Ty runs into two Attleboro High School seniors

Monday I met a pair of Attleboro High School seniors who live on Phillips Street. They said the biggest problem is with the school administration. I asked what they meant and they replied, “The principals need to be more concerned with what is going on inside the classroom and with the teachers. They’ve been focusing too much on the building.”

I asked them if anything seemed different since the layoffs two years ago. They answered, “Teachers were definitely more stressed this year. Most of them are teaching in front of the class now instead of walking around the classroom checking in with individual students. A lot of teachers seem to be struggling with the increase in the size of classes.”

I asked them if this is true with all their classes. They responded, “The Honors courses don’t seem to be affected because those classes are smaller. But teachers are stressed out in our other classes.”

When I was leaving, both students shook my hand, smiled and said, “Thank you for the visit.”

Let’s listen to our students.

A SIMPLE DAY AT THE DOORS WITH ATTLEBORO’S FINEST

Sunday, July 28 — Volunteer David and I were talking with an Attleboro teacher this afternoon. She was telling us about the cut backs in the school system over the years. David and I were listening to her concerns when I noticed an Attleboro policeman walking up behind us. I had no idea what was going on.

Someone in that neighborhood had called the police to complain that David and I were harassing the neighborhood. We had knocked on four doors and only talked with one other person besides the middle school teacher. The police said that we were soliciting without a license, an offense that carries a hefty fine. The policeman was very professional and we instantly stopped talking with the lady.

Soon three police cars were in the cul-de-sac area. They thought we were pulling a solar energy scheme upon the residents. At least that’s what one of the neighbors thought when they called the police. But fortunately, upon speaking with us, the police soon learned that we were on a political mission. We were told the only people that can freely knock on Attleboro doors without a license are political and church people.

Everyone relaxed when they realized I was running for city council. I told the three policeman that I was glad they were checking for soliticitors running a solar energy scam on the residents. As far as I am concerned, Attleboro’s finest were doing their job of protecting us and doing it well.

I have had several occasions to need help from the police in my sixteen years in Attleboro. Our police have always been very professional and fair in my experience. Jan and I support the Attleboro police at their annual fund raiser every year.

I’m glad I’m not peddling solar energy schemes in Attleboro! I plan to be very supportive of our police if I get to join the City Council in November.

Along the way on Ty’s Campaign Trail

Today I met Grandma and her 20-year-old grandson, Ricky. I was telling Ricky about my concern for Attleboro’s home-bound seniors when his Grandma invited me into her living room.

Grandma wanted me to help her could move into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. She doesn’t want to depend on living with her children and grandchildren. Her grandson pleaded, “We want you to stay with us, Grandma.” But she was determined to find a new home and not be a burden to her family.

I advised Grandma to look into my two suggestions; an excellent assisted living facility in Attleboro and a good nursing home in North Attleboro. Grandma listened intently, thanked me and is determined to talk with both facilities. I encouraged her to contact me with any more questions at 508-577-1412. She was beaming when I left the home.

Sometimes being a Social Worker comes in handy.

A funny thing happened while parking illegally…

Last Thursday, while knocking on doors in Ward 6A I drove my car to a small side road off South Main St. I parked across from the only house I could see. The car was nestled alongside a forest. There were no parking signs. I took off my bicycle and locked the car.

I knocked on South Main St. doors and a bunch of side streets for the next three hours until I finally had to take a break at Seabra, I had met dozens of people and sensed the campaign was going pretty well. As I was leaving the Men’s Room my cell phone rang. It was the Attleboro Police. “Please remove your car and find another parking spot. A neighbor has complained about where you parked.”

I thanked the officer, told him I was hopping on my bike and would be at my car in five minutes.

A few minutes later, while I was putting the bike upon the back of the car, a tiny woman came out of the only house I could see on the street. She walked straight towards me. I figured she was going to scold me.

Rhonda was really nice! She was thrilled that I was running for city councilor and am the Attleboro YMCA Social Worker. She invited me to park in her own driveway the next time I was in the area. Rhonda offered to call the police back and tell them I had been very prompt and was moving the car.

Just then a big garbage truck turned into the dead end road.  I hustled my car up the driveway and waited for the city crew to do their duty and they quickly left the street. I had parked on this street on garbage day!

Then Rhonda offered to take one of my campaign signs. I looked at her and said, “But you hardly know me.” Before I could say a single word about my campaign she blurted out, “I WANT TO VOTE FOR YOU, TY.”

I almost hugged Rhonda and said, “but, you don’t know why I’m running for office yet?” Rhonda really didn’t care. She just liked me. I don’t know why.

The next time I’m on her empty street she wants me to park at the top of her driveway.

You have got to love Rhonda and the spirit inhabited by so many of the neighbors in Attleboro! Campaigning can be such a joy!

Vote Yes to Education

Friends – –  I met an enthusiastic young woman in South Attleboro today knocking on doors on Robinson Ave. I told Bethany I will be a strong education supporter… and Bethany told me about the day in Attleboro High School when she walked into Latin class and was told her teacher was gone and Latin was cancelled for the rest of the year … and beyond.

I looked Bethany in the eye and told her I would vote NO to layoffs during the school year. I told her I want Attleboro schools to return to the level we were at before the massive layoffs a few years ago. Bethany go excited and told me she would definitely vote for me.

I also met a woman who is an aide in our school system. She was offered no pay raise this year and was deeply offended. Her union fought back and helped her get a tiny raise but she won’t forget the slap in the face when told she didn’t deserve a raise. We need dedicated teacher aides in Attleboro…. and we want them to feel appreciated.

Every day I meet teachers, aides, students and voters like Bethany who want stronger schools in our city. We will be building a new high school… lets continue to build what happens inside the classrooms!

If you want to volunteer to hold signs and canvass with me in September and October, please let me know (508-577-1412). Attleboro can be the strongest city school system in Massachusetts.  Let’s invest in our youth!