Putting Lipstick On A Pig

Ken O’Brien

When I saw this morning’s headline in the Worcester Telegram regarding last night’s meeting of the Southbridge School Committee I had to wonder if Brian Lee and I had watched the same meeting. The banner on the T&G article read, “State official cites progress by Southbridge schools”.

My reading of the presentation by Dr. Nadine Bonda, the monitor from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, was that the district has been marking time since last August at least.

Southbridge Town Council Decides (?) On Town Meeting Petition (Video)

Text of this agenda item follows:

Restore Southbridge's Beloved Town Meetings

Don’t Vote For “A Pig In A Poke”

Ken O’Brien

The expression “Don't buy a pig in a poke” is very old, but actually it can be taken quite literally and remains good advice.

The advice being given is 'don't buy a pig until you have seen it'. This is enshrined in British commercial law as 'caveat emptor' - Latin for 'let the buyer beware'. This remains the guiding principle of commerce in many countries and, in essence, supports the view that if you buy something you take responsibility to make sure it is what you intended to buy. 

Southbridge Town Council Meeting Agenda - April 28, 2014

Southbridge Town Council Meeting

April 28, 2014

7:00 PM

Town Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call 

An Invitation To Southbridge Candidates For Town Office

Ken O’Brien

May 6^th marks the deadline for candidates for office in the Southbridge annual town elections to submit nomination papers in order to have signatures verified for inclusion of their name on the ballot.

In its ongoing effort to expand awareness of town politics, The O’Zone extends an open invitation to all candidates whose papers are validated, and not withdrawn prior to the May 23^rd deadline, to submit position statements for publication.

Such submissions should include a statement of the office being sought, relevant biographical information, a delineation of the issues you regard as important and proposed actions you plan to take regarding those issues if you are elected. 

Southbridge School Committee Meeting Agenda - April 29, 2014

LOCATION: Robert G. MacKinnon Council Chambers, 41 Elm Street

DATE: Tuesday, April 29, 2014

TIME: 7:00 PM

AGENDA

Senator Elizabeth Warren on the Daily Show

The Daily Show
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Rand Paul Criticizing Ronald Reagan

Southbridge March Unemployment Rate 9.5%

Ken O’Brien

Southbridge’s unemployment problem remains among the worst in Massachusetts. While unemployment in Central Massachusetts dropped sharply in March and is down from March of last year this community remains 2.5 percentage points above the regional average and almost 3 points above the statewide average.

Greater Worcester's seasonally unadjusted jobless rate fell from 7.3 to 7 percent over the month, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. That's well below the 7.7 percent unemployment rate recorded in March 2013.

Will History Rhyme In Southbridge?

Ken O’Brien

Mark Twain observed, “History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”

I propose to put that observation to the test.

Last month an incident is alleged to have occurred at one of the Southbridge schools.

I will not discuss, nor allow speculation about, the nature of the incident in this forum.

The subject matter is too sensitive, the facts too obscure and the threat to personal reputations too severe for casual gossip.

Suffice it to say that the incident in question is undergoing proper review and will be adjudicated appropriately.

What I believe is a worthy topic for discussion is how the alleged incident was handled by the school administration, particularly in light of an analogous event in the recent past.

Now That The Holy Days Are Ending…

Coming tomorrow…Another investigative report on Southbridge’s School Administration

Will History Rhyme In Southbridge?

Reminder: National Teachers Day is May 6 (A Video Message)

A Public Service Greeting On Behalf Of 

National Teachers Day 

From

 The Catherine Nikolla Academy of Teaching And Social Graces

Bill Gates: Teachers need real feedback

Is Southbridge Arson-Prone?

Ken O’Brien

The recent spate of arson fires in Southbridge has unsettled many residents, especially those living in the closely circumscribed area affected.

While many recall the cluster of fires in 2011, it begs the question as to whether Southbridge is particularly prone to this kind of crime.