.... and this thread moves onto page three and message 132!

Ru,
That is the biggest problem!  Their management skills are poor at best. You would think these seasoned vets of the REAL world would have tested and proven management skills? I presented their track record (don't make me recount the entire list) to a meeting of execs and senior management as a study, and they were summarily dismissed for poor decision making, bad asset management, and for improper leadership qualities. Now, why are they still in charge of this town and can they honestly believe they are doing a good job?

I am so frustrated with the entire process. One paper reports facts, the other speculates. One group wants to remove the Selectmen, the other group thinks they are doing a great job and it's the hate bloggers that are ruining the town. It completely baffles me. How much more obvious can things be? How can the hate bloggers be at fault for the decisions of the Selectmen? I nearly fainted when I read the log from Sunday night chat. You would have to either be living under a rock or walk on the T tracks to conclude it's the hate bloggers that are ruining the town. Geez.

I won't get started on the difference in the news reporting. If you have to change your news article more than once, you should have waited to publish it until you got your facts straight. And now, we have the COLEMAN was Railroaded article. Are you serious? How do you make someone hit you with a car and call you stupid and retarded? Wait, emotional outbursts from the Selectmen might be what his behavior is modeled after? That makes sense!

I'm so tired of the actions of the Selectmen, the spin of Slager, and I look forward to a day when I can quit complaining and return to the quiet life!

Good point IHS. I hadn't thought about it. If you called the cops and were waiting for them---why drive off? Wait for the cop to tell your side of the story.

I was always suspicious of the "woman jumping in front of a moving vehicle" angle. And it isn't like there were no witnesses. A little logic is too much to ask of some people.

Mr. McDonald--I share your frustration as do many people. We simply have to ignore those "chatters" who are blindly loyal to the bos and ragboy. And when will we stop looking at ragboy's crap? He has helped to bring ruin to Wareham and we are encouraging him to continue every time we mention him here.

We need to stop complaining and start acting. Grab a neighbor and/or a family member and go to the Take Back Wareham meeting on the 30th.

In times of strife in this country, it has often been the people who have enacted change from slavery to women's rights to something as important as Amber alerts. If the citizens of Wareham can't change the situation we are experiencing--the town is doomed. Don't let that happen--citizens of Wareham unite.

Spend, what is it now, some 13 weeks several nights a week and a few weekends being actually TRAINED at the reserve-intermittent police academy.... when with no formal training at all they get to ride around in fake police cars and intimidate people?

That would mean they actually wanted to spend their own time actually learning the basics of policing.

BY the way, I thought of this last night but forgot to write it in a post:

Because these vehicles look like police cars people may approach them in emergencies expecting immediate assistance. Whether it's to stop a crime in progress or render first aid don't they have a right to expect this help. At the least one person in each car should have first responder training (which includes CPR and other life saving interventions).

I have said this before but it needs to be repeated. The POLICE, NOT the SELECTMEN, started the crime watch parking program back in 2006. (Some guy with a small opinion paper likes to make people think the selectmen created the crime watch parking program) You may remember seeing them driving around in a small electric car. The program worked good and the police and crime watch got along well until George Coleman started to let a little power go to his head. The summer cops do a good job with parking enforcement during the summer when there are a lot of parking issues. During the rest of the year parking is not a probelm and the full time officers can handle any parking issues that come up in the off season. The police created a monster and it is time to reel him in.

Last edited by TBL (2009-07-21 21:52:39)

Bill, too funny ---

My wife sent Hobo a message over a year ago comparing his rag to a car wreck.  You know you shouldn't look but you have to.  Then you turn away sick to your stomach.  We've got to the point we've seen enough "car wrecks" and no longer look.

Back to George Coleman...

is he at the Crime Watch office? Is he driving around town in a crime watch vehicle?

Although not writing tickets, since he's still the director of Crime Watch, does he oversee those who do?

If there's a dispute over a ticket has he ever had the authority to resolve it?

If he still has this authority, was it the intention of the BOS pending resolution of his case to allow him to have in essence more authority than just writing tickets?

Last edited by urneighbor (2009-07-22 10:07:06)

If he's in the car and driving the perception will be that he's in charge. In fact, since he's still the director, he is. If someone has a complaint about a ticket they may very well approach him.

If they are angry, and we know some people do get angry at being ticketed, they may express that anger.

Those who know who he is and the trouble he is in may actually decide to see if they can provoke him. It's not right but it may happen.

Where is common sense in all of this?

If the BOS and town has a lawyer it seems to me they should be advising them on this.

And who claimed just two weeks ago that crime watch gets no money from the town, yet in the rag it now says they get a fuel reimbursment!

This is what this message board has been saying for at least a year.

Wareham, are you starting to see the truth is HERE?!

But if Coleman is still driving around with some of his crimewatchers writing tickets the town is just begging for another incident which could lead to a law suit.

I'm reposting these here,  just  put online by kimandoonagh, from the "Site News" thread where they posted it, to be sure that there's at least one thread of record for the entire Coleman affair. The two letters related to Slager's biased "reporting".  He is a side issue re. Crime Watch, but the letters add information about the Coleman incident.

kimandoonagh

Dear Mr.Slager,

        The first rule in jourmalism is to get your facts straight. You wrongfully reprted that I have a son. In fact,as I told you, I have two daughters. Two daughters who were deeply disturbed by what they witnessed last Friday.Also,you stated in this weeks paper that I said I knew the witness. I HAVE NEVER MET PAM MILLER BEFORE LAST FRIDAY.I told you that, though. The right thing for you to do would to be to print retraction in next weeks paper. What you do is completely up to you. I contacted you because I thought you were a decent guy. I contacted you because this is a story that needs to be told.

        Also,what happened or did not happen between my husband and Crimewatch is not the issue here at all. The facts will come out in court.I stand behind what I saw last Friday. I may be alot of things,but I am not a liar. I will show my girls that in this world,you have to stand up for what is right. My seven year old GIRL saw the same thing I saw.Is her vision skewed because daddy works atthe police station?I think not, Mr.Slager. I have no personal vendetta against Coleman. He was wrong and that is that. I just want to tell you that there were other witnesses to this event. Are we all liars?

                                          Sincerely,
                                                Kimberly Lake


#13 Yesterday 23:29:32
kimandoonagh

Dear Mr.Slager,

        I am extremely disappointed in how I was perceived in the article that came out in todays paper. I quoted to you exactly what I saw. At that time, I had no clue who George Coleman was. I did not know that he was the director of the Onset Crimewatch. In fact, I only found out once I left the police station after giving my statement. Call me an idiott if you will,but I do not get involved with town politics or gossip. I simply do not like to see someone take advantage of their position and throw their weight around. i think that there should be a mandatory class on community policing. Mr.Coleman needs to work on his interpersonal skills.If my family needed help, as it stands right now, I would not be comfortable walking into the crimewatch office to get it. Hopefully,when you report on this again,you will take a nuetral position. I think we should all just wait and see what happens in court.

                            Sincerely,
                                   Oonagh Jacobsen

The BOS apparently have NO control over Crimewatch. Or gain we are being misled or lied to....it's just so simple to tell the truth. Having false or misleading information printed about you is just not necessary.

I had the same issue with Mr. Slager, there was a retraction printed. See how simple it is, if he had just asked me in the first place we would not have had to process a retraction.

Bruce originally stated, according to Mr. Slager's column that Coleman would remain a member of Crimewatch, however he was no longer allowed to give out tickets. (One Story)

On Tuesday night after their ES, Bruce made a speech, declaring that Crimewatch would continue to hand out tickets. No exception noted for Coleman. (Story Two)

Coleman has been seen in the cruiser driving around alone in the vehicle, I saw him as have others.  So he is still on the beat, and if he has a passenger to harrass citizen's what's the difference, he's still involved with handing out the tickets.

If this was a real Police Officer, the BOS would have had him suspended or behind a desk until the issue was resolved.

Based on what we know, my conclusion is correct, the BOS has NO CONTROL over Crimewatch, at least this is one group that is not afraid of Bruce. Nice leadership Mr. Chairman. Again you need to step up if you expect us to follow any of your recommendations at Town Meeting.

This is why I DON'T read the rag. You can't believe what he says, so why bother with it? If we don't read it, who will?? The bos and their lackeys? He'll have to declare bankruptcy before long if we let it dry up and blow away.

But let me comment---if this is going to be another K and P bill for the taxpayers, it is time to revolt, not just meet in the middle school. I'm done with having my tax dollars go to frivolous lawsuits by this bos.

Larry,
I wasn't being critical. It's just that I have seen him hurt so many good people with his lies that I want him to go away. I do not think Wareham can even begin to heal until he is gone.

And I guess someone has to keep refuting his many lies, so I know some people will keep checking it out.

I used to blog all the time on his articles changing and his bad writing etc. It was fun, I have to say. But I will rejoice when he is gone. Beers on me at Gateway when that day comes.

What deep pockets? The guy is operating on a shoe string. The pockets can't be that deep---

Molly wrote:

Beers on me at Gateway when that day comes.

Beers, schmeers, there's going to be a full scale parade and fireworks show.

Some of you people do not understand the five idiots do not worry about their action because they are covered by thye Town Liability Insurance. Kopelaman doesn't care because it is billable. Brady you should know that.

I just have one question, in most communities Crime Watch is a group of citizens who "watch" for crime. They may walk the neighborhoods to make their presence known. But, actually driving around in a car that looks very much like a police car and writing tickets is something I have never seen anywhere but here. Short of the Guardian Angels, and we have all heard how controversial they are.
This Crime Watch is a private group, so we have been told, and therefore should be receiving no assistance from the town in any form of financial aid or tax breaks. This would be like offering tax incentives to people who work on the Habitat builds.
If we , as a community wish to subsidize private groups with our tax dollars then then the groups who receive them should be decided by the citizens. I for one would like to see some aid go to Turning Point and Habitat. While I have nothing against Crime Watch, I prefer the traditional model I have described above. Now, the town is going to be on the hook and more services or employees will be sacrificed to pay more legal bills.
We should all be focused on the facts, the fact here is that one organization has been choosen to receive a special benefit paid for by our tax dollars. Because of that the community has to bear the burdens of any wrong doings, alleged or perceived or actual, in the form of litigation. Need I make a list of all that has been lost to the community? Lifeguards, recreation.......

Don't know if anyone noticed, but Bobo the Hobo did finally use the word "soliciting a prostitute" in his coverage of Crusty Crimewatchman. 

Of course, he said the bloggers "claim" he solicited a prostitute, and then goes on to note that this was in 1986 "the year the ball went between Bill Buckner's legs."  (Probably the same year Bobo bought that damn Barracuda jacket he wears in 80 degree July heat).

Bobo, sorry, but while we should forgive Bill Buckner for screwing up a baseball game, no one should ever forgive a person who was a police officer, charged with the duty of stopping crime, and yet committed this crime. 

It is sad you apparently do not see it Bobo, but anti-prostitution laws were created for important reasons.  They keep women from being subjected to degradation and abuse and being treated like objects and slaves.  I'm sorry that your loyalty to the BOS has you so fargone now that you would actually defend this behavior.  That he did it a long time ago is a pretty lame defense.

Frankly, in my opinion, anyone who solicits a prostitute is, pardon my french, a pig.

And our Board of Selectmen knew this person committed this crime and they put him in charge of overseeing the town's volunteer parking enforcement. They gave him authority on the town's behalf.

I don't know about you all, but I don't think anyone who has committed a crime should be employed in the lowliest toilet scrubbing job the town has available, let alone be given a law enforcement role.

Doesn't surprise me that the BOS is all for this, since one of them copped a plea when caught in a crime.

People, I know Bobo has tried his best into scaring you all off from talking about this, but it is all true, and all part of the undeniable public record. 

There are people who have committed crimes holding positions of public trust in our town, and yet somehow, WE are all the bad ones.

Last edited by Hamatron5000 (2009-07-26 20:43:59)

Ham, Let's see if we can recap the crimes/ethical violations--please fill in where I am incorrect or incomplete:

Cronan--felony conviction for accepting a bribe (I'm shaky on the details but it had to do with soil), putting a deck on without a permit, violating open meeting law, supporting crime watch after the assault with a deadly weapon, going against the state's ruling on the ocean side drive street naming issue.

Sweet Brucie--non payment of federal and state income tax, impeding the movement of an emergency vehicle, assault on a kid with a fork, perjury when he said he had nothing to do with swift's beach, defamation of Officer Pillsbury in a publicly televised meeting, violating open meeting law, supporting crime watch after the assault with a deadly weapon, going against the state's ruling on the ocean side drive street naming issue.

Janey--advocating at town meeting that although the DOR said it was illegal to accept the million dollars from CPC to pay off the swift's beach debacle, she encouraged town meeting to vote for it, which it did although I did not, instructing the Donahue machine to steal signs off the front lawns of political opponents, violating open meeting law, supporting crime watch after the assault with a deadly weapon, going against the state's ruling on the ocean side drive street naming issue.

Brenda--DUI, unable to construct a single complete logical sentence, defamation of Cara Pillsbury in a publicly televised meeting, violating open meeting law, supporting crime watch after the assault with a deadly weapon, going against the state's ruling on the ocean side drive street naming issue.

Mr. Cruz--sleeping during his first town meeting, not saying anything when this bunch of bozos continues to ruin the town including supporting his cohorts on the computer audit when the town has no money, supporting crime watch after the assault with a deadly weapon, going against the state's ruling on the ocean side drive street naming issue.

Of course, these lists are just, in my opinion, reasons why these folks should not be running our town.

Best of luck to you all tomorrow night at the meeting. I am sure of one thing: there will be two people in that room that will be elected Selectman next April.
It's up to you who they are.
Don't ever underestimate your opponent, and always support your choice.
I can't wait to read what happens!
I am there in spirit!!

capt c wrote:

Wareham is a beautiful community, blame the golden boys in 1989 for most of your financial issues. New Highschool, Sewerage, New Library just a few of the thing the present complainers went along with.

True but nothing entirely out of character. Count your blessings they left the police station alone. Wareham cheaped out on every last project, as it always has.

"The natural parsimony of the people which led them to prefer to patch out the old meeting-house rather than spend money for a new one was again shown in December, 1730, when the shabby condition of its windows was making the cold house colder; and it was voted "to mend the Glass that is Least broken and where the Glass is Quite Gone to nail up bords in Lue thereof for ye preasant."

What has changed fundamentally, for the better, is everyone's watching. The tom fuckery of the past will never stay secret again for long.

Last edited by billw (2009-07-29 20:28:39)

here is the boston globe article: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massac … _arrested/

I was just wondering if the meeting tonight is going to cover The Crime Watch Incident at all. My friend and I want to attend,even though things could turn very ugly.I was just wandering what is on the agenda.Also,I am not that comfortable attending if either Crusty or Bobo are going to be there.I am afraid of noone,but do not really want to make a public spectacle out of myself.Thanks Guys.

Not having served as a LEO in MA, I know in my local area just out of state, an individual must be sworn in by someone in order to be able to issue criminal or civil citations (i.e. tickets).

Anyone verified in MGL whether that's the case and who the heck swore these people in? Otherwise, there's a possibility all of these 'tickets' are pretty much null and void.

Find someone who got a ticket adn have them appeal it. The first question that should be asked to the Crimewatch person is, "please identify the MGL that authorizes you to issue this citation and provide evidence you have been sworn in as a limited duty law enforcement officer."

Now you get to verify where they got their authority in either a criminal court or in front of an independant entity.

Is there not an appeal process for these tickets?

GladToBeAway.......The last person to ask for identification was run over!  And called a stupid retard!  In front of her kids!

Last edited by warehammom (2009-08-04 10:41:15)