The annual Kingston Memorial Day parade is back this year bigger and better. The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2023 at the WWII War Memorial (across from Cancun restaurant), proceeding onto Landing Road, Main Street, Green Street and Evergreen Street. The event will end with a ceremony on Town Hall lawn.
All veterans are invited to participate by marching or riding along the parade route in provided transportation. Please contact the Veterans’ Services Department at 781-585-0515.
We encourage the Kingston community to turn out as spectators to honor our veterans and pay respects to the service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
All residents are welcome to enjoy a free community cookout (behind Town Hall) immediately following the ceremony. Bring a picnic blanket or camp chair and enjoy a hamburger or hotdog served from the grill by Kingston town employees and volunteers.
Plympton COA hosts candidate debate
Saturday morning at the Plympton Town House, two candidates for the single three-year term of selectman, incumbent Mark Russo and newcomer Gary Somero, were guests of the Council on Aging Candidates’ Debate. Moderated by Plympton Director of Elder Affairs Colleen Thompson, each candidate was given three questions and had three minutes to answer. About 30 people attended and here are some of the highlights.
Both candidates credited preserving Plympton’s unique charm and character as a top priority. Russo gave his long list of things left to do, describing Plympton as the “hidden gem of the South Shore.” He continued that in the past decade there has been a lot accomplished by the board of selectmen, and there is a lot left to do. “Small changes in the leadership can make huge changes in how functional or dysfunctional the government can be.”
Somero introduced himself as a newcomer, both to Plympton and to politics. He noted that his top priority in serving as a selectman would be to help keep Plympton the way it is. He loves the town and its special qualities. As a single father, he is raising his daughter here and she is a student at the Dennett Elementary School. Schools as well as the elderly need to be taken care of. “I’m new to politics and that’s both good and bad, but I’m willing to learn… “
Russo said his top prioriies are 1.) to maintain Plympton’s unique and distinctive character. 2.) promoting a balanced frugal and sane fiscal policy that provides needed services but controls growth. 3.) continuing to foster effective collaborative, civil and welcoming town government. 4.) to focus on the particular need for high quality education for our children, among others, and building the town government one brick at a time.
Both candidates were asked their thoughts on a new fire station. Russo answered that he had served on various committees to solve the fire station problem. He said that serving on the Police Station committee, it took 10 years until it was built. Back then, he said, he advocated for building both police station and fire station together. “Had we done that now, we would have been done with it, at a lot less expense.” Russo went on to say that there are still a lot of unanswered questions to the projeect of a new fire station, particularly septic and water systems infrastructure. We need to get those figured out, before we can do anything else, he said. There is a lot left to do.
Somero, a firefighter in Plympton, told the audience that the current fire station needs to be replaced. There are federal mandates that the town needs to follow. The station is too small. There are no segregated bedrooms. There is only one bathroom. There is no protection for the employees from the exhaust. “Cancer is killing our first responders,” he said. “We are 99 % more likely to get cancer than a normal person because of all the stuff that we have to deal with.” Build the station now and it will last 40 years, he said.
Colleen Morin was concerned that if we build the fire station using the Capital Stabilization Fund, there won’t be enough money left to maintain the roads. Russo responded that the money is low now, but it will be replenished each year and it is his hope that the fire station funding payments can be drawn from Capital Stabilization without impacting the tax rate.
Nancy Butler asked the candidates their preference In person-to-person meetings vs Zoom meetings. Somero said he was in favor of in-person meetings. Russo asked “How can we best offer access to the most people?” He said he would continue to investigate that, noting that he helped bring Area 58, who was recording the debate for public streaming. Butler continued, stating that as a senior citizen, she has a hard time navigating a Zoom meeting as do a lot of her friends. Russo responded that some training is necessary, and also noted that if Zoom wasn’t possible, the simple thing is to dial in by phone.
Somero said that sometimes he has problems with the Zoom meetings. We need to work on that. It’s a work -in-progress. Technology is always changing and you can get up to speed and two weeks later it gets updated.
Susan Vetterlein asked how each candidate would support protecting our water here in Plympton as almost all of our residents depend on private wells. What would each candidate do to support water protection.
Russo responded that for many of us our home is our most valuable asset and if the water in our wells fails, it affects our homes’ values. Towns in our area have been less careful of their water resources, citing Carver and Middleboro as examples. One of the many things town government may do is advocate for water resource protection and as much open space as possible, and to the degree possible, control growth. He told the assembly that over the last decade Plympton has put almost 500 acres of land into conservation, protected in perpetuity. There are a couple of court cases going that we need to be aware of that could affect our future groundwater, he added.
Somero said he came from a city where they didn’t have to worry about water. Now he has to pay attention to it. “I’m a firm believer that we should be testing our water.” … “ It is the most important resource that we have in town.”
Dominique Sampson asked Somero his opinion on the new proposed water protection by-law for groundwater protection the town would be voting on at town meeting. Somero said that he hadn’t read the bylaw, a lengthy item on the warrant, but that he agreed that water is our number one resource in town.
Russo responded that he is very much in favor of the groundwater protection by-law and fully appreciates the work done by the by-law review committee to construct its wording.
A Montello Rd. resident asked what Plympton can do about the new proposed development on the toxic waste site in North Carver? Russo answered that he hopes to make people aware, to the degree that we can – about things that can affect properties in neighboring towns. He also told the gathering that the selectmen have worked very hard to maintain a warm relationship with our state representative and senator to keep our lines of communication open.
Somero said he wasn’t aware that the project has resurfaced and thought it had been stopped. As a board of selectmen, we need to reach out to these other towns and try to make them aware of what effects their actions have on other towns.
Tim Dempsey asked if the town has done any studies on the water farm in town that sells millions of gallons of water each year, to see what effect this has had on the aquifer and is there any chance of losing or harming the aquifer.
Russo replied that the town hired a hydrogeologist who said that it was unlikely that the amount of water withdrawn was going to have any major effect on the aquifer. He did say that Plympton has spent $110,000 in legal fees and “The court has not been sympathetic to our position.” Russo said that a pretty simple mistake by a selectman 15 years ago left us with this continuing mess 15 years later. “I think it’s one of the reasons that a savvy, experienced selectman is a really important aspect of town government.’
Dot Cushman asked about transportation for the elderly. “While the COA does a good job, they aren’t always available.” Russo responded there have been some conversations with GATRA and this is another thing that needs to be addressed.
Somero said he agrees with Russo that the issue of transportation for the elderly population is very important. “Again, if I’m elected, it will be one of my top priorities,” he said.
Colleen Thompson, Director of Elder Affairs, responded that she has been working with GATRA to provide services but unfortunately, they can’t get drivers and until they do, they can’t add more services.
What about changing the town meeting from Wednesday night to Saturday, Nancy Butler asked, to increase participation.
Somero said he thought it was a very good idea. “The more people you can get to these meetings, the more people who can put their input in, and that’s important.” .
Suzanne Jafferian questioned affordable housing. Somero responded that regarding the MBTA (mandate) “I think we ought to fight it and do it on our own terms and make it what we want.” He noted he is not in favor of big apartment buildings and wouldn’t want to see them in town. He also said he is a single parent and can’t afford to buy a house in town. If I’m elected selectman, I want to get input from everybody. “It affects everyone in this town.”
Russo responded that he is very much against the MBTA legislation. “It’s a real challenge, and unfortunately the attorney general two weeks ago implied that towns that don’t adopt the new zoning required by the legislation might be in legal matters beyond losing grants along the way. Russo continued that the legislation doesn’t take into consideration the uniqueness of smaller towns. He further went on to say that the selectmen have been in touch with Habitat for Humanity and want to come up with a design for cluster housing, with open space around it, and are looking for a suitable piece of land to buy where the town could place homes architecturally designed to complement the small-town feel of Plympton.
He continued that we already have the answer to affordable housing needs and it has nothing to do with the federal government or the state government, or even the town government. It is the Accessory Dwelling Unit by-law that was passed two or three years ago. “It gives each of us the opportunity to devote part of our house to an accessory dwelling, an apartment, or a barn or garage that can be converted to income-producing living space.”
Susan Vetterlein asked the two candidates for selectmen what they think are the most important traits to be an effective selectman.
Somero responded that the ability to listen to what other people are saying is vital, the ability to figure out a plan to defuse a situation, and to work as a team with other committees within the town, all work to bring out a conclusion to something that will work out for all of us.
Russo replied that he has served on a great number of committees throughout the town and quoted former selectman Joe Freitas who said that to be a good selectman “you’ve got to put in the time.” Russo told the audience that he attended selectmen’s meetings for two years before running for election, in addition to serving on the town’s finance committee. “You need to have a clear sense of what’s to be done and prioritize those items that are most important.”
Joe Beck of upper Main St. asked the two candidates what they would do about the speeding problem in town.
Somero agreed, saying that he lives on the corner of Lake St. and County Rd. where cars race through the stop sign. I believe we need to increase traffic enforcement around the town.
Russo agreed with more enforcement, but another thing that citizens can do, rather than government, is that when you’re out driving, use cruise control to set your speed to the speed limit and watch the number of cars piling up behind you. “What if all the people in town did this.”
Jackie Rafferty asked if the town of Plympton keeps the revenue from the tickets? While Russo didn’t know he said he will find out. He said that manpower is likely an issue. Rafferty responded that back in the day, Hubie Angus was chief and he ran the department with one or two part- time officers and they wrote tickets.
Somero responded that he agreed with the manpower needs of the police department, adding that law enforcement has changed since COVID-19. He supported the adding of a resource officer at the Dennett Elementary hoping it will help police gain respect from youngsters.
Candidates were asked why they were the best choice for the job. Russo concluded he is the best candidate, with a clear sense of priorities, protecting Plympton’s unique nature, balancing Plympton’s frugal fiscal policies, effective collaborative civil welcoming town government, concern particularly for children, education, affordability for senior citizens, clear sense of priorities, the experience to constructively make those things happen. A proven track record over time, a long list of accomplishments. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to support this town. I greatly appreciate the sense of purposefulness that comes out of stewardship for this beautiful town.”
Somero concluded, “I am new to politics. It’s time for a change, time to get some new blood. I have the utmost respect for the board of selectmen that we have now and I was under the impression that my opponent wasn’t going to run again.. I said I would do it. I’ve been in public safety for 40 years. I hope to be your next selectman.”
Election day is Saturday, May 20. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make your voices heard!
Rep. Lanatra brings $335K to district
Budget Highlights include permanent funding for universal school meals, free community college for qualifying residents, investments in child care funded by the authorization of online purchasing options for the state lottery, and funding to ensure statewide access to abortion medication
BOSTON – Last week, State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston) and her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its fiscal year 2024 (FY’24) budget. This budget responds to the needs of residents and makes targeted investments that provide support for families across the Commonwealth. Funded at $56.2 billion, the House’s FY24 budget provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes significant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development.
“Budgets reflect organization’s values and priorities and this budget prioritizes and values a strong workforce, families ability to access health care and educational opportunities, a public transit system that our residents can rely on, and the need for a more stable and affordable housing market,” said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Among these accomplishments, I was proud to be able to secure $335,000 for the 12th Plymouth district to honor our veterans, increase public safety, support small businesses, and invest in our youth enrichment. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz and all of my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for another successful budget debate.”
Representative LaNatra secured a total of $335,000 through the adoption of the following sponsored amendments:
$150,000 for Harbor Health Services Inc. to expand their dental services in Plymouth and Cape Cod
$100,000 for the construction of a new Veteran’s Memorial in Kingston
$25,000 for the purchase of new furniture in the Plympton Public library children’s room
$25,000 for the Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District to support small businesses
$20,000 for the Kingston Rec. Department to purchase lunches for summer campers
$15,000 for electronic upgrades on the Plymouth Police boat
Other notable items in the budget include investments into education and transportation stemming from an anticipated $1 billion in Fair Share revenue that includes funding universal school meals, MBTA workforce development, and other capital investments.
The budget invests in protecting renters through the RAFT program as well as the rental voucher program. The budget makes other strong targeted investments in workforce development, higher education, mental healthcare and environmental protection and clean energy.
The budget passed the House of Representatives 156-0 and will now go to the Senate for consideration.
Representative LaNatra’s district includes all residents of Kingston, Plympton, Plymouth (Precincts 1,2,3,5 and 13) Middleboro (Precincts 1 & 5A), Halifax (Precincts 1 & 2A) and Pembroke (Precinct 3).. To reach her, email Kathleen.LaNatra@mahouse.gov or her Chief of Staff, Chris Jean, at Christopher.Jean@MAhouse.gov. The phone number for the office is 617-722-2575.
For updates and announcements, please visit Representative LaNatra’s Facebook page, or her website, https://www.kathylanatra.com.
BOS, BOH, meet to mull well concerns
Plympton selectmen met Monday night with the Board of Health and chairman of the buildings and properties committee, Jon Wilhelmsen, trying to discern whose responsibility it is to work with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection in siting a new well or wells, making up a public water supply to serve the town buildings complex as it develops.
Board of Health administrative assistant Cathy Ferguson told selectmen that Plympton has been in non-compliance with its water supply at the Town Hall, Library, and Fire Station, and has been working with the DEP to resolve these issues.
“This has to be done in a very specific way,” Ferguson said, “to comply with their directives.” Ferguson told selectmen that she hadn’t heard from DEP in several weeks regarding information she had provided them with and later found that the DEP had mistakenly thought that the Town Properties Committee and the Board of Health were presenting the same project. The Board of Health wanted to be sure that the siting of the well for the Town buildings complex be done properly, step by step, to ensure that not only present needs, but also future needs for these buildings are accommodated.
Town Properties Chairman Jon Wilhelmsen argued that their study should come first and the siting of the well for these buildings should come under Town Properties Committee’s umbrella of responsibility, as they are working under the authority of the Board of Selectmen.
Cronin said that Town Properties Committee has had plans drawn and work done that the Board of Health has not been made aware of. He said that in order to get the project done properly, they need to know what’s been done already.
Vice-chairman of the Board of Health Harry Weikel told The Express that he had requested any plans for the complex and were told that there were none. He said it wasn’t until he got a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) request, that the plans were given to the Board of Health – the day of the meeting with selectmen.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Christine Joy suggested that the two boards get together and meet with representatives from the DEP to untangle the misunderstandings.
The Board of Health and the Town Properties Committee agreed that they would schedule a meeting as soon as can be arranged with DEP representatives.
Wilhelmsen responded to a request for comment from the Express that he was not aware of the Board of Health or any individual asking for any information via a FOIA request, nor any FOIA request asking for the campus survey. He did say that in early March the Town Properties Committee was asked, via Liz Dennehy, Town Administrator, for any conclusions regarding the septic and/or well by Grady Engineering. Wilhelmsen replied to the Board of Health and the Town Administrator that Grady was simply hired to do a survey of existing conditions, and no conclusions were made. He emphasized that his committee has never refused to provide public documents to another commmittee/board or told a committee/board that they need to request via FOIA.
He furthered, “TPC was unaware until late last week that BOH was planning to undertake tasks that we already had in progress.” … “My hope is that we can make some progress at that meeting and move the project forward for the benefit of the folks who work up at the town complex and the town as a whole.”
In other business, selectmen signed a contract with Sarian Company, Inc., of Sandwich, a woman-owned business with more than 20 years experience in the field, to help determine what is needed in a small public water supply, which the town buildings complex would require.
BOH Admin. Cathy Ferguson pointed out that there are a number of wells serving town buildings: the library, fire station, highway dept., that are undocumented and the Board of Health has no information regarding them. These wells, once the public water supply is online, will be repurposed for landscape watering.
Selectmen heard from Wilhelmsen in his role as a Chairman of the Plympton School Committe, that the regional agreement with Silver Lake needs some amendments. Some of the services with Silver Lake are administered at the town level, such as K-6 education. Other services, such as Pre-K, and food services, are shared services administered by the Silver Lake Regional District but are not included in the regional agreement.
Wilhelmsen said that the agreement hasn’t been adjusted in 35 years and it is time to take that under consideration.
Selectmen signed a contract with K&G Remodeling for $134,250 to replace the roof, fascia, and gutters on the Old Town House/Plympton Historical Society building. K&G was the low bidder on the project, coming in at considerably less that was requested in the warrant article. Chairman Joy said they would adjust the figure on town meeting floor.
Selectmen also affirmed their vote not to exercise their right of first refusal for Upland Road Solar, 61 Upland Rd. Pending town meeting approval of their PILOT agreement. They also voted to execute a legal fee agreement with Ring Road Solar.
Selectmen voted to appoint Timothy Ferraro to the Conservation Commission, with his term running from May 8, 2023 through June 30, 2025, and Christine Kelly as interim administrative assistant from May 9, 2023 until dissolved. Geraldine Cellini was also appointed election worker from May 8, 223 until dissolved.
Christine Joy announced that the town clerk is still looking for election workers to count ballots for the annual town election. Contact the clerk’s office to sign up. This is a paid position.
Closing the meeting, selectmen noted their “RAVES” for the week. John Traynor told the assembly, driving around town he noticed ‘The hummingbirds are back!” Selectman Mark Russo noted that it’s spring, the dogwoods are all blooming and what that means is – it’s time for Town Meeting! It’s such a pure form of democracy… the opportunity to influence the direction of the town, short-term and long-term. His rave was for the huge amount of work put into the Annual Town Meeting Warrant so things can go smoothly at Town Meeting. Christine Joy noted that town meeting is so important to the functioning of the town.
Halifax votes on Saturday
Saturday, Halifax voters will mark their choice for the annual town election on ballots at the Halifax Elementary School, Rte. 106, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
This year there is only one contest on the ballot. Alan J. Dias and David J. Hatch are both seeking the three-year term on Board of Health. There may be other write-in campaigns according to the abundance of political signs around town.
Asking for your vote are the following, in alphabetical order:
For the Board of Assessors, Holly J. Merry is the only candidate on the ballot seeking the three-year term.
Karyn Beth Townsend, candidate for re-election, and Kathleen L. Berry, are both seeking election to the two three-year terms on the Halifax Elementary School Committee.
Lori A Costa-Cline is seeking election to a one-hear term to fill a vacancy expiring May 18 on the Halifax Elementary School Committee.
Alan J. Dias and David J. Hatch are both seeking the single three-year term on the Board of Health.
R. Steven Hayward is seeking re-election to the three year term of Highway Surveyor.
Christine M. Thompkins is seeking re-election to the three-year term to the Halifax Housing Authority.
Kathleen Shiavone is a candidate for re-election to one of the two three-year terms to the Board of Library Trustees. The other post has no candidate.
Michael J. Schleiff is a candidate for re-election to the position of Halifax Park Commissioner for three years.
Thomas Millias is seeking election to the five-year term for the Planning Board.
Jonathan H. Selig is a candidate for re-election to the three-year term on the Board of Selectmen.
Jennifer Ann Carroll is a candidate for election to the three-year term on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee.
Richard A. Clark will run for re-election to the three-year term on the Board of Water Commissioners.
Bouzan is Holy Cross Valedictorian
Plympton native and biology major will deliver the valedictory address at Commencement.
WORCESTER – Emily Bouzan a member of the Holy Cross class of ’23, has been selected to deliver the Class of 2023 valedictory address at the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 26.
Bouzan, who is from Plympton, is a biology major and a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Nu Honors Society, and is a 2022-2023 Dana Scholar.
While at Holy Cross, Bouzan has served as a member of both the College Choir and Chamber Singers ensembles, as well as co-chair of the Alternate College Theatre (ACT), where she facilitated mainstage productions and recreational theatre events.
For the past two years, she has been conducting biochemistry research in the lab of Christine Hagan, assistant professor of chemistry, with the work being submitted for publication in the book series “Methods in Molecular Biology.” Additionally, as part of her self-designed college honors thesis project titled “Examining the Intersections Between Weight Stigma and Food Insecurity,” Bouzan has been volunteering at a local food pantry, as well as observing a virtual disordered eating support group.
Since joining the Worcester community, Bouzan has been volunteering at several nursing homes and hospice facilities in the city, including St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, in addition to the Pernet Family Health After-School Club, all in partnership with the College’s Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), for which she serves as an intern managing the senior and healthcare sites. She also sees patients nearing the end of their lives at various nursing homes in Worcester through Trinity Hospice.
Her time spent with seniors has led to an interest in the field of medicine, and specifically in geriatric medicine, a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of older adults.
Currently, Bouzan works as a patient care technician at a local urgent care facility. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a year-long Clinical Research Coordinator position at Mass General Hospital Cancer Center in the neurology department, as well as apply to medical school in June.
Bouzan was selected as valedictorian from a group of academically outstanding members of the senior class, each of whom submitted speeches for consideration. The Valedictorian Selection Committee — composed of students from the senior class, faculty members and administrators — reviewed the submissions, and the final selection was made by Interim Provost Ann Marie Leshkowich.
The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
Verizon FIOS is on its way to Plympton
Verizon trucks have been all over Plympton these past two weeks, bringing fiber optic cable to the town.
A FIOS cable installer told The Express that he expects the town will be fully wired for FIOS within the week. “Then, it’s just a matter of testing the cables to make sure it all works together before FIOS can be brought into residents’ homes.Many in Plympton have been waiting patiently for this advent, citing inconsistent cable and sattelite dish service as the main concerns, in addition to high prices.
BOS consider MBTA mandate mandate
At Monday night’s meeting, Plympton selectmen questioned whether there are any options for small towns without municipal water or sewerage who are attempting to comply with the new state MBTA housing mandate?
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy told the board that OCPC – Old Colony Planning Council – is helping to design the area that Plympton must designate as multiple unit housing. The first phase of the plan is due June 30 and the person helping to devise the plan for Plympton is leaving OCPC employment May 31, so Plympton is under pressure to get the plan ready to submit by the end of May. Selectmen were all loath to put something together in a rush, fearing that it can’t be changed should situations change. The biggest concern was putting an overlay and map designating the area according to the rules, when Plympton doesn’t have enough town-owned land to designate and selectmen don’t feel they have the authority to designate privately owned land to be zoned as multiple housing unit property.
Selectman Mark Russo was outspoken saying that he didn’t think the state should lower the ax as Attorney General Andrea Campbell did ten days ago, declaring that this must be done and if towns didn’t do it, they would not only forfeit grant monies, there would be other penalties as well. Russo said he thought there should be alternatives that would account for differences in towns and their individual needs. He said he thought the “accessory houses” by-law came a long way to solving Plympton’s multiple units requirement.
Russo said that he didn’t have faith in the MBTA mandate citing Plymouth as an example. Plymouth built hundreds of apartments and condominiums on the Cordage site, and the MBTA closed the station! Should Plympton have to try to find land on which to build multiple unit housing when we can’t build within walking distance of the rail station in either Halifax of Kingston? The concept of being able to use public transportation within walking distance of your home is a good one, but does it work for Plympton?
Dennehy said she would get a small committee together to work on completing the necessary work to meet the state’s deadline.
The majority of the meeting prepared the articles for the Annual Town Meeting to deal with next year’s expenditures and the Special Town Meeting that deals with the current fiscal year’s budget.
Members of the Finance Committee met jointly with selectmen and discussed each of the articles on the warrant for both the Annual Town Meeting and the Special Town Meeting. Selectmen and Finance Committee agreed on almost all the articles they would support and the process went smoothly.
The wage increase proposed by the Wage and Personnel Board was 5% across the board for town employees not covered by union contracts. Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte spoke in favor of a 16% increase for his Administrative Assistant who puts in a lot of extra hours that she doesn’t get paid for, he told selectmen, that she did above and beyond what is needed for her job. Selectmen and finance committee members agreed they wanted to keep a consistant number for everyone and they will take it up at Town Meeting if needed.
Police Chief Matt Ahl spoke to Article 7, to see if the town will vote $71,000 to cover the first-year salary and all associated benefits for a full-time police officer to be stationed at the Dennett Elementary School. Chief Ahl told the board he was excited about the possibility of having a suitably trained officer serving in the school, having children get to know the police officer as a friendly face, and a part of their school community. “What we do really well,” Ahl told selectmen, “ is community engagement.”
The chief told the board that he hopes to have as many as three officers trained for the position so when the school resource officer is out for any reason, or leaves the position, another officer is ready to take their place. When school isn’t in session, there are other ways we can utilize this officer, outside of Dennett Elementary.”
Selectmen and FinCom members agreed to support the position, and while excited for the opportunities it brings, were saddened by the fact that it is needed for optimum security in these unsettliing times.
Town Meeting is Wednesday, May 17, followed by the annual Town Election on Saturday, May 20.
For the close of the meeting selectmen gave their Raves for the positive things that have happened. Chairman Joy said she gives her rave to Liz and the Finance Committee whose work over the past several months made this meeting so seamless.
Russo said he would echo that and in addition his rave was a single word SPRING!
John Traynor said his rave was for the volunteers who turned out on Saturday to help in the Earth Day weekend annual cleanup. “Every road, except Routes 58 and 106, was signed up for.” Joy agreed, “It does look good.”
Holmes celebrates Library Week
Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library in Halifax celebrated National Library week last Friday, and also honored the last day of their popular Children’s Resource Librarian, Holly Ianucci Slawson, who has accepted the position of Children’s Librarian at the Kingston Public Library, in her home town.
The Friends of the Holmes treated library staff to cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies, in addition to giving each a lovely pink Kalanchoe plant, a breath of spring.
Below, Miss Holly was presented a favorite book, “Loud Mouse”, that will feature a bookplate noting that the book was given to the Library in her honor. Friends member Bob Hodge presented the book, that was signed by the two authors, sisters Cara and Idina Menzel from Frozen and Broadway fame, and the illustrator, Jaclyn Sinquett. Hodge was also Miss Holly’s high school assistant principal at Silver Lake Regional High.
At left, Miss Holly accepts a parting gift from the staff of the Holmes Public Library.
Kingston election has one contest
The position of Town Treasurer was the only contest on the ballot in Kingston’s Annual Town Election Saturday, April 22. Kenneth B. Moalli won with 360 votes to Jessica M. Kramer’s 258 votes. Only 631 people cast their ballots.
The results are as follows: Sean P. O’Brien, re-elected as Moderator for three years. Donald J. Alcombright, a candidate for re-election and Eric Crone were elected selectmen for three years. Stephen J. Dunn is Assessor for three years. Paul M. Gallagher was elected Town Clerk for another three years.
David W. Gavigan, Jr. will serve on the Planning Board for five years; Mark R. Guidoboni will serve a one-year term on the Silver Lake Regional School Committee. Jeanne M. Coleman was elected to a three-year term. Coleman was also re-elected to the Kingston Elementary School Committee, as was Tricia A. Arleta. Robert R. Koska will again serve as Water Commissioner for three years.
There were no candidates for the Housing Authority, but 24 people wrote someone in.
Dennis N. Randall and Heidi M. Whipple were both re-elected to three-year terms on the Board of Health. No candidates ran for the two Library Trustee positions, but there were 127 write-ins. Recreation Commission saw Ellen M. Moynihan elected to the one-year seat and Patrick F. Roney was brought back for another three-year term that he will serve with Suzanne B. Haggerty. William Watson was re-elected Sewer Commissioner for three years.
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