Editor’s Note: A Courtesy Request

Ken O’Brien

As O’Zone readers are aware, several recent articles have generated a good number of comments.

Many, in fact most, of the comments are anonymous. I have no issue with this, provided commenters abide by the guidelines I have posted.

However, it would greatly facilitate conversation if anonymous posters would adopt a screen name. This would make it easier for others to reference your comments.

Doing this is quite simple. Under the “comment” form you will see a drop down menu. When you click on this it will ask you to “select profile”. Select “Name/URL”. When the responses box comes up insert your chosen screen name in the name field and leave the URL field blank and press “Continue”. You can then post and that screen name will appear ahead of your comment.

Your cooperation will certainly be appreciated by all.

Sunday Photo –‘Toons 1.7

Ken O’Brien

This week’s edition takes on a musical and movie theme. It wasn’t intentional. It just worked out that way.

We manage to blaze a path from Gone with the Wind to Star Wars with Singin’ in the Rain and a hint of Twister thrown in.

So sit back, ready your morning popcorn and Big Gulp, and enjoy this week’s version of cinema sort of verité.

Breaking News: Southbridge Charter Amendment Struck Down As Unconstitutional

Ken O’Brien

According to highly reliable sources the Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee on Bills in Third Reading has eliminated the following proposed amendment to the Southbridge Home Rule Charter as being unconstitutional.

Section 2-2-2 No qualified voter of the town shall be eligible to run for the office of councilor if he or she is not in good financial standing with the town by being current in all bills from the town.

Background For Monday's Southbridge Town Council Meeting - Wednesday's General Government Subcommittee Meeting

A Film by Paul Zotos

Romney's Lies

Ken O’Brien

Rachel Maddow 

Rarely do journalists have the courage to use the term liar when referring to a candidate for public office.

It is even more unusual for a journalist with a national forum to use the term in reference to a candidate for President of the United States.

On Thursday, May 31, Massachusetts' own Rachel Maddow did this on her nightly program.

Regardless of whether you agree with her political leanings or not, one aspect of Ms. Maddow's reporting is her devotion to verifiable facts. She has assembled one of the best research staffs in the cable news business. 

Southbridge Town Council Agenda - June 4, 2012

TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE

SOUTHBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 01550-2638

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

MACKINNON COUNCIL CHAMBERS

June 4, 2012 – 7:00 PM

********************

AGENDA

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call

3. Consider and accept the Council Minutes of Monday, May 21, 2012 Meeting

4. Consider and accept the Public Hearing Minutes of Monday, May 21, 2012

Martinek Launches Campaign Web Video

Ken O’Brien

Local campaigning for public office has entered the 21^st century.

Southbridge town council candidate Dennis Martinek has released through his campaign website as well as YouTube the first in a planned series of campaign videos.

The animated power-point-like presentation focuses on the issue of Southbridge property taxes.

Southbridge Education Association President Addresses Membership

Ken O’Brien


[The following letter went out yesterday from SEA President David Williams to his membership]

Dear Colleagues,

There are a fair number of misconceptions surrounding the actions of the SEA's leadership recently and I would like to clarify our position. Our prescribed purpose is to protect hours, wages and conditions for all of our members. Unfortunately all three have come under attack in the last few years by this administration. 

Southbridge Police Union Votes “No Confidence” In Chief

Ken O’Brien

The O’Zone has received confirmation from multiple sources that the Southbridge Police Association recently took a vote of “no confidence” in Southbridge Chief of Police Daniel Charette.

Indications are that the final text of the union’s statement is being reviewed prior to a formal public release.

The action will undoubtedly pose a difficult situation for town manager Christopher Clark who is the Chief’s immediate superior. Regardless of the specific grounds for the resolution, the fact is that any police department is in essence a paramilitary organization. The loss of confidence in a superior officer poses serious issues of morale as well as discipline.

More details will be forthcoming as they become available.

UPDATES: 9:15 am – 5/30: An additional preliminary report indicates what was actually termed a vote of “no faith” in the chief carried by a vote of 15 to 0.

The Sum Of All Facts

Ken O’Brien

Back in April, after the hoopla regarding the O'Zone's publication of the Arbitration decision in the case of Jonathan Jacobson, I conducted a poll of readers regarding whether the current principal of Southbridge High should stay or go.

At the conclusion of the article reporting the results of the poll, I wrote the following; “My prediction; I’ll end up being the villain in this black comedy.”

Yesterday I encountered an old friend (I’m talking a friend of over 40 years). We share a number of friends, many of whom are intimately involved in this affair. 

Southbridge Schools Lose Another Arbitration Case

Ken O’Brien

Following the report by The O’Zone regarding the arbitration decision in the case of Jonathan Jacobson, the results of another case have come to our attention.

On September 29, 2011, Timothy Bornstein, Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association rendered a decision in AAA Case 11 390 01501 10, A Salary Schedule Grievance between the Southbridge Education Association and the Southbridge Public Schools. 

Sunday Photo – ‘Toons 1.6

Ken O’Brien

Welcome back aboard the Starship O’Zone.

This week’s journey from the galaxy of the black hole of civic despair into the universe of mirth and merriment is brought to you courtesy of the Southbridge Town Council and the Southbridge School Committee. 

Memorial Day 2012

Ken O’Brien

Yesterday, May 25, 2012, Vice President Joe Biden spoke to survivors of fallen military members. He remarked how one of his sons had returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. Then he added that his joy was tinged with guilt that he had returned home whole, while so many others had not.

The vice president recounted the difficulty of dealing with the death of his wife and daughter in a car accident in the early seventies. He said it was it was the first time that he could understand how someone would consciously decide to commit suicide.

Truth In Advertising?

Ken O’Brien

Forgive me for being somewhat of a skeptic by nature.

But, when someone makes a claim that surprises me, I am inclined to question it.

The most recent incident of this occurred today.

In the course of reading the Friday, May 25, 2012 edition of the Southbridge Evening News, I came across a promotional ad on behalf of the newspaper on its editorial page beneath the letters to the editor.

Here is that notice: 

Ely Eliminated From Ohio Candidates

Ken O’Brien

On May 14^th The O’Zone reported that Southbridge Superintendent of Schools Eric Ely had applied for the position of superintendent of North Canton City Schools in Canton, Ohio.

On May 22^nd The CantonRep reported that three finalists had been chosen for the position. Mr. Ely was not among those named for further consideration.

In a related matter The Times Union of Schenectady, NY did an article on May 1^st summarizing Mr. Ely’s job hunting activities subsequent to leaving his position in that city.