Archinski starts the Race
By Shawn on Jan 11, 2013 in Community
The Lowell Sun is reporting that Tony Archinski has announced his plans to run for Selectman:
DRACUT — Tony Archinski, a former Dracut police lieutenant, has announced his candidacy for a selectman’s seat in the spring election.
In becoming the first candidate of the 2013 municipal election season to formally launch his campaign on Thursday, Archinski said the decision was an easy one, as friends, neighbors and supporters urged him to try again following his close third-place finish behind incumbents John Zimini and Bob Cox in the 2011 election.
“This is something that I have considered for quite some time, as I have always had an interest in local government and a passion for my community,” Archinski said. “The time is now to represent the people of our community and their needs. I aim to showcase the leadership skills I’ve cultivated for decades for the betterment of our town.”
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Bill Pappas | Jan 15, 2013 | Reply
Have to go with Officer Archinski. At least I won’t have to pay for his Health Ins. Like I do the other free loaders. He earned it.
Rich Cowan | Feb 1, 2013 | Reply
Since it is public information, why not post here the list of all current and former elected officials who receive health insurance from the town? I have heard this issue discussed so much but without the definitive list it is hard to know who benefits from this and who does not.
The town is paying 80% of the cost of the insurance for all employees who receive this benefit and the employee pays 20%. I assume this is the same that the retirees and the ex-selectmen get.
Shawn | Feb 1, 2013 | Reply
From what I’ve understood from Mr Daigle, the town refuses to release that information (who gets the insurance) relying on HIPPA regulations.
I never tried to get the list myself. Its pretty much understood that its a benefit they some current board members get because they were grandfathered in. New members are not supposed to be able to get it we were told, because the criteria for being entitled to it is now based on the retirement program’s rules… which require a $5000.00 minimum income.
Of course, because we are not allowed to see the list, who is on it cannot be verified. (catch 22).
Perhaps later under a new manager these HIPPA regulations can be reviewed, because I see nothing in there about privacy regarding who receives insurance.
Always agreed with Daigle on this one, but not willing to take on the fight.
Greater Lowell Tech members do not receive the benefit.
I don’t mind compensating elected officials, but this benefit is beyond what I would say is reasonable.
Rich Cowan | Feb 1, 2013 | Reply
I feel the compensation should be fair… equal pay for equal work. This is not tree if some selectmen have this huge benefit that is 4x their salary built in. I wouldn’t say that Selectmen should serve for little or no pay, as that can lead to a failure to attract candidates. And to politicians who find a way to financially benefit from their service (i.e. kickbacks).
$5000 used to buy a lot of loaves of bread when Mr. Daigle was younger (even I remember when it was 50 cents a loaf). Not so much now. Too bad they just can’t do away with the benefit and pay the selectmen 6K or 7K for their time.
You say the retirement program that has a $5K limit of income… which one is that. Middlesex retirement?
Bill Pappas | Feb 6, 2013 | Reply
Hey Rich. If you remember when bread was 50 cents a loaf. Then you should remember when they were called Town Fathers (sure as hell would not call them that now) Now it’s do you know how important I am? Their motto is (I know everything you know nothing) so just pay the bill and shut up.
Roger Daigle | Feb 23, 2013 | Reply
I’m sure was a misspeak, when he said “at least I won’t have to pay for his Health Ins.”. As a retiree I’m sure he continued to carry over his health ins. into retirement. If so, of course, we’re all still paying!!
To Rich’s: To some Public Sector employees, you’re not as a taxpayer, entitled to any information. As you recently informed me Dracut employees now only have to pay 17% not 20% of the cost of Health Ins.. You stated this was passed at last November’s Town Meeting!??
Per MGL 32Bk Sec. 2 an elected official “May Be” allowed Health Ins. but only while elected. The two Selectmen, not employed in the Public Sector, Mailliaros and Cox are both insured. The other three are, one a retiree the other two are P.S. employees.
The irony of it is that the Selectmen voted denying new Selectmen that which they themselves now enjoy. Talk about hypocrisy! Their motion is not law. Since they did nothing to bet their motion passed as a Town By Law at town meeting
Shawn – if you wish to read the requirements of H.I.P.P.A,, all 169 pages , I have it. Got it from Tommy Thompson in D.C..
As to our illustrious Town Treasurer, to refuse to provide me with a current list of all those be a former treasurer, who was later found guilty and terminated!!!???
In my opinion, she got his job and she’s protecting it by following orders. Shawn, think about it, when was that decision of hers made, not to provide me with this updated list. It was when I started to make the big stink about the Town’s biggest, at that time. Bloodsucker being allowed to continue being provided with Health benefits after opting not to seek reelection He got it, as he told me, because he earned it and deserved it!!??? Now you have to wonder who she’s protecting and how many!!?? Grandfathered. My neck
What retirement program rules?? To my knowledge, the $5,000 rule, as you call it, was the stipulation imposed by the Selectmen denying new Selectmen, not a Town By-Law, therefore their opinion can be changed anytime by another decision!!!
GLRVS; Chelmsford and Tyngsboro do not provide their elected officials these benefits, as to many others. There are, some, but not many, politicians with guts enough to protect the taxpayer.
Rich – please don’t use that phrase “it can lead to a failure to attract candidates and to [politicians who find ways to financially benefit themselves from their services, ergo, kickbacks. Haven’t you been reading the papers? The more they get the more they want, using any means available! Yes $5,000.use to buy a lot of breads “in my time” but it doesn’t anymore (at least not as many).
Why is I always money? Many “serve”, to give back to their community, their country. How many “Politicians” today whose sole purpose is to SERVE?
No, the 5K limit, a stipend, earned is a requirement for this benefit, health insurance, while elected, has nothing to do with MA. Retirement plans. The big caveat, in MGL 32B Sec.2 are the words “May Be” provided. The Town has the option to say Yes or No. In Dracut, since the bloodsucker’s term, though MGL 32B was passed into law in 1956, no Dracut elected official had ever availed themselves of this benefit. The bloodsucker availed himself of both Health & Retirement benefits just 5 months or so before he relinquished his position. He wasn’t aware of its availability till he was told by the expunged former treasurer, “of his rights”!!???
As to the reference to my age (85), I am proud to be a member of the ”Greatest Generation” where a man’s word (and still is for those still living) was and is his bond. When you shook hands on any agreement you didn’t have to count your fingers. People knew the difference between right and wrong and appreciated the freedoms provided by our Constitution and were willing to die to protect their rights to them. Where HONOR, DUTY, COUNTRY, meant more than money!!!
Today its envy the rich, political correctness, racism, kw2ar on women, me, me, me, spend , spend, spend and get nothing done, discrimination, lying, destroy your enemy, fraud, etc. etc.. Is it any wonder that were in the mess were in??? The blame game has been going on for several years and we the stupid people (not, we the people) have bought into this psychological warfare hook line and sinker. “Sure he’s done this or that but don’t you remember what the other guy did”. Two wrongs have never made a right. It’s who is going to “CONTROL”.
Who can convince me, the stupid people, that we don’t have the right to live our lives according to our own personal initiatives and convictions and beliefs!!!
God Bless America and may he instill in all of us the ability to think and appreciate all of what it is that has made this the greatest country in the world, the courage to defend our freedoms.
“I can understand ignorance but can’t tolerate stupidity” (William Snell)
Rich Cowan | Feb 24, 2013 | Reply
Roger: regarding the 17% / 20% issue, I think I told you some changes were made in November. But they were not made at town meeting. I am awaiting comments from the individuals involved in this decision before I publish anything.
And sorry to hear of the passing of your friend Bill.