Mike Kind
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Comments
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On the article MacWilliams: Budget Commission, School Committee, Superintendent Failed City On School Budget
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On the Blog Post Local Radio, Web Anonymity, and the Degradation of Public Discourse
Mike Kind
10:35 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
ReplyThis depiction of the negativism in the City is, in my view, largely correct. On the other hand, I don't think Walmart left (after spending a six-figure sum to buy and demolish Roller Kingdom) and others followed because of their profit motives, but because of the NIMBYism alluded to in these comments. Also, there is one thing that John, Larrry, and the Mayor have in common. They all love this City and would love to see it rebound. The radio talk shows are a reflection of the problems delineated on this commentary, not the cause of it. Finally, it was obvious that it would be nearly impossible for locally elected officials to deal with the necessary systemic changes required to extract us from this financial nightmare. Most cities that had homestead exemptions phased them out years ago because, like it or not, these exemptions raise the corporate tax rates and make your city less competitive. The unions will be required to voluntarily surrender some of the entitlements they had previously secured, and the unfortunate taxpayers will have to pay more and get less. This is not a scenario that promotes re-election.
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On the article Budget Commission To Attempt Pension Payback Over 30 years
Mike Kind
3:08 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
ReplyNovan, I did not attribute the pension problem to the WED. In fact, I want to see them funded better to help rebuild our city. My comment refers to the fact that the WED has, in the recent past, been unable to properly account for their funds.
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On the article Budget Commission To Attempt Pension Payback Over 30 years
Mike Kind
12:13 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
ReplyMr. Aldrich, although you are correct, bankruptcy would allow for restructuring of all pensions and employment contracts to a more affordable level. Under the current circumstance, the city is furnishing a lower than acceptable level of service (other than in public safety, where we are very well served) at a very high tax rate. Our schools are not performing well, and there is no motivation for a young family to buy a house here. In my opinion, education would be a good place to start. Even if it's a sacrifice, good schools and low real estate prices would attract the future taxpayers we so desperately need. I would not give the WED one more cent, however, until they can demonstrate that they can accurately account to us for their expenditures.
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On the article Budget Commission To Attempt Pension Payback Over 30 years
Mike Kind
6:02 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
ReplyWe continue to entertain long term bonded indebtedness to solve systemic problems. We have already used bonds to fund current expenditures. We face more long term debt to solve our infrastructure challenge with water treatment. When will it become apparent that we need to lobby our legislators actively to seek a state funding formula that recognizes those municipalities which carry the societal burden/responsibility of disproportionate subsidized housing? When will we realize that only a hard reset of our obligations, which only a receiver can bring about, is the only real solution to our problems. The budget commission marches to the orders of Smith Hill- that means preventing bankruptcy at all costs- those costs being saddled upon Woonsocket taxpayers- lest more communities follow.
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On the article Flu Season Hits RI Early — Find Locations for Flu Shots in Woonsocket
Mike Kind
12:03 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012
ReplyThis info is very helpful, Rob. It's an illustration of the value of Patch to the community. Thanks.
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On the article Bileau's Gift Basket Raffle Returns To Aid Because He Lives Ministries
Mike Kind
8:37 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
ReplyThis may be a "community thing", but it would not be possible without the generosity of those at Bileau's. This is a huge undertaking beyond the cost of the basket. Thank you for helping Because He Lives.
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On the article Patrick McGee Named Curriculum Director For Woonsocket Schools
Mike Kind
6:35 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ReplyNovan, obviously the fact that this position is mandated comes as new to Dr. Donoyan, who had said the position was not needed (this according to the article). Do you find that disconcerting? Also, given that it is necessary, there is no mention in the article whether there were any candidates currently holding the correct certification. I'd be interested to know that, wouldn't you?
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On the article Woonsocket School Committee Keeps Principal Contracts As-Is Till June 30
Mike Kind
4:30 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ReplyIt's hard to understand this action by the School Committee. We have a Budget Commission managing our fiscal matters in large part because of the inability of the School Committee to properly and accurately account for the funds placed under their control. Bankruptcy looms, and they refuse to take even this very small step toward solving our very large problems.
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On the article Patrick McGee Named Curriculum Director For Woonsocket Schools
Mike Kind
4:30 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ReplyFirst, we don't need one. Then we need one. Then we don't need one that's certified. Wow-if this were private industry, they'd be broke....wait a moment-they are.
Mike Kind
5:09 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
We have an opportunity to attract younger, more upwardly mobile families to our city due to our (unfortunately) low property values. This opportunity is spoiled because we have little other than low prices to offer them. Excellent schools would be a great place to start to rebuild Woonsocket. This would require the State to take a markedly different view of proper funding for the few communities that shoulder most of the burden/responsibility of disproportionate subsidized housing. Even if this were to occur, who could advocate giving more funding to a Department which has so consistently exhibited such total incompetence in financial management, budgeting, and accountability? What a shame.