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Opinion

RUBUTTAL: City wants shows more than condos
BY DARYL HANLIN
Thursday, August 2, 2007 10:58 PM EDT




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I haven't stopped chuckling since reading Mark Flanagan's column "Signs and center show lack of history" (July 25) but, before I begin, for the readers' benefit, I would like to make some candid observations.

To start, when you're a candidate for office you need to deal with the media, and some of us really like to. However, it's like coming into contact with a strange dog, you may want to shake their paw and offer them a treat, and you do so, at the risk of them biting your hand off, or when you turn and walk, there's a chance the dog will bite you in the butt! That may explain why Kevin Dumas remains silent! (Give them nothing and they won't bite, does Kevin think? Or Kevin doesn't want to let on he has nothing to offer?).

As for myself, I rather enjoy frank discussions. I'm looking forward to the fun and fight of some serious discussions on building a new downtown!

Flanagan's use of the royal "we" leads me to conclude The Sun Chronicle is just a little biased against this candidate and my plan. First, I can see why The Sun Chronicle would support a condo plan; it's just a little bit self-serving don't you think? After all, the proposed condo population stands to increase the paper's circulation and bottom line! Yes?

But, I'd like to ask with some interest, why have the other candidates been campaigning for about a year unscathed? They've had events, kick-offs, photo ops, announcements, constant good press, right? Yes. Strange that I became first to qualify for the ballot, and immediately, The Sun Chronicle slams my proposal for downtown Attleboro the next day! I created a plan, sent it to the paper (thanks for printing it), the mayor, the city council and the ARA. I asked all to debate and consider my proposal. My proposed plan for downtown Attleboro is the overwhelming favorite with the voters! In a short amount of time, I have investigated whether or not the citizens of Attleboro want condos or entertainment. Here's the shocker: After speaking/polling well over 700 people, their answer, yes, they proclaim, with overwelming support! They want entertainment and business, not condos! This is a large sample polling of the voting public!

Many have said Dumas is turning downtown Attleboro into a ghost town, and I agree with them! That's why I'm in this race, because it's what the people want: Entertainment venues! It's their city and tax dollars! Dumas, is out of touch with the public and the voters!

Dumas and his sidekick, the ARA director, have concocted a fast-track, bogus plan for revitalization! It does nothing! It revitalizes nothing! Dumas plans on spending your hard earned tax dollars and dump them into a plan with three separate phases, for a guesstimated grand total that will far exceed $61 million dollars.

When Dumas says they have grant money, it's still taxpayer dollars! Dumas's proposal to build three to 500 condo units, is just a plain stupid fallacy! There are no architectural blueprints for such a complex! Smoke and mirrors for re-election?

Let's examine, Dumas has fast-tracked this proposal past state officials. On the surface, it looks like a legitimate proposal. The screaming problem! Dumas has put the cart before the horse. He doesn't even have a developer, nobody, Nada!

Condos are not even selling. Want proof? drive by the ones over on West street, where Roberts Ford use to be, last I heard, they could only sell a couple of units. The remaining foundations protrude from the ground, like a monument to a coming disaster!

If Dumas's revitalization plan is supposed to be so great for the city; and create a strong economic market, a market The Sun Chronicle endorses, then why on earth is Dumas so eager to stick us with a brand new 3 percent meals tax? Sorry Kevin, something smells here! It's a bad dish you're serving!

Since The Sun Chronicle is in such favor of a condo market, I'm willing to compromise. When elected mayor, I will propose to build Attleboro's first skyscraper, the Reynolds & Markman luxury office-condo complex, to be located on the present site of The Sun Chronicle. Thump!

DARYL HANLIN is a candidate for mayor of Attleboro.
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Get Real wrote on Aug 8, 2007 12:03 AM:

" I read these posting and wonder what is Attleboro coming to now. We have a mayor who never voted until he ran for Mayor, 26 ,at the time and never voted. He has raised our water rates,raised our trash fees ,raised our taxes and lowered his own. Asked the council to pay him $105,000, takes credit for many ideas that the former Mayor started. He scraped the Union Street project which would have done some real good for the downtown, or better said what was once a downtown. D.H. is right and others when they say the only opinion that Dumas listened to was that of ARA , not what the people in the so call focus groups wanted. I was at one and if you said anything bad against what was pre-planned you were not listened too. Yet he is spending more of our money through Bonding to create Open Space on Wall Street. Or more like just to pay that ARA Mike buddy. We need real Leadership in Attleboro, not what we have now in Office. Remember we gave him a chance with no experience, as we had a problem, or so we thought we did with Judy. We have a real problem now that must be reviewed before it is to late. I have voted since I was 18 unlike Attleboro's "Nice Kid", playing Mayor, and I will once again be voting for change. Good by to the take credit for nothing Mayor. "

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confused wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:30 PM:

" Why has this article been posted so long??? I hope all articles are left up this long it would be only fair. "

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Disbelief wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:27 PM:

" The field of candidates in the Mayor's race is so diverse. You have a Mayor with a proven track record and candidates that keep saying Dumas either has no experience(which is laughable 4 years as Mayor sounds like experience) and one who is saying Dumas isn't saying anything. I think Dumas says plenty with his actions. Would you prefer he deal with City business or run around answering all of these accusations????? Mayor Dumas can't leave his job to campaign full time he runs the City. Mr Davis can because he runs nothing but his mouth it seems. He may have council experience but that is it. Mr Hanlin please give it a rest my head hurts. "

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Citizen wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:52 PM:

" Hey Tired, don’t get too worried about Davis, My family and I have known him for years. I have his lawn sign in my yard but I’m not sure if I’m going to vote for him. Davis is a nice guy but I’m not sure if he has what it takes to run this city. I’ve been getting some grief about it from my neighbors who love the Dumas. I don’t know, maybe it’s misleading but I felt like I had to do it. "

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Tired wrote on Aug 7, 2007 7:07 PM:

" What is Davis about? What has he accomplished? WHY should we even consider him for the top job? - get real people - this guy is all hype (cheesy lawn signs in the middle of summer) AND NO SUBSTANCE! "

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Dilsnoof wrote on Aug 7, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Are these the same 700 people that felt Jarrod's Place was a good idea? If a cheap dive bar to serve underground rock (pay bands zero dollars yet take in all gate and bar earnings) didn't work, how would an Attleboro version of PPAC or the Zeiterion work? "

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I LIVE IN HOOTERVILLE wrote on Aug 7, 2007 10:21 AM:

" See the new hit show ATTLEBORO starring Mr.Hanlin as Oliver Douglas and Mr.Dumas as Sam Drucker and featuring Mr.Milanoski as Mr.Hainey "

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Chris wrote on Aug 6, 2007 7:23 PM:

" Yes, he does live on his Mom's dime in her rented apartment. I think it should be required for all candidates to at least publish a resume. Wouldn't that be interesting? "

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TC wrote on Aug 6, 2007 6:48 PM:

" Yup, it's true, Davis lives with his mother and does not have a job! "

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Chakra Kong wrote on Aug 6, 2007 5:48 PM:

" Davis lives with his mother?! "

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Mary K wrote on Aug 6, 2007 5:10 PM:

" Chris, you forgot the bible beater who says God will take care of Attleboro if we just let him.. "

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Chris wrote on Aug 6, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Okay, there are just too many things wrong with this letter to comment on all of them. All that I will point out is that downtown is a business area which failed (hence it's empty) due to the lack of residential and business mixture. I would recommend that Hanlin learn from our past mistakes. Hanlin, "Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up. . ." We've got three choices folks: A.) A mayor who seems to be just fine with a proven track record over his already two terms B.) A crazy man C.) A man with no experience who lives in his mother's rented aparment - please, at least be a tax payer! "

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PR wrote on Aug 6, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Hanlin says "Give them nothing and they won't bite, does Kevin think? Or Kevin doesn't want to let on he has nothing to offer?". Sounds to me that Kevin is being smart, he has plenty to offer and has proved it. Hanlin, on the other hand...is blowing smoke....seriously. He's totally a nut job. Attend any one of the meetings and ask him a question, he can't even answer what you're asking him. "

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Matt T. wrote on Aug 6, 2007 12:23 PM:

" Does this guy even realize what a self-absorbed, misinformed toolbox he sounds like?? If, and I stress IF, he had any supporters before he wrote this article, I highly doubt he does, now. "

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To Showcase#1 wrote on Aug 6, 2007 11:29 AM:

" yes, he thinks he is. He will serenade us with karaoke....and he can't sing. "

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Showcase #1 wrote on Aug 4, 2007 9:09 AM:

" Hanlin is the entertainment! LOL!!! "

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blame the owners wrote on Aug 3, 2007 7:08 PM:

" maybe we should blame the property owners for the decrepit look of some of the buildings downtown. i have checked into a few places and the rents are sky high for what they have to offer too. i thank mayor dumas for getting work started on the "streetscape" which i am told will start in a few weeks. if the property owners are not going to take care of their investments at least the city is going to invest. oh, and hanlin, the state is not going to pay for an entertainment center. what type of entertainment are you looking for or dare i ask??? "

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get real wrote on Aug 3, 2007 4:21 PM:

" Mr Hanlin must not know there is no federal or state tax money for his venture.Private investment of the magnatude he proposes will never be forthcoming to Attleboro.Inexpensive housing is Attleboro's strong point and this is were we should place our energy.Mr Hanlin must face reality Attleboro residents are not interested in hosting this type of venue and do not want to become a Providence. "

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Huh? wrote on Aug 3, 2007 3:51 PM:

" To For Real: Sounds like you should move... "

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I feel bad wrote on Aug 3, 2007 3:00 PM:

" for this poor person who thinks he's running for mayor, he has no idea what to do, he's all talk. By the way, words are nothing, it's actions and accomplishments, which Dumas has proved over and over again, that speak louder than words. Things don't happen overnight and you people are so impatient. In the little amount of time that Dumas has been in office, more things have gotten done that all the time that Judy was in office. Doesn't that count for anything? "

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DUH wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:57 PM:

" to For Real...attleboro isn't a state "

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LOL wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:55 PM:

" Hanlin wants to open karaoke establishments to fuel his desire to be a singer. Watch him on DoubleACS, he can't answer questions when asked. He spouts off and doesn't even answer the question that was asked to him. He has no experience running for Mayor, Dumas has proven himself. "

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yikes wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:41 PM:

" To "For Real". You are nothing but a malcontent. Here's a suggestion, run for some office yourself. I'm guessing you never have, and never will. People like you are loud enough when it comes to pointing out problems in Attleboro, though you become awefully silent when it comes to suggesting real solutions. "

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Tweeter Center wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:12 PM:

" Folks don't waste time even responding to this guy - let him get his 1% of the vote and be done with him. "

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For Real. wrote on Aug 3, 2007 1:32 PM:

" To Huh? How do you measure diversity? And how many diversity units is the job losses Attleboro has faced worth? Taxes are up, Water, sewer, and fees are up. You even state property values are up. How does that make Attleboro affordable to live in? Safe? Like the carjacking and drug arrests, Attractive? Like the empty, dirty, downtown, Great place to raise children? Like the schools earning a failing mark and being put on the watch list. Hey you forgot that we have great bridges, like the late to open Thatcher St. or the fine success the County St. bridges are or the Olive St. piece of sh*t. Have you ever BEEN to Attleboro? The best thing here is the weather. And access to highways out of town. If folks didn't have family here, most I talk to would get the h*ll out of this poorly run state. Oh, I forgot, people are already leaving in droves. (I'm not talking about the seagulls (legal and illegal)arriving for free services.) To Rev Dore' You want my money to give, give, give. I'm glad you only have one vote, for you want to take money from MY family. YOU are in the church, DO YOUR JOB! and get the church to help the unfortunate. It's why the church exists, right? To Kevin L. Please, enough with the capital letters, IT MAKES YOU LOOK STUPID. "

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WOW!! wrote on Aug 3, 2007 1:20 PM:

" This guy is a nut job, a complete and utter nut job. "

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Good gosh!! wrote on Aug 3, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Hanlin is a refreshing breath of air for some of us who are a little fed up with the usual retoric we have been getting from some mayoral hopefulls. Mr. baffled.....Dumas presented the most wordless campaign in my experiance following elections. He got in!!! Where were you then concerning "tools"??? I support mayor Dumas but unlike you I am not blinded by it. My hat off to Daryl Hanlins courage. "

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Huh? wrote on Aug 3, 2007 10:21 AM:

" Hanlin, are you nuts? Mayor Dumas has boosted this City's economy better than anyone in the last few decades but even better, he has boosted our reputation. Attleboro is becoming what it used to be: a diverse community that is safe, attractive, affordable and a great place to raise a family. Did anyone notice that out of all Bristol County, Attleboro's property values increased the most. That is not because of tax increases but instead because it has become a desirable place to plant your roots thus raising the values of our most important assets (OUR HOMES). The last thing we need is a megaplex in the center of town causing safety issues and dragging us down as the place to come, booze up, reek havoc and leave. Mayor Dumas is looking at all aspects and doing a wonderful job! "

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baffled. wrote on Aug 3, 2007 9:47 AM:

" Mr. Hanlin you have talked about nothing other than an entertainment complex downtown. Do you have any other ideas???? What makes you think you have the tools to be Mayor? Mayor Dumas did not make downtown a ghost town it has been that way for years...he is finally doing something about it unlike the previous mayor. Another thought for you people hate negative politics and that is all you seem to offer definately keep your day job. The last thing Attleboro needs is a mayor like you we have finally got a Mayor with respect. As far as your statment that Mayor Dumas is out of touch with the people nothing could be further from the truth did you steal that unoriginal thought from Mr Davis? "

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Dan wrote on Aug 3, 2007 9:32 AM:

" Am I nuts, or did anyone else think of the Willy Wonka movie after reading this article? "

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HA wrote on Aug 3, 2007 9:05 AM:

" Hanlin's candidacy for mayor is ALMOST as funny as Forrest's run! WOULDN'T YOU AGREE KEVIN L? "

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OMG wrote on Aug 3, 2007 9:03 AM:

" WHO is this guy? Is he for real? Don't quit your day job buddy! "

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My Turn wrote on Aug 3, 2007 8:51 AM:

" To Kevin L. You asked a great question... "WHEN DID THE CITY COUNCIL RUN INTO CITY HALL WITH THEIR PAPERS WITH JUDY ?? OR HOLD SIGNS FOR JUDY???". Allow me to answer that question by asking a few other questions. Who was the last mayor to abandon the city, leaving the Council and (newly elected) Kevin Dumas to deal with a $1.1m deficit? No answer? Try this one. After being defeated by Dumas, and knowing about the $1.1m deficit (before it became public), which mayor was quoted as saying "kid, you did me a favor"? Hopefully, this helps you understand why NOBODY held signs for Judy. "

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Rev Doré wrote on Aug 3, 2007 8:19 AM:

" Mr. Hanlin, your letter raises many questions. Who performed your poll? What questions were asked? What was the demographic? What participant base was utilized? What entertainment will best reach the average Attleboro resident? And is this a genuine need of our city? As a voter I would prefer you focus your time and attention to such topics as youth employment, low income housing, economic development, water and sewer rates, continued improvement of our schools, both scholastically and infrastructure, continued development of our senior citizen programs. The needs of the homeless, the unemployed and underemployed are of far greater interest than political pandering. The near brown field of the old Robert's Ford, a forgotten and environmentally dangerous, abandoned property is far better served today than being home to a collection of derelict buildings which adversely effect the property values of its neighborhood. It concerns me as a voter that you address the loss of downtown merchants as if its causation were directly associated to our present mayor. Mayor Dumas was in Middle School when the developmental phases of the Emerald Square Mall began and Attleboro started its decline. If you have been a resident of Attleboro for any length of time you should recall the demise of our once bustling center reaches well into the last century. As a voter I look forward to the honest, open and intellectually challenging debates of the coming political season. "

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KEVIN L. wrote on Aug 3, 2007 8:19 AM:

" WELL WE FINALLY HAVE A CANDIDATE WHI IS NOT AFRAID TO TAKE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT. MR. HANLIN'S REMARKS ARE RIGHT ON TARGET, THEE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT THE VOTER BASE FOR DUMAS INCLUDES THAT OF THE PRESENT CITY COUNCIL WHO WANT DUMAS IN BECAUSE THEY ARE ACTUALLY TELLING HIM WHAT THEY WANT. HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS, WHEN DID THE CITY COUNCIL RUN INTO CITY HALL WITH THEIR PAPERS WITH JUDY ?? OR HOLD SIGNS FOR JUDY???, OR ANY OTHER MAYOR?. ALL DUMAS HAS DONE IS RAISED ALL THE FEES HE COULD ,WITH THE BLESSINGS OF THE PROCLAIMED DUMAS FOR MAYOR COUNCIL. YES WE NEED CANDIDATES LIKE MR. HANLIN. LET'S CLEAN UP CITY HALL BY REMOVING THIS BAND OF SO CALLED FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS( PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH). "

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Walt wrote on Aug 3, 2007 8:17 AM:

" I think you are so funny on SNL. You do great impersonations. "

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Good Grief wrote on Aug 3, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Whaaaat?????????? How did this guy even get 200 signatures?? "

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squire wrote on Aug 3, 2007 6:30 AM:

" You are right about the condos. They will just turn into low income housing. But you are wrong about Dumas turning Attleboro into a ghost town. Attleboro has been a ghost town since the mid 60's along with thousands of other towns and cities in the country. Walmart and the malls came along. Wake up. "

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