New Name Broader Focus

To broaden the focus and expand to other issues, subsequent posts will appear on:

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MIDDLEBORO REVIEW

Junk Mail and the Environmental Costs

Although we've been diligent over the years at working to reduce our mail solicitations, there always seems to be 'stuff' we would never buy that someone is offering to sell to us.

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A number of groups and organizations are working to decrease the junk mail clutter and Salon recently wrote about the environmental impact and a few of the active groups:

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The amount of direct mail that catalog companies, Internet purveyors, and coupon captains send out each year continues to climb, up from 90.5 billion pieces in 2003 to a whopping 103.5 billion pieces in 2007, according to the U.S. Postal Service. "It's a colossal waste," says Kristi Chester Vance, communications director of ForestEthics, a group that has worked to reduce the environmental impact of the catalog industry.

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In fact, the annual greenhouse-gas emissions from the production of junk mail are equal to those of 3.5 million cars. (That figure doesn't include emissions from transporting and disposing of the stuff.) Beyond that, each year junk mail production in the U.S. consumes more than 96.7 billion gallons of water and more than 100 million trees, ForestEthics estimates. Most of those, says Chester Vance, come from carbon-dioxide-sequestering, biologically diverse old-growth forests, rather than from sustainably managed tree farms. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency, only about a third of all junk mail is recycled. "All that for a response rate of less than 3 percent," Chester Vance notes, referring to the fact that fewer than 3 percent of people -- often even fewer -- respond to the solicitations.

And so it grows ....

As more questions are asked and more people review the numbers, casino gambling is exposed for the failed public policy it is.

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The numbers simply don't add.

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Well, they don't add except for the casino investors.
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And Middleboro's annual contribution is limited to $7 Million some years down the road.
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Here's a link to a recent forum in Weston on casino gambling. http://www.wickedlocal.com/weston/homepage/x1925662940 Please note the reference in the casino bill, "Patrick’s proposal plainly admits that 1 in 20, or 250,000 people, in the state could become problem gamblers and mocked his proposed $50 million mitigation fund for problem gamblers." The number of increased problem gamblers outweighs the potential jobs created by 12:1 ratio.

Kathleen Norbut

Monson

Wind Energy and Middleboro

Ryan Adams did a nice job explaining progress on wind energy:

My, How the Winds are Changing...
Good news all around.
After years of study, Hull officials are now seeking approval of state environmental regulators to install four wind turbines, each about 430 feet high, in ocean waters about a mile and a half east of Nantasket Beach.Ian A. Bowles, the state secretary of energy and environmental affairs and a wind-power advocate, could approve the project as soon as Feb. 6 or order further environmental studies. There's almost no resistance to Hull's proposal because, guess what, wind turbines make complete sense. Hull will be the first town in Massachusetts to power their entire town by wind-powered renewable energy. Note Hull has a municipal electric company, something that has given Hull much more flexibility in deciding how it'll create it's electricity. Other towns with a municipal system have been aggressive in trying to create wind turbines, such as Rowley and Princeton, which is replacing their 1980s era wind turbines soon. I'm guessing these coincidences probably aren't really coincidences at all (never mind the fact that municipal electric companies tend to be much cheaper than buying private power). Anyone keeping score? Cape Wind passed its biggest hurdle, while towns like Hull and Princeton are showing true leadership in regards to renewable energy. Meanwhile, the state's second large wind farm, the Dartmouth/Mattapoisett project, will hopefully soon follow Cape Wind's suit. Maybe Massachusetts will meet its renewable energy goals after all. Lets hope all these green projects - and many more - are built as quick as humanly possible.

Consider sending an email in support of CapeWind through environmentmassachusetts.

You can subscribe to the site, as well as find invaluable information.

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Is it time for Middleboro to address the issue?

Casino Gambling Forum

The following is passed along from Carl Offner:

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On January 8, a number of us from the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee attended the forum on casino gambling at the Weston Middle School hosted by the Weston Democratic Town Committee and the 3d Middlesex Area Democrats.

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There was a panel of four people:

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*) two representatives of the Deval Patrick administration (one lawyer and one legislative director) -- they were of course in favor of the casino gambling proposal.

*) A person representing the League of Women Voters. She represented the League's position, which is against casino gambling. (She did not speak particularly forcefully, which was unfortunate, in my opinion.)

*) Tom Larkin, one of the co-chairs of the 3d MAD. Tom is a clinical psychologist specializing in problems of addiction. He spoke against the casino gambling proposal.

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The two representatives of the administration spoke first. They actually said very little, as I remember it. They seemed to be leaning over backward to focus the issue on jobs and on the fact that there would be lots of good non-gambling entertainment involved -- principally, golf and restaurants.

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The LWV person spoke next, and Tom spoke last.

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Tom made a number of points which I found significant. Specifically, he mentioned that gambling money was"sterile" money in economic terms. I had been aware of this, and came back to it in what I said (below). He also pointed out something that I had not really been aware of -- that the only way casinos really make money is by exploiting people who have gambling problems. The person who occasionally goes and drops a few dollars at a casino is not profitable for them. They really depend for their income on mental illness. I hope Tom writes up what he said and publicizes it -- it would be a real public service.

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After the panel had spoken, the floor was opened for general comments and"questions". It was pretty clear that if a vote had been taken at that meeting, casinos would have lost overwhelmingly -- it would not have been close.

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One of the speakers who spoke before me, after giving all the reasons why she was opposed to casino gambling, said that she was "cynical" about casinos. I mention this only because I referred to it in what I said subsequently (I wrote this down from my notes afterward):

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I'm Carl Offner, a member of the Sudbury Democratic Town Committee. Our Town Committee passed a resolution against casino gambling a couple of months ago. I won't read the whole thing here, but our chair Beverly Guild has copies of it, and there are also copies on the table outside, so you can get one if you don't have it already.

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Let's first clear the air a little bit:

The administration spokespeople here have talked about casinos as a way of creating construction jobs. Well there are a lot better ways to do that. There are school buildings crumbling all over this state. Just fixing that problem would provide an enormous number of good jobs.

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And we need to stop talking about these casinos as if the issue was entertainment. We've heard the administration spokespeople talk about golf and restaurants and such. Well, developers aren't drooling over this, and tripping over each other lining up because they want to build golf courses and restaurants. There are enormous profits in gambling---that's what's at stake, and let's not pretend otherwise.

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Now Tom Larkin mentioned that gambling profits were "sterile" money from an economic point of view, and he's absolutely right. Another example is military spending. Economists have long known that probably the least efficient way to stimulate the economy is to pour money into the military. If you make a bomb, it can't be used for anything that will benefit anyone. Under the best circumstances it just sits there, and from a purely economic point of view, you've thrown money down the drain. And at worst, of course, there are really terrible consequences.

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Gambling is similar. No goods exchange hands. Nothing of value is produced. The economy doesn't benefit in any real way. And most of the money leaves the state in any case. Look at Connecticut, which everyone talks about: Do you know how much money Connecticut takes in from their casinos? Less than we get here from the Lottery. That money isn't being used to benefit Connecticut.

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So where is this proposal coming from? We had this guy who ran for Governor. I worked really hard for him. When he ran, he wasn't talking about casinos. He was talking about building up the things that really contribute to the economy and to the quality of life of people here---things like investing in renewable energy, biotechnology, and putting some significant money into education. All those things create real wealth---both intellectual and economic---and real jobs.

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So he got elected, and to start funding some of these things he tried to close an ancient tax loophole that had been given to the telephone companies a hundred years ago. Maybe it made some sense at the time. It certainly hasn't made any sense for most of the last century. And he couldn't do it. I think he gave up awfully easily. But the point is that politicians have been spooked by the Republican assault on taxes. And so no one talks about where taxes come from, and where they are going. The fact that our Federal taxes,which should be used to build up this country, are being squandered and sent to Baghdad and Halliburton. The fact that large corporations and people of great wealth now pay taxes at much lower rates than they used to---none of this can be discussed. I want state legislators and a governor that make an issue of this. I'd like to see our governor go to Washington and make a Federal case out of it. I think we need to talk about these things on a national level.

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But instead what we get is a proposal for casino gambling.

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And I have to disagree slightly with one of the people who spoke before me. I don't think it's cynical to be opposed to casinos. I think it's cynical to *support* casinos. Because the whole casino proposal is predicated on the assumption that we can't have a discussion about where money comes from and where it goes. The whole proposal reflects the notion that we can't build a society that reflects our values, that brings us together and realizes our hopes. It's a tremendously cynical proposal. We deserve a lot better.[[At this point I spoke directly to the administration representatives.]]

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I don't actually have a question for you. But I do have an answer.

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The answer is no.

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--Carl Offner

Back to Heroism and Courage

On January 1, 2008, the Brockton EmptyPrize printed a letter to the editor by Mark Coelho that criticized Rep. Calter's position on the Middleboro Casino.

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On Thursday, January 17, Rep. Calter addressed an SRO audience in the Middleboro Library.

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Rep. Calter was available to explain the issues and answer questions.

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Were you there Mr. Coelho?

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I didn't see the media there either.

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And the vocal casino supporters who were there failed to ask questions, yet they subsequently misrepresented what transpired on other blogs.

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The Middleboro BOS has somewhat arrogantly requested that Rep. Calter attend one of their meetings to explain his position. Mr. Coelho, I can only hope you will attend, along with many others to ask your questions and listen for an explanation.

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Hopefully, the Middleboro BOS will have the sense to convene this meeting at the Middleboro High School and an overflow crowd will ask their questions.

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Mr. Coelho asked: "What is your plan to save our schools?" "What is your plan to save our town services?"

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In fairness, Middleboro has a Town Meeting form of government. That means that voters have an opportunity to determine spending and make choices.

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On November 5, 2007, Middleboro held a Special Town Meeting that was a grab bag of hastily prepared information and warrant articles that spent most of the town's piggy bank from the land auctions.

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The Finance Committee received some of the information regarding those articles that very afternoon. Why was the information withheld from the FinCom and voters?

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One must wonder who is watching and who is asking questions when this transpires?

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How do you understand the issues if the information is deliberately withheld from you by the Middleboro BOS?

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Prop. 2 1/2 provided limitations to town spending of 2 1/2% PER YEAR PLUS NEW GROWTH.

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Simply put, you can't negotiate contracts that provide 36% pay raises, as Mr. Perkins has done and expect the numbers to work.

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Rather than blaming our state reps. or others as the Middleboro Selectmen continually do, isn't it about time to accept some responsibility and recognize that WE, the voters of Middleboro HAVE CHOICES.

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We can make a concerted effort to understand how town government works, where the information is, where the money is, and attend Town Meeting.

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Have a complaint or question? Stand up at Town Meeting!

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The Town has been told that we may need a new ladder truck at a cost of $900,000.

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The City of Boston is buying new ladder trucks that cost $630,000.

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Why the price difference? Are the ladders shorter? Fewer wheels?

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Few of the recommendations from the DOR Report have been adopted. Is anyone asking why?

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Quarterly real estate tax bills have been estimated to generate $50,000 PER MONTH by the Town Treasurer.

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Have the Middleboro Selectmen accomplished it? They discussed it in 2003.

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Much can be accomplished with participation. Are you ready?

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Instead of criticizing Rep. Calter for his opposition to the flawed Agreement that will bankrupt Middleboro, why aren't we asking where our other Reps. are?

Middleboro selectmen issue phone scam warning

Eileen Reece's article was called to my attention by Bob Dunphy who posted the link to hoaxslayer. Initially, when this announcement was made, I posted the link to snopes.

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Middleboro selectmen issue phone scam warning
By Eileen Reece
Sat Jan 19, 2008, 09:48 PM EST
Middleborough -

Middleborough - Selectmen this week issued a warning about a telephone scam that could cost users an exorbitant amount per minute. IT Director Roger Brunelle said his office received a voice mail message two weeks ago from a woman who stated, “Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you — get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.” She then repeated a phone number beginning with 809. They did not respond. The following week, the town received an e-mail from Sandi Van Handel, an AT&T service manager, warning, “Don’t ever dial area code 809, 284 and 876.” According to Handel, the call is a scam in which the individual who returns the call may receive a long, recorded message so they will remain on the phone for an extended period of time. “Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you’ll often be charged more than $24,100,’’ said Handel. The scam may also include a message that a family member has become ill, died or arrested or a prize has been won. “If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2,425 per minute,” Handel noted. The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, she noted. “If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company,” said Handel.

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Status: International call scams are real.

However, the information about these scams in the message is inaccurate and misleading.Example: (Submitted June 2006)
Subject: Fw: IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODES IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODE

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said "Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you." Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 . We didn't respond. Then this week, we received the following e-mail:Subject: DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 , 284 AND 876 THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809. This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on.They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the US , you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24, 100.00. WHY IT WORKS: The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong. Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam Sandi Van Handel AT&T Field Service Manager(920) 687-904

hoaxslayer

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SNOPES

To Talia: Casino Corruption #4

Talia, as you know, I generally steer clear of casino commentary because of the many issues confronting Middleboro caused by historical poor leadership, but there are clearly times when comment can be provoked.

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To those who were otherwise occupied and unable to attend CFO's first General Meeting, there is commentary offered elsewhere for review.

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On a Casino Fiend site, there is much deliberate MIS-INFORMATION to which one must urge caution. In particular, there is a wrenching commentary of the 19th Century injustices committed in the westward expansion and Trail of Tears and land grab.

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THIS DID NOT HAPPEN IN THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY.

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MIDDLEBORO LAND WAS PURCHASED. You may have heard the names of the purchases, i.e. Little Lot Men's, 8 Men's Purchase, Wood's Purchase, and so on. A review of Middleboro history will reveal as much. This should not be used as an emotional justification for acceptance of this mega monster that will benefit wealthy investors.

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The proposed Middleboro Casino IS NOT about Indians, heritage or reparations.

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The proposed Middleboro Casino IS ABOUT wealthy international casino investors.

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The proposed Middleboro Casino IS ABOUT a secret deal signed by a convicted rapist and liar the terms of which remain secret that promises to cheat the Native American Tribe, much as Kerzner and Wolman have accomplished in Connecticut.

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Curiously, the author of the Casino Fiend site attended the CFO meeting and has misrepresented what transpired at that meeting. Perhaps he should have taken notes since his memory seems questionable.

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And Talia, you might find the following article from the Enterprise interesting. Below are several comments (emphasis mine):

Reversal of fortune
By By Alice Elwell
Sat Jan 19, 2008, 09:39 PM EST

Perkins said what’s changed is that the Aquinnah didn’t offer a clear proposal, they were just looking for land. According to minutes from 2003 Perkins said he did not feel a casino was “what’s best for the direction of the town“, nor was there a benefit to the residents.

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“At the time that’s how I felt, given the set of circumstances,” Perkins said. “The difference between then and now — the Mashpee came with an offer,” Perkins said. There was no deal from the Aquinnah, he said.

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“Had they approached the town with something concrete that made sense, sure we would have looked at it and listened,” he said.

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Perkins said the Mashpee tribe offered an economic engine for the region, giving Middleboro 2 percent of the net gaming revenue, annually.

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“I don’t think I ever changed my stance,” Brunelle said. “At the time (2003), I didn’t think it was right for Middleboro.” But today, five years later, Brunelle says the financial picture is different. “Financially we need the jobs for Middleboro and the region.” Brunelle said after investors for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe bought town land at an auction, selectman had to negotiate, and what they came up with was “the best proposal in the nation.”

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In 2003, Plymouth created an informational presentation that was offered to surrounding towns. Middleboro, and SOLELY MIDDLEBORO refused to hear that presentation at that time.

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So, it would seem consistent with Mr. Perkins' and Mrs. Brunelle's policy of making decisions without information.

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Plymouth Selectmen arranged to transport elected officials from the communities surrounding Foxwoods (Ledyard, N. Stonington and Preston) to answer questions in a public forum.

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Not so Middleboro Selectmen. They apparently believe in their ability to make decisions in a vacuum and arrogant enough to believe it was their right.

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There has been much speculation about a DEAL being on the table prior to the land auction. Is Mr. Perkins confirming that in his statement?

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When voters attempted to initiate public discussion PRIOR to the land auction, Mr. Perkins said the town isn't in the real estate business. Did Mr. Perkins have a DEAL at that time?

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Mrs. Brunelle was equally as vehement in her refusal to allow VOTERS --- MIDDLEBORO RESIDENTS to discuss their concerns with her in a public forum. She said 'we won't discuss the land auction' even when it was publicly known that casino investors were interested in the Precinct St. property.

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How does Mrs. Brunelle KNOW this is the BEST DEAL? Has Mrs. Brunelle reviewed all of the others?

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The AGREEMENT STINKS. Re-read it.

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Only Rep. Calter has had the courage that the Middleboro BOS lack to call attention to the flaws in the AGREEMENT.

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And does anyone remember Mrs. Brunelle's tearful commentary on a conversation she purportedly overheard in a restaurant suggesting her corruption? She has failed to recognize that corruption is more plausible than sheer stupidity.

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Mr. Perkins has previously commented on grandiose promises made by the Rapist Raven, but failed to note the legal wording in the Agreement that DESTROYS, PREVENTS, NEGATES ANY AND ALL THIRD PARTY PROMISES. One must wonder if Mr. Perkins has read the hastily prepared Agreement.

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And Talia, more importantly,

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THE AGREEMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY SHARE OF GAMING REVENUE EVER

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And finally, Talia, I would call your attention to the Casino Fiend author who wrote:

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I'm not an enthusiastic fan of casinos for reasons you can read on Casino-Fiend.com.

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Judging from the blue and white signs he waved, feathers he wore and TV interviews he gave, his comment betrays the reality. Was his public conduct just an attempt to gain personal attention? Or is it now buyer's remorse?

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Get the FACTS. Casino gambling DOES NOT MAKE SENSE to anyone other than the investors. The numbers just don't work for Middleboro or the Commonwealth.

The Whining Kennedys, yet again?

The whining wealthy just can't seem to stop finding excuses to oppose Cape Wind.

Isn't it time for Rep. Patrick to just GET OVER IT?

If the current argument now includes impact on fishing, what exactly will the impacts of a major oil spill have on fishing?

We should be working together to aggressively erect wind turbines in viable coastal areas and mountains to ensure affordable, pollution free energy for consumers.

Yes, there are a few environmental issues that have been raised elsewhere that have been addressed. Cape Wind? Not so!

Massachusetts SHOULD BE leading New England, not allowing the NIMBY wealthy to protect their pristine views.

Kennedy: Wind farm would harm tourism, fishing

PAWTUCKET — Rep. Patrick Kennedy said yesterday that a wind farm located in Rhode Island waters between Newport and Block Island would be a bad idea because it would hurt the state’s tourism and fishing industries.
Those waterways are frequently used by people who sail between the two locations for recreation and racing, said Kennedy, a recreational sailor. ProvidenceJournal

Current Job Listings

The following current job listing may be found on the MMA web site:

Chief Assessor, Town of West Newbury
The town of West Newbury seeks qualified candidates for the position of Chief Assessor. Under the direction of the finance director a three-member elected board of assessors, the Chief Assessor is responsible for the administrative, technical and supervisory work related to the valuation of all property within the town; for providing related financial information, analysis and consultation to the finance director and to other town departments; and for the management of the assessor’s office. Thorough knowledge of municipal law relating to the assessment of property and levying of taxes is required. Ability to perform in-house€ revaluations, knowledge and experience with appellate tax board procedures, and the ability to effectively utilize assessor’s computer applications (Patriot) is sought. Duties require skills equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, or finance, and five to seven years of progressively responsible experience, several of which were in a supervisory role. Must possess state certification and professional designation of Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA). Salary commensurate with experience, minimum starting rate of $53,000. To apply, send resume to Town of West Newbury, Finance Director, 381 Main St., West Newbury, MA 01985, by Feb. 11, 2008. AA/EOE (posted 1/14, exp. 2/11) MMA

Director of Information Technology

Town of Lexington

The town seeks an experienced professional to join our management team. Position reports to the assistant town manager/finance. Duties include: supervise MIS staff, manage municipal networks, maintain all software applications, coordinate long range planning and goal setting across all municipal departments, prepare annual operating and capital IT budgets, and oversee the selection of software and hardware vendors. Position requires education equivalent to a master’s degree in computer science, IS/IT or related field plus five years of experience in IT, systems planning or related field, plus five years of supervisory experience. Starting salary: up to $89, 000 plus benefits. Submit required town application form with resume and cover letter to HR Dept., 1625 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA 02420. Application deadline is Jan. 25. MMA

Town Accountant

Town of Raynham

The town of Raynham, Mass., (12,500 population: budget $27 million) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Town Accountant. The Town Accountant works under the general supervision and administrative direction of the board of selectmen/town administrator. Responsibilities include financial monitoring of the budget; maintaining comprehensive financial records; generating required periodic reports; assisting with annual budget preparation and supervision of accounting department staff. Thorough knowledge of UMAS, GAAP, and GASB regulations, knowledge of Data National accounting software, and a working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts General Laws are necessary. The applicant should have strong communication skills. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, plus a minimum of three years’ municipal accounting experience. Massachusetts Governmental Accounting Certificate preferred. Salary range: $45,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience. A job description is available upon request. Please send cover letter and resume to Town Administrator, 558 South Main St., Raynham, MA 02767, or e-mail... MMA

Town Counsel

Town of Arlington

Position performs responsible administrative duties as chief legal officer of the town, prosecutes and defends all litigation and provides advice to all town departments. Position performs varied and complex professional legal functions, assuming full responsibility for their planning and execution; exercises considerable judgment in making decisions and rendering advice regarding the town’s legal affairs, policy-making and administration. Juris doctor degree; member of the Massachusetts Bar and Federal Bar; five years’ experience in municipal law and litigation. Salary range: $105, 000-$120,000 annually. Please apply by Feb. 22, 2008. For a full position description please visit http://www.arlington.gov . MMA

Director of Inspectional Services
Town of Plymouth

The town of Plymouth (population 55,000) is seeking a Director of Inspectional Services. Position reports to town manager. Responsibilities are administrative, supervisory, and technical in the policy development of inspectional services in the town, including building, zoning, health, wiring, plumbing, gas, animals, weights and measures, and taxi inspections including enforcement and interpretation of state inspection codes, local zoning bylaw, and other applicable regulations. Position enforces the provisions of Massachusetts state building code and health codes and regulations, town's zoning by-laws and all other relevant state codes; enforces regulations and requirements of special permits and variances issued by the zoning board of appeals, and all other applicable statutes, rules and regulations. Position responds to questions related to mode or manner of constructions and materials to be used in erections, additions, alterations, repair, removal, demolition, installation of service equipment, location, use, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures, except as otherwise provided by statutory requirements. Requirements: bachelor's degree in management or engineering, building construction or design; five years’ experience in administration of inspectional codes; five years’ progressive management experience preferably in a municipal setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements include a construction supervisor's license and a Massachusetts state certification for building commissioner/director inspectional services. Salary: $72,757.25-$89,307.71 commensurate with experience. Position open until suitable candidate selected. Applications, to be submitted with cover letter and resume, available at http://www.plymouth-ma.gov MMA

Cape Wind Reports and Middleboro is where?

Cape Wind reports on the MMS report and much else.

Coastal Wind energy holds the promise of allowing the Commonwealth to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Certain locations clearly require public discussion about the environmental implications, but it seems to many that the Emperor is naked.

Those who pretend to be environmentalists in their opposition ALL appear to have other nimby agendas.

Isn't it time to recognize that Senator Kennedy, Rep. Kennedy, and Christy Mihos, inter alia, simply are the spoiled wealthy who don't want their view spoiled?

Isn't it time for the Commonwealth to lead New England?

Have you asked your Reps?

Isn't it time to wonder where Middleboro is?

A list of public hearings and public comment information below in EXTRA.

Cape Wind Takes Major Step Forward
Report Issued by Federal Minerals Management Service

BOSTON, MA -- Cape Wind passed a major milestone today at the start of its final year of permitting with the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from the lead Federal permitting agency, the Minerals management Service (MMS) of the Department of Interior.


...In 2006 Vinick, a former vice president of the Cousteau Society, made $203,099 as president of the Alliance, according to the nonprofit group's tax records. Last year, Vinick handed off his role as chief executive officer to Glenn Wattley, an Osterville homeowner and former coal industry engineer and consultant... Note: Click here to read this article in the Cape Cod Times



Marketing the Ghost of Jacques Cousteau to his next highest bidder
Vinick camouflages his anti-environmentalism with green paint
Despite his best efforts and several millions of other peoples' dollars, departing Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound president and former CEO Charles Vinick has been unsuccessful in camouflaging his patrons' opposition to Cape Wind with green paint. CCT

Ryan Adams had this to say:

Hooray!
Cape Wind passed a major hurdle today.

For those who don't know, Cape Wind helped this blogger decide Ryan's Take should primarily be a state blog, not based on some other premise. It's important that Cape Wind be built, sooner rather than later. It's even more important that the rest of the state follow suit. Renewable Energy is here, today - affordable and ready to implement. We need to make sure this industry grows in Massachusetts and that this state becomes an international leader in confronting Global Warming. The climate tipping point quickly approaches, so it's good to know the Bay State is one step closer to making sure the Mass Bay won't be expanding any time soon.

Tailwind for Cape Wind
January 15, 2008
IN 2001, when Cape Wind first proposed its 130-turbine project for Nantucket Sound, oil cost $20 a barrel and natural gas cost $3 for a million cubic feet. Now oil is close to $100, and gas is $10. More important, scientists have estimated that global warming is happening at a quicker pace than they had believed seven years ago. All of this makes more timely than ever the green light that Cape Wind got yesterday from the US Interior Department's Minerals Management Service.

The longer the project faces opposition from the likes of Kennedy and Delahunt, the more their criticism appears motivated by not-in-my-backyard concerns. All forms of renewable energy still need support from Washington, and Massachusetts would be in a much stronger position to become a Silicon Valley of clean energy if all of its congressional delegation would rally around Cape Wind.

BostonGlobe

FOR COMMENTS & PUBLIC HEARINGS:

MMS publishes Cape Wind Energy ProjectDraft Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearings here in March, statements begin Friday
WASHINGTON – The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) filed the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Cape Wind Energy Project with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday, January 11th. The Boston Globe reported that the report was favorable on Cape Wind and it would have mostly “negligible” or “minor” impacts on wildlife, navigation and tourism, see story here. The Associated Press, Worcester Telegram and Providence Journal reported that it "would pose no major environmental problems."The initial readings indicates a far more comprehensive report than the DEIS by the United State Army Corps of Engineers three years ago, but basically as positive for the project.

EXTRA

Voting Machines? In Middleboro?

When the Middleboro Town Clerk presented her budget for public discussion with the BOS this evening, one of the issues discussed was the purchase of VOTING MACHINES to comply with HAVA at a cost of $45,000.

In the course of the discussion, the lack of information was truly pathetic and embarrassing.

One must wonder if MUSHROOM FARMING pervades.

The Electronic Touch Screen machines WITH NO PAPER TRAILS are unreliable and hackable with no trace, but I won't dally with technical details.

Below is a list of some articles quickly located, but additional will be posted.

In the 2004 Presidential Election, densely populated, heavily minority communities experienced statistically impossible UNDERVOTES. In other words, voters went to the polls, voted for city councilor, state offices, BUT DID NOT VOTE FOR PRESIDENT. Anyone find that vaguely plausible?

In New Mexico, complaints were made that voters selected John Kerry, but George Bush's name was highlighted. They were unable to vote for John Kerry.

The list of voting irregularities experienced by other states, the lawsuits and the swirl of complaints has been endless. Sorry the Middleboro BOS haven't heard!

More to follow!

NH: "First in the nation"
(with corporate controlled secret vote counting)
81% of New Hampshire ballots are counted in secret by a private corporation named Diebold Election Systems (now known as "Premier").
The elections run on these machines are programmed by one company, LHS Associates, based in Methuen, MA.
We know nothing about the people programming these machines, and we know even less about LHS Associates.
We know even less about the secret vote counting software used to tabulate 81% of our ballots. People like to say "but we use paper ballots!
They can always be counted by hand!" NH
Check the Vote compares the votes between Paper Ballots and Machine Ballots.
Hillary Clinton, Diebold Accuvote optical scan: 39.618%
Clinton, Hand Counted Paper Ballots: 34.908%
Barack Obama, Diebold Accuvote optical scan: 36.309%
Obama, Hand Counted Paper Ballots: 38.617%
Machine vs Hand: Clinton: 4.709% (13,475 votes)
Obama: -2.308% (-6,604 votes)
Mitt Romney, Diebold Accuvote optical scan: 33.075%
Romney, Hand Counted Paper Ballots: 25.483%
Ron Paul, Diebold Accuvote optical scan: 7.109%
Paul, Hand Counted Paper Ballots: 9.221%
Machine vs Hand: Romney: 7.592% (17,946 votes)
Paul: -2.112% (-4,991 votes)

Will Your Vote Be Counted in 2008? Electronic Voting Machines and the Privatization of Elections DemocracyNow

With less than a month before Super Tuesday, every vote counts. But will every vote actually be counted? One-by-one, states across the country are finding critical flaws in the accuracy and security of electronic voting machines. We speak with Clive Thompson, the author of a New York Times Magazine cover story titled “Can You Count on Voting Machines?”

The cat that controls New Hampshire election programming
By Bev Harris
John Silvestro and his small private business, LHS Associates, has exclusive programming contracts for ALL New Hampshire voting machines, which combined will count about 81 percent of the vote in the primary. And as to Super Tuesday and beyond: Silvestro also has the programming contracts for the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
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The exact same make, model and version hacked in the Black Box Voting project in Leon County is used throughout New Hampshire, where about 45 percent of elections administrators hand count paper ballots at the polling place, with the remaining locations all using the Diebold version 1.94w optical scan machine. Online Journal

Was the New Hampshire vote stolen?
The Web is abuzz with allegations of fraud, and Dennis Kucinich is asking for a recount. The charges don't hold water, but this problem is not going away.
By Farhad Manjoo Salon

Can You Count on Voting Machines? NYT

Election IssuesThe GOP's cyber election hit squadby Steven Rosenfeld and Bob Fitrakis
TheFreePress

Security Of Electronic Voting Is Condemned
Paper Systems Should Be Included, Agency Says WP

EFF search results found 662 articles regarding just voting machines

"Hacking Democracy"

People who have been following the debate surrounding electronic voting -- Salon and other tech and political outlets began covering the issue in 2002 -- might find much of "Hacking Democracy" a rehash. But if you're new to the dangers of electronic voting, the film is sure to blow your mind. In a nutshell, the case against touch-screen voting systems -- on which about 40 percent of Americans will cast their ballots this year -- boils down to this: You can never really know what's going on inside. In most other voting systems -- even those that use computerized counting machines, like punch-card and optical-scan machines -- paper acts as a record of last resort. If officials ever need to recount the vote, they can always examine the ballots by hand (provided, of course, that Antonin Scalia approves). But paperless touch-screen machines store their votes on hard drives and memory cards, rendering recounts impossible. If the computer hasn't recorded people's votes correctly in the first place, or if someone has weaseled into the database and shifted around the totals, the true count will be lost to all forever. Salon

New Laws and Machines May Spell Voting Woes NYT

The following is no longer archived by NYT: New Laws and Machines May Spell Voting Woes By Ian Urbina The New York Times TO

The following is several years old and originally included numerous links that were no longer valid. It provides an overview and additional links:

Did you know....
1. 80% of all votes in America are counted by only two companies: Diebold and ES&S.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diebold
2. There is no federal agency with regulatory authority or oversight of the U.S. voting machine industry.
http://www.commondreams.org/views02/0916-04.htm



3. The vice-president of Diebold and the president of ES&S are brothers.
http://www.americanfreepress.net/ht...te_company.html

4. The chairman and CEO of Diebold is a major Bush campaign organizer and donor who wrote in 2003 that he was "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year."


5. Republican Senator Chuck Hagel used to be chairman of ES&S. He became Senator based on votes counted by ES&S machines.

6. Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, long-connected with the Bush family, was recently caught lying about his ownership of ES&S by the Senate Ethics Committee.
http://www.onlisareinsradar.com/archives/000896.php

7. Senator Chuck Hagel was on a short list of George W. Bush's vice-presidential candidates.
http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_28/b3689130.htm

8. ES&S is the largest voting machine manufacturer in the U.S. and counts almost 60% of all U.S. votes.
http://www.essvote.com/HTML/about/about.html

9. Diebold's new touch screen voting machines have no paper trail of any votes. In other words, there is no way to verify that the data coming out of the machine is the same as what was legitimately put in by voters.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0225-05.htm

10. Diebold also makes ATMs, checkout scanners, and ticket machines, all of which log each transaction and can generate a paper trail.
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0225-05.htm
http://www.diebold.com/solutions/default.htm

11. Diebold is based in Ohio.
http://www.diebold.com/aboutus/ataglance/default.htm

12. Diebold employed 5 convicted felons as senior managers and developers to help write the central compiler computer code that counted 50% of the votes in 30 states.
http://www.wired.com/news/evote/0,2645,61640,00.html

13. Jeff Dean, Diebold's Senior Vice-President and senior programmer on Diebold's central compiler code, was convicted of 23 counts of felony theft in the first degree.
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/bbv_chapter-8.pdf

14. Diebold Senior Vice-President Jeff Dean was convicted of planting back doors in his software and using a "high degree of sophistication" to evade detection over a period of 2 years.
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/bbv_chapter-8.pdf

15. None of the international election observers were allowed in the polls in Ohio.
http://www.globalexchange.org/update/press/2638.html


16. California banned the use of Diebold machines because the security was so bad. Despite Diebold's claims that the audit logs could not be hacked, a chimpanzee was able to do it! (See the movie here .)
http://wired.com/news/evote/0,2645,63298,00.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4874190

17. 30% of all U.S. votes are carried out on unverifiable touch screen voting machines with no paper trail.


18. All -- not some -- but all the voting machine errors detected and reported in Florida went in favor of Bush or Republican candidates.
http://www.ilcaonline.org/modules.p...article&sid=950
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00227.htm

19. The governor of the state of Florida, Jeb Bush, is the President's brother.

20. Serious voting anomalies in Florida -- again always favoring Bush -- have been mathematically demonstrated and experts are recommending further investigation.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1106-30.htm
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2004/110904.html
http://uscountvotes.org/
- Rhonda Bailey, NURSE (December 04, 2004; Tuscumbia, AL)

Energy -- Solar and Wind

As the Massachusetts Energy Bill gets hashed out in committee, the final product will reveal if consumers win or whether the wealthy will prevail in protecting their pristine views, environment be damned!

Whose side are they really on?

Will Massachusetts compete with the rest of New England and support coastal wind development?

And what of solar?

Do you think Middleboro will ever notice?


A Solar Grand Plan
By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions
By Ken Zweibel, James Mason and Vasilis Fthenakis

High prices for gasoline and home heating oil are here to stay. The U.S. is at war in the Middle East at least in part to protect its foreign oil interests. And as China, India and other nations rapidly increase their demand for fossil fuels, future fighting over energy looms large. In the meantime, power plants that burn coal, oil and natural gas, as well as vehicles everywhere, continue to pour millions of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually, threatening the planet. Scientific American

Regulators to debate two W. Maine wind-power projects
By Glenn Adams, Associated Press Writer January 13, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine --With Maine's spot as New England's largest generator of wind power already well-established, state regulators on Monday will consider two more projects that would produce enough clean power to keep the lights glowing and toasters cooking in more 70,000 homes.

As of now, all of the remaining five New England states have a total of 13 megawatts of installed wind power, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Noteworthy among the region's proposed projects is the 468 megawatt Cape Winds project off Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
By comparison, New York has 390 megawatts of installed wind power, California 2,376 and Texas, the nation's leader, 3,953, according to AWEA. BostonGlobe

Not in Middleboro! #2

Brewster has an alternative energy committee? Impressive!
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Not in Middleboro!
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Brewster - Alternative energy for town hall may not be financially viable, but voters at the spring town meeting will still have a chance to weigh in on it.

Reporting to selectmen this week, John Cunningham of the alternative energy committee said most of the options the committee looked at for replacing town hall’s aging boiler had very long “payback” periods – the amount of time energy savings would make up for the initial cost...... CapeCodder

Massachusetts Corporate Tax Reform

MBPC offers an analysis of corporate taxes that removes the issue from speculation and guessing to a more informed picture worthy of review:

Business Taxation: Isolated Statistics versus a More Complete Picture
January 10, 2008

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During the debate over reform of the corporate tax code, many statistics have been used in the effort to describe our current corporate tax system in Massachusetts. This MassBudget Brief puts into a fuller, more complete perspective these isolated statistics discussed in this debate.

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As the data show, when overall business taxes and more meaningful time periods are examined, two trends are clear: overall business taxes in Massachusetts are lower than business taxes in most states, and business tax levels fluctuate with economic cycles, but have trended down.

Massachusetts Senate Passes Visionary Energy Bill

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Senate passed their version of the Energy Bill, which bears watching for the final product. The following offers information about the contents of the energy bill and since the Middleboro DPW Superintendent raised the issue of recycling at the Selectmen's Meeting, the information on the left side of the site might prove beneficial for review:

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Massachusetts Senate Passes Visionary Energy Bill

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Boston, MA – Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act to Generate Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now, the latest iteration of Speaker DiMasi’s original Green Communities Act. This bill prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable energy as solutions to Massachusetts’ energy woes and has received broad support from environmental and industry groups alike.

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“The Senate has made history by passing new energy policy that will make Massachusetts a national leader in energy conservation and will position us as an authority in the clean energy economy,” said Diana Connett, energy associate with Environment Massachusetts.

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The bill curtails energy waste in several ways. It requires electric and gas utilities to procure energy efficiency before they buy more power, and it adopts more efficient energy codes for buildings across the state.

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One section of the bill sets up a home energy scoring program, which brings the efficiency of a building into the equation of when buying or selling a home.

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“Wasting less energy and using clean, homegrown sources of power reduces global warming pollution and cuts energy bills,” added Connett. “This bill puts forth a comprehensive set of solutions to our energy problems.”

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The bill also incentivizes renewable energy is numerous ways. It promotes local generation of renewable energy, like solar panels and wind turbines, by making them more cost-effective for individuals, communities, and municipalities. It creates a framework for utilities to offer long term contracts to renewable energy developers, and it offers resources to help communities plan and implement energy saving or renewable energy projects.

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From here, the bill with go to conference committee, where delegates from the House and Senate will compromise on a final version of the energy bill to be voted on by both chambers.

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“We look forward to working with House and Senate leaders to finalize an energy bill that will put Massachusetts on a path to a new energy future,” concluded Connett.

EnvironmentMassachusetts

Honesty from the Middleboro Board of Selectmen?

At Monday's BOS Meeting (1/07/08), the DPW Superintendent attempted to explain Middleboro's snow removal account budget, at $50,000, has now been spent and he required the BOS approval to deficit spend.

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At least the interim Town Manager offered a more comprehensible explanation.
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A little honesty from the current BOS might be appreciated at times. Do they even remember when $50,000 made sense? Can't they at least explain to voters that it's deliberately done each year? Not a surprise?

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The Middleboro BOS plan to schedule each department to attend their meeting and offer a presentation of their budget. If unable to attend, you might want to ensure that you watch. This promises to be great comedy! This is worth the cost of ComCast!
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Dedham addressed the same of the snow account issue, as follows:
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What Will It Cost?

by: Brian
Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 11:09:15 AM EST
Of the two Dedham stories in the Transcript this morning one was explicitly about money. The other made no mention of it, though like everything else the price tag will pretty much determine what we can do and when.
In the first we learn, to no one's surprise, that have already spent our snow budget for the entire winter. Last budget season David gave us a great overview of why it is in our best interest to under budget this particular line item.
Towns always under-budget for snow removal because it is the one place where they can deficit spend. If we increase the snow removal budget, we can never decrease it again. For example, we budget $300,000 every year. If we were to increase to say, $900,000, we could never decrease the amount in future years and that money would be tied up in snow removal regardless of the amount of snow that must be removed in a year.
Since we're permitted to deficit spend in snow removal, we are permitted to make up any difference using free cash (which has historically been about $1M each year). myDedham

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During the presentation of the DPW issues, the interim Town Manager mentioned PRIVATE ROADS, seemingly with no understanding of the legal issues and history. One must wonder if there's a consistent policy in place.

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The issue was raised on myDedham:

Anyone dealing with "private way" issues in Dedham?

by: sirjames
Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 15:11:46 PM EST
(Anyone else ever have to deal with this? - promoted by Brian)We live in a small area in East Dedham on a private way. The water line is considered a "community line," i.e., no shut off from the three homes, just one shut off where the line meets the main. Evidently, a leak has sprung underground, the DWWD is planning to shut off the water and the residents of the street are expected to pay for the water line repair! All in 5 days! How's that for town planning? Has anyone else dealt with this situation? Thanks for your time and attention.

To Talia: Another Abramoff Buddy Bites the Dust!

Perhaps Rep. John Doolittle's constituents find comfort that he quoted the Bible in announcing 'his departure' after such conspicuous corruption, but yet another Abramoff connection may occupy a cell next to 'Duke' Cunningham in continuing investigations.

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Indian Casino Gambling offers too much profit and too much advantage to casino investors to expect corruption will end with Abramoff and cronies imprisoned.

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This ceased being about 'helping' Indians long ago and became HELPING ONESELF.
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This unwinding sage bears watching.
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Doolittle: 'The time has come for my departure.'
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Doolittle's legal problems were spawned during the heady days for Republican conservatives when former Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, first as whip and then as House Republican leader, was the caucus's ideological enforcer.

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Doolittle was a faithful lieutenant on DeLay's whip team and started up the leadership ladder as conference secretary. As DeLay's power rose on Capitol Hill, it also spread throughout Washington. Doolittle thrived in DeLay's reflected beam.

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In 1995, DeLay conceived the K Street Project, a scheme to rid the major lobbying houses of Democrats. His message was clear: If you wanted to do business with House Republicans, you had to go through purist Republican lobbyists.

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Jack Abramoff converted his association with DeLay into an empire. He was not alone. Several DeLay staffers, including chief of staff Ed Buckham, formed their own lobbying firm, the Alexander Strategy Group.

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Doolittle knew them all and grabbed the perks as they came along. He used Abramoff's skybox at a downtown sports arena for fundraising, dined at Abramoff's Signatures restaurant, gloried in political contributions from them and their clients and helped with letters and federal money whenever he could.

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But there was plenty of money flowing to Doolittle and his political action committees from Abramoff's other clients, especially Indian tribes. Abramoff would later admit to grossly overcharging in lobbying activities that generally involved tribal gambling. In all, Doolittle received more than $140,000 from Abramoff, his associates and clients before his empire collapsed in 2005.

SacBee

Not in Middleboro!

Middleboro Selectmen successfully delayed mailing real estate tax bills more than two months by their failure to act.

First there was the grab bag Special Town Meeting that spent most of the piggy bank on November 5, 2007, knowing the ladder truck had been taken out of service on September 15 and a leaking school roof can't be postponed much longer. And then there's the water rate increase the retiring Town Manager called to their attention months earlier.

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Maybe they were so convinced they would loose the 9/29 Recall Election, they ignored their responsibilities.

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Big Leagues, Mr. Spartaro? Or Abbott and Costello?

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Other towns are moving forward. Guess you hadn't noticed, Mr. Spartaro.

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In case you missed it, CCT is reporting a GRASSROOTS initiative in Yarmouth.

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Is that what is required to force Middleboro Selectmen to act on anything?

Yarmouth Town Hall Goes Solar this week SolarWrights installs town's first renewable energy system
An Orleans renewable energy company reported today that the installation of a new renewable energy system consisting of 60 photovoltaic modules on the roof of Yarmouth Town Hall will be completed this week. The project is being done by Liz Argo, project manager and Massachusetts state director of SolarWrights, Inc., a Bristol, Rhode Island-based renewable energy provider with offices in Orleans.
The environmental benefits are equivalent to planting three acres of trees. The final commissioning of the photovoltaic electricity system will be done by the end of the month making the Town of Yarmouth a leader in taking the important first steps into the renewable energy age.
Grassroots made the town green. The effort was first conceived by Peter White of Yarmouth. He led a grassroots movement which placed an article on last May's Town Meeting ballot. Yarmouth voters affirmed their desire to "go green" by voting overwhelmingly to appropriate $50,000 towards the installation of photovoltaic modules on the roof of their Town Hall. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) matched the Town's funds with an additional $50,000 through the MTC's Small Renewables Initiative grant. By October the Town had released its Request for Proposals and the Town's first renewable energy system was on its way to becoming a reality."This 10.5kW photovoltaic system is an important first step in reducing the Town's reliance on fossil fuels," according to Argo. "This grid-tied PV electrical system will offset around 13,000kWH (kilowatthours) of electricity every year from the Town's electrical bills. With current prices of 20 cents per kilowatthour that will equal $2,600 the taxpayers will save on the price of electricity every year. As electric prices go up, the savings will be far more significant. Additional revenue will be realized by the Town's sale of their Renewable Energy Credits or RECs", added Argo.To some residents the real success story of the Yarmouth Town Hall lies in the environmental benefits the renewable energy system will offer. Along with reducing the production off Nitrous Oxides and Sulfur Dioxide, the 10.5kW PV installation will eliminate 20,620 lbs of Carbon Dioxide from entering our atmosphere every year. These environmental benefits are equivalent to planting three acres of trees. CCT

Middleboro Campaign Announcement

This appears to be the first campaign announcement for Middleboro's April Town Election:

To all,

I drew papers for the Fin com seat vacated by Peter LePages' resignation.

I will be outside the Post Office gathering sigs for the form next Saturday (Jan 12-08) from 10:00 to 12:00.

Hope I can get some support from you all!

Thanks,

Steve McKinnon

To Talia: Casino Corruption #3

To Talia:

As attempts to obtain White House visitors' logs winds its way through the courts in Administration attempts to conceal Abramoff's connections and obstruct justice, you might want to subscribe and watch this site below for information.

Whether Glenn Marshall and other Mashpee Wampanoag tribal leaders who made generous political contributions at Abramoff's suggestion escape investigation and prosecution remains to be revealed.

This seems to paint a clear picture of the impact of casino investors on the process and Middleboro's failure to examine the their business partners.

CREW

Nomination Papers available in Middleboro

In one of the few articles in the Brockton EmptyPrize about Middleboro, Alice Elwell has included a list of positions available for the April 5 Town Election.

There are a lot of seats open. Anyone interested in running?

It would be great to see some new candidates.

Nomination papers available for Middleboro election
By Alice C. Elwell, Enterprise correspondent
MIDDLEBORO— Nomination papers for the April 5 town election will be available in the town clerk's office today. Enterprise

Energy Savings? Not in Middleboro!

Taunton saved $570,000 on energy costs.

Other communities have done the same.

But not Middleboro!

Predictions are that oil prices will continue to escalate which should come as little surprise given an oil-friendly Administration in Washington and their willingness to de-stabilize the Middle East.

The failure to address the issue on a local level successfully creates a double whammy for taxpayers struggling with their personal rising energy costs and reducing their household consumption, nary a word is heard from those in elected positions in Middleboro.

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It appears that those who offer rosy promises of leadership when campaigning, drink the Kool Aid once elected, and surrender to the rudderless who accomplish little.

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The current Board of Selectmen discussed Quarterly Tax Billing in 2003, but have failed to act. And they have done much the same on a multitude of other issues.

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And what of the School Department that is a major municipal consumer?

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What do we do to effect leadership?

Oil Traders Eye $100 Crude Next Year
By JOHN WILEN –
NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices headed slightly lower Monday, marking a quiet end to a record-breaking year, although rising demand and geopolitical instability are expected to keep upward pressure on energy costs early in 2008. AP

Crude Oil Slips By 2 Cents But Closes Year Up 57%
Monday, December 31, 2007 3:55:20 PM - Crude oil prices closed slightly lower on Monday, adding to Friday's modest decline. Light sweet crude for February delivery finished at $95.98, down 2 cents on the final session of 2007. Oil closed the year up $34.93 or 57% from the end of 2006. RTTNews

Pakistan unrest lifts oil prices
LONDON (AFP) — Oil prices rose solidly on Monday, pushed higher by concerns about instability in Pakistan and tensions on the Turkish border with oil-rich Iraq, dealers said