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Subject: Bill O'Reilly on Defamation (emphasis added)


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:07:31 10/24/03 Fri


The judge in the Kobe Bryant (search) case says the evidence is slim, but the trial will move forward. But no matter what happens, Bryant's life will never be the same.

If he did rape the young woman, he deserves the anguish and the harsh punishment. But if he engaged in consensual sex, he does not. But the reality is in the court of public opinion, Bryant's has already been smeared.

Remember Cardinal Joseph Bernadine of Chicago? Some guy accused him of molestation. The charge was bogus, but the cardinal endured tremendous suffering over it. And some believe it shortened his life.

There are few things worse than a sex accusation. If you can accuse somebody, you can hurt them dramatically. And bad people know it. The problem is there's an epidemic of real sexual abuse throughout the USA as the priest pedophilia scandal proved. And there is no way the authorities can properly evaluate every case. Some fraudulent charges are going to get through.

And all fraudulent charges will get through to the media, which reports accusations all day long. None of us in the press know what really happened in the Kobe Bryant case, for example, yet we speculate on it for hours.

This is wrong, both morally and journalistically, yet we have to cover the case. But we should do so responsibly. Reminding viewers and listeners that Bryant may well be innocent, not breathlessly reporting every rumor.

Put yourself in this position. You make an enemy. That person accuses you of some sex crime, maybe harassment. You're totally innocent, but the accusation is made public. Your life will never, ever be the same.

Talking Points believes society must rethink how this sex stuff is handled and that those who do bogus charges should be punished. Raping a person's character is a crime, too. And evil people who do that should be held accountable.

The defamation laws in the country are far too lenient. Slander and liable are all over the place and are often celebrated by an increasingly vicious media. Kobe Bryant may well be a villain or just a person with bad judgment, but his life is forever altered, even if he committed no crime. And that should disturb all of us.

And that's The Memo.

Replies:
Subject: WRT 11/6


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:12:12 10/31/03 Fri
Jack and I will be on WRT 11/6. November is National Adoption Month and we will have several people on from local and state oganizations to educate us on the issue.
Subject: Humiliation of those unable to pay.


Author:
Kelly
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:58:29 10/24/03 Fri
I picked up the Dispatch the other day, and I was shocked at what Dracut had done. I can't believe names of those that hadn't paid their water and tax bills were named, with addresses, in the paper! Now, before anyone says, "well, they owe us money", please hear me out.

To clarify something, my name isn't there, so this isn't why I am bringing it up. It isn't because I easily pay those bills either. If everyone remembers, this is one of the concerns of mine when we talked about adding a new tax on the taxpayers of Dracut. Even $2 is hard on some people. Some people don't get the breaks I have had with the type of work that I do. That $2 doesn’t even pay for milk in today’s economy.

Because of our current cost-cutting measures, many people are out of work and permanently displaced. A greater percentage of those are citizens over the age of 40, which is unattractive in the employment market. It is better to hire a 20 y/o at a lower price, for they will most likely move on and not dig into the retirement funds.

I knew many names on that list. Some are the people I know are as I described above. It isn't because they don't want to pay. It isn't because they are doing like some of the contractors, developers, and business owners are, by claiming bankruptcy and putting the profits into other people’s names from their sales. It is because they are hurting, and our tax rate is very high when you live on unemployment or a small pension. They want to work and are even reeducating themselves in a different career to do so. The issue is, they can't get a job because of their age, or because of where the jobs are located (no easy access to Dracut, and many are in Western Mass.), or their own self-employment is being hit by the wonderful NAFTA Act(like mine is right now). Our contractors are being hit (the small business ones) because people that have lost their jobs are no able to hire them.

I watched WRT last night, and I enjoyed the show very much. One thing that I totally agree on is, government is ruling our lives. However, so is the economy. When our government, whether it is local or state, will humiliate those that are financially hurt by this recession, we live in a sad state. By naming ALL of those people in the dispatch, many that are already going through the stress of being unemployed or losing contract money, are now humiliated because their neighbors and friends all know. Do we have to humiliate now, in order to collect money that some just can't pay?

I don't know whose decision it was to do this, but I really think it was a heartless, inhumane thing to do. I know that those with good, secure jobs won't agree with me. That is understandable, for you have to walk in other shoes sometimes to know how hard of a road it is. However, this is one of the reasons I have to leave the town I truly love. I, for one can't afford it any longer. I raise 5 of a dead-beat dad's kids on my own. I pay all the bills myself. I used to feel proud of that. Now, I just feel relieved that I made it on time, before I was humiliated, like many of my neighbor's were when their names appeared in the paper. I talked to one of those neighbors this morning. She was in tears of what you did. That is horrible! She lost her damn job!

Go after Mr. Lambros, who sits pretty in his nice house and gets a nice check from the town of Dracut. He is the reason that our water bills are so high. We are the ones paying for what he did. Humiliate him! Hell, bill him for what the excess is costing us.

Take back some of the Superintendent’s fat paycheck, and use that money to pay some of the taxes and bills. How about taking some of that 60k+ that the new athletic director is getting?

You don't hurt your own town’s citizens this way. Many helped to build this town and made sure they voted at every election. You work with them instead. (Oh, I know—it was tried with many of them. You just can't get squeeze from a rock sometimes, ya know?)

I just had to vent. Sorry, but I really think the town has hit an all-time low for publishing all of those names and addresses in the paper.

Just my opinion as a Burger King Yuppie.
Replies:
Subject: WRT 10/30/03


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:50:53 10/29/03 Wed
It appears we have slipped back into our shoddy planning habits. It just occured to us that the Town Meeting is this coming Monday (at 7:30 pm in the High School auditorium).

So we have invited Selectman Ken Cunha and the Chairman of the FinCom, Gary Marsella to discuss some of the more interesting issues up for debate.

See you then -- and give us a call at 978-957-5522 if you have any comments or questions.
Subject: Ya Gotta Love Those “Christians”!


Author:
Karen
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:14:01 08/19/03 Tue
Christian: Chris"tian, adj. Characteristic of Christian people; civilized; kind; kindly; gentle; beneficent.

DISCLAIMER: Not every private school parent at last night’s School Committee meeting behaved badly and un-Christian-like, but there were certainly plenty who did.

One would think that when a parent CHOOSES to send his or her child to private school it is for the religious beliefs as well as the education. In fact, most private schools in the area are religion-based. “St.” Patrick’s, Central “Catholic”, “Bishop” Guertin, all have a common theme—they include religion not only in their titles, but also in their teachings. One would also think that religion and Christianity is a major part of these parents’ lives, else parochial school would not be as important to them as it obviously is. If their behavior last night is any indication, then they are not adhering to those Christian beliefs.

I was one of a handful of public school parents at last night’s School Committee meeting and was absolutely appalled by the behavior of these so-called “Christian” private school parents. Intimidation, threats, belittling comments, rudely interrupting, heckling, and best of all, yelling “OH SHUT UP!” to a person with a differing viewpoint. You kiss your private school child with that mouth?

The tone was set immediately by the sheer number of private school parents who showed up at the school. (Gee, how many of them have EVER gone to Town Meeting?) Their sole intent was to intimidate the School Committee into changing their decision of discontinuing private school busing. This tone continued with the first speaker, a Ms. DeCastro, who labeled the School Committee as “despicable” and “irresponsible” and threatened that all her relatives would soon vote them out of office.

When Mr. Campbell informed the audience that the School Committee had worked for 5 weeks and came up with what they thought was an equitable solution ($150 user fee/person; $300 max/family) that was not good enough. Time after time private school parents spoke and not once did anyone interrupt them or say anything rude to them. However, this was not the case when Ms. Hayward spoke in favor of the School Committee’s decision. Private school parents interrupted her from the audience, yelled out rude comments, and disputed everything she said. Ms. Hayward was not given the same courtesy these so-called “Christian” parents afforded their counterparts.

The “Christian” private school parents had tolerance only for those with the same viewpoint and would only listen to those who said what they wanted to hear. If this is what is learned in religious private schools, I’ll gladly be an agnostic and a public school parent.

Ms. Paquette said it well. Her job as a School Committee member is to provide services for the PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Private school students can take the public school buses all over Dracut if they wish. When they CHOOSE to go OUT OF DISTRICT is when the fees arise. Taxes pay for PUBLIC services within the town—fire, police, schools, and elderly services, to name a few. Taxes DO NOT pay for PRIVATE services. The private school parents should realize how fortunate they are that the School Committee was willing to work with them on this matter. Do they see any other town in the area that provides transportation OUT OF DISTRICT to private school children, even for a fee? It doesn’t happen anywhere.

Educating one child costs $6450 per year. Average taxes are $3000 per year and they include ALL town services. You do the math. The attitude that private school children are “entitled” to be bused out of district because they somehow “save” the town money is ridiculous. Oh that’s right, private school parents never call the cops, use town hall, parks or the library, drive on the streets and throw out trash. I forgot. Why again do you live in this town and not in the one that houses your private school?

I have some questions for the private school parents:

1. How do your children get to Lowell private schools in August, when the Lowell school system begins? Do the parents—GASP!!—make OTHER ARRANGEMENTS?
2. How do NH private school students get to school during vacation weeks? Do the parents—GASP!!—make OTHER ARRANGEMENTS?
3. What if your child had chosen a PUBLIC school in Westford? (because, you know, there is school choice) Would you expect the Dracut School System to bus your child?

What it all boils down to is CHOICE. Parents who utilize private schools CHOOSE to go outside the system, therefore they are not entitled to the EXTRA services that the system does not cover.
Replies:
Subject: Letter to Lowell Sun re Lawsuits


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:57:06 10/20/03 Mon
October 20, 2003

Editor
The Lowell Sun

Dear Sir:

In recent editions of the Lowell Sun, captioning and headlining, if not the actual news stories, have implied that I believe that the lawsuits currently faced by the Town of Dracut are “baseless” and “nonsense.” I do not feel this way and would like to take this opportunity to help us keep the record straight.

Of the half dozen or so lawsuits about which I have some direct knowledge, each and every one contains a fundamental kernel of misunderstanding or disagreement – suitable issues for law suits to settle. In most of these cases, I believe that the Town’s position should prevail, and that we are acting in the best interests of the Town in pursuing them.

On the other hand, my colleagues on the Board of Selectmen and I have detected a pattern recently where, in addition to stating the fundamental difference or disagreement, lawsuits then go on to recite additional charges related to whistle blowing or abusive behavior or personal dislike or capriciousness that just do not hold water. Unlike the fundamental disagreements, they are not bona-fide representations that merit serious consideration and adjudication. They seem intended merely to “up the ante” or somehow intimidate or pressure the appointed or elected officials involved. Unfortunately, because of their nature, these latter types of charges garner most of the press and most of the public attention. They seem to be having the cumulative effect of encouraging more baseless “add-on” charges. It seems to be entirely costless for attorneys to include them in their legal complaints – and so they continue to throw them in.

Indeed, it is for this very reason the Board of Selectmen has voted to abandon its usual strict “no comment” on lawsuits and is working carefully to develop a short press release or position on each case which will hopefully outline the fundamental disagreement while calling out the additional bad-faith allegations for what they are worth. Additionally, it is my hope that, when the time comes and one of these cases is adjudicated, we will consider action against the attorneys and plaintiffs who pile on these additional, unnecessary and intimidating charges. They are maliciously hurting the interests of the Town and their actions warrant attention.

Thank you for this opportunity to clarify my position.

Sincerely,

Dennis A. Williams
Replies:
Subject: WRT


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:30:01 10/13/03 Mon
WRT will not be shown 10/16. The School Committee has a scheduled meeting Thursday since Monday was a holiday. Town committees do and should have priorities when concerning local access cable..Jack and I will be back 10/23... We are still looking for some military personell that has served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Subject: WRT 10/9/2003


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:41:38 10/08/03 Wed
Join Warren and me this Thursday for this week's installment of Weekly Roundtable. We'll have two people on for the first time.

Kevin Keane, the editor of the Lowell Sun, will be on to talk about WJUL.

Jim Hall, the Town Counsel, will give us a primer on indemnification, subrogation, et al in anticipation of this being an issue at the next Town Meeting.

Call us at 978-957-5522.

Dennis
Replies:
Subject: WRT 10/ 2


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:35:51 09/30/03 Tue
Jack and I will be back on this week. We have Gary Mccarthy lined up for Thursday to talk about the Water District, a proposed voluntary maintenance program, the financial status, bottling water and other stuff. We have not confirmed the second guest yet but I'm sure we will corral someone in!.... For future shows we are looking for someone in the military who has spent time in Iraq or Afghanistan. Email me if you know of someone. bmyers@investorscapital.com
Subject: WRT Thursday, September 5th


Author:
Dennis Williams
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:12:10 09/25/03 Thu
Join us this Thursday for another scintillating installment of Weekly Roundtable.

Jim Carr, formerly of the Open Space Committee and the Chair of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and Bob Nicoloro, another member of the CPC, will join us to update everybody on some recent, very exciting developments.

Then Selectman Ken Cunha will join us to discuss the very important work on zoning and affordable housing plans that he and others have been efforting. Recognizing that this subject matter is dry as dirt for some people, we'll also talk about Old Home Day, the new town website, and, well, anything else Ken wants to talk about.

AND BREAKING NEWS: We hope to have functioning, call-in, phones! So call us at 978-957-5522.

Dennis

PS: Barry? Jack? Boys? Gettin' kind of heavy carrying you guys on our backs! Let's get our little schedules coordinated and get in here and do a show! (Please?) D.
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Subject: Is Myers running for State Representative?


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:48:31 09/22/03 Mon
I heard somewhere that Barry Myers was going to announce by the end of the summer if he plans to run for State Representative next year. Has Myers made a decision yet on whether or not he is going to run for this office? If he does, he certainly has my vote.
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Subject: Old Home Day


Author:
Donna Yackel
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:15:59 09/16/03 Tue
Thanks everyone for coming out to Old Home Day. It was a great success!! Hope everyone had a good time. I know I did. If there are any comments, we would appreciate you letting us know so that next year will be even better.
Subject: WRT


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:36:37 09/16/03 Tue
For those who watch WRT, this week will be a re-run of last week. Jack has some selectman duties and I am attending the Comedy night for Derek Diffenbacher(was on WRT a few weeks ago)at the Dracut American Legion. Everyone is invited and it's $20/ticket. Headliner Paul Gilligan will be there among others. Doors open @7PM
Subject: 2003 High Holiday Services - Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell - No tickets needed!


Author:
Cheryl P.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:50:38 09/10/03 Wed
2003 High Holiday Services - Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell - No Tickets needed!

http://www.temv.org/
ROSH HASHANAH, Friday evening, September 26, 8pm: Erev Rosh Hashanah Service.

A special feature of this evening’s service will be the opportunity to present, on behalf of Mazon, the Jewish anti-hunger organization our congregation helps to support, a grant check to the Children’s Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Project, a national research effort headquartered at Boston Medical Center and led by Dr. Deborah Frank, who is, of course, part of our community and, not incidentally, my wife. As the Holy Day season is one of the times when we urge contributions to Mazon, this is a great opportunity to understand a little better what these contributions help to support.

Saturday morning, September 27, 10am: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service.

A parallel service and activities for younger children will be offered downstairs, with everyone joining together for the shofar service. Kiddush will follow the service.

For planning purposes, Yom Kippur services will be held on Sunday night October 5 and all day Monday October 6.
Subject: WRT -- Second Anniversary of 9-11 This Thursday


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:06:40 09/08/03 Mon
Join us this Thursday, the second anniverasary of the 9-11 attacks.

Guests will be old friend Dennis Shaughnessey, and newly appointed Acting Deputy Chief of the Dracut Police Department, Kevin Richardson.

We hope to discuss how people's lives have changed in the last two years. Certainly, many people have had tragedy visited upon them very personally and directly. Also, though, how has your life changed -- even indirectly?

Anticipating that our crack facilities may not support phone calls, email us with your thoughts -- or post them here. We'll read them on the air. In keeping with our process, if you want to be anonymous, it would be best to email one of us -- and say that you don't want your name used. If you don't mind having your opinions attributed, then by all means use the forum.

See you then.

Dennis

Warren's Email: warren@shawfarm.com
Dennis' Email: dewilliams@comcast.net
Subject: Saturday morning radio


Author:
warren
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:53:10 09/05/03 Fri
We will "air out" the Dracut Law suit issues this week on sml with Jim Campanini the editorial page editor of the Sun.
Selectman Dennis Williams will join us for part of it.
So, for all of you who may have questions about Severance trucking, Ernie Gauthier or Frank Polak suits give us a call and ask away at 978-4589123.
A good time for evil forum hosts and gutless trolls to come out into the light of day!
warren
Subject: Community Center for the Children of Dracut....


Author:
Pam
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:20:47 08/14/03 Thu
What are your thoughts about having a Community Center for the Children of Dracut?

I would like to see something for the Children of Dracut. Maybe there could be an outdoor swimming pool. I have allot more ideas to contribute, but before I go on. I would like to know, if there is possibility of this idea coming to life!
Replies:
Subject: Old Home Day


Author:
Donna Yackel
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 19:47:26 09/03/03 Wed
Reminder that Old Home Day will be held Saturday September 13 from 9 to 4 at the school complex. There will be lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Come on down and spend the day enjoying your community. For those with children from ages 3 to 10 there will be a Bike & Buggy Decorating Contest. This will be held at 11 am at the Englesby Circle. This years theme is Harry Potter. So kids, decorate your bike, scooter, or doll carriage and show us your imagination!!
Also anyone interested in volunteering some time during the day stop at the information booth and let us know. We can always use extra hands. See you there!:)
Subject: Question


Author:
Karen
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:44:44 09/01/03 Mon
If private school tuition had increased by $150 per student in one year, do you think the parents would've complained anywhere near as much?
Replies:
Subject: missed "The Round Table" : (


Author:
WRT Fan
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 05:27:07 08/15/03 Fri
What happened gentlemen? I was anticipating and awaiting another enlightening show.
Replies:
Subject: correction


Author:
Rep Colleen Garry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:40:17 08/21/03 Thu
Dear Karen,

Someone commented to me about your posting so I wanted to make sure that the right information was out there. I'm sure that you just missed it at the end of the radio ad regarding taxes because I'm sure that you wouldn't want to mislead anyone. The radio advertising is in no way, shape or form paid for by the Legislature or endorsed by the Legislature. I believe that it says at the end that it is paid for by AFSCME which is a public employee union. It would be their own union money paying for the radio ad not public funds! To be honest, I believe it is a waste of their money as I believe there continues to be no appetite in the Legislature to raise taxes!

I would like to add that the members of the Legislature have, in fact, cut our own legislative budgets and in particular, members have refused approximately fifteen hundred dollars in their individual pay last year and refused a thirty five hundred dollar pay raise that was set by Gov. Romney in January.

I hope that clarifies some information for you and other readers. I would be glad to answer anyone's questions or concerns in person or on the telephone. I do like to know who I'm speaking with so please contact my district office at (978) 957-8139 with your full name and I will be happy to discuss this or any other issue with you.

Colleen
Replies:
Subject: Why do so many Dracut students attend private school


Author:
Kathy O'Reilly Larmand
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:54:05 08/20/03 Wed
Hello Rick,

In response to your question, I can only speak for myself and my husband. The primary reason we send our children to private school is to reinforce their Catholic upbringing. Secondly is the learning environment. Class sizes are smaller than you will often find in public school settings and children are there to learn. There is also a zero tolerance policy for continuous disruptive behavior, so teachers are able to focus on teaching and not disciplining the children. Thirdly, parents and extended families are greatly involved in the school. Again, I can only speak for our reasons.
Subject: Lowell Sun Article about Busing Costs


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:30:24 08/16/03 Sat
The following is from the Lowell Sun. It references Mr. Plummer's assertion that the School Committee's decision "will end up costing the town millions in the long run."

This is patent nonsense. My response to Mr. Plummer's analysis, a copy of which I was provided this last Tuesday, is posted next. (It is a letter to Mr. Plummer and the two boards.)

=================

Parents argue for private-school busing

By ROBERT MILLS, Sun Staff

DRACUT More than 100 parents are expected to attend Monday's School Committee meeting to argue for the reinstatement of private-school busing in town.
The committee voted to cut the service last month after learning in mid-June of a $262,000 cut to state transportation aid.

Parent Don Plummer say the cuts, which saved $48,000, will end up costing the town millions in the long run, as private-school students slowly return to public classrooms since they no longer have a way to get elsewhere.

Parents also say eliminating busing will create safety issues, as the move forces more cars onto the road and leaves many with no option but to carpool with other students, who are inexperienced drivers.

Parent Donna Lussier also questioned the fairness of the move, and the way it was made.

Since it was mid-June before the School Committee learned of a $262,000 cut to state transportation aid, which led to the elimination of the buses, the School Committee had to act quickly. After mentioning the impending cut at their June meeting, the committee voted on the measure in early July.

Lussier, who has muscular dystrophy and gets chemotherapy once a week, said the move leaves her stranded.

"A lot of people in town feel the private-school issue is basically for the rich, but it's not," Lussier said. "I'm a single mom and I've sacrificed just about everything to put my child into Central Catholic."

Lussier said her chemotherapy leaves her unable to take her 15-year-old daughter to school two or three days per week, and that without busing she is not sure what she will do.

She said she has taken an application for Dracut High School, and is also looking for someone to set up a carpool with.

Plummer and John Boss said the move is also hard to handle because it was made after many parents already made non-refundable deposits for their children to attend private or parochial schools this year.

Plummer said Dracut administrators have told him there are 832 children attending private or parochial schools in town. That's 17 percent of all students in town, compared to an average of 10.5 percent for the state as a whole.

Plummer believes Dracut's number will revert to the state average if the town eliminates busing. He credits the buses, which aren't offered in other nearby communities, for keeping that number high.

He said he hopes parents of public-school students will speak out, since an influx of private-school students would leave everyone's child in increasingly crowded public classrooms, even as the School Committee is already pushing for a new school.

The School Committee has said the cut was necessary since the transportation funds cannot be mixed with the rest of the budget, meaning the board had to make up for the $262,000 cut with a very small pool of money.

The Finance Subcommittee has been negotiating with the town's bus contractor, Laidlaw, to set up a system where private-school parents could pay a fee for continued busing. If those negotiations fail, it would cost private-school parents upwards of $400 to maintain the service.

The meeting will be held in the community room of the Lakeview Jr. High School at 7 p.m.

Robert Mills' e-mail address is rmills@lowellsun.com .
Replies:
Subject: On Private School Busing.....


Author:
Karen
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 05:56:41 07/15/03 Tue
I just finished listening to the community input portion of the School Committee meeting and there were three main themes of all the speakers regarding busing private school students: it’s a tradition, it weighed heavily in their decision to send their children to private school, and money.

My thoughts:

1. Slavery, hazing, and denying women the right to vote were all traditions. Granted these are extreme examples compared to busing private school children, but just because something has “always been done this way” doesn’t mean it’s acceptable or efficient. Sometimes change is necessary.

2. If not having a bus to the private school will mean a parent pulls his child from private school then that parent needs to look at his commitment to that school in the first place. If the transportation weighs more heavily than what actually happens when the child attends the school then maybe the parents should examine their reasons for putting children in private school. If it is important enough then find a way to make it happen. I would bet these same parents found a way to send their children to pre-school even though there was no bus.

3. If the average cost to educate one child per year is $6200 then there is not one household in town that actually covers that cost. Remember that this is a community where taxes are a cooperative entity. We all pay our share and the money goes to many services that we may or may not ever use. If the tax bill was to be paid based on what services each household used then those with children would be paying far more than those without; there’d be service charges every time the police or fire departments were called; and each book taken out of the library would have a fee. The argument that parents of private school children are actually “saving” the town money just doesn’t hold water.

The School Committee did what every business does: look at the items that effect the least amount of people and determine whether it’s good business practice or not to continue this item. People complain all the time that the problem with government is that it’s not run like a business, yet when it finally begins to work like a business, the people complain anyway. No business would keep an under-performing item just for the sake of the 1% who use it or because it’s “tradition”. The School Committee did the right thing by thinking “outside the box”.
Replies:
Subject: WRT Thursday, July 31, 2003


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:44:03 07/29/03 Tue
Join Warren and me this Thursday. Our guests will be Regina Fatacanti of the Lowell School Committee and WCAP, and Jim Campanini of the Lowell Sun.
Replies:
Subject: Summer Concert Series


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:25:35 07/08/03 Tue
Is the Weekly Roundtable going to broadcast any live shows from the Summer Concert Series? I know they are both on Thursday nights. I think it would be great for everybody to get to meet all the stars of the Weekly Roundtable show.
Replies:
Subject: Pools and other concerns


Author:
Pam
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:46:02 07/01/03 Tue
I would like to hear from People that Political ties in Dracut, about some issues. My purpose for this is 2 fold. The first issue is about the pool. Then there are other problems that need to be addressed. Is there anybody out there with Political ties willing to sit down with Me and discuss all my concerns?



My first concern is....Should People that live in Public Housing be allowed to have a small wading pool for their kids to play in? If this should be allowed....What rules and regulations should be implemented?

The other problems I will discuss in person or by email....

Thank You for your time concerning this matter.
Subject: Sorry, No Show June 26th


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:18:50 06/26/03 Thu
We had our guests fall out from under us yesterday (Wednesday) around mid-day. We tried to get other people on, but there wasn't enough time.

Sorry, we'll try to do better! :-(
Subject: WRT


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:17:01 06/18/03 Wed
Due to scheduling conflicts, both Jack and I are unable to host WRT this week. We apologize. You will be treated, however,
to Dennis and Warren's "gabfest" that aired last week.
Replies:
Subject: In Defense of Our "Four Simple Rules"


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:52:08 06/17/03 Tue
Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points memo is attached. I just want to highlight parts of it. [with a couple of editorial comments]

"... The reason these net people get away with all kinds of stuff is that they work for no one. They put stuff up with no restraints ...

"So all over the country, we have people posting the most vile stuff imaginable, hiding behind high tech capabilities. Sometimes the violators are punished, but most are not ...

"...creeps gossiping about celebrities [and even small-town public officials] in the crudest of ways ...

"The Internet has become a sewer of slander and libel, an unpatrolled polluted waterway, where just about anything goes."

"... big corporations [and people who identify themselves!] are big targets. If they misbehave, they can be sued for big bucks. These small time hit and run operators on the net, however, can traffic in perversity and falsehoods all day long with impunity. It's almost impossible to rein them in."
---
I get kidded by Warren about how our rules diminish feedback. But that's okay by me. The alternative is to put up with the way the internet is becoming, as Mr. O'Reilly describes it in the attached. No, thanks! Not a game I care to play.
Replies:
Subject: Weekly Round Table Thursday, June 12th


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 10:50:40 06/10/03 Tue
This Thursday, Warren and I will have:

- Gary Marsella, the Fincom Chair, to review the results of the Town Meeting and to look at what lies ahead for the Town financially.

- Tim Woods and Dennis Shaughnessey to do what Warren calls a "gabfest." That is, an unstructured "Round Table" to talk about whatever we want. Warren is best in that type of format!

Missing calves? Skyjumping? Zoning? Who knows?! Call us at 957-5522 and we'll talk about what you want (maybe).

See you then!
Subject: Running for State Representative


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:07:30 06/02/03 Mon
Could somebody please explain what is the procedure on running for State Representative next year? When will nomination papers become available? Are the nomination papers for that seat available at the Town Hall or do you have to go the State House? How many signatures are required to get on the ballot? When is the deadline to submit these nomination papers? I appreciate any information you can give me on this subject. Thank you very much.
Replies:
Subject: Weekly Roundtable -- May 29, 2003


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 08:09:53 05/28/03 Wed
Warren and I have recovered from our stuporferous hiatus and will be hosting the show this Thursday.

We have two town committees represented: The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and the Finance Committee (Fincom). Our agenda will be three-fold (until Warren changes his mind and plunges off in any old direction that suits his fancy!). ;-0

First, we want people to see and meet the very hard working, and unsung, people who staff our committees. Our town would not function without these very dedicated people, who, in addition to being unappreciated, are completely uncompensated.

Second, we want to inform our viewers about how the system works. For example, the CPC was created by the Town's implementation of the Community Preservation Act, and its makeup, and its responsibilities, are directed by state statute and regulation. The Fincom provided for by our Town Charter. It's like our own little GAO or Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Their job is to advise the legislators (the Town Meeting) about budgetary and financial issues.

Last but not least, we want to address the issues that these committees confront. Specifically this week, we want to address the issues coming before the Town Meeting this Monday, June 2nd.

See you then!
Subject: town meeting


Author:
Bob
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:26:56 05/25/03 Sun
With town meeting coming up there is something that has always bothered me about town meeting and wondered how others felt and if there was a solution to it. What I am talking about is when it comes time to vote on something. Usually this is done by a verbal yea or nay.Seems to me that there should be a better, more accurate way of taking a vote rather than seeing which side has the people with the largest lungs.I also wonder how many people are affraid to vote how they really feel if it happens to be against the majority. Let's face it , there is no annonimity , eveyone knows how you voted.How many would feel comfortable voting against a neighbor? Sometimes i see people who dont vote...is it because they dont care or dont want to be part of the unpopular minority?Then you got those who vote yea and nay.I think a more accurate way of doing it would be something like you would see on a game show where the audiance vote by pushing a button.You would get an accurate count ,,no more standing up for recounts,,,no more loud lungs winning out,,,,and privacy. Yes ....I know it would cost money and there are more important things.....its just one of those things that bothers me about the current system and was wondering what others thought.
Replies:
Subject: Parade


Author:
Pam
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:02:55 05/26/03 Mon
I have to Thank all the People for participating Today's Parade. Even though it was pouring, My Family and I still went to cheer Everybody on!

I am thinking of all the Soldiers, Who dedicate their time and service, to defend OUR Country.


A Soldiers Prayer....

When I am called to serve, Dear Lord,
Wherever war may be,
Give me courage to fight the battles,
My country may ask of me.
Grace me with Your presence,
And know that I love You,
While I fight the enemy,
My country needs me to.

Help me protect my comrades,
As You expect me to,
And keep me in Your loving hands,
While I do what I must do.
I want to do my duty,
And to give the best in me,
To do what I've been called to do,
And protect our liberty.

And if, according to Your will,
I must give up my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand,
My children and my wife.


Happy Memorial Day!
From the Dauteuil Family
Subject: Post Deleted -- Dracut Resident Number 37


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:15:48 05/23/03 Fri
Dear Dracut Resident Number 37:

I regret to inform you that I have deleted your most recent posting. I have saved it in a file off-line, in case you want it back, or in case one of my colleagues takes issue with my decision and would like to post it.

I have three reasons for not posting it:

1) First and foremost -- and sufficient all by itself -- are our rules, to wit our rule number two: " You may not be anonymous -- you must provide a consistent name and a valid email address -- if you want to question policies, or state your opinion, or disagree with the WRT people or others. Identification must be adequate in the view of the moderator."

Your opinions are many! And you are not identified. I'm sorry now I let you slide on your opinion that the turnout in the Dracut election was not good. This goes way beyond.

2) Secondarily, the subject matter is not really our thing, although we do discuss national affairs from time to time. But let me suggest that you take your teachings of Senator Byrd (D-WV) and find another outlet for them. He is a nutcase, and a disgrace to the US Senate, and I'm just not interested. (Yes, I am expressing an opinion - but I am fully identified and willing to be held responsible for my comments.)

3) Finally, and just a by-the-way, not really a disqualifying feature of your post: 18 paragraphs? 2,500 words? Come on! I thought I was verbose!
Subject: WRT


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:10:20 05/20/03 Tue
Jack and I will be back on WRT this Thursday (5/22). Guests will be Karen Merrill-Desrosiers and a representative from the NewEngland Organ Donor group to talk about their efforts. We will also be talking about the upcoming Town meeting and the articles with an undetermined guest.
Replies:
  • Re: WRT -- Karen, 03:51:11 05/23/03 Fri
Subject: Wendy's Garbage


Author:
I hate littering
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:42:45 05/16/03 Fri
I have a question-
Can any signs be put up about littering around town? I live around the greenmont ave area, and I walk my dogs everyday, and there is always cups and bags and wrappers from Wendy's thrown about all over the streets. My younger dogs are always picking up all kinds of garbage and putting it in their mouths. I suggest that the town post signs like "no littering, $500 fine". I think that would really deter someone from littering. especially if someone was caught, and really did get a fine, it would be a good example. It is really disgusting!
Replies:
Subject: Zoning Laws


Author:
ShaunJ
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 21:48:35 05/13/03 Tue
Where can a resident receive a copy of the official zoning laws for a town?
Replies:
Subject: Weekly Roundtable program


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:27:54 05/14/03 Wed
Are you doing a Weekly Roundtable this week? For the past two weeks I noticed you didn't have anything and I figured you'd do something around the election.
Replies:
Subject: Election results


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:41:48 05/05/03 Mon
Any word on who won the election races today and their vote totals? Any word on how many people voted?
Replies:
Subject: Candle Lighting Ceremony!!!!


Author:
Pam -- Candle Lighting Committee
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 18:33:27 04/17/03 Thu
Hello Everyone!


This ceremony is going to place on Friday, May 2nd at 6:30 pm. Its going to be held at the Veteran's Memorial Park on Broadway Road.

Its Rain or Shine.... Don't forget to bring Your candles!!!!

There will be Patriotic music played by a DJ....as well as a Young Man, named Jason Baker playing the Bag Pipes!

Dracut Residents.... Let's all stand together and Support OUR troops, fighting over in Iraq.

If there are any questions reguarding the ceremony. Please email Me at CandleLightingCeremony@Hotmail.com .

The Committee hopes to see You all there.
Replies:
Subject: Weekly Roundtable -- April 24, 2003


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:35:56 04/22/03 Tue
This Thursday, Warren and I will have Ron Mercier, candidate for Dracut School Committee, and George Rancourt, candidate for DWSD Commissioner.

See you then.
Subject: Candidates Night Cancelled


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:53:37 04/16/03 Wed
Candidate's Night has been cancelled. My impartiality has been questioned because I am supporting certain candidates. I understand that although I have run them the same as before and have been fair to everyone with success. I do not want to tarnish the integrity of the Night.
Subject: WRT


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:10:43 04/15/03 Tue
WRT this week (4/17) will have Karen Berniche of Dracut Pet Adoptions with one of her favorite felines. We will also have Nancy Drolet and Ron Mercier (Dracut school committee candidates)will also be on. Donna Yackel will be my co host as Jack is unable to make it
Subject: Dracut Auxiliary Police?


Author:
Michael H.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:38:10 02/27/03 Thu
Has Dracut ever considered implementing an Auxiliary Police Force to help out within the public safety sector of town?

If not, do you feel that this can be something we can look at as possibly entertaining in the future?

I ask these questions because I feel it can be a topic of discussion that can help gather information on the opinions of the public figures and the citizens of this town. I am going to post it in both the WRT forum and the TOTT forum in hopes of getting the views of the host (a.k.a Selectmen), and the citizens whom participate in TOTT.

Please discuss.

Thank you.

Michael H.
Replies:
Subject: Candidate's Night


Author:
Barry
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 13:36:23 04/08/03 Tue
A Candidates Night has been scheduled for April 29 @ 5pm. The candidates will be notified next week. Although not confirmed it may be sponsored by the Boston Globe with Christine McConville as moderator.I'll keep this site posted
Replies:
Subject: Candidates debates and Athletic Director


Author:
Pete
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:50:27 03/31/03 Mon
What dates will Weekly Roundtable broadcast the candidates debates for each of the election races and are you going to feature the High School Athletic Director (who I heard was retiring) because I think there have been some good teams and individual performances in high school sports over the past few years.
Replies:
Subject: Nickel Hill


Author:
Ed Valis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 09:32:12 03/28/03 Fri
Hey!

I haven't check into Dracut news for a while.

Any word on the status of Nickel Hill? I worked on the Committee that addressed some of the issues surrounding the possiblity of a Power Plant in East Dracut and would like to know what is the latest on the issue.

I currently live in Upstate NY and miss all the interesting debates that went on in Dracut!

Miss Ya!

Ed :=)
Replies:
Subject: A Candle Lighting Ceremony for the Town of Dracut!


Author:
Pam
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 07:15:47 03/10/03 Mon
I don't know who I should approach with this idea I have. I had an idea to have a candle lighting at the Gazebo for Support for the families that live in Dracut, that were sent to Iraq.

I am not trying to Oppose the war or Preach about Peace. I simply want to give Our support to those Family members that were sent to Iraq. I want to show these People that their community is here for them.

This is just a broad idea. Do You think this is a good idea? Can you please get back to Me, as to what your thoughts are to hold a ceremony.


Here is another suggestion for the Weekly Round Table.... Do you think it is possible to display Patriotic colors during your show? Like having a Flag in the back ground or using a Red, White and Blue table cloth?


Thank You for your time concerning this matter.
Replies:
Subject: Re Candle Lighting Ceremony


Author:
Bob Berube
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:29:50 03/27/03 Thu
Excellent idea, I would be more than happy to join Pam and help in any way to make a salute to all soldiers happen. Bob- e-mail bobpenny@yahoo.com
Subject: Town Elections


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 16:24:43 03/18/03 Tue
Any word yet on who pulled papers for the election this year and what the election looks like so far?
Replies:
Subject: Dracut Scholarship Telethon


Author:
Blake V.
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:32:26 03/23/03 Sun
Any word yet on how much in contributions the annual Dracut Scholarship Telethon took last week and did it meet or exceed its goal? I would think more people were glued to the War in Iraq and everything else got ignored.
Replies:
Subject: No WRT This Week or Next


Author:
Dennis
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:49:55 03/13/03 Thu
Because of the Dracut Scholarship Telethon setup (this week) and show (next week), we won't be on until March 27th.

In the meantime:

- We've been asked to announce that the last day for baseball and softball signups is March 21. (Courtesy of Lori Cahill and Barry Myers)

- Do watch and enjoy the telethon -- and keep that phone line ringing!
Subject: My opinion


Author:
Karen M-D
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:59:47 03/10/03 Mon
Whether or not a family pays taxes should never factor into the debate about home schooled children participating in the high school activities. When it comes to choosing where to send a child—public school, home school, private school, the Voke or the school choice program—there are advantages and disadvantages in all of them. Parents weigh all the options and make the best choice based on what is right for their child. Home schooled children should be treated no differently than private school children or children in another system because of school choice. If Notre Dame Academy does not have a girls’ volleyball team, is that child allowed to come to Dracut High to play? No. If the Voke does not have a school play, can that student come to Dracut High to participate in a school play? No. It is not the responsibility of Dracut High to provide what the private/home/choice/Voke school is lacking.

If the school committee decides to allow home schooled children to participate in activities, where do they draw the line? Can these students participate in the art shows, NHS, school trips, or graduation activities/ceremonies? Do they qualify for scholarships? If we say they are entitled to participate because their parents pay taxes, does that mean renters' children can be excluded from participating because they don’t pay taxes? Are home schooling parents willing to have this ruling go both ways? If a home schooled group is going on an educational field trip on the route that Lewis and Clark took, and Dracut High is not, is my child allowed to go on this field trip with them because it’s something not offered at her school?

When you choose to participate in a particular school system this may unfortunately mean that your child will miss out on something based on the choice you make. You can’t choose the advantages of all and the disadvantages of none.
Replies:
Subject: National Anthem


Author:
Pamela Dauteuil
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 17:16:02 03/04/03 Tue
Should the National Anthem be sung or banned from sports events?

I think....this is part of our custom. This song has been sung before Sports Events for a very long time. I don't think the song should be stopped.

Does the Dracut Sports events play this song before each event?
If it does....
Will Dracut Sports events be effected, if this gets banned?
Replies:
Subject: Weekly Roundtable program


Author:
Peter
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 15:57:30 03/03/03 Mon
Why doesn't the Weekly Roundtable program feature the new candidates running for office who have never run before? Gerard E. Hould, Clee Ace and David Martin are all strangers to me and probably many others in town. I wouldn't mind seeing these people on TV for like 15 minutes to see their reactions.
Replies:
Subject: School Policy


Author:
Naturally
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:03:51 03/01/03 Sat

At the most recent School Committee meeting, it appears that a majority of the committee are opposed to allowing children of residents not enrolled in The Dracut Public Schools to participate in extra-curricular activities that the schools sponsor. Given that residents who elect to send their children elsewhere for their education end up saving the town money, and given that we are currently in the midst of dire fiscal circumstances, I’d be very interested in hearing opinions from other town officials as to this proposed policy.
Replies:
Subject: Female firefighters lawsuit


Author:
Peter
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:56:00 02/26/03 Wed
What is the selectmens stance on that female firefighter who is suing the town for gender bias? Have the male firefighters been treated better under these same circumstances? Just like to hear some opinions on this matter from our town officials.
Replies:
Subject: Market Basket Warehouse


Author:
Bob
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:53:34 02/24/03 Mon
Why is it that once Tewksbury denied Market Basket the chance to expand their warehouse that Dracut didn't step foward to try to bring them here. We already have the old grogery warehouse that i believed belonged to Falk and White down on rt 113 that could be expanded on to meet their needs.Instead , no one from Dracut says anything and Lowell steps foward and is doing everything it can to attract their business to move there.How do we ever expect to attract more busineses and generate more revenue,especially now, if we just sit on our hands and do nothing? The building is already there, the land is already there, its a no brainer, lets do something about it.
Replies:
Subject: Bottling Water


Author:
George Rancourt
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 06:36:06 02/23/03 Sun
Thanks for your interest in the water bottling idea. One of the things you need to survive in the business world is how to increase revenue. We have suffered greatly from mismanaged budgets for years and we can’t keep raising rates. So we had to figure out a way to make money. If you apply a similar concept (increasing revenue) at the Water District it will work. Many water districts are doing this – we certainly won’t be the first. Personally from the research I have done we can easily make money.

The second thing you should know is how valuable our water is! Dracut has a very high mineral content. This destroys your pipes, but has quality taste. It is also the most valuable (we get the highest price)! So if you had Dracut water “back in the day” it was from the wells. We have the same water we just treat it now. The idea is to bottle it directly from the well with all of the minerals and nothing added.

We have the original District building that can be fixed and used so we don’t need any big investments. We can start by selling water to other bottling plants and construction companies to raise the money to buy bottling equipment. My long-term goal is to make 3-4 million dollars. This will pay for “all our cost” which means free or discounted water to the ratepayers-The right way to get FREE WATER. Pepsi gets its bottled water from Ayer Public Water Supply. It’s printed right on the label!

My first goal with the profits is to pay our 1.4 million Lowell lawsuit off – the sooner the better. This will save the ratepayer’s directly. Secondly, provide free bottled water to any and all Dracut ratepayers. Third, set up a fund for low-income households, and continue to increase the senior citizen discounts.

Sorry about the long respond, but I’m very excited about this opportunity. We will have a plan outlined in a few months. Check out our web site too! www.dracutwater.com It still needs a little work before we promote it, but it’s a start. We have the software to pay your bill on-line too! (All coming soon)

George Rancourt
Replies:
Subject: Again, question over HERE for WRT lineup...


Author:
Kelly
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 11:53:30 02/24/03 Mon
I was wondering if you could post guest schedules for WRT on this site, so we know what the show will be about. It also gives us a chance to suggest new guests or subjects that might not be on the line up.

(As you know, I posted this on the other site as well, by mistake)
Replies:
Subject: Bottled Water


Author:
Pam
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 12:59:59 02/22/03 Sat
Is selling Dracut bottled water, really possible? This is an interesting concept. I wonder what the outcome would do for the community, if this was to happen.
Replies:
Subject: You guys need a nicer background and graphic though...


Author:
Kelly
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 14:49:20 02/19/03 Wed
This is a great idea, guys. Sometimes there is just not enough time for us to call into WRT with questions or comments.

If you want a graphic at the top, W. knows the email address.
Replies:
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