In the aftermath of super storm Sandy, TFoTM has avoided critiquing the Town's response to the devastation.. While TFoTM gives town officials, including Mayor Skibitsky, praises for their efforts during and after the storm, one question has to be answered. Why are DPW personnel being assigned to hang holiday (Christmas) lights at the Northside Train Station when town streets are littered with storm debris and leaves waiting to be picked up?
TFoTM does not fault the front line workers being assigned to this task. TFoTM questions the management of the DPW, namely Claude Shaffer.
It is time for new leadership at the DPW.
While I have issues with Mayor Skibitsky on several other issues, I can't say anything negative about how he and others handled the hurricane aftermath. It was a big mess and from what I saw, I think he and everybody else was giving it their best. As for the current state of our streets and the decision to assign some personnel to hang holiday lights etc... I can't necessarily fault that decision. Sure, there is still a lot of mess out there on the streets. But, there's also something to be said for bringing some "spirit" from things such as holiday lighting in the center of town. I liken it, in some ways, to the American flags that sprouted up immediately after 9/11. There was mess to clean up but "time" spent putting up those American flags was important as well. I do have other issues with the Skibitsky administration but this is not one of them. For hurricane Sandy, I give him/them high marks.
ReplyDeleteHaving been directly involved with the flags being posted after 9/11 along with a police captain, police chief and Mayor McDermott, there was nothing to clean up in Westfield after 9-11. The flags were put out late at night after hours. It does not compare to using DPW resources at a time when streets need to be cleared of debris not to mention Thanksgiving is a week away long before Christmas. I do agree that the festive nature of a decorated tree might raise the spirits of some, I disagree with the timing.
DeleteThis is a silly criticism. Just yesterday I saw DPW workers in Springfield decorating their tree near the municipal complex. If this is the worst mismanagement you can find, then the town is being run pretty well.
ReplyDeleteIn the almost two years this site has been posting information, there have been numerous examples of mismanagement given. You are correct in your observation that if this was the worst example of mismanagement, then the town is being run pretty well. Unfortunately, it is not the worst, nor is it the only example. Also, Westfield is not Springfield.
DeleteTo: The Frivolous of The Minutiae
ReplyDeleteThey are obviously doing their job, hanging Xmas decorations AND cleaning the streets. These things take time. You have no case here.
What it’s time for is, new blog writers.
I for one cant stand anyone taking Christ out of Christmas...
ReplyDeleteRead this, and then go away, Anonymous Dummy;
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas
“Xmas is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas….There is a common misconception that the word Xmas is a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas[3] by taking the "Christ" out of "Christmas".”
Apparently kasko also believes this misconception because he posted your ignorant reply for the lack of a valid confutation of my post.
Christian Streetwalker
What I believe is in freedom of speech. Your belief that the misconception was posted because you assume I have the same beliefs as Anonymous would be a misconception on your behalf.
DeleteThis is pretty pathetic. You have to find something to criticize and the holiday spirit is your newest target. The town is doing a great job, and hanging the lights for the annual tree lighting is just as important as picking up leaves and branches. Get a life Scrooge!
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, not criticizing the holiday spirit. Questioning the timing of the hanging of lights at a time when the removal of storm debris from Westfield streets should be the first priority.
DeleteThe mayor delayed out children's Halloween festivities he could have delayed the lighting of the tree a few weeks until our streets are clean. Once again this site hit the nail on the head and those that don't want to hear the truth will complain.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is one of The Fact of the Matter's lowest moments! The Town did all they could from the Mayor's Office to the Police/Fire/ and DPW employees. It was a disaster! Read the newspaper! Hang the American Flag, decorate for the holidays and keep everyone's spirits up! It's tough on everyone affected by this disaster but don't dwell in misery for eternity! Aww..come on man, where's your sense of humanity?? You completely missed on this one...and you were doing so well.
ReplyDeleteI attended the tree lighting last night and had the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap. When he asked me what I wished for for Christmas I said, "Can you get someone to clear my street of all the crap piled up. It's been four weeks since the storm and the leaves and branches are still in the street.
ReplyDeleteAt this time of the year after the major storm and we settle into the holiday season take a few minutes and enjoy the following video.....Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NLTiveEc0&feature=plcp
ReplyDelete