Let's Discuss the April Elections

[GuitarTeacher]

OK, let's start the discussion of the candidates on the next ballot.

Please keep it respectful. It's hard to make an informed decision when folks are trashing any of the candidates.

Looking forward to the discussion on this very important election coming up.

Again... I'm so THRILLED and proud of this town for voting for the new TMHS! I like the positive energy. Let's keep it up

-Scott

[swamper]

O.K..... G.T. ....since you brought it up.... Though I don't know either personally (though I have met one) I have decided to cast one of my votes for SC for Lisa Puccia. From what I've both heard and read, I am duly impressed at her school involvement and more importantly the tangible RESULTS she has already achieved/accomplished. Judge for yourself at: http://www.lisapuccia.com Since I have not heard of her till recently it leads me to believe she's not the "blow your own horn type" but prefers to work quietly but very effectively to get things done which is a trait I can relate to and respect. That being said... why should I cast my other vote for Ms. Polimeno whom "some" on here seem to be touting? I don't care "who" she knows or group she is connected with....WHAT has she actually DONE and ultimately will actually BRING to the table?

[afmf]

Here is where I am right now. My family and I have known the Polimenos for years now. My kids do not go to the Dewing but we know them from their kids and my kids being in sports together. Ever since I have known Krissy she has been all about the kids (not just her own), and the town and what she can do.
Now I don't know Lisa from jack. I only knew what she looked like from the website posted above. I have not learned anything about her from that website and I really want to like her..BUT what is turning me off from voting for her are the people be it here,(not this thread, another one) or out talking to people who when asked about the candidates trash Krissy. I cannot vote for someone who has people like that supporting her..I do want to meet her though and see what she is about..

Here is Krissy's site. Friday night at the TCC she is having a meet and greet from 7-10. Every one is welcome.

http://www.votekrissypolimeno.com/

[barney]

This is much ado about nothing. We have 3 candidates, 2 of them are new. Normally, that would be enough, but when you take a look at the actual people it becomes a no brainer. Krissy is high energy and dedicated and Lisa is an engine of production, just look at her accomplishments. The only way these two could lose is if they, or their people, focus on each other rather than Joe Russell. Because Joe had 6 years already and Joe is still Joe, long on rhetoric and short on accomplishments. Sorry but it's true.

Vote P squared! Puccia and Polimeno!

[U8Coach]

Three years ago (and another three years before that) when the SC was negotiating with the teachers Keith Rauseo made it clear to the TTA that increases in salary and benefits would result in the loss of teaching positions.

The TTA fought back hard and acquired two new contracts which included raises and benefits. Teachers have been laid off since then as well as reduced through attrition.

The raises were approved 3-2 with Keith and Sitar III dissenting. (*edit*)

Dr. McGrath's new contract was approved by a similar vote of 4-1 with Keith being the only dissenter.

The teachers are due for a new contract.

The most important issue at hand for these three candidates is their stance on raises and benefits for the TTA and other school departments. We know how Joe will vote. We need to know where LP and KP stand.

This is an issue which can make or break the budget. In light of what has transpired in RI I think we have more power at the bargaining table than ever before. To squander that advantage would be shameful.

[Nacca]

The raises were approved 4-1 with Keith being the only dissenter.

Dr. McGrath's new contract was approved by a similar vote of 4-1 with Keith being the only dissenter.

Minor correction - the raises were approved 3-2 with Rauseo and Sitar dissenting. Keith was the lone dissenter on McGrath's contract.

I totally agree that the teacher contract is the most pressing issue. That is why I am very sad to see O'neill go. That is the type of personality that we need for the negotiations.

[U8Coach]

I too wish O'Neil had not withdrawn.

He exhibited some awful behavior lately but with a sincere apology and a strong platform of positive initiatives to move forward I think he would have been re-elected.

Somebody on the committee is going to have to step up and take a stand.

[Rabib]

I would ask the candidates if they would have the contract negotiations in public. If they are negotiating with taxpayer money, can we see the process? This would be the first item for discussion with the TTA. I think Tewksbury would be better served with public negotiations. How does everyone else feel about it?

[SEETHER]

U8 is right on, the negotiations are key.

Remember the TTA played hardball and wound up with an extra year on their contract and an extra 4% raise over every other in town. Shills for the TTA have come on here and tried to spin this, but numbers are numbers and this is stone fact. The largest union in town wound up with 4% more by being nasty pains in the neck. Roughly $700-800k budget hit every year going forward. Didnt have to be that way. Keith Rauseo was right, Joe Russell was wrong. Dont even need to go into McGrath's raise.

I am hoping the ladies make it in and that they contribute as much as the other recently elected members, O'Neill will be missed though.

[momof2girls]

definitely a vote for Polimeno in this household. My concern with voting for Puccia, not knowing anything else, is that she seems to be all about Special Education. And although very important, it is not the sole purpose. Also, we already have representation on the SC for this important matter. I think someone who will push on reasonable salaries would be more ideal for this position. Sorry to see Rick O'Neill go, not for his belittling attitude, but for getting to the root of hard matters.

[bjlewin]

My concern with voting for Puccia, not knowing anything else, is that she seems to be all about Special Education. And although very important, it is not the sole purpose. Also, we already have representation on the SC for this important matter.

mom - I have the exact same concerns about Puccia

[barney]

Barry and mom,

Lisa also has other children in the school system, so its not all about special ed with her. Rather than a return engagement of Joe Russell I would urge you to give Lisa one of your votes this election.

[momof2girls]

Barney

While I appreciate your opinion. I have looked at Lisa Puccia's website and have not learned anything more other than she has been very active with special needs. An important factor in my decision will be where all the candidates stand on negotiations. It is possible that I will only cast 1 vote.

[U8Coach]

I can sum up my vote as follows:

"Candidate, if a contract sits before the SC and requires a vote in order to be put in effect, and said agreement contains new increased costs to the future school budget, how will you vote?"

This pertains to teachers, administrators, etc. Any contract which will add cost to the school budget is unacceptable in light of the down economy, the massive reduction in state aid, etc.

We need to fix our problems here at home, lure students back into the system, and use the new increases in funds to add more teachers and staff. If all the new funding is consumed in new contracts for our undersized staff we will not be able to accommodate the returning students comfortably and the cycle will begin again.

[Jerry Selissen]

Want to meet the Candidates? Want to have some fun?

The following have purchased a table and will be at the candidates breakfast sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury PAC on this Saturday March 13, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m at the VFW on Vernon Street.

Tickets are $5.00

Niki Tsongas Sam Meas
Sue Tucker Jamison Tomasek John Kelly Deb Silverstein
Barry Finegold
Jim Miceli Mario Marchese
Todd Johnson
Anne Marie Stronach
David Plunkett
Lisa Puccia
Krissy Polimeno
Joe Russell
Warren Carey (Democratic Town Committee)


COME JOIN US! SPEAK TO THE CANDIDATES! ASK QUESTIONS!

Jerry