Some Tea Party Thoughts

Here is a copy of a letter I sent to the members of the Sturbridge Tea Party group and I think it could be applicable to other groups as well. This is my perspective from my limited view.

Sturbridge Taxes Headed Down

I've got some good news, and I got some bad news for the residents of Sturbridge. But the rest of you should take heed as well. I went to the Selectman's meeting last night and here is what went down.

All Quiet On The Sturbridge Front

Bet you all thought I was gone huh? Nope, you couldn't be that lucky. I haven't been able to go to any local meetings lately which means I either have to write on what is in the paper or make stuff up. Of course there are many who say what we read in the paper is made up anyway. But who am I to say.

When It's Twilight On The Trail

Some times you just have to shake your head and wonder. Like I did last night at a joint meeting of the Trails Committee, the Conservation Committee and the Board of Selectmen here in Sturbridge.

Happy Trails To You

It seems that all trails lead to Sturbridge, or could if we are willing to shell out some money. I wish I could tell you how much but it seems that the Town Administrator is being a little less than forth coming with the info.

Democracy In-Action

I just spent two hours participating in what made this country great, the Sturbridge Annual Town Meeting. The Town meeting is where it all began, where business was conducted and the decisions were made.

Half a Loaf, Better Than None?

Just some last minute thoughts on tonight's town meeting. There are some important issues on the warrant, especially the citizen's petition, Article 4, which would level fund the budget. As of this writing i understand there will be a substitute motion which will increase the budget, but by only half of what the FinCom wants.

Remember the Bricks?

As the annual town meeting approaches here in bucolic Sturbridge, let's take a look at yet another questionable expenditure that some feel is necessary. 

We Are Not Alone

While some will never admit it, we really are all in this fight together. Whether you want to call yourself a member of the tea party movement or not, we really are all on the same side.

Perusing On A Sunday Afternoon

On a lovely Sunday afternoon here in Sturbridge, I sit with my little notebook computer perusing the latest information on the upcoming Town Meeting and budgets. Ahh the interesting things we learn when we actually sit down and look.

From One Of Our Knox Trail Friends

I received this email from the Knox Trail Tea party regarding their meeting this past Tuesday. I am reprinting it without permission but John, it's for the cause.

Reflections on Teas and Trees

Yesterday I spent the day in Brimfield helping plant some more trees as part of our "Operation Tree Party". Okay, so I didn't get dirty like I did in Southbridge but then they also serve who only pass out sandwiches.

Some Things Transcend Politics

Today was spent helping to plant trees in the town of Southbridge, replacing a small fraction of those which were destroyed in the tornado which came through our area last June. I would like to share a couple of observations if I may.

More Mis-information Being Spread by the CPAers

Here is a rather lengthy read of some recent information which has been put out there by CPA supporters, and a reply by Janet Garon. Why let the facts get in the way of a good tax hike?

Revoking CPA is like giving money away?

We have another guest blog post today, this one from Chuck Belisle another Sturbridge resident.

The Tea Party: Why we do it

As I look more and more into this whole Community Preservation Act in Sturbridge, once again I am reminded just exactly what the Tea Party movement is really all about. Forget what you read in the lame stream media or hear on television, the real tea party is in your own hometown.

It's Budget Time In Sturbridge

It's not often I agree with Mr. Creamer, really it all goes back to those damn brick sidewalks, but he does make some good points in his latest blog post. Selectman Thomas R. Creamer: The "Fairness Doctrine"

Life in Idyllic Sturbridge

Now I know I can sure be a pain in the you know where at times but having begun reading the Sturbridge Master Plan, Vision and Goals section, I was struck by a couple of things. Now I admit, this has been out since March 2011 and I am just reading it now, and it will become clear as to why I am reading it now by the end of this post.

Guest Post: Letter to the Editor

Here is a copy of a letter to the editor I was asked to post from the folks (in Sturbridge we call them folks, fits with the character of the town don't you know) who are trying to get a question on the town ballot regarding the CPA funds. As anyone who knows me knows, anything to halt to raising of my taxes I support.

It Really is for the Grandchildren

On a cold and windy Sunday, it seems the perfect time to once again remind everyone of what I (and many of my fellow tea party members) think about exactly what the tea party movement is all about.