Politics

WHAT: State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Jen Benson invite you to join them at a Community Meeting with Governor Deval Patrick.

WHEN: Sunday, May 23^rd

Doors open at 4:00pm
Event begins at 4:30pm

WHERE: Holiday Inn Boxborough

(Exit 28 on Route 495, off Route 111, at 232 Adams Place.)

WHO: All are welcome.

The event is hosted by State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Rep. Jen Benson and their districts' townspeople from: Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Shirley, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, and Westborough.

April 29, 2010

House votes to increase funding to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Boston, MA – Calling the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries one of the most professional agencies in the Commonwealth, Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. (R-Grafton) is pleased to announce that the House voted unanimously to increase overall funding to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife by $500,000, as well as allocate an additional $500,000 to the Wildlife and Habitat Purchase account.

The two amendments were offered by Representative William M. Straus, the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture, and Representative Peterson was proud to cosponsor both of them.

“I am extremely pleased these amendments garnered such overwhelming support by the members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives,” said Representative Peterson.  “The Bay State is rich in natural resources and the increased appropriations will allow hunters and fishermen alike to take advantage of all of the amazing outdoor, recreational opportunities available to them.”

Representative Peterson, an avid outdoorsman himself, praised the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife saying, “these professionals have done a great job of managing our resources.”

Representative Peterson, a 16 year member of the House, currently serves as Assistant Minority Leader.   

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Peterson: Republicans score bipartisan victory

Controversial language struck from Municipal Relief Bill

BOSTON— Calling it a bipartisan victory, Representative George Peterson praised his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for adopting a Republican-offered amendment to protect taxpayers from yet another tax increase.

As you may recall, the House Ways and Means Committee proposed allowing municipalities to raise property taxes outside of the constraints of the so-called “proposition 2½ limits” without a local vote.

Representative Peterson, along with his Republican colleagues, supported an amendment offered by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr., to the so-called Municipal Relief Bill striking out the language permitting the increase of property taxes absent an override vote.

“Proposition 2 ½ has been an integral part of keeping our local budgets and property taxes within reasonable increases,” stated Representative Peterson. “This will continue to allow citizens the decision of when these increases will occur. I am glad that we were able to stop this back door attempt at circumventing the tenants of proposition 2 ½.”

Citizens for Limited Taxation had estimated that if this bill passed with the original language, it would cost Massachusetts taxpayers more than $500 million in increased property taxes.

We have a race! The following is from our Shrewsbury neighbor's blog "ShrewsBuried", titled ' Denis Leary To Run For State Representative'

by Mark Adler

Shrewsbury Democrat Denis Leary has taken out nomination papers to run for State Representative from the 11th Worcester District, which covers Shrewsbury and part of Westborough. The seat is being vacated by Republican Karyn Polito, who's running for State Treasurer.

Leary is a 57 year old resident of Shrewsbury. He is the Executive Director of Veterans Inc, which provides shelter, food, and training to homeless Massachusetts vets. This organization recently brought its operations to Shrewsbury in the former Calvary Retreat Center on South Street.

He is not the famous comedian/actor from Worcester, but rather is a graduate of Stonehill College and Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. He has more than 15 years experience in the administration and management of human service programs.

Mr. Leary was previously employed by Community Healthlink, a subsidiary of UMassMemorial Healthcare System, where he was a Division Director for 11 years. He is also the former President of the Central Massachusetts Substance Abuse Association, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and he was the 2000 recipient of the T&G's Vision Award.

The deadline for nomination papers is May 4. The primary election is September 14.

Mr. Leary will be challenging Mr. Beaton, who is running as a Republican for 11th Worcester District.