Should we rethink our school building project?

Mon, 2020-06-01 11:05 — AllenN

Hello, fellow Actonians! Are you all surviving the Coronavirus lockdown? I for one can't wait for this crisis to abate.

Our economy has suffered a great blow and we have yet to see fully how it will negatively affect us all, from the personal level to the town, state, and federal government, as well as the private sector and the stock market. There are many unknowns out there that were not present just five or six months ago.

Last year, our Town approved a new "Triplet School" to replace Douglas and Gates elementary, and to expand our kindergarten and pre-K offerings.

Continued Restrictions and Observations in Acton and Boxborough and around the World due to the COVID-19: March 23-April 6

Tue, 2020-04-07 09:29 — Scott Smyers

Over the past two weeks, restrictions have increased even more, and the news isn't much better thanks to the ongoing spread of the Corona/Covid 19/Wuhan Virus. Local, state and federal agencies are doing what they can to support the medical service industry but to be prepared for any situation would require an extraordinary amount of resources AND limit our individual freedoms to an unacceptable level in case of an outbreak.

First, They Closed the Schools, then the Playgrounds. What's next? March 12-22, 2020

Sun, 2020-03-22 19:16 — Scott Smyers

None of us have ever experienced anything like the ongoing spread of the Corona/Covid 19/Wuhan Virus. There is an abundance of information (mixed with false information) online and in broadcast media. It is difficult to keep up with the latest news, figure out what really going on and even more difficult to determine what will happen in the future. Here is a collection of observations and some analysis of how this has affected our local community over the past 11 days. Acton Forum will continue to post similar updates week to week.

Acton’s Immigration Policy After Nearly Two Years: Part 2, Data and Police Comments

Mon, 2020-01-06 10:21 — Scott Smyers

This Blog is a continuation of Part 1, posted on October 27, 2019. To read part one, CLICK HERE

To quantify the population of non-citizen lawbreakers within Acton between November 1, 2017 and November 1, 2019 Acton Forum asked Deputy Chief of Police, James Cogan to compile a list of police interactions with individuals who:

a. did not have identification from the US,

Feeling sorry

Wed, 2019-12-18 09:05 — AllenN

The last couple of weeks has been a great reminder of why I took an extended break from local town politics, and how much I now need another. I am "feeling sorry" but the question for my readers is who am I feeling sorry for?

The Future of Education in Acton Boxborough – Problems with Projecting Future Needs

Mon, 2019-12-16 12:18 — Scott Smyers


I have several concerns related to the building project as it relates to how education will be implemented in the future 50 years. Investing over $100 Million is worth considering every reasonable alternative.

Acton: Vote No on Ballot Question One (School Building)

Sun, 2019-12-15 20:21 — AllenN

Acton voters will be asked to approve three Proposition 2½ overrides this Tuesday, December 17, at the ballot box. Voters may cast their ballot between 7 am and 8 pm.

Berry Berry quite contrary

Fri, 2019-12-13 16:18 — AllenN

Joann Berry, our new Town Moderator, has already distinguished herself. She has shown that she has the raw power to silence her political opponents at Town Meeting. Nicely done! (cue the laugh track).

Ms. Berry and I have a bit of history going back around 15 years. In fact, she was just about the very first person I ever met with right before I started getting involved in local politics. As I recall, she was the head of the League of Women Voters (which has turned into an incredibly partisan organization, by the way).

Truth and consequences

Thu, 2019-12-12 23:30 — AllenN

There is a town election coming this Tuesday Dec. 17. Your vote will determine three Proposition 2 1/2 overrides for a total increase to the Average Single Family (ASF) property tax bill of between $570-$657 per year for 30 years. Polls open at 7 am and close at 8 pm.

Where is Joann Berry?

Tue, 2019-12-10 09:47 — AllenN

Acton Town Moderator Joann Berry has disappeared. If you see her, please have her call me. My home number is ......

I know Ms. Berry was in town last week, because I attended the Special Town Meeting. And I assume she will be in town tonight because we have a second Special Town Meeting, and she is the Town Moderator. But in between these two commitments, Berry could be vacationing on a remote island (without Internet service) or maybe she is doing a marathon yoga or meditation session and can't be disturbed.

The reason I want to speak with Ms.