Rep. Miceli Weighs in on High School Appeals
State Representative James Miceli said the delays are unfortunate, but residents are within their legal rights to appeal.
Photos
State Representative James Miceli said he’s been monitoring the appeals process of in Wilmington that has delayed construction on the new high school that was approved by voters in December.
Miceli said he backs the construction of a new school, and that while he is disappointed to see the delays, he supports residents’ rights to file the appeals.
“You have a process going on right now which to a lot of people might be frustrating,” said Miceli. “This is the process. We can dislike it, but these folks, good or bad, have the legal right to do what they’re doing. I’m not happy about it. It seems to be never ending.”
The State Representative said that while he was not a part of what went on behind the scenes in the weeks and months leading up to the appeal, he wonders if anything could have been done differently to prevent the delays.
“Could anything have been done months ago to preclude this from happening?” said Miceli. “This is unfortunate. It’s unfortunate, but I ask that question again. I wasn’t privy, so I don’t know. Maybe someone made an effort to preclude all of this. But some of the folks who are appealing this project are playing the process that is made available to them.”
Miceli has been present at multiple public forums about the school, and has seen first hand how contentious the discussions have gotten in recent months.
When resident Kevin MacDonald, who is the spokesperson for the latest appeal, was dragged out of a public meeting in October following an exchange with Town Manager Michael Caira, Miceli was in attendance and spoke out against the decision to get police involved.
“This has become very bitter, and that is a shame,” said Miceli. “People have taken advantage of the rights given to them … I think everyone should sit down around the table and try to bury the hatchet. That may be possible, but it may not.”
Several Wilmington Patch readers expressed concern that there are four Deming Way residents who signed the appeal.
Those residents have questioned whether the Deming Way senior citizens were taken advantage of as petitioners readied their appeal.
“That’s an interesting question,” said Miceli. “They have the right to sign any petition they want to sign. I would assume that they knew what they were signing. You have an astute crew down there, and they stay up to date on the issues in town. I would hope that they read the appeal before signing it, but the only other person who would be able to answer that question is the person who brought the petition.”
Miceli said he hopes the process will move quickly, and parties will resolve their differences through whatever means possible. As he concluded his thoughts on the appeal, Miceli again stressed that while the appeal may be frustrating for many, it’s simply part of the process.
“These folks have the legal right to do what they’re doing,” said Miceli. “However, in the final analysis, this will have cost us a substantial amount of money.”
Daniel
6:04 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
What a joke. What this story DOESNT tell you is that Miceli's strongest political supporters are the ones who have filed an appeal. Just read past issues of the Town Crier (on line) and this is evident. Miceli is right in that the appellants have the right under the law to appeal. What is also true is that a true leader takes a stand on behalf of the overwhelming sentiment of his district and supports them by saying it is wrong. Gutless pol.
Daniel
6:12 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
If he was worth a damn he would say "I know these people very well. They have been strong supporters and friends of mine. Let me talk to them." If it doesnt work, it doesnt work. At least he would be honest and be able to say he tried. This is just BS.
Christine
6:24 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Yes it's BS and I will make sure every person calls miceli's office that I can rouse.. I suggest you talk tithe appellants before the real story hits the papers
Christine
6:29 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Shame on you Miceli... These people don't care about
Improving this town because they are hell bent on vendettas--Kevin couldn't even get enough signatures for the appeal, he had to go begging and likely LYING at Deming Way for signatures.. The truth will come out and you will benefit holding the bag in support of these quacks.
Christine
6:33 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Unfortunate--lousy choice of words ???? You clearly don't give a crap about my tax money either.. if. You were a real LEADER you would intervene and try to mediate the situation which is a legally binding way to solve this appeal. Did you know that??
Steve H
8:18 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Christine i agree with u, the people who initiated theses appeals, have had long standing grudges with the town over personal issues. Miceli isn't saying anything that we already don't know, it has been made perfectly clear that they have the right to appeal, so not really sure why he had to comment, other than to get his name out there, it is a well known fact that he doesn't agree with our town manager on much. Kevin and George are both pathetic individuals. The fact that they had to go to Deming way to get signatures shows how desperate they are, and if this offends some people who live there i am sorry, but it is the truth.
Cheryl Gualtieri Catanzano
8:33 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Seems to me that elections are won with the MAJORITY of the votes. Not happy with his response.
Mathew Jancsics
8:41 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Well that was an effort in futility, if he truly is backed by the people who are leading the charge against the school there is little chance he will stick his neck out, which explains the typical non response.
I can't stress enough that while this options is seemingly available to the appellants, it still doesn't make it right or just.
Steve H
8:43 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Not much can be done against or to the men and woman who filed the appeal, but the next time Miceli runs we can vote him out.
Concerned Citizen
9:59 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Should have done that two years ago when we had a real candidate.
Steve H
10:03 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
He is living off what he did in the past for wilmington
Joey
9:51 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Yeah every time the legal process doesn't work out in our favor Mr. Miceli should be able to wave his magic wand and immediately change the laws to suit our needs. You people are idiots.
Melissa
10:35 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I don't believe calling us idiots is appropriate as I don't believe anyone has asked him to "wave a magic wand". What I think people are doing is asking him to give us real and not BS, vague answers on which side of the fence he is on and how he can help what the MAJORITY of the people in this town want. He gave a very political answer with no plans of action to step in, mediate and help resolve this. I for one am very disappointed.
Mathew Jancsics
11:36 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Joey, don't think anyone here is asking for a magic wand, rather for Miceli to grow a pair and take a stand, if he truly feels the project should go forward then he should do whatever is in his power to work to that end, and if he doesn't feel the project should go forward because of his alliances with those protesting then he should man up and say so, instead of this wishy washy response about letting the system handle the issue.
Jackie
10:10 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
90% of the registered voters in Wilmington, voted for the New High school. Thats an awful lot of votes to loose, Mr. Miceli.
Mary D.
11:20 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Mr. Miceli, I am very disappointed in your non-action on this issue and many issues over the past years. I was a big supporter of yours for many years. I can no longer support a man that is so wishy washy on such an important issue. I have not seen this much shampooing since the last BOS meeting with that gentleman that sits on the right. Make a stand Mr. Miceli. This is not right. Choose a side and Make a stand.
Melissa
9:18 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.
John Stuart Mill
Al Roberts
11:01 am on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Glad you have been "monitoring" the situation Jim. Apparantly thats about all you are going to do. Incredible response from our elected rep given this is the most important issue in Wilmington for fifty years. Doug Sears if you were elected what would you do to help the situation? its clear the the Miceli Approach of "staying out of it because I am good freinds and pals with the handful of people appealing" isnt doing much good for us.
Christine
1:56 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Mr. Miceli, How about investigating what Kevin told the people at Deming Way? Did he bend the truth , leave out the fact that their signatures would cost the town millions or just outright lie? Whe he couldn't get votes at Market Basket he left for senior housing?? Really Kevin?? LOW--
Joey
4:11 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Melissa I think Rep. Miceli was very clear when he said, “This is the process. We can dislike it, but these folks, good or bad, have the legal right to do what they’re doing. I’m not happy about it. It seems to be never ending.” So I'm assuming you realize that the laws and policies affecting this situation were not created by Miceli. He is not responsible for enforcing them. He does not have the capability to change them when one group of people thinks they're not right. Are you asking him to condemn, or better yet, change, an appeals process that you feel is not right? That's done through a petition, not by slamming him personally on a blog. What would you have him say? Maybe that he's really really "not happy about it"? It sounds to me like you're having a temper tantrum, don't like Miceli, and need a scapegoat to blame everything on. He had nothing to do with these appeals. If you want to blame someone, blame the appellants, or the governing body and committee that dropped the ball on this for the third time!
Concerned Citizen
4:23 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
And you know what Joey, he didn't have anything to do with the vote approving the project at the special town meeting because he wasn't there. THIS IS FACT! Our most important and biggest town meeting ever and he couldn't spare a few hours to show support like the 2,000 other people did. You call that representation, I call that arrogance.
Melissa
4:37 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
A temper tantrum? I am not even going to dignify that with a response but please note my tone as incredulous that you would assume that is what I am doing. He said he's not happy about it, but what is his plan to help address it? There isn't one. There is no representation of the people, just him trying to keep his nose clean so he can't say he's stuck in it for the good, bad and ugly. He can't change the appeals processes, but he can appeal to the people who are putting forth the appeal to find some resolution to this before we get stuck with a $3M extra bill.
Mathew Jancsics
8:30 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Anyone can choose to get involved or not get involved should they desire. It was painfully clear from his non answer that he has no interest in trying to do anything in this matter; instead to let it play out in the system...will they lose at their appellate action, absolutely, but at what cost. A true leader that was behind this action would do whatever was in their power to try and assist in bringing this to a peaceful resolve, instead of just letting the “system” handle it costing taxpayers millions.
Christine
4:27 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Joey, I don't think we're scapegoating a politician who put himself into the discussion and then does not act to do what he can to protect my money-- this process is BS--even the DEP admitted that 90% of these appeals are based on vendettas--and here you have it--two more for the list--I DO blame the appellants. I hope every person in town lets them know it too...The taxpayers have every right to remind them regularly that they have held our new high school hostage, reduced the quality of education for my kids, and cost me millions in delays.
Rep. Jim Miceli
5:04 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Let's not distort the facts. Everyone knows I spoke adamantly in favor of the new High School on more than one public occasion and every public official and the citizens of the community knows it! In fact, one of the school committee members publicly thanked me for being involved in th new school effort!
Foghorn Leghorn
6:01 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The only thing that is dis... I say distorted around here is that picture of you... LO... I say LOL
Christine
6:02 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Mr. Miceli, I appreciated our candid conversation. I am hoping you will sit down with your constituents, Bodnar, McDonald and Lingenfelter and mediate a reasonable solution for the greater good of Wilmington's taxpayers. Just because it is their right to appeal does NOT mean you have to have to support them. You are a respected and veteran politician in this town and I am hoping you use those years of experience to help save us MILLIONS and help my son graduate from a top-notch education system here in Wilmington. Speaking in favor of the high school is not enough, we need you to act. Thank you for responding to my phone call.
Al Roberts
6:36 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Hey Jim nice picture above of you hanging out with one of Wilmington's Finest! Hope you washed your hands after.
By the way Christine a return phone call is a politician's way of saying thanks but no thanks. He should take the lead here, even if it's not successful. A leader doesnt sense the wind direction and call Patch to try and get some premptive publicity (in which he says NOTHING) a leader gets involved, takes a public stand, and makes a difference.
Mathew Jancsics
8:27 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Ahh yes, lip service....speaking adamantly in favor of a project when the majority approves and it is a sure “win” is pretty easy no?
Now that there is a chance to truly get involved, save the town millions, and aid in what is clearly a “hostile” situation you’re taking a step back and suggesting we all let the process play out.
And any comment on the accusations that two of the major forces are also solid campaign contributors?
Should this go to Superior court then will you consider offering an honest opinion on the matter and consider stepping in to assist?
Sadly I don't think I need my magic 8 ball to say signs point to no
Concerned Citizen
8:54 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Seriously like this is really Rep Miceli, who has said on more than one occasion he doesn't use computers. I wonder who really wrote this, is that you Margaret or is it the wonderful Nancy? Inquiring minds want to know.
Mathew Jancsics
8:57 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
He truly said he didn't use computers and he got elected? Next will he be saying the internets are a series of giant tubes?
Sadly the former doesn't surprise me; the good is that there are always future elections.
Douglas W. Sears
5:49 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
"Doug Sears if you were elected what would you do to help the situation?"
___________________________________________________
Tewksbury has a brand new high school opening up for the Fall. It is a real uplift for the community. We got it a very good price. The record shows that Rep. Miceli was late in getting behind that project. He had a concern about bonding as I recall.
I have no knowledge why he did not attend Wilmington's December Special Town Meeting. I did attend the one a month or so ago on the soil contamination, the new high school and the on-going appeals. I am pleased that Wilmington is also getting a new high school, and whole-heartedly support the project.
I have read selectively the digitized Town Crier files. Fascinating stuff. What a service the librarians did. I am impressed. I also see a long record of public feuding recorded there. So, none of the above-expressed frustration is a surprise to me, as a relative new comer -- or to those who grew up in this town.
There is a "disconnect" here: on a wide scale, Wilmington is perceived as one of America most liveable communities; while on a narrower one, Town Meeting started more than a half hour late because there is not a quorum of 125 to begin. While some are apathetic, others don't want to come spend ar Saturday doing one hour's work in six hours' time because of the acrimony.
I am in favor of civility and of education. Were you to elect me as your Representative, I would support both.
Concerned Citizen
8:55 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Not bad, would like to hear more from you Mr. Sears.
Foghorn Leghorn
5:58 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
O...I say OOOHHH BOY
Jackie
6:08 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Joker, I mean Joey ,
Miceli is a leader and we are taught to FOLLOW the leader. What he should of done was publicly appeal to the disgruntled group or even the innocent Deming way people ,who were most likely lied to in order to get their signatures , and show his displeasure in what they are doing!! A Public figures words hold a lot of value and maybe some of the group would reconsider if he had !!! He pretty much said that it is what it is and he really doesn't care !!
We aren't asking for magic here , we are asking him to REPRESENT us !!! Is that too much to ask ????
Captain Caption
11:24 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
PIC #2
You have to answer for this appeal, Miceli. You fingered MacDonald for the appealing people
Mike, you got it all wrong
Ah, that little farce you played with my sister. You think that would fool a Bodner?
Mike, I'm innocent. I swear on the kids.
Sit down
Please don't do this to me, Mike. Please don't
Suzanne is gone. So is George Lingenfelter. Gerald O’Reilly. Droopy and Pep’e LePew Today I settled all family business so don't tell me that you're innocent. Admit what you did.
Get him a drink. Don't be afraid, Miceli. Come on, you think I'd make my sister go to an old high school? I'm Godfather to your son.
Captain Caption
11:29 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
PIC#1
And how is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain. Remember when I took that home winemaking course, and I forgot how to drive?
Al Roberts
11:03 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Interesting how close Miceli is to the people who appealed the High School Project. He just recently sent Suzzane Sullivan to Woburn as his formal spokesman to a meeting before a board over there. Who is he kidding? He is tight with all of them thats why he is not fighting to help us
Concerned Citizen
3:40 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
That's exactly right!
Mathew Jancsics
9:01 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Not to resurrect this however had two voicemails on my house line tonight from Mr. Miceli (guess he or someone on his staff does know how to work the internets after all) , neither of them sounded overly ecstatic, curious if anyone else got called and what the gist of the conversation was?
NP
9:24 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Wow! Wonder what that's all about!! Call him back....
Mathew Jancsics
9:27 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Well the 1st one he left was early afternoon (people work you know) and the 2nd was when I was out in the early evening, guessing most people he calls are home all the time? regardless I may but my time most days is a rarity.
NP
9:35 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
He obviously has something to say to you...You may have hit a nerve, I would be VERY curious to hear what he has to say. I know he had a conversation with Christine...maybe all the comments are actually causing him to DO SOMETHING...call him...
Daniel
9:33 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Mathew no offense to you but don't you think it would be better if he used his dime to call his friends and ask them to withdraw their appeals?
Mathew Jancsics
9:36 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Daniel, no offense at all as I agree 110%...can only figure he is calling me to assure me he has the best interests of this town at heart or to give me a hard time over my comments here, if it is the latter then woo hoo would that be awesome as it would guarantee he be on my holiday card list :)
Daniel
9:44 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Its interesting Miceli is quoted in the Herald today for taking a strong stand about not taxing Olympians on what they win or earn but he is taking no stand on this huge issue where his own constituents are going to be financially screwed because of his buddys' appeals. What a useless public servant.
Concerned Citizen
5:50 pm on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Couldn't agree with you more.
Rep. Jim Miceli
3:24 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Christine:
I have called Gerry O'Reilly to ask if he would be willing to discontinue his action. We had a very lengthy conversation in which he insisted he would not change his position.
Once again, I will emphasize that people in town know I have spoken strongly in favor of the new high school on several occasions. This is known to public officials and citizens alike! One of the school committee members publicly thanked me for supporting the new school. I have had staff members attend state meetings on the new high school to monitor the proceedings.
Al Roberts
4:16 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Did you send Suzzane Sullivan?
Concerned Citizen
7:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Representative, do you seriously want us to believe you are actually paying attention to what happens in Wilmington? Please tell us why you didn't talk with Kevin McDonald or George Lingenfelter? You neglect to tell everyone that the "school committee" member who publicly tanked you is a political ally, how so ingenious of you. How can you say you really care about this process when you didn't even bother to attend the Special Town Meeting in December to vote for the project. But no, you were too good to attend because you had tickets to an out of state football game. Don't tell us you didn't have time or due notice to change your plans. Enough with the excuses Representative. Its time you start representing the town you actually live in!
Rep. Jim Miceli
3:30 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
To the individual who said he read in the Herald that I said Olympic athletes should be exempt from paying income tax. Not true. The question was should winning Olympic athletes pay state income tax on only the prize money they win? I, like others polled, said no. The question pertained only to prize money. I felt the athletes brought great honor to our state and country, and not paying a state tax was a token of our state's appreciation.
Douglas W. Sears
9:36 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
Jim -- are you going to give the people of Wilmington the opportunity to hear us debate these and other issues in Wilmington? The word on the street is that you are trying to get out of your invitation by the Wilmington TOWN CRIER to debate me on October 23rd to be broadcast by WCTV? -- Doug