GregAgnew's blog

I've been somewhat disconnected from the Westwood Blog ever since Dave Atkins moved from Westwood, but I've continued to believe that this Blog was, and continues to be, a valuable tool and source of information for the residents of Westwood and for the surrounding regions. It is my firm belief that this blog, along with my personal website (http://www.gregagnew.com), and newer online media outlets such as: http://westwood.patch.com, will be what people look towards for informative, real, and honest news about their hometown.

Most recently, the Westwood School System put out notices of hire for two positions: High School Principal, and for a new (and unnecessary) postion referred to as: "Dean of Students." A few weeks ago, I had written an article praising School Committee Member Jack O'Brien's critical comments concerning the high cost of paying this newly created postion (about $78,000), and echoed his concern over the School's Budget, and Westwood's inability to recognize that this newly imposed expense was not an intelligent choice to implement, especially during a poor economy.

The full article is available here: http://gregagnew.com/2011/04/07/obrien-is-right-parks-is-wrong-dean-of-s...

Secondly, as you may have noticed, the Westwood DPW did a pretty decent job handling the plowing this year, considering the amount of snow we received, and the numerous budgetary constraints that Westwood faced. However, during the aftermath of one of Westwood's final snow removal operations, I witnessed a FedCorp contracted plowing employee plow a private driveway during his time on the clock for the Town of Westwood. Reports of this singular incident made its way to Dedham, MA, where FedCorp employees were thought to be doing the same thing, on the taxpayer's dime. Video was taken of the incident, and I entered into a discussion with Westwood Town Officials to remedy the issue in time for next year's Winter Season.

The full article is available here: http://gregagnew.com/2011/02/21/a-final-examination-plowing-and-contract...

My hope is that with contributed stories similar to this, the Westwood Blog will begin to have the high level of activity that it once enjoyed back in 2008!

We all know that the Metro West and coastal areas of Massachusetts have been hit hard with two massive snow storms in 2011, and that most cities and towns have already blown through their allocated budgets, and have since requested to take more taxpayer money, which prompts the question that has been asked frequently: why continually go over budget when you’ve been dealing with snow removal for centuries in Massachusetts?

Each year, our budget is faced with a puzzling question: why do DPW department heads continually ask for so little, when the numbers indicate they always need more? Especially since the past two snow removal jobs in Westwood, MA have been sub-par at best, even with crews supposedly working long hours day and night to resolve the many transportation issues we face with the Public Schools, and our residents venturing out to work each day.

The past snow removal that occurred on January 12, 2011, was particularly atrocious. Streets were left partially plowed for up to three hours, driveways faced mountain-esque blockages due to loader-plowing, and main roads (such as Route 109) were almost un-drivable for almost two days. The DPW, from hearing radio communication, were down a few trucks due to malfunctioning sanders, which is understandable. However, contractor CJP & Sons, responsible for most of Precinct 4, were fully operational, yet very unprofessional, slow, and unresponsive to the needs of those wanting to drive to work, or leave their homes.

After two appalling snow removals by Millis, MA based CJP & Sons, I question the town’s ability to award contracts to qualified bidders. These comments come in lieu of seeing the superior snow removal of the neighboring towns of Dedham, Norwood, Walpole, and Medway. Now, I am not sure who contract plows for the aforementioned towns, but they sure did a far better job. For all I know, CJP & Sons could just be over extended, but if they are, they should have the sense to tell the town of Westwood they will not be able to perform quality snow removal.

With over 32 years of knowledge from a family member who worked everything from small snowplows to Caterpillar front-end loaders in the snow, I know the difference between a quality job, and an unqualified or over extended crew.

Let’s right this situation by re-visiting our plowing contracts for 2012, and make sure they can get the job done. Especially since our taxes are rising at least 6% more in 2012 (without the new library project figured in), due to Westwood’s mistake of allowing developer CC&F to demolish buildings before funding was secured for the Westwood Station Project.

To combat this residential tax increase, I 1). Advise residents to file for a tax abatement at town hall, and 2). Encourage residents to share their ideas on how we may attract more commercial development to the Economic Development Advisory Board, on which I sit. From here, we can start developing a more inclusive discussion to allow everyone to share their solutions for a better Westwood, where each resident can have a say in what they think is best for the town’s health and overall growth.

In the future, I hope we all can enjoy a problem free commute in the snow, and a lower tax burden next time around. With better ideas and thought processes from our Board of Selectman and other elected officials, we can all benefit in the end.

Makes me wonder why I decided not to run for Selectman.

The full post can be found at: http://bit.ly/agnewsnowremoval 

Dear Friends, Family, and residents of Westwood,

During my first attempt to lead Westwood residents to a brighter future, I was ultimately not successful. The process was physically draining, very time-consuming, and left little time to myself to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. With that being said, I can’t deny that I highly enjoyed the experience, had fun, and very much looked forward to challenging myself again by running for elected office in the future.

The April 2008 elections were, in my mind, a very good litmus test of how the town would look three years from then. Now, in 2010, with that three-year mark fast approaching, we are left to wonder why Westwood Station has yet to move an inch, while all of our property taxes have risen miles. April 2008 told many of us that the town of Westwood was going to continue in the direction it had been traveling for decades before. The voters decided that it was better to send many candidates to Town Hall who lacked the professional skill sets, vision, and youthful presence and energy that we clearly needed in order to reach a successful outcome with the University Avenue property.

During the better part of 2010, I had the urge many times to vigorously pursue my goal of righting the situation for all of us, by running for Selectman again, and presenting new and creative strategies that I knew could improve the town immediately, without relying on the “all eggs in one basket” approach (and we know where that’s gotten us). None of us ever wanted Westwood Station to fail like it has, since the impact of losing all of the once occupied commercial spaces was a hit to all of us. The wrong thing to do is to place the blame on one, or more elected bodies in the town. The solution is to come together, create ideas, present successful strategies, and invent a compromise that will benefit us all, rather than to pander to one or more groups of people in town.

We need motivated, excited, intelligent, and creative people to step up to the plate, and make a difference by including all residents that live in town. We need a comprehensive effort, by all of our voters, to encourage their neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers to rise to the occasion, try something new, and run for office. It’s time for us to put our heads together, and focus on the one thing that we all have in common: protecting our future in Westwood. We all have an interest in helping keep the property taxes lower, to include the ideas of those who have been silenced in the past, to demand governmental transparency, and to break the cycle of leaders who struggle to communicate with their fellow citizens.

It is with great displeasure that I’m announcing to you today that I will not be considered as a candidate for Selectman in Westwood for the 2011 Election cycle. I simply don’t have the time to run the type of campaign that I am used to running, which is a successful one. I’ve thought for years that when December 2010 rolled around, I’d be ready to go. But, I’m not. I have too many family members, too many employees, and too many friends that rely on me every day, and I simply can’t add another item to my plate. I’m sorry to those who wanted to be a part of my team, and to those who have cheered me on in the past, supporting my aspirations for a 2011 victory. However, this does not mean that I’m fading away, never to be heard from again.

I wish everyone the very best Christmas and Holiday Season, and I sincerely hope each registered Westwood resident can get out to vote in April 2011.

Best Wishes,

Greg Agnew

As I quickly flipped through the Westwood Press today, I could not help but "double take" when reading the editorial on page 6 titled, "Vote for Rush, Lynch."

I felt sick to my stomach! An endorsement of Mike Rush, a West Roxbury resident, who, several times after meeting me in person still forgets my name? Forget the Westwood Press endorsement, which barely mentions any qualifications Rush may have other than, "Rush has had a notable tenure in the state House of Representatives..."

I'm ashamed to even subscribe to a paper that endorses a candidate who not only can't point to Westwood on a map, but also neglects to show up for votes at the State House. Rush's best achievement, according to the Westwood Press, was, "...his successful effort to repair the Roche Arena Ice Rink in West Roxbury."

Give me a break. If all of us real, working class Westwood Residents could point to just one achievement in almost 8 years (Rush has been in the Legislature since 2003) at our own jobs, we'd be given the boot the next day. I can't speak for the other cities and towns in the Norfolk and Suffolk district, but, I can certainly speak for Westwood when I say, it's time to elect a small business owner, long time resident, and strong advocate for issues that matter this Tuesday, September 14th, 2010. 

Elect Michael Walsh, someone who knows our issues, understands our concerns, and feels our pain of being misrepresented for the past 17 years. Westwood needs one of our own, someone who originally came from West Roxbury, someone who knows the city and the suburbs, just as Michael Walsh does, and now resides with us, defending our voice on Beacon Hill. Michael is no insider, and he's no political machine. He's just a normal guy, who works for a living to support his six children, three of which are in the Westwood School System today.

Lastly, I commend my neighbor, John J. O'Brien, Jr., who proudly wrote a letter to the editor in support of Michael Walsh in this very same issue of the Westwood Press. Jack's enthusiasm for Michael's campaign is shared by an overwhelming amount of supporters, who will push Michael over the top on Tuesday. I hope you can join me, and thousands of others, as I step into my polling location on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, to "punch the ballot" for Michael Walsh for State Senate. Let's help ourselves and start fresh.

In the Sunday Boston Globe, published on August 15, 2010, Michelle Morgan Bolton, Globe Correspondent for the Westwood/Dedham areas, was charged with the assignment of writing a story to highlight Westwood’s second attempt since 1987 to re-write its Town Charter. Sparking this article were numerous suggested changes in 2009 to the charter by Westwood residents Michael F. Walsh (current State Senate Candidate), David Feyler, Jason Lee, and Myself.

My attempt to change the way we vote in Westwood garnered the most vocal support at a town meeting in early 2009, when I proposed that we change Town Election day to Saturday, instead of Tuesday, citing that it was safer for both children, and their parents, to vote on Saturday. This move could also boost participation almost 20%, providing people with more time to vote on the weekends, when they don’t have to worry about getting to work on time after voting on a Tuesday, or having to rush home from work in order to beat the early evening poll closures. In the end, the petition was voted down, but not without discussion. Selectman Pat Ahearn was concerned that the move may bar certain individuals (such as Orthodox Jews) from voting on Saturday, since their religious obligations prevent them from using modern technology (such as cars, as a mode of transportation) on Saturdays.

However, during my research for this proposal, I found that out of all of the residents in Westwood, only a select few observed strict Jewish practices and were able to vote via absentee ballot, just like many of our troops fighting overseas who reside in Westwood. I even took the time to speak with Jewish residents, who all agreed with my petition and supported my cause. I also called the Westwood Council on Aging to make sure that the vans that transported seniors to and from the polls would still run at no additional cost to the town. All my bases were covered, however, so I was not necessarily unhappy with the outcome.

During my petition’s journey to the floor of town meeting, I was scheduled to appear in front of the Financial Commission to state my case in order for them to suggest a “no” or “yes” vote in their annual report. Even though my petition, and several others had absolutely nothing to do with the town’s finances, it’s still a common practice for some reason. I acknowledge that the move to voting on Saturday could slightly more (having to pay poll workers and the Town Clerk etc…), it was well worth it. Due to a scheduling conflict, I was unable to make the presentation to the FinCom, and I charged Michael F. Walsh to speak on my behalf. Although Michael spoke well, my name was publicly (as I was told) berated due to my decision to focus on my then studies at Assumption College.

In the end, I was not disappointed with the decision of the town not to support my petition, rather, I was unhappy with the way I was treated.

I was proud that I not only tried (once again) to make a difference at such a young age, but I was also proud that I garnered some support from old friends, and some new ones. This article in the Globe only further motivates me to one day run again for public office, and to make my best attempt every day to promote meaningful solutions to complex problems we face. Perhaps my attempt, in addition to many others’ attempts since 1987, who tried to move Westwood in a meaningful direction, sparked a discussion, that eventually led to the forming of the Charter Commission.

And that, I too can say, I’m very proud of.

For the full article: Click Here!

Dear Friends,

Westwood Resident & Author Steven Greffenius will be hosting a “Candidate’s Discussion Night” for voters, candidates, current public officials, and other parties who have a vested interest in Westwood and the surrounding communities.

The purpose of this informal meeting is to further stimulate and discuss the issues surrounding the town of Westwood’s future. Many residents have not had the pleasure of meeting many of the candidates running for contested Public Office here in Westwood, including:

• Steve Maggiacomo, School Committee
• Carol Lewis, School Committee
• Jack O’Brien, School Committee
• John Cummings, School Committee

• Jason Lee, Sewer Commissioner
• Jim Connors, Sewer Commissioner

Interestingly enough, this is also the first time that Westwood will be the home town for a Candidate for Federal Office (U.S. Congress Candidate Phil Dunkelbarger) and for State Office (State Senate Candidate Mike Walsh).

The event will be held at 51 Oriole Rd. in Westwood, MA 02090 from 7:00 pm to roughly 8:30 pm on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Each resident will have the opportunity to informally meet with other concerned voters in town, in addition to any of the candidates who choose to attend.

This is a great event for all who are also interested in running for Public Office in the future, and for anyone wanting to make an informed choice at the polls on April 27, 2010. I strongly encourage you to make this event a priority, since limited time is available to meet the candidates before the election!

Questions and intentions to attend should be directed to: 781-223-1396 or by email: steveng@techwritepublishing.com.

Best Wishes,

Greg Agnew

PS- Article copied with permission from http://gregagnew.com. Your source for community information, updates, and thoughts on town politics. 

Dear Friends,

As my college career wound-down in May of 2009, I had always dreamed of starting my own store after I graduated.

Happening upon an old antique store for rent at 626 High Street in Dedham, MA 02026, I knew the building was the perfect fit for a Country Store, selling only all-natural, locally grown and produced foods and beverages that are renewable and sustainable.

Since then, I've added a little paint, a new floor, remodeled the bathroom, and bought a few refrigerators. 4 weeks ago, I put the finishing touches on the store for now, and obtained my health permit, and have been open every Sunday, from 10 to 2 pm, at 626 High Street in Dedham across from the District Court and next to the Norfolk County Administrative Offices.

We operate an indoor "Country Market" every Sunday, selling only all-natural, locally produced products, in a wide range of varieties, including: Cocoa, Fresh Produce, Jams & Fruit Spreads, Honey, Maple Syrup, Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream, Eggs, Fresh Caught Seafood, Breads, Pasta, and a whole lot more!

My hope, is that you can join our venture by supporting me and my small business while I try and start the first store committed to the communities of Westwood, Dedham, and the surrounding areas by selling all-natural, locally produced foods and beverages.

Hope you can stop by this Sunday, March 7, from 10 to 2 pm at 626 High Street in Dedham! Spread the word! Buy Fresh, Buy Local!

Visit the Dedham Square Country Store website today for more information!

Best Wishes,

Greg Agnew

The Westwood & Walpole League of Women Voters will host their Annual "Winter Social" on Sunday, January 10th, 2010, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at 51 Oriole Drive in Westwood for all who are interested in meeting their elected officials who serve Westwood and the surrounding areas every day on Beacon Hill.

This is a great opportunity to ask your local civil servants questions about upcoming votes in the House and Senate, Local Elections, and hundreds of different policies and bills. 

It's also a great time to learn about the League of Women Voters, a local civic organiztion committed to serving those who wish learn more about the civic process, and non-partisan issues. 

Please join me for what is most certainly going to be a great time for all who are interested in politics (and not to mention great food!)

Best Wishes, 

Greg Agnew

The Westwood & Walpole League of Women Voters invites the public to attend a meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the Westwood Public Library located at 668 High Street in Westwood, MA.  The topic of the meeting is very timely, dealing with identifying and eliminating the toxics that are found all around us in our homes.
Elizabeth Saunders, Environmental Health Legislative Director for Clean Water Action, will be the presenter. She offers this introduction:

“More than one third of the U.S. population is suffering from a range of chronic diseases and disorders, including cancers, asthma, autism, obesity, learning disabilities, endometriosis, Parkinson’s disease and others.  Scientific evidence increasingly indicates that many of these illnesses could be prevented by reducing our exposure to toxic chemicals.  Unfortunately, too many of the products that we use in our everyday lives are made of toxic chemicals that get into our bodies, even though safer alternatives are available.  It can be overwhelming to learn all of this information and it can feel like as a conscientious shopper you need to bring a chemistry textbook to the store to keep your family safe!  But this shouldn’t be necessary.  By teaming together, we can change the rules of the game on toxic chemicals and make safer products the norm.  Come and find out how.”

Thank You, 

Greg Agnew

President

The Westwood & Walpole League of Women Voters

The Westwood and Walpole League of Women Voters “kicks” off an exciting year of programs and lobby efforts with a pot luck dinner and discussion on Sunday, October 4, at 4 PM at the home of Steven Greffenius. The Board especially invites prospective members to check us out at our Fall Kick Off. Members are requested to bring their favorite entrée, dessert or salad. Beverages will be provided by League. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce that friend or relative to the League.

Prospective members will discover that this is an excellent meeting to find out more about our organization before joining. Please contact our President, Greg Agnew at greg@gregagnew.com or 781.326.8944. Come and see how much our organization has to offer all those interested in good government. Members and prospective members will meet League Leaders who will describe ongoing League programs, new studies, and how members and prospective members might become more involved.

Our featured speaker will be Rhondda Tewes, currently a member of the LWVUS Health Educational Task Force and the LWVMA Healthcare Committee. She will share her knowledge regarding healthcare and her specific knowledge regarding the ongoing lobbying efforts on healthcare. The League has a very powerful stand on Healthcare. Remember, the League is a three tiered organization – local, state, and national. We are non-partisan concerning candidates, but lobby vigorously on behalf of issues we have studied and come to a consensus on.

For more information please contact our President Greg Agnew, at greg@gregagnew.com or call him at 781.326.8944.