Selectmen looking for piece of School Com's cake
Published on October 12th, 2005
Ignoring the outraged objections of School Committee members, the town's Board of Selectmen endorsed a Town Meeting proposal on Tuesday that would empower a Selectman to vote on the school's contract agreements.
According to Selectman John Depinto, who originally placed the article on the warrant, the municipal side of government needed more authority to weigh in on collective bargaining discussions within the school system, especially as Stoneham faced financial crunches.
"The budget comes out of the Board of Selectmen and an important part of that budget is collective bargaining on the town side and the school side. I think it's an important step, especially with the finances [being the way they are]," the first-term Selectman said.
Referring to the proposal as a "slap in the face", School Committee Chairwoman Marie Christie charged that the article constituted a vote of no confidence in her board's ability to properly represent the town during contract discussions.
Agreeing with Christie, first-term School Committee member Maureen Soley also argued against the measure, claiming that the Selectmen lacked the expertise to properly understand how the school department functions.
"I was elected to bargain, set policy, and put together budgets," said Christie. "I take it as a personal affront to my integrity as a School Committee member for 23-years that you're questioning my ability to represent this town."
After the two School Committee representatives further suggested that the proposal should instead ask for a city form of government, as such charters allow mayors to act as the president of school boards, Depinto disagreed.
According to the Selectman, his intention was to only allow more municipal input on school issues, not to change the town government's makeup. Claiming that he would have no problem if the situation was reversed, the Selectman further revealed that his ultimate goal would result in a Selectman appointee voting on all school issues.
"I personally can't see a problem with a Selectman sitting permanently and voting on all School Committee matters," said DePinto. "I'm not questioning anybody's integrity."
In another unanimous vote, the Selectmen also backed a measure pitched by Stoneham
Police Department Articles
Causing less controversy than the previous measure, the Selectmen also unanimously backed a measure pitched by Police Chief Gregory O'Keefe which would allow laid-off police officers to work details.
According to O'Keefe, the proposal would work in the same fashion as a similar policy allowing retired officers to work details that can't be filled with active-duty police.
"Up until recent years, we never had to deal with layoffs. But we now have two officers who were laid-off. I think it's only fair that the town help out these workers when they can," said O'Keefe.
"This would help them financially and it would help the town. They would still have to meet all the requirements of [our active duty] officers. There are some towns that have allowed laid-off officers to work. But they weren't doing it legally. We want to do this the right way," the police chief added.
The Selectmen similarly endorsed a second police-related article that seeks to purchase three police cruisers at a cost of $105,000.
Citizen Articles
Stoneham resident and attorney Mark Vaughan garnered the Selectmen's support of a zoning proposal that would pave the way for a billboard to be placed along Interstate I-93.
Initiated by Vaughan during a previous meeting with the board, the Selectmen ultimately sponsored the article in light of a potential revenue windfall that could be realized through the signs' erection.
According to the local attorney, while he previously pitched building two billboards along the highway, some opposition from residents near Ira Nissan changed his mind.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!