Is there Hope? Or is it Too Far Gone at Onset Fire and Water?

At this point in time, the citizens of Onset should direct the Prudential Committee to explore joining with Wareham Fire and Water District. The dysfunction, mismanagement and exorbitant cost to taxpayers warrants this.

Today, Lisa Morales received a No Trespassing Order from Ben Hughes and Charlie Klueber, falsely accusing her of "aggressive verbal and physical conduct and threats against members of the District's administrative staff during and/or immediately following the joint meeting of the District's public bodies on January 25, 2018." This is absolutely false. Hughes was not present, he had left the building, but he signed off on this lie. Since only two clerical staff were present, and Lisa did not speak to Mary McCarthy, this must refer to Melissa Goodell, the $27.50 an hour part-time clerk.

Melissa Goodell called Lisa Morales an "asshole" while leaving the January 25, 2018, public meeting, and Lisa did not respond.  Water Commissioner Kowzic's wife pointed her finger in Ms. Morales' face following that meeting, and threatened a lawsuit for getting her on video in a public meeting. Lisa had a conversation with Winna Dean, not a District employee, following the meeting, and it was cordial.

There is no capital fund for stated needed repairs to the water system. The District chair Mr. Hughes willingly broke the law to appropriate funds for the Well 4 repair. All of the money has been spent. The current system only exists to reward the committee members financially. The health insurance alone for Prudential Committee members cost the taxpayers $8,800 a year for a single plan or $25,200 for a family plan!

The Prudential Committee left the door wide open to increase the pension of retired former chief Draper. They specifically told him "we are not saying no." They have spent a great deal on legal fees to avoid releasing public information, and on barring a taxpayer from the property. It's obvious what happens when someone exposes their graft.

Chairman Kleuber directed the water department to pursue building a standpipe on land held in trust for the public use, which the district has no control over and cannot build upon.  The District gives away real estate smoke inspection certificates, but spends time on establishing new fees to obtain public information. That is just warped.

At what point will the taxpayers say, "Enough!"

http://www.wareham.ma.us/sites/warehamma/files/pages/open_meeting_law_guide.pdf



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