Tuesday, December 8th

Word spread near and far about a snowman who's voting for Alan Khazei on Tuesday!

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Few can say it better than our friend, Gladys or Truth to Power or the Snowman!
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This is an important vote that will effect us for years to come. Alan Khazei has reached out to voters, offered informed positions based on his core values and the best interests of the people being served, without consulting polls or well-funded lobbyists.

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Early in the race, I leaned toward Martha Coakley, who has been campaigning for as long as I can remember.

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Ms. Coakley has been carefully scripted, tackled issues based on her continuing campaign and mostly avoided controversy.

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In her role as Attorney General, she is head consumer advocate for the Commonwealth.

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Legislation intended to protect and prosecute should you believe Coakley's inevitability Cha Ching fantasy (promoted by supporter, MA Senate President Therese Murray) about predatory gambling was discussed, formulated, finalized behind closed doors.

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Coakley's two predecessors opposed expanded gambling based on facts, research and information. Instead, Martha "cautions caution."

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In time, I believe Ms. Coakley may be a noteworthy Attorney General ... in time.

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The image of watching a neighboring community destroyed by OTB (Off Track Betting) suggests to me the only caution is voting for Martha who lacks the courage of her convictions or maybe lacks convictions.

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Don't forget to vote!
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From a supporter --

With the special election for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat approaching, I want to take a moment to share with you why I -- along with the Boston Globe, Gen. Wes Clark, BlueMassGroup.com, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the Cape Cod Times, Max Kennedy, Vicki Strauss Kennedy, Sen. Sam Nunn, Sen. Harris Wofford and over 500 citizen leaders -- support Alan Khazei. (Here's the Globe endorsement: http://www.alanforsenate.com/globeendorsement)

Why Alan? Among the candidates, only Alan has the potential to be a game-changing U.S. Senator, a senator who can build and lead coalitions and marshall citizen power to drive progress on the urgent issues of our day. Only Alan has experience affecting change by engaging people and changing politics, best exemplified by his co-founding of City Year. As a citizen activist he has worked with Senator Kennedy and four U.S. Presidents to pass three major pieces of service-related legislation and to successfully rally a citizen movement to fight back against former republican leader Tom DeLay, who tried to dismantle AmeriCorps.

How Is Alan Different From the Other Candidates? While all the Democrats share some policy positions, Alan sets himself apart from the other candidates on a number of crucial issues. According to Newsweek, Alan is "the only candidate in Massachusetts who stands fully with the President on education," in looking to offer great options to all of our children, through higher pay for teachers, differentiated pay, and expansion of successful charter schools in high-need communities. On health care, Alan is a strong supporter of a reform plan with a robust public option, and, unlike Martha Coakley and Mike Capuano, he has said he would vote for the current house or senate health care reform plans, while imperfect, because they expand coverage to 36 million Americans. And on the economy, Alan has laid out detailed plans to stimulate the economy through a comprehensive green jobs initiative, a small business hiring tax credit, a main street stimulus initiative and fully funding the Kennedy-Hatch ServeAmerica bill to create more than 250,000 service jobs.

Can Alan Win? The answer is a resounding yes. Only one sixth of the 3.7 million eligible voters are expected to vote in this election; that means as few as 200,000 voters could win the election. Recent polls have charted Alan's exponential rise, which is a testament to our unmatched grassroots field operation. Our citizen field teams have knocked on tens of thousands of doors, with many more on the way. With the majority of voters still undecided, we absolutely can win this race.

What Can I Do To Help? I hope you'll join me over the next few days by canvassing, emailing your friends, posting on Facebook and Twitter, or building support for him in any other way you can: http://www.alanforsenate.com/gotv. If you can, please make a donation at http://www.alanforsenate.com/donate. Together, we can make a difference!

I hope you will support Alan on Dec. 8 -- let's take this chance to elect a real reformer to represent us in the Senate. Thanks so much for your time.

www.AlanForSenate.com


From the candidate --

When we began this race with less than 11 weeks to go, few people thought my candidacy stood a chance. So, I did what I've always done -- I chose to rely on you. The result has been an enormous grassroots campaign powered by Big Citizenship, new ideas, and reform.

Now, with just 60 hours left until the polls close, we are in a position that nobody -- except you and our many friends -- could have imagined. Because of your support, friendship, and dedication, I am confident we can win this election.

The Boston Globe, The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Blue Mass Group, The West Roxbury Transcript and just yesterday, The Cape Cod Times have all written strong endorsements stating that I would be the best next Senator for Massachusetts. Each of these important media institutions has followed your lead.

And thanks to so many who are canvassing and making phone calls over the next few days, we are bringing our message of Big Citizenship, Reform, Action, and Getting Results directly to tens of thousands of voters across Massachusetts.

I am writing to ask you to dig deep just one more time.

Our campaign is being massively outspent four and five to one by our opponents.

Historically the candidate that gets the Boston Globe endorsement wins the election, as long as they have the resources to get that message out on television and directly to the voters.

We need your support to help raise the resources we need in these final hours to keep our Globe ad on TV and fund our Get Out The Vote effort.

If each of you getting this email would give again -- and try to find one friend, or spouse or family member to give as well -- I am confident that together we will prevail.

Would you please make one final donation by clicking here: www.alanforsenate.com/HomeStretch

Everything that Vanessa and I have done in our lives, people at first say it cannot be done. But we have always succeeded because we know it isn't about us. It is about bringing together a coalition of concerned Big Citizens and working together to make change.

We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done to bring us to this point in this campaign. It has been an extraordinary privilege and we are so deeply grateful.

We are truly confident that if you are willing to support us one more time, I will be the next Senator from Massachusetts and we will be able to continue working together to bring the voice of We the People into Washington and secure the change we all want and need.

Thank you so much for anything more you can do in these final hours.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alan

P.S. Click here to see our terrific new ad about the Globe Endorsement. And please forward this e-mail to as many friends as possible.

Festering Problems

The Middleboro Board of Selectmen is blessed with the historic legacy of ignoring issues and failing to reach resolution where ever possible.

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Unaccepted streets and private ways have long been a festering issue that the BOS has misused public funds to avoid addressing.

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In fairness, there are a number of private roads that residents prefer to deny public access. Gibbs Road comes quickly to mind. You simply can't have it both ways.

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Faced with dwindling resources, partly caused by Fuzzy Math and financial mismangement, residents are forcing the town to finally address the matter.

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Middleboro residents sue town for plowing private streets

On Tuesday the town was slapped with a lawsuit by 10 residents who claim using public funds to plow private ways is illegal.

“If people want to live on private ways where the public is excluded, why the hell should tax dollars be used for private removal?” said Ed Beaulieu, one of the 10 who brought suit.

The group is asking for a jury trial unless selectmen discontinue the practice.

The ongoing issue was addressed by selectmen at their Nov. 16 meeting, where they were advised by Town Counsel Daniel F. Murray, in a Nov. 12 opinion letter, that the town leaves itself open to a lawsuit unless it adopts a provision of the state laws which allows it to use public money to plow private streets.

Selectmen ignored Murray’s opinion and voted to continued the practice of plowing 18 of the town’s 93 private streets.

That didn’t sit will with 10 residents who filed suit on Nov. 23. Finance Committee Member Joseph Thomas and his wife Margaret, former Finance Committee member Nancy Thomas, former town moderator James V. Thomas, Chairman of the Council on Aging Board of Directors Sarah Jigerjian, Mary Jigerjian, Ed and Susan Beaulieu, Stephanie Thomas and Charles Lincoln.

Beaulieu said he lives on a private way in Oak Point and pays a monthly fee, part of which pays for snow plowing. He said people who live on private ways should pay for their own plowing.

“It’s an issue of fairness,” he said.

The lawsuit seeks to stop the town from plowing public ways, and would ask to recoup attorney fees.

“We just them to stop breaking the law,” Beaulieu said.

The group is represented by former selectmen Adam M. Bond who offered a compromise that would save legal fees, stop plowing private ways with public money until the town adopts MGL Chapter 40, Section 6C, a provision that allows plowing in emergency situations.

A hearing for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Nov. 30 in Plymouth Superior Court.

Selectmen are scheduled to discuss it behind closed doors on Monday.

FACING THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

FACING THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
A Small Business Forum presented by State Representative Tom Calter

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Litecontrol - Danforth Lighting Center
65 Spring Street, Plympton, MA

Small business representatives, entrepreneurs and concerned citizens are invited to an informative forum focused on the current economic climate and its impact on the Massachusetts business community. Representative Calter will share his views on the role of state government in meeting today's economic challenges, and will offer thoughts and information on resources to help small businesses weather the complex forecast for 2010.

The event serves as a fundraiser to support Rep. Calter's re-election campaign to continue to serve the 12th Plymouth District. The program includes a reception with complimentary refreshments, remarks, and a question and answer period. It also offers a valuable networking opportunity and a chance to share concerns and hopes with Rep. Calter and peers.

Drawing on his extensive experience as a senior business executive, and his current role in the State House, Rep. Calter will offer a unique and realistic perspective of the issues and opportunities that lie ahead. Prior to his first election, he built a 30-year career in private industry, with much of that time spent helping to rebuild struggling organizations.

We encourage anyone interested to attend this worthwhile program; please feel free to spread the word to others in the community as well. Tickets are $35 per person and proceeds will benefit the Committee to Elect Tom Calter. A special rate of $15 is available for current college students. Reserve your ticket now by contacting abbelmore@hotmail.com or (508) 591-7037. Advance registration is requested by November 28, but walk-ins are also welcome.

The 12th Plymouth District includes areas of Plymouth, Duxbury, Kingston, Halifax, Plympton and Middleboro.
Tickets are available for purchase by individuals; corporate contributions are prohibited by law.

We hope to see you on December 2nd!

Nov 19th: The Big Dig

For those interested in The Big Dig, this sounds like a dynamite lecture!


The Big Dig: The Most Expensive Public Works Project in History

When Thursday, November 19, 2009, 6:30 – 7:30pm

Where West End Branch of the Boston Public Library
151 Cambridge Street


Library West End
Neighborhood West End

Type of Event Talks & Lectures

Cost free

Audience College Students, Adults, Seniors


Note Sean Murphy, The Boston Globe's award-winning reporter, will offer a slide show and talk on the Big Dig.

Veterans, Energy and Job Growth

From Apollo Alliance --

This Wednesday was Veterans Day, and to honor our veterans and their service to our country, the Apollo Alliance published a feature story about veterans’ role in the green economy. The article profiled two green jobs programs—Veterans Green Jobs of Colorado and the Veterans Conservation Corps of Washington state—and the recently launched “Operation Free” campaign that has veterans touring the country to call for federal action on climate change.

Veterans Green Jobs runs a 9-week “Home Energy Auditor Training” (HEAT) for veterans, using a rapid, hands-on “military” style of training and a curriculum that was developed in collaboration with community colleges and industry organizations. Upon completion of the training, graduates receive college credits as well as a home energy efficiency certification. The first class of trainees graduated in June, and another class just began in October.

“We think veterans are uniquely qualified to lead the environmental restoration here at home,” said Kirsten Maynard of Veterans Green Jobs. “Not only have they seen environmental destruction across the world; they also have technical skills and other kinds of work skills that allow them to do the really tough work that needs to be done - like go into homes and crawl in the attic and the basement. They’ve been trained by the military to do it, and they actually feel comfortable being in that kind of environment.”

The Veterans Conservation Corps, which is run out of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, puts veterans to work on habitat restoration and protection projects across Washington state. The program has been in existence for four years but has faced challenges recently because state budget cuts eliminated the stipends the program paid veterans for their conservation efforts. The Veterans Conservation Corps has also inaugurated a new program, called Veterans Corps, which is modeled on the AmeriCorps program.

“It’s a revitalization of a mission they had in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Mark Fischer, who runs the Veterans Conservation Corps. “Once they left the military, that mission is gone, and it’s a big loss. When they lose that purpose it can be disheartening and disorienting. We try to create a meaningful job - for a purpose-driven life.”

Operation Free is a new campaign by national security and veterans organizations to draw attention to the national security threat created by climate change. “The reason why national security organizations are taking this as a serious threat is that not only are we [the United States] dependent on oil, but the conflicts that arise from famines, floods and droughts [caused by climate change] multiply the threat of current conflicts and create instability,” said Alex Cornell du Houx, an Iraq war veteran and participant in Operation Free. Operation Free held an inaugural event in Washington, D.C., in September, which was followed by a bus tour by veterans in October.

To read the full article and learn more about these green jobs and climate change advocacy efforts by veterans, visit the Apollo Alliance website.

Home weatherization focus of workshop

Cape Cod Times reported --

HARWICH — Homeowners are invited to a weatherization workshop from 9 a.m. to noon today sponsored by the Community Energy Corps.

The workshop is scheduled to be at the old recreation building at the corner of Sisson Road and Parallel Street.

The program features presentations by Chris Powicki of Water Energy and Ecology Information Services and weatherization expert John Vaughn of Housing Assistance Corp.

Vaughn will demonstrate the use of blower door equipment and an infrared camera, tools homeowners can use to pinpoint areas where energy conservation and efficiency measures may be necessary, according to a press release from Cape and Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative.

For more information on the Community Energy Corps, contact Powicki at 774-487-4614 or Megan Amsler at 508-563-6633.


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Other towns have been proactive in promoting the benefits of weatherization.

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One must wonder why the municipal Middleboro Gas & Electric remains absent.

Massachusetts Disability Cuts

The Arc offered the following --

Ask Gov. to take Disability Services off chopping block

Cuts imminent to Day Hab, Dental, PCA, AFC and Podiatry

In a disappointing turn of events and despite our best efforts, the Governor and his Administration have announced that they will address the $307 Million MassHealth budget gap with cuts to critical long-term disability services, including Day Habilitation, Dental and other services. Cuts translate into elimination of services or reductions of more than 20%.

The long term care cuts that significantly affect our population include:
1. Day Habilitation (cuts one hour of service each day and reduces rates, which together equates to a more than 20 percent cut)
2. Adult Dental restorative services
3. Personal Care Attendant services (eliminates services for those receiving less than 14 hours/week)
4. Podiatry services (eliminates access for all except those with diabetes)
5. Adult Foster Care - payment rates reduced and access eliminated for instrumental needs (money mgmt, food and other shopping, transportation, etc. Details to be confirmed.)

The consequences of these cuts will be dire. In order of daily impact, they include:
Day Habilitation - Reduction of rate and program hours to 5 hours/day from 6 hours. 7,200 people willneed additional supervision or support at home.More than 65 percent of those being cut live in residential housing which means residential providers will have to provide an additional hour of service daily - equals 50% of the cut.

Cutting an hour only saves money ifstaff salaries are also reduced andthis wouldresult in staff turnover and greater difficulty recruiting new staff. We estimate this cut translates into a cut of more than 20% or $27 Million in annual savings.

Dental Services -- Restorative care (dentures etc.) is being eliminated. We are told that Exec. Office of Health & Human Services is addressing the need for individuals with I/DD in this regard. Cut is estimated at more than $50 Million annually.

PCA services-- 1,600 individualswith a need for less than 14 hours/week of PCA services will lose their services and find themselves without options. Cut estimated at $6.4 Million annual savings.

Adult Foster Care -- Cut will lower rate and possibly change eligibility regulations for those who need assistance only in instrumental activities of daily living (money management, transportation, etc.); also includes cuts in group adult foster care. Estimatecombined annual savings of $26 Million.

Podiatry services - All except those with diabetes will lose podiatry services.They will be at higher risk for infections and related problems, especially those living in residences. Annual savings is unclear.

Use this Action Alert to send the Governor a message now, asking him to hold true to his promise to protect people with disabilities.

Take Action!