Mayor's Removal Action Is Overreaction - Again

MAYOR'S ACTION ILL-ADVISED IN ATTLEBOROby Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle
“Board and commission members are appointed by the mayor to help support the mayor’s agenda.” – Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux.

If you agree with that statement, you would see nothing wrong with Mayor Heroux’s decision to remove veteran traffic study commission Chairperson Joe Caponigro, despite reappointing him to a three-year term just nine months ago.

But if you believe the main responsibility of appointed city officials is to serve the citizens first by doing their particular job honestly and openly, then you might find Heroux’s approach a bit self-centered and political. Maybe it’s just a matter of perspective.

Heroux recently demanded Caponigro resign or be removed. Caponigro can contest that removal via a hearing before the city council, but the sole judge is the mayor. So in effect, Heroux is firing the official who has served for more than a decade.

The mayor won’t specifically cite reasons other than referring to “ideological differences” and a failure to support his agenda. When pressed, Heroux said he had no obligation to reveal the details.

This raises questions. Are appointed city officials simply tools designed to implement and support their leader’s policies and plans? Or should they respectfully voice to the people their honestly held views regardless of the mayor’s agenda?

No one denies Mayor Heroux has the legal right to remove an official for virtually any reason. But is that the right way to run a city government?

Heroux says he is merely carrying out the expressed will of the voters. He noted he was re-elected in what this columnist called a mandate. He says that means officials should be working on advancing his goals and promoting his plans for the city. He argues those who differ should back him or resign and run for office.

He likens it to the administration of a president or a governor. He says President Trump or Governor Baker would never put up with officials acting in such a manner.

But Mayor Heroux is not president or governor. Local government is not like running a country or state. The role of citizen volunteers at the local level is largely what makes local government so much more efficient and representative than the giant behemoths in Washington and Boston.

Removing someone from office is far different than appointing or reappointing them. Removal is a punitive action that should only be taken for cause. It should not be a political tool at the local level, used to kick out unpaid volunteers because they aren’t “loyal” enough to the agenda of those in power.

It is one thing to appoint someone who will help advance your cause. It is yet another to remove someone mid-term just because you believe they have not demonstrated sufficient loyalty to your agenda.

Good volunteer public servants are hard enough to find without demanding they put loyalty to the administration over loyalty to their neighbors and their city.

This action by the mayor is ill-advised. Rather than harping on “my administration” and “my agenda,” he would be wise to remember that for Attleboro citizens, this is “our government” and “my city.”

And that is more important than any administration’s agenda.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Print
• Save

Town Meeting Passes Rules Most Did Not See

Know What You Are Voting on...

by Bill Gouveia

(This column appeared in the Sun Chronicle on Monday, October 28, 2019)

Even longtime defenders of the venerable town meeting system of government have to be shaking their collective heads after what happen at the Norton Town Meeting last week. In fact, had I not been there (I’m the town moderator — full disclosure) I might not have believed it myself.

The cemetery commissioners wanted town meeting to accept a newly-compiled list of cemetery regulations. The motion called on the meeting to accept the rules “as filed with the town clerk’s office.” Town counsel said this was acceptable.

There were just a couple of problems. The rules had apparently been filed with the clerk’s office hours just hours before the town meeting, thus making it nearly impossible for most voters to review them. Additionally, neither the commissioners nor anyone else had enough copies of the regulations to give people attending the meeting. In essence, voters were being asked to accept rules 95% of them had never seen.

And yet despite that, by a vote of 70-67, those in attendance did exactly that. They accepted rules they had not seen and that had not been detailed. Kind of reminded me of the old saying about “you can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich.”

Now, this was not exactly high-level stuff. It was about adopting a list of cemetery rules. Maybe people just trusted officials who told them the rules were just “standard stuff taken from other towns.” It’s not like it was changing a zoning bylaw or voting to build a new school.

But think about it. Norton’s legislative governing body voted to formally adopt a list of rules they never saw and knew nothing about. That’s pretty amazing.

Imagine what would happen in a town like North Attleboro, which recently changed from a town meeting to a town council format, if this had happened there. Suppose a proposal came before the council to adopt a new list of cemetery rules. The councilors were told there was no actual copy of the rules available for them to review, but not to worry — a copy was filed with the town clerk’s office hours earlier, and they can view them later.

And the councilors said sure — and went ahead and voted them sight unseen. Can you imagine the public response that would generate? The charges of failing to do their duty, or even read the regulations before adopting them?

Well, that is what Norton’s town meeting did Monday night.

To be sure, folks at that meeting had the absolute right to do what they did. It is perfectly legal. They violated no rules. Town meeting is free to do as it pleases, whether it makes sense or not.

But this situation clearly highlights one of the obvious flaws in using a town meeting form of legislative government in a municipality the size of Norton.

This time it was just a list of cemetery rules. Who knows what might get through without explanation next time? Is it really too much to insist legislators — even volunteer “citizen legislators” — actually look at what they are voting on?

If local governments start voting on things without reading them, pretty soon we’ll have to start calling them “Congress.”

Bill Gouveia is a longtime columnist and local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Why The Debate Is Worth The Effort - Sometimes

Why The Debate Is Worth The Effort

by Bill Gouveia 

This column appeared in the Sun Chronicle on Monday, October 21, 2019

“Why do you talk to and argue with that person? It’s a waste of time, they’re never going to understand or change.”

If you have ever posted an opinion on social media, or gotten involved in a conversation concerning government and politics on any level, or perhaps occasionally penned a newspaper column — then you have probably been asked this question before. I know I have, and have probably been the subject of it also.

To be sure, there is some merit in ignoring certain folks. In today’s world where bipartisanship and compromise are seen as weaknesses instead of strengths, it can be extremely frustrating to try and have a conversation about goings on at the local, state or national level without being attacked by those who believe their opinion supersedes the facts. Or those refusing to believe anything that does not reaffirm their own beliefs.

As an opinion columnist, you get used to having your words twisted and misrepresented by certain letter-writers promoting their own political agendas, as happened this past week after I wrote a piece criticizing the president. It’s an indication of how unimportant truth and accuracy is to some.

But despite this, I am not one who subscribes to the “just ignore them” theory of political discourse. It certainly is easier to do that, saves a great deal of time, and probably reduces your blood pressure by more than a few points.

But when we stop talking to those with opinions opposite our own, we make this country’s problems worse rather than better. Doing so surrenders the hard-earned right to engage in serious debate, which is the main principle upon which this democratic nation was founded.

That does not mean you waste valuable time engaging with “professional againsters” who merely want to get you to expend energy arguing for purposes of distraction. Debating “Facebook trolls” or similar types is a waste of time (see: Russian bots, etc.).

I still see great value in debating those I know will never agree with me or change their minds. Truth is, some of these people are my friends. I care about them and what they think, even though I totally disagree. They frustrate me, as I no doubt frustrate them, and I sometimes wonder how they can possibly defend taking the positions they take and spouting the stuff they do.

But if I block them, or ignore them, or unfriend them — what have I accomplished other than making my life a bit simpler? How have I helped advance the public discourse?

Those who disagree with this line of thinking (including many of my family and close friends) are adamant in their opinion that responding to obviously provocative and wrong opinions merely gives credence to both the arguments and the makers. I understand this.

But intelligent, honest debate is a casualty of our current political wars. It won’t come back if we all just stop talking.

So I keep responding to and debating even those I know are sometimes just baiting me. But perhaps I might convince others observing the discussion. Or maybe one of us will convince the other.

But don’t hold your breath on that last one.

Bill Gouveia is a longtime columnist and local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Print
• Save

Trump Deserves Impeachment

AN INSIDE LOOK

By Bill Gouveia

This column appeared in the Sun Chronicle on Monday, October 14, 2019

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: “We are ready to continue to cooperate for the next steps specifically we are almost ready to buy more Javelins from the United States for defense purposes.”

President Trump: “I would like you to do us a favor though because our country has been through a lot and Ukraine knows a lot about it.”

That discussion is directly from the transcript of a call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on July 25, 2019 and released by the White House. A transcript Trump calls “word for word,” a call he says was “perfect.”

Trump goes on to ask Zeleskyy as a “favor” to conduct an investigation into his top Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden, mentioning him by name and stating “…whatever you can do with the Attorney General would be great.”

To review, the president of the United States flat-out asked a foreign nation to investigate his political opponent as a favor immediately after that nation told him they wanted to buy more weapons from the US. He asked the leader of that nation to enlist the help of the top US law enforcement official in doing so. All shortly after Trump had unexpectedly cut off aid to this same country, and then under pressure restored it.

As a result of this behavior, and a lot more, the president is on the verge of being impeached by the House of Representatives.

Reasonable people can disagree on whether or not this particular event with Ukraine rises to the level where impeachment is proper. But only the most partisan of political hacks can argue with a straight face that what Trump did was not wrong and did not compromise the integrity of both the presidency and the nation.

If you still support the president and his policies after this, that’s one thing. If you believe he is merely a victim and did nothing wrong – you are either in denial and woefully uninformed, or just dishonest.

And if you are employing the “but look at what they did over there” defense where you point at others because you can’t defend the president’s behavior — like Trump himself is doing — then you need to grow up. The president of the Unites States has to be responsible for his or her own actions.

Since releasing the transcript, Trump has flat-out lied about what it says. He has changed his story on why he said it several times. He has added China to the mix, claiming they should also investigate Biden.

I have been an opponent of impeaching of Trump. He will never be convicted in the senate, and it always seemed a useless exercise. I wanted to wait for the election.

But this has become a bridge too far. If you are willing to accept his disgusting actions and lies and self-serving ways for short-term economic gain — then you simply don’t care about the integrity of the nation any more than he does.

Donald Trump is a dishonest liar and unfit to be president of the United States. Whether he is removed or not, he deserves impeachment. Our nation needs to stand up to his treachery.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Better Buildings in Norton Require Better Planning

This column appeared in the Sun Chronicle on Monday, October 7. 2019

AN INSIDE LOOK

By Bill Gouveia

            If you have ever stepped foot in what passes for the Senior Citizen Center or the Town Hall in Norton, you probably understand both buildings are woefully inadequate for just about any use.

            The senior center is an old one-room schoolhouse built in the 19^th century.  The town hall is an old gymnasium converted into alleged office space 40 years ago obtained via a donation and a grant.  The senior center has no parking, and officials in the town hall don’t even have private spaces to meet with citizens to discuss their tax bills or other private matters.

            The need to replace both is undeniable, though not cheap.  Town officials have recognized this for some time, but only recently have attempts to actually take firm action towards building new ones become serious.

            But as serious and sincere as those efforts have been – they have been equally flawed and ineffective. 

            The last plan brought before Town Meeting was to construct both buildings on a piece of badly contaminated land abandoned by its bankrupt owner.  The planning leading up to Town Meeting was bungled so badly that the building committee pulled support for its own article just days before the voters overwhelmingly defeated it.

            Now another plan is being advanced, seeking to purchase a small plot of land next to the existing town hall for an estimated $1 million, constructing a new town hall, and simultaneously building a new senior center on town-owned land behind it.  The ultimate cost has yet to be determined, but funds for the land purchase and design will be sought soon.

            Norton voters are not known for their willingness to spend large amounts of money.  They have never approved a general override, and only one debt exclusion since the inception of Prop 2-1/2.  But there is some support for replacing these two totally inadequate buildings.

            Except for one big obstacle.  People want their drinking water fixed first.

            It could be said that any plans to spend large sums of money in Norton are “underwater” right now.  Significant segments of the community suffer from really ugly, brown water.  They have had it for a long time, it has not gotten better, ruined their clothes and appliances, made them fear for their health, and generally ticked them off. 

            They don’t want to hear that a long-delayed filtration plant currently nearing completion “should” solve the problem.  They don’t care that the water department is funded through an enterprise account, not property tax monies.  They want clean water, and they want it now – before committing to other major projects.

            It’s hard to blame them.

            But other needs do still have to be addressed, and it is the duty of the citizenry to address them.  And it is the duty of town officials to present logical, common sense, reasonable solutions. 

            Norton can fix its water, the senior center, the town hall, and other challenges.  But town officials have to come together with a united, logical, practical plan.  Political bickering needs to stop, and the factions dividing Norton have to start concentrating on common goals.

           

            The next proposal to Town Meeting needs to be much better than the last.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and longtime local official.  He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

This Year At Gillette A Bit Different

Going to the Patriots a bit different

by Bill Gouveia 

Sunday night will find me once again at Gillette Stadium as I begin my 48th season as a New England Patriot season ticket holder. There will be a banner unveiling, a celebration of another championship, and a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But despite the celebration and excitement, this season opener won’t be the same for this fan — and it has nothing to do with what’s happening on the field.

For the first time in probably three decades, my best friend Rick won’t be sitting next to me. He determined this off-season that the last 40 years had seen enough treks to Foxboro, and decided to go out on a high note following another championship. He traded his ticket for the comfort of watching the games from home.

I’ll be at the Steelers game with both my sons, which is totally awesome. But there will be a difference. And with that difference comes the realization that my own time for attending these games is not endless, despite me insisting it is.

Rick and I had a routine, without even realizing we had a routine. We’ve been friends since the first grade. My kids grew up calling him “Uncle Rick,” his son is my godson, and I love his daughters dearly. Suffice to say, we know how to bust each other pretty well.

I would always tease him and ask if he brought his plastic lanyard to hold his ticket, which he forgot once and we never let him live it down. Then we’d compare how we dressed for the game, and what our wives had told us we should wear for the weather.

He’d make me check the tickets five times before we left, because I once brought the wrong ones. We’d then make the same jokes about traffic to the game, getting to our parking spot, and the long walk to the stadium. My sons would just shake their heads.

During the games we had our own language, formed from years of watching the worst franchise in football become the best.

When the Patriots got a first down deep in the opponent’s territory, we would turn to each other and hold up three fingers, joking that it would only lead to a field goal.

And our inside jokes about the great people sitting around us over the years were communicated with simple gestures that we didn’t have to explain, and laughed at every time.

I’m going to be with at least one of my sons for each contest going forward, and probably a few of my grandchildren too — a truly special treat. I started going to games with my grandfather, before I went with Rick.

Rick’s not gone — he’s in better shape than I am (that’s not saying much), and we’ll still see each other.

But unless I convince him to attend a game or two along the way, our game-day traditions have come to an end.

I’m going to try and at least make the 50 year mark. Rick says he’ll congratulate me when I do — from the warmth and comfort of his couch.

I’m psyched for Sunday. But it will be a different experience.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and diehard Patriots fan. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Message To Foxboro Board: Let It Go

Foxboro Needs To Move Ahead 

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

If I could offer some unsolicited advice to the Foxboro Board of Selectmen, and the good people of that fine community, I would respectfully suggest they listen to the wise words Princess Elsa so eloquently spoke in the movie my grandkids saw at least 100 times — Frozen. “Let It Go.”

That’s what selectmen should do when they consider — for the umpteenth time — what to do with the old Foxboro fire station property in the center of town. At their meeting on Aug. 20, the board should issue a “municipal conversion permit” to King Builders that will end the long, sad saga of this property and allow the important and necessary modernization and revitalization of downtown Foxboro to proceed.

After all, it’s not like this is a sudden or impulsive move. This has been a painfully slow and tedious process, which in many respects it needed to be. Project after project has been proposed, rejected or ignored. This issue has been studied more often than most high school textbooks (they still DO use textbooks in high school, right?).

It is an important piece of property, and what happens with it will set the tone for how Foxboro will grow — not only in this area but throughout the community. It will tell both developers and the townspeople if Foxboro is really serious about making the downtown area better, or if they are just paying the topic lip service once again.

Without rehashing the long history of proposals, this is now down to one. King Builders was chosen in May because selectmen believed they had the best proposal. It’s time to get this project moving. It is time to let the old fire station and funeral home go.

Instead of an unusable eyesore, Foxboro will benefit from having a new restaurant and a new 15-unit apartment building with on-site parking. Four additional units above the restaurant/pub would bring the total residential unit count to 19.

This project will result in additional tax revenue to the town, additional foot traffic to local businesses in the area, and turn a decaying site into a revenue-producing enterprise that might encourage others to invest in the area.

That doesn’t mean the developer has to be given carte blanche to do as it pleases. Reasonable limits and accommodations can be made that protect the interests of abutters, the taxpayers, and people traveling through the center. But those limits and accommodations should be designed to make the project better, not cripple it or cause it to fail.

Nothing will ever get built at that site unless it is economically feasible and advantageous. The last 20 years have proven that.

Only three selectmen will be making the decision on the permit, as two have recused themselves due to apparent conflicts of interest. It would be wise of those three to allow the permit, and then let this project proceed through the normal building process including review by any applicable committees such as the planning board.

The property is zoned correctly. The buyer and developer are in place. The studying has been undertaken and completed. Just one thing now remains to be done here.

“Let it go.”

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and a longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Norton Doesn't Love That Dirty Water

Norton Water A Dirty Problem

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

To say Norton has a water problem is a gross understatement. But since it doesn’t affect everyone, it doesn’t get the attention it should. Sure, there is a lot of talk about it — but not nearly enough.

In many Norton homes, the water looks like root beer. It can look like mud. It stains clothes, ruins appliances, and costs residents a lot of money for filters, bottled water, and blood pressure medication due to the time it is taking to address the issue.

This is not an exaggeration. Just go online and search “Dirty Norton Water” and take a look at the pictures. It is enough to make you gag.

Local officials are aware of the situation and trying to fix it. Old pipes certainly add to the contamination problem. Some water mains have been replaced — particularly along some main roads.

They claim the discoloration is the result of high manganese in the water. A multi-million dollar treatment plant is currently under construction, and they believe it will solve the problem. The project was initially delayed due to state concerns involving a possible Indian burial ground, but that was settled and allegedly the plant will open next year.

In the meantime, a filtered water machine has been placed at town hall where folks can fill water jugs. Some chemical additives have been made available to help. But those are small, short-term attempts to lessen the problem. They are not solutions.

Town meeting has authorized many millions of dollars to try and make the water system better. The water ratepayers have yet to feel the financial impact of that because the rates have not been altered to reflect those expenditures going forward.

As a lifelong Norton resident — who does not have brown water, thank goodness — my major concern and worry is this.

I’m not at all sure the new water plant is going to solve this issue. I am not sure it is going to be the relief the poor people with ugly, unusable water have been waiting for.

I’m positive it will help and is necessary. But if you just look at the history of the water/sewer department and the piecemeal way water issues have been addressed, it is worrisome.

I would be much more confident if the town had a consolidated department of public works instead of an elected water/sewer commission. There should be a director of public works with experience in this area combined with a board appointed according to qualifications and experience, rather than relying on the goodwill of those who run for election — often unopposed.

The board of selectmen has limited influence in this area because the water/sewer board is elected. The town manager, who oversees the overall operation of the town, is also limited by this.

When the charter commission studying town government makes its recommendations, at the top of the list should be creating a department of public works and eliminating the elected water/sewer board.

That alone will not give Norton residents clean water. But it will certainly give them a much better chance of it than they have now.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and a longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Is The President A Reflection Of The Nation?

Is this The Nation We Have Become?

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

The president of the United States is a racist.

But sadly, that is not the real news in this dangerous chapter of our nation’s history. After all, we knew about Donald Trump before electing him. He did not misrepresent himself in order to gain the presidency. In fact, it can be reasonably argued that during his campaign he showed us exactly what kind of president he would be.

America knew who it was selecting and made the choice knowingly and willingly. We are today getting exactly what we voted for. And possibly — what we deserve.

No folks, the big realization is not that the president holds racists views and uses them for political advantage. Instead, the frightening reality is that a significant percentage of American citizens either share or will tolerate those views, and favor a leader who will enforce racist policies and actions.

Racism and bigotry in America were not created by President Donald Trump. They were here long before he was.

But President Donald Trump was clearly created largely by the rising racism and bigotry existing in America. While that is stark, controversial, and insulting to many — it is simply and undeniably true. This president was elected on a platform of racist positions, has utilized those horrible positions while governing, and may well ride them to reelection next year.

Americans value a strong economy, as well they should. Trump has presided over a booming period of economic prosperity, and deserves significant credit for that. And it seems achieving that worthwhile goal provides cover for a wide array of other less savory aspects of this presidency such as his blatant racism. Or does it?

It’s truly disconcerting to think Donald Trump is merely a reflection of the views of many Americans. That his values are America’s values. Yet, how else can this be explained?

Many will read that and say “You’re calling all Trump supporters racists.” No, I’m not. I know many good people who voted for the president while not sharing his views on foreigners and people from other races, ethnicities and backgrounds. But they agree with him on other issues.

Still, you can’t support an obvious racist and not bear some responsibility for the results. When those supporters say “I don’t like the way he treats some people” or “I don’t agree with what he says on Twitter” — sorry, but you are clearly compromising the values of the country. You are implicitly condoning his racist views and actions.

You are enabling and normalizing racism in America.

I want to believe America is not a racist nation. I grew up believing the Statue of Liberty reflected the very core of American values. My father came to this country with nothing, and became a college educated professional success story.

How sad he would have been to listen to the crowd at Trump’s political rally last week chant “send her back” about a foreign-born African-American Congresswoman and citizen of this country.

My fear and concern is not that Trump is leading the nation astray, but rather that he is the clear result of what kind of nation and people we have become.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and a longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Print
• Save

Norton Thanks A Local Legend - Mr. Watson

A Job Well Done, Mr. Watson - Thank You

by Bill Gouveia
Some in Norton called him Al. His friends and those who knew him well called him “Nibby.” Still others recognized him as “the veterans cemetery guy.”

To me, he was always simply Mr. Watson.

Albert Watson passed away at his Norton home last week at the age of 92. He leaves behind a large family, and an amazing record of service to his fellow veterans and his community.

He lived his entire life in Norton, except for his time in the military. He left high school to enlist in the Navy and served during World War II, but later got his high school diploma. He was married to his wife Barbara for 54 years before she passed away in 2003, and together they were always working for Norton veterans.

Al Watson performed a very important service for Norton. For 62 years, he was the town’s graves officer. He learned the importance of this position from his father, who held the post before him.

For those who don’t know what that is, Al Watson made sure every veteran buried in the Town of Norton had a plaque honoring their service at their grave.

He even personally engraved many of the flag-holders that marked the final resting spots. And twice each year — on Memorial Day and Veterans Day — he made absolutely sure every veteran’s grave had American flags waving proudly so folks knew Norton never forgets.

Mr. Watson did this with a determined focus and unshakable will. He was a powerful force, and not a shy individual when it came to getting things done that he deemed important.

He almost always had a smile on his face, but woe to the poor individual who mistook that smile to mean he was easily appeased or distracted. Al Watson was one tough guy, as I witnessed first-hand on more than one occasion.

One year when I was running for office, I was talking to Mr. Watson as I stood in the driveway of the Yelle School greeting voters. He lived next door, and would often come out and chat with me — which meant he talked, and I listened.

This particular time he pointed out the flag flying in front of that school, and how it had a small rip in it. He told me in great detail how that was unacceptable.

He remarked how the school superintendent controlled this, and said he would have a talk with her. I nodded my agreement, and he smiled and walked back inside.

About 30 minutes later, a custodian walked out and took down the flag, replacing it with a brand new one.

You just didn’t mess with Al Watson.

He was a crusty New Englander in every sense of the phrase, and as true a Norton character as there could be. He leaves behind several generations of families who will forever appreciate the extra effort he always made to honor each veteran at their final resting place.

Al Watson will be buried in his hometown today with military honors. He deserves all those honors and more. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank him for his service and a job well done.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and a longtime local official. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Print
• Save