LETTER: Tiverton Is On The Rise
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Looking back at the last two years I’ve been on the Tiverton Town Council, there has been much progress. The FTR and finally a real tax cap tops the list, and serious long-term financial planning has begun: We’ve revamped policies, negotiated affordable labor contracts with police, fire, and Teamsters unions and our police and fire chiefs, addressed landfill, water quality, and police pension liabilities, and saw reserve funds climb from nearly zero to meet charter minimums and then some. We’ve cleared a backlog of litigation and performance reviews, made real progress on the Bay Street cleanup and the Industrial Park, and welcomed a grocery store back to Tiverton. Unlike others, we supported Singing Out Against Hunger and the Tiverton Little League, allowed open public input in meetings, outreached with liaisons with boards and commissions, and held volunteer appreciation nights. Volunteerism is strong, such as TCC’s efforts to support re-roofing the Senior Center and insulate a fire station. A new library is in the works, fire trucks are being replaced, and roads are getting paved again. In short, we are building a better Tiverton, and it’s great to see.
What next?
Tax increases in the last two years have been the lowest in decades, but they’re still too high. We need to keep going on the Industrial Park and North Tiverton revitalization to bring more business to Tiverton to help the local economy and lift some of the burden on residential property taxpayers. Stopping tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge will not be easy, but this Town Council (which did the most to stop EBEC’s eminent domain threat to Tiverton) has been working an action plan and closely partnered with citizens on the Sakonnet Tolls Opposition Platform, which I helped form. We’ve begun the difficult conversations around zoning reform, and I want to ensure follow-through on every item raised at the planning and zoning forum we recently held.
This next term will also have a Charter Review Commission and a Comprehensive Community Plan update. Familiar foes of the FTR have reorganized, and while this year they claim they will no longer fight against the FTR, nowadays, many are still on record as wanting to remove or weaken the tax cap or your voter rights to bring forward petitions. But my support for the FTR has never wavered. Its triple benefits of the tax cap, level playing field, and tenfold increase in voter participation in deciding the town budget are the cornerstones of Tiverton’s turnaround.
Finally, and perhaps above all else, by standing with me, I ask you to stand up against what I think is the only real threat to Tiverton’s continuing climb of progress: The saddening new normal of some of the most divisive people in the community hypocritically attacking their neighbors and fellow taxpayers while outright lying about facts, which will do nothing but build bitterness within the town and lead to a never-ending circle of conflict. (The latest example of this being the coordinated stream of falsehoods spread about TCC and personal attacks against TCC supporters.) I understand that being a target of political spin or worse comes with the territory of serving as your representative at the council table, and vibrant debate usually leads to good results, but we shouldn’t tolerate allowing special interests to turn Tiverton into a replica of what we see happening nationally, with "anything goes" politics all the time. Many have called me naïve for hoping some day the attacks will stop, but I don’t think attacking neighbors in the name of community makes for a stronger community. So I would respectfully suggest that you canvass the pages of this very website and observe who are the people engaging in these types of personal attacks, and then consider for yourself who truly cares about working together as a community. We’ve started to turn Tiverton around, but taking the town to the next level means sending a clear signal that we want to work together, and that means fairness, honesty, and respect even when – especially when – there is disagreement. So I pledge my continuing efforts to work for consensus, work for shining the light on facts and solutions, and above all, working for all areas of town and voters of all political stripes.
As always, I encourage you to call me at 525-0469 with your questions and concerns. In closing, let me say it has been a continuing honor to work for you and see real progress happen. Let’s keep it going, because Tiverton is on the rise.
BD
11:05 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Robbie, why don't you mention stealing money appropriated for the schools by you and the town council (costing the town thousands to fix your error), or perhaps trying to keep an non-resident in the office of elected treasurer? Those are some of the highlights I remember from you and the TCC over the last few years. What about the press gag order and the attempted back room deals regarding the industrial park? "the most divisive people in the community hypocritically attacking their neighbors and fellow taxpayers while outright lying about facts"...sounds like you and your alter-egos Fred Floon and billy barton to me. It's just more TCC pot calling the kettle black background noise. It's too late, we know what you and the TCC are all about.
Joe Sousa.
9:53 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Has anyone noticed the fake names used to make these comments. They hide in the shadows and throw rocks. I'll be voting for the people listed on the Friends of the FTR card . Preserving our rights to vote on a responsible budget is a priority in this election.
Brain Mederble
11:05 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Mr. Coulter, let's not forget your own Jane Doe/Nancy Driggs, Rug Doctor, whatever handle JimL is using at the moment, ditto for Joe, Fred Floon/billy barton...do you need any more examples of TCC transparency? The council never took a position on the FTR (and is first to take credit for it) and despite the TCC trying to push unsupported, reckless budgets, the town ignored them and supported the budget committee once again. The town always had and always will have a tax cap, it's state law. You are a shameless snake. Why aren't your endless meetings (both posted and un-posted/secret) at both ends of Lawton Ave. mentioned? That will be the legacy of the TCC.
regards,
brain
oldandtired
10:16 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Mr. Coulter is feeling very sorry for himself.
TIger
7:48 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Just remember the old saying "How do you know when a lawyer is lying, his lips are moving" Robbie, have another donut. Nice letter from the Mrs. in the Sakonnet Times, did she write that?
Brain Mederble
11:23 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Good question, Tiger. It could be another product of the TCC ghostwriting campaign. I guess with Dave "transparency" Nelson refusing to answer the question of who writes the letters submitted under the TCC masthead, we'll never know. What is most interesting thought is that at least one of the TCC ladies has been authorized to speak. The TCC has muzzled all of their female candidates throughout the campaign. They had much more to say before they were candidates. Just look at the nastiness of ane Doe/Nancy Driggs comments and the total disregard of our public school children's accomplishments by Ruth and "doctor" Sue before the gag order.
Just Another Taxpayer
7:48 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
The TCC record:
1. Tried to steal $600,000 from the School Department which eventually cost the Town an estimated $80,000 plus they had to return the money.
2. The leader of the TCC (Rob's good friend and mentor, David Nelson) proposed a budget for the FTR Referendum which would have cut school spending by $600,000 while increasing municipal spending by 4.5%.
3. The TCC Council supported a non-resident to remain as Town Treasurer.
4. The TCC Council never endorsed the FTR or Library Referendum yet claim credit for both.
5. The TCC Council never met with the Budget Committee to discuss the 2012-13 budget. In fact, it was you Rob and the Town Administrator who developed the budget that was submitted to the Budget Committee.
6. The TCC Town Council approved spending $58,000 for a sewer study and an additional $18,000 for a Pump Out Boat(removes human waste from sailboats and yachts) both items that were rejected by the Budget Committee and by voters at the FTR Hearing that was held on May 1st.
7. The TCC takes credit for limiting the increase in the budget for the past two years when it fact it was the Budget Committee that submitted these budgets for voter approval.
8. The TCC Council has failed to provide tax relief for those homeowners who are truly experiencing financial difficulty.
So much for the TCC's version for improving the Town
Tom
7:00 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Mr. Coulter and I see things very differently. Our economy is in shambles. People can't afford the taxes, they are struggling with groceries, utility bills, and their mortgages, yet the Town Council goes ahead and buys a pump out boat.
A pump out boat, for those that don't know it's purpose, is for pumping out human waste from those individuals that can afford their own boats to go sailing on the Sakonnet. We're talking larger boats that have bathrooms on them - think large boat or yacht.
I here Justin Katz, Dave Nelson, and Rob Coulter pointing out how tough folks in Town have it, yet they authorize the purchase of this pump out boat!!
Don't fund the visiting nurses, or economic development, or the public schools, but pay for a boat to pump crap. Where are the priorities? Who does this move really benefit?
A couple of years ago Justin Katz was writing about how it would be a struggle to buy Christmas presents for his children and he couldn't afford special work boots for his feet. WELL JUSTIN HOW DOES SPENDING MONEY TO BUY A BOAT TO PUMP OUT PEOPLES CRAP RANK IN THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURES?
Brain Mederble
7:48 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thank you for your service and reminding us again of what the TCC is all about, Tom. There is also no mention of the behind closed door decisions that determine so much of our local government since the TCC was elected. From the priority of street paving to putting together a budget without the benefit of public involvement. It appears that the TCC doesn't think the government is accountable to the "little people" anymore. We are just told to "shut up" when we want to voice our opinion. Look who stands to gain if their non-appropriated sewer study is shoved down our throats...yep some more of the TCC "rich and famous"
Rug Doctor
11:18 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
There is no talk here about Bill "hate sing out for hunger" Gerlach. This is a relative of Ms. Durfee so we can expect her to be pulling on his puppet strings.
James Arruda
12:27 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Wrong once again. Bill Gerlach is actually NOT RELATED to Louise Durfee directly. The assumption that strings will be pulled only applies to the side that has proven that action, do I really need to say which? This non-sense has to stop. This is the reason why we have a divide in this town, and quite frankly this is something that hasn't been a problem in the years before.
Just Another Taxpayer
1:44 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
As opposed to Mr. and Mrs. Coulter(member of the TC and School Committee)? Strings can't get any closer than this.
bigmanny
9:53 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Rug md who are you voting for. I hear you and the mellow fellow are very close. Where is James Lipe?
ray
11:18 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
The title should be "TAXES ARE ON THE RISE SO BEND OVER AND TAKE IT AGAIN TAXPAYER"
Tiverton Parent
1:44 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Not for nothing, but my bill actually came down this year thanks to the revaluation. And to add, I've met Bill Gerlach, and he left a great first impression on me. He took the time to listen to my concerns, and had no problem discussing ideas to improve the business climate in town. He has fresh views, and spoke both knowledgeably and respectfully to me. We need people to build consensus to move the town forward and I think Bill should be one of them. Unfounded personal attacks get none of us anywhere.
KSilvia
2:03 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I think part of the problem with the TCC is their lack of recognition of the part they played in creating the very place that Mr. Coulter abhors...
Just off the top of my head based on letters and meetings:
Attacks: CHECK
Roger Bennis noting that false statements of TCC opponents are the result of errors/incompetence, and/or mental aberration, and/or lies.
Nelson threatening that the people of Tiverton will be reminded again and again of the names of the people responsible for their anxiety and suffering: Jan Bergandy, Deborah Pallasch, Carol Herrmann, and Sally Black
Justin Katz threatening the school committee at the meeting approving the teachers contract (never mind the tweets!)
Rob Coulter referring to school committee elected officials as embezzlers
Nelson telling School Committee Chairwomen Black she has no credibility.
Lambert telling a resident to shut up.
Holenbach, Katz and O’Dell suing the people of Tiverton to overturn a FTM vote
KSilvia
2:03 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Lying about facts: CHECK
Nancy Driggs, Lambert, etc. warning “There still exists a small group of people who opposed the FTR and are trying to destroy it” and “You know the position of the candidates endorsed by Tiverton Citizens for Change, but can you say the same about those endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee and Tiverton First? On one issue you can be absolutely certain, the DTC and Tiverton First oppose the FTR and will do everything in their power to bring back the old, discredited FTM.”
Taxes will increase by 22% (REFUTED by Tiverton’s tax assessor)
Just Another Taxpayer
9:53 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
K Silvia well said.
Jane Doe
9:55 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Tiverton First HEDGES ON FTR . A recent mailing from TIVERTON FIRST insults the intelligence of Tiverton voters and they would be justified in rejecting Tiverton 1st Town Council candidates. The mailing is nothing more than Tiverton 1st double-speak jibberish as there is no pledge NOT to send a proposed Charter amendment to the voters which abolishes or severely weakens the FTR. All this Tiverton First mailing said is that their candidates will "uphold the will of the people". Therefore Tiverton First Council members are free to submit FTR killer amendments to the voters in 2013-2014. Tiverton First's wishy washy pap has caused FTR tinkering to be hung around their necks just before the election and they deserve it
Please remember the FTR charter amendment passed by a large majority. I think most would agree many non TCC voters voted for it because they felt it much more efficient, convenient, private and accurate than the antiquated FTM. The voters will not be happy with the waffling coming out of Tiverton First, or the prospect of a major FTR change submitted to the voters by their Council members so soon. Shame on Tiverton First for playing mind games on the voters. Clearly state your platform on FTR. You must have one, so why try to hide it? Until then, Tiverton voters, please vote no on "Tiverton First" Town Council candidates.
RI Teabagger
8:57 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I'm with you Nancy, you can count on my support. If the majority/demorats aren't going to have to give their platform, I don't think the TCC should have to either. I support your decision to not disclose your platform until after the election. God bless America and the TCC!
Tiverton Dad
11:34 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The TCC/Nancy Driggs is lying about the supposed T1 opposition to the FTR. There is no group opposing the FTR. Furthermore, town councilors cannot overturn the FTR. It is in the charter, so it requires a town-wide referendum. Furthermore, T1 respects the will of the voters, unlike the TCC-council, which unilaterally spent money on a pump-out boat and sewer study, despite the rejection of these expenses by the voters. I wish that the TCC and Nancy Driggs--the originator of this rumor--would focus on the real issues facing this town.
jon devolve
9:48 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Here's the problem with Mr. Coulter. He's smarter than us common folk. Just ask him. He will tell you all you want to know.
Gloria Crist
9:36 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Has Jay Lambert ever told Nancy/Jane Doe/Dave Nelson to shut up?