Local candidates forums are typically low-key events, but that was not the case during Thursday night’s Plymouth Area League of Women Voters forum at Town Hall when the topic turned to a question on the May 17 election ballot regarding civil service. The Police Department, with the backing of the Select Board and Town Manager […]
Tag: Feature
Posted inGovernment
Meet the candidates for Planning Board and School Committee seats
The Planning Board and School Committee races in the May 17 annual town election are crowded this year. In total, eight candidates are running in three contested races for five seats. Here’s a look at the field. PLANNING BOARD Two seats are open on the Planning Board. Tim Grandy is running unopposed for a […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Manomet Conservation Sciences is still for the birds
From the North Slope of Alaska to Argentina, from Patagonia to Paraguay and places much closer to home, Plymouth-based Manomet Conservation Sciences is working to strengthen bird migration routes and protect coastal ecosystems across the Western Hemisphere. In Alaska, for example, it “conducts research to unravel the mysteries of shorebird migration and track changes in […]
Posted inEducation
Legislation aims to help Plymouth schools cope with $11 million in transportation costs
Two local state representatives have proposed legislation that would lower school transportation costs for geographically large towns in Massachusetts, including Plymouth, which at 104 square miles is the state’s biggest geographically. The bill aims to establish the Extraordinary Routes Relief Fund for non-regional school districts facing high transportation costs. It’s being championed by Rep. Michelle […]
Posted inGovernment
Almost two dozen Plymouth public employees earned at least $190,000 last year
Twenty-three Plymouth public employees — most of them police officers — earned at least $190,000 last year, according to town payroll records. Town Manager Derek Brindisi topped the list, taking in $282,632 in total compensation. Police Chief Dana Flynn was the second highest paid official, earning $263,401, followed by School Superintendent Christopher Campbell, who collected […]
Posted inCulture
These are my favorite places in Plymouth
I recently received a thought-provoking question from a couple new to Plymouth: What were my favorite places in town? Spaces or locations that inspire, heal, or excite? The email came on the heels of a meeting with new resident and Plymouth Independent correspondent Peter Zheutlin, who was also curious about the places I love the […]
Posted inBusiness
Why has one of the town’s highest profile buildings been empty for years?
After an eight-year engagement, a local couple’s dream of transforming the old Salvation Army building atop Coles Hill into a posh wedding venue has withered. Now, one of the highest profile vacant properties in town is back on the market. “We were excited about that vision,” said Edward Gates, who along with his wife, Ayli, […]
Posted inGovernment
A look at who’s running for Select Board in next month’s election
What a difference a year makes in local politics. In 2024, only one candidate, David Golden, was on the ballot for Select Board. This year, five people are competing for two seats in the May 14 town election. Charlie Bletzer and John Mahoney are seeking re-election. They face three challengers: Scott Vecchi, Deb Iaquinto, and […]
Posted inCulture
Downtown discoveries: From art making to axe throwing to wood carving
When your correspondent was last seen wandering around downtown Plymouth, he hadn’t made it north of Town Hall and realized his job was not yet done. There was much more to be explored, much more for a newcomer to discover. But before we head beyond Town Hall, there’s at least one gem south of there […]
Posted inCulture Calendar
‘Beautiful Things’ presents student art for a worthy cause
You’re invited to submit a listing for this column: It’s easy. Email your information to listings@plymouthindependent.org at least 10 days in advance. A good quality photo without type on the image – sent as a jpeg attachment – helps. A free exhibit and silent auction called “Beautiful Things” will open on Friday, May 2, at […]