Town of Braintree

I just read in today's Forum that the Selectmen are supporting the Police and Fire Chief's requests to add staff despite knowing that it will create a budget deficit.

Many have posted on this board that these tactics are merely tactics to suport a property 2 1/2 override but I don't think so.

I think the Selectmen have learned a lesson from the school committee and are pushing Town Meeting to make an important decision: Give more money to the public safety departments vs the schools.

Personally I don't think the firefighters have any chance of getting their positions restored but there isn't any doubt that something needs to be done for the police department. Look at what is going on within our community and it's the slow season for crime.

It's about time that the Selectmen have accepted their responsibilties and stopped the political posturing around these decisions. (Can you hear me Mr. Kokoros, Ryan and McAuliffe?)

I am interested in the outcome and maybe for once it will allow Town Meeting members to prove their value to the town. I wonder how many will contact the Chiefs to understand the conditions that they are operating under, or how many attend a meeting for them, if the Chiefs hold one.

It's going to be an interesting Town Meeting.

By voter

i agree posturing must end but

not at the expense of town budget.the high cost of living drive us all crazy and here there can be no exception. as salary demands rise along with the cost to maintain what is already in place budget wise & town wide is getting mighty expensive. i no longer vote to give anyone raises.if we can't afford to pay the salaries on our budget,they can't be paid by an override. last time to fix the schools the majority said no
are you hoping the taxes will be raised so more police and fire can be hired?
you could right the town a check you know.the selectmen are suppose to be responsible for the welfare of the ENTIRE population of the town,not just
for the ones with their hands out.would you feed one son and let the other starve or would you feed both a half portion so they could both live?think about that while you take a seat in the peanut gallery.one group of people is NOT more important than the other.it's about time selectmen owned up to their
financial responsibilty to the town for its future and well being,instead of catering to those who push their
weight around to get what they want

By THO

If you think town meeting

WILL BE INTERESTING, YOU NEED HELP. TOWN MEETING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING. THEY ARE THE MOST ILL- PREPARED, UNINFORMED BUFOONS IN GOVERNMENT. THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON AT THEIR SPRING TEA. THEY BRING THEIR KNITTING AND LET THE 12-14 ''REGULARS SPEAKERS'' DO ALL THE TALKING, MAKE ALL THE REDUNDANT COMMENTS ECHOING THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER'S COMMENTS JUST SO THEY CAN BE ON CABLE TV. ''INTERESTING!'', GIVE IT BACK TO WAMPATUCK!

By ALICE

that sounds interesting

i just might show up.this time.

By THO