Hi Salma, We are not getting turf. We applied for a grant and didn't get it...........so there won't be any turf.

The minutes of the meetings are sent to each of the 5 Town Clerks.

Ron, Please introduce yourself at the Finance Committee Meeting.

Mark, I stand corrected ST does not give out our address or phone number. I have already posted it on Mr. Kelly's Lunch page. (978) 851-4436 and jpdowning2@verizon.net. Give me a call if I can help you with anything. Since I never look myself up, I didn't realize that the info was not there. I have no problem with anyone having it.

Jane, The Shawsheen Tech Committee is made up of 10 members, 2 from each of the 5 towns. The criteria for admission was submitted to the state, at its request, to find a fair and equitable process for all students. All techs have a similar system in place. It is based on grades ( a student receives points for all passing grades ), attendance, conduct, a recommendation from the Middle School Guidance Dept. and an interview with the Shawsheen Tech Guidance Dept. From accumulated points, a list is developed for acceptance. The one thing that the Middle School needs to stress is that all 4 quarters of the 7th grade and 2 quarters of the 8th grade year are part of the formula.

Jilly, I am sorry that you do not feel I have answered your questions. Shawsheen Tech School Committee acts as a unit for the betterment of the students. We feel that we have created a positive environment where teachers want to teach and students want to learn. No one on the committee "grandstands" or tries to take personal credit for what the committee has accomplished as a unit. I would be remiss to even try.

I am sorry that I am unable to attend the Patch Candidates Night on Thursday. I have a prior commitment to attend the Finance Committee meeting with Mr. Lyons to present the Shawsheen Tech budget.

I am proud to have such a fine institution as Shawsheen Valley Tech as part of the Tewksbury community. I do not know Mr. Downing personally, but I see no reason to make a change in how that school is administered. I have witnessed constant growth in MCAS achievement, and I see in the Town Crier almost weekly of the contributions that the Shawsheen students make to the citizens of tewksbury. At the same time we see how well their sports teams do, not that sports is the most important factor in a school, but it does show where students are connected to the school. Keep up the fine work.

Peter,

This "lunch" looks different then Mike's. I don't see any questions. Just answers. Well, if this was your "lunch", sorry I missed it. I just wanted to say that you and the other members of the STSC have been doing a GREAT job. It appears that some of the public fail to realize that when everything is boiled down, ST is it's own town, with one catch. Once the budget is set, that's it. You can't go back for more money / override. You also face the same problems that the sending towns face, if not more or different. If the biggest issue with Mike is that the STSC min are not on-line, it shows that Mike hasn't studied the issues that ST faces. But then again, Mike hasn't bothered going to a STSC meeting. It shows how intreasted he is in Shawsheen Tech.

I hope you and the public knows, you were the first to put out your contact information. And the only one to put out their back ground information. You have my vote and my best wishes.

To Bill W.
The way I see it is that you can't have it both ways. Mike complains that the members do not report the Tewksbury committees. Well, Peter is going to the fincom meeting to present the Shawsheen budget, along with Mr. Lyons. You can't complain that Tewksbury is on the hook for to much money for Shawsheen, and expect that the meet and great to be more important. The meet and greet should have been postponed. Mike should be at the fincom meeting, seeing and asking where the money goes.

Bill W, As members of the STSC, the representatives from each town are allowed to have the names of students from their towns that attend the tech. State Rep. Miceli has one as well , so that he can congratulate students on special occassions. I have sent personal notes of my own using the list.
I attended both the Finance Committee Meeting (Shawsheen Tech budget presented) the Candidates Night. I was not there in time to speak in my assigned spot but Bill understood and allowed me to speak at the end of the program.

If there are any unanswered questions, please post them here and I will get back to you.

I have to give Mr. Downing credit. He is probably the only one on this blog using his own name and he is fielding these questions from many unfriendly bloggers himself.

If Mike was elected, what would he say the the children and parents that were passed over for a called in favor? I'm thinking that since he doesn't answer questions online, he would remain mute.

Everyone should remember that there is still pending legal action out there, that Mike was and is a part of that could, and most likely cost the taxpayers big money. And that the number posted online, on sending a child to Tewksbury school system, is not a true number. It is low balled. It doesn't figure in the work that the town hall and other departments do for the school system.

When a candidate viciously attacks his opponent, it is usually because he has nothing positive to say about his own candidacy. Peter is a professional educator with a degree from Merrimack in Humanities and a Masters in Educational Administration. He has served his town well for 36 years, on 2 different school committees. He is too much of a gentlemen to enter into negative attacks. I am appauled to thik that this is his reward for giving so much of himself to this town.

I met Mr. Downing at the Candidates night and he is a soft spoken man with definite qualifications. We spoke to him after the speeches because he missed the beginning social hour because he said he was at the Finance Committee with Mr. Lyons while the ST budget was presented. I am glad he was there that night to present his side. I have 2 children that went to Shawsheen and I don't want anything there to change. Good luck.

I read this blog from time to time and rarely make a comment. I feel that there is an undercurrent with Mr. Kelly. He does not respond to anything. I know his father leads this town politically and he can make this happen without even leaving home. We have a quality representative on the ShawsheenTech Committee. What does Mr. Kelly have to offer? I hope he is not in this to cause trouble for the tech. All he talks about is changing things. What effect will talking to the TSC , the BOS, or Tewksbury High do unless it is to complain from within. It will be like having a mole in the White House.

Mr Lyons is surrounded by his 10 disciples and they hang on his evry word. I still remember Mr Lyons in front of the BOS telling them the the state aid formula he helped draft was beyond the BOS and the simple folk of Tewksbury. Maybe Mr Kelly will be able to figure it out.
I would like to know if Mr Downing ever said no to Mr Lyons - our assessments have gone up 25% in the last couple of years.
I haven't a clue why Charlie is paid 200K + package and has several assitants ??

Jon,

If you don't like the "state laws, change them, or have them changed. The sewer rate is going up 8%. In one year. What is the true cost of a student in the Tewksbury school system? What is the "new" high school going to cost the tax payers? Mike Kelly and his
side kick Dick Oneil, has the town in court. And it will cost the taxpayers. The Tewksbury school committee should try to get Mr. Lyons as superintendent! Give him less then 5 years and the system would be turned around. The problem with Mike and his supporters is that they don't know what they are doing. (Couldn't even lead a troop of boy scouts to a candy store). And Mr. Lyons knows what he is doing. He know the in and outs. He can get things done.

And the drop out rate in Tewksbury is? I can tell you it is higher then Shawsheen Tech. Do you want the numbers? Peter and the STSC, along with Mr. Lyons must be doing something right.

In the "last couple of years," has the number of Tewksbury students going to ST gone up? Money follows the children. Has the budget for the Tewksbury school system gone up in those years? If so, how much?

FY 13 Student enrollment 425 cost 5.6M

FY 12 Student enrollment 439 cost 5.4M

Actually the numbers have gone done.
Problem with Shawsheen is that it limits kids choices as the better trades are capped for example 18 kids for plumbing ,18 kids for electrical and 22 kids for nursing . The other kids are in trades that don't have a promising future in a down ecomony.
Mr Lyons is an alternative to the HS not to the other choices. So he is doing a better job than the HS having the advantage of cherry picking the kids and an funding mechanisn that is fully funded. Not a mystery why he can be successful.
Granted the kids are being drawn off aren't coming back to the HS but to charter schools and private schools.

There is only one person with these statistics in his head and it isn't Michael. I feel badly for the people in this town that do not know who you are and what you are about. There is only one place or board in this town where you don't have any control and you just can't stand it!!!! Michael is 43 years old. Why don't you let him think for himself. As a parent you should be ashamed of yourself for using your son to maintain and increase your power.

You have to limit the number of children in a program. It's been like that from day one. At all voc techs. Otherwise things would be a mess. If you need that to be explained to you. I will do that. Shawsheen Tech does not "cherry pick" the children. I believe that they, the children apply to the school. Mr. Lyons, Mr. Downing, and the rest of the STSC DON'T go into the middle schools and tell each child where they are going. Again, the children apply.

The numbers you gave out. Are those the Shawsheen Tech numbers? Because I asked for the TEWKSBURY SCHOOL SYSTEM. And why hasn't Mike ever gone to a STSC meeting?

Don't have a beef with Shawsheen just the system that riggs it by mandating cost but not funding it.
Its just my kids were victims of not wanting a trade education and were subject to the whims of the Tewksbury taxpayer who were being strangled by mandated cost - ie like the Shawsheen and had to short change the kids who choose to stay in town. Hey ,most kids are doing fine except the kids that should have gone to the tech. IMO

I understand what you are saying. But every school, except for the "public" schools has to put a cap on how many students it takes in. Collage is the perfact example. The job market stinks. Agreed! The job market was in the tank when I got out of school years ago. But what no one explains to kids these days, is that they might have to move to where the jobs are. And the schooling they get at ST or whereever they go, can never be taken away from them.

Shawsheen also has unfunded mandates. Thanks in part to Hope and Change.

Sad and desperate are the words that come to mind when I read any of Dan's 60+ posts on this subject.

If you want to see for yourself, watch the replay of candidates night, and make your decision. One candidate is prepared, positive and on time. The other one isn't.

Last point, dedication or publicity stunt........according to word on the street, Mr. Downing goes to fincom hearings about as much as he goes to town meeting. Just saying...........

According to word on the street, Michael has no interest in this seat other to change the admissions requirements and "jump" the list with political favors. He has never attended a Shawsheen Tech School Committee meeting. He should have been at the Finance Committee meeting on Thursday instead of Candidates Night. He could have done both as well, but of course he would have been late. He has no idea what it is about and he doesn't care to find out. He should run on his creditials and his contributions. This town needs to know that he was on the TSC that fired the teachers and has the town involved in a landmark law suit that could cost this town a fortune. I wonder what the breakdown on the legal fees are so far???? He also helped to drive the wedge between Shaw Tech and the TSC. Then he wants to run for this position and drop himself in the middle of the 9 other members that he has been bashing. Do you think the votes will be there for you to make any changes Michael? You were not popular on the Tewksbury School Committee and you will be less popular on Shaw Tech. You are going there to cause nothing but trouble.

I thought that Mr. Downing did will considering he was walking into a Lion's Den. After the vicious negative attack on him lastweek he stood tall and was obviously nervous but who wouldn't be. I give him credit, knowing what he was walking into.............and his Mommy and Daddy were not there to hold his hand.

Wake up Tewksbury!!!! Keep your eyes opened for the big political ad signed by all of Daddy's friends. This town is run by a solid click. Cross check these names with the Democratic Town Committee, Historical Committee and past elected officials. They put up and support candidates and then go out and vote as a block. They have controlled this town for the past 30 years and look at the condition your town and schools are in. Think for yourself. No one knows where you put your "X" once you get in the voting booth. I guess I don't know why anyone in this town would want to run for public office, considering what the Power Pack puts them through.

this is exhausting to read. I couldn't even consider the tech if this is the kind of defensive attitude ADULTS perpetuate. holy cow. if the tech is so great why work so hard to defend it?

Bee Free,

Let me give you my take on defending the tech. Mike tried to get a child into the tech. But as I understand it, he was unable. Maybe the child was a disipline problem. I don't know. Anyway, there would have been line jumping. So, Mike Kelly runs for the STSC, and makes mis leading statements, and tries to find problems where there are none. Then, you have Mike supporters that don't or can't debate the facts. Some even cluck about tracking the postings. Which boil down to threats. Something the supporters of ST and Mr. Downing DON'T do. They even put out that Mr. Downing doesn't go to this or that town meeting. Well, Mr. Downing isn't invited or required too go. Mike and his supporters are trying to spin the issue. They want you to think he, Mr. Downing is running for the fincom or selectmen. What Mike and his supporters leave out, is that Mike won't answer question posted on line, on line. Or that Mike hasn't been back to ST since he left.

Point of clarification.......making the assumption that Dan b Cooper is the other sitting shawsheen tech school committee member ( and a Tewksbury school department employee) never even approaches the level of a threat.

Keep lying all you like. I look forward to election day when many of mikes supporters and I will be heard loud and clear.

Everyone should go back and re-read the Mike Kelly article about the "rift." Someone states that there might be "tracking" of the posts. Trying to intimidate, is a threat. Last I'll say on that. Even the Patch closed that article for postings.

Stating that public resources such as computers and their usage history could be tracked by the employer is common sense. Employers, public or private sector, can track their employees computer usage. No intimidation, just stating facts.

Enough, I do not want to have to shut off comments to this stream but these comments have taken a very personal and distasteful turn. This election is not about whose child went to what school. This election is about who can best represent Tewksbury on the Shawsheen Tech School Board.

...agreed Bill...sad to read the way folks treat each other...and its not even about the candidates, its about things that happened many years ago...sorry to say these comment streams are really not serving any good purpose....just very hurtful to all involved.

I understand the point. My point is , that Mike was on the TSC, but chose to send his kids somewhere else. His choice. No problem. But was / is there a problem in the system, that he could have corrected and didn't? People may not like the questions, but I see Mr. Downing being attacked, mis information being put out against him. And the media not reporting the facts. Gail, if the questions I asked of Mr. Kelly caused you pain. I'm sorry for that. This Simon fellow tries to speak for Mike, I guess because won't speak for himself. And please know, I am not Pat Musse (sorry for the spelling). I hope Mr. Kelly offers up his regrets.

Mrs. Downing, I fully support anyones right to send their child to any school they want. Some of your husbands supporters are attacking Mike on where he is sending his children to school.

Once I see some apologies about the lies being told about Mike Kelley, then I might consider giving one myself.

For all the Mike supporters. Please show me where Mr. Downing is required to go to the Tewksbury board meetings. When was Mr. Downing asked to go to a Tewksbury board meeting, and the request denied? How many of the posters on this web site / supporters of Mike Kelly, or Mike Kelly have gone to a STSC meeting? I know for a Mike has never been to one.

Children are out of bounds, and Mr. Gilman should delete any posts that either attack someone for the choices they make as parents or that reference a candidate’s children in any way.

The choices any parent makes about their children’s education are no one’s business but that parent, his or her spouse, and those children. They owe an explanation to no one. An attack about what one of these gentlemen decided about his child’s education is reprehensible. Responding to that attack with an attack about what the other gentlemen decided about his child’s education is no less reprehensible.

Why does anyone care where Mr. Kelley’s children or Mr. Downing’s children went to school? Making a political point by questioning the decisions they make as parents in the best interests of their own children is beneath contempt. Both gentlemen are parents first and candidates second and having a position on a School Committee does not constitute a legal obligation to put your children in the school system you help manage. Without going into any details, I can assure everyone that for my children, being students in the district their father helped manage was at times a lousy and very uncomfortable experience.

Keith, you make a good point. I am going to delete those comments.

Simon i thought i had removed all. I know i had removed some from both sides. I will go through and check again.

The last 24 plus hours has been something. Information from 25 years ago was posted then removed. The information was so personal that very few people would have known it. It looks like "Simon" appears to be Mike Kelly, or a family member. They, "Simon" says, that I have put out mis information about Mike Kelly. Yet, Simon doesn't say what statement(s) are wrong. Mr. Downing and Mike Kelly are running for STSC, not the TSC. Mr. Downing was never asked to attend a Tewksbury town meeting, and refused to go. Mr. Downing is NOT required to go. A past Tewksbury SC now has the town in court over breaking a contract. An unfair labor practice. Simon also says am Pat Musse ( sorry for the spelling Pat). But he / she knew anything about Pat, I don't even come close to her writing. Pat, for those who don't know is the other Tewksbury STSC member. Careful what you write about me. I'm a private citizen. Mike wants things on line, but won't answer any questions asked on line, on line. And Mike has never been to a STSC meeting, which are open to the public. Mike doesn't support the alumni assocation. Where are the lies about Mike?

obama and romney never served in the military either so does that mean they can't run for president? unless there is some pulbished checklist of requirements before someone runs for office I'd suggest making them relevant over and over and over again is grasping there are lots of candidates that haven't attended meetings of the boards they are running for are all invalid candidates? "the lady/man doth protest too much methinks"

I would like to know why Mr. Kelley is running and why he feels he would be the best choice. After sifting through the bickering, all I can figure out is that he has never been to a Shawshee Tech School Committee meeting. They are not televised. How does he know anything about the office he is running for?

I have talked to Peter about Town Meeting. The Shawsheen Tech Budget, as I understand it, is presented to the Finance Committee at least 3 to 4 weeks before town meeting. They have approved it for the past 28 years. They make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and it goes to Town Meeting for a vote. It has gone through at TM without a hitch for all these years. A representative from Shaw Tech is always there if something comes up. I am not a fan of town meeting.........................along with 6000 others registered voters in this town.

Mr. Downing and Mr. Kelly are running for the STSC, not for the President of The United States. They will not be sending men and woman off to war. If you want to debate the race for POTUS, we can do that in another forum. Make sure you bring your DD-214 when you debate me.

Mike pounds the fact, every chance he gets, that Mr. Downing doesn't go the the Tewksbury board meetings. He leaves out the fact that Mr. Downing is NOT required or has NOT been asked to attend. Last week the Tewksbury Town Crier, put out the headline stating that they, the Crier, uncovered that fact. A mis leading headline and story. Word on the street is that was a favor for the Kelly family. There has to be a voice that pounds the real story. If Mike wants to keep stating that Mr. Downing isn't going to meetings he isn't required or asked to go to. I can keep asking why Mike has NEVER gone to a STSC meeting. If you do not care for that fact, I don't know what to tell you. Mike Kelly CAN'T have it both ways.

By this time next week, Dan will not have to concern him/herself with this anymore.

First off Sean, did you get my response to your statement? Did you understand it? Making the statement then asking everyone to "disregard" it doesn't work. Does it?

Now, you don't want to deal with rumor, so why didn't you put dates in your last post? That's right, you don't want to go back and research. Like the town clerk, who the STSC min are sent to, but most likely doesn't want to look for them when Mike "asked" for a copy. (If you can believe he asked.) Looks like to me. Yes me, that you are making the statement that a request was made and not granted. You need to put a date, and the form of communication used (was it posted on a Patch blog). And why didn't you call Mr. Downing about this new information you may or may not have uncovered. Maybe you could have broke a story for a media outlet. Mr. Downing was the first person to put out his contact information. I hope that the people of Tewksbury know, Sean is close to townhall. He is the "expert" ( his words) in the recycle business for the town. Where did Steady Hand Daddy Jay and Mike Kelly hang out? You guessed it! Town Hall.

No dates?! Then Sean is just starting rumor! This is just to easy!

Hey Simon!

Good to see you back, and that you have been following me. At least you didn't lose control this time. Twice now, right? And was I correct on who you are? Information from 25 plus years ago. Really?! Remember Simon, easy. You stay with fact, and have some fun. It's only politics. Maybe you can make some money. Howie Carr and others, from both sides make good livings doing it. There, I gave you something to bash me with, okay? But I'm happy with my current job. So no, I'm not looking for another gig. Tell Steady Hand Daddy Jay I said hi, unless you are Steady Hand. Hey! That was taken from a newspaper article. Look it up Sean. The pro Kelly paper called him that first.

I would call this cherry picking for best for students based on
Selection Process -
Scholastic Achievement 24 points
attendance 16 points
Discipline 26 points
Recommendation 10 points
Interview 24 points
Maxi Points Attainable 100 points

"Using the quotas assigned to each member town, cut off scores are assigned on or before April 1st based on seats available and the distribution of scores attained by applicants. These cut off scores will vary for each town and are affected by the number of applicants. As the number of applicants increases, the cut off scores for each respective town increases as well.After a point total for each resident applicant has been determined

Hopefully Mike can address this issues before the Shawsheen goes to high tech and eliminated all the tool twirling trades that used be filled by kids who weren't book savy but soared when it comes to mechanical aptitude.

If Tewksbury HS did a better job, there would not be so many applicants to the Shawsheen Tech.

Cherry picking? Does ST tell the students in the middle school where they will go? Or do they apply? Is the admissions process in line with the state law? In other words does ST submit the admissions process to DESE, and they approve it? Answer to that question, a BIG yes. If Mikey wants to addtess anything, he should run for state office. But he will have to answer questions there also.

Correct me if I'm wrong Jon. Are there not other members on the STSC? How will Mike right this wrong that appears to have been, and is going on? Mike must be the smartest be person in the room, because no one else on the board, past or present, or in the state sees this. You also state that the children that go to Shawsheen Tech are "not book savy." So the children that go to ST and maybe other vocs are dumb? Do you know that along with the certificate in the chosen field, the kids also get a high school education? I'll argue with you that it is harder to go to a tech then it is to go to a regular high school. It makes me think that I am correct that Mike placed a call to Peter, asking to get some kid to the head of the line. And the wish wasn't granted. The kid must have really been a problem child. It's clear that Mike and his supporters want to dumb down Shawsheen Tech. But what do I know. I went to a tech and we're "not book savy."

Sean. Go back and read what you wrote. You think you recall a request for a meeting. You don't recall who the request was made to, or how it was made. You don't recall if or when the meeting was to take place and when it was to happen, and the form it was to take place in. You don't want to go back and research what may or may not have happened at a time and place you can't recall. Sounds like you want to start a rumor. Send out mis information.

Mikey went looking for the STSC min. He called everyone in the sending towns, except the dog catcher, looking for the information. If you believe he did call. And couldn't find it. Why didn't he talk to the head, (call Mr. Downing, Patty, or Shawsheen Tech) instead of the butt? The lesson for you here is why don't you call Mr. Downing or Mikey, asking them about a request that may or may not have been requested at a time or place you don't recall, by a means you don't know. Maybe they can understand your double speak which may or may not have happened at a time or place you don't recall, in a form you can't remember. Yes, it's that easy if you want answer.

Okay Sean. I was just thinking, I should help you out. I will call Peter today. I will ask him about a request for a meeting, that may or may not have been granted. At a time and place you don't recall, by a form of communation you don't remember. But before I call, I need to know a couple of things. Was there going to be a large mouse with oversized ears, a skunk with a french accent, and a duck in a sailors outfit at this meeting that may or may not have taken place..........

Didn't say Mike could change the process.
Didn't say not book savy = dumb

My point here is we have two schools competing for the top students . If the HS had the same selection process they to would be more sucessful.

I'm looking at this that each school initailly had a different mission :
Shawsheen - a career in trades
HS - pre-collegiate preparation

Somehow their mission has become similiar. As a taxpayer I have to support both. Now what is happening is that the kids who could benefit most from going into a trade are stuck at the HS. The kids who are going to Shawsheen are going to MIT?? As a taxpayer I blame the SC who are the folks elected to oversee the direction of each school. I don't want to support two HS trying to out do each other on my dollar.
administration

Sean,

You are validated, link attached

http://www.wickedlocal.com/wilmington/news/x811425100/Tech-war-The-battle-over-Shawsheen?zc_p=1#axzz1rY2bDoWo

Looks like the Tewksbury SC requested a meeting in 2008 with Lyons, Meuse and Downing to discuss admissions and were summarily denied. You seem to have a good memory and dont seem to be the type to start rumors.

Speaking of rumors, maybe Downing could come on here and clarify the rumor/lie Dan B Cooper keeps pushing about Kelley trying to get someone in the Tech. Lets have the details; names, dates, times. If its true, there would be no legal ramifications to fear regarding slander/libel.

I think I will keep googling and see what else I can find while I wait for Dan to be done with her school day.

I don't know whether they were sent an invitation or not and I don't care. Why doesn't Tewksbury withdraw from the district. I am sure that there are other towns that would love to take our place. Mr. Cowell can probably tell us how to go about it. It makes me sick to see the dates on these comments. Most people were spending Easter with their families not bashing others.......how Christian!!!!!!!

I have to give Peter Downing credit. He is managing his own campaign and he is keeping it positive. His literature has stated his qualifications, credentials and experience. That is all I am interested in. I would like Simon and Jon to stop attacking. Develop a positive approach and tell us what you have to offer. I would not run for a position in this dirty town if my life depended on it.

I have not been contacted by phone or email by anyone since the campaign started. My contact information has been here on the blog since day one.

To the best or my recollection, we received a request from the TSC to discuss the admissions policy. Mr. Lyons invited them to Shaw Tech because ST developed the policy and he felt that the meeting should be held there. Mr. O'Neil and Dr. McGrath attended the meeting. Since then, Mr. Lyons has met with different members and Dr. O;Connor to discuss this policy. The admissions policy was requested by the state to develop a fair and equitable admissions policy respecting each applicants civil rights.

Sean,

I'm writing from memory, since for some reason I am not able to see the comments. First off, you may not like my style. And that's okay. But remember you stated a "fact" about me, then retracted it. You, like Mike Kelly, can't have it both ways. I wonder if you took my advice and contacted Mr. Downing about your question? If so, great! And if you did, you did something Mike Kelly wouldn't, and couldn't do. Seek the information you are looking for from the source. Not everyone else. But the more I find out about Mike, I do not believe he called anyone when he was looking for the STSC min. One last thing Sean. Because you don't like the way I write, doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about, or that I'm just causing trouble.

I also wonder why , since I put out the challange to "Simon", that he / she hasn't posted what is mis leading or wrong with my posts about Mike Kelly. "Simon" thinks I'm Pat, the other Tewksbury STSC member. Thanks for the compliment and the laugh. He isn't even close. "Simon" is Mike, Jay, or a Kelly family member. Information from 25 years ago. Shame! Shame!

I think I remember it more as a command than an invitation. Keep in mind that the meeting did take place. No one seemed interested in the admissions policy until one or two people decided that things were not going their way. Since then Shaw Tech seems to be blamed for Tewksbury's failures. The truth is that this town waited 20 years to long to build that high school. Sewerage was more important. It cost homeowners close to $5000. to put sewerage in and connect. If you had tried to assess homeowners $5000. for a new high school it would have gone down in flames at Town Meeting. Education has always been on the back burner in this town.

Trouble seems to follow some people..........lawsuits, firings, rifts, etc. Things seem to get stirred up in a very dangerous way. If you look under enough rocks you will always find something to find fault with.

We spend 50M a yr on education out of a 76M dollar town budget. 65% of your taxes goes to support a system that mostly is mirroring the state average performance. So I don't think you are getting more for dollar in Tewksbury as far as results. Add to the 50M another 2-3m a yr to pay for the HS.

wow I don't live in Tewksbury, but I understand why these kids want to go to school out of town..... the parents and town reps are so immature

I do live in Tewksbury and I do understand why they go to school out of town. Our
own Fathers want to blame the Tech School for being too good. Why don't you take pride in the fact that they are putting you on the map. People come to Shaw Tech from all over the country to tour Shaw Tech and use it as a model for excellence and the fools here just can't see it.

Sean,

You assumed.

Did you ever think I wasn't involved with the TSC since day one. The birth of Tewksbury. Maybe you should have given date, close to the time a request was made. Maybe, just maybe I'm not a "townie." Yes people move into town.

So a meeting took place. What did you learn? And wasn't it easy to find the /a rep from ST, to hopefully get an answer to your question? If you were able to communicate with a ST rep. Makes me think Mikey NEVER tried.

And you don't like my style. I don't care. But I did get you to do what you didn't want to do, and what Mikey hasn't done. Contact a ST rep and ask your questions. Do you finally get it? If not, I can't help you.

Bill, Simon has made another inappropriate comment dated today, April 11th. You have warned him about the content of his comments. Could you please remove him from the blog? I don't think it should be closed. Peter is trying to answer questions and comments and it is very frustrating when he is the only one using his own name and constantly getting attacked by Simon. I can not wait until this filthy election is over.

Mary Gail, I removed the comment but I'm not banning him. This election has clearly been emotional for all involved and there have been personal attacks against both candidates, which is unfortunate.

Why is this race so important? There is no stipend, insurance or benefit to retirement. Why is Mr. Kelley fighting so hard for this position? Why didn't he just stay on the Tewksbury School Committee and see through his original committment. I just don't get it.

I need to clarify one issue that has been tossed around on this stream. The issue regarding the School Committee firing the teachers and then hiring them back is not presently in litigation. According to Superintendent of Schools John O'Connor, that issue was settled and closed last year.

The question I keep asking this "Simon" fellow is what is the wrong information I have posted about Mike Kelly? Has he ever gone to a STSC meeting? Does he support the Alumni assoc? Was he involved in the contract issue? Why hasn't Mike come out and answered any of my questions on line? Mike wants information posted on line. Here is his chance.

Thanks Bill. I have been trying to find out where the issue stood. I remember hearing about the contract issue at the start, but then it went away. I wonder what the out come was?

Simon,

Bill did not ask that I be banned. Mrs. Downing asked that you be banned after what appeared to be a comment that shouldn't have been posted.

If Mike wants to run for STSC, it is his right. That's one of the great things about this country. But questions will be asked of him. His background. (I still don't know anything about him. Mr. Downing gave us his background.) He will be asked about his track record when he was on the TSC. (I would like to know about the outcome of the contract issue. Did it cost the town money? On top of the legal fees. He was involved in this issue. I have seen his image in picture, in the stories article.) I wonder what Sean learned when he called Mr. Downing about a meeting that DID take place between ST and the TSC? I still need to go back to the link you posted, but someone posted it took a year for the TSC to ask for meeting. A year?! What took them so long to ask for this meeting? Why is Tewksbury the only sending town complaining about ST? Every town would like to have more money.

You, Simon, stated that it is not a life appointment. Well, Mike isn't owed the position either. Mike has gone missing on the "blogs."

I went back and did some reading of the posts for this lunch. The link "Simon" posted was to the Wilmington paper. The story is no longer on line. April 1st, "Sandy" posted 700 children left the school system of Tewksbury. 700! Why? They didn't all end up at ST. Or did they? If this number is true, did anyone on the current or former TSC ask any questions? Fact is, Mike was one of those members. Money follows the kids. So, the money left.

One last question. What is the "true" budget for the Tewksbury school system? The number that has been put out, does that include the services the town does for the school? Health insurance. Property insurance. Payroll and personal.

Temper temper Simon. You have popped off three times so far. You don't help your run for the STSC. Did you google the information from 25 years ago? If you know so much, what was the out come? Thanks for the compliment.

Simon,

Have you looked at other websites / pages? Other people are writing about you / Mike. Asking the same questions I've been asking.

LOL - I am not Mike.

It seems to me that the only person "attacking" anyone here is Dan B Cooper, he's certainly spent an inordinate amount of time trying to "hijack" Mr. Kelley's campaign. D B Cooper was the first to bring candidate's children into question, D B Cooper is the ONLY person to insult a candidate's other family members and friends, everyone else has used "Mr. Downing" and "Mr. Kelley" or Peter and Mike, D B Cooper uses "Mr. Downing" and "Mikey" If anyone has made this campaign sound "filthy" it's been D B Cooper. If I were running the campaign of Mr. Downing, I'd be asking my "friend" to stop posting in such a way as I think it reflects poorly on Mr. Downing.

I don't understand why D B Cooper still doesn't know where Mr. Kelley stands. I do... I heard first hand at candidate night, I asked the questions that I had and got the answers I needed, I read through his own blog lunch, I've read the various articles in the newspapers, I also checked the link to his ad here on the Patch, it seems pretty clear to me where he stands. His contact information is also out there, and has always been. D B Cooper has been like a dog with a bone about why Mr. Kelley didn't call the STSC members instead of the town clerks about the minutes of previous ST meetings, I have to wonder, why doesn't Mr. Cooper take his own advice and give Mr. Kelley a call himself and ask his questions?

So, if I read Simon / Mike correctly. The teachers of Tewksbury just went along with the master plan? Then why was the issue settled and closed last year?

I wasn't at the candidate night. I have to work for a living. Sewer is going up 8%.

Just in, Mike Kelley has been endorsed by the Lowell Sun!

Shocker!!! Maybe they could uncover what the outcome of the the contract issue. And if Mr. Downing is required to go to the Tewksbury town meetings.

Has their circulation dropped in the last few years?

Well it's offical. The Lowell Sun is in the tank for Mike Kelly. Don't bother posting anything other then good news in favor of Mike. They won't post it.

It also looks like it wasn't ruled in the towns favor. Or Simon would be hammering the facts.

Or Steady Hand Daddy Jay paid them off. Where are all your facts about my lies and mis leading statements, Simon? Remember, when you respond watch your temper. Information from 25 years ago. You never explained yourself. But then again, I didn't expect much from someone that can't debate facts. Maybe I'll look at the past few town budgets and find out what Mike's master plan cost the town.

Simon,

I would like to thank you for your posts. The election is Saturday and I hope everyone goes out and votes. Why I thank you Simon. You should me two things. The first is that you and the Mike supporters don't know the facts. I just hope the people see that Mike is not the best person for the job. And the second thing I would like to thank you for, is that you are questioning Mike. Go back and read your posts.

It's been fun kids.

One last question Simon.

How many people even get the Lowell Sun anymore? What is the circulation of that paper? I looked at it once and it was more car ads the news.

Wow, you are officially off the reservation. Steady crazy.

Facts is facts, and the fact is your 15 minutes are up.

Sack time, big day tomorrow. Big day!