RIDING TOGETHER?.....I DON'T THINK SO!!!
Last week an article appeared in the Enfield Press written by Mr. Tom Callahan entitled "Riding Together". First, let me say that I enjoy reading most of what Mr. Callahan writes and look forward to some hearty discussion as we get closer to the November elections.

Now on to last weeks article about the contract to Smyth Bus Company. There seems to be some problems with the information presented to you, the public, and you deserve the rest of the story.

In preparing for my article I had information provided by two of the members of the Transportation Committee, as well as, doing some homework on the details of Toms article.

So here are some items of interest to you the taxpayer.

1. Mr. Callahan stated in paragraph three "after some investigation I have come to a few conclusions". My question is: why did your investigation not include contacting and interviewing Mr. Greco and Mr. Johnson? They served on the Transportation Committee and could have added value to your article.

2. In paragraph four of the article it states that School Superintendent Gallacher contacted Acting Town Manager Bromson to seek permission to negotiate the bus contract with Smyth without going to bid. The information I received tells me that Mr. Bromson was not included, but another law firm was consulted. My understanding is that Mr. Bromsons first cousin is the wife to the owner of Smyth Bus Company and I am sure he avoided getting involved because of the appearance of family conflict.

3. In paragraph five, Mr. Callahan stated that the Committee reported back to the Board as to their findings. In paragraph six he details the results that would have been given in Executive Session. My question: If the recommendation was made in Executive Session, how did he know the results? The Republicans on the Committee did not share with me items discussed in Closed Session as it should be.

4. The safety record that was presented to the Board of Education was not received until after the vote was taken (paragraph 6). Now, the safety record was good and there is no question to that, but the question is: how do you award a contract for bus services before you verify safety?

5. In paragraph seven the article states that most towns that did re-bid had increases between 3 1/2% and 6%. But it seems odd that there is no mention that Windsor Locks received a 2.75% increase for their first year of their contract. How does a district half the size of ours get a better deal.

6. In the last paragraph it is stated that the contract with Smyth is a better value for Enfield residence. How can we truly know this if we never saw other bids? Why, with a Board policy (BOE policy 3320) that states that any purchase over $3000.00 go out bid, did the BOE ignore it's own guidelines?

Now, let me say that Mr. Greco, Mr. Johnson and myself all believe that Smyth Bus Company provides quality service and safe transportation to our children. The questions I raise are not about this good company, it is about process and how it was portrayed in last weeks Enfield Press.

Since there is limited money to go to our kids education it is vital that each Board Member do their best to stretch a dollar as far possible.


Greg Stokes
Note: This past weekend we lost a wonderful lady from the Republican Party, as well as, the town of Enfield. Yvonne Prestwich left this world and past through heavens gates on Friday. Next week I will dedicate my article to her. Included will be many quotes and tributes to her from her friends. If you have a special thought about Yvonne email me at GTStokessr@aol.com