h/t to Gene for providing this schedule.
2009-2010 Budget Information
| January 3 | Budget Workshop (8:00 AM)-CTC |
| January 8 | Budget Workshop (6:00 PM)-Middle School Library |
| January 15 | Budget Workshop (6:00 PM)-Middle School Library |
| January 29 | Budget Workshop (6:00 PM)-Middle School Library |
| February 10 | Budget Approval at School Committee Meeting |
| March 3 | Annual Regional School District Meeting (Public Hearing on Budget) |
| March 10 | Budget Adoption at School Committee Meeting |
| April 7 | Budget Referendum |
Chariho School Parents' Forum 
If my understanding of the process is that you get to sit and take in the process and not participate in it is that correct? Anyone’s of the tri towns may answer this.
Comment by James Hirst — December 21, 2008 @ 8:14 pm |
It is my understanding that except for the March 3rd public workshop, that’s pretty much the way it works.
Comment by CharihoParent — December 21, 2008 @ 9:05 pm |
Is the budget presented in sufficient detail to understand what’s going on?
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 22, 2008 @ 12:04 am |
Gene,
The answer to that question is very simple… NO!
We don’t get budgeted vs actuals for previous years.
Comment by CharihoParent — December 22, 2008 @ 5:35 am |
What do they share?
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 22, 2008 @ 9:39 am |
They will give you the budgeted numbers for the previous 4 years, then the current budget. You know no idea how the actuals meet up with the budgeted amounts. During their budget workshops, it is my understanding that the public is basically there to observe, not much input is allowed. We would have to check the agenda to see if there is any available section for public comment. The only time the public is really allowed to say anything is at the budget public hearing.
Click on the different links on this web page, that’s pretty much what everyone gets:
http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/admin/budget08-09/default.htm
Comment by CharihoParent — December 22, 2008 @ 11:56 am |
The little detail they do provide is deeply flawed as evidenced by the huge surpluses they end with every year. They also do not include mandated budget items. We also don’t have any kind of organization chart so we can understand who we are paying for and what they do. The entire process is a joke. The joke is on us.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 22, 2008 @ 1:21 pm |
Hi All,
The Chariho Times had a cartoon depicting Bill as Napoleon and asked something like if he wants to be emperor. The Times also had some editorial opinions questioning why Charlestown’s town council got involved. The Times also questioned if Bill is trying to increase hits to this blog. I’m going Christmas shopping but will try to paste my letter here when I get back. I also wrote a letter to the Sun favoring open contract negotiations. I’ll put it here too. I consider this blog and the old Hopkinton RI Speaks blog to be the best thing to happen in local governance in my memory. I travel a lot and without the blogs I wouldn’t know anything about local politics. Maybe everyone who reads here can let the Times know this is a great place to discuss Chariho stuff and the more people who come here the better. I miss the frequent contributions of Lois Buck and Barbara Capalbo lately. I’m happy to see some new posters like Gene though. Merry Christmas all!
Comment by Jim L. — December 23, 2008 @ 12:26 pm |
I don’t read any of the local rags except what I can get for free on the internet, but nothing they do surprises me. Calling Mr. Felkner an emperor while the School Committee and Mr. Ricci continuously expand their empire and increase their power is ludicrous. Just about what I’d expect from the emotional basketcase who editorializes over at the Times.
This blog is the best thing to happen to Chariho. Local media has lost their monopoly on news and they don’t like it. Blogs are democracy at their finest. No filter and open to all. Scares the heck out of the entire media complex. They are going the way of the dinosaur…good riddance.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 23, 2008 @ 12:42 pm |
I’m not sure I understand the par about the Times questioning if BF is trying to increase his blog hit. Does the newpaper think this is the reason BF is fighting his removal, or ???
Comment by RS — December 23, 2008 @ 12:42 pm |
The Times combined Mr. Felkner’s lawsuit against RIC with his ouster to imply he was looking to generate blog traffic. Since the nonsense RIC engaged in is years old and precedes this blog, it is quite a stretch to say it has anything to do with this blog. Besides, the RIC lawsuit and the Chariho ouster are much bigger than a blog.
I’m sure the Times and the Rag are threatened by anything they consider a broach upon their territory. Newspapers can’t compete with a good blog as we are all unpaid reporters and opinion writers. Plus we can report and editorialize at any time and don’t have to wait to go into print.
Not sure why the media has it in for Mr. Felkner? Perhaps their link with the Chariho and its advertising dollars intefere with their objectivity, but you would think newspapers with be huge supporters of Mr. Felkner since his efforts revolve around transparency and openness. You would think newspaper would be eager for the same thing.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 23, 2008 @ 4:00 pm |
This event has been an education in how “objective” reporting just doesn’t seem to reflect reality sometimes, often maybe.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 23, 2008 @ 4:28 pm |
I’ve known all my adult life the news media in general is biased to the liberal agenda. I know this is a blanket statement which anyone of you could find examples to dispute, but I am making a general statement in the broadest sense.
Comment by RS — December 23, 2008 @ 4:56 pm |
Hi!
I understand Bill will be in court January 2ND, on the issue concerning the school committee vacancy. I may attend? Political cartoons are par for the course, and you are usually a “someone” if you make it into them! The more important things are what the public thinks and what the law is. The latter being the most important. Note the Chariho Times editor’s editorial http://www.charihotimes.com on Bill Felkner. The flow of news DOES influence the public though.
Happy Holidays to you all. I assume that Barry Ricci and Bill Day will be put on the stand? They are the obvious ones to cross examine on this.
BTW,I called Bill about the cartoon but he did NOT inform me on the court date. He did not know about the cartoon when I called him.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — December 23, 2008 @ 6:44 pm |
Thanks comment #2 from chariho parent. That saves a few hours of my life I wouldn’t get back. Time for a CAROULO with the sc having hat in hand based on the multi million dollar surpluses. Anything new on what was to be ruled on by East Providence today. Maybe Hopkinton and the other towns should look into filing for bankruptcy and see how that sits with the chariho district.
Comment by James Hirst — December 23, 2008 @ 6:45 pm |
This is the letter I sent to the Times. They responded it is too late for this weeks issue but should be in the next one –
In response to the Chariho Times editorial, I too wonder why the Charlestown town council expressed an opinion on Bill Felkner’s ouster from the school committee? Hopkinton voters expressed our will when we voted. Does Charlestown feel they have some control over how we govern our town?
But I don’t see the connection between Felkner suing RIC over their viewpoint discrimination and his travails with the Chariho school committee, other than Mr. Felkner’s willingness to hold government bodies responsible for their actions. Too often we complain about corruption, Felkner actually does something about it.
As a reader of Felkner’s blog, I am grateful for the open and honest discussions which occur there. More is written on the blog by local citizens than by Felkner. It is a public service and having more participation is an admirable goal.
Finally, I do not understand the cartoon portraying Felkner as an emperor. Felkner has greatly increased transparency so taxpayers are empowered with information. He also fights for school choice as to empower parents with control over their child’s education. I suspect that if Mr. Felkner were to become Emperor, the first thing he would do is abolish the office of Emperor and give the power back to the people.
Comment by Jim L. — December 23, 2008 @ 6:50 pm |
Here’s the letter I sent to the Sun. Because of my work schedule it is difficult for me to attend meetings during the week but I would like to see open negotiations so we can make sure the SC is working on gaining control of spending –
The Chariho Regional School Committee should be cheered for its effort to bring transparency to the contract negotiation process by having an open meeting to discuss options with the public. Let us hope that they keep it up and allow the negotiations to take place in public view as well.
However, they should be jeered for removing William Felkner, a duly elected representative from Hopkinton, from their Committee. It is just another embarrassing moment in Chariho’s legacy.
This letter is ironic because everyone following this issue knows it was Mr. Felkner who pushed for open meetings for contract negotiations and Chariho wouldn’t have had the meeting if it weren’t for his efforts. Perhaps that will be his legacy.
Comment by Jim L. — December 23, 2008 @ 6:54 pm |
Being a “someone” is pointless if the public is led astray by the local media. The Chariho Times cartoon attempts to deceive readers. Mr. Ricci is the person who acts an emperor as he does his best to restrict access to information while growing his empire. Budgets and employee numbers increase as enrollment decreases…what is this if not imperialism?
Instead of going after Mr. Ricci, and the School Committee majority who bow at his feet, the Chariho Times’ cartoon attacks one of the few people who actually stands up for the community and exposes the emperor’s lack of clothes. The Chariho Times editor can’t be that clueless. She must see what is going on but chooses to convey the exact opposite of the truth to her readership.
The comment about this blog is further evidence that the Chariho Times is in bed with Mr. Ricci. Even if Mr. Felkner’s motivation was too increase traffic here, of what benefit is it to him? Does he sell advertising? Is he being compensated in any way for this blog? This blog is transparency’s finest hour. The Chariho Times editor once again shows she’s on the side of the Chariho status quo rather than the side of the community.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 23, 2008 @ 7:06 pm |
The letter to the Chariho Times hits all the key points of the editorial. The Chariho Times did call the Charlestown Town Council to task for their idiotic decision to weigh in on Mr. Felkner’s removal.
I am happy with the Hopkinton Town Council and our solicitor for taking a stand on the ouster of Mr. Felkner. I would have liked to have seen it mentioned…maybe the Chariho Times’ editor will take it upon herself to inform the community of the Town Council/solicitor’s stance…or maybe she won’t.
The letter to the Rag isn’t as long-winded as I would like but makes a good point. Some claim Mr. Felkner has had little impact on the School Committee, but any little sliver of transparency at Chariho can be attributed to Mr. Felkner. Prior to his arrival secrecy was the default. Now they at least make token gestures toward transparency from time-to-time. In the end I expect the School Committee to conduct most of our business from the safety of the executive meeting and sealed minutes cocoon.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 23, 2008 @ 7:14 pm |
My strings are pulled by my puppett master and former mentor, John P
Comment by Barry — December 23, 2008 @ 8:06 pm |
Hi!
Bill Felkner politically is significant both in the political and intellectual discourse locally and state wide. A cartoon is one person’s reaction to Bill Felkner or anyone else. Cartoons like anything else like an editorial is someone’s opinion not necessarily fact. Just as in this blog, it is best to draw your own conclusions.
Being a “someone” will virtually give you praise and criticism. But remember there is no person in the Chariho establishment or towns, who is a real player in the state wide debate on education like Bill Felkner. When have you seen any other Chariho town council member,school committee, or school adminstration figure being a major player in the education policy debate, at least in recent times?
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — December 23, 2008 @ 8:29 pm |
When one gets “attention” like this, it usually means that you are of great concern to the status quo, so the cartoon is a great compliment!
The media can’t influence people as much as our word of mouth, I tell everyone I run into anout the state of affairs at Chariho. Most are surprised. Once you expose the truth, the veil is broken.
This blog is a great unfiltered source of info, my sense is that BF was excited about the traffic because people are listening! Not because of personal aggrandizement.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 23, 2008 @ 9:23 pm |
What possible personal aggrandizement is there? That seems to be the gist of the Chariho Times editorial, but I can’t think of any personal benefit to Mr. Felkner in open government.
Shoot, unlike the majority on the School Committee, he is looking to reduce the power of the educational establishment, not increase it…so you can’t even say the man is looking for power.
Maybe if you told me Mr. Felkner had plans to open a for-profit private school or was looking for advertisers…then maybe it could be true, but I see nothing to be gained by him from anything he’s done to-date.
I agree that most people are unaware of the truth behind the Chariho monster. I believe the local media has played a large role in creating and maintinaing the veil. Perhaps word of mouth can overcome the media’s influence, but people need to be made aware of the media’s role in the failing status quo at Chariho.
My interest is based on a desire to secure a free, successful, and lasting society for my children. I suspect this is largely Mr. Felkner’s motivation as well.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 23, 2008 @ 10:03 pm |
The main stream media and print publications have always been against the internet, it has the potential to put them on a lesser footing if not out of business. Only quality stands the test of time, so if I were any of the papers in RI, I would be fearful of my future.
Comment by RS — December 23, 2008 @ 11:51 pm |
All papers have to be scared, the two Detriot papers just announced home delivery only Fri-Sun. The Chicago Tribune is almost bankrupt. Wonder how much longer printed newspapers will be around?
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 24, 2008 @ 1:13 am |
I’m not a rumor mongerer, so I won’t discuss details, but it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone to hear that members of the local media sometimes have personal relationships with government officials. Obviously relationships impact objective reporting.
I guess it is the nature of the beast, but the public should be aware that what they read in a newspaper isn’t necessarily the whole story or even the right story. In the competetive environment which now exists, you would think the local media would rethink the way they do business, but so far they’ve continued down the same path. I don’t think they’ll like what they find at the end of this path.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 24, 2008 @ 1:18 am |
Excepting the impact of personal biases into stories.
Money drives the stories, the best way for papers to stay in business is to write controversial articles. It sells papers.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 24, 2008 @ 10:04 am |
If I want fiction, I’ll read a Tom Clancy novels.
I’m sure most educated people today read the papers with the knowledge the articles are not necessarily the facts, but the “way” the writer see’s the story. Problem is there are plenty of folks who think the papers and news outlets in general are the all informative source for information. I’ve heard my grandmother say many times it must be true, it was in the paper or on the news. Maybe in earlier times there was credibility amongst journalist, but today its nothing more than a skewed outlet.
Comment by RS — December 24, 2008 @ 11:18 am |
Controversy does sell newspapers just as it generates blog traffic. Since Mr. Felkner is known for his willingness to stand up to entrenched interests, and this surely creates controversy, you’d think the media would fairly report his advocacy since having him around is a good thing for their business.
I have a few acquaintances I use as meausring sticks. They are intelligent folks, but not very aware of local issues. The newspaper do drive and influence their opinions. Many people have default viewpoints, such as “public schools are inherently good”. These people do not seek out alternative possibilities and it is very difficult to shake them of their preconceived notions. The bond vote results in Richmond are driven by these unaware people. Hopkinton has less because our economic situation shook up a number of us already. I was a newspaper reader and an unaware sheep just a few short years ago.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 24, 2008 @ 11:32 am |
CR … You have a made a great point, probably the identification of Chariho’s Achilles’ heel. There are plenty of samart people around in our towns, but they are unaware of the intertwined relationships and resulting biases.
A lot of people understand where the national media bias’ are, be in Rush, Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, papers, etc. But the local issues don’t play out the same way, there’s probably a lot of strange bed fellows.
I hear a lot of “Really, I had no idea”.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 24, 2008 @ 6:16 pm |
Yep…until I came across this blog and the former Hopkinton RI Speak blog I was a “really? I had no idea” person. Now I have an idea and end up frustrated because there are so few who do have a clue.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 25, 2008 @ 1:01 am |
Me too … Now the challenge is how to save the others from the dark side.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 25, 2008 @ 3:15 pm |
The problem with educating people about the performance of the Chariho system is when you begin to talk about some of the shortcomings I get the response “Yeh but xxxxxx’s teacher is wonderful, or The administrator is a very nice person” etc, etc. Nobody denies the teachers and staff are very nice people, most people I meet in life are nice. Many people even make excuses why the teachers can’t do a better job and it usually has to do with not enough resources, but when asked about the resources alloted, they don’t realize or comprehend the true costs of Chariho compared to institutions doing a better job for the same money (or less).
Problem: Nice doesn’t get the best education for our children, nice doesn’t get the bills paid, nice doesn’t make our taxes affordable, nice is not a qualifier for receiving the education we are paying for. If we can get all the things we need from the educational system and the people involved are all really nice, then we can be happy and consider it a bonus.
Comment by RS — December 25, 2008 @ 3:33 pm |
ALL THE KIDS ALL THE TIME (AT YOUR TRI TOWN EXPENSES, YUK, YUK,YUK)
Comment by Barry — December 25, 2008 @ 4:36 pm |
Maybe it’s the current financial issues,or they’re afraid of me, but while many do like specific teachers, they seem to see flaws with the entirety, especially the MS & HS.
Regardless, we can’t give up informing people.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 25, 2008 @ 9:21 pm |
Teachers and school employees are all over the place. I am related to teachers. I am friends with teachers and other school employees. As RS says, all very nice, but the world if full of unemployed nice people. None of it excuses Chariho’s failure to properly educate most children, nor does it justify the exorbitant salaries and benefits far exceeding what is earned in the real world.
The bond vote indicates to me Chariho employees are so prevalent that it may be near impossible to turn Chariho around through elections. This is why school choice is such a vital tool in fixing the problems. With choice, you can love every Chariho employee but still understand parents should be the ones to decide the best place for their child to be educated. With choice you can express your love of Chariho by leaving your children in place while not denying other parents the opportunity to improve their child(ren)’s educational outcomes.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 25, 2008 @ 9:49 pm |
It appears some of us in Hopkinton are very satisfied with the value of their tax dollars. They even want “some” to pay more. Of course they failed to cite any details. Those who want into our pockets tend to stay on the fringes and use generalities and feel good phrases rather than specifics that require facts to support their argument.
http://www.projo.com/opinion/letters/content/LT_fontes_RDY_12-26-08_4SCN0RM_v4.3e31b29.html
Comment by RS — December 26, 2008 @ 12:00 pm |
Hi!
Response to #37, RS:
Dr. Fontes who is an educated person who is acquainted with education professionally, does not necessarily believe everything the education establishment puts out, is correct and unquestionable and inviolate. She has put herself on the line as a candidate for Hopkinton Town Council in 2006 but lost but outpolling myself and some others. Barbara Capalbo, her, and myself were branded the “anti-development” candidates in that election by the HOPE organization.
Dr. Fontes does not flaunt her doctoral credentials, which many who have them do, in “letters to the editor”. She has that type of modesty. I do not necessarily agree with her in her thoughts, but she is among the most regular attendees of Hopkinton Town Council meetings. I did share her anti-big box sentiments concerning Exit#1,.
Dr. Fontes was very important to a successful anniversary celebration for Hopkinton which the town had in 2007,. She is Vice President of the Hopkinton Historical Association.
In closing Pat Fontes is determined,educated, not easy to back down, can be domineering and not easily to give ground in an argument, but she is an asset to Hopkinton. She also served on the Hopkinton Conservation Commission also.
Regards,
Scott
Comment by Scott Bill Hirst — December 26, 2008 @ 12:22 pm |
RS … Sigh … it’s not about more money … the US spends more on schools than most developed nations with what to show for it? Falling further behind.
CR … You’re right of course, until competition comes into play it will be difficult to beat the monopoly.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 26, 2008 @ 12:26 pm |
Pat is a self proclaimed socialist. Nothing beneficial to society about socialism. All socialism does is shift power from those who earn it to those who impose it. Robin Hood isn’t all that.
Comment by Been There — December 26, 2008 @ 12:34 pm |
Every system ever tried results in have and have nots. Socialism and communism simply empowers those who do the best job of manipulating the system. Socialism encourages corruption. Capitalism and free markets reward producers and encourages others to produce. No system is perfect, but free markets has the only system ever tried which has lifted the entire society. American “poor” are rich compared to the poverty which results from socialism.
Public schools are the perfect example of the steady decline which occurs when free market competition is neutered. Instead of the best schools and the lowest costs, we get politically correct ideologically driven curriculum such as constructivist math.
Socialists have nothing to be proud of…millions have been murdered due to the ideology.
Comment by Curious Resident — December 26, 2008 @ 4:02 pm |
Thats a very nice resume. Should have used the entire definition of alleviate when poking the ProJo writer in the eye, not in a “biased fashion”. Alleviate (by definition) means to partially remove or correct which is what the article was about, unless your into spending others money the way “you” see fit.
“Definition: : relieve , lessen : as a: to make (as suffering) more bearable b: to partially remove or correct ”
….part b more than covers the use of the word in the Projo article.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleviate
Further evidence of the problems with our educational system today.
Comment by RS — December 26, 2008 @ 5:49 pm |
about time youre all seeing what a socialist that dr. doo little patty cakes fontes is…..
Comment by nodoubt — December 26, 2008 @ 7:10 pm |
My understanding of the bond vote was that it was dictated by an overwhelming voice from the youth. They really haven’t experienced the tax burden from the taxpayers perspective likely because mommy and daddy has protected them.
I’m not a big fan of socialism, as I know a gentleman who grew up in Belgium, which at one time was very much a capitalist country. I believe in the 70’s it converted over to socialism. When we recently discussed the unfortunate events within this country occurring on an almost daily basis, I could see the look of concern on his face. The discussion was just as concerning.
I think this country has failed on more fronts than constructivist math. Perhaps, history has been a fault as well. We are creating a new future for ourselves. Just watch the news. I am wondering if we are just repeating history because we were too stupid to teach it and too ignorant to learn it.
What a mess!!!!!!
Comment by Lois Buck — December 27, 2008 @ 11:57 pm |
Amen to that, Lois. I find it rather ironic that I’ve had the same discussion recently with co-workers, two of whom are also from Belgium. I wonder if it’s because there seems to be a prevailing mentality to teach a liberal, socialist agenda in our colleges.
Comment by CharihoParent — December 28, 2008 @ 8:35 am |
I went to UMass and grew up in a liberal family, but found the education people to be much more liberal than I … then I grew up and the idealistic theories lost their standing to reality.
However, “the liberal socialist” agenda is multifaceted and many of the things tought in colleges are good. There is a lot of effort to impart good citizenship, help people, accept differences, etc.
Granted though, it can go too far, for instance, I’m more ok with funding universities for people to help themselves, not so ok with welfare with no strings.
The mistakes that younger people have the opportunity to make can go a long way to making their life really hard.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 28, 2008 @ 9:28 am |
There is a huge difference in helping people, being a good citizen, tolerance of diversity, etc; and relying on the government to tell you when, how, and where to live your life. Labeling ones self as a liberal, socialist, conservative, etc doesn’t automatically mean you have any of the above traits.
Comment by RS — December 28, 2008 @ 11:41 am |
Agreed, labelling is a misnomer, I don’t even know what I am anymore.
Comment by Gene Daniell — December 28, 2008 @ 10:36 pm |
Matbe the ‘hybrid’ label is good, then you can also claim to be green, no?
Comment by RS — December 28, 2008 @ 11:30 pm |
Looks like the guy who plows at CHARIHO did a “Brittany Spears”. You know, “Whoops I did it again” as in goofed up, again. Now lets see, the roof in Ashaway, the brick facing in Hope Valley, the water in Richmond, all solved with hundreds of thousands of dollars after neglect and stupidity. Now, for the grand finale of 2008, a HOLE in CHARIHO. How FAST was this guy going while plowing? (With a new, not out for bid truck and plow) It sure must have taken quite a bit of force to punch a hole that big in the building. (Therm, maybe you could calculate the mass, speed, needed to exert the force required?)
Now, what is going to be new for 2009?
Comment by Dorothy — January 1, 2009 @ 11:38 am |
Yeh but look how fast he finished the plowing, time is money.
Comment by RS — January 1, 2009 @ 1:14 pm |
Good point, RS.
Now, maybe little Andy on the SC can check and see if the driver had the proper training, (and documents to prove that), if the driver had the required seat belt on, if the driver violated some OSHA rule, and who the heck it was. Richmond police do not seem to have reported the name of the driver, but according to a news report, the driver was injured. Finally, since the air bag only deploys with a certain force, did the air bag deploy? How fast was the driver going? Curious minds paying for this mess want to know.
Comment by Dorothy — January 1, 2009 @ 3:40 pm |
Since little Andy and dumbo Bobbo claimed to be concerned about insurance issues when two of Hopkinton’s best citizens had to resort to roof gazing, I’m certain the tow truck driver and his/her company have plenty of insurance to pay to repair the newest Chariho entranceway. No way would the School Committee or Mr. Ricci allow anyone to be moving on Chariho property without proper insurance. I think they check insurance information before allowing parents in for Parent/Teacher conferences.
Comment by Curious Resident — January 1, 2009 @ 9:06 pm |
And what would all you experts consider a reasonable speed for plowing the snow? 10mph? 20mph? 30mph?
Comment by CharihoParent — January 2, 2009 @ 8:03 am |
I would consider a good speed that which insures the safety of the driver and his/her surroundings given the current weather conditions. Also, a driver must be in full control of his/her vehicle at all times, and properly trained to operate his/her vehicle and equipment.
Comment by Dorothy — January 2, 2009 @ 8:27 am |
And why do we call them accidents? … Because that’s exactly what they are, an ACCIDENT!
I find totally pathetic that on the part of anyone to critize the driver. The conditions were horrible, we all know that. One second you’re fine, the next second you’re sliding. My normal commute home was doubled, I was on both Rte 3 and I-95, nothing was in good shape. What people are doing on this blog now is critizing Chariho workers just because it’s something that happened at Chariho. We must choose our battles with battles with Chariho and this is just not the issue to do battle with Chariho, this is small potatoes compared with what are truly the problems at Chariho.
Comment by CharihoParent — January 2, 2009 @ 10:08 am |
So why you blogging about it if its “small potatoes compared with what are truly the problems at Chariho.” ????
Comment by RS — January 2, 2009 @ 1:52 pm |
I understand an “accident is an accident”. BUT whenever you work for a town or a district, you have many “bosses”, those who pay the salary of the employees. We have a right to know if the approriate training and education was given to the driver, and also if excessive speed was involved. Were requried seat belts in place? This driver was transported to a hospital for care and treatment. Given to slow speed that one must travel to plow safely, why was this person hurt? Why was the corner of the building demolished? Given the storm and the hours of snow, why plow then? Why not later when the snow stopped? So, CharihoParent, while this may be termed an “accident” the reasons for the accident should be known so that preventative measures may be taken. Until we know the causes, we can’t find a cure or preventative.
We have been lucky, and have had a twisting, curved, hilly, country drive plowed for almost 50 years. Other then a few solar lamps and a planter, none of the buildings, one of which is within 10″ of the road have been hit or damaged. So I wonder, how the hell the whole corner of a building could be taken out! Got that???
Comment by Dorothy — January 2, 2009 @ 7:28 pm |
If I have an “accident” in my job, I am drug/alcohol tested. Does anyone know if vehicle operators at Chariho are subject to any similar requirements ??
Disclaimer: I am not suggesting in any way that alcohol or drugs are used by any employee of the Chariho system. I have no knowledge of any drug/alcohol use by any employee of the Chariho system.
Comment by RS — January 2, 2009 @ 8:48 pm |
Dorothy,
The wall hit was at the end of the driveway leading up to the football field. If you’ve been through there you know there are a few speed bumps along that section. Honestly, how fast do you think he could have been going given the speed bumps along there? If you were out after the storm, you also know that any of the snow packed down was extremely slick. That particular spot is a rather narrow section in the driveway which I’m fairly sure is rather tricky given the conditions and it it was at all slick he could have very easily lost traction going around the corner. You’re making a freaking mountain out of a mole hill. Also as an FYI, if you had ever done any plowing, you would know that you can’t really go all that slow otherwise the snow piles up in front of the blade and it will bog you down to the point where you can’t push the snow and then become disabled, in other words, you’re stuck going forward. Speak to your local public works director, I’m sure he’ll inform on what you have to do when you’re plowing and what is considered a good speed. You might be in for a surprise.
RS, if the driver had any kind of commercial license he has to take a drug test which includes testing for alcohol. Not sure if this was required for this particular driver though.
Comment by CharihoParent — January 2, 2009 @ 10:29 pm |
Maybe the Chariho cirriculum could use the accident for their studies. If the plow blade is angled then what amount of force is needed to overcome the resistance of the snow as compared to if the blade is not angled. I plow my drive(700+ feet) around 5mph and have never gotten stuck, but I do have to adjust the angle of the plow depending on the wetness(weight) of the snow. If memory serves me correct, Wednesday’s snow was on the light and dry side.
Comment by RS — January 2, 2009 @ 11:08 pm |