I had just pulled into my driveway when my daughter, Victoria, pulled in behind me. As we got out of our respective cars, she asked, "Did you get my text?"
"I can't read texts when I'm driving, Victoria," I retorted.
She didn't hesitate, "Two cops were shot on Seacoast."
My stomach sank.
Rebecca, my wife, arrived home shortly thereafter. Upon hearing the news, she started sending a flurry of texts.
When Sean Gannon and Michael Chesna were shot and killed in the line of duty, I was saddened, but this is on a whole different level. This is Falmouth. My wife was raised here, as were her mother and grandparents. I graduated from Falmouth High School. Our children grew up in the Falmouth school system. Rebecca and I have been town meeting members for years; I was a selectman for six years. We literally know half the police department, and now Rebecca was trying to find out if they were OK.
As the night wore on, I found myself fighting to hold back tears. This really did hit home. We lived on Hampden Road - in Seacoast Shores - for several years. Were our former neighbors OK, too?
My brother-in-law, a nurse at Falmouth Hospital, also has friends in the FPD. He was on duty when the officers arrived in the emergency room.
Falmouth has often been featured in the news for all the wrong reasons: The baseball bat assault on the 4th of July; the departure of a former town manager; the high school renovation fiasco; the tooth in the wallet at WalMart; the golf club assault at Clauson's Corner; the Moniz murder; Melvin Reine; the Busby shooting.
And now this.
As with most tragedies, there will be knee-jerk reactions and calls to "do something" before we even know what can be done. There will be investigations and accusations. Prayers will be said and people will be blamed. Eventually we will have all of the facts, but there will be rumors and speculation until then, and perhaps even afterwards.
Thankfully, for at least this one time, we can breathe a little easier knowing that Officers DiMiranda and Moore will go home to their families. Everything else is just noise.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Marriotts Happen
For
many months now, the town has discussed and debated the proposed
Marriott Springhill Suites at the intersection of East Main Street
and Lantern Lane. I don't oppose this project, but I don't support it
either.
I have no opinion because it's too late. The proverbial horse
is already out of the barn. I'll get to that in a minute, but first,
let's look at some of the issues that have been raised.
Traffic
is a red herring. Every time someone has a problem with development,
they ask for a traffic study. I'm not sure why. Maybe some project
some time ago was halted because a traffic study proved it would turn
every road into a parking lot, but for as long as I can remember,
nothing has ever been totally derailed. Such studies are usually used
to force the developer to pay for road improvements that modify
traffic patterns in ways that annoy everyone who is used to the
current traffic pattern.
Some
have suggested that Falmouth has enough hotel rooms already. Maybe we
have enough restaurants. Maybe the hospital is big enough. Define "enough." You can't. It's a subjective term. One person's
definition of enough may differ from another's. Arguing about
whether there are enough rooms is like arguing over the best pizza in
Falmouth.
By
the way, the best pizza in Falmouth can be found at Pizza One in the
02536.
Moreover,
not all rooms are created equal. Large hotels like a Marriott are
more likely to attract large groups of people, like youth sports
teams traveling to a tournament, or businessmen attending a
convention. These kinds of visitors are not going to rent a house for
a week, or stay in a 4-room B&B. However, it does work the other
way. A couple desiring a room at a large hotel might stay in a B&B
if there are no rooms at the hotel.
This
is important, since – like it or not – Falmouth is a tourist
destination. I work off-Cape. I recently encountered one of my
coworkers in a local store. He asked if I was vacationing here too.
Over
the years, Falmouth has lost a lot of hotel rooms to timeshares,
condominiums and other redevelopment. We host more visitors, but get
less in room taxes. And unlike B&Bs which might be able to close
for the winter, a large hotel doesn't have that luxury. They need
business year-round, which means that they will attract those large
crowds in the off-season. That's good for Falmouth's other
businesses.
This
part of Main Street is not – as one person suggested – blighted
in the sense that some inner cities are. However, for Falmouth, this
intersection is an eyesore. There is nothing attractive or welcoming
about the perpetually vacant lots at the corners of Nye Road and
Lantern Lane, and while that old red building has character, it's
seen far better days.
Urban
sprawl has been mentioned, but this is a commercially-zoned property
in a commercially-zoned district. It's neither urban sprawl nor spot
zoning.
Someone
said this was in a residential neighborhood. Again, this is a
commercially-zoned property in a commercially-zoned district. There
is a neighborhood behind the property on Lantern Lane, but that
doesn't make this a residential neighborhood. Using that logic, the
residential properties on Walker Street make downtown Falmouth a
residential neighborhood.
That
said; none of this really matters.
One
of the most frustrating aspects of being a selectman were the
Johnny-come-latelys. These are the folks who show up to protest
something that is perfectly legal. They usually wanted us to
intervene, and complained bitterly when we didn't.
It's
not that we didn't want to, it's that we couldn't. At least once a
month, there is a meeting of some decision-making body (selectmen,
Planning Board, conservation commission, etc.) where something is
decided. It's a public meeting and the agenda has been publicly
posted. If you don't speak up and say something when those decisions
are made, Marriotts happen.
Most
of the people who are protesting the Marriott project haven't been to
a Planning Board meeting in years, if at all. Yet, that's where it's
at. This project wouldn't be on the table if this area was zoned
differently.
So,
don't blame the developer. Don't blame the Planning Board, or the
Cape Cod Commission. Don't blame the property owner who wants to sell
this blighted corner. Blame the person who didn't speak up when the
Planning Board and town meeting voted for this zoning. Blame the
person in the mirror, and then – to quote another vacation
option – "get out there" and start participating before the next
Marriott comes to town.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Peace Officers Memorial Day Speech
Every year, I have been honored to attend the Police Week observances held by the Falmouth Police Department on Peace Officers Memorial Day. This year, I was asked to speak.
What follows is the text of my speech.
Good morning. It is good to see all of you – some of whom I recognize as having attended these observances in years past.
Two months ago, two Boston firefighters lost their lives in a spectacular blaze on Beacon Street. Just days later, when Plymouth Police Officer Gregg Maloney died in a motorcycle accident, I immediately thought of Falmouth's own Officer Samuel Pierce.
From my perspective, it seemed that the media gave little airtime to Officer Maloney's circumstances. The Boston firefighters, in contrast, were all over the news for weeks.
Officer Maloney didn't die in a spectacular fire, but the circumstances were no less tragic. Like the Boston firefighters, he devoted his life to serving the public. Like the Boston firefighters, he left a family behind.
When firefighters are called to duty, they are wanted. For the peace officer, it's a little different. I know of no one who would cringe at the sight of a fire truck, but how many of us feel a pit in our stomach at the sight of blue lights behind us?
My father was a firefighter. He saw some spectacular, and some gruesome, things. But were he alive today, I'm sure he would agree that it was nothing compared to what the boys in blue – as he called them – have seen.
Indeed, it's often said that public service is a thankless job, but it pales in comparison to the lot of a police officer.
You often see the worst of what humanity has to offer.
It is the peace officer who must deal with the belligerent driver who thinks the speed limit is a suggestion.
It is the peace officer who must intervene in the domestic relationship which has soured and become violent.
It is the peace officer who must pretend to be something they are not, so that they may infiltrate and destroy the criminal enterprise.
It is the peace officer who must stand in court and defend what they have done to defend us – their actions second-guessed; their credibility questioned.
Benjamin Franklin stated, "it is better 100 guilty Persons should escape than that one innocent Person should suffer.” Our system of justice errs on the side of innocence, the burden of proof falls upon the state, and we hold peace officers to a higher standard.
Yet, we forget that being held to a higher standard, in and of itself, requires sacrifice. The mistakes made by any given civilian often go unnoticed, but the mistakes made by a peace officer are often publicized, scrutinized and criticized. Many would crumble under such pressure, but our peace officers persevere.
All of this makes today that much more important. Officer Maloney – like Officer Pierce before him – did not simply die in a motorcycle accident. He made the ultimate sacrifice; he died in the line of duty. Those of us who wear civilian attire can only guess at what these two men – and the thousands of other officers who also died in the line of duty – had seen and dealt with prior to their passing.
Yet they all served to their very last moments here on this earth.
None of this is meant to diminish the bravery of the Boston firefighters, or the tragedy of their passing. Rather, we must raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Officers Maloney and Pierce, and all of the other peace officers who have lost their lives while serving, and all of you, who continue to serve.
To the members of the Falmouth Police Department: Hold your heads high. Know that we value your integrity, and that those of us who stand here with you today – those of us who have stood here with you, year in and year out – know what sacrifices you make so that we may sleep soundly at night.
What follows is the text of my speech.
Good morning. It is good to see all of you – some of whom I recognize as having attended these observances in years past.
Two months ago, two Boston firefighters lost their lives in a spectacular blaze on Beacon Street. Just days later, when Plymouth Police Officer Gregg Maloney died in a motorcycle accident, I immediately thought of Falmouth's own Officer Samuel Pierce.
From my perspective, it seemed that the media gave little airtime to Officer Maloney's circumstances. The Boston firefighters, in contrast, were all over the news for weeks.
Officer Maloney didn't die in a spectacular fire, but the circumstances were no less tragic. Like the Boston firefighters, he devoted his life to serving the public. Like the Boston firefighters, he left a family behind.
When firefighters are called to duty, they are wanted. For the peace officer, it's a little different. I know of no one who would cringe at the sight of a fire truck, but how many of us feel a pit in our stomach at the sight of blue lights behind us?
My father was a firefighter. He saw some spectacular, and some gruesome, things. But were he alive today, I'm sure he would agree that it was nothing compared to what the boys in blue – as he called them – have seen.
Indeed, it's often said that public service is a thankless job, but it pales in comparison to the lot of a police officer.
You often see the worst of what humanity has to offer.
It is the peace officer who must deal with the belligerent driver who thinks the speed limit is a suggestion.
It is the peace officer who must intervene in the domestic relationship which has soured and become violent.
It is the peace officer who must pretend to be something they are not, so that they may infiltrate and destroy the criminal enterprise.
It is the peace officer who must stand in court and defend what they have done to defend us – their actions second-guessed; their credibility questioned.
Benjamin Franklin stated, "it is better 100 guilty Persons should escape than that one innocent Person should suffer.” Our system of justice errs on the side of innocence, the burden of proof falls upon the state, and we hold peace officers to a higher standard.
Yet, we forget that being held to a higher standard, in and of itself, requires sacrifice. The mistakes made by any given civilian often go unnoticed, but the mistakes made by a peace officer are often publicized, scrutinized and criticized. Many would crumble under such pressure, but our peace officers persevere.
All of this makes today that much more important. Officer Maloney – like Officer Pierce before him – did not simply die in a motorcycle accident. He made the ultimate sacrifice; he died in the line of duty. Those of us who wear civilian attire can only guess at what these two men – and the thousands of other officers who also died in the line of duty – had seen and dealt with prior to their passing.
Yet they all served to their very last moments here on this earth.
None of this is meant to diminish the bravery of the Boston firefighters, or the tragedy of their passing. Rather, we must raise awareness of the sacrifices made by Officers Maloney and Pierce, and all of the other peace officers who have lost their lives while serving, and all of you, who continue to serve.
To the members of the Falmouth Police Department: Hold your heads high. Know that we value your integrity, and that those of us who stand here with you today – those of us who have stood here with you, year in and year out – know what sacrifices you make so that we may sleep soundly at night.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Information Session about the Little Pond Sewer Service Area
On Monday, May 12 at 7pm at the Teaticket Elementary School, the town will be holding an informational session about the proposed Little Pond Sewer Service Area (Question #1 on the May 20 town ballot).
This is not a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, although some selectmen may be present. Town Manager Julian Suso will serve as the facilitator.
Items on the agenda include 1) a general overview of this project, 2) general questions from landowners and residents of the Little Pond area, 3) breakout stations which will focus on Little Pond collection system issues (such as the grinder pumps) and questions about individual properties.
In addition to Town Manager Julian Suso, DPW Superintendent Ray Jack, Wastewater Superintendent Jerry Potamis, Assitant Town Manager Heather Harper, Vice Chair of the Water Quality Management Committee Virginia Valiela, and Water Quality Management Committee member Sia Karplus will be present. Also present will be consultant to the town Nate Weeks.
This is not intended to be a forum for debate on the pros or cons of question #1, but will instead focus on providing facts and addressing specific questions from Little Pond area landowners.
The event will be taped and replayed by FCTV.
This is not a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, although some selectmen may be present. Town Manager Julian Suso will serve as the facilitator.
Items on the agenda include 1) a general overview of this project, 2) general questions from landowners and residents of the Little Pond area, 3) breakout stations which will focus on Little Pond collection system issues (such as the grinder pumps) and questions about individual properties.
In addition to Town Manager Julian Suso, DPW Superintendent Ray Jack, Wastewater Superintendent Jerry Potamis, Assitant Town Manager Heather Harper, Vice Chair of the Water Quality Management Committee Virginia Valiela, and Water Quality Management Committee member Sia Karplus will be present. Also present will be consultant to the town Nate Weeks.
This is not intended to be a forum for debate on the pros or cons of question #1, but will instead focus on providing facts and addressing specific questions from Little Pond area landowners.
The event will be taped and replayed by FCTV.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Dedication of River Bend Farm
The 300 Committee will be dedicating the River Bend Conservation Area in memory of Beth Schwarzman on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM, at 682 Sandwich Road in Hatchville.
From the invitation, "The 300 Committee Land Trust will hold a short ceremony to dedicate the River Bend Conservation Area to the memory of Beth Schwarzman, a member of our board of directors from 2005 to 2012...If you plan to attend, please RSVP by phone (508-540-0876) or email (lhelfrich@300committee.org). The event will take place rain or shine."
Prior to being acquired by the 300 Committee in 2007, River Bend had been a dog kennel since 1966. Originally the Sunnyside Dairy farm, a 104-year old silo remains on the property, having been saved from demolition in 2011 and restored in 2013.
From the invitation, "The 300 Committee Land Trust will hold a short ceremony to dedicate the River Bend Conservation Area to the memory of Beth Schwarzman, a member of our board of directors from 2005 to 2012...If you plan to attend, please RSVP by phone (508-540-0876) or email (lhelfrich@300committee.org). The event will take place rain or shine."
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Falmouth Kiwanis is restarting
"The members of the Mashpee Kiwanis are leading the drive to recharter a Kiwanis Club in Falmouth. The first meeting will be held on..."
Read more at Falmouth Kiwanis
Read more at Falmouth Kiwanis
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Kudos for our town manager
The Board recently evaluated our town manager, Julian Suso, giving him marks that ranged from meets expectations to exceeds expectations in every category.
However, we did not review Mr. Suso in a vacuum. What follows is one email we received which certainly corroborates my experience.
=====
Hi there ~
I’m not sure if you at all interested in the public’s opinion on evaluating Mr. Suso, however I feel inclined to share my thoughts. Do with them what you will, but my motivation is simple; I believe in giving credit where credit is due, because far too often we only share the negative.
Most of my interface with the Town is done professionally, as [role] of [organization].
Since Mr. Suso has taken office I have found a pronounced change in the atmosphere at Town Hall. Once irritable and visibly frustrated personnel in all departments are more upbeat. There is a sense of information sharing and working together which did not exist previously.
Additionally projects that [organization] is involved with are making significantly more headway and progress. Delays are explained and problems or obstacles are addressed in a collaborative spirit.
Town Hall is a very different place.
I have found Julian to be polite, respectful, and a quiet leader.
He has not come to Falmouth and stormed in, making broad sweeping changes to how we do things. He instead has observed and listened and then implemented change with support from staff, committees, elected officials, etc. He has been correct regarding all major issues and changes and yet works with folks to make changes for the better.
He also comes to us with many troubling issues facing him and yet remains undaunted and cool in a stressful situation.
We do not have a personal relationship but a professional one – and it is one I value.
I think Falmouth is SO LUCKY to have him and I hope you do as well.
Thank you,
However, we did not review Mr. Suso in a vacuum. What follows is one email we received which certainly corroborates my experience.
=====
Hi there ~
I’m not sure if you at all interested in the public’s opinion on evaluating Mr. Suso, however I feel inclined to share my thoughts. Do with them what you will, but my motivation is simple; I believe in giving credit where credit is due, because far too often we only share the negative.
Most of my interface with the Town is done professionally, as [role] of [organization].
Since Mr. Suso has taken office I have found a pronounced change in the atmosphere at Town Hall. Once irritable and visibly frustrated personnel in all departments are more upbeat. There is a sense of information sharing and working together which did not exist previously.
Additionally projects that [organization] is involved with are making significantly more headway and progress. Delays are explained and problems or obstacles are addressed in a collaborative spirit.
Town Hall is a very different place.
I have found Julian to be polite, respectful, and a quiet leader.
He has not come to Falmouth and stormed in, making broad sweeping changes to how we do things. He instead has observed and listened and then implemented change with support from staff, committees, elected officials, etc. He has been correct regarding all major issues and changes and yet works with folks to make changes for the better.
He also comes to us with many troubling issues facing him and yet remains undaunted and cool in a stressful situation.
We do not have a personal relationship but a professional one – and it is one I value.
I think Falmouth is SO LUCKY to have him and I hope you do as well.
Thank you,
Monday, February 24, 2014
From the Horse's Mouth
I will not be running for re-election this year.
I'll have more to say about this in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Parking Meters, Tickets and Traffic Control
What follows is an email from a visitor to Falmouth, and my reply. Some names and details have been removed, but it doesn't change the overall message.
I thought this was worth sharing because of the attention given lately to parking issues in town. As noted below, Falmouth doesn't (currently) use metered spaces to generate revenue, but we do generate revenue from the sale of beach stickers, which are basically permits for using the beach parking lots.
Could this change? Maybe. Whether or not we intend to generate revenue from parking fees and fines, the fact is that by charging for parking, it helps control traffic. Free is great, but when everyone can get something free, there usually isn't enough to go around, as this exchange (below) illustrates.
Food for thought.
=====
Hello,
My name is Mr. XYZ, and I am writing to you because I received a parking ticket while parked outside of Pie in the Sky bakery on [date & time].
Parking meters exist to enforce parking restrictions, which are absolutely necessary in the Woods Hole area between April and October. Maybe even year-round during the weekday business hours. Not on [date & time], which is when I parked. Parking meters should not be used to earn revenue.
Further, in a time of relative fiscal restraint... is it really financially efficient to pay for parking enforcement during the winter weekends? I'd blurt out an answer of "No!," but I guess if you're going to over-zealously ticket...
I live near [coastal town]. Another town similar to Woods Hole. [coastal town] enforces their parking meters 7 days a week (maybe even 24 hours a day). There are huge signs that explain the rules when you enter the town. However, [coastal town] removes its parking meters in the winter because there is no need for them! Why burden the locals and distract potential visitors when there is ample parking? Why can't Falmouth and Woods Hole figure this out?
I spent almost 30 dollars at Pie in the Sky on 3 breakfast sandwiches, a juice, two coffees, and a croissant. I could have gotten something at any random Dunkin Donuts for half the price. But I like Woods Hole and I like the bakery. We visit the Cape 6-8 times a year and visit Falmouth and Woods Hole 2-3 times a year. We spend money in your town. Unless I receive a thoughtful response, my conclusion is not to return to the area for the rest of the year. Enjoy your $10. I will not support a town who is unwilling to support their own businesses.
--
Mr. XYZ
=====
Dear Mr. XYZ,
Thank you for your email. You directed it to our finance director and
town clerk, but since you copied the selectmen, and because it is we who
set policy, and fees and fines, I thought it more appropriate that I
respond.
Ironically, I, too, have found a parking ticket on my windshield while
patronizing Pie In The Sky. It's a wonderful bakery that I just don't
have enough time to indulge as much as I'd like. And like you, I was
upset. However, to be perfectly honest, if we don't feed the meter, we
must pay the piper. Or the parking ticket as would be the case.
Falmouth is a bargain. Our $10 parking fine compares quite favorably
with Boston (which I believe is $25), and Chatham, another Cape Cod
resort community. They issue $50 parking tickets. I should know - I got
a parking ticket there last year.
That said; Falmouth is not Boston or Chatham or even [coastal town]. Indeed,
Falmouth, and the village of Woods Hole in particular, is unique in all
of Massachusetts, and not just for it's geography, scenery, bakeries, or
marine research institutions. As you probably know, Woods Hole is the
home port of the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship
Authority (the "SSA"), a state-chartered organization charged with
maintaining a lifeline between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the
Massachusetts mainland.
As a result, Woods Hole is a working ferry port. A significant side
effect of this is that residents of both Martha's Vineyard and the
mainland use Falmouth to park their vehicles as they travel across
Vineyard Sound. Although the SSA maintains a number of parking lots in
Falmouth to accommodate these travelers, there's always someone who
tries to avoid paying for parking.
Which brings us to your question, "Why burden the locals and distract
potential visitors when there is ample parking?"
The simple truth is that there is ample parking because of the meters.
You asked, "Why can't Falmouth and Woods Hole figure this out?" Well,
what Falmouth figured out years ago was that without meters, parking in
Woods Hole was impossible at any time of the year. Right now, parking in
a SSA parking lot costs $10. If we were to remove the meters - to
eliminate the fees and fines associated with parking on the street in
Woods Hole, to make street parking cheaper than using a SSA lot - the
parking space you used to patronize Pie In The Sky would already have
been taken by someone traveling to or from Martha's Vineyard.
Like many communities, Falmouth struggles with the challenge of auto
traffic. However, we do not use parking meters for revenue. Rather, they
have been carefully placed in a few locations in order to ensure that
our residents and guests do not monopolize the limited parking that is
available. For example, in addition to Woods Hole, we also have meters
at Falmouth Harbor, which also hosts several ferries such as the Island
Queen and the Pied Piper.
Long story short, the meters are there so visitors such as yourself can
find parking when you want to patronize businesses like Pie In The Sky.
Thank you again for your email, and thank you for visiting us in the
off-season. I hope this email has answered your question, but if it has
not, I've included my cell phone below. Feel free to call me.
--
============================
Brent Putnam
Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Town of Falmouth
508-444-0222
www.FalmouthLocal.com
============================
I thought this was worth sharing because of the attention given lately to parking issues in town. As noted below, Falmouth doesn't (currently) use metered spaces to generate revenue, but we do generate revenue from the sale of beach stickers, which are basically permits for using the beach parking lots.
Could this change? Maybe. Whether or not we intend to generate revenue from parking fees and fines, the fact is that by charging for parking, it helps control traffic. Free is great, but when everyone can get something free, there usually isn't enough to go around, as this exchange (below) illustrates.
Food for thought.
=====
Hello,
My name is Mr. XYZ, and I am writing to you because I received a parking ticket while parked outside of Pie in the Sky bakery on [date & time].
Parking meters exist to enforce parking restrictions, which are absolutely necessary in the Woods Hole area between April and October. Maybe even year-round during the weekday business hours. Not on [date & time], which is when I parked. Parking meters should not be used to earn revenue.
Further, in a time of relative fiscal restraint... is it really financially efficient to pay for parking enforcement during the winter weekends? I'd blurt out an answer of "No!," but I guess if you're going to over-zealously ticket...
I live near [coastal town]. Another town similar to Woods Hole. [coastal town] enforces their parking meters 7 days a week (maybe even 24 hours a day). There are huge signs that explain the rules when you enter the town. However, [coastal town] removes its parking meters in the winter because there is no need for them! Why burden the locals and distract potential visitors when there is ample parking? Why can't Falmouth and Woods Hole figure this out?
I spent almost 30 dollars at Pie in the Sky on 3 breakfast sandwiches, a juice, two coffees, and a croissant. I could have gotten something at any random Dunkin Donuts for half the price. But I like Woods Hole and I like the bakery. We visit the Cape 6-8 times a year and visit Falmouth and Woods Hole 2-3 times a year. We spend money in your town. Unless I receive a thoughtful response, my conclusion is not to return to the area for the rest of the year. Enjoy your $10. I will not support a town who is unwilling to support their own businesses.
--
Mr. XYZ
=====
Dear Mr. XYZ,
Thank you for your email. You directed it to our finance director and
town clerk, but since you copied the selectmen, and because it is we who
set policy, and fees and fines, I thought it more appropriate that I
respond.
Ironically, I, too, have found a parking ticket on my windshield while
patronizing Pie In The Sky. It's a wonderful bakery that I just don't
have enough time to indulge as much as I'd like. And like you, I was
upset. However, to be perfectly honest, if we don't feed the meter, we
must pay the piper. Or the parking ticket as would be the case.
Falmouth is a bargain. Our $10 parking fine compares quite favorably
with Boston (which I believe is $25), and Chatham, another Cape Cod
resort community. They issue $50 parking tickets. I should know - I got
a parking ticket there last year.
That said; Falmouth is not Boston or Chatham or even [coastal town]. Indeed,
Falmouth, and the village of Woods Hole in particular, is unique in all
of Massachusetts, and not just for it's geography, scenery, bakeries, or
marine research institutions. As you probably know, Woods Hole is the
home port of the Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship
Authority (the "SSA"), a state-chartered organization charged with
maintaining a lifeline between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the
Massachusetts mainland.
As a result, Woods Hole is a working ferry port. A significant side
effect of this is that residents of both Martha's Vineyard and the
mainland use Falmouth to park their vehicles as they travel across
Vineyard Sound. Although the SSA maintains a number of parking lots in
Falmouth to accommodate these travelers, there's always someone who
tries to avoid paying for parking.
Which brings us to your question, "Why burden the locals and distract
potential visitors when there is ample parking?"
The simple truth is that there is ample parking because of the meters.
You asked, "Why can't Falmouth and Woods Hole figure this out?" Well,
what Falmouth figured out years ago was that without meters, parking in
Woods Hole was impossible at any time of the year. Right now, parking in
a SSA parking lot costs $10. If we were to remove the meters - to
eliminate the fees and fines associated with parking on the street in
Woods Hole, to make street parking cheaper than using a SSA lot - the
parking space you used to patronize Pie In The Sky would already have
been taken by someone traveling to or from Martha's Vineyard.
Like many communities, Falmouth struggles with the challenge of auto
traffic. However, we do not use parking meters for revenue. Rather, they
have been carefully placed in a few locations in order to ensure that
our residents and guests do not monopolize the limited parking that is
available. For example, in addition to Woods Hole, we also have meters
at Falmouth Harbor, which also hosts several ferries such as the Island
Queen and the Pied Piper.
Long story short, the meters are there so visitors such as yourself can
find parking when you want to patronize businesses like Pie In The Sky.
Thank you again for your email, and thank you for visiting us in the
off-season. I hope this email has answered your question, but if it has
not, I've included my cell phone below. Feel free to call me.
--
============================
Brent Putnam
Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Town of Falmouth
508-444-0222
www.FalmouthLocal.com
============================
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The First Amendment Applies to Everyone
Upon reading the title of this particluar post, you probably thought, "duh."
Well, it's not that simple. Until about 15 years ago, the only way to reach large groups of people was via the printing press, or television or radio broadcast equipment, all of which required a substantial amount of cash to own and operate.
The advent of the Internet led to the rise of the web log ("blog" for short) and the blogger. This leveled the playing field for the little guy. Now anyone could be a source of news and information; all they needed was access to the Internet.
As with everything, government lags behind, and it was only recently that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals leveled the legal playing field.
Lawyer and blogger Eugene Volokh represented another blogger, Crystal Cox, in a defamation suit brought against her by Obsidian Finance Group. Cox lost in part because a lower court refused to treat her as a journalist.
However, on appeal, the 9th Circuit found differently. Many have decried the Citizens United decision which struck down parts of the federal campaign finance laws. However, in that decision, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) noted, "We have consistently rejected the proposition that the institutional press has any constitutional privilege beyond that of other speakers."
The 9th Circuit noted that the SCOTUS, "has not directly addressed whether First Amendment defamation rules apply equally to both the institutional press and individual speakers."
Citing various other decisions, the 9th Circuit Court ruled that, "The protections of the First Amendment do not turn on whether the defendant was a trained journalist..." In other words, bloggers are no different from any other media outlet.
This is very good news for the public, as it ensures that alternative sources of news are afforded the same protections as the more traditional sources.
For example, in Obsidian Finance v. Cox, Cox was sued and lost a $2.5 million judgment. If every blogger lost lawsuits like this, there would be no more bloggers. Our news and information would continue to be filtered through traditional mass media outlets, which are often owned by the very institutions they claim to oversee (think NBC and GE).
As good as it is, you've probably not heard about this decision.
Why?
If your business model is being challenged by some upstart competitor, would you tell everyone about it? The traditional media - newspapers, radio and television - are and have been in decline, due in part to the rise of the Internet and the availability of news and information from other, independent sources - like bloggers.
Let us know if you hear about this important decision on the 6 o'clock news, but we're not holding our breath.
h/t to Eugene Volokh and The Volokh Conspiracy.
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