October 22, 2011

Welcome to the New Rehoboth, Harvey.

     You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Recently, Harvey Bigelow, a private citizen, was detained and interrogated, tried in the media and pronounced guilty. His house was searched and his computer confiscated; the accusations against him proudly broadcast at a Board of Selectman meeting. His crime? He was considering running for Selectman.

     Over a year ago (09/30/2010), in a letter published in the Taunton Gazette, I wrote the following regarding the stunning harassment (attempted murder, illegal background checks, a gutted goat on his lawn, etc.) of former selectman Christopher Morra:

     “If they can do these things to Mr. Morra they can certainly do them to you. So think twice before you speak publicly at a town meeting. Or, perhaps, find out whose ring you must kiss before deciding to run for office. Your life and that of your livestock may depend on it.”

     Spot on, huh?

     Amazingly, the official charge against Mr. Bigelow was writing a letter that contained “false accusations” and “profanity” (a misdemeanor offense rarely prosecuted). Ask yourself: Does that sound like something that warrants a four-month police investigation and home invasion?   More important, what are the odds the respectable Mr. Bigelow will be cleared of all charges? Pretty good, I’d say. But no matter – the damage is done, the message delivered.

     Chairmen of the Board of Selectman, Mike Costello, declared of the innocent-before-proven-guilty Bigelow’s abduction, “I’m extremely thankful. Patience does prevail.”

     Or does it? It’s been years since selectman Christopher Morra was brutally attacked and beaten across state lines. One man served a short prison sentence but his accomplice and the men who hired them remain unnamed. Why hasn’t law enforcement prosecuted the men responsible for ordering a “hit” on an elected official? Wouldn’t Rehoboth be a safer place if we prosecuted those who would commit murder before we prosecuted those who pen naughty letters?

     And what about the senior citizens of Horton Estates who are “patiently” waiting for the Commonwealth to weigh in on Chairman Costello’s real estate dealings as outlined by the infamous report by the Inspector General?

     Justice delayed is justice denied. It’s past time the Attorney General of Massachusetts and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluded their various investigations and prosecuted those responsible for the real crimes in Rehoboth, conspiracy to commit murder, corruption and fraud among them. But make no mistake: we are at a tipping point and independent law enforcement must act if they really wish to stem further intimidation and violence.

    In the meantime, welcome to the new Rehoboth, Harvey: The town where patience prevails. The 21st century town that feels a lot like 17th century Salem. The town where dead goats appear one day and personal computers disappear the next.

Daniel Harrington, Rehoboth Resident

September 9, 2011

Settled lawsuit against Christopher Morra

    John Krasnianski and Bree Krasnianski have settled one of their lawsuits against Christopher Morra. The case that settled was started in the Bristol County Superior Court and was based on defamatory statements published by Mr. Morra to third parties. Mr. Morra a former Selectmen in the Town Rehoboth Massachusetts filed a complaint with the division of professional licensure alleging that a local engineer had not properly performed his duties. However, attached to the complaint was a multipage gratuitous attack on various members of the Rehoboth community that Mr. Morra does not like, including Mr. Krasnianski and his daughter. This multipage attack was labeled as "cast of characters". This cast of characters narrative had nothing to do with the complaint filed with the division of professional licensure. Mr. Morra denied that he attached or included this narrative with his filing. However, the complaint form published by the division of licensure and signed by Mr. Mora clearly stated “narrative attached". Some of the other parties named in the cast of characters narrative have also filed suit against Mr. Morra in superior court. For now, that case is still pending.

     Mr. Krasnianski is a former Selectmen in the town of Rehoboth and his daughter Bree is a police officer in that town. Mr. Krasianski stated that he was very upset that Mr. Morra resorted to these tactics. The cast of characters narrative accused Mr. Krasnianski of committing wrongful acts. Mr. Morra also accused Mr. Krasnianski's daughter Bree of engaging in unethical and improper activity. There appeared to be no reason why Mr. Morra would have, or should have, filed the narrative with the division of professional licensure. Bree Krasnianski stated that it is difficult performing her duties as a police officer when the general public believes you are involved in or could be involved in such activities. She said it is difficult enough for her being a female police officer and it is extremely hard to expect the general public to respect you when they wrongfully believe that you have been involved in improper activity.

     This case is the second case that has settled against Mr. Morra in the past few months. Mr. Morra denied all of the Krasnianski's allegations but after extensive discovery and multiple days of depositions the insurance company chose to settle the case and pay the Krasnianski's. Both of the Krasnianskis felt bad that the town and its insurance company had to incur these tremendous costs in an effort to try and defend Mr. Morra. In an effort to leave the town out of this litigation the Krasnianskis only filed suit against Mr. Morra in his individual capacity not as a Selectmen in the town of Rehoboth. However, Mr. Morra was able to convince the town or its insurance company to provide him with coverage, despite the fact that Mr. Morra had coverage through one of his own policies. The town's insurance policy is the one who ended up paying the Krasnianskis.

     John and Bree have another lawsuit pending against Mr. Morra as well as Edward Schagrin and Barbara Cavanaugh for posting other defamatory statements about them on the Internet website entitled Rehoboth Unmoderated. The Krasnianskis felt that it was best for them and for the town to bring this matter to a conclusion without the long drawn out process of going to trial and further damaging the town's reputation and costing the town more money. Mr. Krasnianski stated that he was glad that the insurance company could see the merit of his claims, and he wanted to spend time focusing on the Internet case pending against Mr. Morra. The publications made by him on that website against my daughter and I are so outrageous and egregious that we need to focus our time and effort on prosecuting that case. Hopefully, the insurance companies involved in that claim will also see how wrong Mr. Morra's acts are, and maybe we will be able to resolve that case without a lengthy trial. Discovery has not begun in that case. Once the discovery stage begins we hope it become apparent how wrong Mr. Morra has treated us. The town has been damaged enough by the acts of Mr. Morra it's time to start bringing all of these lawsuits against him to some resolution so that the town can begin to rebuild itself into the community that it once was.

John Krasnianski, Rehoboth Resident

August 18, 2011

Reader finds letter upsetting.

       I find it upsetting that Pamela Christman would support an anonymous letter writer who slanders not only one of our selectmen; but also some of our Rehoboth residents (Guess Who? Anonymous August 17, 2011).  The anonymous police officers who gave testimony in an investigation are known by the police unions and the selectmen.  The anonymous letter writer is known only by a select few of his cohorts.

      If one reads the report, the police were civil and gave constructive criticism.  The anonymous writer who Ms. Christman supports stated to me in my two letters, “Lorri – you are a miserable, sorry, demented, “f *ing,” lonely old lady.  How “f*ing” stupid can you be?” 

     What does this tell you about Ms. Christman?  Maybe she should have sent her letter to Rehoboth Now anonymously.

Lorraine Botts, Rehoboth Resident

June 4, 2011

A Response to Previous Letter    

   I found Michael Powis’ letter  interesting in that he did not know all the facts regarding the Inspector General’s Report, the $2000 reward being offered by Mike Costello and the Rehoboth Policies involvement in the investigation.

1. 1) The SIG report is an allegation that Selectman Costello is in the process of answering.
   

2. 2) The flyer was not true and the postal service was used to perpetuate defaming  falsehoods during an election. 
   

3) The flyer illegally used the “pants on fire logo”

4) Detective Ramos has been investigating the flyer since it was mailed.

5. 5)The postal service is again being used to perpetuate the harassment of certain citizens in town with unsigned letters.
   

    (Powis said) “The last part of Mr. Costello’s press release is very troubling;  “Those having any information should contact Detective Ramos at the Rehoboth Police Department by calling 508-252-3723.  “All leads will be confidential.”  Since when is a Selectman allowed to use the Rehoboth Police Department as his own private detective service? The Inspector General’s report detailed specific incidents of criminal activity by Mr. Costello, why isn’t the Rehoboth Police department conducting an investigation of Mr. Costello? 

    Nothing troubling about it.  The SIG Report is not under the Rehoboth Police’s jurisdiction.  The police are involved because an elected official and his wife as well as other citizens of the town are being threatened and intimidated.

    (Powis said)  “It is abundantly clear that Mr. Costello lacks the personal ethics and integrity to represent the citizens of Rehoboth. If Mr. Costello refuses to resign, all Rehoboth citizens should sign a recall petition.”

     Cannot agree with you here either.  He is doing a great job along with Selectman Tito and Selectman Leffort in moving this town forward.

      (Powis said) Where are all the individuals who identified themselves as ‘Concerned Rehoboth Citizens’?

     A meeting was held and it was made clear that allegations against Selectman Costello, and Selectman Leffort are personal.  Rehoboth Concerned Citizens are interested in the government of the town moving forward in a positive manner.  Making sure that all bylaws are followed.  Making sure that town vendors live up to their contracts.

     Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Lorraine Botts, Citizen and Taxpayer of Rehoboth

Reader Unhappy with Editor 1-17-12

Fool Me Once, Shame on You. 1-17-12

Reader Addresses Letter Writer  1-16-12

Reader Targets RehobothNow  1-15-12

The Job’s Not Done . . .   1-13-12

Sun Chronicle Editorial Unfair  1-7-12

Rejection of Dismissal  12-31-11

Sticks and Stones  11-1-11

Response to New Rehoboth   10-30-11

and older letters

May 2, 2011

“No Confidence Vote, A Serious Matter. ”

   After reading an article in the Taunton Gazette, and Selectman Leffort’s comment trivializing the no confidence vote of the two police unions in town, I had to respond. 

   The police chief is entrusted with not only public safety but administrating the policies and procedures of the police officers.  How could the two unions have any confidence in the person who is responsible for enforcement of those policies when he violated many of the police policies himself? 

    Also recently, it came to light through the Jim Hummel investigation, that the police chief was out of the office many times yet was paid his weekly salary. No indication on his time sheet that he was using vacation, sick or personal time for his absences.  Even though this was brought forward, Selectman Leffort, the liaison to the police department did nothing to confirm or deny that this was true. 

    It also came to light that all lines at the police department are recorded lines, however, no message or warning was given to the other party informing them that their conversation was recorded.  The police chief had access to all the recordings and would have known that the other party had not been informed.  The recorded line was apparently installed some 2 years ago.  Once again, Selectman Leffort did nothing. 

  Then we hear that Jim Hummel requested a recording from the police department where the police chief uses his cell phone to call the dispatcher to find the address of a plate he ran while in Pawtucket.  He spent 4 ½ minutes on the phone getting street by street directions to the house. 

    Why? He has no jurisdiction in Pawtucket. Why didn’t he call the Pawtucket police if he observed a violation, if that’s why he was running the plate?  It took 52 days to get this tape released, so obviously Selectman Leffort knew of the request and you would think as liaison and given all the issues with the chief and the vote of no confidence, he would have done something. But apparently, Selectman Leffort did nothing.

   Selectman Leffort did provide an “investigation” of the December incident where the chief was found lying in a driveway, crying “kill me,” and “I want to die.”   His investigation reported that he had taken a half of Vicoden at 2pm and then had a rum and coke and had an allergic reaction to the Vicoden.   His fellow selectman, Chairman Foley, was satisfied with the investigation and no action was taken against the police chief.  So why did they go to an outside investigation?  Did Mr. Foley and Mr. Leffort who voted to go to an outside investigation, have no confidence in his own investigation of the police chief?

    A vote of no confidence of the two police unions was never addressed by the previous board of selectman. Why?  A vote of no confidence by our police officers is a serious matter and must be addressed to insure public safety.  Why wouldn’t you want to know of any other incidents with the police chief that would question his ability to lead his officers and provide public safety to all the Rehoboth residents?   Given the issues stated above, is it any wonder why the police unions voted they have no confidence in the police chief?  

   The chief has lost all credibility as well as the ability to lead.  He must be removed.  Rehoboth deserves better.

Brad Doyle, Rehoboth Resident

April 3, 2011

“ . . . send a message that the Reform party is irrelevant and must go. ”

    Throughout it's history this country has been blessed with many political parties with a multitude of possible solutions on how to run this country, state , and town. Because of the variety ideas put forth, problems that some times seem insurmountable are almost always resolved. On rare occasions however, a party will come into power that offers nothing to anyone but a select few.

    That is the case of the Reform party of Rehoboth. This organization came into power in 2006, and in the five years since has done absolutely nothing for the town other than benefit the leaders of the party.

      It has stooped to levels unheard of by any citizen alive today. Fliers have been sent out days before the election attacking Mike Costello with lies about his volunteerism, family, lifestyle, and residency at Horton Estates.  One was authored by a coward who refused to sign it, one was signed by Selectman Ken Foley, who is running against Mr. Costello. Swift action by the trustees of Horton Estates have repudiated those lies.

     They also put forth candidates who are utterly unqualified to run our town. Neither Mr. Foley or Mr. Paon have offered any credible solutions to solve our problems. Mr. Foley has done nothing but spew forth venom at anyone who dares challenge him. The hatred and and anger that he exhibits is unbelievable. Laws governing conduct in public office do not exist as far as he is concerned. All elected officials are required to take an ethics test which he failed to do. Selectman are not allowed to represent people before regulatory boards, which he did, (Conservation Commission 2009). Removing qualified people on the ZBA and replacing them with his followers has already borne fruit (Francis Farm expanding on land with residence only covenants).

      Jim Paon is unknowledgeable and unconcerned with most things he talks to people about. He never filled out a talent bank form for the Conservation Commission, over a nine month period missed every site walk and only attended three meeting. We schedule two meetings and two site walks per month. Two meetings had to be cancelled because of him. His only participation was to make a motion to meet once a month; a little homework would have shown we are required by the state to meet twice a month. He has stated that he would commission a master plan committee. We have a master plan, Mike Costello, myself and seventy other volunteers were part of it, where was Mr. Paon? He claims that as a small businessman he is qualified to be a selectman. How does a tiny jewelry store compare with a town with many departments, schools, local, state and federal regulations? How many personnel negotiations does he tackle? One current selectman is a small business man who claims he has no time to be a selectman.

     Mr Paon is on the school committee, his children attended our schools, yet he does not know what grades are in Palmer River or Beckwith. Ms. Ballents is also on the school committee and yet she does not know how are schools are funded.

     Our town governed by the vote of the people at Town Meeting. None of the Reformers think that is relevant and have chosen to ignore it. This election the voters need to send a message that the Reform party is irrelevant and must go. Please join me in electing Mike Costello, Joe Tito and two of the non-Reform candidates to the school committee; Peter Hebda, Tiffany Bartholemew or Chris Cooper.

Robert Materne, Rehoboth Resident

May 4, 2011

Understanding the Significance of the CORI Warrant Article

   On the April 4, 2011 ballot a non-binding referendum question requiring C.O.R.I. checks of all elected and appointed officials passed by an over two to one majority unlike that of Town Meeting last November.  The language of the new article is to be voted on at our May 16 Town Meeting followed by a General Assembly final approval to become town bylaw.   

    In order to make a well informed decision regarding this issue it is important for you, the voters of Rehoboth, to understand the significance and relevance of what this all means to us as a Town. 

    C.O.R.I. is the acronym for Criminal Offense Records Information administered by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (D.C.J.I.S.).  It is designed to give employers, organizations, and municipalities the ability to do criminal background checks on individuals who would be entrusted with the care of minors, seniors, confidential and/or financial information, etc.

    We, as the citizens and taxpayers of our Town have the right to know who represents us in government.  It should be their obligation to us, in my opinion and apparently the opinion of the majority of the voters who voted in favor of this, in the spirit of transparency, for officials and potential officials to submit to a C.O.R.I. check before serving on any board or committee. 

   It is important to note that this requirement should not be designed to discourage individuals from serving.  The Town’s intent should also not be to disqualify someone based on a past misdemeanor or mistake in which many years have passed allowing time to learn from such an indiscretion.  It is the serious criminal offenders in whom the Town should have concerns. 

     Individuals committing offenses of a felonious nature within 10 – 15 years of a CORI application must be deemed ineligible from serving in most cases.  All CORI checks are confidential and would only be reviewed by CORI certified board members comprised of a cross section of townspeople coordinated by the Police Department and Town Administrator’s office.   

  The D.C.J.I.S. has a Model CORI Policy which can be viewed on their website and for purposes of correct dissemination of information I will refer to it here.  It states, “Unless otherwise provided by law, a criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Rather, determinations of suitability based on CORI checks will be made consistent with this policy and any applicable law or regulations.” 

    It goes on to say, “If the (Town) reasonably believes the record belongs to the applicant and is accurate, based on the information as provided . . . then the determination of suitability for the position will be made. Unless otherwise provided by law, factors considered in determining suitability may include, but not be limited to the following:

(a) Relevance of the crime to the position sought;

(b) The nature of the work to be performed;

(c) Time since the conviction;

(d) Age of the candidate at the time of the offense;

(e) Seriousness and specific circumstances of the offense;

(f) The number of offenses;

(g) Whether the applicant has pending charges;

(h) Any relevant evidence of rehabilitation or lack thereof;

(i) Any other relevant information, including information submitted by the

candidate or requested by the hiring authority”

    At the last November Town Meeting a CORI check article was the topic of much heated discussion.  Two individuals who spoke out strongly against this article are the two newly elected members of the Board of Selectmen, Joe Tito and Mike Costello.  Now, as a former elected town official, I am aware that you do not give up the right to your opinion once elected.  However, as a selectmen, it is incumbent upon you to fulfill your fiduciary obligation as advocates of the voting citizenry of the town to represent their intentions, especially given that your whole campaign was based on the will of the people.

    My question to you Mr. Tito and Mr. Costello is this: Will you fulfill your campaign promise of transparency and doing the peoples’ work even though it is against your biased opinions of CORI checks?  This is your opportunity to show true character by representing us, your constituents, who overwhelmingly voted for this article.  Encourage your supporters to uphold the will of the majority yielding to what is in the town’s best interest.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Trust but verify.”  My analysis of this past election illustrates this notion extremely well! 

    Rehoboth Town Meeting is Monday, May 16, 2011.  I ask all those who came out in record numbers for the town election and voted overwhelmingly in favor of the CORI check referendum to come to support it by your vote once again.  This is where the town government’s great divide exists; the disparity between votes of 300 in attendance at Town Meeting versus 3,600 votes at the ballot booths on Election Day. 

   This is your opportunity to listen, watch and participate in what some call “the purest form of government.”  That remains to be seen based on the outcome of this vote, but more important by your commitment to carry out your intentions by way of your Town Meeting vote and participation.

Jim Paon, Rehoboth Resident

May 25, 2011

Protocol and Procedure

    Selectman Mike Costello is embroiled in a situation no elected official wants to be in.  In fairness, Mr. Costello is entitled to a formal and impartial investigation by officials of the Department of Housing and all agencies connected with the lottery and subsequent purchase made by the Costellos at Judith Ann Circle.

    It will be extremely difficult for him to function in his capacity as selectman unless this inquiry takes place.  Mr. Costello’s ownership does have deed restrictions (deed rider) and these will have to be abided by. If Mr. Costello is not compliant with the deed restrictions he will need to do so as soon as possible.

    The formal inquiry that will occur is whether or not the application for inclusion in the lottery was accurate to the best knowledge of the Costellos, also Marie Costello’s proof of residency.

   It goes without saying that an initiative to determine if the lottery was fair with no favoritism should also be conducted. 

    Until the time of a formal inquiry, it may be surprising if Mr. Costello was to resign his duty as selectman.  Yet the Chief of Police of this town was not afforded the same protocol.  Mr. Enos has been relieved of specific duties as an investigation continues, initiated by personnel that he supervises. 

     If Mr. Costello is found to have violated the lottery’s procedure in the original application and subsequent appeal, he should resign or be removed by recall.

John Kiepler, Rehoboth Resident for 29 Years

May 9, 2011

New Online Discussion Forum for Anything School Related

       A new online discussion forum has been launched that will be dedicated to anything school-related in Rehoboth. Electronic communication is so prevalent in today’s society that it seems like a very worthwhile experiment to get more people involved with what’s going on in our schools.    

     The forum is a part of my own website and although I am a member of the DR School Committee, this forum is not an official channel of the DR School District and any comments posted in the forum do not represent the views or opinions of the DR School Committee as a whole.

     The goal of the forum is to share thoughts, concerns, and ideas regarding public education in Rehoboth and provide a common ground where parents, teachers, administrators, and taxpayers can learn about concerns outside of their own group.

    You do not need to log in to the forum to read postings but you will need to register if you want to post your own comments. The forum rules require that everyone must use their real name as their user name when they register. This policy is intended to encourage responsibility with the content of the postings and discourage the use of personal attacks and/or slander. 

   The current plan is that the forum will run throughout the summer and be evaluated in the fall. The URL for the discussion forum is: http://drforum.prhebda.com.

     I encourage all Rehoboth residents to check out the forum and feel free to contact me with any comments thoughts or suggestions.

Peter Hebda, Member of the Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee

May 23, 2011

To The People of Rehoboth

    There have been several recent attempts to malign me and my reputation.  Most are aware of flyers that have been distributed to Rehoboth residents that contain statements that are untrue.  I received an unsigned letter at my house that contained profanity and threatening language.  These actions have been initiated by my political enemies and I have proof of this that will be available soon.

A complaint has been filed against me with a state agency by Mr. Neal J. MacDonald of Dighton, MA alleging an inappropriate property transaction. This complaint was initiated by Chris Morra. (I have documents too these claims.) I promise each and every resident of Rehoboth that when the allegations in that complaint are thoroughly investigated, it will be clear that I did not participate in any wrongdoing and my name and reputation will be cleared.  

I want to apologize to my mother, Marie Costello, for exposing her to the ugliness of our town politics. My mother is fighting cancer and on 14 medications and we all know what meds can do to your ability to function.  She is devastated by the accusations made against her and believes that the report is untrue and her comments documented in that report were taken out of context and with threats of being removed from her home.

As a point of information, the Horton Estate development, a 40B, by John Duvally, is governed and controlled by the State. All submissions and subsequent approvals are with the state and not the local planning board.  The Planning board was not involved or had any say in this development.  Therefore, no member of the Planning Board or myself ever voted on this project.  Let me make it clear that my mother did live in Horton Estates, as many of you are aware and I have the proof as well.  I paid for any upgrades on the house and have the documents to prove it. 

I have obtained a lawyer and my family and I will fight these false allegation made against us. I will also start looking at bringing suit against people in town like Mr. Foley for making false statements on televised news reports and in print about a criminal past, show me the proof because I have proof there is none. This is a difficult time for me, my family, and the Town of Rehoboth.  I will work tirelessly to clear my name and reputation, and I need to continue to move this Town forward in the right direction.

Mike Costello - Chairman Rehoboth Board of Selectmen

May 25, 2011

Follow Up to Costello-gate

      Mr. Costello cites "my CORI has no record" and "there is nothing on my CORI".  

     True statements from Mr. Costello (maybe the first truthful statements he has uttered). Unfortunately, a CORI only takes into consideration the past 10 years and Mr. Costello has two prior criminal convictions predating this period; one for check fraud and another for knowingly receiving stolen property (a felony for which he was sentenced to a 3 years suspended sentence and 1 year probation with restitution (Commonwealth of MA vs Michael Costello to which he pleads GUILTY on 3/16/1992).

       It is time for this individual to face reality for once in his life and step aside.  

   It gets even better, today he writes that now he wants us to believe that he has evidence of his appropriate acquisition of his Horton Estate residence.  Funny, he did not have any of this "evidence" over the past several months while the MA IG's office was taking his sworn testimony during deposition sessions.  Perhaps he just forgot where he put them - right?  

     Mr. Costello, save the residents of Rehoboth, even the "concerned" ones, any more of your lies and deceit and move on.  Better yet, take your act to RI where politicians like you are welcomed with open arms.

Jim Anderson - A Reformer who is truly a concerned about the integrity of our town

May 26, 2011

“Mr. Costello must step aside until the matter is cleared.”

      Even after it was proven that Chief Enos did NOTHING ILLEGAL, there were petitions, signs, tons of letters.

    Where are the petitions now regarding Selectman Costello?  A convicted felon who has the keys to all the Town Buildings, who oversees the Police Dept. and the Town's operations, who has been spending time at the Senior Center. Where are the Concerned Citizen's who are so sure he is innocent, but should be asking that Mr. Costello step down until the charges have been cleared.  He deserves  at least the same treatment he has given Chief Enos who hasn't  even done anything illegal.  

    If Selectmen Costello and Tito are so concerned about appearances, as in the Chief's case, Mr. Costello must step aside until the matter is cleared.

    "Research the Facts then vote,"  "Mike Costello and Joe Tito are two men I know who are qualified to lead and are already proven servants to Rehoboth,"  "They lead by example and not by exception to our laws, and they will hold people accountable for their actions." "They know the true meaning of professional ethics and possess commonsense,"  "Determine the truth and don't be misled by false claims."

     These four statements above were made by Ex-Selectman Kevin McBride (who quit his position on the Board of Selectmen)  and printed in the March 2011 edition of the Rehoboth Reporter.

      "I am running for Selectman in the Town of Rehoboth because I want to restore integrity and respect to that office and to the 12,000 residents of Rehoboth. "My goal is to restore respect and dignity to the Board of Selectmen and to the Town of Rehoboth. These two statements were made by Selectman Costello in the March 2011 edition of the Rehoboth Reporter.

      How about trying to live up to some of these statements?

Pamela Christman, Resident Rural Rehoboth

May 27, 2011

“Here we go . . . again.”

      Here we are...again.

     Costello's guilty? Maybe. Costello's not guilty? Maybe.

     Don Leffort, aka "The Investigator" in the Enos debacle, demanding Mike resign because he's embarrassing the town. Well, ain't that something.  Should I continue?

      I think not, because everyone knows the spiel I'd launch into. The so-called "Reform" bunch got a mouthful of sour grapes from the shellacking in the last election and they will go to any length to make things flow their way again, well it ain't happening.

      It seems a group of interlopers have decided they want things different for let's say . . . land development where big profits could be realized by manipulating the planning and zoning boards so they get, let's say, buildable lots out of wetlands.

     As far as I'm concerned the whole bunch of them can go back to East Providence and continue their RI politics. Stay out of Rehoboth.  We all know who you are. You're not going to win.

     The one referred to as the "Puppetmaster" should realize he got a lot of swamp land that he's not going to get to develop and just leave it at that. It's going to get worse before it gets better.

     And yes, I do know Costello a long time. Yep. What do I think of this investigation?  HOOEY!   Just like Leffort’s  investigation of Enos.

     Donny Leffort:  Has Mike Costello been charged with a crime?  I didn't hear you. What was that?  NO, you say?   Well, I'll be damned!

Ken Burns, Rehoboth Resident

June 1, 2011

Selectman Costello’s Press Release Troubling   

       I find it interesting that Mr. Costello is offering a $2000 dollar reward, to find out who sent out a flier that contained information, that the State Inspector General determined to be factual. The last part of Mr. Costello’s press release is very troubling;  “ Those having any information should contact Detective Ramos at the Rehoboth Police Department by calling 508-252-3723.  “All leads will be confidential.””

    Since when is a Selectman allowed to use the Rehoboth Police Department as his own private detective service? The Inspector General’s report detailed specific incidents of criminal activity by Mr. Costello, why isn’t the Rehoboth Police department conducting an investigation of Mr. Costello?

    It is abundantly clear that Mr. Costello lacks the personal ethics and integrity to represent the citizens of Rehoboth. If Mr. Costello refuses to resign, all Rehoboth citizens should sign a recall petition.

    Where are all the individuals who identified themselves as ‘Concerned Rehoboth Citizens’?

Michael Powis, Rehoboth Citizen and Taxpayer

June 1, 2011

What Seems Like a Subtle Change May Misdirect Researchers    

    At last night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, I made a comment about the discrepancy in the cemetery name of Rehoboth’s Historical Cemetery 22. I would like you to understand why.

    Over the last 11+ years I have run 3 international genealogy forums. The last one to form is OldRehoboth.com and the original reason it was formed was to help people in my other forums find their buried ancestors in our town. Some of you may not know that Rehoboth was not originally established where it is today. It was established twice in what is now Rhode Island. Most of our early records are in the Rhode Island Historical Society’s archives.

    When someone sees a record that their early ancestor was buried in Rehoboth, MA, it is possible that they should be looking for that grave in East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Cumberland, Barrington, Seekonk, Swansea, Attleboro, or North Attleboro instead of Rehoboth.  The cemeteries also cause some confusion with redundant naming or moving of graves in the name of progress (e.g.,Old Kirkyard to Woodlawn).

     USGenWeb.com, Bristol Cemeteries Database, The Trim Library, OldRehoboth.com, FindAGrave.net, Ancestry.com, Genealogy.com, and Rootsweb.com, among others, are all used to archive genealogical records. All, except the library,  run forums to gather info and discuss different issues. None refer to this cemetery as Comfort Pearce. Some refer to it as the Ingalls Family Lot because this is what people transcribing the stones have called it.

    Even a map the Cemeteries Commission hands out to visiting researchers refers to this cemetery as the Ingalls Family Lot. Although this change may SEEM subtle and justified to some, changing this identity in official records will have a major impact in misdirecting researchers.

    Ironically many of my forum members gathered here to research in 2004, the same year this name change apparently took place in a survey.

Ray Viau, Rehoboth Resident and Webmaster for OldRehoboth.com

June 16, 2011

Acting in the Best Interest of the Town    

    The most troubling thing I find when Selectman Leffort files a motion for an investigation recommended by the Inspector General (with prejudice) into Mr. Costello’s actions, Dr. Tito refused to agree to the investigation. 

     Dr. Tito puts politics, relationship or both ahead of the best interest of the town.  Mr. Tito really doesn’t have a choide in this matter.  He has to agree to an investigation or accept a very tenuous term (expires April 2012).

     As our selectman, Mr. Tito needs to put the town first.

John Kiepler, Rehoboth Resident for 29 Years

This page allows residents (that includes officials)  the chance to share submissions specifically about the Town of Rehoboth. 

Note: “Letters to the Editor” can

be about anything. 

Published letters contain the personal opinions of the writer, not the publisher.  RehobothNow’s position is to remain neutral and provide a forum for Rehoboth citizens to share information and personal opinions.  No anonymous submissions will be published.   Vox Populi letter writers who misrepresent themselves in public venues as  reporters or writers of articles for RehobothNow  may be subject to legal action, and/or editorial penalties including “persona non grata” status and email blocking.

Published information DOES NOT reflect the views and/or opinions of the publisher and/or staff of RehobothNow.com.

Any Rehoboth resident or official (elected or appointed) may submit information for publication. 

vox@RehobothNow.com

Please include your name and contact information. 

RehobothNow.com reserves the right to refuse to publish individual  submissions and/or edit for space, clarity or grammatical error.

Archive:  Vox Populi postings will be archived.

August 10, 2011

Now what are we left with?

     Enough already!  Two local rags have been printing “stories” about the Police Dept. vs. The Chief.  These organizations are printing information taken from Union Complaints and letters from officers.  Hmmmm?  Pay dues and rally the gang together and your wishes come true.  Note, these rages were very particular as to which of the Chief’s replies they printed.

     Morale, not one Rehoboth Police Officer attended Chief Enos’ swearing-in ceremony.  He hadn’t even started and they were already engaging the “Brotherhood” tactics to show they didn’t want him.  Why?  Was it because Chief Miranda was let go?  Was it because their new Police Station wasn’t going to be built?  The Chief didn’t have anything to do with those issues.  He didn’t have a chance from day one.

     Investigation? The person doing the investigating was as politically biased as the officers.  Too bad, as a physician, (and open to malpractice charges) you’d think he would have an understanding of what the one-sided procedure he utilized would mean to someone’s career.  Chief  didn’t even have access to his files which would have provided more detail for his responses. He also cannot comment on on-going investigations.  They jumped him with his hands tied behind his back. 

     The Chief has many avenues of recourse, so I’m sure he will have a good future.  What are we left with?

Pamela Christman, Rural Rehoboth Resident

August 17, 2011

Guess Who?  Anonymous.

        At the last Selectmen's Meeting a letter was read, it was from an anonymous writer.  Selectman Tito took offense and showed great disdain toward the person who wrote the letter, because that person made critical statements and didn't reveal their identity.

      However, Selectman Tito apparently thinks it is O.K. for him to publish a report containing complaints  from anonymous police officers. The investigation he is conducting is on behalf of the Town and he felt it wasn't necessary for us to know who was making these complaints?  He represents us, the Town, not the Police.

    Guess Who?   Anonymous.

Pamela Christman, Rural Rehoboth Resident

August 19, 2011

You can’t have it both ways.

        I gave no support to the anonymous writer.  I pointed out that Mr. Tito was critical of a person who sent letters anonymously, then proceeded to put anonymous letters in a formal report.  You can't have it both ways.  

        P.S.  I am incapable of doing anonymous.

Pamela Christman, Rural Rehoboth Resident

Editor’s Note  August 19, 2011

In the case of a “debate” evolving between two readers, the rule of “statement/statement/rebuttal” will be followed for any specific topic, as in the case of the three letters printed below from Ms. Christman and Ms. Botts. 

August 20, 2011

Letter to the Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Dear Mr. Breault,

    Recently I received a copy of a letter signed by you and Frank Moitozo.  It was addressed to the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen and Kathleen Conti, Rehoboth Town Clerk.  You also sent a copy via certified mail to Gregory Sullivan, Massachusetts Inspector General.  To the best of my knowledge no members of the current ZBA (excluding Mr. Moitozo and yourself of course) were given a copy. 

     In this letter you refer to ZBA file # 729 which was filed with the Rehoboth Town Clerk on February 28th, 2005.  This is the same file that you had placed for discussion on the June 16th, 2011 ZBA agenda.  After considerable discussion amongst the board members present that evening I made a motion to table the action of writing a letter for the purpose of defeat.  The motion was seconded by Mr. O'Hern.  At that time some of the concerns that were expressed was that it wasn't within our pervue to address the situation nor was it a good idea to approve the sending of a letter which, by your own admission, hadn't been written yet.  The vote was 3-2 to table.  Imagine my surprise when I saw your letter.  It was written on the ZBA letterhead and signed by you as chairman.  Furthermore, although you made reference to the vote taken on June 16th, 2011, you went on to say: "The ZBA further demands that the town of Rehoboth refer this matter to the Massachusetts Attorney General and the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts for a determination as to whether criminal laws of the Commonwealth and/or the United States were, or continue to be, violated........."

     As the minutes of the June 16th, 2011 meeting attest to, the current ZBA voted to table the idea NOT "demand that the Town of Rehoboth refer this matter......".  Where in your mind, or that of Mr. Moitozo, you thought you had the RIGHT to send this letter is beyond comprehension.  What can a board do when they take a vote and then find out that the chairperson blatantly disregarded the wishes of the majority of the body and proceeded on his own?  I believe that the only remedy is for you to step down as chairperson and write another letter on your own stationary apologizing for implying in your June 17th, 2011 letter that the current Rehoboth ZBA approved of your actions.

John L. Scanlon, Jr., Clerk, Rehoboth Zoning Board of Appeals

September 15, 2011

Stayed tuned for information on National Grid Credit.

     The selectmen were informed about a statement on a local radio show about a $150 credit from the National Grid for power lost for more than three days.  We have confirmed that report was made on WPRO 63 AM.  What they did not report was the offer was for Rhode Island customers only. 

     I have called National Grid and spoke to a ranking official and explained the confusion.  He told me he would look into it, and if Rhode Island is doing it then Massachusetts should also.  He will be getting back to me as soon as he can set up a meeting with top executives to discuss the credit offer.

     As soon as the town is notified, we will be putting out a press release.  I am sorry for any confusion this has caused anyone. 

Michael Costello, Chairman Board of Selectmen

September 13, 2011

Will residents be provided a credit or not?

     Based on a news story published, ‘Dr. Toto announced that residents who were without power for at least three days would be entitled to a $150 credit’. Now there is a news story asking residents to stop calling town hall and National Grid about the credit. Will residents be provided a credit or not?  

Michael F. Powis, Rehoboth Citizen & National Grid customer

October 30, 2011

Response to “Welcome to the New Rehoboth, Harvey”

    In your October 22, 2011edition Mr. Daniel F. Harrington’s letter, “Welcome to the new Rehoboth, Harvey” attempted to trivialize Mr. Harvey Bigelow’s alleged writing, “a letter that contained ’false accusations’ and ’profanity.’ ”  He asked if it warranted a four-month investigation.

     As a recipient of two mailed envelopes with a total of three letters enclosed, I strongly disagree with Mr. Harrington.  It was not one letter.  There were multiple letters sent to multiple residents of Rehoboth including two selectmen and their wives.  The letter to me personally was vulgar and threatening.  And yes, it did warrant a four-month investigation if that is what it takes to apprehend the person responsible.   

     Mr. Harrington raised the subject again of the attack on Mr. Christopher Morra.   Mr. Harrington asks, “Why hasn’t law enforcement prosecuted?” He should ask the East Providence police as they were the investigating body, and there was a prosecution through the judicial system.

     Mr. Donald Bennett who was arrested for the attack, did his time and stated in his deposition in order to have his real estate license reinstated that he had driven a friend to Mr. Morra’s place of business to collect money owed by Mr. Morra. (State of RI, Dept. of Business Regulation, DBR#. 08-L-0092, Decision Upon Motion for Reconsideration, page 3 & 4).  In my opinion, it was not connected to Rehoboth politics, and this subject has gotten old and should be put to bed.

     It is too bad that citizens of Rehoboth cannot campaign and vote for whomever they wish without fear of retaliation.  If your candidate does not win in April, there is always next year.  Let’s stop the hate and intimidation.  And Mr. Harrington, we do have a new Rehoboth. Rehoboth IS moving forward for the better.  We have selectmen, finance committee members, zoning board members, etc. who are working hard to do what is best for the town, not for themselves or for an individual.  We should ALL be working together for the betterment of Rehoboth.

Lorraine Botts, Rehoboth Resident

(Ms. Botts was appointed to the Rehoboth Council on Aging in 2011 and currently serves as chairperson.)

November 1, 2011

Sticks and Stones

     "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me."  Too bad someone is writing those vile letters upsetting some people in town government.

     How would you like to be a person falsely accused of writing those letters?

     Police show up at your home a little after noon with a search warrant. They take two computers from your home along with several other items. One computer, over quite a period of time, had spent at least two days a week unattended by its owner, at a business (owned by a relative) and frequented by members of the RPD.

     The police asked the accused to come to the station later in the day for questioning.  Meanwhile, later in the afternoon, the acting chief contacts a civilian and asks her to contact the press to be sure they attend the selectmen's meeting that evening for a breaking news story.  The accused has not even been questioned at this point.  (Does the RPD actually have a press agent?)

      Later in the day, after 6 p.m., the accused goes to the police station, as requested,  for questioning.  He doesn't know why he is being questioned about letters he said he had absolutely nothing to do with.  During the questioning the acting chief leaves and goes to the selectmen's meeting and makes

a public statement about the accused.  At this point the public knows what was going to happen before the accused was told anything.  The accused goes home not knowing anything other than he had been questioned.

      The next day the accused is contacted and told what was said at the selectmen's meeting.  He tells everyone who contacts him that he was not charged or arrested.  When the police department is contacted and asked for proof, there is none that can provided.  Later, the person that requested the proof was called with a court date and once again this information had not yet been given to the accused.

     In my opinion, being called names and the use of obscenities in a private letter doesn't come close to the trampling of a person's civil rights and damage to his reputation before the facts are known and the legal process is completed.

Pamela Christman, Friend of the Accused and Resident of Rural Rehoboth

January 13, 2012

“The job’s not done until he’s unconscious.”

     On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln suffered severe head wounds as a result of an assassination attempt. On February 4, 2008, Rehoboth selectmen Christopher Morra suffered severe head wounds as a result of an assassination attempt. Both had recently fought bitter but successful reelection contests. Both had the popular support of thousands of voters and both assassination plots were the result of an organized conspiracy. Abraham Lincoln would succumb to his injuries, Mr. Morra would survive. Within four months of his attack, Mr. Lincoln’s conspirators were tried, found guilty and hung. Four years after Mr. Morra’s attack, one man served a short prison sentence (Donald Bennett) but the conspirator’s who hired him have never been named or brought to trial. This is an outrage.

     When Chris Morra’s bloody head hit the pavement that winter’s night across state lines in East Providence be sure of this: a large part of our liberty went down with him. Some may scoff and say, “Mr. Morra is no Abe Lincoln,” but in so thinking one begins to rationalize the wholesale murder of elected officials. Assassination is assassination; a lesser title or lower approval rating doesn’t change the fact. Nor does the weapon used. Even now “reasonable” people will whisper that Mr. Morra probably got what he deserved.  Of course, they said the same thing about Martin Luther King, Jr. And John and Bobby Kennedy, too. (See Lorraine Bott’s astonishing Vox Populi letter printed below dismissing the assassination attempt on Mr. Morra to better understand how such feelings are justified today).

     In the chilling deposition of Donald D. Bennett in John P. Ferreria, et al vs. Town of Rehoboth et al we learn Bennett received “three or four phone calls” from people in the conspiracy while waiting to attack Mr. Morra (Pg. 126). Why hasn’t law enforcement released their names or prosecuted the man who assisted Bennett in beating Mr. Morra with blackjacks? Interestingly, Bennett reveals he was questioned by the FBI and even appeared before a Federal Grand Jury in 2009 (Pg. 99, 102). Powerful men know what happened that night. Why don’t we?

     Listen to more of what Bennett says - if only to teach your children how a democracy dies: Bennett explains that once the attack started he was told by the point man to “make sure he (Morra) doesn’t get back to the building,” and, “to do whatever you’ve got to do,” that he, “definitely wanted Mr. Morra to be unconscious or else the job wouldn’t be considered done.”  Continuing, Bennett said the man, “wanted it to be facial,” adding, “don’t worry about the body. Neck up, that’s it, that kind of thing,” with Bennett understanding that the damage was to be done to Mr. Morra’s head (Pg. 175-176).

     Read that paragraph again, only this time insert your name, or your kid’s name, in the place of Mr. Morra’s; because if they can do these things to Mr. Morra (and get away with it) they can do them to you.

     Consider, too, everything else that’s been done to Mr. Morra: He’s endured multiple illegal police background checks, faced two recall elections, had a dead goat with a noose around its neck thrown on his lawn and watched as townsfolk tried to strip him of his right to carry a firearm – the very firearm he used to save his own life that fateful night in 2008. And just weeks ago, the current Board of Selectman in Rehoboth fired him from his watchdog position on the finance committee, even though the town charter doesn’t give the board the authority to do so; it’s illegal. But then, Mr. Morra is a man who lost all his civil rights a long time ago.

     As a selectman, Mr. Morra spoke out against the construction of a costly new police station and called out crooked developers and their lackeys in town government. Did these noble actions almost cost him his life? You have a right to know the answer to that question. Mr. Morra has never been charged with a crime or even an ethics violation.  In a better time and place, the tale of man who shed blood for the people he represents would have ended with that man walking into the halls of Congress a hero, but for Chris Morra, it means walking around town wondering who’s around the corner.

     The attack on Christopher P. Morra remains the only unsolved assassination attempt of an elected official in the United States; and it falls upon the citizens and elected officials of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Governors Patrick and Chafee, to end this interstate outrage.

      To remain silent is to silently approve.

Daniel F. Harrington, Rehoboth Resident

January 7, 2012

Sun Chronicle Editorial Unfair to Rehoboth

     I read with concern the January 6, 2012  editorial in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, "Open Meeting Law Wins Round in Rehoboth."  Yes, the Board of Selectmen may have rushed to remove Christopher Morra without due process, but they were attempting to prevent more lawsuits that are costing the town's insurance millions of dollars. 

      I strongly disagree with the following statement in their editorial, "However, it wasn't Morra's comments that put the town in legal jeopardy this time. It was the actions of the board of selectmen in ignoring the provisions of the law in their haste to remove what they obviously see as a thorn in their side. And Morra has done a public service by pointing out the violation."
     Unfortunately, statements made by Mr. Morra at the last finance committee meeting has once again put the town in legal jeopardy. Because of these statements another lawsuit has been filed.  Mr. Morra has been involved in multiple lawsuits and because he is a sitting member of the Finance Committee the town pays his legal fees and cost over a million in settlements.  Then he states he wants to continue serving the town.  If it wasn't so sad it would be actually laughable. 

      Mr. Morra has asked once again to be indemnified in the latest lawsuit.  Why?  In my opinion, his comments were of a personal nature and did not concern town business. 

      The Board of Selectmen cannot use town counsel for advice or guidance regarding Mr. Morra, as town counsel is representing Mr. Morra in filed lawsuits.  How ironic is that?

      The Attleboro Sun Chronicle's editorials and columns have not been fair to Rehoboth.  They  seem to have bias in favoring Mr. Morra.  Why not do an editorial on ALL the lawsuits that have involved Mr. Morra, and the cost to the town and the town’s insurance?

      Rehoboth is moving forward despite having a thorn in its side.  How about reporting the positive changes that have been made in town since last April?

Lorraine Botts, Rehoboth Resident

(Ms. Botts was appointed to the Rehoboth Council on Aging in 2011 and currently serves as chairperson.)

January 16, 2012

Reader addresses another letter writer with a response.

Mr Harrington,

      I would like to thank you for your recent letter in which you compare the attack on Mr. Morra with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. I needed a good laugh, but let's at least get one fact corrected right away.

      President Lincoln wasn't assassinated because he wouldn't pay some one money he owed them. Mr. Bennet stated that that's why he went to Mr. Morra’s place of business in East Providence.

     As I recall (no pun intended) there were at at least four different stories told by Mr. Morra and printed in the news papers. It seems that like Mr. Morra you also feel the need to exaggerate and embellish the facts and if that doesn't produce the desired effect then you just create something new hoping that sooner or later some one might listen to you. You certainly give your thesaurus a workout looking up just the right adjectives and phrases.

     Look up the word lackey in your dictionary and you will find this: lackey |ˈlakē|noun ( pl. -eys) a servant, esp. a liveried footman or manservant.• derogatory a person who is obsequiously willing to obey or serve another person or group of people. 

      The only reason I can think of for your latest gibberish is that we are approaching another election and that means more of your fractured fairy tale.  Again thank you for your latest I haven't stopped laughing yet. I think that your living in the illegal apartment above the barn might be affecting your health. All that methane gas emanating from all the manure you shovel has to have some adverse health effects. What other reason could there be for your writing such utter nonsense?

Richard S. Barrett, Rehoboth Resident

(Mr. Barrett currently serves as an elected member of the Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee; and was appointed in 2011 to both the Cable TV Advisory Committee and to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate member.)

EDITOR’S NOTE:   Vox Populi letters are written by readers about topics specifically related to Rehoboth and submitted to the editor for publication.  These are not news reports, nor independent postings such as those found on internet chat rooms.  There are guidelines for publication (please refer to sidebar). The editor reserves the right to refuse publication of submitted material.  Additionally, letter writers who misrepresent themselves, in public or online, as writers or reporters for RehobothNow may be subject to legal action, and/or editorial penalties.

January 15, 2012

Resident targets RehobothNow for printing opinions by readers.

     The caliber of nonsensical drivel by this character has broken all records of pure, unadulterated nonsense previously reserved for bathroom walls. Like they say at the Herald, it must be a slow news day over at the Globe. The same can be said for Rehoboth Now.

Ken Burns, Rehoboth Resident

January 17, 2012

“Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me 357 times, shame on me.”

    On January 13, 2012, Daniel F. Harrington, a Rehoboth resident and farmhand (living in an apartment over a barn at Chris Morra’s Summer Street estate) wrote a letter probably inspired by his landlord, about what he claimed was a “bloody assassination attempt” on Mr. Morra.  This is just the latest in a long series of false and misleading statements made by Mr. Morra and some of his ardent followers regarding the alleged “political motivation” behind the assault incident involving Mr. Morra back in February, 2008 in the parking lot of his National Security business in East Providence. 

     For four years Mr. Morra and others, like Mr. Harrington who are closely associated with him, have engaged in a media blitz, both written and in the regional television news, desperately trying to link the incident to “hot button” political issues in Rehoboth.   For example, within a few days after Mr. Morra’s allegedly brutal assault took place, he appeared on multiple news channels and was quoted in many news articles stating unequivocally the attack upon him was “politically motivated.”  Later when the body of a dead goat was found outside his property he claimed it had been slaughtered and placed there as another “political message” and his choice for leader of our police department (Chief Enos) refused to release the autopsy despite the fact it clearly showed that the goat died of natural causes.  How convenient.

      Now Mr. Harrington has the nerve to draw parallels between Mr. Morra and Abraham Lincoln.  It is funny how false prophets like to wrap themselves in the flag and claim they are cut from the heroic cloth of heroes of old.  How sad that this seems to happen more frequently as election season nears.

     While it is understandable that Mr. Harrington needs to remain on good terms with his landlord, what he and the others like him should not be allowed to ignore is that the East Providence Police Department performed an extensive investigation following assault incident, captured, charged and prosecuted an individual (correctly identified as Donald Bennett by Mr. Harrington). Bennett served time in jail for his role in the incident.  Mr. Harrington seems to have been read or given the deposition transcript of Mr. Bennett’s testimony that was taken in a federal lawsuit that was recently settled. Mr. Harrington quotes some of Mr. Bennett’s testimony, but only the parts suiting his theme that Chris Morra was some sort of martyr who “shed blood for the people he represents”.

     Not surprisingly, it would not suit Mr. Harrington (or his friends) to point out that Mr. Bennett testified he was told to drive to National Security so that a passenger and the leader of the scheme could collect a debt.  Bennett unequivocally denied the incident had any connection whatsoever to Mr. Morra being an official in the Town of Rehoboth. Mr. Bennett provided law enforcement officials with the names of those he believed were associated with the incident. He even spoke to the F.B.I., to a United States Attorney, and appeared before a grand jury in 2009.  Bennett stated he gave “full disclosure” and he gave names of the people who conspired to harm Mr. Morra.  He testified he was asked about a lengthy list of names of people from Rehoboth, but he was unaware of whom they were, and the “feds” did not mention any of these people from Rehoboth as part of their investigation.  Law enforcement officials “wanted to know everything” and Bennett said he gave it to them.

     Mr. Harrington claims “powerful men know what happened that night”.  Perhaps they do, and perhaps they are also wise enough not to make reckless statements or try to portray everything that happens to Mr. Morra in a political light.  The concerned Mr. Harrington also talks of “illegal police background checks,” yet the Rehoboth police never gave Chris a single parking or speeding ticket or any other violation.  Does this sound like someone being targeted or harassed by the police? 

     The bottom line here, folks, is Mr. Harrington’s letter is nothing more than the same baseless and slanderous propaganda that Mr. Morra and his (what are now few) remaining followers have bombarded this town with since 2007.  I recall the Town of Rehoboth being a quiet farm town voted the best place to live in Massachusetts prior to 2007.  Since 2007, I have seen nothing but political turmoil, state and federal lawsuits, vicious false propaganda, personal sniping, allegations of local, state and federal complaints regarding everything imaginable and probably, most importantly, a needless waste of hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars.   Mr. Harrington’s letter and those by others that preceded it, and those that are sure to come, do absolutely nothing but pour gas on dying embers most of us are trying to extinguish, so as to get back to a normal way of life in this town. 

     We all need to wake up, and ask ourselves how and when is this going to end.  Otherwise, other than raising our children and enjoying our lives in a wonderful town in the United States of America.  Remember, Mr. Harrington, you can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.

Brad Doyle, Rehoboth Resident

(Mr. Doyle was appointed in 2011 to the town’s Personnel Committee.)

January 29, 2012

Reader shares letter to editor of the Sun Chronicle.

Good Day Mr. Kirby (editor of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle),

      I saw the slightly revised article that Joseph Seigel wrote about the proceedings of the last Rehoboth selectmen's meeting. Again, when it comes to how he covers these incidents, I am totally shocked.

      He never mentioned that Selectman Leffort had requested information from at least  three different sources at the town hall, and NONE of the information was made available to him.  Perhaps that is why he asked Selectman Costello the question about there being a cover-up.  Minutes to meetings from months, years, ago that had not been voted on?  Engineering documents that were not on file? Other documents that no longer exist?

      Meanwhile, the subdivision developer and his attorney get all the attention from Mr. Seigel.  Oh yeah, except for the fact that he never mentioned how the developer pointed at Mr. Leffort and said "I'm going to sue you."  At that point, his lawyer had to calm him down and make him sit down.

    Mr. Leffort never accused this developer of anything. He asked to see documents and votes regarding certain aspects of the swale construction.  What's the big deal?  The engineering company should have provided detailed plans and material requirements that the Rehoboth Planning Board, and other committees should have had in their possession.  After not being provided with this info, wouldn't you wonder if something was being covered up? 

     See for yourself, watch the meeting.

Pamela Christman, Resident Rural Rehoboth