The council gives the Govenor advice, which he promptly ignores,,, Why don't you run for a local board to help your community. This is a waste of time. Your to be commended and admired for wanting to get into a public office, But this is all hack...

Let's ask this instead: name one thing the Governor's council has done to change your life. Just 0ne. See, I can't think of anything on my end. Parole recommendations? there's a joke! And how much does the job pay? Again, I have no clue so enlighten me. Wouldn't running for a local board in your town or city benefit more? wouldn't it at least make positive changes in town? Resources are best spent there. The Govenor is going to do as he wants anyways. You know it and I know it. These are great guys wanting to change things for the better, But let's face it. a new face on an outdated council is not going to change anything. Kind of like putting an extra lifeboat on the Titanic.

Hi Earnhart,
To answer your first post about me doing work locally, go to my web site at www.tomsheff.com and I think you'll see I have an extensive resume on work I've done locally...I'm very active. What frustrates me is running for elective office in Newton is very frustrating. I ran for mayor in 2005 and my platform consists of 3 main issues: zero based budgeting, having our budget audited by a neutral 3rd party and consolidating cities and towns for lower healthcare costs. We just voted in a new Mayor 3 years ago, he started the policy of zero based budgeting , which I talked him into doing and it has saved the city of Newton over 8 million dollars in the firtst two years of his office.
My idea of an independent auditor look at our books for cost savings, due to the costs of the audit, morphed into creating a commission of financial professionals to look at out books for cost savings. Six months after the election, the Blue Ribbon Commission was a group of financial professionals to look at our books for cost savings. They came up with ideas that saved us millions anywhere from having energy audits to ideas to save money in healthcare.

I feel very strongly that the further I get from Newton, the more I can help out. The more my type of thinking is accepted. I care how our tax dollars get spent and the dems in this city dont. I feel compelled to help, due to it's how I was brought up. I hope this answers some of your concerns.

Earnhardt, on your second post, in reality the wording advice and consent is misleading. The real wording should be acceptance/rejection. If the Governor's Council votes against an applicant, the Governor has no recourse to change that. The Governor must go to his second choice. Only one applicant in two years has been "rejected".

Im wondering now myself,
What is the pay for this position, its public record is it not?
What benifits come with this job? A car? travel budget? meals? perhaps 100% state paid medical? a goverment funded pension plan?

MS Resident, I can only respond to pay, not sure about benefits. I'm not running for the pay or bene's but it has come up in conversation.. The pay is $26,000 per year (500/week).

Hi MS Resident,
I'd have no problem with that, but it would mean that there would have to be a change in the laws, as you suggest. My understanding is that the cost of the GC is a bit more than the $208,000, because there is staff that is attached. It's easy for me (and the other district 3 candidates) to get to the state house, but some of the GC members from other districts have to come from springfield or further. We are just 10 miles away...hop on the T even.

KAsey and Tom let me respond in this way: The Govenors council is unknown for a reason. Tom as much as you would love to change things you will not be able to. You know it, and I know it, The council recommends appointments doesn't it? So let's say you recommend someone for Notary Public, But someone with a little connection wants Lets say thier Nephew to be a notary,,, GUess what happens? You make Parole Board reccomendations on the council. That has pretty much been a disaster in the past, I can pretty much guarantee thats never going to change, Judges? Again its all politics, And KAsey I do have a blog. I use it often. So I do not need to "Create" a blog. And Kasey if you really think Tom will change the council for the better. Lets see your facts. Things would be different how exactly Kasey? Same sex marriage would have paseed no matter who was in the chair. Notary publics and parole boards would still all be a game of politics, Tom I admire you for running for public office, You are a better man than I am. But I still think your ambitions would be better served locally. You lost the mayors race? Run again. why move to run for a useless council? Step up and run again, Then your ideas and your voice will be heard!

Hi Earnhardt, I totally understand you're frustration....I share it. Matter of fact I became an independant as a statement towards my frustration.
I dont think anyone is or isn't a better man/woman due to running for office, I was just brought up that way and maybe you weren't (I dont know).
The GC is little known due to a lack of effort by the Councl to communicate to the constituents. I plan on communicating through updating my web site (www.tomsheff.com) and writing letters to local Tabs and newsletters. If a person wants to know about whats going on the info will be there and if you dont want to know you can just ignore it(I can't make people become interested).
I dont know Kasey and didnt hear him say he supports me, although I hope he does on November 6th.
As far as me running for running for local office, I've pretty much have given up on that idea. I feel underappreciated in the city and I dont feel my type of logic in finding reform and efficiencies matches the politics of my neighbors. I dont feel I can win an election in Newton and the farther away I get, the better chance I have.
Just some thoughts.
PS the recommendations, as you stated don't work that way, if interested I can go into that with you.

Hi Earnhardt, Thank you very much.
As far as how long would I serve, it's 2 year terms and I have no intention to stay for over 10 years (5 terms). I dont believe public service should be a lifetime position, I am willing to make way for new ideas and new people for the good of the Council. I also believe that if I can't get done what I want to get done in 10 tears, I probably will never accomplish it.
Last thing, I understand you're frustration on the lack of change in the Council. As far as I know, no one has ever made change from the sidelines...you can only affect the game if you play and thats all I ask from the voters is to allow me to play so I can attempt to make some reforms/improvements.
Earnhardt, I hope one day we can sitdown and talk.

Hey Tom. look me up after you get in. I will gladly sit down with you. Meanwhile, Just do the best job you can OK?

Hi Earnhardt,
No problem. What you can do for me is to spread the word. Thanks.

The Council is the ONLY check . we the citizens have on a hack political system. Once the Governor appointee gets past this single check point its history another hack gets lifetime tenure, and with the exception of just one member of the Council its presently controlled by hacks who simply rubber stamp the Governor's appointees.
If we don't get some independent members NOW we're doomed for many years to come.

Arnold,
We are totally in agreement.