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There’s no accounting for opportunity... Mar 4, 2008 The potential retirement of John LaBrache as Town Treasurer has set a chain of events in motion leading to the possible inclusion by the Board of Selectmen of an additional article (or perhaps several) for the Special Town Meeting warrant. Presently, selectmen are evaluating whether to ask voters if they approve of changing the Treasurer’s position from elected (which it currently is) to appointed (which it currently is not).
Viewing Kingston’s Future Jan 29, 2008 Early this month, I consulted with the region’s leading psychics and prognosticators for their input as to what might lie in store for our fair village this year. My sources included the pollsters who predicted a double-digit win for Barack Obama in the New Hampshire primary, a former "House of Fun" fortune teller dismissed for drinking on the job, and a (now) unemployed sports reporter who predicted that Eric Gagne would be the best acquisition the Boston Red Sox ever made.
Farrell’s Forum:Santa’s gifts to Kingston Dec 20, 2007 Well, folks, I have outdone myself this month. I decided to try something a little out of the ordinary and see if I could contact Santa Claus directly to get the "inside scoop" on what gifts he might have in mind for our town.
Urban Legends, Kingston Style Oct 30, 2007 Well, folks, Halloween is upon us. As we prepare for this season of tricks and treats, it’s fair to say that this is the time of year when we are subjected to those many "tales of the supernatural" and "urban legends" about ghosts, vampires, hobgoblins and more.
Revenue Enhancement, Kingston Style Sep 28, 2007 A recent newspaper account detailed the need for our Commonwealth to raise additional funds to repair bridges and complete other necessary highway maintenance, with one possible solution being the installation of toll booths on Route 93 in the future.
The Victims of MCAS Aug 27, 2007 I have never met Lisa Desharnais, the recently reinstated Kingston teacher terminated last year amid accusations that she had provided “improper” help for students on an MCAS exam. Nor have I ever met Dana Parker, the outgoing school superintendent also at the center of this controversy.
What’s the perfect nickname for Kingston? Jul 23, 2007 Every so often I write about something we really need for our town – and probably as frequently, about something we don’t need. The latter category typically refers to items which will raise our taxes, and the former generally references those which won’t.
Today, the cause I advocate will not cost as much as a single penny – and it may bring us newfound recognition, admiration, and/or notoriety.
The increasing irrelevancy of Prop. 2½: what to do? Jun 25, 2007 If I were a gambling man, I would have bet the really big money that every single override question would have passed at the ballot box. As one longtime political observer wryly observed, “When have we NOT passed one of these?”
When indeed.
Town Meeting: Some of "The Rest of The Story" May 21, 2007 With our Annual Town Meeting now relegated to history, most would agree that the two largest pieces of business conducted were the passage of 40R and the approval of the town's operating budget. However, there were many other items that came up for discussion that, while smaller in scope, were nonetheless just as interesting in their own way.
Farrell’s Forum: A non-objective look at a few of the tactics Apr 23, 2007 The 40R debate involved serious levels of salesmanship, on both the “pro” and “con” sides. Those in favor and those against each expended considerable energy over this contentious and divisive issue. In thinking about the Town Meeting vote and what led up to it, I first considered penning one of those sappy “Going forward, let’s concentrate on what unites us and not what divides us” columns.
I do declare; it’s time for me to make Kingston famous Feb 23, 2007 Tomorrow, I plan to announce my candidacy for President of the United States.
Why shouldn’t I? Practically everyone else in the country is running. The only person I’ve heard say that he is NOT a candidate is John Kerry. And trust me, if his poll numbers had ever risen above 4%, he’d have been in the race faster than Rosie Ruiz in the Boston Marathon.
I can hear you laughing. You think I have no chance. But no one has this election “locked up.” Take Mitt Romney, for example. What does he have that I don’t? I mean, besides boyish good looks, a full head of hair, and enough money to pay off the national debt. Does that really make him a stronger candidate?
What’s in store for Kingston in 2007? The “psychics” speak Jan 20, 2007 I spent a few days in early January with the region’s leading psychics, attempting to glean their expert counsel on what the New Year will hold for our town. This year’s sources included a fortune teller (who, despite being under indictment for money-laundering schemes steadfastly proclaims her innocence); a local political prognosticator who uncannily predicted Deval Patrick’s win in the November election (the fact that his bold claim was released two days after the election was simply a reporting delay, he contends), and a stock market analyst who I managed to talk "off the ledge" after his clients lost millions as a result of his buy/sell recommendations.
Two Toms and Not Your Average Joe Dec 16, 2006 As the New Year approaches, my thoughts turn to three fellow King-stonians, all embarking on different paths in 2007.
Thanks to Dick Loring and Eddie Corrow Nov 17, 2006 Somewhere around 1980 the Water Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen locked horns over some key issues and bad blood developed between the boards. At one point all three Commissioners resigned; a subsequent attempt by the Board of Selectmen to assume the duties of the Water Commission did not succeed.
Let’s not forget the "preserve" in "preservation" Oct 27, 2006 Members of the Community Preservation Committee will soon face an onslaught of suggestions for spending the first funds realized from our self-imposed tax surcharge, commonly known as the Community Preservation Act.
Randall Prevails on Recount May 14, 2008 After a 30 minute instructional period and less then two hours of counting, Selectman Dennis Randall can finally feel better about continuing in the position. The re-count showed no change in his three vote victory over ZBA Chairman John Haas, 386-383. Not a single ballot was ever challenged during the process. Randall was gracious in after the process as was Haas.
It is with a heavy heart that The Observer announces the death of Mauro Mazzilli, 65, of 13 Cedar Lane in Rocky Nook. EMT's were called to his home earlier this morning and he was pronounced dead at the Jordan Hospital. Mauro was a colorful man who loved the political process and being a part of it. He most recently ran for Selectman. Mauro had many friends and had a kind heart. We will miss him terribly and find it difficult to believe he is gone. Our heart goes out to his wife Dotty, his children and his beloved grandchildren.
We will pass on more specific information after we speak with Dotty.
The re-count for the three year Selectman's seat will take place Wednesday, May 14 in room 220, second floor, Kingston Town Hall. Dennis Randall won the seat by three votes over John Haas. The issue will be put to rest around 4-5 hours later.
MARTIN RESIGNS
Assessor William Martin has resigned his seat but will continue on as Veteran's Agent. Details to follow.
GRINHAM REINSTATED
Tax Collector employee Eileen Grinham has been reinstated to her job following a Union challenge and a closed door Selectmen's Hearing after being fired by Collector Priscilla Palombo. No other particulars are available but the woman is back at her desk
Kingston Reporter Wishes to Correct Error May 1, 2008 I just got off the phone with Kingston Reporter Editor Scott Smith who wanted me to know, and to pass on to our web readers, the fact that a portion of a recent post election story was incorrect.
(Click headline for story)
Food Prices are Rising - Tips to Outsmart the Register Apr 17, 2008 With food prices on the dramatic rise, consumers need to get creative on how to reduce their bills while still leaving the store with food for a week. My grovery bill used to hit nearly $300 per week. Thanks to some store savvy strategies, we have (and you can too!) cut the bill in half! Here are some tips to make this possible.
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