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Opinion
Letter: Hiring 'Sand-A-Claus' should be town decision
Published: January 30, 2008
Whoa, hold up there, you selectmen! Just who is Mr. Howard Marlowe and what are his credentials?
To the editor:
Re: Article of Jan. 24, "Newburyport to commit thousands to 'Sand-A-Claus'":
Whoa, hold up there, you selectmen! Just who is Mr. Howard Marlowe and what are his credentials? That's a lot of money to hand someone without even introducing him to the good citizens of Newbury (and, of course, Plum Islanders). I hate to think "pie in the sky," but that's my gut reaction. No guarantee? Bad investment; lots of money. In the spring we'll be back to no police cars, fire protection, school budget, road repair, library closing, etc. and last night (Jan. 25) I see we owe the Police Department $12,000 in overtime due to a slight clerical oversight.
This needs a public informational meeting and a vote by Town Meeting. It's the type of government we decided to use and it should be implemented. Call and let your selectmen know how you feel: 978-465-9241.
Something of this magnitude is also better suited for federal money and expertise. An editorial in Friday, Jan. 25's The Daily News suggests this and I agree totally. Let the big boys go to the well for us; that's why they're up in the Statehouse.
I really don't approve of thousands of dollars being doled out without more information being provided. And there's also the thought that maybe Plum Island will eventually be washed away by nature's course. All it really is is a big sandbar and dune (barrier island?). It's constantly moving and changing shape due to wind and wave. Perhaps its time is done and, like the polar cap, is destined to be no more. Food for thought.
I further believe that certain town officials should maintain an unbiased opinion of this situation or even be excused from discourse. I would think it borders on conflict of interest to champion a cause which is ultimately beneficial to them on a personal level. Would town counsel care to respond in reference to the conflict of interest? I doubt seriously that if the Parker River eroded my backyard, tax dollars would (or should) be used for repairs.
MICHAEL BOWLING
Byfield
To the editor:
Re: Article of Jan. 24, "Newburyport to commit thousands to 'Sand-A-Claus'":
Whoa, hold up there, you selectmen! Just who is Mr. Howard Marlowe and what are his credentials? That's a lot of money to hand someone without even introducing him to the good citizens of Newbury (and, of course, Plum Islanders). I hate to think "pie in the sky," but that's my gut reaction. No guarantee? Bad investment; lots of money. In the spring we'll be back to no police cars, fire protection, school budget, road repair, library closing, etc. and last night (Jan. 25) I see we owe the Police Department $12,000 in overtime due to a slight clerical oversight.
This needs a public informational meeting and a vote by Town Meeting. It's the type of government we decided to use and it should be implemented. Call and let your selectmen know how you feel: 978-465-9241.
Something of this magnitude is also better suited for federal money and expertise. An editorial in Friday, Jan. 25's The Daily News suggests this and I agree totally. Let the big boys go to the well for us; that's why they're up in the Statehouse.
I really don't approve of thousands of dollars being doled out without more information being provided. And there's also the thought that maybe Plum Island will eventually be washed away by nature's course. All it really is is a big sandbar and dune (barrier island?). It's constantly moving and changing shape due to wind and wave. Perhaps its time is done and, like the polar cap, is destined to be no more. Food for thought.
I further believe that certain town officials should maintain an unbiased opinion of this situation or even be excused from discourse. I would think it borders on conflict of interest to champion a cause which is ultimately beneficial to them on a personal level. Would town counsel care to respond in reference to the conflict of interest? I doubt seriously that if the Parker River eroded my backyard, tax dollars would (or should) be used for repairs.
MICHAEL BOWLING
Byfield
