Paradise Lost: Evan Dobelle late with $125,000 research project

By Anthony FydenPrint Story | Email Story
Evan Dobelle (file photo)
Former Pittsfield Mayor Evan Dobelle is way behind on a $125,000 research project for the University of Hawaii, and school regents want some answers. University regents fired Dobelle from his job as president in June, 2004, after he served for about three years, with members saying they had “lost trust” in him. Now, they’re wondering when he is going to fulfill his obligation to complete a research project that was part of a severance agreement. In the past nine months, they say, Dobelle has submitted only a page-and-a-half draft and had failed to sign specific terms for the project. "It was our understanding that this is a real research project, not a sham," regents chairman Patricia Lee, told the Associated Press. The school received the draft earlier this month, with no details on when the rest of the project would be completed. Dobelle’s attorney, Rick Fried, told the AP that his client would complete the project. The research project, which is supposed to look at the impact of higher education projects benefit urban areas, was part of a settlement between Dobelle and the school, although many details were never finalized. The University originally fired Dobelle for cause – while the president was vacationing in Chicago – and then rescinded the firing with the settlement. As part of the deal, Dobelle was paid more than $1 million and attorney’s fees. His term in Hawaii was a stormy one, highlighted by clashes with the board of regents. After he left the post, The Hawaii State Ethics Commission chastised Dobelle for failing to disclose as gifts two trips, to Japan and Molokai, and money from a $200,000 per year protocol fund. Dobelle also raised eyebrows with other spending, such as when four students from Colby College in Maine received free room and board at a UH dormitory during a 2002 winter break. The students even reportedly took several towels and sheets with them when they left. Dobelle’s attorney said that the purpose was to explore "an exchange” between the two schools, according to the Honolulu Advertiser. It was also alleged that Dobelle conducted some serious job hunting during his tenure at UH, possibly using state resources. Dobelle served two terms as Mayor of Pittsfield, from 1973-1977. He served as president of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and Middlesex Community College in Lowell as well as other positions in academia, before taking the job in Hawaii. In January, he took a job as president of the New England Board of Higher Education. To post a comment on this article, or to view related links, visit CyberFyden Blog by clicking here.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
View Full Story

More Stories

Sports
image description

Lee Executes Game Plan to Perfection in Quarter-Final Win

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Volleyball Reaches State's Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Boys Win 3rd Straight Regional Crown

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Girls Again Top Monson in Western Mass Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Sweeps Its Way to Western Mass Crown

Sports
Community News
image description

North Adams License Commission Sees Little Need for License...

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?