Last modified: Thursday, November 1, 2007 9:36 PM EDT Letters to the Editor Name room in honor of fallen Foxboro officer To the editor: Please consider naming the Foxborough Police-Fire facilities community room for a man that bid goodbye to his family, reported to a Foxboro police station, answered a call and died in the line of duty in service to the town of Foxboro. Patrolman Fred W. Pettee of the Foxboro Police Department was struck by a vehicle and died on Dec. 20, 1934, while assisting the Massachusetts State Police at an accident scene on Route 1. Mike McGinty's tragic death on 9/11 and the sacrifices and contributions by his family are well documented. From all accounts, Mike was a fine man and I don't argue that his precious soul is worthy of an appropriate memorial. Pettee's life and death are not well recorded, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community of Foxboro. The community and agency personnel will use this room and it should be named in honor of Patrolman Fred W. Pettee of the Foxboro Police Department. A Pettee community room is appropriate tribute to Pettee, but it also acknowledges the sacrifices of past police and firefighters and while acknowledging the dangerous job present and future personnel take on. I ask the community to take a closer look at naming this community room in memory of a man that reported to a Foxborough police station, answered a call, and died in the line of duty in service to his community. George Brown Attleboro Falls THIS WRITER is founder of American Police Veterans - www.policevets.org - and a retired Plainville police sergeant. Timing questionable for Mansfield recall To the editor: The issue in the Mansfield recall as I see it is: The challengers need to have enough support on the board of selectmen to oust the town manager. Confident that Selectman George Dentino is one sure vote, recall supporters believe that replacing two other selectmen with two more like-minded members will get the job done. If this is accomplished we will be presented with a board whose majority would be focused on a negative mission a mission very much like those signs on the side of a store downtown. These types of missions are embarrassing, not to mention the political mire in which our town will be immersed. Such a board would find itself spending inordinate amounts of their time and our money on something that will eventually play itself out with next spring's town election. If the challengers prove victorious in this recall election, and act hastily on this issue, they could likely expose the town of Mansfield to even more liability. I know Bob Goldman. He's not a bad guy and I'm sure he feels he is doing the right thing by taking up this torch. I don't know Tom Wojick. However, neither has experience as a selectman that would enable him to jump into the budgeting process without a hitch. They might possibly do a great job ... after four to six months of guidance with an impartial town manager and fellow board members. This is why elections are held in the spring. I do know Lou Amoruso and know that he is very experienced and bright. Dave McCarter has experience and appears to have the best interest of the town in focus. The timing for this changing of the guard is very ill advised: At a very critical time in the process of establishing a multi-million dollar budget, the town could be losing two selectmen who are capable of independent judgment and a town manager with experience who just happens to be the author of the town's budget. Why take the risk? John Dunn Mansfield THIS WRITER is a former selectman, electric commissioner and charter commission chairman. He's got track record of caring, working hard To the editor: I have known Paul Spera for about 10 years. I met him through the many veterans' activities that he and my husband have been involved in. I have listened to him. I have read his Web site. I believe in his commitment to serving our city to the best of his ability! His job in the Veterans Administration and his office in the VFW have given him many opportunities to fight for needs and rights of others. I believe that Paul would make a strong city councilor, working hard for the best for our city and residents. As a long-time resident of Attleboro, he has lived through all of the changes, good and bad. He is a mature individual with a great deal to offer. If I lived in Ward 6 I would vote for him. I encourage people to seriously consider casting their vote for Paul Spera! Pam Middleton Attleboro Wind farm rejection deserved bigger play To the editor: It's very disappointing that this newspaper would report that the Cape Cod Commission denied the building of a wind farm off Cape Cod...... in an article consisting of nine lines at the bottom of page A5 ("Cape Cod Commission rejects wind farm," Oct. 19). This is first page news! Oil prices per barrel are fast approaching $100. How can we afford not to pursue this very inexpensive source of energy? I guess we can chalk this up as another victory for the infamous Ted Kennedy who has been fighting against the wind farm project since the idea was first introduced a few years ago. Doug Gobin Attleboro One e-mail does not represent a flurry To the editor: I was startled to read Robert Goldman and Thomas Wojick's comments about me Oct. 31 ("Why you should elect us to Mansfield board"). I did not appreciate the claim I was making calls and sending e-mails, which I did not, with "inside information." I get the publicly available agendas sent to me before the meetings, which anyone can and several do, and sent one e-mail to a friend telling him that the attorney representing the Mansfield case was on the agenda and would be speaking about the case. I advised him to watch, sensing he was not fully versed in the issue. This private e-mail (or what I thought was private) is now misrepresented as a flurry of phone calls and e-mails. However, I will respect the privacy of the individual who received this e-mail, a consideration I, now a private citizen, was not afforded. I would ask Mr. Goldman to produce copies of these numerous e-mails as well as names of those I called. If anything other than a Wednesday 17 Oct 2007 9:45 a.m. e-mail is produced, I will be amazed. Michael W. McCue Mansfield Don't forget how tenure ended for former mayor To the editor: While I commend Judy Robbins for her years of public service, I cannot support her bid for the Attleboro City Council. Too many questions remain unanswered from the financial crisis which sent City Hall into a tailspin in December 2003. Only one month before, a political newcomer named Kevin Dumas had shocked the City of Attleboro by trouncing six-term incumbent Robbins. The day after that election, Robbins stated that Dumas may have, in fact, done her a "favor." Her statement turned out to the understatement of the decade. That's because about a month later, Robbins disclosed publicly that her administration had "erred" in a crucial school funding calculation to the tune of $1.1 million. In a letter dated Dec. 11, 2003, Robbins asked the council to remedy her error by cutting that same amount of money from the school's (already approved) budget. Needless to say, the mere mentioning of cutting the school's budget by $1.1 million dollars midway through a school year sent parents and teachers into fury, and City Hall into financial crisis. At a time Attleboro needed and expected its mayor to step up and take control, Mayor Robbins was gone. Her parting words to the council was that "her thoughts no longer counted and that mayor-elect [Dumas] should answer" to the council. Robbins' absence before her term expired forced Council President Carolyn Tedino to assume her new role as "acting mayor" Tedino. And mayor-elect Dumas quit his job early and converted a windowless storage room into a make-shift office at City Hall. For at least two weeks, both of these leaders worked tirelessly to solve the problem neither of them created. It's been said you learn a lot about a person's character from the way they handle a crisis. It's up to the voters of Attleboro to decide whether the decision of Judy Robbins to abandon her post as mayor at a time Attleboro needed her most now warrants a vote for her on the city council. Patty Cannata Attleboro Keep city councilor with positive attitude To the editor: Kim Allard is a very hardworking, considerate, dedicated, fair and open-minded person. She works with the people of Attleboro to resolve any issues that arise. She follows up with appropriate people in city government to get to the bottom of the issues and resolves them in a fair and timely manner. We would like to see more people like her in the city council. She has played a vital role as a council member in past years and we are quite confident that she will continue to make contributions in the future to ensure right decisions are made for the betterment of city and its residents. With her experience and knowledge and positive attitude, she is one of the best council members we have come to know. We would like to see Kim get reelected at the upcoming reelection and wish her all the best. Dilip and Rekha Patil Attleboro Candidate for clerk wins bipartisan support of reps To the editor: We are taking this opportunity to urge you to go to the polls in next Tuesday's municipal election and to respectfully ask you to vote for Tony Viveiros for city clerk. For the past 37 years we have had the great honor, collectively, to represent Attleboro in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Since two of us are Democrats and two are Republicans, we often have honest disagreements on issues of public policy. We are, however, in complete agreement that Tony Viveiros should be Attleboro's next city clerk and we enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for this important municipal office. As current and former elected officials, we understand how valuable Tony's past experience on the city council will be in the performance of his duties as city clerk. During his tenure as councilor-at-large, Tony developed a detailed understanding of municipal finance and, as vice president of the city council, he demonstrated a tremendous capacity to work cooperatively with all of his colleagues and with the general public. We know that this experience will serve him well as city clerk. Tony was born and raised in Attleboro and educated in our public schools. Currently, he continues to serve the city as a park commissioner, as a member of the alcohol licensing commission and as a constable. In addition, Tony and his wife Janine (Bailey), a South Attleboro native, own and operate a small business, Tony's Whistle Stop at the Attleboro MBTA station. Dealing with hundreds of customers every day, Tony knows the importance of courteous, prompt and professional service when dealing with the public, an invaluable asset in the office of city clerk. Again, we urge you to get out and vote on Tuesday and to cast your ballot for Tony Viveiros for city clerk. Rep. John A. Lepper R-Attleboro THIS LETTER is also signed by Rep. Elizabeth A. Poirier, R-North Attleboro, and former Attleboro state representatives Max Volterra and Stephen J. Karoll. Councilwoman at large >makes Attleboro safer To the editor: Councilwoman Kimberly Allard is an asset to this community. Her strong support for police and fire should make every resident of the city feel safe with her on the city council. She is a tireless advocate for the revitalization of the city. Attleboro has evolved into a great place to live and one of the reasons for that is Councilwoman Kimberly Allard. Bruce M. Levine Attleboro Vote for a great American for Ward 6 councilor To the editor: I am supporting Paul Spera for city council in Ward 6. He is a man of character, hard working, fair and a great American. Whether it is the building of the Veterans war memorial or his support of our troops, Paul was always the first to volunteer. Caring for Attleboro's veterans and widows for 20 years as veterans agent, I often sought Paul's help in obtaining benefits for city veterans. As a Vietnam veteran, Paul rose through the ranks to become national commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He later worked for the secretary of Veterans Affairs as ombudsman for the Eastern District. Both of these national positions require considerable tact and tenacity. These attributes will serve ward 6 well. He is a dedicated parent and grandparent and an engaged citizen. I urge you to vote for Paul Spera for Ward 6 councilor. Tom Tullie Norton Need clear in Mansfield: Show town manager door To the editor: I plan to vote "Yes" on the recall question and I urge all other Mansfield voters to do the same. It amazes me that some people continue to call this a witch hunt and would rather hold no one responsible for the $1.5 to $2 million or more to pay attorneys and settle lawsuits that never should have happened. Let's not forget that none of this would have ever transpired but for the unprofessional conduct of Town Manager John D'Agostino. It is not acceptable for a professional manager to tell a female subordinate, "You look delicious" or to allow sexually graphic e-mails to circulate on the department e-mail system, once notified that they were there, both facts stipulated to in this case. In the business world, such a manager would immediately be relieved of his management responsibilities, if not shown the door. Mr. D'Agostino's behavior and lack of judgment brought about this whole situation. Regarding Mr. Amoruso and Mr. McCarter, both are fine gentlemen who have served the Town of Mansfield very well over the years. But in this case, they both made a series of bad decisions that got us to where we are today. They decided not to discipline Mr. D'Agostino when these incidents first came to light. They decided to back Mr. D'Agostino when the lawsuits were filed and they decided to follow the advice of counsel and proceed to trial against the advice of the town's insurance carrier. This series of bad decisions are costing me and the other taxpayers of Mansfield dearly. This is not about looking for a witch in our midst - this is about holding someone accountable for the inexcusable actions and poor decisions that have led to the situation we are in today. We must get this sordid mess behind us. We must make a change on Nov. 6. Robert Goldman and Thomas Wojick are long-time residents and experienced and accomplished men who will do an excellent job of overseeing the professional management of Mansfield. I urge you to vote "Yes" on the recall question. Jim Adams Mansfield Energetic councilwoman gets my re-election vote To the editor: I care about public safety, and that's why I will be voting for Councilor Kim Allard. In just a short time, Kim has acquired both the detailed knowledge of the inner workings of the police and fire departments and the larger vision for the public safety needs of the City of Attleboro. As chairperson of the public safety committee, she has time and again proven her leadership by identifying problems, and introducing intelligent solutions. In the span of less than two years, evidence of Kim's energy and diligence can be seen throughout the city. Kim was instrumental in drafting and implementing Attleboro's first comprehensive False Alarm Ordinance, reducing hundreds of false alarms and increasing the effectiveness of emergency personnel to respond effectively to legitimate, critical calls. Kim also spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the city's ambulance billing procedures and revolving account policy, bringing much needed revenue back into the fire department. Now, and for the first time in years, our Briggs Corner Fire Station is manned 24/7 and the Rescue Two ambulance is once again in operation full-time at the South Attleboro Fire Station. These are just examples of the experience, dedication and leadership Councilor Kim Allard brings to the council. The residents of Attleboro need a strong voice for public safety on the council. A vote for Kim Allard will give us that voice. Barry K. LaCasse Attleboro THIS WRITER is Ward 6 councilman and president of the Attleboro City Council. He is not seeking re-election. Mansfield town manager deserves to be fired To the editor: In response to Jeffrey Garr, author of "Recall proponents put no ideas on town table" (Oct. 23), I have this to say. John D'Agostino deserves to be fired. While in the short term Mansfield may be without a "leader," the town will be well rid of the man that has lead us down the path of destruction. Garr then talks about an inexperienced board of selectmen if Amoruso and McCarter are recalled. Granted, they have experience but where has that experience led us? They have led us down a very expensive and embarrassing road. Mr. Garr also speaks about a "huge, gaudy sign on a building that would lead newcomers or business people to think this is a bizarre community." It is bizarre, Mr. Garr, but not because of the sign. It is bizarre because D'Agostino and those that support him (Selectmen Louis Amoruso and David McCarter) violated, retaliated against two town employees, and wrongfully terminated one of them. Together they continue to reign supreme. Mr. Garr also minimizes the "loss" of the candidates' political signs. Mr. Garr should realize that these signs were not lost, they were removed by a town employee on orders from Town Manager D'Agostino. Vote yes to recall and vote for Goldman and Wojick. Keith Purrier Mansfield THIS WRITER initiated the petition drive to recall Selectmen Louis Amoruso and David McCarter. Keep dedicated worker on Attleboro city council To the editor: My wish is that every registered voter exercise their right and privilege to vote on Nov. 6. I ask that they go to the last candidate on the ballot for city councilor at large and check for Walter Thibodeau first. Walter's enthusiasm has not waned since he was first elected 10 years ago and I continue to work on his election committee because of his dedication to helping the residents of our city. One thing that I admire about Walter is his dedication to the seniors of Attleboro. He supports them in many ways and receives many telephone calls from seniors who cannot find anyone else to help. Many residents of all ages call Walter to help solve their problems. Some are referred to them by the mayor's office. Because Walter is disabled and being an at large city councilor is his full-time job. On Nov. 6, please vote for Walter Thibodeau for councilor at large - last on the ballot, first vote to cast. Joanne Ryan Attleboro Elect city clerk with know-how and experience To the editor: When you stop and think about it, the city clerk's office is a very important part of our city government that is involved with our entire life cycle. It is the place where your birth certificate is found, where you apply for a marriage license, and finally where your death certificate is filed. It is also the kind of office you may take for granted until that time comes when you need an important document for yourself, a family member or a departed loved one. The city clerk is the official keeper of not only these important records, but of other vital documents as well. The role of the city clerk is not one that is glitzy or high profile. It is, however, an office that we should not take for granted. I have known Betty Shockroo as a friend and a colleague for almost 30 years. Betty has the know-how and experience that is needed to keep our important records and archives safe. I encourage you to vote for Betty Shockroo. Don Smyth Attleboro Ensure fairness, good service in clerk's office To the editor: I am a past chairman of the Attleboro Republican City Committee and a longtime observer of government in Attleboro. I am writing to endorse Tony Viveiros for the position of Attleboro city clerk. Tony has a long history of service to our community. He served on the municipal council for eight years and is a member of the alcohol licensing board and the Capron Park board. I have known Tony since his early days on the council. As a councilor, Tony always conducted himself with a level of integrity. I didn't always agree with Tony, but I knew that he would listen to the concerns of all voters and make the fairest decisions possible. The job of city clerk involves a great deal of customer service. As a daily commuter to Boston, I get to observe Tony conducting business at his Whistlestop coffee shop each morning. Tony is always cheerful, helpful and efficient. Tony has a firm grasp of good business practice as well as a solid understanding of Attleboro government. His duties will include supervising a small staff of employees. Tony is comfortable in a supervision role and has supervised in his business as well as in the political campaigns in which he has been involved. He has a long record of success. The city clerk is charged with maintaining all city records including birth, death and marriage certificates. Tony will do what is necessary to safeguard these records while working with state officials at the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics to ensure that services are not unnecessarily duplicated. Please join me in voting for Tony Viveiros on Tuesday. Chuck Caron Attleboro He'll be a great asset as Attleboro city clerk To the editor: I have had the opportunity to represent Ward 2 for the last 10 years as city councilor. Even though I am running unopposed I will still work as hard as ever to keep our ward safe and productive. We have many important issues to concentrate on in the next few years, and with your help we will succeed in keeping Attleboro a great place to work and live. It is my distinct pleasure and honor to take this opportunity to urge you to go to the polls on Tuesday and vote for Tony Viveiros for city clerk. Tony was born and raised in Attleboro and is an Attleboro High School graduate (1966). Tony and his wife Janine have lived in our ward for 30 years. Tony has been the owner of the Whistlestop coffee shop at the Attleboro train station for 15 years. Tony has served this city for many years, as an appointed and elected official. He knows city government and is ready to assume all the responsibilites of that office. The position of city clerk involves a great deal of people-to- people work and most importantly is charged with the keeping and preservation of all city records (marriage, dirth, and death certificates). Tony knows the importance of courteous, prompt and professional service when dealing with the citizens of Attleboro. He would be an invaluable asset as your city clerk. Thank you for your support and vote on Nov. 6 for Tony Viveiros. George T. Ross Attleboro Elect ideal candidate to Ward 1 school seat To the editor: Melissa Cook would be a great asset to the Attleboro School Committee. She is devoted not only to her husband and two children, but also to the community and their children. After being a member of the Hill Roberts PTO for three years, chairperson for the enrichment program at Hill-Roberts and as an active member of the school council, you can only imagine that she has the qualifications and the knowledge of what this community needs and how to get it accomplished. Melissa Cook is a great friend, neighbor, PTO and school council member, a mother, a wife and just a down to earth, friendly woman. Please consider Melissa Cook for school committee in South Attleboro, Ward 1, when you vote Tuesday. We are excited to vote this year, as we truly believe we have an ideal candidate. Carol Dancer Attleboro THIS LETTER is also signed by Jay Dancer, Erica Vincent, Deb Morry, Keith Morry, Russ Sherman and Kim Sherman. All are Ward 1 residents. City council benefits from her clear thinking To the editor: Kim Allard is a proven leader within our community. Kim is dedicated, honest, and a clear thinker who has worked tirelessly to improve our city's public safety. As a police officer with the city I have seen firsthand Kim's dedication and determination in her role as public safety chairperson. Kim always takes time to carefully listen to community concerns, keeps an open mind, and treats everyone with respect. I am proud to endorse Kim Allard's candidacy for re-election to the Attleboro City Council. Gil Bechtel Attleboro Re-elect city councilor who makes a difference To the editor: Kim Allard has made a difference over her many years of service to our city. These past two years she has begun the difficult task of reinvesting hope in our public safety offices. Kim is an ardent advocate for the safety of our streets, our homes and those who protect our neighborhoods. Good government is supportive and constantly vigilant. I know my family, our police and fire department, and our city are better off today because Kim Allard makes a difference. Rev. Dr. Daniel Doré Attleboro This candidate serious about city's public safety To the editor: I write to show my support for city councilor at large candidate Kim Allard. I am a member of the Attleboro Fire Department. Anytime I have a problem or am in need of something she is right there to do what she can to help. Councilor Allard takes her job as public safety chairperson seriously. While in that position, she was instrumental in getting a modern billing system for the rescue service, which has increased manpower. That enables the department to be able to keep Briggs Corner Fire Station open, and to have a second full time ambulance to serve the public to the highest standards for which they deserve. My wife and I have had the opportunity to get to know Kim personally and find Kim to be very a fair, and compassionate person always willing to listen to anyone's concerns and do what she can to help that person whomever they are. Kim Allard is a dedicated city councilor, she is a true asset to this city, and I urge everyone to come out and re-elect Kim Allard councilor at large. Bruce Tondreau Attleboro THIS WRITER is vice president of the Attleboro firefighters' union.