Who's passing this kind of information to TRR?

The Following information was posted on the TRR. We at the RFP are not even sure if our Selectmen currently are aware of this. Why would TRR have this information even before our selectmen? More importantly, why does TRR have information that is typically considered confidential and handled in executive session?

President of the Firefighter's Union Suspended

Submitted by TRR Staff at 6/23/2008 07:48:00 PM

The Rumford Reporter has learned that Private Mark Tripp, President of
the Local Firefighters Union, has been suspended without pay for his role in the
violation of Section 10 of the town By-Laws during the recent elections. Tripp
was responsible for organizing a vote to approve the submission of a letter to
the editor in The Rumford Falls Times that supported electing both Greg Buccina
and Rob Cameron for Selectmen. The letter also reminded the public that if they
voted for the Finance Committee's recommended budget that the service the Fire
Department provides would be compromised. The letter was signed by Mark Tripp,
President of the Union. Section 10 of the Rumford By-Laws prohibits the Police
and Fire Department employees from engaging in political activity of any kind.
Other Fire Department personnel were disciplined as well but the details are
unknown at this time.

Limits on Free Speech - - What the Supreme Court Has Said

''[I]t is well understood that the right of free speech is not absolute at all times and under all circumstances. There are certain well-defined and narrowly limited classes of speech, the prevention and punishment of which have never been thought to raise any Constitutional problem. These include the lewd and obscene, the profane, the libelous, and the insulting or 'fighting' words--those which by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace. It has been well observed that such utterances are no essential part of any exposition of ideas, and are of such slight social value as a step to truth that any benefit that may be derived from them is clearly outweighed by the social interest in order and morality.‘” –Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, 315 U.S. 568 (1942)

Submitted by C

Let’s make this a safe and happy time for our graduates.

There was an article in the Rumford Falls Times this week that said there was a forum on alcohol and drug use at Mountain Valley High School. Some students spoke to parents in an attempt to discuss what students may face at the school along with ways to help parents and students avoid drug and alcohol problems. Congratulations to the students who were brave enough to resist peer pressure to talk about this potentially serious problem.



Area schools will be holding their graduation ceremonies in the next few weeks. Many students think that drinking is a “right of passage” from high school to the adult world. Unfortunately, some students may never get to take the journey into adulthood due to underage drinking. Let’s help make this a safe and happy season for everyone.