Jib Jab: 2012 In Review: VIDEO

Collective Onanism?

Ken O’Brien

As those who read The O’Zone are aware, I am not a fan of Master Plans.

To my mind they are nothing more than what the character Alvy Singer in the movie Annie Hall referred to as “mental masturbation.”

This was brought to mind again today by a letter in the Southbridge Evening News titled “Add your voice to Southbridge’s future plans.” It was signed by “SOUTHBRIDGE MASTER PLAN STEERING AND SUBCOMMITTEES AND THE FRIENDS OF THE MASTER PLAN VOLUNTEERS.” 

Sunday Photo-‘Toons 1.34

Ken O’Brien

ECONOMY ADDS 146,000 JOBS IN NOVEMBER, UNEMPLOYMENT TO 7.7 PERCENT

Ken O’Brien

The American economy added 146,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Analysts had expected 85,000 jobs to be created. The 7.7 percent unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since December 2008.

Southbridge’s Fiscal Cliff

Ken O’Brien

I have to start with a slight explanation here. The town of Southbridge operates on a July 1 to June 30 Fiscal Year. The state operates on a January 1 to December 31 Fiscal Year. Thus, the state aid numbers in the FY 2013 town budget are derived from the FY 2012 state budget.

That having been said, with the inclusion of the increase of $100,000 in the FY 2013 town budget at last night’s town council meeting it is still $31,001 less than the FY 2012 budget.

The Seasonal Joy Of Shopping

Ken O’Brien

The insanity that has become “Black Friday” (and now thanks to unbridled greed and complete disdain for thoughts of family “GrayThursday”) raged to even greater heights over the last two days.

A Massachusetts man allegedly left his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son in the car while he shopped at a Kmart in Springfield, Mass., and then went home with a new 51-inch television — but no child, 22 News WWLP reports. Police found the child sleeping in the car in the Kmart parking lot around 1:30 a.m. Friday.

Honoring All Who Served

Southbridge’s MCAS Progress is Fantastic – Right?

Ken O’Brien

According to the MCAS results released today, Southbridge High has met and exceeded its targets in all but one category.

Source (Click Here)

Now, I’m no expert. In addition I’m probably going to reinforce my reputation for being overly negative.

Nevertheless, there is something I find discomforting about these results.

What Will They Say If Hurricane Isaac Strikes Tampa During The Start Of The Republican Convention?

Ken O’Brien

It’s becoming increasingly likely that tropical storm Isaac will strike mainland Florida along the west coast as a category one hurricane just as the Republican National Convention gets underway.

While not of an equivalent magnitude of hurricane Katrina, I could not help wondering if the voices of the American Taliban religious right would view it as having the same warnings of divine disapproval that were invested in the New Orleans tragedy.

Peloquin Announces Southbridge Town Council Bid

“Our local government needs fresh perspectives and new voices”

SOUTHBRIDGE – Southbridge resident Amelia Peloquin is pleased to announce her candidacy for Councilor-at-Large in the June 26 Southbridge municipal election.

"I’m running for Town Council because I am passionate about Southbridge and our town’s future. Together, we can find affordable and thoughtful solutions for the challenges facing our community. I believe our local government needs fresh perspectives and new voices in order to find those solutions. 

Moriarty Announces Candidacy for Southbridge Town Council

SOUTHBRIDGE — Building on his record of community service and desire to move his hometown forward, Shaun Moriarty announced today his candidacy for Town Council.

“I put myself forward not to oppose any candidate, group, or particular issue, but to bring a fresh, new perspective, without biases, agendas, or allegiances,” stated Moriarty. “I put myself forward because this town has struggled for too long and because I have witnessed and felt, first-hand, what the people of this town can do

Who Should Run?

Ken O'Brien

One of my regular readers, dismayed at the current paucity of "quality candidates", suggested that I run a survey among the rest of you loyal visitors.

Whom would you like to see as a candidate for Southbridge town council in this year's election?

I can tell you from personal experience that, often, all it takes to get someone to throw their hat into the ring is the knowledge that others think highly enough of them to encourage them to take the leap.

Local Groups Prepare for Town Elections

Ken O'Brien

Well, the New Year has come and gone, and in Southbridge that can mean only one thing - the start of election season.

While town elections don't happen until June, various local groups are already preparing for the event.

There is of course the town council as a whole (or at least seven of nine) who are hoping to place their planned charter distortions on the ballot. Their nefarious ambitions were bolstered today by an email from state representative Peter Durant (R - Spencer).