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.