Thursday, 20 September 2007

First of all, the Chariho School Committee voted to appropriate $100,000 to take care of the water problem at the Richmond Elementary School. It's about time. The water been too rusty for the students to drnk for a long time. We applaud the committee for this measure and sincerely hope it solves the drinkability issue.

But there is more to it. The $100,000 will not help with fire suppression. To achieve adequate water pressure - a new tank is needed or better yet the school can hoop up to Richmond water. Either way, it's an expensive proposition but the $100,000 is a start.

All the hoopla about school committee member Bill Felkner brings a smile to our faces. We love seeing someone buck the trends, speaking out for what they see as correct. All towns need someone like Bill Felkner. And newspapers need him too. If everyone agreed all the time and the votes were 5-0, what would be the fun in that? We are not saying we agree with all of Felkner's positions, but we like the fact that he's willing to speak out against the status quo. Thanks Bill.

The latest letters that Charlestown Town Manager Ed Barrett sent out border on ridiculous. He said he sent them out at the direction of the town council i.e. Councilor James Mageau. This appears to be business as usual in Charletown where Mageau is running the show behind closed doors. And this leaves us wondering if the rumors about the possible sound-proofing of Barrett's office ever came to pass. If we were the betting kind, we would bet yes, the office has been upgraded.

We don't have much to weigh in on yet regarding the new political action committee promoting the upcoming Chariho bond. Everybody has the right to their opinion. We will of course get more interesxted in this PAC if some conflict of interest develops.

The exiting businesses in the Richmond Plaza will have to go and that is sad indeed. Both of these restaurants have many loyal customers and employ local residents. Here's hoping Bali Village and Hope Valley House of Pizza find a suitable place to re-locate.

On the flip side, we are excited to see a new business in Wyoming -- Village Xpressions. As the owners stated, this town needs some shops and places to purchase clothing. It sure looks like a good place to pick up some gifts -- Christmas or otherwise.

The continued dredging of Ninigret Pond is a good thing for boaters and environmentalists alike. Previous dredging included re-planting of eelgrass beds - re-creating a valuable habitat for marine critters.

Rumor has it that Kate Waterman many step down as council president in Charlestown this November. Say it ain't so Kate.