Thursday, May 29, 2008
Rumford Selectmen's Race
The Selectmen’s race in the Town of Rumford is probably about as hot as it’s been in the history of the Town. The RFP weighed in at the banner at the top of the page. It’s only fair to provide you with a place to weigh in with your opinion also. Go ahead. Tell us who you support.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
34 comments:
I disagree with the RFP's endorsement of Greg Buccina. I feel that Greg has done a poor job of maintaining order in the meetings. He has expressed that he is unable to understand the rules, and has violated the bylaws at almost every meeting. I have not commented much on Greg because he is my cousin, however, I believe the people should not be mislead to believe that he has done a good job. I have no basis for comment on Rob Cameron except to state that I would think it would be difficult for him to perform as both Selectman and Legislator. My support goes to Jeremy Vashaw who has no involvement with the antics of the past year. He is intelligent, educated and has demonstrated good critical thinking skills.
Have a GREAT Day,
Kevin N. Saisi
Mark Belanger and Jason Thompson are who i am voting for.
Thanks for expressing your opinion jason.
Based upon comments around town, it looks like the front-runners are Cameron and Vashaw. This represents the anti-incumbant attitude of last year, as well as this year, as well as views on particular candidates. Most dislike either Mark or Greg, and few have expressed support for Jason. Despite the dislike many have expressed for Rob, he remains strong because of his name recognition. Vashaw is strong because he has had no part in the antics of the past year. Even those who don't know him are considering voting for hime because they haven't seen his name associated with the turmoil. So far, the only negative comment I have heard about Jeremy involved his reluctance to move his vehicle for snow removal one year. His recent write up in the newspaper over expired insurance is a minor issue that will not swing many voters away from him with his positive reputation. Many senior citizens remember him for his friendly service at Bartash.
I have a 100 bucks CASH Rob and Greg nor Vashaw make it in. Care to wager Kevin or anyone.
I don't bet, but I don't see Jason beating Jeremy and Rob.
Why is that Kevin? Jason is young. The towns people want YOUNG BLOOD. It's pretty simple who I will vote. Mark Belanger and Jason Thompson.
DS
What connection with Evergreen mountain resort??
I don’t know of any connection and have removed that post.
I'm going to vote for Buccina and Cameron. We won't all agree on every issue but I do like the way they handle themselves. I trust them and have confidence in their decision-making ability.
I just see Jeremy as the better candidate.
I don't know much about Vashaw. I know he's on the appeals board.
The fact that you haven't heard much about Jeremy is a plus. He is a quiet person with a solid education and good critical thinking skills. He has a common sense approach to problem solving, and is the only candidate not involved with any of the groups that have been fighting over the past year.
Vashaw's legal issues were over expired insurance. He accidently let his insurance lapse then was pulled over for a taillight being out. There was a mixup on the court date which caused the warrant to be issued. I have missed a court date on a traffic issue too, does that make me a hardened criminal??
Editor: please remove the OUI rumor from your blog as it is unfounded.
The comment was in the form of a question but it could start rumors. I've removed it.
Other than Vashaw's legal issues and this Sun Journal article, I've not heard much about him either.
http://www.sunjournal.com/story/210826-3/MaineNews/Casino_for_Western_Maine_stirs_debate/
Is he still associated with Evergreen Mountain Enterprises as this article implies?
Hold on just a minute. How can you make the accusation that somebody is in the posket of a board just because they appoint him to a board?? I believe Vashaw has been on the board for a while, and was not appointed by this Board of Selectmen. Editor, please remove the comment unless it can be substantiated.
I thought personal attacks were not allowed, is this going to become another Rumford Reporter??
Mr. Vashaw was already on the appeals board . This board did not appoint him. At least he has integrity.
Sorry about that post getting through. Thanks for calling it to my attention.
I collected about 100 signatures at the time I had planned to run for selectperson. With the exception of 1 person, all the rest said they were voting for Buccina if he decided to run. One was for Belanger. Not many knew who Thompson is, and Cameron and Vashaw had not yet taken out papers. I write this only to show that it all depends on who you're talking with. The signatures were largely cold-calling at doors in the Rumford Center/Rumford Point area. Again, save for the 1, everyone was pro Med-Care. The one for Belanger was a gentleman who did sign my nomination paper but said he didn't think he would vote for me. Two other people who didn't sign also supported Belanger. I would like to publicly state my support for Buccina and Cameron. I would also like to express my appreciation to those who said they would support me. Hopefully things will quiet down at home in time for next year. For the record, I am not the blog owner, nor am I the moderator of this web site. I do however appreciate whoever started it Thanks, Judy O'Neil
It looks as if some people are victims of wishful thinking. A poll on a slanted blog is hardly scientific. I believe the people will see through the highly piled excrement and elect Vashaw and Belanger to the board. Nobody has anything bad to say about Vashaw, and Belanger has been a solid advocate for not wasting money. No candidate is going to be supported by all citizens, and the few who are speaking against Belanger have already been written off by many citizens.
Buccina did not do himself any favors at the last selectman meeting when he shouted down Carlo Puiia. Cameron is a professional politician, and we really don't need Augusta politics in our town.
Judy- I hope you do decide to run next year. You'll have my vote. I think you have a lot to offer this community.
I don't ordinarily respond on blogs or write articles in the newspaper, but after reading Mr. Saisi's criticism of my lack of leadership abilities, I must reply. I have never claimed to be a great leader that would perfectly handle every situation that came my way, however I would challenge Mr. Saisi and anyone else who thinks that handling the situations that ocurred in our town over the last year or so would or could by law, handle them much differently. I cannot read minds, I cannot anticipate that a selectman would challenge a citizen to a physical confrontation, I cannot envision in my mind that two selectmen would take it upon themselves to disregard protocol and direction and cut down trees on their own, and I can't for the life of me understand that the majority of the current board of selectmen would vote to disregard and attempt to dismiss what a group of nine volunteers would do to revisit and merely propose potential changes to the charter that may enhance Rumford's future. They did not dictate this, they merely are making recomendations for the voters to amend or not amend. In addition to that the majority of time has been answering via formal documentation the thirty four complaints lodged against citizens, selectmen, and others who are trying to do what is best for the greater good. There are people in our community who will support anybody that will listen to their point of view, and as soon as they differ or feel they are not getting what they want from that person when they want it, they resort to, in a negative way, the pen or tongue to cause hate and discontent. Throughout all the turmoil that should not have had to be dealt with, the budget cap has been met, service has been minimally impacted, and consolidation of services with Mexico is on the front burner. Oh yea, we are looking for another town manager and trying to maintain an ambulance service. Leadership, I'll challenge Mr. Saisi or anyone, if you have any suggestions please be man enough to tell me to my face, suggest ways to help, I will listen. We have state law to understand, the charter to know, and for the time being Robert' Rules of Order, which has been nothing more than ammunition for people to criticize myself in particular, and expound upon, to either ridicule or make themselves seem all so much smarter. My job is to manage meetings and I have done that the best I can. Some people use the selectmen's meetings as a stage to publicly criticize others or a place where they have to be heard and abuse that privledge on many occassions. Again, lace up your sneakers and get in the game. Many of us work for a living and are raising families, and still try to serve their community to the best of their ability. It is easy to sit back and slander people via the pen or tongue, but if one feels he/she has all the answers, get in the game and see for yourself just how easy it can be.
Greg Buccina
Greg why did you leave the stage at the town meeting the other night? Secondly what makes it ok for you not to sign the Town Warrent.
Greg, I have been in the game, and I had it just as bad as you did. This past year would have gone much better if the rules hadbeen followed consistently. If you are unsure of the rules, you consult the town lawyer, that is why we pay him. I won't go back and rehash all of the events of the past year, but you and I both know that much of the issues were manufactured or caused by certain people not having the fortitude to stand up and tell the truth. As Chairman it was your job to make sure that the rules were followed in the conduct of the meetings. You have publically stated that you couldn't understand the rules. If this was the case why did you maintain the position? Some believe it was for the prestige of being "in charge", while others believe it was a political move. I really don't care why you did it, but I think you made a mistake. You have said "if you can run a meeting better...". Well, I have run a meeting better, and it was a very difficult meeting to run. I was complimented by people from both sides of the issue on how I ran the meeting. So, please don't challenge me that way again.
As election day draws near, there is little use in continuing this banter. On June 10th your performance will be evaluated by the voters. As you know, you don't have my vote. The rest is up to the people.
To address the question of why I left the meeting on Monday night was that I needed to go to work. I had given up four hours and had to relieve a person who was helping me out. Work was the same reason I did not get a chance to sign the warrant. If I am fortunate enough to get re-elected, I have made arrangements so that I can attend most if not all of the future meetings, although when you work shifts and we have a lot of meetings in a period of time, it is difficult to make them all. I apologize for not being there to sign the agreement.
Greg
Enough is enough let the people speek and elect who they think is best. I wish all the people running goodluck and give them credit for trying to make a difference. WE have to let the past be the past and move foward with positive ideas and pray that the board will unite as one and work together i think that will happen i for one welcome a positive new board to deal with tough road ahead. Again i wish all the nominees the best of luck and hope they will keep open minds.
goodluck Gary Dolloff
It seems to me that this discussion was exactly as the Rumford Free Press intended, open and respectful. Yes, let the voters decide.
Post a Comment