TESTIMONIALS


To Mike Kirby, Editor
The Sun Chronicle

Re: Mayor's Actions Show Commitment to Improving City

Dear Mr. Kirby,

Actions speak louder than words. It¹s a saying we often hear, to the point that we occasionally lose sight of its true meaning. In the case of Mayor Kevin Dumas, his actions, taken while others have simply spoken their intent to act, show that he is, indeed, committed to improving Attleboro. 

When the easiest path with the beleaguered, and grossly indebted, Industrial Business Park project would to have been to allow it to fall into foreclosure, Mayor Dumas and his administration instead worked tirelessly to organize the project, and were able, shortly after taking control of the project, to find a company willing to do business in the IBP. We¹re only 40 or so days from that purchase and sale agreement being finalized, and the administration already has another business interested in purchasing land in the IBP. The Mayor accomplished in months that which the ARA could not accomplish over the course of years, despite the fact that this is what the ARA was charged to do.

We remember when Attleboro's downtown was a vibrant center, with interesting shops and a quaint feel. For the last twenty years or so, this has not been the case; the downtown is dreary and empty storefronts abound. The Mayor¹s sidewalk and street lamp project is a first step to restoring some of the quaint feel to the downtown. While the Mayor cannot fill privately-owned storefronts with stores and restaurants, his administration¹s efforts with Park Street Pizza and the property that Cobalt Construction is rehabbing show that he is making his best effort to improve the options in the downtown. Once business owners see other businesses doing well in the downtown, the idea is that others will follow. Without the Mayor¹s efforts, this possibility does not even exist.

As property owners whose land lies in the path of the downtown revitalization project (the URP), we have found the Mayor to be responsive, professional, and forthright in all of our exchanges with him. As most people know, relationships change over time, and the stress of a project teetering on bankruptcy may play into how two individuals respond to one another. We think that the citizens of Attleboro should look not at the change in one man's opinion of the Mayor that Mr. Hand pointed out in his column last weekend, but at the Mayor¹s actions to improve the city. Those actions alone should do the talking.

Sincerely,

Trip Richardson, Jonathan Richardson, and Amy McCoy 

Mayor Dumas,

I have wanted to send you this email for the past couple of days. This email comes to you as citizen of Attleboro.

Recently I had to walk up town to North Main Street from Union Street. When I arrived at Gilbert Perry squared and looked past the busy intersections and construction on Park Street and gazed onto the Common. And at that moment I thought to myself, I have been a resident of Attleboro for almost my entire life living for at least 20 of them on Holman Street and Horton Street; I have never seen the common look so beautiful. The grass is greener than the best lawn in Attleboro, the brick and stone work is amazing, and best of all it is clean. It is an area that people can now picnic, read a book, or just relax. I thank you as a resident of Attleboro for your vision and courage.

-Jim Jones!

A-Plus for Attleboro!
Kevin Dumas as our Mayor has been A-Plus for the City of Attleboro. He is young, knowledgeable, and energetic, all are necessary to keep up with the many duties of the office of the Mayor.

He supports all our Veterans, our fine Police and Fire Departments, he attends meetings of many groups, supports the elderly in many ways. The schools are getting the extra help they asked for. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk!

Many eyesores have been cleaned up, the former Apco Mossberg on Lamb Street for one, and especially the former Bliss School that had been in disrepair for many years, now we have a beautiful building on Park Street that is an achievement to be proud of.

You’ll see him cleaning the riverbank along with other volunteers, then next you’ll find him in Boston at the State House trying to get extra funds for our City. 
We now have money in the bank our City can call upon for the first time in many years! 

Kevin Dumas is sincere, articulate and presents himself in a manner that makes you proud to say, “That’s our Mayor”. Let’s keep this man in office to continue the great work he has been doing for Attleboro.

Irene Davey
South Attleboro Ma.

  
"At last, a Mayor that supports Public Safety!" 
 Throughout his two terms in Office, Mayor Dumas has kept his word, keeping Briggs Corner Fire Station open 24/7. Going above and beyond, Mayor Dumas has increased Firefighter staffing that has allowed for Rescue 2 in service full time. A friend of Public Safety and a friend of the People, Kevin Dumas has earned another term as Mayor for the City Of Attleboro."

Paul W. Jacques
Attleboro, Ma.
 

In just four short years, Kevin Dumas has demonstrated true leadership and a commitment to making Attleboro a better place to live. From restoring our emergency funds to a responsible level, to providing additional funding for public safety, our schools and veterans, Mayor Dumas has proven that tough decisions and sound fiscal policies work.

Mayor Dumas has also shown his commitment to move Attleboro forward. After decades of watching our downtown decline, we finally have a plan to bring new life and business opportunities back to downtown Attleboro. With the ground breaking for a new, state-of-the-art Industrial Business Park, Attleboro can now begin attracting more businesses, bringing new revenue sources and jobs to Attleboro.

Attleboro is finally on the right track. There is a contagious spirit of “can do” everywhere. Mayor Kevin Dumas has proven himself time and time again that he has the vision, commitment and ability to improve the future of Attleboro and its citizens.

Barry K. LaCasse
President – Attleboro Municipal Council
 

Thank you Mayor Dumas for making our city the best it can be. 
From your focus on our public schools and safety, to your relentless work revitalizing Attleboro, you've won over my family, friends and neighbors. I'm proud to call you Mayor and proud to help you get re-elected. Keep up the great work and thank you for all you've accomplished!

- Joseph A. Solis
 

Kevin Dumas says what he is going to do. Then he does it. He doesn’t make empty promises. That’s why the people trust him and his leadership. Kevin Dumas, “walks the walk, and talks the talk.”

One of Kevin's goals has been to ensure and enhance the quality of life for the greatest number of people within the City of Attleboro. And, he is well on his way. 

Kevin models the behavior he wants to see from others working in Attleboro Government. 

Kevin acts as part of the team, not the head coach of it. He digs in and does the dirty work, too. For instance, Kevin worked side by side with the public works employees landscaping the police station. He was digging and planting along with them. They removed a huge section of earth that runs along side the police station. This area had been barren and unkempt for years, simply an eyesore. However, they planted a beautiful and scenic bed of flowers. Now this area looks eye-catching. 

But, what is most noteworthy is that the Mayor was working with them. He didn’t give an order to get it done. He did it. He got his hands dirty with them. He walked in their shoes. In fact, I have heard Mayors in the past say, “Go do it!” Kevin Dumas says, “Let's go do it!” There is nothing more influential for employees than observing the “big boss” do the actions or behaviors they are demanding from others. 

Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as having said, “Become the change you wish to see in the world." And, it will happen.

Kevin is showing us the change he wishes to see and we are seeing the results.
Please join me in supporting Kevin in his quest for re-election.

Kimberly Allard
Attleboro City Councilor
 

Thank you Mayor Dumas for taking the time to correct the safety issue at the corner of Washington St. and Highland Avenue. The congestion is gone, there are fewer accidents and the traffic flows much better. Your efforts have made it a safer intersection and I thank you again.

Elaine Bassis, Attleboro
 

I think Kevin should remain the Mayor of Attleboro because of his understanding of the people's needs and wants. He works very hard always where you can reach him and never too busy to listen to any problem. Another thing is the time he serves should be four years and then we wouldn't have to listen to someone say they can do better because believe me it is not possible. So get out on primary and election day and do the right thing. Re-Elect Kevin Dumas Mayor. 

Margaret Hassey

 
Mayor Dumas, I would like to say thank you for working with the ARA on the urban renewal plan for downtown Attleboro, this is just the shot in the arm the city needs! I feel strongly it will bring people back to our center city and provide new job opportunities for many. Thank you Mayor for all the hard work and dedication you gave to this proposal.. 

David J. Sargut, South Attleboro
  

I'd like to share a letter I sent to the Opinion page of the Sun Chronicle on the 1st day of March 2004. This, to me best describes our Mayor. 

Not too long after this incident, I caught Mayor Dumas working on his own, carrying water from his home to ensure the garden he just spent hours planting on city land would survive through a dry weekend!

This type of pride for his hometown, the singleness of purpose and this drive to do the right thing should make us all proud for the decision we made in November 2003, and again in 2005.

I do not believe there is a more compassionate, or qualified person for this most challenging position. 

There is Hope for Attleboro's Future!

On Saturday, February 28th at about 4 pm, I was greeted at the door by a face that looked vaguely familiar to me. To my surprise it was in fact, Mayor Kevin Dumas with an outstretched hand to greet me. Knowing some of the pressure I've been placing on the Mayor's Office in an effort of late, I sheepishly greeted the guest. 

After only a few minutes of listening to a condensed version of my opinions, Mayor Dumas reviewed the situation. He then spoke a strange phrase that actually escaped me at first. A phrase so strange to me, that I'm still in a state of shock. He said he would work with me to resolve the issue. 

After two years of frustration trying to illicit a response from the prior administration, here's this young gentleman actually honoring the office we've entrusted him with. 

Please do not misunderstand the characterization of our Mayor as a young gentleman. This is not a kid! His confidence and command are unmistakable. There was no uncertainty, or wavering in his demeanor nor was there a hint of his catering to a squeaky wheel. The man looked at and assessed the situation then, as if guided by instinct, made his decision. 

The point of writing this letter is not to let you know that my issue was resolved, but rather to let the community in on a secret: There is hope for Attleboro's future!

For months I've had one or two Council Members fighting for my family and I. Kim Allard has contacted me countless times to check on any possible breakthroughs in her daily efforts to have get a response for us. She never gave up, even when I had! She was the first to call me after hearing the news. I know we're not the only ones Kim has fought for and I also know that she is not the only dedicated Member on the Council.

Imagine how well things will run once the synergy of a truly dedicated Mayor and Council takes hold. So take heart. There is hope for Attleboro's future! I'm certain of it! 

Steven Plumb, Attleboro

 
The Mayor’s intelligence and determination is what has moved The City of Attleboro in the right direction. He has proven his commitment to our City; his accomplishments speak for themselves. He doesn’t make promises, he makes things happen! He listens and he cares. He is the “People’s Mayor”. We need Mayor Dumas to continue to move Attleboro forward. Please stand with me to support Mayor Kevin Dumas for re-election. 

Tracey Sylvia, Attleboro. 


To The Sun Chronicle Editor,
As President of the Professional Firefighters of Attleboro I would like to publicly thank Mayor Kevin Dumas and Councilor Kim Allard for their continued hard work and dedication to improving the Attleboro Fire Department. For the past 4 years Mayor Dumas and Councilor Allard (as public safety chairperson) have worked diligently to move forward with the commitments they made when they first took office. They have worked together to increase funding which has resulted in Briggs Corner Station remaining open, increased the level of EMS services, and for the first time as long as I have been on the job, South Attleboro Fire Station is finally staffing Rescue 2 and Ladder 2 full time thru an increase in staffing, this increase provides a higher level of service to the citizens of Attleboro and safer working conditions for our firefighters. I realize that for them to achieve these goals it has taken a lot of time and effort, and I thank them for their dedication. I know they will continue their commitment and support to the Attleboro Fire Department as we move forward. I look forward to working with them in the future.

Thomas M. Joubert
President Local 848