New Mascot for Town Meeting members…

In what history will show as cowardly surrender, 213 Town Meeting members voted to accept the unfunded and likely unenforceable MBTA Communities act without a fight. Only 8 Town Meeting members chose to fight for Belmont to remain a suburb (including myself). There is no other answer besides cowardice for voting to fundamentally change Belmont into a dense urban community. Town meeting put more effort into fighting for solar panels on a school than keeping Belmont an oasis bordered by Watertown, Cambridge, Waltham and Lexington. Since, Belmont’s surrender the Town’s of Weston and Gloucester have rejected the MBTA act, and the Town of Needham is bringing it to the voters to decide. Already developers are seeking out opportunities in Belmont and the plan hasn’t been approved yet by the State. 

Massive Override planned for November 2026

No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. This is just weak leadership caving to materialistic activists. The taxpayers who support this are either clueless or complicit. We just passed an $8.4m override in April. We passed debt exclusions for the rink and library (those will show up in your 2025 tax bills) and the $300m BHSMS in the prior years. We are literally spending ourselves into bankruptcy because the activists want everything new and now and sooner than later the piper will call.  

Keep in mind… we are getting to the point of catastrophe from a budgetary standpoint. I have said it before… I could see Belmont closing the brand-new library or aggressively restricting hours because we can’t afford the operating budget, and the override will fail as Belmont becomes less attractive to move too and real estate values fall. Let us not forget… Patrice Garvin’s Town budget is sleight of hand as many departments are understaffed freeing up funds that should be used on headcount. I can almost guarantee you that the next employee contract negotiations will be brutal as we continue to see staff from all departments exit including the schools. Rumors say Liz Dionne wants to be directly involved in negotiations this time which may help reduce some of the toxicity but if she doesn’t read Townie Talk and understands the pending “skilled labor revolution” it won’t make a difference. You won’t have any leverage for another decade. Kind of makes “poking the labor bear” these last five years seem shall I say moronic. 

As for the Establishment that have buried this Town in debt…

The successful Override committee made promises of doubling Belmont’s commercial tax contribution to 10% of revenue if the Town would just pass that override. The Community Preservation Act advocates promised 100% matching funds. Library supporters claimed the library was in imminent danger of a fire. All three were lies. Ends justify the means lies. So, when it comes to voting… the time is now to vote out the incumbents or candidates hand-picked by the incumbents. 

What does that mean… 

It means change in all forms.

Mike Crowley is running for Moderator. Mike is a change candidate and although we don’t agree on many things, we do agree that too many voices are silenced or dismissed, and I believe he will keep his word and protect the 1^st Amendment. I also hope Mike will be much better at finding diversity on Town appointments. Not everyone needs to be a lawyer, economist, or Professor. We are moving away from the intellect economy and appointments should reflect that. 

Taylor Yates is running for Select Board. Can’t say I have met him outside of he seemed to be running the last Town meeting for some reason. I won’t be voting for Taylor as he is the precise “establishment candidate” supported by both Roy Epstein and Adam Dash that I dread. Belmont is in such a dismal state that any endorsement from those two should be the kiss of death politically. We will see. Someone needs to run.  

Thank you…

Roy Epstein and Mike Widmer for many years of service to the Town of Belmont in multiple roles. 

Epstein is not seeking re-election to the Select Board and Mike Widmer is not seeking re-election as Town Moderator. The men worked countless hours and that is commendable. 

Cushing Square 90-minute parking

Restaurants are seeking to increase the parking limit in Cushing square from 60 to 90 minutes to allow customers enough time to enjoy their meals. Seems reasonable

Town Secrets…

We know about the bowling alleys, the Payson cuddlers, Washington Street swingers and the Barber shop bookie, but did you know about prohibition in Belmont. A 90-year resident told me if you went to Batson Pharmacy or Corbett Drugs you could also ask for the good stuff. The Corbett family was unavailable for comment but the Clydesdale stall behind the building always made me curious. 

Police Promotions

Congrats to Corey Taylor and James Siracusa on their promotion to Sergeant with the Belmont Police Department. Stay safe lads. 

Belmont Neighbors

If your neighbor still has up a Harris/Walz sign, please reach out to them and get them in touch with a mental health counselor. It’s a cry for help. 

Oakley Country Club

A fire started overnight Thursday at the Oakley Country club in neighboring Watertown that impacted a few rooms. The water damage will likely result in the cancelation of some holiday functions. No reports of any injuries. Wiring looks to be the cause. 

Teddy’s Kitchen

“No Soup for You”. Just kidding… Cushing Square Teddy’s Kitchen owner Nick Faggas has reportedly perfected the Egg Lemon soup recipe. The soup is on the regular menu and available as take out and is good for the soul but doesn’t cure baldness.  Great choice as Winter kicks in. 

Strippers, EX-Cons and Amway salesmen

All came together last Saturday to celebrate the BHS Class of 1984 reunion. Sources say former Principal and all-around nice guy Foster Wright made an appearance. The event was held at the Chateau and a few diehards made it to the after party at Conley’s. Photos were unsuitable to print but can be found at my “only fans” site. 

The new Library

The only thing good you can say is it still is on budget according to Trustees. The building just had a topping off ceremony except they forgot the US Flag. The Belmont “Memorial” Library and no flag. BTW is it me or does it feel like the hulking library is literally just a few feet from the street itself. Urbanization anyone.

Bang, Bang…

Belmont has a problem. Police searches and arrests are now too often gun related in Belmont especially in affordable housing units. This isn’t a one off as Police presence in Cushing Square and Waverley is frequent and we have NEMLEC on speed dial. The question is what has changed in the last few years that is making our residents in affordable complexes less safe, and the answer may be the process of assigning tenants? Some say it relates to putting the Cambridge Housing Authority in charge of Belmont housing. Of course, if you talk to the residents, they will tell you they fear to speak up because if they do, they get evicted. There have been too many instances to ignore it anymore. As for the DEI police… just because you don’t like the facts doesn’t make discussing them a crime as Moderator Mike pointed out. 

Must watch TV…

Our Little Secret

This one is funny. Stars Lindsay Lohan while still with the botched plastic surgery. It’s a family Christmas movie with some bland adult themes. 10/10. 

Say Nothing

“A true story of Murder and memory in Northern Ireland”. This is a miniseries that airs on Hulu and was written by Patrick Radden Keefe. He tells the story about the troubles in Northern Ireland and the cost of achieving peace. Some embellishment and claims denied but worth viewing.  

Just Saying…

Stone Hearth in Belmont Center has its Winter specials out and they include Spaghetti Bolognese (that’s gravy for Italians and meat sauce for the rest of us) and a Steak and Cheese sub. I highly suggest the cold “Whirlpool” on tap. 

US Open Pickleball and Belmont

Belmont resident Ann Reynold’s was in Naples, Florida at the US Open Pickleball Championship. Reynolds was being honored for her patented  “backhanded pickle wiggle slam” shot. Unfortunately, the shot has been banned in every Country but China. 

Things you missed

US Congressional Covid Report

The final report came out and it essentially confirmed masking was useless (regardless of type), the vaccine was not effective at stopping the spread, the vaccine was not adequately tested for safety, and the lockdowns outside of the first month or so were destructive. Did I forget to mention… the virus most likely came from a lab in Wuhan. Why that is important is it likely changed the focus by US Health officials because those same officials were involved with funding gain of function research in Wuhan. Dr. Fauci and team should be criminally investigated, and Biden should not pardon any of them as Americans deserve answers. 

Education news

If you recall in prior issues my concern about the use of, in my view, faulty literacy curricula like Lucy Caulkins then good news… a class action lawsuit has been filed in Massachusetts Superior Court. A return to Phonics is imminent. 

The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts Superior Court by Justice Catalyst Law and Kaplan & Grady, seeks substantial relief for the generations of students and families across Massachusetts harmed by the defendant publishers and authors’ discredited literacy products and deceptive marketing. The suit also seeks a court order requiring defendants to warn schools and families of the defects in their literacy products and other relief to fully remedy the situation, so school districts have quality literacy instruction materials.

Justice Catalyst Law

Time Magazine Person of the Year

As a former recipient of the award in 2006, I can tell you it’s a great honor. This year’s recipient is a two-time winner which is unheard of. Just shows this man is a transformational historic figure. Yes. President Donald Trump is Time’s “Person of the Year” again. 

Belmont Republicans

For the second year in a row, I was invited to chat with the Belmont Republican party. This year the event was at Patou in Belmont Center known for its Fine Thai Cuisine. For the record, I love their Chicken Basil paired with a Peroni or two or three. Anyways as you can imagine it was a festive crowd celebrating the new direction of the Country or as one attendee said a return to normal. As Belmont’s award-winning journalist muckraker, I am unenrolled but firmly in the America First party if there was one.     

Ha, Ha Ha….

Biden should just hand the keys over now…

UFOs in the form of drones/small, unmanned planes flying in formation have been reported across multiple States (50,000 reports) and above many Government facilities. The UFO’s even have forced the temporary closing of airports. All these events have occurred in the evening and the Biden Administration’s lack of transparency is causing great alarm from Democrats and Republicans alike. After the irresponsible handling of the Chinese Spy balloon, people are right to be upset. Jan 21^st can’t come soon enough… hand over the keys now Joe. 

UHC shooter 

Luigi Mangione has been identified as the coward who shot United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back killing the father of two young boys. Luigi lived the life of an elitist. Expensive private high school and Ivy League education. Along the way this child of multi-multi-millionaires, was indoctrinated with anti-capitalist hate and became a climate alarmist. I can only assume that a fair amount of this is linked to the unhealthy groupthink infesting our elite educational institutions. This needs to stop.  

“Skilled Labor Revolution”

Ready to have your mind blown? Skilled labor is about to dominate the American workforce again. The evidence is overwhelming but is at the same time a gut punch to the elite. Imagine Plumbers, Electricians, Firefighters, Utility workers, Nurses and even Teachers making more money than most people with graduate degrees (I know Teaching requires a grad degree here in MA.) I could write a book on this, but I will give you the short version. 

The elite envisioned a Globalist economy that they could control. For decades, they indoctrinated US families with stories of how College was critical as most jobs would be in the “intellect economy” and all manufacturing would be outsourced to poor countries with cheap labor. Guidance counselors said the College you choose is just to set you up for a Graduate degree. Hillary Clinton told coal miners those jobs are gone forever and to learn to program PCs instead. Two major changes things killed the Globalist takeover in its tracks.

Covid and Artificial Intelligence 

Covid exposed the globalist supply chain as a threat to national security. Countries that relied on Asian manufacturing experienced massive lead times and in some cases had their supplies shut off completely. The US must control our supply chain and that means internal manufacturing capabilities from semi-conductors to blood pressure pills. This coming decade will see a “manufacturing boom” in the US. Most of those jobs will be skilled labor. 

At the same time, Artificial Intelligence, is killing the intellect economy.  Just look no further than Big Tech and Pharma. Layoffs have been commonplace. Some of the top cuts are software programmers and program managers. Elon Musk eliminated 80% of Twitters staff and the product hasn’t skipped a beat. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, says the generation that follows Z (those born in 2011 or later) will work an average of 3.5 days a week. Goldman Sachs says 300 million jobs will be lost to AI. Most of those jobs will be light intellect jobs and then eventually high intellect as machine learning grows. Sure, the top 20-30% of many fields will survive and thrive but that is thinning out the herd in a big way. 

I work in an industry that supports artificial intelligence. The speed at which AI is advancing is much faster than anyone predicted. Not to get nerdy on you but the new Google Quantum chip can do in 5 minutes what an average computer can do in 10 Septillion years. (that’s a 1 followed by 24 zeroes in case you are wondering). AI will have a disproportionate negative impact on the intellect economy where the skilled labor economy will thrive. It will take a couple decades to reach balance again but, in the meantime, pay for skilled labor will surge well past most degreed positions. 

My advice to Belmont 

Waltham just finished a new High School. The High School offers 18 vocational tech programs. Belmont doesn’t offer any as best I can tell. I would negotiate a deal with Waltham that opens slots in those courses to Belmont students. We should do it now. This new Labor economy will last decades like the intellect economy that started in the 90’s. 

Boom Boom

BFD responded to a bonfire or firework explosion at Winn Brook school Saturday night the 14^th. A rubber barrel was extinguished. This begs the question as to where certain Butler grads from the 1970’s were on Saturday night? The lack of Busch cans in the area leads us to believe it was a Winn brook resident obsessed with explosions as TT readers recall the Little Pond explosion this past year. 

TownieTalk02478

All good things must come to an end. This is the second to last TownieTalk for me. If the right person is interested, it can go on. For those who may not be comfortable muckraking… there are other opportunities available outside of TownieTalk as BelmontBriefing.com (my gracious host) has told me they are expanding and looking for regular contributors on anything from what’s new in the arts and music scene to Sports and other community events be it at the School or Community level.  

December 25^th, 2024

We get to say Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas on the same day this year as Hanukkah starts on December 25^th. The Jesuits taught me quite a few things but the Jewish and Greek Orthodox religious calendars was not one of them so I can’ tell you what’s behind the rolling dates. 

Cheers, 

PJ Looney

Townie Talk 02478

“AMDG” “Never Forget” “Never Again”

MBTA Communities Act

This November, Belmont Town Meeting will be tasked with evaluating two proposals to bring Belmont into compliance with a State forced mandate that is currently being challenged in the State Supreme court and one in which members of the court are questioning not only the guidelines set forth in the act but whether the act is even enforceable. In other words, the Court is likely to render this act unenforceable. The act takes power away from Towns and enriches developers. It also threatens massive tax hikes on Towns with low commercial tax base like Belmont.   

Town Leaders must answer three critical questions prior to any TM debate

1. Shouldn’t an issue that will likely have a massive negative impact on the quality of life for all who currently live in the Town… essentially changing Belmont from a Suburban community into an urban community… and stressing already stressed Town services, Schools, and roads be decided by a Town-wide vote instead of Town meeting which studies have shown is not representative of the whole Town demographic? 

2. Why didn’t the Belmont Select Board challenge the State mandate? The Select Board put their personal reputations on the line saying “trust us” with this override and they would grow the commercial tax base to 10%? This MBTA act does the opposite of what was promised and will shorten the period this last override was promised to last.

3. Conflict of interest. Over the summer, Alisa Gardner-Todreas, COO of MetroWest Community Development, was appointed to the Belmont Planning Board. At face value that is a solid appointment, but as with everything in Government, there will come times when a person may need to recuse themselves from topics and discussions due to conflict of interest such as with the current MBTA 3A act. Did Ms. Gardner-Todreas recuse herself from all MBTA community housing act discussions? If not, isn’t the whole process tainted?

Belmont does have guidelines for those serving on committee’s regarding conflicts of interest. The most recent I can find is dated July 22, 2021, and available online under the Town Clerk Tab… Committee Handbook on page 23. “Massachusetts General Laws Pertinent to Committees, Boards, and Commissions”. Under that is a section on Ethics (Conflict of Interest) and under that specifically it states… 

“You may not take any official action affecting your own financial interest, or the financial interest of a business partner, private employer, or any organization for which you serve as an officer, director, or trustee” 

The role of Belmont Town Meeting members is to be a “checks and balance” and the process to date on this subject has been flawed and biased. There is a lot of money at stake for developers should this pass and there is a massive loss of local control should it pass. I will be voting NO across the board and believe residents should have an expectation for answers to all three questions from all three Select Board members. They are welcome to email townietalk02478@gmail.com with their response. 

Judith Feinleib

She has a well written article out on Belmont Senior Tax relief. (spoiler – not happening and somewhere Reardon, Laverty, and Murphy are saying Told you so Roy). https://www.facebook.com/jfeinleib

Belmont Health Alert

Role up your windows when driving by the new Library construction site on Concord Ave and the road construction site on Mill Street. Otherwise, you could ingest harmful construction dust in both locations. 

I have had a resident complaint that these sites are supposed to be watered down to avoid the harmful dust storms, so I just drove by the Library and an MBTA bus caused nearly brown out conditions. 

Town Hall voting 

Early in person voting has started at the Belmont Town Hall. On Saturday, I voted as myself and then on Monday, I voted as Paul Roberts and on Tuesday as Matt Taylor. Unfortunately, on Wednesday I tried voting as Anne Mahon, and they asked for ID. I called them sexist, racist, and genderist but they still wouldn’t let me vote. This was probably the first and only time Roberts and Taylor voted for President Trump. Where I think Anne is a hidden Trumper. Kidding aside… it was fast and easy, and you still have several more opportunities. 

Transgender news

This is a huge and troubling story. The New York Times reported that a study on using “puberty blockers” has been held back as the authors are concerned it will be used for political reasons. The study started 11 years ago was designed to look at whether giving “puberty blockers” to pre-teens and teens would help their mental state. (Gender questioning teens are believed to have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts). The study did not find any significant mental health benefit after using puberty blockers. Now, this is only one study, although it was highly anticipated due to its size and longevity and a couple other recent studies reached similar conclusions. No single study should be overweighted but hiding the data is detrimental to physicians and parents trying to weigh the benefits and potential harm of treatments for children.  Science should be data driven and not driven by political bias especially when involving children’s health.    

October Surprise

Simple… Black men, Hispanic men, and Union workers abandoning the Democratic party after decades of false promises and being taken for granted now supporting President Trump under which they were thriving and felt he was a strong leader who put them first. 

A close second was Kamala embracing Liz and Dick Cheney. Can you imagine after decades of calling the Cheney’s Evil personified the liberals in Town are welcoming her to the Administration? Insane 

TownieTalk02478 Electoral Map

Trump 302  Harris 236  (270 needed to win)

I have Harris winning Wisconsin and Virginia although both are in play. 

Election shocker: Popular vote is about even 

MA State shocker: The Abandon Harris coalition will vote Jill Stein, and she could end up with 14% of the MA vote. Harris still wins handily but the message is sent as Stein is only expected to get about 6%. 

The Last week…

Trump had his best week of the year. His appearance working the fry machine and takeout window at McDonalds was second only to Ben Affleck on the Dunkin commercial. It showed his soft and fun side. It reminded Americans that Trump loves McDonalds and was no stranger to it. It was a middle-class American moment filled with fun, happiness, and humor. He then went to the Pittsburgh Steelers game and received a thunderous standing ovation with the crowd shouting “USA, USA”.  This is the week that sealed the election win for him. 

The week for Harris was bad. She held interviews with three major outlets and dumbfoundingly refused to answer any questions about her specific policies and how she might be different than the current Biden/Harris administration. The media is desperately waiting for her to break from Biden and begging her to stop focusing on Trump and start giving voters a reason to vote for her. On top of that she thought traveling with warmonger Liz Cheney was a good idea. She and her surrogates insulted Black and Hispanic men calling them everything from misogynistic to even racist for not supporting her. To make matters worse, the women at the center of the domestic violence allegation against her husband, Doug Emhoff, went public confirming he hit her so hard her head spun around and confirming he has a dark side which goes back to his treatment of the family’s former nanny he impregnated. This mainstream media is treating this like the Hunter Biden laptop, so you know the allegation passes the sniff test. Same with Kamala working at McDonalds. I can’t think of many 60-year-olds that couldn’t find several people to confirm a job they supposedly worked at in college. Worst sign for Kamala was swing state US Senators running ads praising working with President Trump.   

The day after… 

Belmont Kamala supporters are going to feel anxious and distressed, and many will again tease they will move to other Countries but in the end, they know with Trump back in office we can expect… 

World Peace.

Shorter waits for medical care/More affordable housing

Lowe prices 

Less crime and less locked shelves at stores

A return to made in the USA

Energy Independence

Freedom of religion, speech and an end to the weaponization of Government

Lower inflation

A general feeling of Winning

Haha

Q: How are politicians like diapers?
A: They both need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason.

Cheers, 

PJ Looney

Townie Talk 02478

“AMDG” “Never Forget” “Never Again”

Autumn in New England; there is really nothing like it. There is a distinct moment when the  air shifts, cooler and crisper, signaling that summer has officially passed. Leaves change  color and pumpkins sprout on porches. A walk around Belmont, the Town of Homes, on a  sunny fall day is a beautiful thing.  

And every four years, lawn signs touting a presidential candidate join the leaves, pumpkins,  and Halloween decorations. It is part of American culture, a simple and benign expression  of free speech as guaranteed in the constitution. Yet many people have told me I am brave  for displaying TRUMP*2024. Brave? I know firefighters, soldiers, police officers, and first  responders who are truly brave. I know adventurers and athletes who put themselves at  risk to explore their boundaries. That takes guts and I think they are brave. If Belmont  residents must be brave to express themselves, then something is wrong with Belmont. 

In the few weeks that my TRUMP*2024 sign has been on display, the reaction has been  more positive than negative. Yes, one female runner passing by saw the sign and, without  breaking stride, raised her hands above her head and shouted, “Go Kamala, F*** Trump”.  Not a lot of people can run, shout and maintain stride so I applaud her fitness. It does seem  however, a good example of Trump Derangement Syndrome. It was a stunningly beautiful  autumn day, she has the good fortune to be out running on a weekday, and she stains it.  Then again, her right to free expression, no matter how base, is protected. 

Ironically, in the evening of the same day, another woman rang our doorbell and introduced herself. She said “I saw your sign and had to stop by. I have lived here for several years, and  I feel so alone.” Indeed, our town has become so proud of its tolerance that it is intolerant  of any dissenting opinion and is quick to shun. 

The last time more Belmont voters supported the GOP candidate than the DEM candidate  was 1980. Since then, the gulf has grown to a very unhealthy 80 – 20 ratio.

Looking at this data while considering the “you are brave” comments, what should one  conclude? That 80% feel empowered to commit acts of vandalism and violate someone’s  constitutional rights? I certainly hope not, although when political lawn signs have been  vandalized in the past, it is the “red” ones that suffer the abuse.  

So, “How can you vote for Trump?”, you ask. Well, to be honest, he’s never been my cup of  tea, my first choice, or the image of a President that I favor. Nevertheless, I am casting a  vote for humanity and world peace. The planet is closer to nuclear war now than at any  time since the Cuban Missile Crisis (classified events not withstanding). The push for  NATO expansion is a misbegotten gambling with our lives. Similarly, enabling Iran and  weakening Israel has brought war and misery to the Middle East with a broader war or  nuclear exchange possible any day now. I am also voting for a secure border, enforcement  of immigration laws, Title IX, women’s sports, and free speech. If the collaboration  between government agencies and big tech to control the narrative doesn’t scare you, then  the gross misapplication of the law in the last 4 years should. Between inflations and  foreign policy, things haven’t been this bad in America since the Carter administration, and on election day in 1980, Belmont voted for Reagan. I have no delusions of Trump winning  Belmont, but I expect to see more Trump supporters being brave in the remaining weeks  without fear of molestation. 

Credit: Belmont Media Center

The Mission of the COA Board is to “enhance the quality of life for seniors“. The COA Board is “appointed by the SelectBoard to oversee programs and policies of the COA.”  (COA Mission Statement)

The proposed merger was recommended by the Town Administrator at the May 2024 Select Board meeting. (See SB presentation )  At the next COA Meeting, despite the brevity of time, a SubCommittee was established for the purpose of analyzing and evaluating the “proposed merger”, scheduled for Fall 2025, after the Library leaves.   The subcommittee has met twice since then.

At the dedication of the Beech Street Center several years back the SelectBoard promised that it would be used for the sole purpose of seniors until 2049. This promise was made to the seniors, and the Friends of COA  whose involvement with and dedication to this cause, advocated and raised money for the Beech Street  Center.  

I have assembled the information below for the COA Board’s review of this matter. 

First it must  be noted that  the timetable for the “proposed merger” has been moved up to NOW from the Fall 2025, as originally advised.  Fall 2025 was to coincide with the time when the Library was scheduled to leave.   I believe it is also important to consider the brief turnaround time provided to make these changes.

 Since being told that the”proposed merger” would not take place until after the Library vacated (Fall 2025),  a Human Services Administrative Coordinator, COA/Recreation  (Closing date: 7/25/2024.) has been hired . This new position is listed on  the”proposed merger.”  new organization chart 

The former Recreation Asst Director is now the Asst Human Services director.

Comparing the new “proposed merger” organization chart  (COAorg charts) to the current organization chart, it appears that there are more administrative positions which, by their nature, are more costly, than the current positions.

Secondly, Enhanced Communication is one of the reasons suggested for the “proposed merger”. (See SB presentation).  Yet the “tall ” organization proposed  compared to the existing “flat” organization chart of the current  COA model  creates more people to go through for decision making, discouraging communication.  Note below the accepted Human Relations concern of  Tall Organizations.

Disadvantages of Tall Organizations

“Organization is less responsive to change and can be expensive to run, due to high wage costs (many managers) restricted freedom and authority for staff members.”

What’s a Tall Organization and Is It Out of Fashion? – Functionly

Other claims of the “proposed merger” are Best Practices.

The Best Practices document (COAbestpractices) has been compiled by former Directors of the COA.  It is what the COA has used throughout the Board’s tenure, so it is  questionable whether the”proposed merger ” would have any significant advantage.It  “presumes that the COA Director has an advanced degree in some area of human services along with significant experience with the aging population.”  Topics include:  Communication Programming, delivery of Social Services, delivery of Core Services, Transportation and Nutrition, and Involvement with other agencies. It concludes with ” the Director’s primary purpose is to support, advocate for and implement policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors in the Town.”

Also below is a compilation of other Human Service programs in communities comparable to Belmont.  It is notable that only 1 of the 9 Human Services departments  includes Recreation.

• Somerville – https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/health-and-human-services
• Newton – https://www.newtonma.gov/government/health-human-services/social-services
• Worcester – https://www.worcesterma.gov/hhs
• Bedford – https://www.bedfordma.gov/195/Health-Human-Services
• Natick – https://www.natickma.gov/1050/Human-Services
• Arlington – https://www.arlingtonma.gov/departments/health-human-services
• Ashland – https://www.ashlandmass.com/229/Department-of-Prevention-Human-Services
• Lincoln – https://www.lincolntown.org/132/Council-on-Aging-Human-Service
• Littleton – https://www.littletonma.org/226/Elder-Human-Services

Finally I am disturbed by the actions of Town Administration toward Former employees, Board members, Real Estate Owners and members of the community, including  Town Treasurer (Floyd Carmen), Town Retirement Board (Tom Gibson), Assessors Board (Reardon, Laverty and Patrick Murphy), COA Directors ( Nava and Dana), Chair of the Planning Board (Jeff Birenbaum), Member of the Warrant Committee (Marie Warner AND CFRB) and Real Estate owner,( Locatelli).

The Board may also remember that as a Board we asked at our  February  meeting to schedule the annual potluck luncheon that we have always had for the Staff.  We were advised that the Staff had concerns that we were critical of them.  Having spoken with COA staff I have never found any reluctance to communicate their concerns.  Town Administration’s  behavior of vilifying and slandering former employees, Board members and members of the community  is not suggestive of an intent to serve the community.  By extension, this “proposed merger” has questionable merit.

I can report with high certainty that President Donald Trump will be the 47^th President of the United States. I know this will cause extreme anxiety and angst among a certain category of Belmont residents, but the reality is immigration and inflation have caused irreparable harm to most Americans and no celebrity endorsement, media cover up, or even a Hurricane can change the outcome. This is no secret to the inner circles of the DNC. They are now fearful of losing both the House and Senate by large numbers and trying to figure out somehow to motivate their voters. The tricky part is the “divide and conquer” approach successfully used by Democrats has imploded. For example, Latino’s now favor Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, and their top issue is Illegal immigration. How bad is it… Gloria Romero (the former California State Senate leader) is now changing parties and voting for Trump. She cited Democrats failure to embrace school choice which is devastating inner city children. 17% of African Americans support President Trump. That number is more than twice what he won in 2016 and is astronomical for a Republican candidate. Black voters in Chicago vow to flip the city Red over illegal immigrants taking their jobs and the cities resources. What about our Jewish friends who typically vote the Dem ticket… Shabbos Kestenbaum sees American Jewry facing an existential crisis with Harris in charge and is encouraging Jews to Vote Trump. 

Democrats can cite Dick Cheney for endorsing Harris but of course that is because Trump declared he will end the Ukraine War ASAP which doesn’t sit well with war mongers like the Cheney’s who profit from the $250 Billion wasted in Ukraine. Taylor Swift will garner some votes but will suffer the same fate as Oprah after she tarnished her image by endorsing a candidate. Bernie Sanders did the Dems no favors when he replied to Meet the Press Host Kristen Welker: “She (Harris) has previously supported Medicare for All, now she does not. She’s previously supported a ban on fracking, now she does not. These, Senator, are ideas that you have campaigned on. Do you think that she is abandoning her progressive ideals?”

Sanders replied: “No, I don’t think she’s abandoning her ideals. I think she is trying to be pragmatic and do what she thinks is right in order to win the election.”

Probably the most telling reason why President Trump will win in a landslide comes from the most relevant Kennedy left. RFK Jr said:

There’s been an inversion now where the Republican Party has become the party of the common man, of working people, of the middle class, and the Democratic Party has become the party of Wall Street, the Military Industrial Complex, Big Pharma, BigAg, Big Tech, the Big Banking…  — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 8, 2024

In a progressive Town like Belmont with such group thought this will be unwelcome news. Fear not though because you have the chance of a lifetime…

This Sunday September 15^th from 3pm-3:15pm in Belmont Center at the Town Day dunk tank you will have the chance to dunk a Trumper. Not just anyone… but Townie Talk himself. The caveat being you need to pay to play (all proceeds go toward providing food to Belmont residents in need) and there is some skill and athleticism involved. 

I am pretty sure on November 6^th , the Town won’t be providing cry baby rooms at the BHS like in 2016, so this is your chance. 

Who should come… if we look at who the few Harris voters likely are :

As Dana Bash indicated “low testosterone men” 

Women with hairy legs and armpits.

Pro Hamas high school and college protesters.

Obviously, Marxists, Socialists, and Communists. 

Adults who still feel the need to tell you where they went to college.

People who block aisles in Supermarkets. 

As for my fellow Townies… you will have the opportunity to dunk some interesting characters. You can tell the progressive one’s by their floaties. End of the day… we have many residents that need help. Devastating inflation in critical expenses like food and rent mean difficult choices for so many these days. This is a good opportunity to show some appreciation to our fellow Townies in need. Just tape the second half of the game and put the beers on ice. 

Cheers, 

PJ Looney

Townie Talk 02478

“AMDG”, “Never Forget”, “Never Again”

D-Day June 06, 1944…

The beginning of the end for the Nazi’s and a lifelong reminder of what American exceptionalism once was. Very few remain from that day. Amazing courage and love of Country. 

Calm before the storm…

For those who are currently or were members of St. Joseph’s Church in Belmont, a little-known secret is the Church always had a small but incredibly generous group of well-off parish families that when called on in a pinch could write a check on the spot to bail out the Parish for whatever the need was at the time. You knew, if they were committed to the church, that the church would stand. 

The Town of Belmont also had a similar group of “legacy families”. They generally traced lineage back to the 1800’s, were of wealth, and well connected. If Belmont faced significant challenges, they would be consulted in similar fashion to find solutions.  

In the last month, it is clear several Townies are spooked, and many are considering cleaning out their homes and leaving likely encouraged by the bad election results. It’s understandable as the Town has lost its compass financially and culturally. Unfortunately, Townie Talk has been informed of a pending transformative shocker that will permanently alter the Belmont eco-system. 

It will be obvious to all in Town in the coming months so don’t ask what… just let it come out on its own. It is likely a final nail in the coffin for Townies grasping for what little is left of this once quaint New England Town. We will see. As always read between the lines. 

Not that anyone cares but I decided this is my final term on Town Meeting. 

I will have Town Meeting updates in the next issue. I just returned from a road trip to Iowa with pit stops at Niagara Falls, Cleveland Ohio, and Chicago. It was a great trip. 

Cheers,  

PJ Looney

Townie Talk 02478

“AMDG” Never Forget, Never Again

The poll asked four questions dealing with housing, the first of which concerned Governor Healey’s bill to create a new “real estate transfer fee” tax. The Governor’s tax proposal only received 28% support, with a majority not supporting it at 55% and 17% unsure.

When voters were asked if they would support “paying more for housing in order to enact net zero emission policies,” that question received a chilly response with only 24% support and 60% opposed. 

The poll also asked voters to gauge their support for the MBTA Communities Act, which has now come to prominence as local voters across the state are deciding on whether to approve zoning changes mandated by the legislation. Overall, 33% support it while 45%oppose, and 22% are unsure. 

While the migrant crisis is taking a toll on the state’s fiscal health, the poll tried to determine how concerned voters are of any effects the crisis might have on housing costs. The poll found 73% of voters are “highly” or “somewhat” concerned that this large influx of new residents will have a negative effect on the housing and rental markets in Massachusetts. That sentiment received strong majorities among Democratic voters at 58%, Republican voters at 98%, and unenrolled voters at 79%. 

A copy of the poll topline data may be found here.

A copy of the poll crosstabs may be found here.

Curtesy of Belmont Media.

I was not insulted by his tardiness BUT I was infuriated by the outright lying to the American public.  Lying or “telling of half-truths” has become the norm in politics.  

Similarly, I am infuriated at the VOTE Yes Committees flyers which continue this campaign of lies and half-truths.

“Belmont residents will not be allowed to check out the 6 million books due to the loss of Minuteman network accreditation.”  A lie!  Look it up!  Any resident of Massachusetts may use the Minuteman network.

“Sports, theatre, clubs will be cut at the High School.”  Parents pay now for their students to participate!  $450 per sport plus monies raised by parent groups and the Boosters.

“Most school buses will be eliminated.”  Busing is required for all students who live more than 1-1/2 miles from their school.  Most other riders pay for the service which compliments the required expenses.

“Eliminate Town funded rubbish collection and add new fees.”  The “trash collection override of 1990” continues to provide more than enough funds to support the present rubbish/recycling contract. 

“Closing the Burbank School.”  There has been no decision regarding Burbank.  Indeed, this would be a terrible decision.  Instead, make all schools K-6 (saves busing costs).  Then close Chenery, sell it to a developer for millions and create 100 units of over 55 housing.  Netting millions in revenue with no impact on the schools.

Let’s look at other cost reductions and sources of new revenue.  

Enrollment is down 500 students from the projections used to justify the new High/Middle School.  (Why should they be so far off?)  There should be staff reductions based on this alone.

Energy costs for the new school should be way down, as a result of the investment in geothermal and solar installations.  Where is this reflected?

A new High/Middle School, Library, and Rink should result in further savings in maintenance and operations costs.

McLean Hospital is budgeting $1.5 million for PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) for FY 25.

Send the message that fiscal responsibility and solvency must come first and without further burdening our over-taxed citizens. 

An operating override is too much to ask!  Join me and vote NO!

Edward A. Kazanjian is a retired facilities engineer, registered educational facility planner, executive director and head consultant for a nonprofit, national public school consulting firm and an assistant superintendent of schools. He has been a Belmont resident for over 50 years.