Some Foxboro Selectmen Have Wrong Priorities

AN INSIDE LOOK

By Bill Gouveia

This column appeared in the Sun Chronicle on Monday, February 26, 2018 

            Virginia Coppola and James DeVellis are selectmen in Foxboro.  When it comes to hiring town hall clerical employees, both appear to believe qualifications are not as important as who your spouse is.

            They both made that clear this week when the town manager announced the hiring of a new “community information specialist”.  Coppola and DeVellis were outraged when they discovered the new employee is the wife of the manager of external affairs/business development for the Kraft Group.

            Selectmen (thankfully) play no role in the hiring process for this position.  That is the job of the managers, both well-paid professionals.  They fully admitted that when they hired the individual, they did not know who her spouse was or if she even had one

            That’s because employers are not allowed to ask those questions.  Candidates – at least those for non-confidential municipal clerical positions - are under no obligation to disclose marital status, religion, or favorite color.

            But Coppola and DeVellis were not satisfied with that, or the fact the new employee agreed to a confidentiality agreement out of an abundance of caution.  They said hiring this person somehow opens the town up to the risk of secret information being leaked to the Kraft Group.  They were a bit vague on just what that information might be.

DeVellis suggested the town manager should have reviewed the candidate’s Facebook page and social media accounts because she had been to meetings and functions, and thus could have been recognized.  The town’s lawyer recommended against that practice. 

They were not reassured when told the person would not be participating in confidential matters, and would not attend any executive sessions.

            There are employees in town now who recuse themselves in cases where they have relatives involved in the topic under discussion.  That is extremely common in municipalities everywhere.

            Yet DeVellis claimed this situation compromised the board and made him uncomfortable.  He tried disguising his concerns as being about the hiring process, but it was clear his objection was to the person.  He simply did not want the employee in this position to be the spouse of a Kraft Group member.

            Town Counsel and others pointed out almost all documents in town hall are public record, and any employee could distribute information.  In fact, that is what this position of “community information specialist” is supposed to do.  So DeVellis’s objection is hard to fathom.

            Coppola’s reasoning and logic was even worse.  She outrageously and publicly questioned the integrity of the individual when she wondered out loud, “Why does she want to work for the Town of Foxboro?  If she’s so qualified…certainly she could get a higher-paying job in the private sector.” 

            After hearing that awful statement from Selectman Coppola, a lot of potential and current employees may well be asking themselves the same thing.

            We can only assume Coppola and DeVellis are currently scouring town records, looking for the marital connections of every town employee.  If there is a secretary in town hall married to a manager at the local donut shop chain, they will no doubt have similar concerns.  Otherwise, their actions would smack of discrimination.

Because as they said – for them, it’s not about the Kraft Group. 

Yeah, right. 

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

Reform Must Come First in North

Change Must Come First In North

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle


There is little doubt North Attleboro needs more money in its budget to properly fund the operation of the community and provide services citizens and taxpayers deserve. Selectmen have called for an override to add about $6.5 million to do exactly that, and they deserve credit for having the political will and courage to try and address the very real problems.

But voters should firmly and decidedly reject this override, despite a strong case being made by the board. The reason is simple:

Their current governmental structure is not working, and until it is changed the voters and citizens should not trust it with an increase anywhere near this magnitude.

That is not meant as an attack on any individuals currently holding office in North, but rather an indictment of the entire system. Any kind of even cursory look at the facts proves it to be true.

This is a community where the legislative body refuses to correct the obvious problems that plague it. The 135-member RTM (Representative Town Meeting) has consistently fought efforts to reduce its membership, despite the fact it has great difficulty attracting people to serve.

This year there are 61 open RTM seats available at the upcoming town election. A grand total of 38 individuals will be on the ballot seeking them. There will be 23 seats with absolutely no candidates, save for write-in opportunities.

That’s almost 38 percent of the available seats attracting zero candidates. Many of those vacancies will be filled by appointments by the RTM itself.

This is the body that ultimately decides the town’s budget, enacts the bylaws, and conducts important town business. It speaks volumes about the lack of confidence North citizens have in the RTM system.

Some will point out a charter commission is currently considering eliminating RTM, and revamping much of the rest of North Attleboro’s governmental structure. They will tell you that is a major discouragement to those considering seeking election.

That might have some truth to it — this year. But it does not explain why participation has been almost as terrible in most other recent years as well.

The people of North Attleboro need to take a firm stand. They must insist on government reform first, before any major budget increases. This government does not even have a town manager with authority and responsibility to hire, fire, and administer the budget. There is no way voters should give this disjointed system another $6.5 million. Plan first — pay later.

That may indeed seem harsh. It may also seem unfair, particularly to the students in a school system that cries out for additional funding. Or to the public safety departments that have undergone significant cuts in the recent past.

But it makes no sense to pour more money into a bad system. Demand the changes first. Make sure there is none of the political sabotage that has ended other attempts at reform. Don’t let a bad governmental format dig a deeper financial hole for what will hopefully be a new and better one.

If North Attleboro taxpayers are going to trust local government with another $6.5 million, that government should have to first show things have indeed changed.

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

I Hear You - I Really Hear You!

Yes - I Can Hear You Now!

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

I have often been accused of not listening. While I generally deny it, I will admit that many times I simply could not hear.

In a nod to advancing age and a rejection of useless vanity, I recently started wearing hearing aids. I’m sure that is of little interest to most, but I mention it in hopes my experience might encourage others who have been considering it but decided against it for various reasons.

I can’t tell you how relaxing it is to not strain intently just to hear people speaking. To participate in conversations in restaurants and not have to simply nod my head and pretend because I had not been able to understand. To not have to say “What?” repeatedly and irritate people (well, I still irritate people, just not by doing that).

To suddenly be hearing things you haven’t heard in years is strange. I had no idea my floorboards and cellar stairs were so creaky. Flushing the toilet now sounds a bit like standing at Niagara Falls. If you crinkle a paper bag within 100 yards of me, I am likely to jump. And while it does not “cure” the ringing in my ears, it definitely helps mask it.

While I heartily recommend these small electronic miracles, I also understand why more people don’t use them. They are expensive, and often not covered by medical insurance. Even when purchased at “discount” prices, they are still pretty costly.

It is also somewhat difficult to get used to wearing them, although the ones I have are pretty small and comfortable. I have never used the “earbuds” style of headphones because I hate the feeling of something in my ear. But these are relatively non-intrusive and I quickly forget they are even there.

I was also concerned about how they would look to others. I worried about them being visible, about looking old or infirmed. But the former turned out not to be an issue, as they fit nicely behind my ears and are covered by my glasses. The latter just didn’t seem very important once I realized how different my life was when I could hear properly.

There are a few drawbacks. A lot of the background noise I could not hear previously can now occasionally be both annoying and overwhelming. Certain voices of a particular frequency sound like a siren going off in my head. After years of talking loudly to me, my wife is having trouble lowering the volume. But the benefits far outweigh any problems.

Is it somewhat damaging to my ego? Maybe — but you get over that quickly. Preparing for bed has become more of a process. Between gathering my medications, storing my glasses, taking care of the dental work, and now properly caring for the hearing aids — it can feel like taking a car apart in the garage every night. But it ensures I won’t run out of things to complain about anytime soon.

To those who can benefit from hearing assistance and are avoiding it for non-monetary reasons, I urge you to give it try.

But hey — you don’t have to “listen” to me.

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

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Congressman Kennedy Earning His Way

This Isn't Your Grandfather's Kennedy...

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

Being a political junkie, I watched the State of the Union address last week. Then I watched the official Democratic response.

If you’ve read this space before, you can probably guess which one I liked better.

But it was interesting, informative and intriguing to see local Congressman Joseph Kennedy of the 4th District of Massachusetts deliver the response. Though not necessarily for the reasons some might think.

Much of the country tuned in to see the grandson of Robert Kennedy and the grand-nephew of President John F. Kennedy step firmly into the national political spotlight. Many did so with visions of Camelot in their heads, others with continued contempt for the Kennedy clan.

But please allow me to help explain something to the rest of the country. We here in Southeastern Massachusetts aren’t currently being represented by John, Robert, or Ted Kennedy. We didn’t elect someone to continue a dynasty, or restore one. This is not a seat to be inherited.

We elected and re-elected Joe Kennedy because he represents our ideals, our values and our work ethic. Because he is smart, knowledgeable, humble and effective. We didn’t bestow a title upon him. We hired him to do a job.

And Congressman Kennedy is doing it well.

He has earned his way. He spent time working for the Peace Corps. He toiled as a state assistant district attorney in the Cape Cod area. If you think that is a glamorous political appointment — think again. It is a tough, gritty assignment dealing with real people and real problems at a level many of our leaders never experience.

His reputation for constituent service is excellent. He is available throughout his district, and in a manner that is heavy on listening and learning, and light on showing off and politicking — though the latter part is definitely increasing after last week.

People at our end of the district are in no way “liberal elitists” catering to big-name democrats. We demand a lot from our leaders, and are pretty good at sniffing out phonies when we find them.

Joe Kennedy appears to be the real thing. His honesty and openness is striking, and he is getting better every day at something he has not always been comfortable with – speaking out strongly in public.

You can’t fake sincerity, at least not for long (present White House occupant excepted). In places like Attleboro, Fall River, Taunton, Foxboro and Norton, folks tend to get right to the point. They aren’t overly impressed by big names (unless they are Brady and Belichick).

Look, one great speech does not a leader make. It is premature to be touting Kennedy for president in 2020, or even governor or senator yet. He has more work to do, and lots more to prove.

But those who thought he was simply “another Kennedy” should now know better. Congressman Kennedy has his own record to stand on, and continues to build upon it. He’s proud of his family, as well he should be. But in political terms, he is creating his own path.

This congressman is building his own legacy, and doing it the right way. Just ask his constituents. And after last week, the rest of the country.

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

Golden Time For Patriot Fans

Patriots In Their Opponents Heads

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

This past Sunday I attended my 12th AFC Championship Game. All of them have involved the Patriots, eight of them in Foxboro. While standing in Gillette Stadium with my son and my best friend, we got into a spirited but friendly chat with a couple of Jacksonville Jaguar fans.

After the usual jousting (they claimed they were going to win, and we arrogantly told them that was cute), they started talking about how thrilling it was just to be in the game. That brought into focus for me just where the Patriots are in the minds of the rest of the country.

“We’re going to beat you, it’s our time,” the young man said while his female companion supported him. I responded with some witty remark about how if Tom Brady only had eight fingers, he would be Blake Bortles. Then after wishing each other well, the Jags fan said something that struck me.

“You know, even if we lose – we’re here,” he explained earnestly. “I mean, to play in this stadium, against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, is unbelievable. Most teams don’t even get that far. It’s really awesome.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the New England Patriots have done to the rest of the NFL and its fans. They have made their opponents “just happy to be here.”

The Patriots are the most hated team in professional sports today. That’s largely due to the fact they are the most successful sports dynasty of the 21st century.

In less than two weeks they will play in their record 10th Super Bowl, and hopefully win for a record-tying 6th time.

Of course, they are also despised for other reasons. Spygate, Deflategate, and several other alleged “gates” have also contributed to that elite level of hatred.

Toss in a genius coach who resembles an angry Yoda, a handsome quarterback with a supermodel wife, and a spoiled Boston fan base with 10 major sports championships in the last 16 years and you’ve got the perfect villain.

The Patriots are Big Tobacco. They are health insurance companies. They are that kid who lived down the street who always got the date you wanted.

They are that family in the neighborhood who always has the better-looking lawn, no matter how much you spend or how hard you work on yours.

If you had told me back in the 1980’s this would happen, I would have thought you were nuts.

Sitting on a cold aluminum bench in the league’s worst stadium watching the league’s worst team, the idea of anyone fearing the misfits from Foxboro was laughable.

But no one is laughing now — except us.

In less than two weeks, the Patriots will once again have the chance to disappoint the rest of the country. And the City of Brotherly Love and their loyal fans could be left having little beyond the honor of losing the Super Bowl to the best franchise in the history of football — again.

We are living sports history here. Enjoy it — we may never see its like again.

Go Pats.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and a Patriot season ticket holder since 1973. He can be emailed at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

Not So Fast On Foxboro Meeting Rooms

Foxboro Citizens Own Meeting Rooms

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting or talking to Foxboro Town Manager William Keegan, but I look forward to doing so. He has done an admirable job of steering that community back towards professionalism after a period of unruly politics and out of control politicians.

But his recent proposal to bar or restrict both “political” organizations and outside groups from using certain public meeting rooms in the town hall and other town buildings shows an insensitivity towards taxpayers and citizens. While his proposed policy is no doubt well-intentioned, it is ill-advised and sends exactly the wrong message.

Keegan’s proposal would prevent groups deemed political from using some conference and meeting rooms in the town hall, the senior center, and the public safety building. He said the rooms should not be used for politics, including groups like the Town Democratic and Republican committees.. He also suggested requiring groups that do not include a town employee to add the town to their insurance policies, and be subject to being bumped by town committees after booking.

To begin with, trying to separate politics from the Town Hall is a bit like trying to separate the Red Sox and Fenway Park. It’s physically possible, but people will still associate the two. Politics is what makes town halls possible and necessary.

And yes, there should be no political fundraising done in a municipal building. In fact, that is already illegal. Candidates for elected office should not be holding campaign meetings in the Town Hall proper. It gives the wrong appearance, if nothing else.

But groups like the Democratic or Republican town committees should be able to utilize public meeting space. So should other community organizations made up of citizens and taxpayers.

It is certainly fair to give town boards and committees preference in scheduling those meeting places, as municipal business comes first. But Foxboro taxpayers were asked to pay for a new town hall as well as the other meeting spots. If they are good enough to pay for them, they should certainly be entitled to also use them.

Selectman James DeVellis expressed concern the policy could discourage groups and individuals from participating in local affairs. “The backbone of this town is its volunteers. I think over time we’re losing the genuine want for groups to come in,” he said. That concern is a good one.

Keegan believes some type of policy is needed, though he expressed a willingness to change it. Selectmen must ultimately vote to adopt any policy, and they asked the town manager to review the proposal after including input from local citizens and non-profit groups.

“Making policy is like making sausage. You put a bunch of stuff in there and something comes up,” Keegan explained. That’s an accurate though overused cliché.

But in this case, the taxpayers of Foxboro paid for the sausage. They shouldn’t be banned from eating it just because it’s not always a pretty sight.

Here’s hoping the selectmen eventually institute a much more inclusive policy for public spaces. Now excuse me, I’m suddenly hungry.

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

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Trump Would Have Kept My Grandfather Out

Trump Would Not Have Liked My Grandfather

by Bill Gouveia for the Sun Chronicle

I wonder what my grandfather would have thought of President Trump. I know President Trump wouldn’t have thought much of him.

My grandfather left his island of Madeira (Portugal) many years ago for Norton, to try and better his family’s life. He had little money, no college degree, no “special skills” beyond a tremendous work ethic and spoke no English. Today, he would not meet any of President Trump’s “standards” for being allowed to immigrate to the “Land of the Free”.

To be fair, I don’t believe President Trump specifically mentioned Portugal as one of the “shithole countries” from which we should take no more immigrants. But his utter disdain for people from Haiti, El Salvador, and many African nations — while expressing a preference for people from Norway — would certainly place my grandfather closer to the former than the latter.

According to President Trump, my grandfather would be of no use to the United States. Why take poor people who will take our jobs, and perhaps cost us money? Obviously, my grandfather would be seen a drain on what matters more than people to this President — Trump’s “amazing” economy.

Of course, President Trump doesn’t know my grandfather never collected welfare. That he and my uncle scrimped and saved for seven years before being able to bring his wife and children here. That he bought acres of land and farmed it for decades while also working full-time for Wheaton College in the maintenance department. That he lived in Norton for close to 60 years, paying taxes on the local, state and federal level.

President Trump doesn’t know my grandparents raised four sons and two daughters, three of whom served in the US military. He doesn’t know my father came here at 14, graduated high school in three years, raised a family, put himself through college while working three jobs, became a CPA, and reached the upper echelons of a major national bank.

President Trump doesn’t know one of my uncles owned a neighborhood store. Or that my aunt owned a café, and her sister worked at Balfour for more than 30 years. Or that another uncle managed a Fernandes Supermarket, while his brother ran the union representing its workers. By the way, that supermarket chain was founded by the son of an immigrant from the same area.

Without my grandfather and my father, I would not have been here to serve Norton for over 40 years as a town official. Or to have helped raise two amazing kids, who have given me five grandchildren with unlimited potential.

This is not a unique story. There are millions like it, featuring immigrants from “shithole” countries who have contributed so much to America.

I am proud of them. I am proud of my late grandparents and father.

I never expected to be proud of this President, so his ignorance doesn’t surprise me. But I am so disappointed in others who fail to stand up and condemn his words and actions.

You deserve as much shame as he does. Maybe more.

Happy Martin Luther King Day.

Bill Gouveia is a local columnist and proud son and grandson of immigrants. He can be reached at billsinsidelook@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @Billinsidelook.

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