Hey Nick that is called the stockhome sindrome! Darn where is my spell checker when I need it

John that response was so stupid it doesnt even deserve a responce.

Nick someone is using you again. A RESPONSIBLE person would have checked all the facts before writing such an inflammatory statement. I checked with at least two other people who were at the meeting and they both said the same thing. Once again you are not reporting the whole story and twisting things to make others look bad, you did the same to me when I was serving on the board. (I'll get to that later)
To be more accurate Abe was referring to the way the form of government works in Union and if he didn't like it he could leave, or get a group of people together and change it. I also believe the statement was only directed at Bill, but not clear on that. In a way I can see how Abe might have come up with that. Bill has a history of leaving public service when he becomes unhappy how things are being run.
So Nick, who could have possibly fed you this information since both you and your wife weren't there? It will be interesting to see when the OFFICAL minutes are produced to see what exactly was said and who was there. Since you’re posting was the same night as the meeting.
Now if the Administration was running uncontrolled for several years, what EXACTLY did they do that was so horrible and needs to be changed?

Brian, I still think you should attend the meetings and write your views for submission.

As I said before I do not believe it is a good idea having unprofessional "reporters" reporting on selectmen meetings. Too much bias is injected just as Nick just proved with his last posting. After thinking about my responce this morning it was a bit too harsh, but I can not undo that. It was done in the heat of the moment and there is no delete button once you post something. What Nick should have done was to call Bill and have him report what was said, since he was there. Bill what did Abe say to you? and please give some details as to the situation leading up to that comment so we may understand the context is was made in.

I think this arguments went too far and as far as I'm concerned, they are finished. I am making this last remark and shutting up.

Brian, I'm really disappointed. In my estimate, you and your wife are the kind of people who get involved in community activities and help the community grow. Once more, I will not respond to your arguments. Please try to remember that the citizens of Union made a decision last June. If you do not approve of that decision, you should ask them why they voted that way. From my perspective, remember what happened with the attempt to consolidate the EMS & Fire departments, who wanted it, and how they went about it. To me, that says it all.

Still friendly,
Nick

I can not believe you will not back up your inflamatory satements, or even defend them. How about just a few FACTS and the real TRUTH once in a while???

Brian,
I stated that I would vote against the fire chief appointment because I had a long history in the fire department that involved all the members in decisions including choosing the chief and personally I could not support taking that away from then. I then stated that I was only explaining my vote and not attempting to sway anyone. As for my public service to this town. I ran for road commissioner, got elected, served my term and chose not to run again. When the elected road commissioner resigned, I was asked to help the town until they made permanent arraignments. Members of the budget committee in a meeting felt that I was getting paid too much, so I chose not to help any longer. I served on the planning board and along with three other members decided to step down when a faction in town felt we were not operating in the best interests of the town. I served my complete term on the Knox County budget committee and will complete my term as selectman. I served on the Union Ambulance and 28 years on the fire department. I was lied to about something that meant a tremendous amount to me and chose to leave the department. When you give to a community for many, many years, you expect that some will question your motives. If hurt was your intent, you succeeded, and you should be very pleased with yourself,but I will continue to stay involved in this community.

Thanks for the clarification Bill. I'm waiting to see what the "official" minutes will show. I do not know Mr. Norris' abilities as fire chief, so I will withhold my opinion. I was not happy with his involvement with the consolidation, but that was resolved by the election. Brian seems to be living in the past, and his observations are nothing more than personal biases. I respect Abe Knight, although I don't know him personally, but we had differences of opinion before. If Mr. Norris is to change his temporary status as a fire chief to a permanent one, I would like to know what his plans and views are before I make up my mind. I would insist that the Fire department personnel are involved in his election. I would also like to know the criteria that helped Andy decide to nominate him. Andy must have good reasons. Finally, this appointment is between Mr. Norris and the Board of selectmen. Abe Knight's is but one vote.

Nick I hate to break the news to you but Barry Norris IS now our Fire Chief for at least the next 5 years, so there is no need to "make up your mind". As for the reasons why Andy nominated him it might have something to do with his performance for the last 2 or more years as acting Fire Chief, his experience in both other fire departments and the State's Fire Marshal's Office. I have heard from other fire/ems that Mr. Norris is actually over qualified for the job. The Board did vote 4-1 for Mr. Norris's appointment, Mr. Packard being the desenting vote. Why are you unhappy with Mr. Norris's involvment in the consolidation? He was the acting Fire Cheif of course he was involved but please remember the consolidation started with the board of selectmen, who approved a study for 3 thousand dollars, that did not need voter approval, it came from a budget line that had 10 thousand dollars in it, so it did not exceed the bugeted amount. A lie that has been produced by this webpage and repeated over and over again. Also a reminder for you and John, I wasn't elected until November, after the report was all ready approved.

Hi How did I get involived in this Mr.Cramer?

Short term memory loss????
A very odd question. Please refer to your comments made January 1st at 11:46 AM.

1. I feel that under the past board of Selectmen, Andy had NO DIRECTION. He was spoon feeding you items and you as a board of Selectmen were leaning on his every word.


2."THE TOWN MANAGER WORKS FOR YOU!!, YOU AS ELECTED OFFICIALS WORK FOR THE TAXPAYERS AND VOTERS OF UNION Not the other way aroud.”
Are you actually saying that we were working for the town manager doing what exactly??

3."As far as bill packard goes I hope he makes Hutch nervous by looking over his work. I could give you chapter and verse on waistfull highway spending.
It is our largest tax comintment outside of our schools That is part of what we the taxpayers elected him for."
The board hires the town manager to run day to day functions of the town. The board is FORBIDEN to manage or direct any town employees. I believe the board as stepped beyond this boundary when: A. approving Mr. Norris's voting list. (Yes I was on the board at the time but didn’t bring thee issue up because we voted to accept it) B. instructing Mr. Norris to perform all those tasks before he was elected Fire Chief. C. It is the job of the town manager to over see Hutch's work. NOT BILL PACKARD. He may request a report from the town manager about what's being done etc. My short term on the board I NEVER heard, or don't recall, you saying anything about wasteful spending by the Public Works department. In fact at the town meeting the entire Public Works dept. budget passed without a single word being spoken, who is to blame for that?

4. "So don't keep ragging on Nick about not bening re elected to office You did that yourself"
Please direct me to where I was "ragging on Nick for not being elected. It never happened.

5. "Speeking of Town roads The town Voted to open Barrett Hill road to the town line many years ago, and yet Hutch has got ayay with plowing and maintaining just the part he felt like fixing and plowing. You were a Selectmen why did you allow him to do that?"
Remember I was a board member for only 7 months 14 meetings. Please show me when that was an issue? Again why didn't you bring that to the board?

6. "Why did you stand by and support Andy & other town hall employies when they tried to get rid of Linda MscAlaster our ELECTED treasurer She was protecting our tax money and not allowing money to be spent in area's that Ue did not vote for!"
Again I heard about that a few years ago but was not during the time I was on the board.

That is why you got involved with this Mr. Reilly

Mr Cramer I have no problume with our current fire chief. My only issue is with the town going to a appointed fire chief. But I come from a time when we had real volentiers no one got paid for anything no per call no stipend nothing. Times change But to me it is sad. The fire Dept brought it apon themselves when they decided they needed workmans comp So here we are today with a in effect paid department. To me it is sad to see another part of small town America pass on. I personaly would not follow the order of a appointed person to put my life on the line unless I personaly had trust in his/her ability to make the rite decesion. But you must rember I come from a Diferent time. My issue is with the change I only know Mr.Norris through the Fair system. and have no opinnion one way or the other of his ability's as a fire chief administerator It is a Big thankless job I wish him well

I know about Barry Norris and I wish his congratulations. Any and all disagreements are in the past, and I will not revive them.

I do not want enemies. I'm trying to be friends with everyone. I have asked Andy many times how can I help and I'm always available in any capacity I can. My physical condition does not allow me to participate actively in EMS or Fire, but I'd be happy to bring food, water, etc. if Barry Norris wants me. I would also like input from anyone, particularly people who do care and are involved in the community. My phone and e-mail are always open.

I am pleased that issues are being aired here on the forum. I notice there are many lurkers. Which mean folks are reading and are interested. As for members writing about what they hear at a meeting. Town folks will be as unbiased as the local reporter. Folks are human and report as they see it. Fact are often lost in the drama.

No one asked me. but since I have been known to comment without waiting. my two cents is that any group should have the members VOTE on officers and directors. OF,BY AND FOR the people.

Hey Brian How about you recerching how the govenor's speech will affect sad 40 ie us You are a teacher and could get a prospective others do not have JR.