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Lussumo Vanilla
Dr. Griffin has been arrested for DUIhttp://discuss.andoverct.info/comments.php?DiscussionID=132008-05-06T18:06:20-04:002008-05-09T22:23:18-04:00firedrgriffinhttp://discuss.andoverct.info/account.php?u=40
http://tinyurl.com/4jb455 Dr Griffin was arrested Saturday night after being stopped for Drunk Driving by State Police on 384. I for one think Dr Maneggia and the board need to immediately suspend him pending the outcome of this, and if convicted, he needs to be fired. He's never been a standout in my book, as a principal, now he's proven he's not fit to guide my children thru their education. FIRE HIM!!!!!!!
Dr Griffin was arrested Saturday night after being stopped for Drunk Driving by State Police on 384.
I for one think Dr Maneggia and the board need to immediately suspend him pending the outcome of this, and if convicted, he needs to be fired. He's never been a standout in my book, as a principal, now he's proven he's not fit to guide my children thru their education.
FIRE HIM!!!!!!!]]>
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Thank you!
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The 2007-2008 Town Budget MUST pass at Referendum on 10 July 2007 – NO JOKE. I have truly sat back and listened carefully to both sides during the budgeting process and I must say, I am appalled at the irritation of some fellow town residents. Those of you who are fighting the salary increases of the First Selectman and the Town Clerk, knowingly at the wrong time and in the wrong setting, should be ashamed of yourselves – you have, through two previous referendums, held the Town of Andover hostage over something that you feel these two paid officials are responsible for. Let me share this with all of you; YOUR FELLOW TOWNSPEOPLE are the ones that you should be angry with for approving said raises. By taking out your frustrations and blaming these officials for the Majority Vote of the TOWNSPEOPLE, you have already denied the town a responsible operating budget – not once, but twice. Because of a change that CANNOT be made at this time, nor in the manner in which you are demanding, this 4th version of the 2007-2008 Town Budget is once again stripped to the bare bones and nowhere else to go but in the negative should something major and unexpected come up that would require town funding. Keep in mind – I will not be placing blame on our Town Officials, Boards or Commissions for the reduction of Transfer Station days, the Fire Department equipment not being maintained, roads having to be replaced because the town can’t afford the proper maintenance, a Teacher’s removal from the Elementary School or for the lack of assistance to the Seniors in town. I will, instead, remember each and every one of you and will hold you personally responsible for undercutting this year’s operating budget to such a degree that leaves no room for the Town of Andover to take proper care of itself and its residents.
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I would like to start this “Discussion” to “collect” ideas, thoughts and opinions from Andover residents about Economic Development in Andover. Many residents have concerns about the fact that the majority of our Tax Revenues comes from homeowners and would like to see small, clean businesses encouraged and helped to locate here. I believe the current Economic Development Commission is defunct and should be revitalized. I’m sure the BOS would also like to know if any resident would be interested in serving on a newly revised Economic Development Commission. In another “Discussion” Michael Russo wrote: “Many people I talk with are concerned that the tax base is supplied primarily from homeowners, what is the Economic development plan to get some small business into town. Our citizens are driving to Hebron, Manchester and Coventry to get groceries, and other services? “
I believe the current Economic Development Commission is defunct and should be revitalized.
I’m sure the BOS would also like to know if any resident would be interested in serving on a newly revised Economic Development Commission.
In another “Discussion” Michael Russo wrote:
“Many people I talk with are concerned that the tax base is supplied primarily from homeowners, what is the Economic development plan to get some small business into town. Our citizens are driving to Hebron, Manchester and Coventry to get groceries, and other services? “]]>
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Would any one have an email address for Andover Town Hall? Thanks, Patsy
Thanks, Patsy]]>
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I am glad that our budge has passed. I voted “yes” to pass the budget, but due to lack of knowledge on my part, I did not feel confident in my vote. I am guilty of not making the effort to become more knowledgeable about how our budget money is disbursed and therefore, can not comment on what has happened in our town. I, for one, will make an honest effort to become more knowledgeable by attending meetings where the public is welcome and/or reading minutes etc... Our website posts the minutes of meetings which makes it very convenient for *anyone* to read, and for that, I am thankful. One person mentioned in a previous thread that it seemed difficult for the facts of what happened to get out to the public. I agree and hope that we can use our website a little bit more to enhance the communication process. I also saw some signs around town to remind people to vote. Perhaps more signs would be beneficial? I would be willing to create and put a small sign near the street on my property whenever we have a town vote and that’s what I am going to do. Perhaps other residences would volunteer to create a sign as well and keep it available to put out near the street whenever there is a town vote. Getting the information out as to what we are voting on is the tricky part. Perhaps adding our website address to the sign would be helpful in pointing people to the information if we posted it to our site. Vote today! www.AndoverCT.org I’m basically thinking off the top of my head but I think the visuals around town may help to get people more involved and to vote. Kathy
One person mentioned in a previous thread that it seemed difficult for the facts of what happened to get out to the public. I agree and hope that we can use our website a little bit more to enhance the communication process. I also saw some signs around town to remind people to vote. Perhaps more signs would be beneficial? I would be willing to create and put a small sign near the street on my property whenever we have a town vote and that’s what I am going to do. Perhaps other residences would volunteer to create a sign as well and keep it available to put out near the street whenever there is a town vote. Getting the information out as to what we are voting on is the tricky part. Perhaps adding our website address to the sign would be helpful in pointing people to the information if we posted it to our site.
Vote today! www.AndoverCT.org
I’m basically thinking off the top of my head but I think the visuals around town may help to get people more involved and to vote.
Kathy]]>
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Well, the budget failed again. It was closer this time, but not that close. It was still about 7-6 against, much more decisive than, say, any recent presidential contest. Even after several explanations, I'm unclear on what happens now. I know that we revert to last year's budget until we get one passed. But what about outstanding bills? There was talk about not being able to pay teachers. Is there anything to that? I guess I'll find out at Thursday's Board of Ed meeting, but I'm so damn frustrated. The Boards have worked extremely hard to remediate a mess that wasn't of their own making. The Board of Finance turned in an extremely responsible budget, and, when that failed, cut it until it hurts, and still the budget is turned down. I know a number of people posting here were in favor of the budget. Are there people reading who voted against it? I'd really like to understand the reasons, and to know what you think the town should do. Please join in and let us know.
Even after several explanations, I'm unclear on what happens now. I know that we revert to last year's budget until we get one passed. But what about outstanding bills? There was talk about not being able to pay teachers. Is there anything to that? I guess I'll find out at Thursday's Board of Ed meeting, but I'm so damn frustrated. The Boards have worked extremely hard to remediate a mess that wasn't of their own making. The Board of Finance turned in an extremely responsible budget, and, when that failed, cut it until it hurts, and still the budget is turned down.
I know a number of people posting here were in favor of the budget. Are there people reading who voted against it? I'd really like to understand the reasons, and to know what you think the town should do.
Please join in and let us know.]]>
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The Andover Board of Education has been asked to make further cuts in its budget. The Board turned in a very responsible budget. Even the Board of Finance's sharpest critic of the eduction budget said it was very responsible. But when asked, the BOE cut $20,000 from the budget. Now it's being asked to cut another $17,000. The Boards of Finance and Selectmen suggested that there be an across-the-board 1% reduction in order to make what they fear is a last-ditch effort to get a budget passed at referendum. They credited the BOE for the $20,000 already cut, leaving $17,000 more to dig up somewhere. So far, the BOE has not obliged. There are very good reasons for that, but I'd like to hear if the people here agree with them. First please note that the BOE could probably do this. The Board will likely be returning a fairly sizable chunk of money to the town at the end of the fiscal year. Our Superintendent has been amazingly good at finding state and federal grants to fund programs at the school. This has meant that town money earmarked for these programs has not all been spent. The amount to be returned can't be known for sure until the year's books are closed, but it's likely to be far above the $17,000 we've been asked to cut. So the Superintendent could probably pre-purchase some of the supplies or services needed next year out of this year's surplus and simply return less to the town. It could be done. But this has significant consequences, both ethically and practically. The practical implications are really quite simple: we would artificially reduce this year's budget below the real costs of operating the school system. Next year, when those costs are included back in the budget, they will look like a significant increase. We all know that the town pays substantial attention to the percent increase in the budget. If this year we were to fudge the numbers this way to reduce our budget by 1%, next year we would need to add those costs back in. So if next year the school needs an actual 3.5% increase, we would have to present the town with a 4.5% number. We would likely be hampering the ability of future years' Boards to fund the school appropriately. The ethical issues are a little less clear, but they mostly stem from the above: if we were to pay part of next year's budget out of this year's surplus, we would be lying to the town. That surplus really belongs back in the Town's general fund. It can't get there in time to help at all with this year's mess, but it might make next year a little easier. If we were to do this, we would be playing a shell game that benefits neither the students we're dedicated to educating nor the townspeople we're representing. I'm also worried about our asking our Superintendent to do something against his principles. He came out of retirement to help us get our system back in order, and has done an amazing job. He's extremely dedicated, spending much more time on the job than he's paid for and digging all the time for the little things that might help our students, our staff, and our entire system. I'm concerned that he might not feel so motivated to continue in this manner if we ask him to bend the rules this way. There is of course another alternative: cut back on the services offered by the schools. We could increase class size, cut back on reading material, reduce the maintenance on the school property, or in some other way reduce the actual spending next year. I couldn't support that. We have one of the lowest per-pupil costs in the region, in our ecomonic group, and even in the state. And still year after year we turn in some of the lowest percentage increases in our budget. We are not overspending. Andover Elementary School has a great reputation for provided excellent education, and yet we do it for far less money than others around us. We can't in good conscience cut back on services. This has been a long message. If you've made it this far, what do you think? Should the BOE hold it's nose and make the requested cuts in order to improve the chances of getting a budget passed? Or should we follow what we believe is right? Any suggestions?
So far, the BOE has not obliged. There are very good reasons for that, but I'd like to hear if the people here agree with them.
First please note that the BOE could probably do this. The Board will likely be returning a fairly sizable chunk of money to the town at the end of the fiscal year. Our Superintendent has been amazingly good at finding state and federal grants to fund programs at the school. This has meant that town money earmarked for these programs has not all been spent. The amount to be returned can't be known for sure until the year's books are closed, but it's likely to be far above the $17,000 we've been asked to cut. So the Superintendent could probably pre-purchase some of the supplies or services needed next year out of this year's surplus and simply return less to the town. It could be done.
But this has significant consequences, both ethically and practically.
The practical implications are really quite simple: we would artificially reduce this year's budget below the real costs of operating the school system. Next year, when those costs are included back in the budget, they will look like a significant increase. We all know that the town pays substantial attention to the percent increase in the budget. If this year we were to fudge the numbers this way to reduce our budget by 1%, next year we would need to add those costs back in. So if next year the school needs an actual 3.5% increase, we would have to present the town with a 4.5% number. We would likely be hampering the ability of future years' Boards to fund the school appropriately.
The ethical issues are a little less clear, but they mostly stem from the above: if we were to pay part of next year's budget out of this year's surplus, we would be lying to the town. That surplus really belongs back in the Town's general fund. It can't get there in time to help at all with this year's mess, but it might make next year a little easier. If we were to do this, we would be playing a shell game that benefits neither the students we're dedicated to educating nor the townspeople we're representing.
I'm also worried about our asking our Superintendent to do something against his principles. He came out of retirement to help us get our system back in order, and has done an amazing job. He's extremely dedicated, spending much more time on the job than he's paid for and digging all the time for the little things that might help our students, our staff, and our entire system. I'm concerned that he might not feel so motivated to continue in this manner if we ask him to bend the rules this way.
There is of course another alternative: cut back on the services offered by the schools. We could increase class size, cut back on reading material, reduce the maintenance on the school property, or in some other way reduce the actual spending next year. I couldn't support that. We have one of the lowest per-pupil costs in the region, in our ecomonic group, and even in the state. And still year after year we turn in some of the lowest percentage increases in our budget. We are not overspending. Andover Elementary School has a great reputation for provided excellent education, and yet we do it for far less money than others around us. We can't in good conscience cut back on services.
This has been a long message. If you've made it this far, what do you think? Should the BOE hold it's nose and make the requested cuts in order to improve the chances of getting a budget passed? Or should we follow what we believe is right? Any suggestions?]]>
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I would like to start this “Discussion” to “collect” ideas, thoughts, suggestions and opinions from Andover residents for “Suggestion for Cuts from the Budget”. Although Budget-2 was a responsible budget, residents rejected it. With this budget defeat the BOF is now faced with making necessary budget cuts that will be painful and unpopular with residents. In order to help the BOF with the next round of budget cuts please record your suggestion here. Thanks.
Although Budget-2 was a responsible budget, residents rejected it. With this budget defeat the BOF is now faced with making necessary budget cuts that will be painful and unpopular with residents. In order to help the BOF with the next round of budget cuts please record your suggestion here. Thanks.]]>
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Hebron Dollars and Sense has compiled a spreadsheet comparing tax increases across the state. You can view it here as an Excel spreadsheet: http://tinyurl.com/ktwqj It's also available as a somewhat ugly but functional web page here: http://tinyurl.com/f685s It provides an interesting perspective on our local budget mess. The next comment in this thread is the message that was sent with the spreadsheet.
http://tinyurl.com/ktwqj
It's also available as a somewhat ugly but functional web page here:
http://tinyurl.com/f685s
It provides an interesting perspective on our local budget mess.
The next comment in this thread is the message that was sent with the spreadsheet.]]>
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With all the issues that have come forward this past year regarding how our town is governed it is clear that a Charter Review Committee will need to be formed soon to make some “adjustments” to our current Charter. I would like to start this “Discussion” here to “collect” ideas, thoughts and opinions from Andover residents about changes/updates/additions they would like to see made to the Andover Charter. The current Charter is available on the Town Website (www.AndoverCT.org) from the main menu under Town Law. I’m sure the BOS would also like to know if any resident would be interested in serving on such a committee. Now is the time to “collect” ideas, thoughts and opinions while the issue is still very fresh in the minds of all.
The current Charter is available on the Town Website (www.AndoverCT.org) from the main menu under Town Law.
I’m sure the BOS would also like to know if any resident would be interested in serving on such a committee.
Now is the time to “collect” ideas, thoughts and opinions while the issue is still very fresh in the minds of all.]]>
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Thanks Scott for setting up this forum for residents to discuss Town issues. I will tell friends to visit the site and encourage others to do the same. I attend some of the BOS & BOF meetings as well as the Town Meeting Tuesday night (May 30). I feel I kinda understand the issue ... I don’t like it … but have a general understanding of what’s happening. 90 people attended the Town Meeting last night and voted 60 – YES and 30 – No to pass the Budget #2 to Referendum on June 13th. Those who attended the Town Meeting were able to ask questions and get answers from the BOS & BOF members. Therefore making an informed vote. Being a “newspaper junkie” I read everything about Andover in the Rivereast, Courant, JI, Chronicle and Broadcaster. One thing I’m sure o f … the Andover newspaper coverage is confusing, provides selective coverage and often is inaccurate. On June 13th all qualified voters in the Town will be able to vote on the passage of the Budget #2. Where will the 500+ voters get the information to make an informed vote? I’m happy to see the budget details available on the Town Website. This provides everyone with the details of how the money is being spent, where the income is coming from and where the BOF made cuts. As much as no one likes the financial mess our town is entangled in we must move forward and fix It ... the first step is to pass the Budget #2 at the June 13th referendum.
I attend some of the BOS & BOF meetings as well as the Town Meeting Tuesday night (May 30). I feel I kinda understand the issue ... I don’t like it … but have a general understanding of what’s happening.
90 people attended the Town Meeting last night and voted 60 – YES and 30 – No to pass the Budget #2 to Referendum on June 13th. Those who attended the Town Meeting were able to ask questions and get answers from the BOS & BOF members. Therefore making an informed vote.
Being a “newspaper junkie” I read everything about Andover in the Rivereast, Courant, JI, Chronicle and Broadcaster. One thing I’m sure o f … the Andover newspaper coverage is confusing, provides selective coverage and often is inaccurate.
On June 13th all qualified voters in the Town will be able to vote on the passage of the Budget #2. Where will the 500+ voters get the information to make an informed vote?
I’m happy to see the budget details available on the Town Website. This provides everyone with the details of how the money is being spent, where the income is coming from and where the BOF made cuts.
As much as no one likes the financial mess our town is entangled in we must move forward and fix It ... the first step is to pass the Budget #2 at the June 13th referendum.]]>
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I've been talking to a number of people on the various relevant boards and am still confused about what will happen if the budget fails again. I think that we revert all sorts of things to the previous year's levels, including the general budget and the mill rate. We won't have any control over the RHAM budget, as that has already passed, but everything else will have to be reduced drastically, since we have not just next year's expenses but this year's shortfall to make up. It sounds as though this might mean not having money to meet salaries at the end of June. That is rather frightening, but I'm simply not clear on the details. Tuesday's meeting should be very interesting.
I think that we revert all sorts of things to the previous year's levels, including the general budget and the mill rate. We won't have any control over the RHAM budget, as that has already passed, but everything else will have to be reduced drastically, since we have not just next year's expenses but this year's shortfall to make up. It sounds as though this might mean not having money to meet salaries at the end of June. That is rather frightening, but I'm simply not clear on the details.