Second "Robo" Call Angers Yes Voters

The call residents began receiving before 10 a.m. Saturday, June 12, had the official tone heard in courtesy phone messages from the town.

"Remember to vote in Belmont's town election this Monday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are unsure where to vote call the Belmont town clerk at 617- 993-2600."

It was what came after that has many residents angry and dismayed.

"Town officials want to take money from you and give it to their employees in salaries and benefits that would be generous in normal economic times but are unconscionable now. Town government must live within a budget just as the rest of us do."

"Remember, that after one year the town can spend the override money any way it likes."

"Is that what you want?"

"If not, be sure to vote no on Monday," concluded the message that does not identify what group or individual has sponsored the call.

Listen to the call by going to the video section and press "play."

The phone call is apparently the second automatic message sent to residents by opponents to the $2 million Proposition 2 1/2 override on the ballot Monday June 14.

Override supporters claim the call and the earlier push poll are dishonest and deliberate attempts to distort the facts on the ballot and influence Monday's vote.

"It's factually untrue and incorrect," said School Committee and Town Meeting member Laurie Graham.

Other long-time town residents have found the messages to be troubling.

"I am angry that these anonymous phone callers are trying to affect Monday's vote by using misleading and inaccurate statements. With the anonymous calls, this election is fast becoming a fight over those, including our selectmen, elected officials, and ordinary citizens, who are working for a 'yes' vote by getting out the facts and those that just want a 'no' vote no matter what kind of misinformation they use to accomplish their goal," said Chris Kochem from Jason Road, a Town Meeting member since 1995 and supporter of the override.

As with the first call – a push poll residents received beginning Wednesday night, June 9 – the June 12 call reported that the result of a yes vote doesn't appear to match how the override's $2 million will be spent.

A push poll is a political tactic in which voters are provided with less-than-factual information on an issue or a candidate under the guise of a legitimate survey.

The push poll heard by residents earlier in the week is reported to have had a similar impartial objective tone as Saturday's message.

Under state regulations, the calls' sponsor, due to the dates the calls were made, is required to file a disclosure form with the Town Clerk 30 days after the election. The individual is subject to a fine if he does not comply.

Two other groups – one representing teachers and the other proponents of the override – are also making calls to residents.

Proponents and town officials state that while raises will be provided to employees, those were approved by Town Meeting on May 27 in the $84.0 million fiscal year 2011 "available" town budget that does not include any funds from the proposed override.

Town Meeting members also approved that day an "override" budget of $86 million. The $2 million in extra revenue would be appropriated to services and personnel that would be lost if the override did not pass.

"None of the money on the school side is going to increase salaries nor I believe on the town side," said Graham. "The phone call is an outright lie."

Override supporters believe the inaccurate statement of facts by a person or group who will not reveal himself is troubling for the election process.

"I'm … worried about our democratic process right now. Please do not allow these stealth callers, who won't even identify themselves, to control how the town we all love is managed," said Kochem.

The robo call were sent on the day when supporters of One Belmont, the citizens group supporting the override stood waving what has become familiar green signs and banners at several locations at Belmont Center.

Ken Siskind, Todd Shuster and David Bumsrot stood with signs near the railroad bridge around 11 a.m. as cars crossed into Belmont Center, many drivers beeping their horns and waving to the supporters.

"I'm here because I support the schools," said Siskind, adding that even level funding spending will result in a decline in services in a weak economy.

Daniel Vernick of Fairmont Road said he did not want to see drastic cuts to schools and other services around town.

"It will just be terrible," said the 12-year-old Chenery 8th grader who is a veteran campaigner, having supported President Obama, Senatorial candidate Coakley and the Wellington campaign.

"I think our town is wonderful and I want to keep it that way," said Julia Blatt of Skahan Road.