Sudbury for Everyone

Another blog you might find entertaining

2011-05-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

I have another blog about alternative photographic processes at http://new55project.blogspot.com

We have over 100 licensed spectrum users in Sudbury who enjoy free access to what is becoming a scarce and much sought-after resource. Photography is still listed as the world's most popular hobby, despite the demise of the darkroom. I know several people in Sudbury who have expressed interest in this community based photography project.

Upcoming Election

2011-03-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

It shouldn't be hard to predict what I might say about the upcoming election in Sudbury. You are the one who will cast a vote and I ask you to vote for the candidates who are most qualified to lead the town toward a stable, modestly taxed community with interests aligned to best serve all of our citizens, young and old. Because of our excellent school system and enthusiastic and able school committee members, we have staffed the schools with the most credentialed teachers. In the past, I have commented that credentials alone do not make a good teacher, and that we do have opportunities to use the limited school budget wisely by looking at all characteristics of a particular applicant. The school committee is not a lobby. It's duties are to best manage and guide the workings of Sudbury's most costly asset for the benefit of all. I hope we can select those who understand that.

The Selectmen need to be more proactive and certain about the town's legal options relative to 40B and also 40A for that matter. Choose wisely. See you at the polls!

99 Licensed Radio Operators in Sudbury

2011-02-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sudbury has twice the number of licensed radio operators in the Amateur Radio Service as neighboring Wayland. Licensees are regulated by federal law under the rules of the Federal Communications Commission, assuring regulated, no-charge public access to useful radio spectrum. Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts State Laws also prohibits any local bylaw that would stop the erection of antenna structures by any of these people, if they are not in a historical district.

Name Search Results
K1GNT primaryDAVID A WAIBLE, 587 DUTTON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K1HQ primaryROBERT P OLSEN, 138 FORD RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K1HT primaryDAVID C HOAGLIN, 73 HICKORY RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K1IR primaryJAMES S IDELSON, 96 MORSE RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K1KEB primaryKAREN E BROTHERS, 253 Goodman's Hill Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776
K1NFD primaryMark Hubelbank, 167 Maynard Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
K1ZGR primaryKENNETH R WALKER, 61 BLUEBERRY HILL LN, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K3BUZ primaryBARRIE L BROZENSKE, 216 HUDSON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KA1BAY primaryCAROL C BALLOU, 415 LINCOLN RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KA1GZN primaryAMELIA H WAIBLE, 587 DUTTON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KA1NLD primaryLYNNE M AUSMAN, 68 WILLOW RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KA1SPR primaryJASON A TRACY, 10 Scotts Wood Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KA1UJK primaryARTHUR K SMITH, 5 MOSSMAN RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KA1UXW primaryWAYNE E KESEBERG, 67 WAKE ROBIN RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KB1ATR primaryANTHONY P RUSSELL, 173 UNION AVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KB1CIY primaryJEFFREY W WEIL, 95 Longfellow Road, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KB1DEI primaryFRED R HUETTIG, III, 54 Wake Robin Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1ONA primaryKELSEY J BYERS, 30 COOLIDGE LN, SUDBURY, MA, 017763439
KB1ELV primaryChristopher J McCarthy, 68 CHURCHILL ST, SUDBURY, MA, 017762134
W1YD primaryJohn K Baranowsky, 103 Belcher Drive, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KC1RD primaryLAWRENCE S SLETZINGER, 4 REVERE ST, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KC1SO primaryLAWRENCE W BLACK, PO BOX 511, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KD1LP primaryNEAL B DOWLING, JR, 25 HARNESS LN, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KD1WP primaryEDMUND O RUSSELL, 173 UNION AVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KD6HNZ primaryALAN S LOUIE, 56 BARTON DRIVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KE1J primaryLARS O MOHLIN, 22 WYMAN DR, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KE6DIB primaryCHERYL A LOUIE, 56 BARTON DRIVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KB1KZK primaryWilliam J Weddleton, 34 Washington Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KL7JT primaryPeter S Stutman, 27 Lillian Ave, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KT1X primaryDAVID H CROLL, 68 WILLOW RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
AK1Q primaryKenneth S Hawes, 38 King Philip Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
N1AJK primaryEDWARD D OSTROFF, 154 MORSE RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1CPC primaryGENEVIEVE G DIONNE, 31 DE MARCO RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1DEV primaryHARRISON G BALL, III, 14 HILLSIDE PL, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1HJW primaryCLAIRE F BROZENSKE, 216 HUDSON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1JBB primaryNADINE G RUTLEDGE, 444 CONCORD RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1JDD primaryPHYLIS K SHARKO, 12 BARBARA RD, SUDBURY, MA, 017761903
N1JQB primaryTHOMAS A GREENWOOD, 126 HAYNES RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1JSM primaryROBERT J CROLL, 68 WILLOW RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1JWB primarySPENCER R GOLDSTEIN, 40 INDIAN RIDGE RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1KFW primaryJOHN M ELWELL, JR, 103 WATER ROW RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1KO primaryADAM J M KERN, 7 HAMMOND CIR, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1KZP primaryJACQUELINE K REINER, PO BOX 795, SUDBURY, MA, 017760795
N1MMB primaryCAROL E BROZENSKE, 216 HUDSON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1MMC primaryMATTHEW W BROZENSKE, 216 HUDSON RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1NEL primaryGEORGE H KIESEWETTER, 15 LANDS END LN, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1NQB primaryPETER J SINGER, 16 MEADOWBROOK CIR, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1NWY primaryDANIEL P OLSEN, 138 FORD RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N1VAM primaryPaul G King, PO BOX 497, Sudbury, MA, 017760000
N2EDC primaryDANIEL B REINER, PO BOX 795, SUDBURY, MA, 017760795
N2OEV primaryJOHN A TROTTER, 41 WHISPERING PINE RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
N5PTY primaryREBECCA A MENKE, 21 PINEWOOD AVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
K1CJC primaryChristopher J Cole, 253 Goodmans Hill Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
NC1Q primaryTIMOTHY W ANDERSON, 25 PENNYMEADOW RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
NV1R primaryTHOMAS SCHIEB, 37 EASY ST, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1DA primaryGEORGE E HITZ, JR, 37 EASY ST, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1DCD primaryFREDERICK W CUNNINGHAM, 11 ELSBETH RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1HKB primaryLouis E Arnold, 11 Hadley Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
W1HNZ primaryBRUCE R RUSCH, 97 BRIMSTONE LN, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1LAV primaryMarvis M Fickett, 90 Indian Ridge Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
W1QO primaryDAVID R KIRSHNER, 120 MOORE RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1UMM primaryROBERT G MUGFORD, 11 EDDY ST, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1XYZ primaryRobert J Crowley, 64 Puritan Ln, Sudbury, MA, 01776
W1ZU primaryRICHARD J MALEY, PO BOX 195, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W2KO primaryDONALD P OROFINO, II, 32 Bent Road, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
W1LSB primaryGEORGE F MAIER, 64 SHADOW OAK DR, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WA1LTH primaryQuintus C Wilson, 109 Newbridge Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
WA1OEJ primaryDONALD S SHERMAN, 42 RAYNOR RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WA1RQB primaryROBERT M WEIMAN, 114 OLD LANCASTER RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WA1VMW primaryERNEST G CRANE, JR, 334 OLD LANCASTER RD, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WB1CTM primaryBRIAN D MULCAHEY, 14 Read Road, SUDBURY, MA, 017763488
WB1PAT primaryPATRICIA L CROWLEY, 64 PURITAN LN, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WD1T primaryTHEODORE BIALLY, 30 Nobscot Road Unit 3, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WN1A primaryJAMES S CONGDON, PO BOX 617, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
WO1H primaryJOHN H DERRY, MD, 20 White Tail Lane, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1FPU primarySander L Idelson, 96 Morse Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776
V73GJ primaryJEFFREY PARKER, 19 Old Forge Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776, ,
KB1HVK primaryJohn R Sharko, 12 Barbara Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1IZZ primaryDavid Hubelbank, 167 Maynard Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1KMR primaryCharles V Giambalvo, 25 Skyview Ln, Sudbury, MA, 01776
N1DB primaryDENNIS F BROTHERS, 253 Goodman's Hill Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776
AB1DV primaryGeorge D Thome, 218 Wiilis Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
K4JMD primaryChance W Parker, 288 Maynard Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
W1GJ primaryJeffrey K Parker, 19 Old Forge Ln., Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1OTP primaryElizabeth A Black, PO BOX 511, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1RHY primaryPascal Cleve, 3 Camperdown Lane, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1QAO primaryGail L Close, 78 Cedar Creek Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1QAR primaryArden L Steinbach, 83 Maynard Farm Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1RIA primaryArnold A Barnes, Jr, 223 Nobscot Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1RIB primaryDon R Lund, 36 Great Lake Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KR1A primary Radial Ice RC, 27 Lillian Ave, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1TEP primaryChristopher J Carter, 123 Belcher Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
NN1AA primary The Morse Contesters, 96 Morse Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
NN1ZZ primary The Morse Contesters, 96 Morse Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776

KB1TWO primaryMarie D Royea, 42 Blacksmith Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1TWP primaryDaniel D Rosen, 42 Blacksmith Dr, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1CGG primaryCharles G Guthy, 24 Pinewood Ave, Sudbury, MA, 01776
KB1UHJ primaryWILLIAM WOYDA, 11 BIRCHWOOD AVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776
KB1UMG primaryDANIEL A STUTMAN, 27 LILIAN AVE, SUDBURY, MA, 01776

Ground Snow Loads in Sudbury May Exceed 24 Pounds per Square Ft.

2011-02-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

After the snow of Feb 1 and 2, the high average is now 24 Pounds per Square Ft. Many outbuildings are designed for snow loads of 20. Most houses are designed for 40-50.

Ground Snow Loads in Sudbury May Exceed 20 Pounds per Square Ft.

2011-01-30T13:22:00.000-08:00

As of today, January 30 2011, the high average ground snow weight measured at Puritan Lane in Sudbury MA is 22.5 pounds per square foot.

Here is a link to a possibly valuable article discussing the measurement of the snow weight in your yard.

"40B" - the Anti Snob Zoning Law

2010-10-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

At least that's what some people call it. Actually so called 40B is referred to as The Comprehensive Permit Statute, St. 1969, c. 774, now codified at M.G.L. c.40B, §§20, or

760 CMR 56.00:
COMPREHENSIVE PERMIT; LOW OR MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
56.01: Background and Purpose
56.02: Definitions
56.03: Methods to Measure Progress Toward Local Affordable Housing Goals
56.04 Project Eligibility; Other Responsibilities of Subsidizing Agency
56.05 Local Hearings
56.06: Procedural Regulations for Appeals to the Housing Appeals Committee
56.07: Criteria for Housing Appeals Committee Decisions
56.08: Amendments, Waivers, Transition Rules

You can read it all here by clicking on this link. Of interest are the exclusions, and the limits on what are or are not justification for refusal of permits by towns. A "large" project may be refused, but it has to be actually rather large - something in the order of 200 living units.

In any case "40B" is feared by some municipalities and not by others that already have 10% or more "affordable housing units" in their town. In Sudbury, there has been a longstanding discussion about 40B and its implications, and attempts - some successful - to add affordable housing units to the Sudbury inventory with the goal of eventually attaining the 10% figure, or be actively moving toward it, which in itself can be the basis for an exemption.

Our Community Preservation Fund has been eyed to build low income housing, as a possible way to preempt 40B developments by satisfying the exemption criteria.

Supplemental Energy Sources

2010-09-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Burning wood isn't new to Sudbury and of course at one time wood was the only fuel used for heating residences, inns, and some barns. During the building boom of the 50s and 60s many Sudbury homes were built with large chimneys and ample flues of lined brick.

With an approved woodstove, so-called "carbon neutral" burning of wood from the resident's property can be carried out without a lot of smoke or odors. The trick is a well-stacked and covered woodpile such as seen here. Red oak predominates in most areas and this has the highest energy and lowest smoke when burned in a correctly fired stove, like all wood. White oak sometimes is more difficult to burn, as it denser than red oak, and takes longer to season.

To get the wood ready for burning, it should first be cut, split and then dried for a year if possible. Many sellers of wood provide both unseasoned (green) and seasoned (dried) wood to customers, with seasoned wood commanding a premium. Always ask when the wood was cut. If it is less than 6 months ago, it is almost definitely not ready for burning.

Firewood is sold by the cord, which is 128 cubic feet. You should stack and measure your wood when delivered, and ask the seller for more if your measurements come up short. Here is a link to a handy reference site about firewood.

Vote No on May 11 - the responsible thing to do

2010-05-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Another of the perennial override votes coming up this year to try to fill shortfalls that could have been avoided. The selectmen said that it is OK to have an override this year, because they have held off in the two previous years.

Like we are due.

But no, that's incorrect. The cuts that need to be made are right in front of the school committees and the selectmen. It may be inconvenient, but a NO vote will promote a healthier and tighter administration and program changes that are due.

May 11 Override Vote

2010-04-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yet another one of these nearly annual override votes. The only thing that is understood clearly is "No". Unfortunately, this override election is so little known that it has a significant advantage. May 11 is likely to be a perfect Spring day. If we wish to preserve the integrity of the entire community and avoid chasing the final few seniors from Sudbury, we need to cut spending, and property taxes. Mr. Haarde's recent win suggests that some appetite for fiscal restraint still remains.

McCain-Feingold ruled unconstitutional by supreme court - powerful interests, corporations to benefit

2010-01-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Position on "Two Bob's for L-S School Committee"

2009-03-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

That's not my typo in the headline!

Apostrophically challenged Robert C Haarde and the better-known Robert G Stein handed me two flyers at the transfer station.

The first flyer read;
"Protect Sudbury Homeowners from repeated overrides", and
"Seniors and Empty-Nesters are vital to school funding and must be protected from escalating property taxes"

The second, nearly identical flyer reads, in the same two spots that the statements above occupy;
"Preserve Academic Excellence through long term planning", and
"Responsibly reduce class size".

I am well aware of targeted advertising. When one of the "Bob's" (someone please tell them simple pluralization requires no apostrophe) realized I was not a parent, he pulled the second flyer from my hand and gave me the first flyer. I gave the two of them a little hard time on this and challenge them to develop a clear and unambiguous position. You cannot have it both way's. It is B'S.

But I liked them. Each Bob had ready and well thought-out answers to my many tedious questions, and Bob Haarde in particular expended some energy in attempting to explain his view of how a consolidated school system leads to more efficient and potentially region-wide savings.

It means that he can think out more than a year, at least.

I'm voting for the "Two Bob's" but not their errant apostrophe. It might be wise to sharpen up the English grammar skills now, gents. Get rid of the inconsistent baloney. We aren't looking for perfection, just responsibility, and some sense of the future. See you at the polls.

"Bob" Crowley

Position on Sudburywatch Blog - discounted

2009-03-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

An anonymous blog, apparently by someone who has plenty of time and has done a good job of putting a blog together. It is too bad that out of fear perhaps, those responsible do not care enough to identify themselves.

What are they afraid of?

One has to completely discount the writings in Sudburywatch for this reason.

Position on Budget Shortfall in Sudbury

2008-10-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

It should be no surprise that towns such as Sudbury could suffer fairly severe budget shortfalls during the current down economy. Rather than wait for forced cutbacks following Governor Patrick's recent cuts at the state level, I believe towns such as ours should take a more proactive approach including such measures as:

Hiring freeze
Overall reduction of town employees
Overall reduction of school budget led by a responsible school committee
Reduced town hours

These things should be done now, ahead of a fiscal "emergency". There is significant doubt that a proposition 2 1/2 override would pass during the current recession, and property tax revenues are likely to fall. Responsible town government needs to identify areas that can be reduced, and prepare for a significant "lean" time period. The school committee must begin doing the same - before a severe crisis.

Areas that should not be cut include safety, roadway, municipal and water. Sudbury is fortunate to have its own self-sustaining water district and infrastructure.

Position on Education

2008-03-01T09:25:00.001-08:00

Education placed among the highest priorities of Sudbury
Favorable: Within the context of the needs of the entire community, no single community function is as important and necessary as preparing the next generation for productive, meaningful and successful lives. I do not, however, equate credentials with excellence, nor do I place academic achievement above all other community values.

The Sudbury School System Funding and Management
Unfavorable: The current crisis style management of the Sudbury School System budget is an indication that the basic methods, planning and even philosophy of our school system are out of step with the actual needs of the town.

The most highly credentialed teachers and administrators at Sudbury schools.
Unfavorable: Proper credentials are a portion of the overall qualifications of what we regard as a good teacher. Credentialism is a syndrome that leads to runaway costs in organizations of all kinds, and used alone, does not assure quality teachers or school management. The proper operation of the schools is the responsibility of the entire community, not just the employees of the school, the committees, or the parents of school-aged children.

After the children graduate, parents retire to less expensive communities.
Unfavorable. The excellent school system of Sudbury is a bargain when compared to private schools. The wonderful success of Sudbury schools cannot be permitted to force the loss of its senior residents.

Position on Wildlife Management

2008-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Sudbury Wildlife Expansion
Favorable: The great increase in deer, wild turkey, fisher cat, coyote and other bird and rodent populations may be the result of reduced levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons in soils, and a resulting improvement to invertebrate reproduction. An abundance of snails, worms, insects, crustaceans and arachnids support a food chain which includes larger mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. There are concerns that deer and coyote populations present actual and nuisance hazards. US Fish and Wildlife Department regularly patrols the perimeter of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and provides adequate control of wildlife resources. Deer population increases have been supported by an abundance of food in the form of acorns, certain ornamental shrubs, and the relative lack of predation, and limited hunting. Deer present a significant traffic hazard. Coyotes present a hazard to domestic cats, small dogs, and, rarely, small children. Sudbury residents should be encouraged to scare off coyotes with loud sounds and other measures to reduce acclimation of these animals to close human presence.

Radio Fences for the control of dogs
Unfavorable. Although these fences are effective to keep dogs within bounds, they also attract coyotes, invite coyote attacks, and produce painful shocks to pets if they cross the "border".

Limited access to beaver dam flood areas and roadways
Favorable. Water Row and other flooded areas are part of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge environment.

Position on Town Government

2008-01-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

Sudbury's system of three Selectman and Town Manager.
Unfavorable: A review of the government structure is due. In fairness to the many selectmen who have served and the long hours and evenings spent with numerous committees, groups and agencies, it may be advisable to shift some of the work activity to more modern and efficient meeting formats, including electronic communications and fewer late night meetings.

The role of the town manager has been controversial as of late. The town manager reports to the selectmen, but holds significant political and budgetary power. The transparency and accountability of this office, and the complexity of information reported on by this office, has been called into question.

The town's methods relating to new projects such as a new police station.
Unfavorable. Alarm bells went off at the last special town meeting, when it was learned that the same architect that proposed the $40 million public safety building, was still being paid to pare down its original plan. Adjacent Wayland has a new half-empty building at the intersection of routes 27 and 20. Sudbury residents should be aware of the scale and expense of such a facility and base our own plans on actual needs.

Position on the Environment

2008-01-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Sudbury's environmental quality and current programs.
Unfavorable: The Conservation Commission does an excellent job driven by true community and environmental concerns, and an enlightened sense of how Sudbury is part of our planet's ecosystem. We are also extremely fortunate to be adjacent to a large federal wildlife preservation area, and smaller community based land trusts and open space resources. But environmental damage is being done every day by hundreds of idling motor vehicles stuck in traffic along route 20 and other Sudbury roads. Sudbury roads are not safe enough for small energy efficient vehicles, bicycles or scooters due to uncontrolled large automobile traffic. An action plan to reduce traffic congestion and to promote and not hinder needed commuter rail systems is urgently needed, even though the results of those efforts may be many years away.

Pollution control measures.
Unfavorable. Noise pollution is increasing along roadways. Electrical pollution, which may affect emergency communications systems, is increasing as a result of poorly maintained overhead electric power distribution equipment, which also comprises a safety hazard.

Sudbury's Transfer Station as a Community Asset
Favorable: The current measures being taken to sort and separate recyclable materials is a good start and leads to community involvement and goodwill. The availability of a monitored way to drop off or pick up unneeded items is an excellent beginning for wider reuse of otherwise discarded items. Better rules to prevent the loitering of a few individuals who scare off contributions, will bring about a wider and fairer use of this resource.

Position on Safety

2008-01-26T16:41:00.000-08:00

Sudbury public safety resources.
Favorable. Sudbury Police and Fire perform admirably. Violent crimes are infrequent and murders are rare.

Laws pertaining to safety on Sudbury roadways.
Unfavorable. The narrow roads, few sidewalks and very large vehicles owned by Sudbury residents, and the persistence of distracted driving habits, have created a heightened risk to pedestrians, bicylists, and other motorists. Enforcement of a safe vehicular speed is essential. Increased enforcement of other driving regulations is more challenging, but becoming more urgent.

School Safety Programs
Review needed. It is obvious that schools must provide a safe and secure environment for all students, teachers, and staff. The same could be said for any organization or place where people gather. Here is a link to a site offering materials relating to school safety that appear to be available for free, but may have some religious content. Here is a link to another organization that appears to offer programs about preventing violence in schools. A quick look shows that there are many products, services, experts and proposed laws, screening devices, metal detectors and other security systems that are actively marketed to school systems in communities concerned with school safety. I know nothing about these sites or their owners, and am not recommending them, but they do seem to enumerate many of the discussed issues relating to problem in-school behavior, including the use of legal drugs to treat ADHD, bullying, illegal drug use, and ways to reduce anxiety, anger and stresses that may lead to violent behavior.

Position on Town Meeting

2008-01-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

Current Town Meeting Format
Unfavorable. Town meeting is important, we need to preserve it, but the issues are too important and complex, the facility too small, and the important cross section of the community is no longer represented. It has become a contentious show and a divisive meeting in recent years, when it instead could be used as an opportunity for true progress, progressive thinking, consensus building, and formation of action plans with long reaching impact.

Continuing to hold an annual Town Meeting.
Favorable. Community Preservation principles and the long history of Sudbury, claims to the oldest continuous town meeting in the US, and our sense of community spirit would support a limited Town Meeting to celebrate and comment upon accomplishments, and to offer new ideas and hold referendum votes. But changes must be made. Town meeting should be less dreaded by the selectmen and other town officials, and more productive and cooperative.

Mail in Voting on Town Warrant Items
Favorable: Sudbury lacks any single facility large enough to maintain a quorum of voters. The population of Sudbury is now above 17,000. The timing of Town Meeting, poor auditorium seating, and school location discriminates against seniors, the handicapped and infirm, and working residents who have evening employment obligations. Holding important school affecting votes at the school results in bias.

Town Meeting Electronic Format
Favorable: Virtually all Sudbury residents have good access to at least one cable television channel and internet access could be provided to town functions, boards and meetings.

Position on Community Preservation Fund

2008-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

Uses of Fund for Real Estate Development
Unfavorable: The Community Preservation Fund is intended to preserve, not create, the character of Sudbury.

Use of Fund for Recreation Facilities Maintenance
Favorable. In cases where recreation facilities exist prior to enactment of the Fund.

Use of Fund for New Recreation Facilities such as Tennis Courts, Swimming Pools, and the Like.
Unfavorable. The Community Preservation Fund is intended to preserve, not create, the character of Sudbury.

Use of Fund to Offset Senior Property Tax
Favorable. Use of the fund to preserve a healthy elderly community residence rate is appropriate, and precisely in keeping with the intention of the Fund. Recommend primary annual allocation of the Fund to all Senior Households. Senior Households which meet the criteria as follows: No school age children, head of household 65 years of age or older sets year of eligibility, proportion of offset not based on property tax. Maximum offset to be no more than 50% of tax levy for any household.

Comment: There can be no higher or more important use of the Fund than to preserve our community, who are precisely the people who have lived in Sudbury and paid taxes, and now add little to the tax burden. This is a great opportunity to do as we said: To preserve the community far into the future. It would require us to take a bold, intelligent and innovative step that may set the standard for wise municipal government in the future.

Use of Fund for Roadway Improvements and Planning
Unfavorable. Other mechanisms exist for these functions.

Use of Fund for the improvement of public buildings.
Unfavorable. Historic buildings need to be maintained. Substantial improvements and alterations to historic structures are not in keeping with th function Community Preservation.

Here's what I posted to The Town Crier on February 9, 2008

Community Preservation is Common Sense

We need a Sudbury for Everyone.

That includes youngsters, young families, schools, municipal services and senior citizens.

At our sacred Town Meeting, we as a town voted for Community Preservation, and now that money is proposed to be spent on condo developments. This will not stand.

A Sudbury for Everyone is not a pipe dream, nor is it an impossible one. Community Preservation funds should be used to mitigate the excessive unrepresented taxation upon our seniors.

The school committee and administrators deserve praise for strongly representing the schools - but schools are only part of the community, not all of it, and they shall deteriorate as surely as the community that supports it, unless common sense is restored.

Robert J Crowley

http://sudburyenergy.blogspot.com

Position on High School Graduation Requirements

2008-01-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

MCAS Exams
Favorable. Basic competency and standardized metrics and methods are fair.

Life Skills Curriculum Elements
Favorable. Personal finance, banking and mortgage interest calculation, and business ethics recommended. Basic maintenance and repair of household systems recommended.

Community Service Requirement
Favorable. Recommend a minimum of 200 hours of community service for all qualified high school student as a condition of graduation. Community service may include roadway cleanups, maintenance brigades, senior care or optional equivalant dollar offset at minimum wage and proof of employment. Any funds collected to be contributed to Community Preservation Fund.

Position on Transportation in Sudbury

2008-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Roadway Improvements
Favorable. Traffic flow, speed regulation, and traffic rerouting opportunities exist and have been identified. Route 20 bypass plan should be in place and part of future Route 20 widening from Waltham to Sudbury/Marlborough Line.

Commuter Rail
Favorable. Commonwealth of Massachusetts has maintained rights-of-way including proposed "rail trail" corridors. Several opportunities exist to connect to Lincoln to North Station line, Framingham to South Station line, and Waltham lines on existing unused railway roadbeds.

Route 20 Access Restrictions
Favorable. Daily congestion on Route 20 has resulted in a persistent public safety hazard as emergency traffic is hundered to and from fire stations, nursing care facilities, and utility power subsations. Limiting access near proposed Route 20 bypass, at major entrances such as Edgell Road, and at shopping strip malls is recommended.

Bicycle Paths
Unfavorable. Low acceptance of "rail trail" opportunity, "NIMBY" legal tactics, and public safety benefits not proportionate to cost.

Position on Power Generation in Sudbury

2008-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Power Generation technologies available:

Solar Farm
Favorable. Convert open space, school, and municipal rooftop space to solar photovoltaic. Utilize incentives, discount fuel, and power buyback rates offered by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NSTAR, and Mass Energy Alliance to offset the senior tax burden.

Coal Fired Steam Generation for Power Production
Unfavorable. Economics of "clean coal" not established.

Oil/biofuel Fired Steam Generation for Power Production
Favorable. See powerplant system in Hudson, MA. Proposed locations include Route 20 corridor (after road widening plans are complete) and Union Ave. Numerous municipalities own or run power generating plants or have town-run power companies which offer reduced rates and closer oversight.

Municipal Distributed Nuclear Powerplant System
Under consideration for the future as fusion technology develops. Distributed nuclear power systems with low risk steam generation, steam distribution, electric power generation, water cooling proposed for future small-scale municipalities. Fusion reactors may not be feasible for some years, but they offer the potential for clean and nearly limitless energy production which will change the entire economic structure of the earth and completely eliminate the need for combustion-based energy systems. Present fission reactors are not sufficiently safe and product excessive radioactive waste.

Hydroelectric Power Generation
Unfavorable. Sudbury River has insufficient flow and terrain insufficient drop for practical dam and turbine system of any size without flooding of large areas of Federally Protected Wetlands.

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