Ringside Observer: July 2008
PINE SCENT: There was just something that hit us as wrong when we received the news that Pine DuBois, et al, was going to sue, among others, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). At issue is the allegation that Brockton is drawing down too much water from Silver Lake which then effects the flow of water back into the lake by Monponsett  and Furnace Ponds that add pollutants to the lake. While we admire her spunk and staying power, we suspect those same agencies have been her closest allies in past matters. DuBois has made her environmental concerns a cottage industry via her management of the Jones River Watershed Association and its companion Ecology Center. Their association with the Kingston Arts Festival, The Sheehan Family Trust (of L. Knife fame) and two $100,000 awards under the state budget for the past two years along with considerations given by developers for project support have made Pine & Co. a force to be reckoned with…especially when she can fight city hall because city hall is providing the financial support from taxpayers. Oh, what tangled webs we weave.

The Assessor’s Gambit
We’re going to have a new assessor named on June 10 and what has transpired leading up to this date is pure raw politics at its worse. First off, let us tell you who the new assessor will be, Gale Catani. The position was all set up for Ms. Catani’s taking and we’ll show you the pathway taken to make this happen.

Ringside - June 2008
NEKON GAME: Want another example of narrow-minded thought? The Town owns an almost 200 acre parcel called Camp Nekon. Back in another life it was a recreational outlet for citizens, primarily scout troops. There were buildings a beach and lots of space for exploring. It fell into disrepair and we doubt a building still stands. There is a pond on the property and we hear it is choked with growth. The easiest way to access the land is via Cherry Street, Plymouth; there is a way in from Raboth Road too.

To B or not to Be-That is the Question
Local officials are taking a tough stand on Thorndike Development’s plan to build a 40B housing complex in an environmentally sensitive and historically significant area...