Comments on: Our last Fernald post

By: peter-porcupine

peter-porcupine — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

First - is there any way to re-introduce the postage stamp plan? I ask because when it was proposed, the Patrick Administration reacted like a slumlord busting rent controlled apartments - they wanted to sell the WHOLE campus to developers and make a BOATLOAD of money. Well, real estate has collpsed, and the market is flooded with empty retail/commercial space. The whole campus isn't worth so much any more, so perhaps the postage stamp can be reintroduced. (Really, the 'paper' decrease in value may have more to do with the relative inaction than elections do).

p>Second - you are being forced into a Procrustan ideological bed. Reading ARC's realization that closing Fernald et al may NOT result in an increase in their community based funding should begin to sound alarm bells. It's state hospital deinstitutionalization all over again, and didn't THAT work out well.

p>Lastly - before disbanding, I truly hope that the Fernald League will turn the matter over to the Inspector General. He has jurisdiction over state land use ocntracts, and may be able to at least demonstrate the accuracy of numbers.

p>I hope you will keep us updated even in an unofficial capacity. As you rightly observe, it IS a statewide issue and without you, Dave, we'd never hear what was going on.

By: mannygoldstein

mannygoldstein — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that I read your post.

p>I honestly don't know enough about the Fernald situation to weigh in, but I deeply appreciate your heartfelt efforts on behalf of those with the weakest voice in our political system.

p>I'm not particularly religious, but I believe Jesus was right on:

p>"And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"

By: jennlond

jennlond — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RE: Anna Tross- I’m disturbed by what happened to this woman. Why wan’t there more public outrage?

By: adnetnews

adnetnews — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While the Fernald League is disbanding, it is comforting to know that guardians from the league have formed under Fernald Forever Families to fight the closing juggernaut. This change should be viewed as a transition rather than a dissolution. The needs of the individuals still residing at Fernald will not change, and neither will the need for oversight of those charged with their care, no matter where they reside.

p>The Friends of Belchertown evolved into Advocacy Network, whose mission continues today, long after the closing of Belchertown State School. That's because problems of abuse and neglect continue, both in the state-operated and privately contracted homes where the former Belchertown residents and Ricci Class members now live.

p>Dave, you have compiled an outstanding, comprehensive overview here in your final posting for The Fernald League. Thank you for your clear and logical point-by-point explanations, both here and in all your prior postings. The reason that you haven't received responses from the department and the administration is that your claims are irrefutable. You are an articulate spokesman for this cause, and I am sure we will continue to hear from you.

p>And thank you to all the Fernald League members for your diligence and vigilance in the continuing battle to protect this fragile population. I know that fight will continue under Fernald Forever Families. As Ben Ricci always used to say, "Keep the Faith."

p>Ed