in-town report election 2012 edition: part one 3-31-12

8/2/2019 In-Town Report ELECTION 2012 EDITION: PART ONE 3-31-12

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There’s no trick to being a humoristwhen you have the wholegovernment working for you.

- Will Rogers

MARCH 31st 2012

PART

ONE



Welcome to PART ONE of the In-Town Report ̓ s 2012 Election Edition

I want to announce that the next issue on Sunday will be the FINAL issue

of the ITR



This month ̓ s ITR is

brought to you byThe

FirstAmendment



OPINION PIECE :Submitted by Maria Karafelis

What has happened to the Chelmsford that I know and love? My family moved herein 1962, just about the time that all the new building was going on and a hugeamount of growth for the town. I remember the Center of town, quaint shops,

historical churches, the original Town Hall along with the Town Common in themiddle of it all, and let's not forget all the undeveloped land you could ever wishfor.

Well, that's all changed. We have grown up, and we are bigger and better than everbefore. Yes, BETTER, this is my hometown and no matter whatever happens I willalways support and defend her.

I do have to admit that my heart is breaking. The town that I love is becoming a war

zone, for all kinds of personal and professional accusations/attacks,misinformation, lawsuits and grandstanding by some at the expense of others.People are afraid to express their concern; their opinions or their interest in thistown out of fear! You are damned if you do and damned if you don't, you can't win.No matter what you do there is and will be someone who doesn't like what you sayor what you have done, and there you go another public conflict!

We as a town made the commitment to "Let the Children Guard What the Sires havewon"? At this point there will not be a Chelmsford to guard because we will beconsumed in self destruction!

I would like to make a suggestion, and you can disagree with me if you want….. Canwe all just take a step back, take a deep breath and look at Chelmsford from theoutside looking in? We are beating ourselves up here on a daily basis, it's gettingold, very old and I really wish that we could get back to issues at hand, making andkeeping Chelmsford a great place to live! Do it for yourself, do it for your kids, heckdo it for your grandkids, I really don't carebut just do it!

Come this Tuesday April 3rd, you havemany decisions to make. Please do yourhomework, review all of the candidates andthe Town Meeting Representatives that willbe on the ballot. Make that educateddecision based on facts, just when you didwhen you decided to buy your house in thiswonderful town of Chelmsford.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice myopinion, it is just my opinion and you cando with it what you wish.

Thank you,Maria KarafelisPrecinct 2Town Meeting Rep.



Chelmsford's day on the Hill GateHouse News Service

Posted Mar 30, 2012 @ 05:12 PMhttp://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/features/x586037654/Chelmsfords-day-on-the-Hill#axzz1qeCIvyw5

On March 27, 2012 members of the Chelmsford School Committee, Superintendent, Board

of Selectmen, and Finance Committee visited the State House and participated in a day-long

school leader lobbying effort.

Attendees from the School Committee were Janet Askenburg, Chairwoman; Nick DeSilvio,

Vice Chairman; Al Thomas, Secretary; Mike Rigney; Evelyn Thoren; and Angie Taranto,

Special Legislative Liaison. Dr. Frank Tiano, Superintendent; George Dixon, Chairman ofthe Board of Selectmen; and Mary Frantz, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, were part

of the delegation.

The 27th annual Day on the Hill sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of School

Committees (MASC) focused on the current state of the economy, its impact on public

elementary and secondary education in districts across the commonwealth and the FY13

budget negotiations that are now being debated on Beacon Hill. Participants also had the

opportunity to reinforce school committeesʼ legislative priorities including: adequate and

equitable Chapter 70 funding; local and regional transportation funding; charter schoolfinance reform; and full funding of the special education circuit breaker.

Following the morning program, the Chelmsford delegation met with Representative Jim

Arciero, Representative Tom Golden, and members of Representatives Nangle and Atkinsʼ

offices to discuss inadequate Chapter 70 funding, unfunded mandates, and ideas for funding

of technology needs for the schools. This meeting was the culmination of a year of frequent

meetings and discussions among the Chelmsford School Committee members, Chelmsford

Town officials, and the Representatives to address the needs of the Chelmsford School

District.

“This was a productive day for the Chelmsford delegation,” said Janet Askenburg,

Chairwoman of the Chelmsford School Committee. “Although we have been told that the

state is predicting level funding over the next several years, ideas were provided to

our representatives to help minimize the financial effect of unfunded mandates and

provide much needed funding for technology. This was a strong showing of support

for the Town of Chelmsford and we will continue our fight for our fair share of

funding.”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford





Politics is the art of

looking for trouble,

finding it everywhere,

diagnosing it incorrectly and

applying the wrong remedies.

- Groucho Marx

ELECTION SECTIONThe Annual ITR Selectmen Candidate

Q & A session - Round Three ITR: : WHY SHOULD I AS A RESIDENT OF CHELMSFORD VOTE TO GIVE YOU 3

YEARS AS MY SELECTMAN?

Jim Murray: Threeyearsgoesbypre-yquick.IdoubtIwillrunasecondterm,asIdonotbelievepoli=cs

andpublicserviceshouldbeacareer.Alliancesmaybeformedwheretheoriginalintentmaybecompromised.

Thatwouldn’thappentome,asIhavealwaysbeenasoloflyer.Ihavebeen

askedwhythevotersofChelmsfordwouldtrustmeifIwereelected.Iam

runningmyowncampaignwithnodona=onsfromoutsidesources.Iamnot

reallyapoli=cian,justaworkingclassguybringingafreshperspec=vetothe

job.Leadershipisanaturalposi=onforme,asIhavebeenselfemployed

mostofmylife.Thatbeingsaid,Iamalsoateamplayer.

Atrueleaderleadsbyexampleandearnstherespectandtrustofthepeople

byfollowinghisconvic=ons,maintaininghisintegrityandneverusinghis

posi=onofpowerforpersonalgain.AsadulyelecteddelegatetotheILA

conven=on,Iwastrustedbymyunionbrothersandsisterstoserveon

commi-eesmakingdecisionsaffec=ngourfuture,andtovoteforthemost

qualifiedcandidatesforourvicepresiden=alposi=ons.Takemywordonthis,

it’satoughcrowd.

Theprimaryroleofaselectmanistoworktoensurethesmoothopera=on

oftownbusiness,makecri=caldecisionsaffec=ngthequalityoflifeinour

community,listentotheconcernsofthevotersandimplementplanstoaddressthoseconcerns.Therightperson

willworkwithalldepartmentsinthetowntoaddressallper=nentissues,dotheresearch,a-endmee=ngsand

findsolu=onsallpar=esmayhopefullyfindreasonable.TheSelectmenshouldworkcloselywiththetownmanager

toexploreallopportuni=esavailabletofinetunefinalresults.

Mytoppriorityifelectedwillbetofindaplanwecanalllivewithtobuildanewfiresta=on.Iams=llconcerned

aboutfundingandcosts,butwithduediligencewewillgetthejobdone.Iwouldprefertorenovatethecenter

sta=on,butitisclearasixtyyearolddesignwillnotbringusanothersixtyyearsofservice.Thefootprintofthelot

isanotherproblemandwhetherornotthetownmayhaveacquiredthelandbehinditisamootpoint.Wehaveto

moveon.Leavingourequipmentoutsideisnolongeranop=on.Youneedeighteenfoottallbaysandaslabongradeconstruc=on.

Thereareotherareaswecannotignore,suchasprovidingforourfineschoolsystem,preservingopenspace,

comple=ngourDPWbuilding,maintainingourequipmentandpreservingthecharacterofthegreattownof

Chelmsford.IhavebeenworkingwiththeopenspacestewardsandIfindthistobepersonallysa=sfying.Iam

cer=fiedwiththeAmericanTreefarmSystemandmyexperienceinengineeringwillcomeinhandy.

Iwouldalsolikethevoterstoconsidermeasawrite-incandidatefor:

TownMee/ngRepresenta/veforPrecinctNine.

ThankYoucopyright2012JimMurray

“Skipper”

JimMurray



ITR: : WHY SHOULD I AS A

RESIDENT OF CHELMSFORD VOTETO GIVE YOU 3 YEARS AS MYSELECTMAN?

George Dixon: I have been serving the citizens of Chelmsford for manyyears in many different capacities. I have been on theSewer Commission, I have been a Town MeetingRepresentative and I have been a member of numerous Boards of Directors such as at Camp Paul, toname just a few. I grew up in Chelmsford. I graduatedfrom Chelmsford High School and much of who I am asa man and as a person I owe to my experiences inChelmsford.

I believe in giving back to the community. I have worked very hard as a Selectman for the pastthree years. I listen to citizen's concerns and I care for the people in our town. I have workedtirelessly for the residents of Williamsburg Condominiums to resolve their flooding problem, and Ilocated a federal grant that may resolve their problems for a fraction of the anticipated cost for those residents. When I heard someone provide figures for construction of fire stations in

Arlington that did not seem right to me, I went down to theArlington Fire Chief and got the rightfigures. Another candidate for Selectman relied on faulty information and did not take the time toget the facts. The actual figures were much different than what we were told at one of our Selectman meetings.

I am running because I love our town. I am running because I want to make Chelmsford the bestcommunity it can be. You will never hear me say that I am too busy to speak with people. That ismy job as Selectman. I do not have a personal agenda that I want to advance at the expense of the taxpayers and citizens. During my service as Selectman we have done many things to makeChelmsford a better town. We are creating a Community Center at North Town Hall and we arecreating a Cultural Center at Old Town Hall. We are building a new DPW facility that, if it were a

new construction, would cost the taxpayers $31,000,000. Because we spent $2.75 million on abuilding that will meet our needs, this facility,will cost about a third of that amount. As the result of my and the other Selectmen's decisions and oversight, we have fully funded our StabilizationFund which was $1.7 million in 2007 and is now $7.9 million. This resulted,in an upgrade of our bond rating last year and we anticipate that our bond rating will improve to our highest ratingever this year. We became one of the first Green Communities in the state which has resulted inover $1.1 million dollars in grant money. This alone has saved the Chelmsford taxpayersconsiderable money on such projects as a new roof on the Byam School and brand new, energyefficient windows at the High School with half the cost being borne by the state.During my service, Chelmsford was recognized as 28th Best Town in the United Statesaccording to Money Magazine. I think we can do even better than 28th. We have also receivedrecognition by Common Cause for three years for transparency in government. In spite of all of these accomplishments, there is more work to be done. We need to solve the decades old issueof a Center Fire Headquarters, we need to finalize what to do with Oak Hill, and we need toexplore ways that we can raise revenue without raising taxes and even lowering them. I enjoyserving as your Selectman, and humbly ask for one of your two votes on Tuesday, April 3rd.Thank you.George Dixon

George Dixon



ITR: : WHY SHOULD I AS A RESIDENT

OF CHELMSFORD VOTE TO GIVE YOU 3 YEARS AS MY SELECTMAN?

Pat Wojtas:You can depend on me to be accessible to all the residents of Chelmsford; you can be sure your voicewill be heard; and you can be sure that the decisions I make will be in the best long-term interests of

the Town.

During my tenure as a Selectman, I have made it my job to be knowledgeable and involved with how

the Town works. I have assisted many residents with individual concerns, helping them find theanswers they need, or getting them in touch with the department that will resolve their issue.

I have worked closely with our legislative delegation to bring funds to Chelmsford for transportation

improvements, including the reconstruction of the Parkhurst Road/Smith Street intersection, and a

study for the Drum Hill to Rourke Bridge corridor.

I use every opportunity to network with officials from other communities to hear of initiatives they

have implemented to improve their towns, and share success stories.

Chelmsford has a unique character. Although, population-wise, we are a relatively large town, we still

maintain a small-town feel. This is best represented by the community spirit that is demonstrated at

events such as the Fourth of July Parade and Winterfest. Having grown up in Chelmsford, I am able touse my knowledge of its history to commit to a future that is dynamic, yet respectful of our past.

I believe I have proven my effectiveness as a member of the Board of Selectmen, and promise to

continue to serve the residents of Chelmsford with the same determination and dedication for the next

three years. I respectfully ask for one of your two votes for Selectman on Election Day, April 3.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 4th candidate declined to participate in the ITR ̓ s Selectmen Candidate Q&A.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAT WOJTAS

Politics has become soexpensive that it takes alot of money even to bedefeated.

- Will Rogers



Chelmsford's third chance

Town officials hope residents ready for 'much-needed' new fire station

By Jennifer Myers, [email protected]: 03/29/2012 10:22:26 AM EDT

http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_20281179/town-officials-hope-residents-ready-much-needed-new

LOWELL- Chelmsford officials are hopeful a third time will be the charm that brings a new Center Fire Station.Voters have twice rejected previous proposals, including one last spring to build a $9.1 million station at the

corner of Wilson and Chelmsford streets, financed by a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion.

"It's a Chelmsford custom, a tradition to reject projects multiple times before approving them," Town Manager

Paul Cohen said in a meeting yesterday with Sun editors and reporters. "We are in this legacy of how

Chelmsford approves capital projects. That's sort of the Chelmsford way."

He added that the latest proposal, to build a $7.8 million, 19,422-squarefoot Center Fire Station adjacent to

Town Offices on Billerica Road within the town's levy limit, and thus not increase tax bills, may appeal more to

fiscally conservative residents.Under the latest proposal, a 16,000 square-foot, five-bay building would be connected to Town Offices by a

small connector, and a 3,500square-foot portion on the lower level of Town Offices would be renovated to

house Fire Department administrative offices.

Tuesday's Town Election ballot includes a nonbinding referendum asking voters if they approve of the funding

mechanism.

Cohen said if the vote loses at the polls, the project will not move forward for an April 30 Town Meeting vote.

And even if it's approved by voters Tuesday, the project still requires a two-thirds vote to pass at Town Meeting.

Cohen said the town is in a position to fund the project without requesting a tax hike due to a series of financial

decisions made during the last few years, including:

• Cutting the workforce by 10 percent, or nearly 100 people, during the darkest days of the recession.

• Holding the line on contracts by not awarding salary increases.

• Closing the South Fire Station for two years.

• Aggressively pursuing healthinsurance reform, which is projected to save the town $800,000 in the

coming fiscal year.

Additionally, Cohen has increased the town's stabilization fund from $1.3 million to nearly $8 million and did not

use federal stimulus money to fund recurring operating expenses. Despite the tough financial times, the towncontinued to invest $2.5 million annually in capital improvements to maintain town infrastructure.

"We have been running an efficient operation," Cohen said. " And as bad as things were, we made

strategic investments."

On Monday night, Finance Director John Sousa said the town will be able to secure 20-year bonds at a 3

percent interest rate. That translates to a $624,000 payment in fiscal 2013 that will then decline each year until

the debt is retired in 2032. Construction costs and interest rates are expected to rise as the economy improves.

Cohen said if the fire station is approved, the town's non-excluded debt (that which is not incurred through

Proposition 2 1/2 override votes) will cost the town $5.2 million in the next fiscal year, compared to $4.3 millionthis year. Projections include an annual investment of $2.5 million in the town's capitalimprovement program.

The debt service will remain between $5.2 million and $5.4 million from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2019,

the debt load declines by more than $622,000, as the bonds for the Adams Library and Center School projects

are paid off; bonds for the police station will be retired in 2022.

The town's excluded debt service, including such projects as townwide sewerage, reached a peak of $8.2

million in fiscal 2008. The fiscal 2012 figure is $6.28 million, which includes the Department of Public Works'

Alpha Road facility. In the next fiscal year, that figure declines by more than $565,000 as some sewer bonds

are retired.

mailto:[email protected]








Pat Maloney, co-chairman of the Permanent Building Committee, said the proposal at Chelmsford and Wilson

streets failed twice for two reasons: cost and location. Building on that lot would have displaced softball and

Little League fields.

"This has been the most economical plan," Maloney said, adding that the need for a new station first

surfaced in the late 1980s and the building committee has been extensively studying it for five years.

Alternatives studied include: repairing the apparatus floor of the current station and building a new station at

Wilson and Chelmsford streets in the future; renovating the current station to meet short-term needs,

purchasing land behind the station and expanding it in the future; and building a new station at the Wilson andChelmsford street site. Those possibilities are projected to cost between $11.8 million and $15.7 million.

Maloney said a 2009 engineering study showed that rehabilitating the current station was not cost-effective

and could not meet the needs of the department.

"It is truly not feasible," he said.

"There would be major unknown structural work, and it would have to meet all of today's building codes." The

Center Fire Station on North Road was built in 1952, when the town - then with 9,400 residents - was served

by an on-call, volunteer department. At that time, fire engines weighed about 10,000 pounds.

Today, the station houses 58 fulltime firefighters serving a town of 33,000 people. Fully equipped fire engines

weigh about 65,000 pounds.

The building is structurally unsound, the technology and wiring is outdated and inadequate, the cellar floods,

and the apparatus floor is held up by supports and netting that catch the concrete as it crumbles, Fire Chief

Mike Curran said. Sleeping, training and kitchen facilities are inadequate; the fire engines do not fit in the

building; and there is no space for equipment that should be housed at the Center Station to be utilized by the

outlying stations.

Curran explained that the extractor, a large washing machine to clean the turnout gear and the compressor

that fills their air tanks, cannot be housed at the Center Station because of the wet cellar and the fact that theold building does not have a proper electrical system for the equipment.

"People realize this is something that has to be done," Curran said of the project, adding that many

residents have visited the station to witness the conditions first-hand. "I think we stand a chance this time."

He added that in the past month, he has heard more favorable discussion regarding the proposal among

firefighters than there had been, as some misinformation that had been circulating regarding the proposal has

been corrected. Additionally, some were upset the scale of the project had been cut down by about 28 percent

and that the building does not have drive-through bays.

"You've got to look at what the police have, a 24,000-square-foot building ," Curran said. "This (the firestation) is not a palatial building, but it is what we need. It is 19,000 square feet, but 8,000 square feet

of that is for apparatus."

If voters reject the

proposal, Maloney

said, "It would

truly mean going

back to the

drawing board.

We would belooking at

another seven to

10 years and

spending more

money on

feasibility

studies.

" And no one

wants to do that."

Chelmsford Fire Chief Mike Curran, center, makes apoint while discussing the proposed new fire stationin Chelmsford with S-uneditors yesterday at thenewspaper s offices. Listening to him arePermanent Building Committee co-Chairman PatrickMaloney, left, and Town Manager Paul Cohen. SUN /JULIA MALAKIE



VIEWS & OPINIONS LETTERS TO THE ITR

Pat Wojtas Deserves to be Re-Elected

Patricia Wojtas deserves to be re-elected to the Board of Selectman on Tuesday, April 3rd. The outcome of

this election will set the direction for the future of Chelmsford. As a Selectman, Pat leads with experience,

courage, and purpose. She will vote to promote what is right for our town. Pat strives to hold the line on

taxes, which is a major concern to all citizens. As a Selectman, Pat demonstrates sound judgment and high

moral standards. What’s more, Pat has always made herself available to assist residents.

Pat has the courage to convey the truth. She really understands the problems and issues of our community.

When faced with difficult decisions, she speaks her mind and truly tries to represent all the voters of

Chelmsford.

Chelmsford is at a crossroads and the town’s future is up to you. It is important to elect a Selectman who will

lead with integrity and compassion to guide our town forward. Our forefathers taught us to be responsible

citizens, stand up for our values and interest in Chelmsford. I feel Pat is the individual who embodies these

traits. Please join me in voting to return Pat Wojtas to the Board of Selectman.

Brenda Lovering

Re-elect Pat Wojtas, Board of Selectmen

Please join me in re-electing Pat Wojtas to the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. In this era of political histrionics, she has distinguished herself as a knowledgeable and constant presence onthe board. Pat is serious about this job. She knows Chelmsford from the inside out and is ever-motivated by considering what is best for the fiscal and civic health of the town and its residents.

Having served previously with Pat on the Chelmsford Library Board of Trustees, I know that sheis scrupulously fair, preferring to look at all angles of a problem or question before making adecision. She has carried that into her position as selectman, as she can be counted on toconsider issues without bias and come to conclusions based on facts and research rather thandrama and fireworks.I trust Pat and will be giving her one of my votes for Board of Selectmen on Election Day. I urgeyou to vote for her as well.

Thank you very much.

Lisa Daigle

Vote for George DixonI would like to endorse George Dixon for re-election to the Board of Selectmen in the Town of

Chelmsford.I represent Williamsburg II Condominiums, a section of town comprising two areas totalling

535 homes. We have had some serious problems regarding riverbank erosion and town water issues. George Dixon has worked diligently to help us secure significant Federal funding toassist us in resolving the situation. This has involved setting up multiple meetings with varioustown, state , and federal officials and agencies. This effort required a substantial amount of timeand endurance. I continue to be impressed with George's determination to help us find asolution.

Sometimes we take our elected officials for granted and assume they are just governmentfigureheads. When you have problems such as ours you quickly realize who the workers are onthe various town boards. George Dixon has earned the right to represent the residents of Chelmsford and he deserves your vote on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Thank you and please vote! M. Janice SpencePresident Board of TrusteesWilliamsburg IITown Meeting Rep. Pct. II



LeBertotheEditor:InSupportofRe-Elec/ngGeorgeDixonforSelectman

DuringtheOctoberstormwehadatreefallonourroofandthroughourwindowcausingsignificantdamage.

Wespentthenextseveraldaysonthephonewiththeinsurancecompanyandtryingtogetthetreeoffour

roofbuteverybodywastoobusy.OutofnowhereIreceivedaphonecallfromGeorgeDixonwhosaidhe

heardwehadstormdamageandcouldhedoanythingtohelp(Is/lldon’tknowhowheheard).Ijokinglysaid

“Canyougetatreeoffaroof?”Withinanhoursomeonewasatourdoor,determinedwhatwasneededand2

dayslaterthetreewasremoved.

Mr.Dixonhadheardthataci/zenofChelmsfordwasinneedandhewastheretohelpandassistusin

obtainingtheneededservice.ThatiswhatisneededinaSelectman,careandcompassionforeverypersonin

townandac/on.

Mr.DixonhasalsoshownasaSelectmanthathelistenstoeveryoneandgathersallthenecessaryinforma/on.

IwatchalltheSelectmenMee/ngsandGeorgealwayscomesprepared.Hisdecisionsaremadewith

though]ulconsidera/onofallthefactsandalwaysinthebestinterestofChelmsfordanditsresidents.

Mr.Dixonworks/relesslyforourtownprovidingcommunityserviceinmanyareas.Hepassionately

contributestomakingChelmsfordthebestplacepossibleforallwholivehere.

It’sGeorge’spassion,compassion,honestyandcaringthatIwantinmySelectmanandwhyIwanttosee

Georgecon/nueinhisleadershiproleforChelmsford.Iwillbevo/ngforGeorgeDixonforSelectmanonApril

3rdandIaskyoutojoinme.

SusanGraves

To the Editor,

Dedication, integrity and common sense are some important words I have to describe GeorgeDixon, candidate for reelection to the Board of Selectman.

George has the desire and experience to understand the citizens of Chelmsford and we needhim to continue the positive work which he has been accomplishing for the past three years.There are many projects which have been started while he has been a member and two-yearChairman of the Board. These projects must have continuity and move forward to completion ina positive and fiscally sound manner.

George has the integrity which any leader must have to affect positive decisions on any issue.He has the ability to understand what a good path is for our community. When you havesomeone like George at the helm, the Board will continue to make common sense decisions on

any issue. He knows our community and he understands the people of Chelmsford.George is also a person who has the common sense to set realistic financial goals for our town.He wants to continue the positive values which are apparent every day in Chelmsford. And, hewants to give all he is able to continue serving his community with responsible goals.

George Dixon exemplifies a sincere person standing true to his positive values for Chelmsfordand its people.

Please join me in voting for George Dixon to be reelected to the Board of Selectman on

Tuesday, April 3.

Thank you,

Sheila Pichette



TotheEditor:

ThelastthingIwanttodoisdrawaBen/ontoacandidateforChelmsfordSelectmanwhoIdoNOT

support,butinthecaseofRolandVanLiew,Iwillmakeanexcep/on.ToChelmsfordvoterswho

areundecidedaboutwhoshouldrepresentthemforthenextthreeyearsandorwhomightbe

influencedbythebarrageofunsolicitedmailingsandemailsfromRolandVanLiewundertheguise

ofaBe#erNotBigger campaign,considerthis:Forthepastfouryears,allthismanhasbroughtto

ourTownisnega/vity–notenlightenment.

Everythinghesaysisacomplaintoranunfoundedaccusa/onagainstourelectedofficialsand

TownManager.Hehasevenresortedtocomplainingaboutvolunteerswhogivetheir/meto

makeChelmsfordabeBerplace.Iaskthatyourealize,asyouheadtothepollstovoteonApril3rd,

thatjustbecauseRolandVanLiewcanaffordapersistentdirectmailcampaignandtalks

incessantlyaboutthingshehasnodirectknowledgeabout,doesn’tmeanwhathesaysistrue.To

understandissuesthatareimportanttoyou,callyoursingSelectmen,yourTownMee/ng

Representa/ve,CommiBeevolunteersortalktoyourneighbors.Wesucceededindefea/ngVan

Liew’srecalleffortlastyearbecausewhathewassayingwasn’ttrue.TherearetwoseatsopenontheChelmsfordoardofSelectman–pleasedonotvoteforVanLiewtofilloneofthem.Ever.

JoanneStanway

6LanternLane

Chelmsford

As bad as we sometimesthink our government is run,

it is the best run I ever saw

- Will Rogers



Opinion ☆ -LETTER TO THE ITR

Submitted by Jim Lane-Selectman

Chelmsford Fire Station--The issue can no longer be about saving money — the issue must be aboutsaving lives

A fire department is a key element of the public safety of any community. Chelmsford is no dif erent.A well-equipped and properly trained fire department plays a pivotal role in attracting new residentsand businesses to the community. It is more than population migration that underlies the need for afire department. It is also more than housing equipment that defines the need for a station.

The Chelmsford Fire Department's first mission is life safety! That means protecting the citizens of Chelmsford by the best means possible. Your emergency becomes their emergency and they do theirbest to always be ready to assist you, no matter what the emergency brings.

Public fire protection services can include, but are not limited to, fire suppression, fire prevention,public safety education, emergency management, rescue, emergency medical service, hazardousmaterials response and response to other emergencies such as children stuck in bathrooms orstanding by at large events.

Emergencies take no holidays and fighting fire is more than responding to the call. It is carefulplanning; training; resource allocation; and strategic, proactive personnel deployment. Planning forwhat might happen instead of just reacting when something does happen. The job of a firedepartment does not simply begin when the alarm sounds and the trucks roll out of the fire station.It is an ongoing evaluation of where to place resources at the right places to be ready in a moment'snotice as close to the emergency as possible. All studies have shown that the proper recourseincludes five fire stations with facilities that will fit the needs of the community.Chelmsford is more than 22 square miles which includes two interstate highways, two lakes, a majorriver and 34,000 people who call Chelmsford home. The current five station configuration has beenin place since the early 1920’s when the population was less than 10,000 and has been proven to bethe best way to provide our residents with the very best response when a life safety emergencyappears. Our current center fire station was built in 1952 long before the town matured to where weare today and is no longer structurally stabile nor does it fit the needs of the community.Chelmsford is fortunate in many ways. We have a well-trained and dedicated team of men andwomen within our fire department that put their lives on the line to keep us safe each and every day.Chelmsford consists of intelligent folks who do their homework, understand the needs of thecommunity and truly know the importance of public safety.A new station will accomplish several goals of the fire department for the short and the long term.For the short term, a new station will house all of the required equipment in a central location toachieve better response times with the proper apparatus when emergencies occur. It will provide thetraining space necessary to ensure our fire department maintains the very best education, it willprovide for adequate sleeping areas, showers, decontamination chamber, vehicle and equipmentmaintenance, and provide space for the day to day operations. In the long term it will provide for thefuture needs of the town for the next 50 years.Chelmsford taxpayers have a unique opportunity that many communities across the Commonwealthwould envy. The debt service for a new fire station would be funded within the allowed 2.5% annualincrease in property tax. Due to the decrease in the town’s excluded debt service for the sewer andschool projects, the overall increase to the taxpayer will be less than 2.5%.

On Tuesday April 3rd, you have anopportunity to inform town leaders howimportant it is they prepare for the futureof our town and provide the adequatepublic safety facilities our communityneeds. I respectfully ask you to vote YES onthe advisory question for funding a new firestation within the existing budget.

Sincerely, Jim LaneChelmsford Board of Selectmen



Dog Day Afternoon in the Westlands

http://chelmsford.patch.com/announcements/dog-day-afternoon-in-the-westlands

On Monday March 26, volunteers who rallied to

save the Cynthia Ann Moores Memorial nature

park from being destroyed and have sinceworked on it's restoration were honored with a

presentation of the Sadie Award. This award

recognizes people for doing amazing things

which go untold or un-thanked.

Sadie was on hand with her owner to hand out

(or is that paw out?) the awards.

Accepting a Sadie Award on behalf of the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards was LeadSteward Phil Stanway. The Chelmsford Open Space Stewards along with the Westlands

Watchdogs were instrumental in saving the Cynthia Ann Moores Memorial nature park from

demolition.

The second award went to Art Moores.

Art and his family helped raise funds and with the community at that time built the nature

park as a memorial to his beautiful daughter some twenty years ago.

The third and final award went to Ralph Bush for his dedication to his family and his

community. Ralph has been an amazing pillar of support for his wife, their children and her

family as they all battle serious medical issues. Regardless of the time of day or night, Ralph

has always been there—without hesitation, to help anyone in need (family or not) without

complaint and always with a compassionate heart. He has been a silent (but very active)

partner to his wife's advocacy, fundraising, and patient education efforts.

For every project that Ralph's wife, Stefani, has worked on, he has been the man behinds

the scenes making all of the logistics happen. He was presented the Sadie Award for his

hard work, dedication, and time—not just to his family, but to his community and also to the






individuals who are suffering from Mitochondrial Disease & Primary Immunodeficiency

Disease. He is a true unsung hero.

On hand for the presentation were several Chelmsford canine celebrities, Jerry the Open

Space dog, Wena—Laurie Myers’ service dog, and Beast—Stefani Bush’s service dog. Also

in attendance were Nick DeSilvio representing the Chelmsford School Committee, and

Chairman George Dixon representing the Board of Selectmen.

Sadie has been busy in Chelmsford over the last few weeks. Other recipients of the Sadie

Award from Chelmsford include Roy Earley for his work on the In-Town Report and with The

Westlands Watchdogs, and Laurie Myers for her continuous work as an advocate for the

safety and protection of our children.

If you know someone who should be recognized for their service or something wonderful

they've done, send your nomination to Sadie at [email protected].

Art, Ralph and Philwith Sadie

Photos bySteffani Bush






Sadie sniffs out community heroesBy Jennifer Myers, [email protected]

Updated: 03/28/2012 08:17:35 AM EDT

CHELMSFORD -- In 1992, it was envisioned as a serene place where kids and dogs could play and familiescould enjoy nature -- a living memorial to a bright little girl lost too soon.

But when the Westlands School closed in 2008 and the PTO dissolved, the Cynthia Ann Moores Nature Parkfell into disrepair. Weeds and brush grew wild, overtaking the site. The deteriorating gazebo, hidden from sightby the brush became a magnet for graffiti and kids looking for a place to drink or do drugs.

By the spring of 2010, then-Superintendent of Schools Don Yeoman suggested the gazebo be torn down.

Not so fast -- the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship rode to the rescue.

The Stewardship, a group of volunteers founded by Phil and Joanne Stanway in 2005, maintains 19 parks andrecreational locations throughout the town on an annual budget of $500. Phil Stanway said the group relies ondonations of time and materials from residents and businesses and estimates their work saves the town about$90,000 annually.

On Monday afternoon, as a cold wind cut through the gazebo, the people of the stewardship were recognizedfor their work in rescuing the park, by someone who truly enjoys a place to run, frolic and . . . play fetch.

Sadie, a 3-year-old Sheltie, keeps her nose to the ground in and around Chelmsford looking for unsung heroes,those whose good works would otherwise go unnoticed. When she sniffs them out, they receive a covetedSadie Award.

It all started when John Dowd, a school-bus driver for special-needs students, began showing the kids photosof Sadie. They liked them so much they started asking for copies of the photos.

An idea was born -- if the kids behaved well on the bus -- no fighting or bullying, stayed in their seats and did

not throw anything, they could earn a Sadie Good Behavior Award. That concept soon grew to include theSadie Navigation Award. The award recognized students who after a few lessons could tell the driver whichturns to take to get the bus from point A to point B and point out historical landmarks along the route.

Sadie has since expanded her reach to present awards to those who give back to their communities inChelmsford and Portland, Maine, with plans to branch out to Westford and Tyngsboro in the near future.

In addition, a special memorial award was given in honor of Cynthia Ann Moores, for whom the park is named.Cynthia Ann was 10 when struck by a car and killed on Steadman Street while walking home. Her father, ArtMoores, was on hand to accept the award.

"Parents tell me stories about bringing their children here to the park to sit and read a book, walk the

trails or just spend time together and that makes me feel good," said Moores. He added that he and theother volunteers plan to bring back to the site the picnic tables and the wishing well that once graced the park.

Thus far the group has restored and re-stained the gazebo, cleared away and cut back the brush andvegetation and made the space a useable park again.

"It's the only park we have in the Westlands, so losing it would be unacceptable," said Phil Stanway.One of the volunteers who helped restore the roof of the gazebo, Ralph Bush, was also surprised with anaward from Sadie on Monday. He was honored for everything he does for his community, his family and other families fighting mitochondrial disease and primary immunodeficiency disease, the two chronic conditions fromwhich his wife Stefani, 8-year-old son Will and 6-year-old daughter Sasha suffer.

Earlier this month, the Bush family drove to Washington, D.C., to meet with senators and lobby for moreresearch funding for and recognition of the diseases.

Stefani Bush said Ralph never says no to anyone who needs help, supports Stefani, Will and Sasha throughhospital stays and painful treatments, and does all of the heavy lifting to support his wife's many volunteer activities in town.

"He is the brawn behind the brains," she said.

Follow Jennifer Myers at twitter.com/juicegirl01854


http://twitter.com/juicegirl01854







Skaar to Run as Write-In Candidate for School CommitteeMarch 13, 2012

http://chelmsford.patch.com/d/announcements/skaar-to-run-as-write-in-candidate-for-school-committee

The Committee to Elect Barbara Skaar announces the candidacy of their “write-in” candidate for the Chelmsford SchoolCommittee. Ms. Skaar has an extensive history of dedicated service to the Town of Chelmsford. She served on the Finance

Committee for 4 years, when Center School was transitioned back as an elementary school; serving as chairperson fortwo of those years.

She has extensive experience and insight into both the school department and the town’s budgetary process. Sheserved on the original Ambulance Study Committee which resulted in 100% of Fire Department personnel taking theinitiative to become certified EMT’s.

She served as PTO President at Center School for two years and McCarthy Middle School for three years. Ms. Skaar iscurrently president of the Council of Chelmsford Schools, a position she has held three times. In addition, she servedover 15 years as a trustee for the Horn Home (a level IV rest home).

Ms. Skaar is a graduate of Virginia Tech (B.A. Environmental and Urban Studies) and Suffolk University Law School

(J.D). She has worked as an associate in the Law Offices of Zaroulis & Maille, focusing on municipal litigation.

Ms. Skaar has lived in Chelmsford since 1986. Her daughter and son currently attend Chelmsford schools. Ms. Skaar’s experience as an active member of the Chelmsford School system, prior experience on the FinanceCommittee, coupled with the fact that as a parent, she has a vested interest in the success of the Chelmsford PublicSchool system, makes her an excellent candidate for the Chelmsford School Committee.

Suddenly, a race for Chelmsford schoolsBy Jennifer Myers, [email protected]

Updated: 03/21/2012 06:37:04 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_20221246/suddenly-race-chelmsford-schools

CHELMSFORD -- Nick DeSilvio faced no opposition the first time he ran for School Committee in 2009. He did notexpect any opposition this year, either. The deadline for candidates to return nomination papers and secure a spot on the April 3 election ballot came and went; DeSilvio was the only candidate for School Committee.

Enter Barbara Skaar.

Skaar, president of the Council of Chelmsford Schools and a former member of the Finance Committee, has launched a

write-in campaign.

She said several people urged her to run, but she was busy helping her daughter choose a college.

" As a single parent my kids have to come first," she said. "I don't like to spread myself too thin because you can't do a good job if you are doing a lot of jobs."

She considered running, but maybe not until next year. However, the urging continued, with supporters encouraging her to run a write-in campaign.

"The campaign so far has been very grassroots, using Facebook, a lot of emails and phone calls," she said. "Ihave been involved in the schools since my daughter was in kindergarten (serving as president of the Center School and McCarthy Middle School PTOs) and I can be a voice for the parents.

"I would bring a degree of professionalism to the committee and I am a collaborative person who can work withanyone on issues to come to a conclusion where all of the angles are explored," she said. "I feel this is the right time for me."

Skaar's daughter Paige is a senior at Chelmsford High School who will study pre-med in the fall at UMass Amherst andDavis is an eighth-grader at Parker Middle School. She is an attorney, currently unemployed, but previously worked atZaroulis and Maille in Lowell, the firm that serves as town counsel for Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Nashoba ValleyTechnical High School, where she specialized in municipal litigation.

DeSilvio and his wife Christine have five children: Frank, a junior at CHS; Nicholas, a sophomore at CHS; KristieAnn, aneighth-grader; Dominic, a seventh-grader; and Katelyn, a fifth-grader. He is vice president of Business Development andBusiness Strategies and a partner in Protium Technologies, Inc. of Northboro. He is also a Town Meeting representative.

He said he was surprised to hear of Skaar's candidacy.





http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_20221246/suddenly-race-chelmsford-schools









"To do this job you really have to want to do it, it's a lot of work and I want to do it," he said. "I pulled papers and got my signatures in a couple of days; I followed the process and respect it. I have no problem discussing issues with her, but I am curious to know what things she is concerned about that makes her feel she needs tobe in this seat instead of me."From the outset it appears they will battle on the issue of outsourcing the district's custodians.

Last summer, the School Committee voted to contract with Aramark Education Services, privatizing custodial services, amove anticipated to save the district $200,000 annually.

"This thing is not a success," Skaar said, adding she thinks the idea needs to be reconsidered. "It was not thought

out well enough and I have heard a lot of complaints about the schools not being clean. At the play at theMcCarthy Middle School there was no toilet paper or paper towels in the bathrooms."

DeSilvio said the issue cannot simply be reconsidered; the district signed a three-year contract with Aramark."It hasn't gone as smoothly as we would have liked, but the superintendent and business manager looked at ways to bring our costs down and recommended outsourcing; I fully supported what they presented then and I would make the same decision today," he said, adding the district is still in a learning curve regarding the new system."We basically gave Aramark the keys at the last minute, leaving them no chance to hire and train people. Thingsare getting better and we have used the savings to lower class sizes and augment procurement for technology."

"Parents are upset ," Skaar countered. "The time for patience has passed."

DeSilvio said if elected to another term he plans to "really push" the state Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education, Gov. Deval Patrick and the town's state representatives to examine the state's Chapter 70 education-fundingformula.

"What's fair is fair, we just want a fair shake," he said, adding Chelmsford receives much less per student than townslike Westford. According to the DESE, Chelmsford, with an enrollment of 5,226, is expected to receive $9,880,853 instate funding in the next fiscal year, while Westford, with an enrollment of 5,065, is expected to receive $15,861,400.

Follow Jennifer Myers at twitter.com/juicegirl01854

Chelmsford School Committee hopefuls

debate outsourcing decisionBy Jennifer Myers, [email protected]

Updated: 03/22/2012 09:07:45 AM EDThttp://www.lowellsun.com/ci_20230239/chelmsford-school-committee-hopefuls-debate-outsourcing-decision?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- The major sticking point between the two candidates battling for one seat on the School Committeeremains the district's decision last summer to ink a three-year deal with Aramark Educational Services to outsourceschool custodians.

At Wednesday night's candidates night sponsored by the Chelmsford League of Women Voters, moderator Ellen Harde,reading a question submitted by an audience member, asked incumbent Nick DeSilvio and challenger Barbara Skaar if they thought the 18-month compliance period required by Aramark to meet the district's performance expectations wastoo long.

DeSilvio, running for a second term, said he stands by his vote to support the proposal brought forward bySuperintendent of Schools Frank Tiano, despite "a few bumps in the road " with the new program. He said the 18-month figure was stated by district administration to give the company time, given they turned the keys over to Aramarkthree days after the district-employed custodians left because the district was still trying to negotiate a deal to keep themon the job.

"No organization in the private sector has employees sitting around waiting, trained and ready to go," he said,adding he has received two emails from staff members at the Byam School this week stating the custodial service is"the best it's ever been."

Barbara Skaar, president of the Council of Chelmsford Schools, who has launched a write-in campaign for the seat, said

if she were to hire someone personally "and they needed a year and a half to meet my expectations, I'd say this is over."

Skaar said the contract should have included a sliding performance scale, so the district would not have to pay the 100percent stated in the agreement until the company met 100 percent of the expectations outlined for them.DeSilvio said the biggest accomplishment of his first term was hiring Tiano, who he called "a top-notchsuperintendent.""He is wonderful, very competent and open-minded and he has really brought on an exceptional staff ," DeSilviosaid.He said he would like, in his next term, to focus on changing the Chapter 70 state-education funding formula to make itmore fair to towns like Chelmsford.









"Chelmsford is being cheated, the taxpayers and the kids are being cheated," he said, adding the formula wascreated in 1993 and never changed.

If elected, Skaar said she is interested in finding ways to retain quality faculty and staff working in the schools.

"We have had a tremendous turnover in the last couple of years," she said. "We need to make sure the teachersand administrators understand we want them here. We have to make this an attractive place for them to want tobe in."

Skaar added she is also looking forward to tackling challenges of the school lunch program. Upcoming new federal

mandates eliminate some ingredients, including white flour from school cafeteria products. She said she had lunch at anelementary school in town yesterday and it was grilled cheese, fries, Fritos and milk, which helped her understand whythe purchase of school lunches has declined.

Both DeSilvio and Skaar said they support synthetic turf athletic fields in town, so long as school budget funds are notused to pay for them. They both also said they would strongly support returning civics classes to the district, if fundingwas available.

The election is April 3.

ITR Q & A with the School Committee Candidates:

ITR:

Barbara, why have you decided to run for School Committee and for Nick, why have you

decided you want/need 3 more years?

Barbara Skaar:

I have decided to run for a position on the School Committee because I believe the voters of Chelmsford deserve a choice when electing officials who will guide our community’s future. I did not

make this decision lightly. I spoke with many people who have been urging me to run for years. I

listened to parents and community members who are concerned with the decisions of the SchoolCommittee. Because of my service to the town for over 20 years and the schools for 13 of those years:

my experience on the Finance Committee, the Ambulance Study Committee, the Board of Horn Homefor the Age, my leadership serving as PTO President at Center and McCarthy Schools, and my terms as

President of the Council of Chelmsford Schools, I am confident I have the background needed to be an

effective School Committee member. The voters of Chelmsford can trust me to represent them toensure our schools remain academically competitive and well-maintained.

Nick DeSilvio:I decided to run for a second term on the Chelmsford School Committee because I am committedto moving the school district to the next level. The administration is currently working on a five

year strategic plan, a technology plan, and has initiated a complete review of the administrative

operations. All done in an effort to make every dollar count towards providing a high-qualityeducation for our children.

The school district will face some important tasks over the next three years including a review of

food services, a long term school facilities plan, and the negotiation of a new teacher's contract. I

believe my school committee experience, business skills, and courage to make tough decisions

will benefit our school district and the entire Chelmsford community.



ITR:

In your opinion, what was the best decision/accomplishment you can point to over the last 3

years concerning the School Committee and what was the worst decision/accomplishment?

Barbara Skaar:

The responsibilities of the School Committee are limited to the hiring/firing of the superintendent, the

School Department budget, and School Department policy. In my opinion, the best decision madewas the adoption of the UDL approach (Universal Design for Learning) in our classrooms. UDL

helps students master the art of learning. By presenting material in different ways, the student and

teacher are able to identify the best way for the student to learn. While this decision was not made bythe SC, they hired Dr. Frank Tiano, who in turn hired Dr. Kristan Rodriguez, who championed the

implementation of UDL.

The worst decision was the out-sourcing of custodial services to Aramark. The School Committee

promised savings of $500,000 per year by out-sourcing the custodial service. We have paid almostthat much in unemployment compensation. In addition, we have seen a decline in the cleanliness and

maintenance of our buildings. (Teachers are now in a position that they have to clean their

classrooms. This is not why we employ them.) Our students and staff have witnessed the departure of many familiar faces and have been introduced to a revolving door of new Aramark custodial

employees. The contract was entered into without the inclusion of industry-standard metrics andmilestones or a key performance sliding scale for compensation. It was a knee-jerk reaction to a

delayed contract negotiation process. What other possibilities were considered? Was it possible to

keep our existing day-time personnel and out-source the evening duties, thus maintaining the sense of familiarity, security and services we had grown to rely on? Now we are seeing former custodians

being brought back outside of the Aramark contract. In addition, custodians who stayed and took jobswith Aramark (at a much lower rate of pay) out of loyalty and love are now being shifted to different

buildings to try and remedy the problem. We were told that it will take 18 months to get all the bugs

worked out. That was after 6 months had already passed. There is a 24 month call-back clause in thecontract which would allow the School Committee to reinstitute our prior service. Six months (which

passed) plus 18 months (we are told to be patient) equals the 24 month call-back period. The

information is out there. Take a look for yourself.

Nick DeSilvio:

The school committee has made some great decisions over the past three years. Our biggest

accomplishment was the hiring of our new superintendent, who is currently creating a muchneeded five year strategic plan for the school district. With this plan we will have a much clearer

direction of where we are heading, and will allow us to be proactive in moving our schools

forward by planning ahead and finding areas of efficiency to increase funding for education.



ITR:

What can you do to make the next 3 years better than the last 3 years on the School

Committee?

Barbara Skaar:

The success of any group is determined by its members. As a member of the school committee, I

will bring a high degree of professionalism and an attitude of collaboration. I can promise I will

thoroughly research all the issues before the School Committee and come to meetings prepared. I

will do the work I am elected to do. I will not delegate my responsibilities to others. I will work

collaboratively with the members of the School Committee to reach decisions that are the best for our

students, teachers, and our town.

Nick DeSilvio:

If elected, I will continue to encourage community involvement with the school district. Wehave experienced a lot of changes in the school district, and it is important that communication

between the community and school district be open and available. We made improvements in

the website, surveyed parents, and held public input sessions, and continue to stressaccountability and transparency. I am confidant that our school district is moving in the right

direction and I look forward to the opportunity to serve for another three years to do what I canto ensure the school district meets the needs of all of our students.

Barbara

Skaar

Nick

DeSilvio



Letʼs take a break from the politicalrigmarole and do a little dance.

The Hokey Pokeyby William Shakespeare



with

DennisReadyand

MaryGregoire

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TV CORNERBarbara Skaaris onat minute00:29:15

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Philip Eliopoulos and Jon Kurland are on at minute

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Steve Malletteanalyzes theupcomingelection atminute

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Bob Joyceis on atminute00:05:42

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http://origin.peg.tv/player?id=T01497&video=51365






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MEET THECANDIDATENick DeSilvio

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What is Chelmsford

TeleMedia?

Like our tagline says, Chelmsford TeleMedia is "Chelmsford's OwnTV Station." We're an actual cable broadcaster run, in effect, byyou – the citizens of Chelmsford. You make the programs. We justhelp you do it.

We're also charged with bringing you vital government meetings.But, we're not part of the town's government. We're anindependent, 501(c)3 corporation funded in full by revenuesgenerated by Comcast cable and Verizon FiOS subscribers. (Yousee this amount, noted as an "access fee," on your monthly bill.)

We also have a relationship with the Chelmsford Public Schools. They administer one of our channels where you'll findprogramming about eductional and other school events.

Anyone who lives or works in Chelmsford is eligible to be a member of Chelmsford TeleMedia's nonprofit corporation. (Inquire atthe studio for details.) The corporation's annual meeting is held in December.

Our activities are managed by a seven-member Board of Directors, chosen to staggered three-year terms from the corporation'smembers.

CTM Staff

Matt Scott, Executive Director

At CTM, the buck stops with Matt.

Pete Pedulla, Producer

"Production" is Pete's middle name.

Tom Peterson, Production Engineer

Tom wears the most hats at CTM.

Villu Tari, Program Director

"When's my program airing?" That might be the number one question Villu gets asked.

Dan Silvia, Community Coordinator

Our youngest and best-looking employee, Dan makes sure CTM is making a difference in the community.

http://www.chelmsfordtv.org/ctm-staff

Special Thanks go out to all thecrew at Chelmsford Telemedia

that bring us these fine local programs.

-Scoop


















http://www.chelmsfordtv.org/component/content/?id=24&Itemid=132








SIGNS OF THE TIMESPhotos by Scoop

Photos by Andrew Giannino



Photos b Stefani Bush



ITR’s CANDIDATES CORNER

PLANNING BOARDGEORGE ZAHAROOLIS

Dear Fellow Residents,I wish to thank you for allowing me the

privilege of serving on the Chelmsford PlanningBoard for the last 7 years.

Chelmsford has been home to theZaharoolis family since the 1930’s. Presently, Inow reside in the Zaharoolis family home along

with my lovely wife Gail, who has been by myside for 23 years.

Being a community volunteer has beensomething that was instilled in me by mygrandparents and my parents. I have volunteeredcoaching baseball, and basketball, as a church volunteer, a Trustee atMiddlesex Community College, and Town Meeting Representative.

I have worked 26 years as a sales manager. I am a graduate of MiddlesexCommunity College where I earned an Associates Degree in BusinessManagement and UMass Lowell where I earned a Bachelors Degree inAccounting.

My strength to the Chelmsford Planning Board is in my preparation for each and every meeting. I work hard to make sure that I fully understand what

the applicant is seeking and how our bylaws apply to the projects that come before us. Since being a Planning Board member, I have continually steppedforward and served on several sub committees including the Drum HillMaster Plan, the Billboard sub-committee, Master Plan ImplementationCommittee and the Master Plan Committee. I am currently Treasurer to the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments.

If re-elected, I will continue to work to keep the bylaws in line with

today’s challenges. We must encourage redevelopment over new developmentin order to bring good paying and good quality jobs to the residents of Chelmsford. We must continue to protect all residential neighborhoods likethe Westlands.

On April 3rd I respectfully ask that you cast one of your three votes for George Zaharoolis Chelmsford Planning Board. Thank you.

George Zaharoolis



RobertP.Joyce,isacandidateforre-elec6ontothe

ChelmsfordPlanningBoardforathreeyearterm.

A3-yearresidentofChelmsford,Joycehasservedon:

• PlanningBoard–2003toPresent

• BoardofSelectmen1993-9

• NashobaValleyTechnicalHighSchoolCommiKee

2001-09

• SewerCommission1989-92

• TownMee6ngRepresenta6ve-1989-Present

• MemberofMasterPlanImplementa6onCommiKee

–2011toPresent

•

PlanningBoardRepresenta6vetoCommunityPreserva6onCommiKee–2011toPresent

• ChelmsfordTechnologyCommiKee–2010to2011

. JoyceisemployedasanInforma6onTechnologySpecialistinWesord.Hisbackgroundalso

includesowningPhotobanc1-HourLabinChelmsfordCenterfor13years.

HeholdsaBachelor'sofScienceinBusinessAdministra6onandanAssociate'sofScienceinLaw

EnforcementfromNortheasternUniversityinBoston.

HelivesonTurnpikeRoadwithhiswifeRosemaryandchildrenNelsonandAndrea.

Statement:

DuringmynineyearsonthePlanningBoardIhaveworkedtorepresentthevotersandtaxpayers

inthebestpossibleway.Ihavealwaystakenaproac6veposi6ononapprovalsofSitePlansand

Specialpermits.OnseveraloccasionsIhavevotedagainstspecialpermitswhentheydidnotprotect

theabuKersandresidentsofChelmsford.

Iamopposedtothewateringdownofrequirementsforparkingandlandscapingrequirements,

aswellasopposedtolooseningofsetbackrequirements.WhileIvotedtoacceptthereportofthe

MasterPlanCommiKee,Iamopposedtoseveralchangestozoningthattheyhaverecommended.I

lookattheMasterPlanassugges6onsandnotrequirements.

Iaminagreementthatwemustprotectourneighborhoodsfromindustrialandretail

encroachmentandsupportchangestozoningthatwillprotecttheneighborhoods.WhileIsupport

economicdevelopmentwithinthetown,Idon’twanttomakechangesthatwillaffectthevaluesofourresiden6alproper6es.

InthefutureIwillcon6nuetorepresentandprotecttheresidentsandtaxpayersofChelmsford.

IrespecullyrequestoneofyourthreevotesforPlanningBoardonApril3rd.

Thank-you.

BobJoyce

BobJoyce



MynameisColleenStansfieldandIamrunningforasecondtermontheChelmsfordPlanningBoard.Ibeganmy

timeontheBoardasthealternate.DuringthattimeIlearnedatonaboutthepurviewoftheBoardandtherolesandresponsibilitiesofitsmembers.Ifoundthatexperiencetobeinvaluableduetothelearningcurvethatgoesalongwiththisposition.IhavelivedinChelmsfordfor15yearswithmyhusbandEricandourthreeyoungchildren,Jack-12,Bobby-10andErin-6.IhavecometolovethistownandallthewonderfulpeoplewhomakeChelmsfordsuchagreatcommunity.MyhusbandisalifelongresidentofChelmsfordgrowinguponMurrayHillRoadwherehisFatherstillresides. AsmychildrenhavemovedthroughtheschoolsystemIfindmyselfrealizingwhatawonderfulcommunitywehavehereinChelmsford.IlovethefactthatmykidsattendthesameschoolsthattheirfatherattendedandthattheywillgraduateHighSchoolwithkidstheyhaveknownsincepre-school.ItsveryimportanttometoprotectthecharacterofChelmsford.IalsoserveontheBy-Law

ReviewCommittee.Wearelookingtodoexactlythatthroughrevisionsofourcurrentby-lawstoprotecttheresidentialareasofthetownandconsidertherecommendationsfromtheMasterPlan.IalsoserveontheArtsandTechnologyEducationFundCommittee,TheHolidayDecoratingCommitteeandhaveservedtwotermsasaPrecinct6TownMeetingRepresentative.Iamastayathomemomandfindgreatsatisfactioninmyvolunteerefforts,bothwiththetownandwiththeschools.IfeelIbringacommonsenseviewtotheBoardandasaparentastrongcommitmenttodotherightthingforitsfuture.ItisimportanttoprotectChelmsfordforthefuturegenerations.Wehaveagreatopportunitytomanagethere-developmentofChelmsfordinthenearfutureandIwouldlovehavethehonorofbeingpartofthiseffort.Irespectfullyaskforoneofyour3votesforPlanningBoardonApril3rd.Thankyou,ColleenStansfield

ColleenStansfield



Dear Chelmsford Voter:

I am a candidate for re-election as one of the Chelmsford Library Trustees in the April 3rd townwide election.

If re-elected, I will do my best to insure that the Chelmsford Library remains the first class facility that it has always been...and I will work very hard

to improve it in any way that I can. During my term as a Library Trustee I have attended and participated fully in every Trustee meeting. I was selected by the other Trustees to be their representative on the Town's Capital Planning Committee, and I attended &contributed to every one of those meetings as well. I helped man the Friends of the Library booth during our 4th of July celebrations and I

again volunteered at their very successful book sale in the fall.

I believe that my educational and business background has proven to be very helpful as I performed the duties of a Library Trustee. During my 24 year professional career at Hanscom Air Force Base &elsewhere I have negotiated and financially analyzed hundreds of high dollar contracts -- many with multi-million dollar values. I have also earned a BA Degree at Sacred Heart University and an MBAdegree from the University of New Haven. I have also taught graduate college degree MBA courses in Contract Pricing, Financial Analysis, and Negotiation Techniques for many years. I have also been a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM).

I have served as an elected Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative for eighteen years thus far (I am up for re-election again this year, in Precinct 9). I attended every one of our Town Meetings during those eighteen years, which indicates the seriousness & diligence with which I take my public service responsibilities. I will continue to be as conscientious and hard working if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected to the Chelmsford Board of Library Trustees.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter about my candidacy. Please consider giving me one of your votes for Library Trustee on election day.

Respectfully,

Carmen Thomas Christiano 6 Drew Circle Chelmsford, MA

Currentlyenrolledin theWitnessprotectionprogram

"I joke about prominent menbut at heart I believe in ’em.

I do think there is time whentraces of “dumbness” crop upin ofcial life but notcrookedness."

- Will Rogers



Axel Remembered as Police Dog Who Loved Going to Work Axel, the Chelmsford Police dog, died Friday (3/23)

By Krista Perryhttp://chelmsford.patch.com/articles/axel-remembered-as-police-dog-who-loved-going-to-work

March 27, 2012

Passion for the job, determination and focus are three things any good police officer needs to get the job done. Axel, the Chelmsford Police Department's Czechoslovakian Shepherd, had all that and more.

Axel died Friday after a tumor was discovered on his kidney. His handler, Officer David Leo,remembers Axel as a dog that was "all business" and got great satisfaction from tracking down badguys and finding narcotics.

Axel was Leo's second police dog, and was about a year old when he joined the Chelmsford PoliceDepartment. Axel lived with Leo and slept in a crate in his garage or behind a shed in his backyard.

" He didn't want to play, he just wanted to go work, and that was what he was for," said Leo.

"I loved tracking with him because you teach a dog to find drugs and track and once you do, it’s

up to us to read them to know if they're on or just out for a walk."

It took about a year and a half for Leo to learn to read Axel, but once it did, the pair was in business.

" But once it clicks, it's like auto pilot going through the woods," said Leo. " I knew if there is

someone in the woods, we’re going to find them."

After the pair bonded, Leo knew he could always count on Axel.

"There's nothing better than doing a track for a bad guy or a kid or a senior (lost) in the woods

and finding them, that's what it's all about," said Leo. And even though Axel was all about working, Leo knew he found great satisfaction in it.

" It's a game for them, it’s all play. When they’re tracking a bad guy, he wants to find them because he thinks he’ll get a toy at the end of the track. All the work we do is all play for them,

even when they’re biting, it's play," he said. "When you're bit by a dog, your first instinct is to pull away ... they think you're playing tug of war." Leo and Axel went through 20 weeks of police training together - 14 for tracking and 6 for narcotics.

" He was very intense in intraining, his drive was insane, over the top, and that’s what you look

for," said Leo. "When you first test them and take a ball throw it in woods or an open field, you

don’t care if he finds it, but the fact that he goes and looks for it."

Axel was always very determined, Leo said, and while it's common for police dogs to getoverstimulated sometimes and bite or nip their handlers, Axel never did.

" He never bit me, and I'm grateful for that," he said. "Sometimes during bite work they go intooverload and turn and snap, and they won't maul us but they’ll nip. But he never did it to me."

Leo said he'll always remember his four years with Axel as special ones.

" I appreciate the calls and the emails and

messages people are sending out to me,"

he said.

Leo said the Chelmsford Police Departmentwill be getting a new dog "very soon." Leowill go through the same training - his third

time through - with the new dog.

" It's nice to have a dog that’s sociable,that wasn’t the case with Axel and I

accepted it," said Leo. " Axel did what hewas supposed to do, he tracked and he

found drugs."

Axel does a police dogdemonstration.Credit Krista Perry

http://chelmsford.patch.com/users/krista-perry

http://chelmsford.patch.com/listings/chelmsford-police-department










What does the lead steward

of the Chelmsford OpenSpace Stewards dream

about???

Come enter into his

imagination on theFARSIDE of Chelmsford

CLICK HERE

http://www.jibjab.com/view/zdoVo0KgsXzCX3Jy?utm_campaign=URL+Copy&utm_medium=Share&utm_source=JibJab&cmpid=jj_url































EXTRA

EXTRAS:





GOT HOPE??? Stefani Bush wants to hear from you!

Show Your Hope is a new community inspired

local access show that highlights the many ways inwhich the people all around us are defying the odds,

changing lives, and giving a priceless gift to othersthrough their actions.Guests appearing on the show will be of all walks of life facing various challenges. The one common thread that holds all guests together is our guests have used their journey through adversity to make a difference in the lives of others.

If you are local (Chelmsford, MA and surrounding towns) and would like to be featured on theshow OR if you want to share a story of Hope, Courage, or strength that we can talk about onthe show email [email protected]

Stefani Bush

Coming to Chelmsford Telemedia and the ITR























THE ITR ELECTION SPECIAL - PART 2Coming

APRIL 1st 2012The FINAL Report

And Now the end is near and so I face the final curtain

The last GreatIn-Town Report

Ever!!!Going Out with A Bang ;)

PART 2

will include more Town Meeting Rep candidatesMore Telemedia Shows

And more stories as we head for the big election of 2012



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in-town report election 2012 edition: part one 3-31-12

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