instead of cutting local aid to the Towns.

Cape Cod voters will pay dearly if they cut police budgets in 2009 ? Scary headlines for some. I guess it depends on where you live. In Yarmouth there is definitely a need for some changes. It up to the union, if they want to make the changes that is needed to increase the protection and not cost the taxpayers money.

Sandyneck Con't:
You see, not all the facts are coming out from the Union. The Selectmen are doing what they can according to the contract and the arbitrators decision. I see nothing wrong here. So the question remains, How does the Town come up with $300,000.00 dollars to keep station #3 open? An Override? I doubt it, Lay offs in the fire department? No one wants to see this. According to what I read a new contract is due for fiscal year 2010 and it will be interesting to see what happens.
Maybe it's time to explore privatizing the ambulance to see if the Town can have the service that is required and if there will be any cost savings to the taxpayers.

Sandyneck : Yesterday I spent some time reading the present Fire Contract and the arbitrators decision dated Dec 2007 which is binding on the Town and the Union. In both, the Town was given an option to exercise a change in the working hours, 24 hours on ,24 hours off, 24 hours on and 120 hours off, with out any further negotiations with the union. The time frame was from June 2008, to Oct 31,2008. The selectmen chose to exercise their option and change the hours to, 24 hours on and 48 hours off, 24 hours on and 96 hours off. If you have any doubts on this, please go and read the Contract. I confirmed with the Town Manager that the selectmen did exercise their option. It's all there in black and white.

Karent2 : In Yarmouth they usually put all the contracts in one Article with a dollar figure. There is no breakdown on what are in the contracts. Yarmouth has 5 unions. The Selectmen do sign off on the contract but it is the Taxpayers at Town Meeting who have to approve the funding. In most cases, as in the past, the funding is approved. If the funding is not approved the terms of the present contract or contracts (Including the old funding) continue and the article is dead. The Town would most likely have to reopen negotiations with the union or unions which caused the article to be defeated. The funding article would then be brought to the taxpayers in a Special Town Meeting for approval. Any layoff's would not be caused by a defeat of a new contract. Most if not all Yarmouth Contracts have it written in that the contract will continue until a new one is approved. You can read All the contracts NOW at the Yarmoth Town Hall. Just go to the Town Managers Office and ask. I have already started to review them and it is VERY INTERESTING!!!!

Opinionator : You are correct in that only negotiated and signed contracts are brought before Town meeting for funding. Now with the Town willing to open up all the present contracts for all to read it will be interesting what the reaction will be. Stay tuned, it going to be Very Interesting!

Gee, does it look like they seem to be all DEMOCRATS!!!

It's all PORK, a Waste of Taxpayer Money!! Where's my Property Tax Relief we were promised!!!!!

Harvard awards Senator Kennedy honorary degree, for what? For cheating, getting caught, and then thrown out!
This is a disgrace,it brings dishonor to the University and to those who attended Harvard and studied to graduate. A real Bad example to send to those who will attend college, Ah, It's ok to cheat, look at what Harvard did, It gave a honorary degree to Kennedy and he cheated!!

Democrant stated, “ummm wouldn't you need to ask your town for that? Ask them to cut back on DPW, police and fire while you're at it, so you can get your relief.” Mr Give All Deval stated he would increase local aid, Where is IT? He would add 1,000 police officers. Where are they? Where are the tax dollars to pay for them? Ahhh that's right, raise the property taxes to pay for them, raise the gas tax and raise what ever tax they can find or better yet, make a new tax on the taxpayer and force them to pay it. Or one even better, how about a new Socialists Government program that is forced down the taxpayers throats and if they don't pay up, Fine them or put them away.

Crusader, Cont:Blame your brilliant president who made his CEOs filthy rich? As far as I know all companies in this country are privately own by the stockholders. Blame them not the President. Remember, it was Bill Clinton who gave into the special interest by allowing the below prim mortgages. It was the Republicans who warned that big trouble was going to happen. It was Barney Frank and John Kerry who stated that there was no problems with the Fanny Mae and Fanny Mac. We need to get rid of wasteful state spending fist.

Crusader:This is now a global issue? What does raising the State Gas Tax have to do being a global issue? Raising the gas tax to pay for the Big Dig. You can blame Kennedy for this, he got it done for his special interest. Giving out grants to build parks is pork. There are many wasteful programs that need to be eliminated in the state first, but of course, the special interest will not allow this to happen. If anyone believes the present price for oil will stay at the present levels, then I know a bridge in Sandwich I'll sell you. As far as A losing War? You better check the news. A country that is exercising Democracy, Schools are being built. Things that the Iraqis have never had. I wouldn't call that a losing war!!

Rep Perry stated,"Before we begin to consider raising taxes or tolls, we must fully examine all areas where we can cut spending and minimize the heightened burden on our taxpayers." He's 100% correct!! The Democrats will raise the gas tax 11 cents on top of what NoBama will do in raising the Federal gas tax cents 40 cents, putting the burden on working tax payers. The Democrats make promises but never never ull filled them. Where's my Property Tax relief that was promised!!! Remember the saying, You Get What You Ask For, Socialism!!!

Selectman Ed Lewis of Brewster is a Democrat, along with State Representative Cleon Turner. They are pushing the Democratic Party agenda of raising taxes to support the Government monster. What they should be promoting is fiscal restraint, and smaller government. Taxpayers should say NO to the Tax Act for Cape Codders and the rest of Massachusetts. Where is the Property Tax Relief the Democrats promised!!!!!

Good Luck, I hope your are successful, the whole story must come out on what has happened.

Your selection for President is to put a Socialists in the White House, No Thanks!!! Our Founding Fathers are rolling over in their graves! Your selection is a poor choice as was it was a poor choice for the Democrats or I should say Socialists Democrats. I guess the Democrats are accepting that NoBama was a member of the Socialists Democrat Party in 1996. John McCain for President.

Democrant:No matter how John McCain did in the debate you would put him down anyways. Now how can the Democratic Party support Obama. All the questions about Mr Ayers has a tie to it on Mr Obama's background. You see Mr Obama was a member of a wing of the Democratic Socialists of America. The New Party, was in Chicago in the early 90's to the mid 90's. Mr Obama was a member of the New Party in 1996 and was endorsed by this wing of the Democratic Socialists of America.

http://web.archive.org/web/20010306031216/www.newparty.org/up9610.hhhtml

Mr Obama is a Socialists. He clearly stated this with the plumber he met with his statement to distribute the wealth, gee, doesn't this sound like a Socialists? Be very careful on what you ask for on November. A Vote for John McCain is a Vote for America.

I would like to know why there hasn't been an open and formal investigation on Woodbury's use of the Reverse Telephone System to call parents ( Some not even able to vote) to come to the meeting and vote for the budget. Isn't there a pay raise in this budget and isn't Woodbury' in violation of the Conflict of Interest laws, nerve mind a violation of the State Ethic Laws. I would also like to know where she got 700,000 dollars to put this system in?

Hopefully the Taxpayers will send a stern message to the School Committee, the DY School Administration, and the Board of Selectmen, with a NO VOTE on ALL the ballot questions with the Exception of Question #5, Vote YES, Withdraw from the Cape Cod Commission. Enough with the Overrides!!! It's time the taxpayers speak out, LOUD and CLEAR!!!
"We don't have deficits because people are taxed too little. We have deficits because big government spends too much." —Ronald Reagan This also goes for Small Town Governments!!!

Troy:A Representative Town Meeting is worth a healthy review? Not yet in Yarmouth. Falmouth is a poor example of this form of government. I lived in Falmouth for a while and saw first hand. The Yarmouth Government Oversight Committee has been working on improving the Open Town Meeting. One move was to move Town Meeting to May, the voters approved this this past week. Next year there will be a new Town Meeting Moderator, the committee will suggest some changes to this new person. One will be to use the lottery system on the Articles.

What we did see at Town Meeting was a school system in failure. A School Committee that is afraid to make tough decisions and really represent the voters who elected them, and a school administration that manipulates what the votes say, like last year when Yarmouth said no to the Override. Yarmouth voters will once again vote on May 6th and say a BIG NO to the failed DY School system.The Dennis Voters should also Vote this Override down.

Peter, The Airline you call Cheap Air is called The Island Shuttle. This airline is owned by the same owner of the Harborview Restaurant in Yarmouthport just off 6A near the Barnstable town line. Yes, they have been flying very low over the Town of Yarmouth, but so has Cape Air and Island airlines. Seems to me that the other airlines do not like the Island Shuttle. Dozens of witnesses saw ten people emerge from the plane? The max for the 409 is 9 passengers. 8 in regular seats and 1 in the Co-pilot's seat during good weather. This is allowed by FAA regulations and is extremely dangerous in this day and age .The FAA needs to crack down on all the sky jockeys flying out of the BMA

The writer makes the quote,”illegal war “ What is so illegal about the war? Congress gave it authorization to the President. The term illegal war is right from the Democratic Party propaganda. Democrats and Republicans voted to authorize this war. The writer and the Democrats should support our brave troops and give them the support they really need instead of making false quotes that the war is illegal.

Peter, you think it's hard to get information from the Building Dept. Try getting information from the Police Department in Overtime Cost!! I was told I could be charged for 8 hours of research. 8 hours of research on Overtime? Wow, the Town has great book keeping, doesn't it? Also Peter who are the persons who are supposed to have the building permits? That is public information.

The 450 million rainy day fund proposal by the Republican Legislative Caucus is you best bet. Raising taxes on rentals proposed by Mr Lewis, or increasing the local option tax for motel/hotel and meals taxes should be dead issues. The towns on Cape Cod and Yarmouth being an example, should live within their budgets. Pay raises to Unions they can't afford , keeping town employee insurance instead of moving it to the State level are examples of spending out of control. Programs like the Quinn Bill should be eliminated, thus saving money for the taxpayers. Remember, Government doesn't solve problems, Government is the problem-- Ronald Reagan

Cape Air expands to Vermont and upstate New York ? You forgot to add at Taxpayers expense ! These routes are being subsidized by our Federal Tax Dollars. This is a Great example of PORK in our Government and needs to be stopped. What a bunch of PR bull by Cape Air!!

Part III
Potential legal actions? The Yarmouth Board has discussed taking legal action. There are two possible areas the Selectmen need to consider. One is noise and the other is the Restriction on all of West Yarmouth, parts of Yarmouthport, and parts of South Yarmouth the Airport has on the height a building can be, or other structures. This has (Yarmouth was denied to put up a Wind Turbine) and will play big when people want to put up wind turbines and find out they can't because of the height restriction. This is a land taking by the Town of Barnstable,another word for it is called Eminent Domain. The Fifth Amendment and the US Courts have agreed that Land Takings by the Proprietor, ( Town of Barnstable) are subject to JUST COMPENSATION!!!! The Town can pursue this course or leave it alone. Then, if the towns decides not to pursue, it be up to the Taxpayers to pursue JUST COMPENSATION. Anyway I see it, the Town of Barnstable will see legal Action!

Part II
At one time there was an airport advisory committee? This committee was a sub committee of the Airport Commission and there were at least 3 citizens on this committee from Yarmouth. Yarmouth's noise concerns appeared to be given credence by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ? The FAA withdrew from completing the noise studies because of the infighting that was going on, and because the sitting Chairwoman killed the committee at a June 15, 1999 Commission meeting . The Airport representatives didn't want to accept the noise studies that were done. The study clearly showed that the 70, 75 and even 80 decibel readings extended well into the Hyannis Park section in the Town of Yarmouth.

Part I

Nice Article Pete. You haven't seen this article in the Cape Cod Times or the Register! A few points to clarify, forty or more flights per month on a regular basis before 6:00 a.m. ? This is daily, not a month and is up to 45 departures before 6am The Cape Cod Times is a major problem when they fly anywhere between 430 to 5: 30AM each morning to Nantucket and has refused to cooperate. More to come.

Who cares who Christy Mihos supports. He left the Republican Party. What is more important, When is Christy Mihos going to take down the Wind Turbines at his West Yarmouth store. He has been ordered to take them down by the Town of Yarmouth. So is Mr Mihos going to defy the Take Down order?

President Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave. All the talk going on to defeat Cynthia will accomplish only one thing. Destroy the Republican Party on Cape Cod or what is left of it that hasn't been destroyed by people who put themselves first and not think of the party as a whole. The Democrats are drooling at this fight, and laughing. The Republican's can't get a Republican elected here on Cape Cod, they are too busy fighting amongst themselves.

Jwauch,Bill lied nobody died ? Who are you kidding? Bill lied to the American people on what he did during his administration on the War on Terrorism, the end result was 9/11 and 3,000 deaths.

Gambling comes in different forms. One example was with the Town Meeting Vote last year in Yarmouth to withdraw from the Cape Cod Commission. Some bet it wouldn't hold up. Well, it almost didn't. The Selectmen had an article for the Special Town Meeting on Dec 11 to rescind the vote but that has now been changed to advise the selectmen. Wanna make a bet it will be amended at Town Meeting to say Rescind the Vote? The Yarmouth Board of Selectmen must have bought some new Flip Flops, the old ones are worn out.

Your article,unauthorized landing" at Otis needs clarifying. Your statement, state police who have enforcement power on the base, should have said that the State Police have limited enforcement power on the base. The Runways at the base are in a Controlled Area subject to Title 18 of the US Internal Security Act 1950.The State Police do not have enforcement powers in this area or in Restricted Areas at the base. USAF Active Duty Security Police have the authority to enforce the law in these areas.The Sp's have the authority to detain civilians , search the individual, and search the aircraft. The two weapons, double edge knives, were found during the search of the individual, bringing an unauthorized weapon into a Controlled Area and is subject to Federal Law. The disorderly conduct charge happened after Mr Dedrick was removed from the runway and started to resist the Sp's before the State Police were called. The three young men who handled this situation did their jobs. Two were Active Duty SP NCO's on the SRT (A two man team, not 12 men)who are very well trained. Great Job!!!

Clinton's Pardons are more than President Ronald Reagan, George W Bush, and George HW Bush combined. Peeing on Democrats is so easy, because you do to yourself. The Voters in this state are waking up to this fact. The Party for the working Man, Yea Right. The Party for the Party and to hell with the rights of the Voters and Taxpayers is what the Democrats are all about. So you should not stand in the wind .

Democrant: Ye who live on a very thin glass house should not throw stones. President Bush has done little to Commute or Pardon people, I believe this was his sixth one. The Democrats need to take a deep hard look in the mirror, especially after what Bill Cliton did while he was in office. You can see for yourself at http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm
take a look at Roger Clinton, the half brother of Bill. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 846 .Distribution of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) . Any Democrats want to throw stones?

The Yarmouth Board of Health vote won't hold water. (pun intended) The petition which is required by State Law was started yesterday . The Town Clerks office was putting it together at the request of Yarmouth Taxpayers. The 2,000 + signatures of registered voters will not be hard to get. The Board of Health should not have this much power for an appointed board. The Board of Health did not listen to the taxpayers at the meeting, a majority of whom were against fluoridating the town's water. The Bottom line, No on fluoride.

What Jeff Perry is doing is to allow the parents to teach their children and not have it forced on them. The gays here in this state think gay marriage is a civil right, wrong. Getting married is a privilege. The towns and cities can refuse to issue a marriage license, gay or not. Just the same way the registry can refuse to issue a person a drivers license. You have to remember the State Supreme Court ruled that a drivers license is a privilege and not a constituted right. Hopefully the legislature will allow the Voters in the State vote on this issue next week.

Opinionator: Well said!!!

Justme; The Yarmouth Taxpayer is NOT anti- Yarmouth Police as you have said. The Yarmouth Taxpayer is just speaking out on duplicate services that we do not need. Sometimes tough questions have to be raised, Police or Fire Dept ECT. All you have to do is look at how the taxpayer money is being spent in the recent Annual Town Report.
Capecodresident: The SP can respond in the same time as it takes the Regional teams or sooner.
Local 521:You have to keep in mind that all Public Safety personal and the other Town and State employees work for the Taxpayers, and the Taxpayers have a right to question how their tax money is being used, especially when the service is a duplicate one. I believe another word for this is called Accountability!!

Cap’n The State Police should be the agency to call first. Their Swat Team or STOP Team is one of the best in the Country. The troopers assigned to this unit do only one duty. They are not on the road writing tickets they train on a daily basis’s and not couple times a month. We taxpayers are paying this. The SP has trained negotiators to handle situations like the one that just happened. Now, if they need additional assistance then let them call for it. Another words they will handle all the Command and Control. We taxpayers do not need duplicate service like the so-called Regional teams. The question still remains, who is going to pay back the Yarmouth Taxpayers, especially when the Town Budget is very tight.
Buzz: You say this team is a County team? Well then it might not be in service much longer since the Assembly of Delegates has cut the funs for it. It's a duplicate service. The other Cape Towns should train their officer in these tactics and use them within their own towns.

This writer was on Route 6 in Harwich yesterday when the Yarmouth Police drove by at excessive speed. This is very dangerous in Suicide Alley. I was wondering what was going on. Now once again the Taxpayers in Yarmouth have been taken. Who is going to pay the Taxpayers of Yarmouth to send this team to Orleans? The Town of Orleans should pay the Town of Yarmouth for all costs. There should have one agency called yesterday, The State Police, not five towns, WOW, another overreaction!!!!

Your statement the Massachusetts Military Reservation which is losing the 102nd Wing of the Air National Guard and the jobs which go with it when it flies off to Bradley Field. This statement is incorrect. ONLY the Aircraft are going Westfield, or as it called Barnes. The Wing is getting a new mission. I agree, if the Guard can’t train then build a Casino, along with a new class D civilian airport, close the one in Barnstable, so people can also fly in.

The fire danger has been high for at least week. How can Nantucket justify the complete stupidly of having a so-called control burn under these dry conditions? Now, will Nantucket pay back to the Taxpayers in Yarmouth and the other towns the costs of overtime and use of the equipment under this recently developed mutual aid plan? The Taxpayers should not have to pay for Nantucket’s stupidly!!

Part III
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Part II
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Part I
Capri: First, American do have the right to protest, but is it smart in a time of declared war? Are we repeating the mistakes of the Viet Nam War? I believe we are. No one who serves today or who has served in war wants peace more. To demonstrate against this war is sending the all-voluntary soldiers the wrong message. Remember what Bui Tin, former colonel in the North Vietnamese army said in an interview in The Wall Street on 3 August 1995.

The Veterans who Support Our Troops were in Washington to protect the Viet Nam Memorial and to have a counter protest against those who would surrender rather than fight to keep our freedom. You can see the Video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU9UCCec0mM
Veterans for Peace are a small organization compared to the other Veterans organizations that are supporting their Commander in Chief and the Troops. Your demonstration only encourages the enemy we are facing to keep fighting. Now more than ever it’s time to Support our Brave Men and Woman who are fighting this War on Terror.

Democrant, you and the rest of your Democrat Socialist Party (DSP) missed a few steps long ago. Aaron, remember what former President Reagan once said, never speak ill of another republican. Aaron there are ways within the party to change things. I suggest you start the change if you are not happy.

Bill, the time has come, at least for the Town of Yarmouth to withdraw from the Cape Cod Commission (CCC)
Presently there is an Article on the Annual Warrant to ask voters if the Town should withdraw. I attended the Commission Sub Committee meetings on the DRI for the airport and was very disappointed in the Commission Sub Committee, especially when the public wanted to speak. My impression was that a deal was cut with the staff before there are any public meetings. Yarmouth is better served by withdrawing; we can save about 200,00 a year above our 2-½ limits. The tax dollars are duplicated in services with the commission. Presently there is a chance that Target could be looking to open a store in Yarmouth. The CCC is a deterrent to these types of stores because the Commission and the cost of going before it limit the space they need to make a profit. The CCC hurts any business that wants to expand. I will support getting out of the Cape Cod Commission for Yarmouth and I will encourage my fellow taxpayers to support withdrawing.

Democrant. The Democrats are afraid we might win this war. But I have a question for you. Why are we still in Bosnia? You know, Bill Clinton put us in there, you do remember this guy, the man who has a chance to get bin Laden. The Man who did nothing in the 90’s on Terrorism and the end result was 9/11. No, if this country leaves it up to the Democrats, we will be doomed. With their vote on Friday for a non-binding resolution condemning the President’s troop surge, the Democrats have finally formalized their position: They have thrown their political fortunes squarely behind an American defeat in Iraq. This vote was dangerous – because it means that, in order to realize their primary goal of maintaining and expanding their political power, Democrats now have a real and concrete stake in ensuring that America fails in Iraq.

The Vote by the House on the non-binding resolution is disgraceful. The Senate saw it in a different way and they killed it. The Democrats caused millions to be killed when they cut off the funding for the Viet Nam War. The same will happen again if they do the same in Iraq. But, this time the loss of life will be here in this country. We are fighting an enemy that has been brainwashed since early childhood. They will come here if we let it and this is what the Democrats will allow. Another massacre, in our streets. Signaling our enemies that Congress wants them to win isn't "supporting our troops." This is the new motto for the Democratic Party; they do not Support Our Troops. They are willing to sell out our Brave Men and Woman for Political gain and power. The Democrats’ are a disgrace. Calling what the Democrats did Treason is letting them off easy. The People of this country re-elected President Bush. He is the Commander in Chief. Congress must not interfere. If the Democrats do vote to cut off funding, then the blood of our brave men and woman will be on their hands.

Ccflipflop you might think twice about using Cape Air after the Airport gets through raising their fees. It will be costly. Just think, you can get to a Jet Blue flight and if it snows, you too can sit in the Plane for 8 hours. WOW, what customer service.

This merger is just another ploy by Dan Wolf to expand the Barnstable Airport. In today’s Cape Cod Times Mr. Wolf is quoted as saying, 'It's fitting today that we're having this announcement on Valentine's Day, which is all about relationships,'' Cape Air and Mr. Wolf should first work on his relationship with the Taxpayers in Barnstable and Yarmouth with his polluting aircraft, Ground and Noise. Mr. Wolf and his airline have contributed to the ever-expanding ground pollution at the Airport along with the other airlines. Cape Air thinks this merger is going to be accepted with open arms, Think again. Any one who flies in the Cessna 402 should seek Mental Help. The Airline claims there will no further bags checks, just think, this come from an owner who made the public comment that the TSA was like the DEA when they were catching all sorts of drugs in the luggage in Ptown. Taxpayers should say no to Cape Air and Jet Blue.

Democrant: The democrats have a huge closet full of skeletons as much as the Republicans have? Since you have taken the cheap shot road in your reference to where Romney gave his announcement and saying Henry Ford was one of the more radical anti-Semites of his time. What about Joe Kennedy? Does this ring a big bell? He was one of the more radical anti-Semites of his time? What about Teddy boy in his opposing the Israeli weapon that could save many American lives when RPG’s are fired at our solders in Iraq? Is there still some anti-Semitism there? Democrant: you shouldn’t throw stones from a glass house.

Democrant; Just because there was no objection on the override at one meeting doesn’t clearly show the whole picture. In fact the DY School System is looking at a 1.5 million dollar override. There is plenty of opposition not only in Yarmouth but also in Dennis. This override has one chance in passing, Slim and None, and Slim left Town yesterday. You say cities and towns will continue to struggle, yes but why, Democrats run most Cities and Town. These Cities and Towns, Cape Cod included, keep giving out pay rises to the unions the Cities and Towns can’t pay for them. Unions that are run and owned by the Democratic Party. The Taxpayers in the State are waking up to this fact and are slowly acting on this. Here on Cape Cod it’s the Town Meeting where taxpayers can say NO to Town and School Budgets. Taxpayers need to start asking questions on their Town Budgets and say no to the Democrats.

I find the releasing these photos of the trash in the vehicle accident unprofessional by the Yarmouth Police Department, and making an accident a three-ring circus. The Yarmouth Police perform their duties in a professional way all the time except this time. Releasing these photos only ads injury to the accident and serves no purpose. The responsibility on releasing the photos, now in the Boston Herald and on Boston TV Channel 5, has to lie with the Chief. Releasing these photos is a disservice to the hard working members of the department. It is also humiliation to the individual. Write the tickets and make the charges to go to court, this is what the Police are supposed to do. They are not paid to start thing circuses. The Taxpayers in Yarmouth deserve better.

No misuse of airport funds? This headline is misleading. The truth in this matter on the FAA Audit is that the FAA did not perform a financial Audit on the Barnstable Airport. This statement can be read in the letter sent the Airport’s Commission Chairman who had read the letter before talking to the press, thus intentionally misleading everyone on what the report was about. No misuse of airport funds, well the answer on this one is still out. You can see and read the letter and about the FAA Audit at COG http://www.capecog.com/

Democrant: The Republicans fear no one, especially the Democrats. The Democrats just want to have Government solve all the worlds’ problems and most people would rather see less government. The Democrats would say, now we must form a committee and discuss this. Can you sing Cumbaya and hold hands. The truth is the Ultra Left Wing and the Corrupt Unions, (I’ll be nice here) is in control of the Democratic Party.

Massachusetts Democrant; Edwards is just another John Kerry. The Democrats today hide when you mention Kerry. The Democratic Party is now known as the Cut and Run Party led by the biggest cut and runner Ted Kennedy. Clinton will probably be the candidate and she will face the hard truth. She will have to separate herself from her husband, which will be impossible. Just think, Will Hillary do for the Country what Bill did to this country? Answer: Bill failed and 3,000 American lives were lost on 9/11. Bill failed to see what was growing under his nose (Islamic Fascists) and now we are at War. One last question: Will the Democrat Party sell out our Country and fighting men and woman like it did by refusing to fund the South Vietnamese Army when we pulled out of Viet Nam? History will repeat itself, and the Democrats are surely repeating it now in Congress on the Iraq War. The Democratic Party will bolster the Republican Party because of their Anti War and Anti Troops stand on Cut and Run.

"There is a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to pray, but those times have passed away. There is a time to fight, and that time has now come."

-- Peter Muhlenberg (from a Lutheran sermon read at Woodstock,
Virginia, January 1776)

Con't. The troops say no to these people, you can’t have it both ways. Some even said come here and see what we are doing. No, this demonstration this past weekend does only one thing. The Demonstrators are giving aid to an enemy who will take your rights away in a NY heartbeat. You must remember we are in a Declared War, by Congress. This is different from Viet Nam, so your actions should be considered an Act of Treason. God Bless President Bush and our Brave fighting men and woman who are fighting this war to protect us and the Constitution of these United Sates.

We Don't Want Your "Blipping" War? Yep, I can agree to that. But, tell this to those who will take away every right we have. 9/11 was only small shot at us. The War in Iraq is justified. Sadam did have terrorist’s camps (Confirmed by US Solders) and was training future attackers. The Demonstrators in Washington represent only a small faction of left wing protesters left over from the Viet Nam War. The Veterans for Peace do not represent all Veterans, as some would want people to believe. The Gold Star mothers who attended do not represent the Gold Star Mothers Organization. In fact the major Veterans Organizations support the President as voted in their last Conventions. I for one support the President. He has shown leadership, something the Democrats severely lack. He has shown Guts, some Ted Kennedy and John Kerry will never have. On Friday, NBC news interviewed some of the men and woman fighting in Iraq and asked about the Anti War movement. The plain answer is no they don’t like it. Some of the responses were. Those who say Yes we support the troops but are against the War.

In the article, Airport project could see Cape Cod Commission approval Thursday the element in this approval, which should be denied is the funding. In Oct the Town of Barnstable Accountant told the Airport Commission the Town of Barnstable wants a business plan showing how the Airport plans to pay back the 10-million+ bond it will need to take to the voters of Barnstable in an override. The Airport, according to the finical reports it sends to the FAA, clearly shows it does not generate enough revenue to support a Bond. Therefore, the Cape Cod Commission should deny the Terminal, if it does approve the project, it will be the last nail in the Cape Cod Commission’s coffin as far as Yarmouth and Barnstable residents are concerned.

Hey Voter A: Get your head out of your butt. Mitt did a pretty good job here, especially dealing with the Democrats, you know the ones who just keep on spending, spending, spending. Now on Hilary. Will she do for the Country what her husband Bill did. Get 3,000 American killed on 9/11 for thinking the War on Terror was a Law Enforcement problem instead of a Military on. God Bless our President and fighting Men and Woman who serve this country. The Democrats surely don’t support them.

Mass GOP at Rock Bottom? I doubt this. You have left the party for the Greens, Good Luck. So, What will you do for the Greens? The same for the GOP? NOTHING! The best thing that has happened to the Republican Party was to have GIVE ALL DUVAL elected. He is the Republican dream. The Grand Old Party will recover here in Mass. And GIVE ALL DUVAL will be helping.

Your article is correct in some ways and not in others. In the 1990’s the National Guard told the Air Guard to cut back on expenses. The cost of running the airfield was way too high. This was conveyed to Mr. Kennedy and later to Mr. Delahunt. There was NO response. In 1999 Mr. Delahunt even proposed the moving the Air Guard. To quote Mr. Delahunt, There is no question about our need for the continued presence and vigilance of the Coast Guard, the Veterans Administration and - at least while we study alternatives - the Air National Guard,’’ Mr. Delahunt has used the BRAC Commission for political purpose to bash President Bush and to cover up what he said in 1999. Yes it is a disgrace to move the Wing to Westfield at the taxpayer’s expense. Now, where was Kennedy in 2001 when a bill was filed to study Oits for a civilian airport? Why did he hide? It’s Kennedy and Delahunt who are at fault for the 102nd Fighter Wing to moving to Westfield to become the new 104th Fighter Wing. A new civilian airport would help pay for operations. Westfield has a civilian airport and this is one reason it got the F15’s.

Democrant. You refuse to face the truth. Your Party is Anti-War, Anti- Military, and most of all, Anti -Troops. You live in denial!! God Bless our President and our Brave Men and Woman who serve this country!!!

Democrant; The plain truth is your party the Democrat Party is Anti War and most of all Anti Military. Democrats are now showing their true colors in their action of Non Support of our troops. I’m a Retired Veteran. A Veteran of Viet Nam and Desert Storm. Bringing the troops home without completing their mission could be fatal to this country. Iraq must be able to fend of Iran. Two weeks ago two Iranian agents were captured in Iraq. They were caught with some pretty good intelligence paper work that shows they are involved in the sectarian violence, not a civil war, as you democrats like to spout off with. The Iranians have, since the beginning, been supporting the Sunni’s and the Shia; play both ends against us plus supplying them with weapons. I support the President in his decision to increase the troops. I also support what he said about Iraq stepping up. Something the Democrats should do in Really Supporting our Troops. Cut and Run doesn’t work, didn’t the Democrats learn anything from Vietnam.

Dirtnymph: If you think this War in Iraq is over, well it’s time to wake up from your dream. I served in the military for 30 years and retired in 2000. I still have good contacts in the military including a family member who just returned from doing a year in Iraq. They agree that more troops are needed. They also know this war is far from over and if we pull out too soon Iraq will be annexed by Iran. This war is going to be a very long one and it’s time you and your dreamers wake up to this fact. Try thing about why this country hasn’t been hit since 9/11. Try supporting the Troops.

capecodtalk.com You said it best!!!! Bingo

umassjsp: I couldn’t have said it better, Bingo.

Former Rep Tom George is only asking what the Democrats have done for the corrupt one, Billy Bulger. The bill that makes this possible came from a Democrat, and Democrats voted it in as Law. Why criticize a man who is only asking for what is already being done and made possible by the Democrats. If you want to criticize anyone it should be the Democrats. Just look at Give All Deval.

I agree with the President in asking the new Sectary of Defense to come back with a plan on increasing our military. The Cap on our military must be lifted. Doing more with less is all right in peacetime. We need a long term plan , more than 10 years, to fight this War on Terror, and increasing the size of all the branches is the first big step. Doing more with less in War Time has to go.

Great article. People were warned before the election on what Mr. Patrick would do. Raisin the local taxes here on Cape Cod will only hurt the tourists who come to vacation here and feed the growing town budgets something we do not need. Now, Mr. Patrick is now saying he may not be able to lower the property tax, he may not, but the taxpayers can by speaking up at your town meetings. Taxpayers can cut the budget from the floor when your town budget comes up for approval. Votes at Town meeting are responsible for raising taxes or cutting taxes. The Town of Yarmouth is presently looking at cutting 150,000 dollars from their budget, I’m sure it could be more. It’s time for the taxpayers to get active in their towns. Monitor what the town is doing in regards to spending. Go to Selectmen’s meetings and speak out on the spending. Go to Town Meeting and VOTE. On the wish list: relocate the Barnstable Airport to Otis is a great idea and it should be done. It would generate more jobs. It could even generate more money for the towns to help keep our taxes down. The bottom line when dealing with Mr. Patrick, Don’t blame me I voted for Muffy.

Before the Economic Development committee and the Transportation Committee meet with the public the State Ethics Commission should take a long look at the appointees. There is Conflict Of Interest written all over the place with these appointees. I’m afraid they will not past the smell test.

These appointments don’t pass the smell test when it comes to Conflict of Interest. Each one has their own interest in business for personal gain. As an example, in the past we’ve had Dan Wolf, The owner of Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines, who was a member of a Barnstable Airport Commissission sub committee that changed the Flight Paths in 1999 that favored his company at the airport. He is a member of a transportation committee at the county level that decided to start bus service going to the P- Town. Airport, which Mr. Wolf just happens to have flight service to Boston. Patrick’s other appointments are a bad attempt to buy off the Wind Farm Alliance. Before this people are appointed the State Ethics Commission has to take a big look at the interest of these new supposed members.

Yarmresident: I saw last nights Selectmen’s meeting and I’m very disappointed. This is the second consecutive year the Fire Department has had a budget short fall. We in West Yarmouth are the victims. I have written Town Hall with several questions. Hopefully I will get the answers and I’ll be writing a new Blog on what is going on. Stay tuned it might get a little bumpy on the road ahead. It's time the Taxpayers know what is going on and time to speak out.

The Judge should hold juror #4 in Contempt of Court and she should spend time in Jail. This would send a message that a trial is serious business. The Jurors were told NOT to Discuss the Trial with anyone. I have served on a jury on a rape case and we were told the same by the presiding judge. It is also noted that all the media was asked to leave the court grounds, with the exception of Court TV. I understand a Contempt of Court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow and the CCT is one of the media outlet involved. Interesting!!!!

Chuck Kleekamp: You are right there is an agreement at the present time. The voters have not endorsed this agreement and it can and should be overturned. This will probably happen at Town Meeting sometime in the future. It is way too small a price to pay for giving up the beauty of Nantucket Sound. Second, I understand there is private property where this cable will have to be put down and they are against this. So what will we have? An Eminent domain taking?

Cape Cod Conscience: Some news for you. It is up the Yarmouth or Barnstable where the cable is laid to hook up the supposed wind farm. The Yarmouth Board Selectmen is still on record against the Wind Farm. The Barnstable Town Council is against the Wind Farm, and the majority of the voters in both towns are against the Wind Farm. Now do you still see a Wind Farm? Not from these shores. The Wind Farm is as good as dead in the Water.

Yarmouth voters supported Kerry Healey and the Republicans. A sound NO on the wind Farm, A sound no to higher taxes. A sound Yes to roll back the income tax. There is a message here to the present Board of Selectmen and the Town of Yarmouth management, No more tax hikes and raising fees. A thought for a great bumper sticker, Don’t Blame me I voted for Healey.

The thud you heard was the other foot coming down on Patrick. On last Wednesday the Springfield Republican endorsed Kerry Healey. This paper is another Cape Cod Times. There is a real change in the air and it blowing for Healey!!! You can read it here at

http://www.masslive.com/editorials/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1162373216132530.xml&coll=1

For those Disabled Veterans who receive a Tax Exemption make sure you are getting the new increased exemption. Also make sure you are getting your exemption on the CPA

CLAUSE TYPE EXEMPTION REIMBURSEMENT VETERAN SPOUSE SURVIVINGSPOUSE SURVIVING PARENT
22(a) Veterans with minimum 10% service connected disability $400 $225 X
22(b) Veterans of certain pre-World War I conflicts $400 $225 X
22© Veterans awarded purple hearts $400 $225 X
22(d) Spouses and surviving spouses of Clause 22(a) – (c) veterans $400 $225 X Until remarriage
22(e) Gold star parents $400 $225 X
22(f) Surviving spouses of World War I service members $400 $225 Untilremarriage
22A Veterans who lost one hand, foot or eye or awarded certain service medals $750 $575 X X X
22B Veterans who lost two hands, feet or eyes $1250 $1075 X X X
22C Veterans with 100% disability and specially adapted housing $1500 $1325 X X X
22D Surviving spouses of service members or guardsmen who died from injury or disease due to being in combat zone, or who are missing in action and presumed dead due to combat Full – 1st five years of exemption*Full up to $2500 after Exemption granted Untilremarriage
22E Veterans with 100% disability and who are unable to work $1000 $825 X X X
Paraplegic veterans Full All but $175 of exemption granted X X
· Exemption retroactive for surviving spouses of service members or guardsmen who died in combat, or were presumed dead as a result of combat, on or after 9/11/2001

CLAUSE TYPE EXEMPTION REIMBURSEMENT VETERAN SPOUSE SURVIVINGSPOUSE SURVIVING PARENT
22(a) Veterans with minimum 10% service connected disability $400 $225 X
22(b) Veterans of certain pre-World War I conflicts $400 $225 X
22© Veterans awarded purple hearts $400 $225 X
22(d) Spouses and surviving spouses of Clause 22(a) – (c) veterans $400 $225 X Untilremarriage
22(e) Gold star parents $400 $225 X
22(f) Surviving spouses of World War I service members $400 $225 Untilremarriage
22A Veterans who lost one hand, foot or eye or awarded certain service medals $750 $575 X X X
22B Veterans who lost two hands, feet or eyes $1250 $1075 X X X
22C Veterans with 100% disability and specially adapted housing $1500 $1325 X X X
22D Surviving spouses of service members or guardsmen who died from injury or disease due to being in combat zone, or who are missing in action and presumed dead due to combat Full – 1st five years of exemption*Full up to $2500 after Exemption granted Untilremarriage
22E Veterans with 100% disability and who are unable to work $1000 $825 X X X
Paraplegic veterans Full All but $175 of exemption granted X X

· Exemption retroactive for surviving spouses of service members or guardsmen who died in combat, or were presumed dead as a result of combat, on or after 9/11/2001

Captain quahog. You have to revert to Bush bashing. You can’t defend Mr. Kerry. Mr. Kerry doesn’t have the guts to face people and apologize; he hides behind his web page. Now if you want to be a critic of a President, What about Clinton, who refused to do anything to protect this nation and the end results, was 9/11 !!

Mr. Kerry issued the following statement through his web site.

"I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform, and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended."


Too little too Late John. Why didn’t Mr. Kerry issue this statement at a press conference so the Troops could see his face? In case you are wondering what others are saying go the following web site at CBS 4 http://cbs4boston.com/viewersvoice

Kelleryjones: Respectfully you have NO Clue on who joins the Military. I retired from the USAF in 2000. I was a certified instructor, which was secondary to my primary duties, and I taught at the USAF Leadership School. The Students in the classes were a mixture of National Guardsman and Regular Air Force. The degrees of education ranged from a high school graduate to a Masters Degree holder. An Airman who applies to this school must pass a reading comprehensive test and a vocabulary test. When I first served, during the Viet Nam War, many if not all, of my basic training class, had at least two years of College. Today’s military requires an educated individual. To have John Kerry insult them with his remarks is intolerable to stand up for him is also an insult to our men and woman who serve this country bravely.

It Obvious from the statement from Kerry’s office they are trying to cover their butts. Kerry chose to change the words written in his speech. Therefore he statements stands and he Must Resign, It’s insulting to All Who Served with Honor.

Albert: You say, stired up over nothing? The Facts come from the Department of Revenue. I do not expect this to stay this way but I regarded the present tax rate as a warning to what is down the road here in Yarmouth. The Town has done two assessments that have resulted in an average of a 17% increase in property values resulting in our taxes increasing. Now we are facing the opposite. Home values are starting to fall; the result will be the town assessment will also fall. Do you think out taxes will reflect this? Not according to one town official. Taxes will have to go up. I see the present rate being the lowest for years to come. There are pressures facing the town and taxpayers, examples: The Blue stone Development Project for Rt 28 will have a huge impact on our tax rate. What will the impact be on our tax rate for Waste Water Treatment? Spiraling overtime cost in the Towns budget?

Concerned Veteran: The VA here on the Cape is insufficient and is not capable of handling the needs of Cape Veterans. The local Chapter of the DAV has plans for a new building; half will be a new clinic, about 10,000sq feet. Mr. Delahunt give lip service when it comes to having the VA mandatory funded instead of the present discretionary funding formula. He hasn’t push for full concurrent compensation. Why do we Retired Veterans have to pay for our own disabilities? I do not need any education on the VA here in Hyannis or Providence. It a simple solution when it comes to Delahunt, Get Rid Of Him.

Concerned Veteran. I can understand your anger in your statement. But, Your comment about Mr. Delahunt, Bill Delahunt in my book is a Veteran of fighting for the Veterans who are in the V.A system who are disabled from war. Who are you kidding? I’m a Disable Veteran with a War Time service connected disability and an active member of the DAV. Mr. Delahunt just gives hot air and lip service to us Veterans. When will the Veterans here in this district wake up? Now we see he has been lying about his Veteran status. The Veterans here in the District should be outraged as I am and call for Delahunt to resign.

Mcfly: The home prices are starting to fall but we, the taxpayers, won’t see this for a couple of years unless the Town decides to do a revaluation every year. The Town did an interim one last year that resulted in an average of 10% increase in property values. The 7% average we have seen could have been another 10%. What I’m concerned about, and I have discussed this with the Town, is when property values do fall, the Town Assessment will fall also, but will the tax rate fall? I don’t think so, from what I have been told, unless the taxpayers insist the town start making cuts or we get more State Aid.

Opinionator: The Tax assessments for the Town were about 5 billion. The Tax Rate went down from 5.93, it could and should have been more, but the unneeded override went through. The average of a 7% increase in property values resulted in a tax increase for the Taxpayers in Town. The figures I posted are from the Department of Revenue.

Your article tears apart the radio ad on WXTK. Why just pick on one. Congressman’s Delahunt’s ad is very misleading if not false when he says he saved Otis. The F15 are gone in 2008 along with 500 to 1,000 high skilled jobs. His ad gives the impression that Veterans are supporting him, again False. The VFW political action committee is a very small one. He says Bush cut the VA budget, again False. The President has increased the VA budget by 12 percent. Why hasn’t Mr. Delahunt fought for Mandatory Funding on the VA? I’m one Veteran who doesn’t support Delahunt and I urge my fellow Veterans to vote against Mr. Delahunt and Mr. Kennedy in November. They are only giving us lip service and hot air.

Kerry Healy will make an outstanding Governor. She will do much better that Mr. Patrick. Speaking about Fund Raisers, how about Patrick having a fundraiser by the former Boston City Councilor David Scondras, you know, the one arrested early Monday on charges he enticed a minor into meeting him in a Lawrence school parking lot for sex. Boy, the Democrats picked a real winner this time. One that woks to free Rapists, a Cop Killer and now he has fundraiser by a pedophile, WOW!!!!!

Rant: Thump Thump Thump; You know what this sound is? It’s all the doors closing on Patrick’s chances being elected Governor in this state. No one will vote for a defender of a Cop Killer, and a person who defends Rapists, and gives a reported 5,000 dollars to help out on a DNA test. End of Story!!

Rant: Patrick mentioned in the last debate that the Romney Administration was losing Police Jobs? Guess again, since 2005 there have been three State Police Classes and about 500 new State Troopers have been added, the last two classes were 170 and 150 new Troopers. Where there are cuts is in the cities, the Democrats are in control. It’s should be said it’s the Democrats who are cutting Public Safety jobs. Patrick says he wants to lower Property taxes? His plan? To give the local cities and towns the right to raise local taxes. Now do you think the Democratic controlled cities and towns will lower property taxes with a new tax? This typical Democratic Tax will cause catastrophic results here on the Cape if a towns accept it.

I wonder if Patrick will answer the questions Howie Carr raised in his September 24, 2006 article. You can read the article here at http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=159040&format=text The issue of Racism is in question in regards to the two NJ Teachers while Patrick was at the Justice dept. I would say this has to be answered. Do we really know who Partick is?

Rant: I wonder if Patrick will answer the questions Howie Carr raised in his September 24, 2006 article. You can read the article here at http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=159040&format=text The issue of Racism is in question in regards to the two NJ Teachers while Patrick was at the Justice dept. I would say this has to be answered.

Concerned Veteran: For your information. Mr. Delahunt in the past has Voted Against the Military Appropriations Bill that each year congress must approve for our Active Duty members. I guess they don’t deserve the equipment, and pay they earn each day. Mr. Delahunt has given lips service to us Veterans just like Kennedy and Kerry. Kennedy has been in the Senate for 40+ years and the VA is still on Discretionary Funding, what have these so called supporters of Veterans done to put the VA in Mandatory Funding? The word is best explained, NOTHING!!! Will Delahunt come out and have the Guts to Debate Mr. Beatty? Mr. Beatty has been all over the district plus being on TV, He has a outstanding public service (Military) record. Much more than Delahunt who served in the Coast Guard Reserve, and who stops by the Air Station at Otis to get a fee lunch. In 1999, Mr. Delahunt call for the Closing of the MMR and he stated that other uses could be found for the Air Guard, well he got his wish, didn’t he. Now he’s trying to cover it up by tying to SAVE OTIS for Political gain.

Jack; your statement, Kerry Healey's upbringing was middle class, well living in a Trailer Park in Florida is not my idea of middle class. She got her education the hard way; she earned it, by working. Watch for Kerry to come out swinging in the next debate. Hopefully she will get Mihos to tell the truth on the Big Dig and expose the real Patrick.

Rant, your quote, your administration was neglectful in overseeing the Big Dig and that accusation comes from someone with in depth knowledge of the project.

Well here are some facts. The Governor wanted to take over the Turnpike Authority since he took office. He has been prevented on doing this because the State Legislature has the soul authority. The Democratic Legislature finally gave the Governor the right to take over the Turnpike Authority and the Big Dig after the tragic accident. Just think, it took a human life to get the Democrats to do something. The Governor and LT Governor are moving ahead with the repairs. They have now been able to open the books and are pursuing the companies who have completed the shoddy work. The Governor should also pursue the Unions for the repairs and corners that were cut.

The Cut and Run Democratic Party controls the House and Senate, and they are the ones who are increasing the fees. WHO controls local Governments in the cities in this state? The Cut and Run Democratic Party, who else. On the Cape it’s your Selectmen who are raising the fees, does anyone speak up on this? I haven’t heard much being said against raising fees. Here in Yarmouth they are raising fees to hand out pay raises, the Recreation Dept comes to mind on this one. Who else is raising our taxes? Why it is the Voters, so how can you blame the Lt Governor and Governor. We all better look in the mirror on this one.

Your article on the Security Breach at the Barnstable Airport should be treated as Major Security Breach, but it won’t. It will be business as usual at the Airport. Now just think if this person was trained instead of being a man being committed to the State Hospital. What could and would happen at the Airport. A plane could be hijacked, and flown out below radar; radar can’t pick up a plane below 800 feet. Scramble the F15’s at Otis, sure but it will take at least 10 to 15 minutes before they are airborne. Now where could this plane go in15 minutes? Pilgrim comes to mind and the spent fuel storage area, and that would be the end, of all of us. Scary isn’t it.

Pete: I will repeat what I have said before, It’s the voters of this district who decide on who will go to Washington to represent the people in this district. Delahunt is doing what he has done for years, ignore his opponents. His Opponents, you being one of them, and Jeff Beatty, need to be heard in a Debate. The quote by Irishman Michael Crichton says it all, "Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled" Mr. Delahunt is a big scoundrel hiding from his peers. It’s time to come out Mr. Delahunt. What are you afraid of? Why are you afraid to Debate?

Mcfly I believe Delahunt would have to explain his voting record or defend it. The Voters in this district are the ones who decide on who goes to Washington. Mr. Delahunt , by not debating is denying the Voters to make the choice. More news on Mr. Delahunt Voting Record. Hot off the Press.

Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 : This House bill would require voters to show valid photo identification in order to vote in federal elections beginning in 2008. Delahunt – Voted NO

Immigration Law Enforcement Act 2006: This bill reaffirms the authority of state and local law enforcement agencies to voluntarily participate in the enforcement of immigration laws. Delahunt Voted NO

The Cape Cod Times lead, GOP leader endorses Patrick is a false lead. Gloria Larson and her husband Allen changed their party status before the election; therefore they are no longer Republicans. The lead would be better in saying Former Republican. Gloria worked for Republican administrations but as far as I know she was not in a leadership position within the party. I look at it this way, two less Liberals for the Republican Party. Remember, Patrick is a clone of Dukakis, and we all know what he did for the state

Jack: Patrick is a Dukakis Liberal. The Voters in the state will see through him like plain glass. He wants to give Illegal Immigrants a Valid Mass license? No Way. Kerry Healey will win this election. She has come out today with her programs. Cut the income tax, Patrick says no. She says no to drivers license to Illegal Immigrants. Healey has been working with the cities and towns for the past few years and one program she has come up with is to place the town’s employee’s pensions (With the exception of Police and Fire,) in the state system. This could save the Taxpayers here on Cape Cod, with the exception of Yarmouth where they vote to raise taxes in an un-needed override, and elsewhere money and take the burden off the taxpayers. I agree with Peter Porcupine that all spending bills originate in the House and Senate. Who controls both houses, the Democrats? So if any blame has to go out on the towns not getting more money, put the blame where it belongs, on the Tax and Spend Democrats. It scary to think what Patrick would do to Massachusetts as to what Clinton did to us

You can find gas at 2.62 at a Cumberlands in Orleans. The question is why is it so high at Cumberlands in Yarmouth at 2.79 a gallon ?

Great Blog: The best way to put pressure on these gas gougers’ gas stations here on Cape Cod is boycott them. Get gas when you can off cape. In Buzzards Bay the prices start at 2.65 at Sunoco. Shell 2.62, Cumberland Farms 2.62. Stop and Shop in Wareham by Home Depot was 2.61 with their card. Luke Oil in Wareham was 2.62. All these prices were observed on Wednesday. It seems the further you go Off Cape the cheaper the gas. Question, here in Yarmouth the gas stations along RT28 seem to have the same price. Now, do you think there is collusion here?

Fred: I agree with you that it should doom the override. We are at the peak on property assessments and there is an old saying Timing is everything. Selling some of the town property may help in the short term. We have long-term problems, and raising taxes is the easy way out. The override question needs to be looked at more. The town has to work out some problems with its employees. It just might soften the impact of an override or eliminate it all together. When taxpayers see what their property assessments are Town Hall will be getting an ear full.

The President is correct in his comments, that the war against Islamic militants was like last century's fight against Nazis and communists. The Vice President recently said in his speech, Today, as the world marks the 67th anniversary (Sept 1, 1939) of Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland, we cannot again be lulled into the false comfort of complacency and appeasement against a new fascist foe. History is repeating itself, pre WWII, 1930 Germany. The New foe is Islamic Fascism. This is not Fear mongering as the author puts it. It’s the truth. Recent findings of Sadam’s documents confirmed what Iraq was doing to support and train Al-Qaeda in Iraq. From 1999 to 2002 the Iraq military trained 8,000 men for Al-Qaeda and Bin Laden. They have uncovered 500 artillery rounds of gas. WMD’s. The GRU, the military version of the KGB, moved most if not all to the Becka Valley in Syria, and Iran. It scary to think that Syria and the possibility of Hezbollah could use these weapons. We cannot repeat what the Democrats did in the late 30’s. This is a Global War on Terror or a better phase World War III. Cut and Run on Iraq will only let Iran annex Iraq, The Iraq military is just now taking control of battles with limited US support, they can not take on Iran at the present. The Democrats want to turn this into another Viet Nam. Well, This is not the Cold War; it’s the REAL THING folks.

"The republic was not established by cowards, and cowards will not preserve it." -Elmer Davis

CapeCodGuy. You are correct. The Town Energy committee is looking at some of these sites.

Peter: The Town has been working on putting up Wind Turbines. The problem the town ran into was with the Barnstable Airport and the FAA. The town was denied to put a wind turbine up behind the Mattacheese Middle School. This is still under appeal with the FAA. I do have some question on Article 14. I hope I will be able to get some answers before Town Meeting.

WOW. You do raise a good question, on raising taxes.

Opinionator. Kerry Healey has proposed to take the Towns Pensions out of the Towns, Police and Fire will be exempt. The town’s pensions will then be moved to the state pension system. This proposal will take the burden of the Cities and Towns. Less money in the town budgets could mean lower taxes. This will of course be up to the voters, especially here on the cape.

Keeloges This war is far from being lost and far from being over. This war on Islamic Fascism has been going on since 1979. Yes, we have made mistakes and we have paid dearly, 911 the best example. We should not pull out of Iraq. If we do as the Cut and Run Democrats want to do then Iraq will be annex by Iran. Iran is behind the problems now with the present fighting. Iran has been supplying weapons to the insurants.

Jack Coleman. Your unit was almost called up. My unit in the 102 was put on orders to Saudi Arabia and some of the weekenders were called up.

This war on Terror will be going on for a long time to come. Iraq was training Al-Qaeda as far back as 1999. The evidence has now been uncovered in a wealth of information that was recently discovered. The President was right in doing what he did and Joe Lieberman is right for supporting the President. This takes GUTS. Something our Congressional Delegation lacks.

I usually refrain from politics in my Blog, but the time has come to change this. The defeat of Joe Lieberman is a clear message that the Far Left of the Democrat Party has taken over. This means the Anti War, Anti Troops have taken over. They think this is Vietnam again. They believe in pulling out of Iraq before the job is done, Cut and Run. Kinda of what happen to us who served during the Viet Nam War. Americans will see that the truth of what the goals of the Democrats are and reject this in the November election across the country, except here in this state. People here in this state need to wake up and get rid of Kennedy, Kerry and Delahunt. Al Qaeda is hoping the Democrats will take control in Washington and the pull out will start so the Islamic Fascists can take over. God help us if this happens.

Keeloges. This information came from our Town Manager. It was an issue when the discussions started about have a voting member. It’s apparent now this will never happen so the issue of liability is mute. We will know tonight when the Barnstable Town Council takes up the issue. Will the Town Council Vote to remove the Yarmouth Rep, which is a slap in the face, or will the Town Council defeat the motion thus keeping a slim line of communication open.

Keeloges. The issue of being legally liable for problems at BMA has been answered quite a long time ago. Yarmouth will accept the liability. This is not an issue. The airport Commission has in the past been afraid to talk in open meeting about issues of ground water pollution and approaches just to name a couple. The Commission apparently has not been in compliance with the Open Meeting Law. Last night’s meeting the commission voted to make public all the executive sessions from 1986 to 1996. At next month meeting they will vote on opening all the executive sessions from 1996 to 2001. Why has it taken so long for this to happen? The Airport Commission and the Town of Barnstable should be fined for this.

Keeloges. Having a voting member does have an effect when it comes to the Commission meetings. The Yarmouth representative represents the Board of Selectmen. He can ask question they might come up with. The answer has been yes, there has been a look into litigation from private citizens.


Albert: We have been down the road on a Regional Commission. In 2001 Tom George file an Otis study bill. In this bill was a regional Commission made up of representatives from every town on the Cape. The bill also included the Cape Cod Commission. I hope a regional bill is developed. I have a question for you. Please elaborate on your statement, “they are looking into the "implications" Who are they? What type of implications?

Fred. I agree, the present representative is over his head and has conflicting opinions on the same issue. I believe part of this problem is he doesn’t have an aviation background. He is just a volunteer who is volunteering his time to the town. Understanding the FAA regulation takes some studying and research. The other half of the problem he is being told information on what the Airport Commission wants him to know. The information is not correct in a lot of ways. Now, if we ever do get a voting member the town should replace the present rep with one who has a aviation background with civilian or military background. A person who understands the FAA and who will speak for the Town and its taxpayers.

Keeloges: That is the question I have raised. I have a copy of the letter, dated June 11, 1999 that was sent to the FAA. I have checked all the Commission minutes before this date and after this date. No record of the commission voting for the chairman to go ahead and tell the FAA to make the changes. The chairwoman at the time did make a motion on June 15,1999 to disband the sub-committee before the sub-committee completed it’s work on doing the noise studies over Barnstable and Yarmouth. The Commission voted to disband the subcommittee over the protests of the Yarmouth Representative. This only one incident, there are more, and it’s why it is important that the Yarmouth Rep. be a voting member.

The lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki kept the Super Powers in line during the Cold War. I only hope the same holds true in the present war, WWW III. This war against Islamic Fascism. The dropping of the” BOMB “ saved millions of lives just as it destroyed millions of lives. Only continued pressure on terrorism will defeat the Islamic Fascists in their quest to rule the world. Thank you to those who have fought in past wars and God Bless our young men and woman who are fighting this war.

Mr. Mihos complains about the taxes in Yarmouth he should start attending Town Meetings. We will be having a Special Town Meeting in a few weeks. I will be writing more on this in the coming weeks. In the mean time, maybe Mr.Mihos would speak in favor of the Town adopting the Real Estate Tax Exemption that is already under Mass Law and 13 town and cities have already adopted.

I don’t think he will be able to put a wind turbine up due to FAA Air Space Restriction. I guess he will be able to pay for one. Just look at what he charges for gas at his stores. It’s 10 to 20 more than off cape. He keeps his prices just as high as the other price gouger gas stations on the cape. I say BOYCOTT, get gas off cape when you can, send a message to the Price Gougers like Christy’s. Thank god he’s not a Republican. Plymouth, BJ’s 2.94 a gallon/w ethanol. Rt. 3, An Independent at Rt. 3A and South Street, 2.87 a gallon.

CONT:
and even to the rest of the Towns on the cape. Something the Town of Barnstable doesn’t get now and yes, we could keep the 102nd Fighter Wing here and the good paying jobs that go with it.

Matt:
You say your constituents have concerns about a civilian airport at the base. Then why not support a study. The bill Tom George filed had representatives from every town on the Cape and the Cape Cod Commission. The only way to know exactly what any impact would have on your constituents is to have a study done. It is, and would not be, an action plan. A noise study would be part of the study and the FAA is usually the one who would do it, its called a Part 150. There could also be other environmental studies done. At least Eric Turkington was willing to have a study done when he represented part of Yarmouth. He asked some pretty tough questions before the Joint Committee on Transportation. You should also check with the National Guard Bureau and find out exactly how many National Guard Bases are shared bases around the country. The Guard Bureau will also tell you that not having civilian airport at Otis is one reason it costs so much to operate the air base. Gee, just think, An Airport, maybe run by the County could give additional revenue to the towns in the Upper Cape. Cont.

Where was Mr. Patrick when former Representative Tom George from Yarmouth filed a bill in 2000 that called for Otis to be studied to have a civilian airport located at the base to help in sharing costs? Where were Mr. Delahunt, Kennedy, and Kerry? All these politicians want to do is cover their butts for losing the 102nd Fighter Wing. Where will they be when the Coast Guard Air Wing moves out because it will be too expensive to operate there. A comprehensive study should be done and if these politicians want votes they will get on board and try to reverse the BRAC decision

Sounds like a good way to lower the homeowners’ electric bills. Here in Yarmouth there could be a problem. The Town has a height restriction because of the Barnstable Airport and the FAA. The FAA is enforcing this restriction because the town was already denied the right to put on up behind the middle school. It’s called the Airport Approach bylaw. The bylaw has a height restriction at 35 feet. These turbines start at 35 feet and run to 100 feet in height. It would be commonsense to use these turbines at 100 feet to get above the trees, but as I said, probably, Not in Yarmouth.

General: One way to start a ground swell on cutting taxes is to vote to reduce the real-estate taxes in the town where you live. You can do this by voting in the Residential Tax Exemption. I agree with you that the democratically controlled Massachusetts legislature is the problem here in this state. The Democrats just like to tax, spend, and raise user fee’s, sort like the Yarmouth Board of Selectmen.

Yarmouth Taxpayer; The last word on the study was the company was coming back the week we were holding Town Meeting to finish the report. I have check the web pages for the Town and Police and it’s not posted on the sites YET. Hopefully soon. I tried for 4 months before Town meeting to see the report, I met with the Chief and Deputy Chief the week before Town Meeting, I thank them for the meeting, and I reviewed the executive summary. I had a lot of questions after reading this report and hopefully some of them will be answered in the finial report. Hopefully it will be put on the Town Web Page so all can read.

Anonymous: To do more with less comes from a Management tool that was developed in the 80’s and adopted by private companies. The Federal Government adopted it in the early 90’s including the Military. I did not mention in the article anything about waste. The management process I have mentioned is called Total Quality Management. The management process is done first through education. I was involve with this and I must admit I was skeptical on it’s working at first. One way of improving the way work is done is through Empowerment. Personnel are empowered to do their jobs from the highest manager down to the last hired. The Federal Unions accepted it and this would have to be put on the table with the bargaining units we have in town, to include the school teaches. They would have to accept it for to work. The old theory it’s not in my job description doesn’t work anymore. Another example: another way of doing more with less would be in the vehicles the town uses. Just passing the buck to the taxpayers on higher gas prices won’t work. The town needs to downsize the gas-guzzlers, where they can, and fast. Higher gas prices are here to stay. Why does the Town need the big eight cylinder engines to ride around town?
As for the schools, there is enough blame to go around for both towns. Now is the time to work this out and stop the positioning. The bottom line if the Regional Schools system comes apart, we the taxpayers, (Both Towns) will be paying a lot more in taxes

Peter: I guess the Town will have to go to a marriage councilor. The Yarmouth Board of Selectmen met on Monday night to discuss the DY Schools. My understanding is they, (Yarmouth and Dennis) have until August to come to a new agreement. The vote taken at last nights meeting on the school agreement automatically puts the funding in default, which means Chapter 70 funding. Dennis will have to come up with more money. I’m in favor of a Regional Agreement; a new one will have to be worked out. The Board of Selectmen in Yarmouth needs to calm down. Tough words will never accomplish anything. Yes NOW is the time to adopt the Real-Estate Tax Exemption. Overrides aren’t working. The town that’s gives a little will get more in the end.

To Interesting Pay: This is some information I have received so far. Senior Troopers base pay at 7 years is $57,800. There are Incentives for the Troopers under the Quinn Bill. A 10% increase in base pay for an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement, 20% for a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement, 25% for a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement or a Law
Degree (J.D.). The current contract is 6.5 years old, and the Troopers for the past 2.5 years have been working without a contract. The present contract, which has not been signed, has the following increases 5.5% effective July 2005, 3.5% effective January 2006, 3.75% effective January 2007 and 3.75% effective January 2008. There is also another 2.5% raise effective November 2005 if the Colonel tests 30% of the Troopers and establishes a physical fitness standard. Once each trooper passes the standard he gets the 2.5% if they don't pass they won't get the money.

To Interesting Pay: I have made the request. The pay scale will be the current pay scale. The pay scale under the new contract hasn’t been signed yet. When I receive the information I will post it

To Fred: I agree with most of what you have said with the exception of it may be time for representative town meeting. I lived in a town here on the Cape for a while where there is a representative town meeting. The representation was one from each precinct. They were supposed to have precinct meetings to discuss the issues. No one new when, and where these meetings were held, if they had them before town meeting.. This also could open the door to partisan politics where the representative members who held the majority from one political party could vote on party lines. I’m in favor of keeping the Open Town Meeting, which allows the taxpayer/voters have their say before the vote. The taxpayer/voter should be able to comment on issues at the Board of Selectmen’s meetings whether it’s a “work shop” or regular meeting.

Yport Native: the Blog is not meant to be negative. I wrote the Blog to raise questions on the low turnout. We do have 17 thousand plus register voters in Town. I can remember back when you had voters fighting over the microphones to speak at town meeting and the auditorium at the middle school was packed. The articles at this town meeting were way up on the list of importance and should have drawn more voters. Yes, I agree with you comments we do have a wonderful town, the questions I have raise are just questions, nothing more. The selectmen or a town committee should look at more ways to have the Open Town Meeting.

To Elwood: I agree with you on Problem #1. I disagree with on problem #2. The map clearly shows how far into Yarmouth the airport air restriction extends. The Town of Barnstable has no aviation easement within this area under Mass Law. So how would property owners know? The easement would be in their deeds, which is required by law. When property owners bought their homes this would show in the deed at the time of sale. The easement doesn’t show. What I’m proposing is the Board of Selectmen can act by repealing this out dated by-law. The Board would then offer to Barnstable a new by-law but this time the Town of Barnstable would have to abide by the law and notify ALL property owners that are affected. The property owners have a right for Just Compensation for the use of their properties; another word for this is called EMINENT DOMAIN. The Board has first refusal on this and hopefully the board will act and soon.

To The Truth: Sorry, I haven’t answered sooner. To correct your statement. The 402’s stage II information came directly from the FAA in Burlington MA. Second your statement on the 65-db levels is not a yearly measurement but is the day/night average conducted over a few days or weeks. This is done when the FAA completes a noise study. The regulation that covers noise is called a PART 150. The last fully completed part 150 study was done in 1987. I have seen the contours maps from 1987 and the 65dba is well off airport property. One reason Mildred’s was torn down, the FAA said it was in a high noise area. The 60dba extends well into Centerville. The maps do not show how far they extend into Yarmouth because there have been no studies done here. A Sub Committee for the Airport Commission was to study the new flight paths in 1999 that came into the neighborhoods here in Yarmouth. This never happened. The sub-committee was disbanded by the Airport Commission, which for the record, never voted on changing the flight paths that were announced in the Letter to Airman 99-1. So, the question is WHY AND HOW WERE THE FLIGHT PATHS CHANGED?

Benjamin: My complements to you for being honest to admit you work for one of the airlines. As you know a 402 at takes off has a decimal reading of 110. The average decimal reading taken in my neighborhood was between low of 80 to a high of 90 and I live east of West Yarmouth Road. The FAA requirement is supposed to be an average of 65. I hope you do wear ear protection. Getting rid of the Airport would cause inflation? Wow, that’s a new one. I know it would cause deflation on the noise level. Now, if you’re a pilot as you say, maybe you should see for yourself the impact of your actions in flying over our neighborhoods has, especially at 530am or at any other time.

Benjamin: A little history lesson for you. Now pay attention, you will be tested. In 1998 there was a sub-committee set up by the Airport Commission. In May 1999 this subcommittee authorized a noise impact study on the NEW Flight Paths. On June 10, 1999 The Chairwoman of the Airport Commission told the consultant to tell the FAA to go ahead and make the change in the Flight Paths. On June 15th this same Chairwoman made the motion at the Airport Commission meeting to disband the subcommittee, which was done. Question #1. When did the Airport Commission Vote on the New Flight Paths into our neighborhoods? #2 Who authorized the Chairwoman of the Airport Commission to tell the FAA to make the Change? The Answers. #1, Never Voted. #2, No one. The airport comes to our neighborhoods, and we don’t live next to it. So, how did you do on the test?

To The Truth: Aircraft are rated today by the amount of noise they generate. Stages I are the loudest with stage IV the quietest. Although this applies to turbine engines it can apply to piston engines. I agree with you we have heard everything and nothing is done, but there is some movement in the right direction. Island Air has bought a turbo prop aircraft to be delivered soon. I have heard this from several sources and confirmed by the airport management. The second is Nantucket has voted in a new noise by-law. If the Attorney General approves this law there can be no outside work, construction, lawn cutting ect, until 7:30 in the morning. This could effect the early morning flights because there will be no need to go early. The CCT is another problem area and is being worked on, hopefully with success abd VERY SOON. Another area to look at is the new terminal. conditions can be attached. The airport just filed with the CCC and there will be subcommittee meeting coming down the road , which is open to the public. This is one area citizens can go and speak up.

To The Truth:
Airports can and have been held liable for excessive noise. The FAA has clearly stated this in the past. The early morning noise problem at the airport is being worked on according the airport manager, Doc Mosby. Citizens are ready to act if the airport can’t work out an agreement with a certain daily newspaper and it’s distributors. Noise is also being address by the FAA. The 402’s that Cape Air and Island Air are now classified as stage II aircraft. This means that they will have to be retired in the future because they will not meet FAA noise standards. More on noise later, first is getting the easements straighten out.

To The Truth: The truth is about our Constitution. WE THE PEOPLE. When the by-law was put in place in 1957 no one had any idea they were putting an easement over private and public property. The US Supreme Court ruled in 1962 that an easement is a land taking and people must be compensated for just compensation for this land taking.
The By law will get its day. The Yarmouth Board of Selectmen can act on it and put it on the Warrant for Town Meeting next year or we the people will act and get a petition to place the repeal on the Town Warrant. We only need 10 signatures from Yarmouth register voters. There is a certain obstruction within the Board of Selectmen on Airport matters, we will overcome this also. The Yarmouth Board of Selectmen will be meeting in May with the Airport Commission on the proposed, now 44 million dollar terminal. The tentative date is or around the 23rd. I'm sure the airport commission will hear from residents at this meeting if they are allowed to speak and not blocked by another WORKSHOP meeting.

Coddah: Yarmouth Taxpayer is not the author of this Blog. He/she is another taxpayer who has expressed his or her comments. I have been monitoring the comments and have made no additional comments until now. If you are referring to me, yes I do not have a son who does work on the State Police and it not a member of their swat team nor does he get involved with this Blog. So, there is no Conflict of Interest. I wrote the Blog strictly on the article that was in the Register and information that was in the letter and information I have researched. The questions that I have raised are strictly as a Voter and Taxpayer. The Voters are facing an increase in their taxes at Town Meeting next week and there are questions now being raised on how the taxpayer’s money is being spent. The questions are valid ones. You have to remember that town employees work for the taxpayers in the town for which they work. The money that is being spent is their tax dollars and voters and taxpayers have a right to ask questions. Signed The Yarmouth Taxpayer

Watching My Tax Dollars &Yarmouth Taxpayer: Since the CCT ran the article about the missing tapes in Chatham I have been looking into the comments of our DA. This past Thursday the Yarmouth Police Association, which is comprised of members of Local 422 of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, wrote a letter critizing the DA on his comments about the Chatham incident. I will be publishing a new Blog Post in a day or two with one person’s response. Taxpayers are starting to ask many questions.

The Air Force idea on Wind Turbines is a good one for saving taxpayers money. In the CCT article one agency has to sign off,The FAA. The Falmouth Airport is not too far from where the Air Force wants to place the turbine. But, the FAA could interfere as it has done with the Town of Yarmouth. The FAA enforces the air space around the Barnstable Airport. The Town of Barnstable, Airport, has designated this air space, which is an Eminent Domain taking on private and public property. Property owners who are affected don’t know there land is restricted. The Town of Yarmouth was denied by the FAA and found this out recently. The Yarmouth Taxpayer is working on a Blog to let the Taxpayers see exactly who is under this land taking. You can see the map at the Yarmouth Town Hall.

Opinionator: I’ve seen and participated in different forms of government. From a Mayor/ City Council, to Town Manager/ Representative Town Meeting, to Town Manager/ Open Town Meeting. The Open Town Meeting is the best as I see it. Anonymous writes about stacking town meeting and I see it as being true and a problem. The Town of Duxbury tries to even this out by putting all the article numbers is a hat and pulling one out at a time. The Management of the Town of Yarmouth is against this, it could cost money. Most people who attend town meetings are not prepared for all the articles on the warrant. The Yarmouth Taxpayer’s goal is to inform the public, good or bad. The community is made up of retirees, who are on a limited income, so when they see their taxes going up it concerns them and people want to know why. We don’t have the economics of the Boston Area or Springfield here on Cape Cod. Yes, the towns might be rich in property but the people here on Cape Cod are poor when it comes to income.(Average) It would be nice to attract good paying jobs to the Cape.But we have the CCC.

Peter: What Mr. Sullivan voted for was to place the override, on the Town Operations, on the Town Warrant. He seems to support this from his comments at the Selectmen’s meetings. His quote was taken from the Register in reference to the $43 million school budget, a 5.26 percent increase over last year's spending. There seems to be a double standard here. Raising the taxes for operating the Town but don’t raise taxes for operating the Schools.

Opinionator: An example, the Unions and the Town pay 50/50 for the Health Insurance. It’s my understanding the Teachers still pay less while the town pick’s up more, something like 60/40.

Peter: The Board voted 4-0-1 to put the Override on the Warrant. Now if one of the selectmen were saying no new taxes he would have voted against putting the override on the warrant. Only Selectman Bud Groskopf refused to take a firm stand, he abstained. On all the meetings on the override I didn’t see anyone on the board speak out against the override.

I don’t see what all the fuss about Mr. Aguier paying more taxes on his property. In Yarmouth second homeowners pay a second tax on the furnishings they have in their homes, and believe me I don’t like taxes. What Barnstable did was accept the Residential Exemption and maybe its time Yarmouth consider it, with a few changes. This is under State. Law. Now the article didn’t say if Mr. Aguier is renting out his property and any profits his is making. What about the Tax write off’s a second homeowner can get?

Dana Thanks for the info. You are correct on the Golf. The members, aka taxpayers, will be paying for this large expenditure. 1.7 million to be add to the total debt is too much for the golf at this time. The Debt should be lowered more, along with the fees. The enterprise account is still in its first year. It started last July. Why then is the Golf director spending money so soon? This article should be defeated at Town meeting. The Golf Director is putting the cart before the horse on this one.

TO why do we need an LEC: You have raised some serious questions. How much does it really cost to train a Police Officer, especially if the new hire is experienced? Why are the taxpayers footing the bill for our officers to run around in other Towns and opening the Town a possible liability lawsuit? There have been some questions on why the working shifts are short. I guess this could part of the answer. So I now raise another question. Do we really need 5 or 3 new police officers?

Pilgrim: The budget request from the different departments does have increases in salaries. There are also special projects. One is on the annual warrant. The Golf Department wants to replace the irrigation system at Bayberry Golf Course with one like we now have at Bass River at a cost of over a million taxpayers’ dollars.

Pilgrim: Here is what some of the Towns Departments have asked for within Prop 2 ½. over their budgets from last year. The below were requests and have not been given finial approval.
General Government - 1.47 % increase.
Municipal Finance - 2.00 % increase
Community Development –24.80 % (Part of Override)
Community Services – 7.09% increase.
Public Safety- POLICE & FIRE- 4.33%
Municipal Inspections-0.73%
Public Works-2.57%

Gary: You have raised an interesting question on the 11 million dollar increase. The School Committee already voted to close the John Simpkins School. The savings is about 600 hundred thousand dollars. The school will not need a new boiler at 500 thousand dollars, which the taxpayers voted for, thus the savings of a little over a million dollars. The Times article mentioned that 27 positions will not be needed, more savings. The School Committee will have to make some serious cuts to bring this budget under control and not hurt the students. In regards to the property values increasing, the tax rate typically decreases, yes that has been the way in the past. The rule recently is that because assessed property values have gone up so much it has reflected in a tax increase and you can expect more of the same. When it comes to the CPA, you are taxed 3% of your taxes, they go up, and so does the CPA tax.

A Barnstable Taxpayer: I understand your depression, a good doctor could help.

Jim: First, Welcome aboard. To clarify the CPA tax. The CPA replaced the Land Bank. It is a 3% surcharge tax on what the individual property tax is.
Now if the town approves an override at Town Meeting our tax base will increase. This will reflect in the tax rate per thousand dollars, most likely an increase. Now it’s my understanding, (I will stand corrected if I’m wrong) the 3 % is base on what your taxes are, which would reflect a second increase.

Pilgrim. I believe the last survey did recommend keeping the neighborhood libraries. Maybe it’s time to re think this, especially the cost of keeping the three libraries open, and just having one central one located somewhere in the central part of town.

Fred: That Selectmen and the rest of the board will have to make a decision very soon. I just saw in the weekly, The Register that the Board will hear from 9 departments on Feb 7th. The proposed Override could be narrowed to 900,000. I have suggested taxpayers write, letting the selectmen know they stand on a proposed Override. This e-mail will go to the entire board. selectmen@yarmouth.ma.us This way the board will have a good idea where people stand.

Fred : Your points are well said. One of the Selectmen will be having his monthly meeting at the Senior Center today starting at 11am. I suggest you go and express your points of view to him.

Fred: The town did a survey on what the town’s people wanted with the libraries. The majority of the people who responded wanted to keep the neighborhood libraries. When we voted on the library there was a lot of confusion. Maybe this will change when the town is once again able to get the state aid. The Golf courses are now in an enterprise account. What this means is the monies made by the courses stays in the golf account and not go to the general fund. Golf will sink or swim. I agree in what your saying about the Simpkins school. The town should do an assessment on what it would cost to bring the building into the 21st century. It’s possible that money from the CPA could be used since the building is covered under historical section of the CPA. It’s my understanding that over the next few weeks the Board of Selectmen will be hearing from different departments with requests in the override. I believe the topic will be personnel issues. We have to keep in mind when it comes to overrides. We raise our tax base permanently; this also will affect the CPA. I urge all taxpayers in the town to write the selectmen over the next few weeks and let then know where you stand on the proposed override, for or against.

Brian: You are not alone. There are many taxpayers just trying to get by. There are taxpayers who are doing community service for the town to get a 500 dollars tax exemption. I’m hoping the selectmen take a serious look, and hear from the taxpayers before they decide to have an override.

To BeBe: I saw this months meeting also. I was surprised to see Doc make the comment,” I have nothing to say”. To say nothing? There is a long list of items that should be discussed at airport commission meetings. The airport commission acts like the airport is a private club for members only. There is no interaction with the commission and the public. The commission will let the public speak, for only 3 minutes, wait, then when the public is finished members will respond if they want, and they refuse to discuss anything with a members of the public at the public part of the meeting. I see it as a one-way street there. You have to remind them, it’s a PUBLIC AIRPORT. Supported by public money. Another word for it is Taxpayers.

Great Gadfly: The test results are above the their respective consensus-based Threshold Effect Concentrations (TEC) A TEC is the minimum contraction at which ecological effects can begin to occur. This is why there a Risk Assessment being done. There is more. In a copy of a letter dated 22 Feb 05 HW states the Barnstable Water Company supply wells are located immediately east and hydrologically downgradient of these ponds. Plus there is still a problem where concentrations have remained above standards approximately 300 feet southeast of the Cape Air source area.

I agree their should be a public meeting.

Keelogue: The Town of Yarmouth is very much aware on the threat at the airport. The Town Water Dept is monitoring the issue and the Town Manager along with the Board of Selectmen are briefed. Anything new I find out about the pollution I pass on to our Town Manager. Presently, the Town Manager has asked our Rep to the Airport Commission to ask some questions I have raised. A far as a real action plan? I’m not aware of one at this time. What needs to be done is a comprehensive risk analysis to determine the best possible practices to control the pollution and clean it up.

Keelogue: The Town of Yarmouth water is not contaminated by the airport at this time. The big issue is the THREAT. Plumes can go long way. Example: The landfill at Otis has traveled all the way to RT28 past RT28A and is now empting into Buzzards Bay. This is a long way. Another Plume from the old BOMARC Site has traveled across the base and into the northern part of Falmouth. The bottom line here we must learn from past history or it is bound to repeat itself.

Bugsy: I agree it needs to be verified. Maybe the consultants will have the answer.

Gary: I read the Blog Cape Cod Living, at http://capecodliving.blogspot.com/ and he mentions that one of the Airport wells is now showing and I quote,” inordinate levels of manganese”. He also writes that Capital Improvement Plans by both SEA and Woodcock call for a manganese extraction plant at a cost of $5 million. The question is, why hasn’t this been discussed by the Airport Commission or the Town Council? Manganese can be found in several food items, including grains, as we know. It can enter the water and soil from natural deposits, disposal of wastes, or deposits from airborne sources. At high levels, it can cause damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and the developing fetus. So the questions are, which well is showing the inordinate levels and what is the source, Rocks or disposal of wastes. I will be checking further and maybe now the EPA will start to take action.

To well location map I guess the best way is to write the EPA. They support Community Groups and will have some suggestions. The New England Region web page is at http://www.epa.gov/region1/

To well location map: You are definitely correct on no one minding the store. I know of only one working well in this area and it belongs to the Barnstable water co. I understand there is some kind of problem with this well also. I have suggested a Community Action Committee be formed to monitor the clean up of the Airport, similar to Otis with public meetings. The Committee should also report to the EPA.

To well location map: So others who read this will understand, you are referring to Barnstable Councilman Crocker’s statement at last Thursdays council meeting his response to my talking about the pollution at the North Central part of the Airport. So far I haven’t been able to confirm his statement. I talked to the manager of the West Barnstable Water District and he told me there aren’t 12 wells in this area. He did tell me they lost a well in this area from two possible sources, which are up plain from the well. I’m still looking into this about the 12 wells being lost.

Cvillej The map shows the Zones of Contribution. In this case the Zone I, Well Head, and Zone II area closest to the Zone I well head protection areas.

Gary Lopez The Map clearly shows where the Yarmouth wells are it also shows where the Maha wells are that belong to the Barnstable Water CO. When you click the map for water districts it will show you the Barnstable Fire District water district on the Northern part of the airport. A big thanks to well location map.

Cvillej A more comprehensive study of ground water contamination is more than welcomed. The facts speak for themselves from the reports done by Baystate Environmental, SEA Associates and the DEP itself. These reports are public or should be. The Cape Cod Commission has a copy of the Baystate report and the Town of Barnstable has the other one. The department of Environmental Protection has issued 2- 21E ‘s on property owned by the Airport. The 21 E refers to the Mass General Law. You can read this by going to www.mass.gov As I stated before in my earlier response to you. There is one well polluted on the SOUTHSIDE OF THE AIRPORT on airport property. The water well in question is just east of the present terminal. There are two plumes and the DEP has been monitoring these plumes since 1999.When you have lab reports, taken from pollution sites at the airport, that confirm the amount of pollution this definitely not conjecture, it is fact. I hope you get a chance to read the reports. The EPA should come into this airport as a Superfund site.

Cvillej Your comment,” alleged pollution” at the airport is in fact documented groundwater pollution. Have we not learned from what happened at the MMR where years of polluting went untouched and now there are plumes that stretch for miles? The airport wants to build a 55,000 sq ft terminal with an adjourning aircraft-parking apron of 200,000sq feet. When the ENF was filed with Mepa the projections for enplanements by 2015 were 400,000. Presently this figure is way off. A building and parking apron this large is not needed. Second the Airport as I stated before is a Zone II recharge area for the Town of Yarmouth and I will add it is a Zone I and II for the Town of Barnstable. One public water well has been polluted on the south side of the airport and another has been polluted on the north side of the airport. There is some evidence that one well on the north now has magnesium in it. The Town of Yarmouth has 12 working water wells to the east of the Airport. Lessons learned from the MMR clearly shows that plumes can travel a long way. This cannot be repeated at the Airport. The funding should be spent on cleaning up the airport. It is the Second MMR.

Keelogue: The Town of Yarmouth has been monitoring the progress of the plumes coming from the North ramp. The DEP also makes frequent checks on this. I asked our assistant Town Manager this past week about the North Central site and if the town knew if any monitoring wells were there. My understanding a Risk Analysis was supposed to be implemented. The Assistant Town Manager told me the Town knows nothing about any monitoring wells at the North Central site. The airport Commission has known about the pollution at the North Central Site for about 3 years now and had done nothing. The Blackburn study was completed by SEA Associates at the request of the Town of Barnstable. The town should make this report public. In fact the Town of Barnstable should form a Community Action Committee, similar to the ones at Otis, so there could be public meetings on the entire airport clean up.

It’s my understanding the State highway garage on Willow Street and what used to be Higgins Crowell road contaminated two water wells that belonged to Yarmouth with salt. I was told this past Wednesday that these wells are back. Something new must be happening? I guess there are more questions to be asked.

Great Gadfly/ Gary Lopez: The EPA should have this airport declared a Superfund site. There should be no distinction in having the west end of the aquifer (MMR) cleaned as a Superfund site and this not applying to the Barnstable Airport. Cradle to grave should apply at the airport as it applied to the Air Force when it polluted the MMR. The EPA could start with the Navy. When they left in the 1940’s the navy bulldozed all it’s remains into Lewis Pond, at the North Central site, including an airplane. There are several hundred tires in these ponds. When Baystate Environmental did the study it took three probes to get some of the sub soil samples. The results of these tests definitely show how bad the pollution is. The EPA should also come in under the Clean Water Act. The lead samples went off the Baystate’s scales when they did the laboratory tests. The only way to get the EPA to act is a public out cry as was the case at the MMR. I agree with Gary that a complaint should be filed. GG, I haven’t notice the monitoring wells north of route 6 in Yarmouth. What’s their purpose?

Great Gadfly: Great Information on the County Commissioners being empowered to hear tax abatements. So why aren’t the County Commissioners doing this? I thought we were supposed to get rid of County Government? Isn’t this level of government wasting taxpayer’s money?

To Chapter 59: Section 5 Property; exemptions.
1. There is supposed to be new emptions and it reads as follows. Low-moderate income- exempts any household that earns less than 80% of area median and any senior (60+) who earns up 100% of the median income.
2.First 100,000 of residential property value from the surcharge.
3. Those communities who have a split tax rate. I hope this helps, check with your town.

Brian: First, if a person or business who might qualify for a tax exemption, and they are not sure, can look this up at http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-59-toc.htm. Or go to http://www.mass.gov. Go to general laws. Here you will fine all the exemptions. Second, a check with your Town Assessor will tell you on how the town is applying the tax. Here in Yarmouth the tax exemption is deducted and the 3% CPA tax is taken from the net of the Tax. I don’t believe this is correct. I believe the 3% tax is a separate tax and the tax deductions should be applied accordingly. The tax deductions are different according to your qualifications and category.

Peter: I saw the comment from Doc and the response. Doc has been pretty straightforward on matters. Doc at one time agreed that there was a need to have a joint noise committee, made up from residents from Barnstable and Yarmouth, to work with the airport on the noise problems. Unfortunately, the Chairman of the Airport Commission at the time thought otherwise.
The DA has State Troopers assigned to his office. The troopers would be doing the investigation, which would relieve any possibility of a conflict, a neutral investigation. All the evidence the Troopers find would then be given to the DA, who would then determine if crime was committed. The type of crime would govern the DA on his next step. A misdemeanor, which is handled in District Court or a Felony or as some call a Capital Crime. This type of case would probably require the DA present his evidence to a Grand Jury who would listen to the evidence. Then it’s up to the Grand Jury to come down with a Bill of Indictment. I believe going to the DA is the best route.

Curious: Presently the alleged fraud at the airport is being investigated by the Barnstable Police. The request came from the Town Manager. There is a serious question on the signatures by the Town Attorney. He doesn’t remember signing the leases. Personally, I would have the investigation handled by the DA Office or the Attorney General to eliminate any inference of a conflict within the town. I suspect it will be some time before anything becomes public. I doubt the Airport Commission will speak publicly or the airport manager because it’s under investigation and the possibility this investigation could lead to criminal complaint.

To Great Gadfly/Keelogue: I spoke to our Town Manager yesterday and he told me the Town has sent a letter of appeal to the FAA in Kansas City. I will keep everyone informed as I get some more information.

Keelogue: Let us know if you’re successful with the FOI request.

Great Gadfly: The approaches were amended in 1999. Now if the airport did what they were supposed to do by following the law we would ‘t have the problems we are having with a single test wind turbine. Note: I have found out the Airport Commission never voted on the Amendment. I have asked for a further investigation in which I will elaborate later. We are not alone. The Cape Cod Community College has also been denied on a wind turbine. This is going to get bigger.

To Anonymous: The issue here is the Town of Yarmouth, which represents the taxpayers, is being denied to construct a communications tower and the test wind turbine. The town has the right to do what it wants within its boundaries and not be denied by an outside source. In this case the Town of Barnstable, who owns the Airport. I believe this is called Home Rule. We are a nation of laws. The Town of Barnstable is not above the law. The Town of Yarmouth is trying to save its taxpayers money by lowering utility costs. One way in doing this is the test Wind Turbine. Should the Town of Yarmouth start exercising its rights in Barnstable because our Water Protection District extends well into Barnstable? The Town of Yarmouth has a joint by-law with Barnstable on the airport approaches. These approaches were amended in 1999.( It still remains a mystery on how this was done) Barnstable has yet to abide by the law when the approaches were amended. I encourage all to write the Yarmouth Board of Selectmen and tell them to pursue our rights, even if it means going to court.

Jim: I have talked to our Town Administrator and I was told the Town is looking into the denial. The Town Attorney has some new material and he is taking a serious look. There are many in Town who are not happy with Barnstable. I believe the Yarmouth Militia is on stand by.

Gary: The front door is always open.

Capeguy: You are correct on the location for the Wind Turbines. There are NO approaches near the schools. When you have cowboys flying for Cape Air and Island Air, I guess anything goes, and yes I can say hypocrisy.

TO: Town Line Resident: I’m glad you mentioned the new hospital tower being built. The hospital had no problem getting the ok to build the tower from the airport. So what is the problem having a wind tower at the middle school? Planes do fly over the hospital and they’re not supposed to. The actual approach is further to the east. They are supposed to fly in over Mill Creek So maybe the town should put a Wind Tower at Mill Creek, since they don’t follow the correct approach anyways. The airport has a new tracking system. They should turn it on once in a while.

To Fred: The Yarmouth representative is just a citizen of the town who is volunteering his time. I don’t know his background. It’s definitely not on airports. The denials on the communications and the wind towers are something he should have known about and he should raise questions. The Commissioners won’t answer any questions on a one on one basic when you go to the meetings. They always take the easy way out, pass the buck to the FAA. The town rep could use some schooling on FAA regulations. For instance, Schools and Hospitals are considered sensitive areas and pilots are supposed to be briefed on these areas and avoid. In Yarmouth there are no approaches that go over the Mattacheese Middle School. So the question remains, Why the denial?

Great Gadfly: My understanding on a break up is that both towns will have to vote on this. The voters could do this at each respective Town Meeting or a joint Town Meeting. Yarmouth did offer to divide the costs, with Yarmouth still paying more than Dennis. Dennis has rejected this completely. Yarmouth is working with a consultant on a possible break up. The consultant will be presenting the Ch 70 funding on Jan 17th meeting with the Yarmouth Board of Selectmen. Dennis also has one. What I would like to see more of is the DY School Committee. What is the School Committee doing to relieve the tensions between the two towns? The school committee is about ready to come out with a budget for next year. Will the budget require an override in Yarmouth? You have to remember last year the override on the school repairs failed the first time. The town just went through an interim property appraisal, taxes went up on a lot of homeowners, and people are mad. The full property appraisal will come next year. I suspect our taxes will rise again with this. To quote like Alan Geeenspan, there are external pressures being put on our tax rate. Now, I’m hearing the possibility of a lawsuit could become a reality.

Great Gadfly: Yarmouth would probably have to by it at inflated prices because I’m also hearing a private developer might want the land. A bidding war? OUCH!!!

Great Gadfly: I agree, the State is a great part of the problem. They do send some cities, like Fall River, enough funding to cover their entire school budget. I guess the state figures we here in the Cape can go out and pick the money off the trees.
Still Questions remain. How will the 1 million dollar plus bus contract be divided up? Right now the State reimburses 70% of the cost. A new teachers contract will probably have to be re-negotiated. What will happen to the land behind the High School? It’s my understanding that the Town of Dennis owns the land. Will the Town of Yarmouth have to buy this land for the future? At what inflated price? What will happen to the 33 million dollar bond for the repairs to the high School?
One finial comment. Gary you are welcome to comment on this blog at any time. Sometimes what happens in Barnstable has a direct effect on Yarmouth. Maybe if the DY District does break up, there could be a DY/Barnstable Regional School District?

Peter: I understand Dennis has a declining student enrollment. This is putting the pressure on the taxpayers of Yarmouth. The last two years the taxpayers here in Yarmouth were spared a major override on the schools. I doubt this will happen this year. What I would suggest to the School Committee is to start some serious downsizing. I haven’t seen too much of this. What we have seen is overrides, to maintain the status quo, another words, pass the buck.. The teachers will have to be a big part of this. The School Committee would have to renegotiate a new contract with concessions and downsizing in it. I don’t believe an override on the schools will pass. Putting more money into the schools is not the answer right now. The state has to makes changes in how school aid is given to the cities and towns in the state.

Gary: It seems we have two fronts going. The possibility of the DY Regional School District breaking up is the one that is going to have some major impact on the taxpayers of both towns if this happens. You mentioned a Mr. David Driscoll, who is Mr. David Driscoll, and how would his interceding help?

Thanks Jack:

To: Monponsett and Brian. The Override is just a proposal. There could be some changes made, this will depend on the input the town receives from the taxpayers and voters. I agree the town needs to further explain why we need the override. The Override doesn’t include the DY School District. My guess is the DY School District will add to this. The taxpayers are facing the possible break up of the school district with Dennis. The bottom line will be, how much will the break up cost us.