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Snow Removal Raises Tempers in AdamsBy Jen Thomas - January 03, 2008
ADAMS - Snow removal on Howland Avenue was again the major of topic of conversation at the Wednesday night Board of Selectmen meeting as tempers flared over whether or not the problem was being addressed by the town.
"Nobody's out there doing anything," said Shanda Lafave-Modena, the same resident who approached the Selectmen on Dec. 19 about unplowed sidewalks and unsafe conditions for children returning from school.
Presenting 71 petition signatures at that meeting, Modena demanded the Selectmen work with state agencies to ensure that the dangerous area - which has four lanes of traffic with no median - is clear of snow and safe for children. The Selectmen resolved to send letters to the state Highway Department to request that the state extend its contract to include that section of highway for plowing and Selectman Edward MacDonald said he would ask that more police cruisers are present during school bus pickup and drop-off times in the area.
On Wednesday, Fafave-Modena said she had not seen any improvement in her neighborhood since her last trip to Town Hall.
"I'm not satisfied with my Selectmen, my town administrator or my chief of police," she said, adding that she had begun to stop cars that were speeding and passing buses on Howland Avenue herself.
Related story
Snow Troubles Plague Town
Chairman Joseph R. Dean Jr. said he had spoken with Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, about urging the state to help clear the excess snow in that area of town. Calling it a "public safety issue," the Selectmen also voted unanimously on Wednesday to send letters about the problem to Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, and officials at MassHighway.
Dean also said he personally accompanied police on Wednesday afternoon during drop-off times and reported two vehicles passed the bus when its lights were flashing.
"I've taken action, the chief has taken action, things are rolling," said Dean.
Lafave-Modena said she was not satisfied with how few police patrols were available during the day to watch the bus stops and the fact that only the elementary school buses were under surveillance.
"The chief said that he's not worried about the big kids, just the little ones. A bus is a bus," she said.
A heated exchange between the Selectmen and Lafave-Modena ended with Dean's fall of the gavel and Modena's declaring that she would hold the Selectmen, Police Chief Donald Poirot and Town Administrator William Ketcham personally responsible if children or the elderly were harmed because of snow buildup.
"Do you want our help or not?" Dean asked.
"I don't see any help," Modena shot back.
The Selectmen insisted that the issue was being addressed in a timely manner.
"We did everything we can. It just doesn't happen automatically," MacDonald said.
"We're on your side," Dean said to Modena. "We're trying to get this solved but we can't get it solved if you're going to be obstinate about it."
Lafave-Modena said she and her neighbors Laurie Skorupski and Diane Moran will be at the next Selectmen meeting to again ask for a progress report.
"You're saying, in two weeks when we meet again, we'll have results?" she asked.
"We hope so," said MacDonald.
In other business:
- Selectmen signed the presidential primary warrant; voting locations will be announced at a later date.
- David Pelletier will take over as the building commissioner in two weeks. Pelletier previously worked as the assistant building commissioner in Pittsfield.
- Ketcham explained that a portion of the ceiling in the basement of the old town hall will need to be tested for asbestos after the plaster began to crumble. How much a project to repair the ceiling will cost is still unknown.
- Town departments have submitted their budget proposals and hearings will begin in February.
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| I agree with Mrs. Lafave-Modena, something needs to be done with the snow and the vehicles running the flashing red lightson the school bus. I live on Howland Av. Every day when the school buses picks up the kids (7:45am-8:00am CT Plunkett and Bart School). And drop them off (2:45pm-3:00pm CT Plunkett school) and (4:45pm-5:00pm M,T,TH,F except W which is 1:45pm-2:00pm Bart school). The vehicles run the flashing lights on the school bus and when either my neighbors or i call the police and tell them that theres cars that ran the stop sign on the bus. They said they only got two officers on at 7:30am. Why can't they called the state troopers in to help them out. After the State puts the snow on the sidewalk they should come back and remove it off the sidewalk. They push it up there. We r out there trying to remove it but they keep put up on the sidewalk witht he dirt its to hard to keep it clean. Than you got older people that live down the street that can't getn out there to shovel. " SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AND QUICK" | | from: mike | on: 01-15-2008 |
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| I seen many speeders and BUS RUNNERS stopped on Howland Ave.this past Thursday and Friday.....GREAT job Adams Police and you also State Police for stoping these speeders and BUS RUNNERS to keep our children safe.I just can not belive how much of this goes on every day on this highway.Maybe if word gets out that Adams Police will not put up with this BUS RUNNING things will change and people will be more careful driving. | | from: Richard | on: 01-11-2008 |
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| Adams has a little over 8500 residents and a fine police force. Given everyones comments, the solutions are all there. Petition to redirect the bus routes through the school district and Dufour, continue enhanced patrols at key times in the late afternoon to catch and FINE speeders and lawbreakers and continue pressure on the state to find a way to collect snow from the sidewalks on the West side of the road (the state is responsible by agreement with the town...arranged back in the late 80's/early 90's. It was nice to see the citizen debate and back and forth....we need more of it. | | from: Amused | on: 01-10-2008 |
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| i'm not ignorant nor my family we believe that the any child should be kept safe by any persons or town officials in the town of adams we love our children very much and i have very many friends that are police officers and i treat them with the respect that they deserve.a they treat me with the same respect. i just think some people just do not understand that it's not just one car or truck it's many at each bus pick up or drop off. i was watching the other day when bart school kids got dropped off and a car stopped at the last second if he would of went another foot one of the children would of gotten hit. | | from: | on: 01-10-2008 |
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| Dave-I am not saying we do not have a good police dept.here in Adams.....We do....I just thought that for all who dont think so can see the logs and see the Adams Police are doing a great job.I did not say contact the Gov.however I did have our area rep. in mind.I did put in my comment that I am sure the police are doing their job. I went by around 3:35 in the afternoon and saw for myself that the police are there watching for the bus runners.This shows people they are on top of this problem. | | from: my input | on: 01-09-2008 |
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Adams has approximately 15 police officers for approximately 9,500 residents. Shifts generally staff 2 or 3. Why are these people (’71 and their supports) so ignorant!!!! It’s not the cops, selectman, or any other person fault!!!!!
Listen to what Scott has written regarding the pick up – drop off zones, there’s the
Answer!!!!!
For “My Input” here’s a little law lesson, the police log is public knowledge, all you have to do is go to the police department and request to see it!!! Yup, it’s that easy, you don’t have to bother Gov. Patrick for his assistance in this matter. No government red tape, no forms to fill out, no background checks, nothing, just ask to see it!
For “used to live Mass” thanks for moving, can you encourage anyone else to follow you?
| | from: Dave | on: 01-09-2008 |
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| Someone from the 71 should contact a state offical and have them check out the Adams Police logs for the past few months to check and see that their police are not letting these law breaking speeders and bus runners on Howland Ave off with a slap on the hand or warning. I am sure the police are doing their job to inforce the laws.If not something MUST be done.Even the Adams town mgr.or selectman could get that info to show the people that their police are inforcing the laws for the safety of these children. | | from: My Input | on: 01-09-2008 |
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| The sidewalks are usually cleaned by the people that own or rent the building. The issue is not the snow but the speeding cars on the street. Which by the way is being taken care of. I saw an adams police car during the afternoon drop off time. I am a mother of three children and I am just as concerned as the next guy. Snow is the least of our concern's or it should be. What out the kids that are smoking and drinking in junior high? | | from: lostinadams | on: 01-09-2008 |
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on behalf of mrs. modena and the rest of mass...
where is a police officer when you need one...
there should be one in the area of a school bus
leting children off a school bus for just the reason of a vechicle passing a schoolbus....with somany cases of a vechicle passing a bus...they
should be stopped....and arrested....or at least
get the license number.....as far as snow removal
i think (my Opinion) services are beginning to get very skimpy...they do just what they have to and thats it....i know i used to live on a dead end street and was snowed in for a week before we got plowed......all i can say is You 71 people and mrs. m odena keep fighting for your rights as a taxpayer and concerned citizens for people of all ages.......used to live in mass..... | | from: used to live in mass | on: 01-09-2008 |
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The ’71 are a tiny representation of Adams. Although their complaint may be reasonable, it lost so much of its credibility with the way it was presented, just read these posts.
You would find the overwhelming majority of Adams residents can approach the Selectboard with respect & intelligent commentary, where the Adams Board of Selectman would respond with respect and intelligent answers.
| | from: MS | on: 01-08-2008 |
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| Jim.....my mistake, not Burt Street, it was Butler Street | | from: | on: 01-08-2008 |
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| Jim,The 71 residents that signed are from Howland Ave,Brown Street,Newark Street,Apermont Street,Burt Street,and Columbia Street. | | from: | on: 01-08-2008 |
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| I agree 100% that the way the selectmen talk to the townspeople, never mind their elected and appointed partners in government, is appalling and must change. Endowed authority in Adams appears to breed contempt for the citizens in general on the part of our elected, appointed and employed officials. Public service is an honor and a responsibility for all...not a duty or right for a few. We all paddle together or we all sink together...and folks, right now Adams is sinking faster than we can paddle....or in this case shovel. In respect to bus routes, Scott is correct, they can be changed if enough people call and petition. If children are in jeopardy, then it is obvious that the routes SHOULD change. Keep pressing the buttons...one will trigger action. | | from: Amused | on: 01-08-2008 |
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Although I agree with “amused” the thought of the “71” shoveling snow is absurd. Not that Amused is wrong, it’s just they’re all “tax-payers.” With such a movement of people “sickened” about the way the tax-payers are spoken to, one could never imagine them to perform manual labor while their D.P.W. doesn’t earn the salaries provided by these same people.
Hey wait, isn’t a large amount of residential buildings on Howland Avenue rentals? Hmmmm, I wonder how much taxes are actually being paid?
| | from: Jim | on: 01-08-2008 |
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| Adams has the second lowest median household income in Berkshire County, a declining and aging population, publicly-owned buildings (schools, old town hall, community center, library) in dire need of reconstruction and repair, crumbling and uneven sidewalks in a structurally deficient and officially blighted downtown, an eroding commercial and industrial tax base, elevated assessments against a falling housing market and is on the brink of significant fiscal crisis in 2008 and possible prop 2 1/2 override just to maintain current operations...and that's with NO capital investment to deal with what I just mentioned. It's time for the townspeople of Adams to put their collective minds together to start tackling some of the real issues the town faces or you won't have a police or highway department to worry about. As well-meaning as your selectmen may be, they are not MBA's or professional business managers. In the interim, how about the 71 people in the Howland Ave area each grabbing a shovel and getting busy while the snow melts? Seems to work for the rest of us around town. | | from: Amused | on: 01-07-2008 |
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Very Curious,
I have never once stated citizens have “no” right in how their town is run. I believe Mr. Anonymous said it best with “Respect is a two way street- you earn it by giving it.” Based on that, Lafave-Modena should brush up on her social skills as it’s evident she clearly lacks them.
I stated in my last post that I would not contribute another comment regarding this subject matter, However, after reading your response and actually witnessing a motor vehicle (in the opposite lane) this afternoon, fail to stop for a school bus with it’s red lights flashing I am compelled to write in one last time.
The problem is NOT the Adams Selectman, Adams Police Department, or any other government agency. The problem is the ignorant motorist who fails to stop for a clearly marked school bus. It is as simple as that, absolutely no argument.
In spite of this, there have been poor drivers since the invention of the motor vehicle and that will never change unless you make the motor vehicle extinct on planet earth. (Not happening any time soon)
Therefore, we must find an answer, so here we go. I ask you again “Very Curious” have you or the “71” (which does not even represent 1% of the entire town’s population) appealed to the bus company to NOT allow the children to cross four lanes of traffic?
Children living on the west side of Howland Avenue should disembark from the bus in the lane closest to the sidewalk on the WEST side of the road. Children living on the east side of Howland Avenue should disembark from the bus in the lane closest to the sidewalk on the EAST side of the road. This way, no child is crossing a four lane highway!!!!
There you go “Curious” take my idea to the BUS COMPANY and you have my permission to tell them you thought that up all on your own. I guarantee you wont or any of the “71” because it’s too simple of a solution and you all would have nothing to complain about, misery loves company.
| | from: Scott | on: 01-07-2008 |
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| Why does Scott assume I am a "her?" After reading all these comments, I now see evidence of something I have thought to be true for quite some time; that is, there is a growing group of folks who believe that citizens have NO say in how their town is run, and unless they are elected to a public office, must keep silent or face public humilation. The reality is Selectmen are elected by town voters to represent them, not dictate to them. I reiterate: 71 people signed a petition about potentially dangerous conditions involving children crossing four lanes of traffic to enter and/or exit school busses. Name-calling and sarcasm is what is being posted for most of these comments. Where is an actual solution? | | from: Very Curious | on: 01-07-2008 |
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| I am one of the 71 who signed Mrs. Modenas paper to be offered to our selectman.Lived at my same home here for over 50 years. I am not interested in running for selectwoman. As for comical--the only thing comical is the way our last selectwoman left us Adams residents hanging. One day she is at the meeting as our selectwoman,ends up resigning,comes back for a while,quits again. I kept watching to see if she would appear again at another meeting but never did.....THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL COMICAL....and she was not one of the 71 down this end of town. I am not saying she was a bad selectwoman,just funny the way it all ended. | | from: not running for selectwoman | on: 01-06-2008 |
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I applaud Selectman Dean for the way he addressed Lafave-Modena. Additionally, Mr. Dean has a constitutional right to speak to anyone, any way he wants. If the “tax-payers” of Adams are sickened by it, challenge him when his term expires.
I guarantee the supporters of Lafave-Modena could never place a candidate on the ballot that would even remotely challenge Dean or any of the sitting selectman. I plead to Lafave-Modena or any of the “71” to try, the results will be comical.
This is my last post on this subject; the ignorance of some people is frightening and why I am trying to convince them?
PS – My new idea, ban all cars; it’s the evil cars causing all of our problems!!
| | from: Scott | on: 01-06-2008 |
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| I have sat back here and looked at the comments left on here about the problems these Howland Avenue residants have. I am not for or against anyone. I do know there is a differance of speed between a 4 lane highway and 2 lane street. And I dont think anyone is trying to give history lessons.I am sure that there is so much more of these awful sad stories to be told. I say sit back now and see what your selectman can do for you as people all over are watching to see what happens in the end. GoodLuck | | from: WATCHING | on: 01-06-2008 |
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| no one said the police were not doing their jobs what is need is more than 2 officers on a shift. they do a very good job.they are spread very thin. but we have issues that has never been addressed by anyone. we had a truck leave the fair grounds at a high rate of speed how hit a pole in front of our home half way up spun around lost a tire and hit our porch landin in the auto dealership burning him to death in which two of my family members could not pull him out to save him. also there was a three car crash in which my brother in law was taken out of his blazer by adams fire dept and his young daughter in shock in the back seat belted in with broken glass all over her. the van that hit was pushed into them by a third car who was going 65 mph talking on a cell phone and a 6 month old in the front seat. and how about when the motorcycles come out of the cycle shop on one wheel the lenght of howland ave. these are just a few things that go on down this end of town and i wish some of you could live our lives woundering when the crash is coming after the brakes squeal for a couple of min. | | from: | on: 01-05-2008 |
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Richard, I can not argue that motor vehicles travel fast on Howalnd Avenue. However, I believe if you polled the residents of Commercial St, Columbia St, Summer St, North Summer St. East Rd, West Rd, Orchard St. etc. etc. etc. you would find the same complaints. So now what Richard? To many roads, not enough cops (unless your willing to dip in that pocket of yours to boost the tax rate to hire some more)
However, I do thank you for the history lesson, you have inspired me to petition all vehicle manufactures to design their new cars with a sensor that can read speed limit signs. After the beam bounces off the sign and returns to the vehicle, it will not allow the vehicle to exceed the posted speed limit!
After I contact all of them with my idea, we can hold the vehicle manufactures “responsible” if someone gets hurt……
PS- What ever happened to holding the person who broke the law “responsible?”
| | from: Scott | on: 01-05-2008 |
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| I would like to comment to Mrs. Fafave-Modena I am shocked at your civilian trials at stopping the "speeding" motor vehicles on Howland Ave. The police do an amazing job enforcing the laws in the town of adams. I believe that you should place yourself in check and not try to be citizen on patrol with no backing. Taking the law into your own hands is not the way to solve the problem. Maybe you yourself should go out and run for selectman. You seem to believe you have the "right" answers for all the situations in the town of Adams. I challenge you to go out and run for selectman. Maybe you can change the world or maybe you can work with the authorities that keep us safe on a daily basis rather then fighting against them. I think you should stop spouting off at the mouth and if you truely believe this strongly about the subject run for selectman. Try and work on the problem rather then making a mountain out of a molehill. I challenge you Mrs. Fafave-Modena do the right thing! | | from: Sally | on: 01-05-2008 |
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| Hey Scott-- It is my understanding that a Adams police officers sister was hit by a car on Howland Ave. in Adams years back. I belive she was around 10 or 12 years old. It was not that long ago. Cars do go fast on that part of the highway. | | from: Richard | on: 01-04-2008 |
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| mr. dean should be a little more careful of how he speaks with any tax payer in the town of adams after all we elect them in office. her concerns after all are of all children and elderly i would hope the adams people would not want any harm to any one. and yes there was a young lady that was hit when someone wouldn't stop on this highway and at the time it was two lanes and it was a long road for her to recover from. if more people found out these facts before speaking then i could understand. by the way the young ladies first name is maryrose. i for one am with her in her fight. | | from: | on: 01-04-2008 |
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"Scott", "Roger", "Williamstown Resident", kudos to you all three of you, its obvious you understand reality and do not live in the confused world of others.
PS - Scott, I agree, how about some more money to our "skools" to educate our children where someday we can have a Police "Cheif" from town!! | | from: Jennifer | on: 01-04-2008 |
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Has the author “Very Curios” explored her question of “NO CHILD SHOULD BE CROSSING A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY” with the bus company, the ones responsible for the decisions as to where children should be picked up/dropped off.
Answer? Probably not. I guess it’s just easier to blame others who are not the cause of the problem.
| | from: Scott | on: 01-04-2008 |
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After reading the writers response who did not sign their name (which I personally do not have a problem with) my initial reaction is that at once, without delay, we need to hire new educators from “out of this area” for our school system. I base this simply on the significant amount of grammatical errors in the “unknown” authors text.
It is then I believe we should hire a new “Cheif” (or is it Chief? Im not sure, I was educated by these same local teachers) When the new ‘Cheif/Chief’ is in place, it is then when we can embark upon eradicating the astoundingly treacherous circumstances on Howland Avenue, which have placed the youth of our community at such enormous peril (has their actually been an emergency incident on Howland Avenue where a child was harmed?)
Seriously however, to all operators of motor vehicles, please always use caution when driving and be especially aware of potential dangers.
To the Adams Board of Selectman and Police Department, your doing a great job and we all wish you continued success. Your jobs are difficult but you carry out your duties with great dignity and professionalism.
| | from: Scott | on: 01-04-2008 |
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I would like to offer my two suggestions for solving this problem, both of which I believe will satisfy Mrs. Lafave-Modena
1) Regarding the snow banks, let’s petition Mother Nature to never allow snow in Berkshire County again. Yup that’s right, never ever (Sorry Ski resorts)
2) Lets hire a police officer (and buy a police cruiser for each new hire) to shadow every single motor vehicle that travels through the town of Adams. Its simple, each motorist having their very own police escort will surely not violate any traffic law.
While we’re at it, lets hire additional police officers and have them stationed in every single residence and business 24 hours a day (three shifts = 3 officers for each home & business) that way, we can be certain there will never be another burglary ever again in Adams!!
Now that we have solved all traffic and crime issues, lets do a little math…. approximately 9,500 residents X 3 officers = 28,500 new police officers!!! GREAT!! (And that’s just for the homes....I think feel a proposition 2 ½ override on the horizon)
| | from: Roger | on: 01-04-2008 |
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It always amazes me how all the worlds (or in this case, the Town of Adams) problems are always “solved” by people who are not in a position to actually do something. I suggest, in fact challenge, Ms. Lafave-Modena, to run for political office with her first order of business being the implementation of her Howland Avenue Safety Plan.
If Lafave-Modena refuses to run for office while at the same time possessing this great knowledge, then can it be assumed we can hold her “responsible” if anyone is injured?
I don’t always agree with the Adams Board of Selectman, however, I have the greatest respect for them, and anyone who puts themselves in a position to be judged by the peanut gallery. With the terribly low salaries they receive for the job, it’s obvious they place themselves in those seats for all the right reasons.
Finally, to the Adams Police Department, keep up the great work in a field where you’re always perceived as the bad guy. When you’re “not” stopping cars your accused of doing “nothing.” When you do stop cars you’re accused of “having nothing better to do”
| | from: Williamstown resident | on: 01-04-2008 |
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| The lack of patience these people have is unbelievable. Sometimes there aren’t simple solutions to seemingly simple problems. As far as the comment regarding the treatment to taxpayers, I think that some of these taxpayers need to look at how disrespectful they are to officials. Respect is a two way street- you earn it by giving it. I don’t see any of these complainers rushing to public service! | | from: Mr Annonymous | on: 01-04-2008 |
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| I cannot fathom why any elected town officials would be so callous and unpleasant when the safety of children is involved. Frankly, NO CHILD SHOULD BE CROSSING A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY to get on or off of a school bus. Vehilces passing stopped school busses with lights flashing should be stopped immediately and cited. The officers do not have be in the area but for the 30 minutes or so that busses are dropping off students. Why won't town and state leaders cooperate with the Howland Avenue neighbors, the 71 who signed the petition? | | from: Very Curious | on: 01-03-2008 |
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| It makes me sick to see Mr.Dean our Selectman in Adams talk to a Adams Taxpayer the way he did on Wednesday night. And if it was not for Mrs Modena calling Mr. Bosley that morning to get after these town officals,Mr. Dean would never have talked to him at all on Wednesday. And for a Police cheif to say his concerns are only for the younger school childrens busses also makes me sick......That is why Adams should hire a Police Cheif out of this area to do the job.....Hire a Police Cheif that cares for all of the towns people...Not just certain ones.! | | from: | on: 01-03-2008 |
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