Holyoke- City Councilor At Large Kevin Jourdain in a brief announcement today stated that he was surprised to hear of Mayor Sullivan's option not to seek election next year. Jourdain also stated that being Mayor is a difficult job and one that can be thankless at times. Councilor Jourdain, who has served with 3 Mayors, thanked Mayor Sullivan for his service to the city and looks forward to working with him for the remainder of his term.
While extensive work faces the city in 2008, 2009 is going to be a critical election to the future of the city. "I want to thank the many people who have already called me to encourage me to run for Mayor. It would indeed be an honor to serve. I will give strong consideration to this exciting opportunity to use my experience to make sure that Holyoke continues to prosper and that our government serves the interests of its citizens."
Friday, July 18, 2008
AP: Comcast Customer Service Ratings at All-Time Low
Comcast Customer Service Ratings at All-Time Low
Associated Press
May 20, 2008
Customer satisfaction ratings for Comcast Corp. fell this year to an all-time low and rank at the bottom of cable and satellite TV providers, according to a survey released on May 20. Comcast lagged behind smaller operators such as Cablevision Systems Corp. and RCN Corp., which as a group topped the customer satisfaction ratings for the first time ever.
Comcast rated 54 out of a perfect 100 for customer satisfaction. Rapid growth for the Philadelphia-based company, which have been buying up smaller cable systems, may have added to its customer service problems, the report said.
Comcast breaks promises with Holyoke subscribers!
Holyoke - Effective July 16, 2008, ComCast has decimated the basic service package that offers local subscribers a low cost alternative to the otherwise extremely high prices they offer for the digital packages. Holyoke is disproportionately lower income versus other communities in Western Massachusetts and is especially sensitive to this change. Allegedly, they are doing this so people can buy more High Definition channels which is great but what about those who cannot afford a $50+ package. ComCast claims to be committed to the community but then does stuff like this that is strictly designed at increasing their bottom line regardless of how many people are harmed!
"God's Word is Eternal, but apparently ComCast's word is only good for 11 Years."
No less disturbing in all of this is ComCast's blatant breach of an agreement they had with the City in 1997 with respect to the broadcasting of EWTN. This widely popular Catholic Channel was promised to the people of Holyoke as far back as the 1980's with Contential Cablevision and MediaOne. Until 1997, it was broadcast 24 hours day. ComCast then made the decision that it was only going to be run it part-time by sharing the same Channel 21 with the Inspiration Network, which is a fine channel in its own right.
Quickly, ComCast put up the same straw man arguments as they are now saying nothing can be done we are just giving you what people want. So to convince them of their misguided ways and to demonstrate that Holyokers and people throughout Western Massachusetts wanted EWTN a massive organizational effort was undertaken. During that process, over 6000 signatures were collected in support of EWTN; including, over 3000 in Holyoke. Large volumes of letters and phone calls were generated, as well as, media attention.
During the process of the 1997 ComCast contract negotiations with the city, then Mayor Danny Szostkiewicz showed real leadership and reached an accord with ComCast that in lieu of a public access channel that we were not using anyway that ComCast would broadcast EWTN on Channel 23 during the switch over hours when EWTN was not playing on Channel 21. Holyoke gave up its public access channel for this specific purpose. ComCast knows this. Most communities have 3 channels for what is called PEG Access purposes. PEG Access stands for Public Access, Educational Access and Government Access. The Education channel is on Channel 12 and our Government Channel is Channel 15. In the midst of ComCast's haste to remove EWTN, they have also taken without justification our would be Public Access Channel on Channel 23. Public Access channels are required by federal law to be broadcast as part of the basic service package.
In sum, ComCast has broken their promise to broadcast EWTN and has stolen from us our public access channel effectively leaving Holyoke left holding the bag. Under no circumstances, can this be tolerated.
Thousands of our fellow Holyokers and people throughout Western MA are now being deprived of this precious religious programming. Inspiration channel has also been removed and as a result all religious programming has been removed from the more affordable basic tier. This is alarming and is disturbing especially from a company that purports to listen to its customers and is allegedly family friendly.
I encourage all Holyoke residents to call ComCast's Government Affairs Representative Stephen Fitzgibbons at (413) 730-4513 and demand EWTN be restored to the basic tier back on our public access Channel 23!
I also encourage Holyokers to call Mayor Sullivan at (413) 322-5510 and ask that he lend his support to getting ComCast to restore our public access channel so it can be used for EWTN!
If you would like more information on this issue and the on-going fight to preserve EWTN and protect our cable subscribers on fixed income, please call me at (413) 538-5519 or email me or call Paula Brunault at (413) 534-1596. Paula has been the leader on this issue for many years and we are lucky to have her fighting for us again!
"God's Word is Eternal, but apparently ComCast's word is only good for 11 Years."
No less disturbing in all of this is ComCast's blatant breach of an agreement they had with the City in 1997 with respect to the broadcasting of EWTN. This widely popular Catholic Channel was promised to the people of Holyoke as far back as the 1980's with Contential Cablevision and MediaOne. Until 1997, it was broadcast 24 hours day. ComCast then made the decision that it was only going to be run it part-time by sharing the same Channel 21 with the Inspiration Network, which is a fine channel in its own right.
Quickly, ComCast put up the same straw man arguments as they are now saying nothing can be done we are just giving you what people want. So to convince them of their misguided ways and to demonstrate that Holyokers and people throughout Western Massachusetts wanted EWTN a massive organizational effort was undertaken. During that process, over 6000 signatures were collected in support of EWTN; including, over 3000 in Holyoke. Large volumes of letters and phone calls were generated, as well as, media attention.
During the process of the 1997 ComCast contract negotiations with the city, then Mayor Danny Szostkiewicz showed real leadership and reached an accord with ComCast that in lieu of a public access channel that we were not using anyway that ComCast would broadcast EWTN on Channel 23 during the switch over hours when EWTN was not playing on Channel 21. Holyoke gave up its public access channel for this specific purpose. ComCast knows this. Most communities have 3 channels for what is called PEG Access purposes. PEG Access stands for Public Access, Educational Access and Government Access. The Education channel is on Channel 12 and our Government Channel is Channel 15. In the midst of ComCast's haste to remove EWTN, they have also taken without justification our would be Public Access Channel on Channel 23. Public Access channels are required by federal law to be broadcast as part of the basic service package.
In sum, ComCast has broken their promise to broadcast EWTN and has stolen from us our public access channel effectively leaving Holyoke left holding the bag. Under no circumstances, can this be tolerated.
Thousands of our fellow Holyokers and people throughout Western MA are now being deprived of this precious religious programming. Inspiration channel has also been removed and as a result all religious programming has been removed from the more affordable basic tier. This is alarming and is disturbing especially from a company that purports to listen to its customers and is allegedly family friendly.
I encourage all Holyoke residents to call ComCast's Government Affairs Representative Stephen Fitzgibbons at (413) 730-4513 and demand EWTN be restored to the basic tier back on our public access Channel 23!
I also encourage Holyokers to call Mayor Sullivan at (413) 322-5510 and ask that he lend his support to getting ComCast to restore our public access channel so it can be used for EWTN!
If you would like more information on this issue and the on-going fight to preserve EWTN and protect our cable subscribers on fixed income, please call me at (413) 538-5519 or email me or call Paula Brunault at (413) 534-1596. Paula has been the leader on this issue for many years and we are lucky to have her fighting for us again!
Friday, June 20, 2008
City Council makes many cuts from Budget!
On Tuesday, June 17, 2008, the City Council convened in regular session to vote on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Historically, there have not been a lot of proposed cuts other than from those of us who have been pushing for more fiscal control for many years now. However, I am very happy to report that this year was very different and I was pleasantly surprised by many of the good cuts offered by many of my colleagues.
The following cuts were approved:
$1,191,039 CUT FROM BUDGET!
The following cuts were denied:
$6,201 from Sealer of Weights and Measures payroll account
$100,000 from Snow Removal Account
$1,000,000 additional cut from Management Service Contract to United Water (8-7 vote - see additional post on this topic)
I voted for all of the cuts except for the snow removal cut and the Sealer cut.
Hats off to the City Council for a job well done on the budget this year!!
Once all of the Final Budget Numbers are finalized - I will get the new budget placed on city website for your review.
The following cuts were approved:
- $1,000 from Mayor's In-State Travel Account
- $30,000 from Law Department's Special Counsel Acount
- $76,000 from Software License / Usage Fees Account to put the line item back to what was requested by Dept Head
- $15,000 from Software Hardware/Software Maintenance Account to put the line item back to what was requested by Dept Head
- $40,000 to eliminate the Community Mediation Program in Police Dept.
- $1,000 from Education & Training budget of Emergency Management which has been combined under Fire Dept that already has $9,000 in their account.
- $50,000 to eliminate the Mayor's proposed "Early Warning Service" Phone call system.
- $37,039 to eliminate 1 of 2 vacant Carpenter positions at DPW
- $10,000 from City Hall Annex Repair & Maintenance Acct until it is decided if Mayor's proposal to tear down building is approved by City Council
- $55,000 from Highland Fire Station Repair & Maintenance Account because the account was overfunded by 1000% from last year's expenses
- $8,000 from Other Supplies Account of DPW
- $3,000 from Out-of-State Travel Account
- $75,000 from Law Dept's Claims and Damages Account
- $790,000 from Management Service Contract to United Water
$1,191,039 CUT FROM BUDGET!
The following cuts were denied:
$6,201 from Sealer of Weights and Measures payroll account
$100,000 from Snow Removal Account
$1,000,000 additional cut from Management Service Contract to United Water (8-7 vote - see additional post on this topic)
I voted for all of the cuts except for the snow removal cut and the Sealer cut.
Hats off to the City Council for a job well done on the budget this year!!
Once all of the Final Budget Numbers are finalized - I will get the new budget placed on city website for your review.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Amazing Job done by Holyoke Fire Dept and Mutual Aid!
I want to offer my personal thanks to the Holyoke Fire Department and the Fire Departments within the region for their mutual aid in the amazing job they did last night in battling the terrible Parsons Paper Fire.
Last night, my son and I went to the fire headquarters and along with hundreds of our fellow citizens and witnessed great heroism and commitment! A great deal of additional property damage and potential loss of life were spared because of their efforts. They once again showed why they are one of the best departments around and made us all very proud!
Great job Guys!
Last night, my son and I went to the fire headquarters and along with hundreds of our fellow citizens and witnessed great heroism and commitment! A great deal of additional property damage and potential loss of life were spared because of their efforts. They once again showed why they are one of the best departments around and made us all very proud!
Great job Guys!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Division of Banks approves Holyoke's new Pawnbroker Ordinance!
Holyoke- City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that the Division of Banks after a recent public hearing has approved the new ordinances related to Pawnbrokers sponsored by Councilor Jourdain. The new ordinance among other provisions also includes a provision capping interest rates that can be charged to customers to 36% per year. Prior to the ordinance, pawnbrokers were allowed to charge as much as they wanted and many in the industry have been known to charge as much as 60-80% interest.
"I am happy that Holyoke was able to put in place reasonable new limits to make sure that customers, many of whom are lower income, from being exploited and I thank the Division of Banks for approving the Common Sense reforms I put forward."
For more information on this new law, please feel free to contact me anytime.
"I am happy that Holyoke was able to put in place reasonable new limits to make sure that customers, many of whom are lower income, from being exploited and I thank the Division of Banks for approving the Common Sense reforms I put forward."
For more information on this new law, please feel free to contact me anytime.
City Council Bonds 2.5 million for Air Conditioning amid school closings and layoffs!
Holyoke - At our last meeting on June 3, the City Council voted 12-3 to pass $9.4 million in additional bonding to pay for cost overruns to the proposed Holyoke High improvements. In 2004, the City Council approved with my support over $13 million in improvements for the high school. These proposed improvements were eligible for 90% reimbursement from the state.
Since that time in October 2005, the architect for the project, Alderman & MacNeish, went bankrupt and walked off with $773,000 of Holyoke's money. According to testimony to the Finance Committee,which I am a member, they reportedly destroyed all of the paid for work product and drawings. We were told by school officials that the city's law department is pursing legal action.
Since the initial estimates for the proposed improvements to the school in 2002, there has been nearly $6 million in inflationary costs. What was remarkable to me was the fact that if the School Department knew in October 2005 that Alderman & MacNeish went bankrupt why did they not regroup and keep the project moving forward with a new architect. It appears that there was a 2 year delay and this has resulted in sizable percentage of the inflationary costs. Luckily, to the School dept's credit they were able to secure $2.6 million of additional state assistance to help cover some of the $6 million in inflation.
Meanwhile, the Holyoke Gas&Electric Dept has announced that it is closing down its steam operations in the city and to the high school. This required an additional $1 million to install a new gas boiler system. The School Dept also requested an additional $500,000 for a fire alarm system upgrade and $100,000 for a new security system. While these are smaller ticket items, one does wonder why (with the exception of the boiler) they were not put in the original package to the state so the city could have been reimbursed. All of these new costs will receive 0% reimbursement because they are new add-ons.
Although not happy we are not getting any state reimbursement, I was supportive of these additions to the original bond authorization. What I could not justify to the taxpayers was the late addition of Air Conditioning at a cost of $2.5 million to the project. First of all, as an alumni of HHS Class of 1989 myself, I survived just fine as a student without air conditioning. For the forty years the school has been open, students have lived without air conditioning. Would it be nice? Sure. But I think what students would prefer is that more of their teachers, professional staff and custodians keep their jobs then to have air conditioning at a cost of $250,000+ for 20 years on the city's credit card. On June 15, over 107 school employees will be getting pink slips.
While the School Dept. is closing 3 schools and the City has $1 million deficit to start the fiscal year, now is not the time for a luxury that will be used for the Summer months when most students will not even be there. Moreover, I asked the Principal why some of the Summer programs could not be transferred to Dean which is one of the few buildings with central air, he stated "I suppose they could."
These are lean times and we, as a city, need to be make some sacrifices instead of just bonding our future generations to the hilt. The Mayor is already proposing his 9th $2 million Tax Increase in a Row. Moreover, if Air Conditioning was a priority then it should be placed in our capital plan and a request should have been made to the state for 80% reimbursement instead of us flipping the whole bill which we cannot afford. We already have over $20 million in requested bonding under consideration for other projects. Never once was AC at the high school mentioned before.
It is for this reason that I requested a bond package without the $2.5 million for AC, but the City Council voted for the $9.4 million anyway which will now increase the $1 million deficit in the Mayor's proposed budget by at least another $1 million to cover the bond payment.
Councilors Jourdain, Keane and Lisi voted against the $9.4 million bond request as presented.
Since that time in October 2005, the architect for the project, Alderman & MacNeish, went bankrupt and walked off with $773,000 of Holyoke's money. According to testimony to the Finance Committee,which I am a member, they reportedly destroyed all of the paid for work product and drawings. We were told by school officials that the city's law department is pursing legal action.
Since the initial estimates for the proposed improvements to the school in 2002, there has been nearly $6 million in inflationary costs. What was remarkable to me was the fact that if the School Department knew in October 2005 that Alderman & MacNeish went bankrupt why did they not regroup and keep the project moving forward with a new architect. It appears that there was a 2 year delay and this has resulted in sizable percentage of the inflationary costs. Luckily, to the School dept's credit they were able to secure $2.6 million of additional state assistance to help cover some of the $6 million in inflation.
Meanwhile, the Holyoke Gas&Electric Dept has announced that it is closing down its steam operations in the city and to the high school. This required an additional $1 million to install a new gas boiler system. The School Dept also requested an additional $500,000 for a fire alarm system upgrade and $100,000 for a new security system. While these are smaller ticket items, one does wonder why (with the exception of the boiler) they were not put in the original package to the state so the city could have been reimbursed. All of these new costs will receive 0% reimbursement because they are new add-ons.
Although not happy we are not getting any state reimbursement, I was supportive of these additions to the original bond authorization. What I could not justify to the taxpayers was the late addition of Air Conditioning at a cost of $2.5 million to the project. First of all, as an alumni of HHS Class of 1989 myself, I survived just fine as a student without air conditioning. For the forty years the school has been open, students have lived without air conditioning. Would it be nice? Sure. But I think what students would prefer is that more of their teachers, professional staff and custodians keep their jobs then to have air conditioning at a cost of $250,000+ for 20 years on the city's credit card. On June 15, over 107 school employees will be getting pink slips.
While the School Dept. is closing 3 schools and the City has $1 million deficit to start the fiscal year, now is not the time for a luxury that will be used for the Summer months when most students will not even be there. Moreover, I asked the Principal why some of the Summer programs could not be transferred to Dean which is one of the few buildings with central air, he stated "I suppose they could."
These are lean times and we, as a city, need to be make some sacrifices instead of just bonding our future generations to the hilt. The Mayor is already proposing his 9th $2 million Tax Increase in a Row. Moreover, if Air Conditioning was a priority then it should be placed in our capital plan and a request should have been made to the state for 80% reimbursement instead of us flipping the whole bill which we cannot afford. We already have over $20 million in requested bonding under consideration for other projects. Never once was AC at the high school mentioned before.
It is for this reason that I requested a bond package without the $2.5 million for AC, but the City Council voted for the $9.4 million anyway which will now increase the $1 million deficit in the Mayor's proposed budget by at least another $1 million to cover the bond payment.
Councilors Jourdain, Keane and Lisi voted against the $9.4 million bond request as presented.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
City Council to vote on Yet Another Massive Sewer Hike!!!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that when the new sewer rate increase of 5.40/ 1000 gals (up 16% from the current 4.66/1000 gals and up 177% from just 2 yrs ago) comes before the City Council on June 3, he will state his clear and unequivocal opposition to this unnecessary and gauging increase.
Councilor Jourdain among others on the Council predicted prior to the November elections that "They will be in for more right after the election!" Regrettably, his prediction was true. Anticipating that many Councilors would be hiding under their desks on this rate increase to get by the election, Councilor Jourdain pushed for the Council to go on record in opposition of the predicted increase to 5.38/1000 gals, yet those who voted for the first exorbitant increase tabled the measure and would not let their constituents know where they stood.
However, because of your calls and outrage over this issue and the mandate the public sent City Hall when 57% of the voters stated they did not want the Aquarion boondoggle, support among City Councilors for Aquarion and its bogus rate predictions is finally beginning to show serious stress cracks. There is even a proposal now before the Council co-sponsored by Aquarion supporters to study getting us out of the contract.
How much longer can the supporters of this disaterous mistake continue to say with a straight face that this is the low cost alternative for Holyoke's sewer needs? How much longer can the Mayor and certain Councilors honestly keep heaping more and more rate increases on the backs of ratepayers before the ratepayers say enough is enough?
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Councilors who opposed the privatization of our sewer plant saw through the "pie in the sky" predictions and have opposed from Day One the overcharging of ratepayers beyond what was truly needed to make the $24 million in necessary improvements mandated by the EPA to the sewer plant. To pay a bond on $24 million at the 2% state rate costs approximately $1.5 million per year. Considering that according to DPW reports for every dollar increase in the rate, the city raises approximately $2 million in revenue, one wonders where all of this extra money is going? We know Aquarion is doing quite well off of us but why is this allowed?
Under public control, you had direct accountability and stable rates for decades. At 1.95/1000 gals your rate was among the lowest in the area. Under public control, with federal assistance and low interest loans your sewer rate to support the plant should never have to been more than $3.00 to $3.20 maximum per 1000 gals to make the improvements. That would have been a one-time increase. With Aquarion, every time you turn around you are getting hit with another increase and demand for more money that you cannot afford.
No one likes to pay more but when it is not justified makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow. The current rate of 4.66 is simply outrageous and to now increase it again to 5.40 is over the top. This will be a very close vote and the ratepayers and voters should let their Councilors know enough is enough.
This issue will be heating up again and please always feel free to contact Kevin regarding your thoughts on the issue. Stay tuned to Holyoke First for all of your sewer rate and other City Hall news and updates!
Councilor Jourdain among others on the Council predicted prior to the November elections that "They will be in for more right after the election!" Regrettably, his prediction was true. Anticipating that many Councilors would be hiding under their desks on this rate increase to get by the election, Councilor Jourdain pushed for the Council to go on record in opposition of the predicted increase to 5.38/1000 gals, yet those who voted for the first exorbitant increase tabled the measure and would not let their constituents know where they stood.
However, because of your calls and outrage over this issue and the mandate the public sent City Hall when 57% of the voters stated they did not want the Aquarion boondoggle, support among City Councilors for Aquarion and its bogus rate predictions is finally beginning to show serious stress cracks. There is even a proposal now before the Council co-sponsored by Aquarion supporters to study getting us out of the contract.
How much longer can the supporters of this disaterous mistake continue to say with a straight face that this is the low cost alternative for Holyoke's sewer needs? How much longer can the Mayor and certain Councilors honestly keep heaping more and more rate increases on the backs of ratepayers before the ratepayers say enough is enough?
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Councilors who opposed the privatization of our sewer plant saw through the "pie in the sky" predictions and have opposed from Day One the overcharging of ratepayers beyond what was truly needed to make the $24 million in necessary improvements mandated by the EPA to the sewer plant. To pay a bond on $24 million at the 2% state rate costs approximately $1.5 million per year. Considering that according to DPW reports for every dollar increase in the rate, the city raises approximately $2 million in revenue, one wonders where all of this extra money is going? We know Aquarion is doing quite well off of us but why is this allowed?
Under public control, you had direct accountability and stable rates for decades. At 1.95/1000 gals your rate was among the lowest in the area. Under public control, with federal assistance and low interest loans your sewer rate to support the plant should never have to been more than $3.00 to $3.20 maximum per 1000 gals to make the improvements. That would have been a one-time increase. With Aquarion, every time you turn around you are getting hit with another increase and demand for more money that you cannot afford.
No one likes to pay more but when it is not justified makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow. The current rate of 4.66 is simply outrageous and to now increase it again to 5.40 is over the top. This will be a very close vote and the ratepayers and voters should let their Councilors know enough is enough.
This issue will be heating up again and please always feel free to contact Kevin regarding your thoughts on the issue. Stay tuned to Holyoke First for all of your sewer rate and other City Hall news and updates!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Finance Committee Update on City Audit Report!
The Finance Committee has now met twice regarding my order to flesh out the problems highlighted in the recent Department of Revenue Audit Report, as well as, a full discussion of the proposed recommendations.
The Committee has meet with the City Auditor, Assessors, Tax Collector, Personnel Director and Treasurer.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 and will focus on the City Treasurer and the numerous problems in his office. There will be many areas of questions regarding his followup for past promises he has made to the City Council. In addition to the Audit report, I will certainly be inquiring of the Treasurer as to his mulitple promises to resolve the medicare accounts and the proper crediting of employee's statements.
At the conclusion of these hearings, I will be offering a large package of findings, as well as, procedural and structural changes that need to be made to city government and certain offices to make them more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. I will keep the citizens fully updated thorughout this process.
On June 2, the Finance Committee will also be discussing the proposed $9.4 million bond request to make improvements to Holyoke High School. That night we will also be getting a report from the Retirement Board regarding the unfunded pension liability issue and the overall health of the city retirement fund. It should be an excellent meeting and I will followup with Bloggers on Holyoke First with a full report.
The Committee has meet with the City Auditor, Assessors, Tax Collector, Personnel Director and Treasurer.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 and will focus on the City Treasurer and the numerous problems in his office. There will be many areas of questions regarding his followup for past promises he has made to the City Council. In addition to the Audit report, I will certainly be inquiring of the Treasurer as to his mulitple promises to resolve the medicare accounts and the proper crediting of employee's statements.
At the conclusion of these hearings, I will be offering a large package of findings, as well as, procedural and structural changes that need to be made to city government and certain offices to make them more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. I will keep the citizens fully updated thorughout this process.
On June 2, the Finance Committee will also be discussing the proposed $9.4 million bond request to make improvements to Holyoke High School. That night we will also be getting a report from the Retirement Board regarding the unfunded pension liability issue and the overall health of the city retirement fund. It should be an excellent meeting and I will followup with Bloggers on Holyoke First with a full report.
Holyoke workers fearful over checks!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE
sconstantine@repub.com
HOLYOKE - Some city employees have not seen evidence of their weekly contributions to Medicare in their annual social security statements for years, and whether the fault lies with the Social Security Administration or the city treasurer's department - or both - is unclear.
Former School Committeeman John C. Pietrzykowski complained recently that his wife's situation was brought to the attention of City Treasurer David B. Donoghue this year and last, but to no avail.
Pietrzykowski said that his wife, Theresa A., a teacher aide in the public school system for seven years, talked to Donoghue six weeks ago about her Medicare earnings not having been listed on her annual Social Security statements since 2000.
"He said 'I'll take care of it,' and never called back," Pietrzykowski said. "Seven years of this stuff going on. That's not feasible."
Donoghue said recently he had no recollection of speaking to Pietrzykowski about the matter. He said the money has been paid to the government, and the difficulty lies with the Social Security Administration. He said it was having problems with the computer disc sent from the city.
"We are working to correct that," Donoghue said.
Asked for the name of the person at the Social Security Administration with whom he is working, Donoghue said he did not know because he used a toll-free number to talk to personnel in Baltimore.
The money has been paid and the information set down in the city records, he said. Donoghue said he was willing to write a letter to the Pietrzykowskis providing the missing information.
Told about the situation, Stephen Richardson, the regional public affairs specialist in Social Security's Boston office, said the city has been working with a Social Security liaison person to resolve the problem and ensure it does not recur. He declined to speculate on how soon the issue would be resolved or say how or where the problem originated.
"It's difficult to say at which end the problem existed; that is what we are culling out," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said a number of city employees have reported the same problem, and there may be a similar situation with the majority of Holyoke's approximately 2,500 employees.
Sullivan said Donoghue has pledged to resolve the situation for the last two years and that the money has been paid.
While the mayor said he appreciates the concern and trepidation city employees may feel, he said there is little he can do.
He noted that the treasurer is an autonomous elected official, independent of the City Council and the mayor's office.
By SANDRA E. CONSTANTINE
sconstantine@repub.com
HOLYOKE - Some city employees have not seen evidence of their weekly contributions to Medicare in their annual social security statements for years, and whether the fault lies with the Social Security Administration or the city treasurer's department - or both - is unclear.
Former School Committeeman John C. Pietrzykowski complained recently that his wife's situation was brought to the attention of City Treasurer David B. Donoghue this year and last, but to no avail.
Pietrzykowski said that his wife, Theresa A., a teacher aide in the public school system for seven years, talked to Donoghue six weeks ago about her Medicare earnings not having been listed on her annual Social Security statements since 2000.
"He said 'I'll take care of it,' and never called back," Pietrzykowski said. "Seven years of this stuff going on. That's not feasible."
Donoghue said recently he had no recollection of speaking to Pietrzykowski about the matter. He said the money has been paid to the government, and the difficulty lies with the Social Security Administration. He said it was having problems with the computer disc sent from the city.
"We are working to correct that," Donoghue said.
Asked for the name of the person at the Social Security Administration with whom he is working, Donoghue said he did not know because he used a toll-free number to talk to personnel in Baltimore.
The money has been paid and the information set down in the city records, he said. Donoghue said he was willing to write a letter to the Pietrzykowskis providing the missing information.
Told about the situation, Stephen Richardson, the regional public affairs specialist in Social Security's Boston office, said the city has been working with a Social Security liaison person to resolve the problem and ensure it does not recur. He declined to speculate on how soon the issue would be resolved or say how or where the problem originated.
"It's difficult to say at which end the problem existed; that is what we are culling out," he said.
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said a number of city employees have reported the same problem, and there may be a similar situation with the majority of Holyoke's approximately 2,500 employees.
Sullivan said Donoghue has pledged to resolve the situation for the last two years and that the money has been paid.
While the mayor said he appreciates the concern and trepidation city employees may feel, he said there is little he can do.
He noted that the treasurer is an autonomous elected official, independent of the City Council and the mayor's office.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Councilor Jourdain receives Award from BusinessWest!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was delighted to receive a wonderful honor from BusinessWest Magazine by being selected to their 40 under 40 Class of 2008. The 40 under 40 award recognizes the top 40 young professionals in Western Massachusetts for their achievements and contributions to their region.
Councilor Jourdain added, "I was delighted to have been selected and I am honored beyond my accomplishments. I am also very proud to be among the same class of outstanding achievers and professionals chosen for 2008. This is a very meaningful award to me and I am truly honored for this recognition!"
In addition to the award, there will also be a recognition dinner on May 22 at Chez Josef in Agawam.
The entire 40 under 40 Class of 2008 can be seen on BusinessWest's website: www.businesswest.com.
Councilor Jourdain added, "I was delighted to have been selected and I am honored beyond my accomplishments. I am also very proud to be among the same class of outstanding achievers and professionals chosen for 2008. This is a very meaningful award to me and I am truly honored for this recognition!"
In addition to the award, there will also be a recognition dinner on May 22 at Chez Josef in Agawam.
The entire 40 under 40 Class of 2008 can be seen on BusinessWest's website: www.businesswest.com.
Budget Poll Results!
Holyoke First Bloggers Poll Results on City Budget
44% said Holyoke spends too much and taxes too much
40% said Holyoke spends about right and taxes about right
16% said Holyoke spends too little and our taxes are too low.
Thanks everyone for participating!
44% said Holyoke spends too much and taxes too much
40% said Holyoke spends about right and taxes about right
16% said Holyoke spends too little and our taxes are too low.
Thanks everyone for participating!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Councilor Jourdain keeps promise and announces City Budget now On-Line!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was very happy to announce that he kept his campaign pledge to get the City Budget placed online. Councilor Jourdain commended the Holyoke G&E for their assistance with this project and the city budget is now available on the city website located at www.holyoke.org.
Councilor Jourdain added, "it is my belief that the public has the right to an open government, one that shows them where every dollar is spent and for what purpose." Councilor Jourdain knows the sacrifices our residents and business owners make to pay their taxes and deserve the right to know how those dollars are spent.
The direct link is: http://www.holyoke.org/COHbudget7_2007_6_2008.pdf
If any taxpayer ever has a question as to how their tax money is being spent, please never hesitate to contact me at 538-5519 or via email at Kevin.Jourdain@verizon.net.
Councilor Jourdain added, "it is my belief that the public has the right to an open government, one that shows them where every dollar is spent and for what purpose." Councilor Jourdain knows the sacrifices our residents and business owners make to pay their taxes and deserve the right to know how those dollars are spent.
The direct link is: http://www.holyoke.org/COHbudget7_2007_6_2008.pdf
If any taxpayer ever has a question as to how their tax money is being spent, please never hesitate to contact me at 538-5519 or via email at Kevin.Jourdain@verizon.net.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
City Council Sustains Veto and votes Counseling center zone change down!
Counseling center bid vetoed
Thursday, April 17, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A plan to rezone a piece of land to allow for construction of a counseling facility failed to make it past the City Council and mayor.
"I think it's an inappropriate place to have a facility," Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said yesterday.
Sullivan vetoed a zone change request by the council for a parcel at 15 Holy Family Road. Behavioral Health Network Inc. wanted to change the zoning for the property from Residential 1A to Business Limited.
On Tuesday, the council voted 9-6 to override Sullivan's veto. However, the override vote failed since it required a two-third's majority vote or 10 votes total.
Councilors Patricia C. Devine, Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Joseph M. McGiverin, Elaine A. Pluta, Todd Purington, Peter R. Tallman, Donald R. Welch and John P. Brunelle cast the nine votes in favor of overriding the mayor's veto. The six councilors who voted not to override the veto were Kevin A. Jourdain, Anthony M. Keane, James M. Leahy, Todd A. McGee, John J. O'Neill and John E. Whelihan.
Both sides agreed they wish more had been done to notify residents who live near the property about the zone change. In recent weeks, several councilors said they have heard from many residents who are strongly opposed.
"No one complained about it ... because no one knew about it," McGee said.
"It's too bad people are learning about it after the veto," Brunelle said.
And even among councilors who voted not to override the veto skepticism about the project was expressed. Leahy said the project sounded like a small business and questioned whether it should be operating in a residential neighborhood.
But other councilors were more strongly opposed to the project, particularly since the zone change would allow for the construction of a counseling facility. McGee noted that the proposed facility would be built near a school and housing for senior citizens.
"We're inviting them up to an area where we have the most vulnerable people," McGee said.
Jourdain agreed. "I really think you couldn't pick a worse spot to put this," he said.
But Purington defended the proposed facility, noting that Behavioral Health Network has been operating in the city for a long time. "They have been a trusted partner for many years," he said.
Purington added that the people who would be treated there "are not monsters."
Brunelle agreed. "This is not a new organization," he said. "I do believe it is something the city does need."
Behavioral Health Network Inc. has been represented by Holyoke lawyer John J. Driscoll during the zone change process. Driscoll could not be reached yesterday for comment.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
By KEN ROSS
kross@repub.com
HOLYOKE - A plan to rezone a piece of land to allow for construction of a counseling facility failed to make it past the City Council and mayor.
"I think it's an inappropriate place to have a facility," Mayor Michael J. Sullivan said yesterday.
Sullivan vetoed a zone change request by the council for a parcel at 15 Holy Family Road. Behavioral Health Network Inc. wanted to change the zoning for the property from Residential 1A to Business Limited.
On Tuesday, the council voted 9-6 to override Sullivan's veto. However, the override vote failed since it required a two-third's majority vote or 10 votes total.
Councilors Patricia C. Devine, Rebecca Lisi, Diosdado Lopez, Joseph M. McGiverin, Elaine A. Pluta, Todd Purington, Peter R. Tallman, Donald R. Welch and John P. Brunelle cast the nine votes in favor of overriding the mayor's veto. The six councilors who voted not to override the veto were Kevin A. Jourdain, Anthony M. Keane, James M. Leahy, Todd A. McGee, John J. O'Neill and John E. Whelihan.
Both sides agreed they wish more had been done to notify residents who live near the property about the zone change. In recent weeks, several councilors said they have heard from many residents who are strongly opposed.
"No one complained about it ... because no one knew about it," McGee said.
"It's too bad people are learning about it after the veto," Brunelle said.
And even among councilors who voted not to override the veto skepticism about the project was expressed. Leahy said the project sounded like a small business and questioned whether it should be operating in a residential neighborhood.
But other councilors were more strongly opposed to the project, particularly since the zone change would allow for the construction of a counseling facility. McGee noted that the proposed facility would be built near a school and housing for senior citizens.
"We're inviting them up to an area where we have the most vulnerable people," McGee said.
Jourdain agreed. "I really think you couldn't pick a worse spot to put this," he said.
But Purington defended the proposed facility, noting that Behavioral Health Network has been operating in the city for a long time. "They have been a trusted partner for many years," he said.
Purington added that the people who would be treated there "are not monsters."
Brunelle agreed. "This is not a new organization," he said. "I do believe it is something the city does need."
Behavioral Health Network Inc. has been represented by Holyoke lawyer John J. Driscoll during the zone change process. Driscoll could not be reached yesterday for comment.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Councilor Jourdain announces effort to sustain Mayor Sullivan's veto on Holy Family Road Zone Change!
Holyoke - City Councilor Kevin Jourdain announced today that he thanked Mayor Sullivan for vetoing the proposed zone change slated for 15 Holy Family Road in order to place a mental health facility there operated by the Behavioral Health Network.
One month ago, the City Council voted 10-5 in favor of the proposal despite the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Board to deny the proposal. Mayor Sullivan vetoed the measure and the Council tabled the veto override until April 15, 2008 for further study.
Among the many reasons I oppose the zone change, they are:
1) The increased traffic demands on this secondary road that will be created by the placement of this facility would be detrimental to area.
2) It is incompatible to the neighborhood and the neighboring elementary school.
3) There are insufficent safeguards in place and presented in the proposal to ensure the safety of children and others using the nearby park.
4) Holyoke has far exceeded its capacity and ability to take on yet another non-profit, non-taxing paying social service agency and it is best suited elsewhere. Holyoke is far beyond the saturation point to healthily manage yet another facility of its type in the city.
5) There are many other far superior uses presently available to the owner of the parcel under its current zoning that would be compatible to the neighborhood and more beneficial to the neighborhood. Thereby, making it unnecessary to change the zone.
6) The opposition of the Mayor and unanimous Planning Board should be given considerable deference whenever considering a zone change.
Councilors Jourdain, Whelihan, McGee, O'Neill and Leahy were the 5 Councilors who voted NO on this zone change. I encourage citizens to voice their thoughts to the other 10 Councilors in the hope that 6 of the 15 Councilors will vote to sustain the Mayor's veto.
For more information, please do not hesitiate to call or email me.
One month ago, the City Council voted 10-5 in favor of the proposal despite the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Board to deny the proposal. Mayor Sullivan vetoed the measure and the Council tabled the veto override until April 15, 2008 for further study.
Among the many reasons I oppose the zone change, they are:
1) The increased traffic demands on this secondary road that will be created by the placement of this facility would be detrimental to area.
2) It is incompatible to the neighborhood and the neighboring elementary school.
3) There are insufficent safeguards in place and presented in the proposal to ensure the safety of children and others using the nearby park.
4) Holyoke has far exceeded its capacity and ability to take on yet another non-profit, non-taxing paying social service agency and it is best suited elsewhere. Holyoke is far beyond the saturation point to healthily manage yet another facility of its type in the city.
5) There are many other far superior uses presently available to the owner of the parcel under its current zoning that would be compatible to the neighborhood and more beneficial to the neighborhood. Thereby, making it unnecessary to change the zone.
6) The opposition of the Mayor and unanimous Planning Board should be given considerable deference whenever considering a zone change.
Councilors Jourdain, Whelihan, McGee, O'Neill and Leahy were the 5 Councilors who voted NO on this zone change. I encourage citizens to voice their thoughts to the other 10 Councilors in the hope that 6 of the 15 Councilors will vote to sustain the Mayor's veto.
For more information, please do not hesitiate to call or email me.
Councilor Jourdain files Orders for April 15th Meeting!
22. JOURDAIN -- That no parking be established 40 feet from corner of Carter St in front of 36 Anderson Avenue.
23. JOURDAIN -- That intersection at Brown and Laurel Streets be resurfaced.
24. JOURDAIN -- That the School Committee evaluate the new school uniform policy in Springfield and give due consideration to adopting a comprehensive school uniform policy.
25. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access please forward the accompanying accountant’s report referred to on the statement of expenses and revenues. That they also please describe in more detail the purpose of the expense of $1380 to MAP.
26. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access and/or Council President give an update on the new television and audio equipment for the City Council chambers. [co-filed with Pluta & McGee]
23. JOURDAIN -- That intersection at Brown and Laurel Streets be resurfaced.
24. JOURDAIN -- That the School Committee evaluate the new school uniform policy in Springfield and give due consideration to adopting a comprehensive school uniform policy.
25. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access please forward the accompanying accountant’s report referred to on the statement of expenses and revenues. That they also please describe in more detail the purpose of the expense of $1380 to MAP.
26. JOURDAIN -- That PEG Access and/or Council President give an update on the new television and audio equipment for the City Council chambers. [co-filed with Pluta & McGee]
Holyoke Sun Now On-Line!
The Holyoke Sun is now available on-line!
Congratulations to them and I have added a link for my blog readers.
Congratulations to them and I have added a link for my blog readers.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Councilor Jourdain to represent Massachusetts at GOP National Convention in Minnesota!
Greenfield - Holyoke City Councilor Kevin A. Jourdain was elected 1 of 3 First Congressional District Delegates to the Republican National Convention to be held in Minneapolis, MN from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Councilor Jourdain attended the very heavily attended caucus and made a stirring election speech on behalf of Arizona Senator John McCain and in fondness to Gov. Mitt Romney, who Jourdain supported in the primary. It is considered a high honor to be selected a delegate by the District's caucus goers and this is Jourdain's third election as delegate in 8 years.
Councilor Jourdain has endorsed Sen. John McCain for President in November.
The First Congressional District Caucus was held this past Saturday in Greenfield. The National Convention is a unique opportunity to meet national leaders and represent the State of Massachusetts before this highly watched national forum. Councilor Jourdain will work with local media outlets to give all Holyokers an inside perspective of the Convention and the news as it develops.
Councilor Jourdain has endorsed Sen. John McCain for President in November.
The First Congressional District Caucus was held this past Saturday in Greenfield. The National Convention is a unique opportunity to meet national leaders and represent the State of Massachusetts before this highly watched national forum. Councilor Jourdain will work with local media outlets to give all Holyokers an inside perspective of the Convention and the news as it develops.
Monday, March 31, 2008
A wonderful St. Patrick's Parade in Holyoke!
It was wonderful to have been part of yet another fantastic Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade. The weather was great and everyone was in a such a good mood. I enjoyed marching and saying hello to everyone. Thank you to everyone for their well wishes.
It was also very exciting for my three little ones to see their Daddy marching. I gave them each a big high five. They are just getting old enough to understand what Daddy is doing and they had so much fun getting balloons and enjoying all of the sights. Thanks to my mom and wife for allowing me to march!
I hope you enjoyed the parade and music as much as I did.
Isn't Holyoke, great? Let's do it all again next year!
God Bless Holyoke!
It was also very exciting for my three little ones to see their Daddy marching. I gave them each a big high five. They are just getting old enough to understand what Daddy is doing and they had so much fun getting balloons and enjoying all of the sights. Thanks to my mom and wife for allowing me to march!
I hope you enjoyed the parade and music as much as I did.
Isn't Holyoke, great? Let's do it all again next year!
God Bless Holyoke!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Councilor Jourdain announces April 9th Cable Television Hearing!
City Councilor Kevin Jourdain, who chairs the City Council's Cable Television committee, announced that there will be a meeting with the government affairs representative of ComCast on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
The Cable Television Committee meets 2-3 times per year to discuss issues of importance between city cable users and ComCast. The committee serves as a liasion between Holyoke cable subscribers and the company so that Holyoke receives the best quality product possible and helps bring forward concerns ratepayers have expressed. At every contract re-negotiation (next one in 2013) the cable television committee weighs in on important contract items that are of concern to the public.
The committee also provides public oversight through the City Council of Holyoke PEG Access, Inc. which is a corporate entity that oversees all of the franchise fee monies collected by ComCast from ratepayers for local community initatives and hardware upgrades. Holyoke PEG Access has three officers made up of the Mayor, City Council President and City Solicitor. They do not meet publicly. The Cable TV Committee Chairman regularly requests a statement of monies expended and monies collected so ratepayers can see how their monies are used. The committee will be reviewing their last report.
All meetings of the Cable TV Committee are public and the public is encouraged to participate and make their voices heard about issues of concern to them. So, if you have a question or concern about your cable television service, please come to the meeting on April 9th and speak to the representative from ComCast. If you are unable to make the meeting, you can contact Councilor Jourdain via email at kevin.jourdain@verizon.net or call him at home at 538-5519 and he will relay your question or concern.
The Cable Television Committee meets 2-3 times per year to discuss issues of importance between city cable users and ComCast. The committee serves as a liasion between Holyoke cable subscribers and the company so that Holyoke receives the best quality product possible and helps bring forward concerns ratepayers have expressed. At every contract re-negotiation (next one in 2013) the cable television committee weighs in on important contract items that are of concern to the public.
The committee also provides public oversight through the City Council of Holyoke PEG Access, Inc. which is a corporate entity that oversees all of the franchise fee monies collected by ComCast from ratepayers for local community initatives and hardware upgrades. Holyoke PEG Access has three officers made up of the Mayor, City Council President and City Solicitor. They do not meet publicly. The Cable TV Committee Chairman regularly requests a statement of monies expended and monies collected so ratepayers can see how their monies are used. The committee will be reviewing their last report.
All meetings of the Cable TV Committee are public and the public is encouraged to participate and make their voices heard about issues of concern to them. So, if you have a question or concern about your cable television service, please come to the meeting on April 9th and speak to the representative from ComCast. If you are unable to make the meeting, you can contact Councilor Jourdain via email at kevin.jourdain@verizon.net or call him at home at 538-5519 and he will relay your question or concern.
Poll Results In! Holyoke Bloggers oppose Trash Transfer Station!
The Results are in on most recent Holyoke First Poll.
Do you support placing a Trash Transfer Station on Main Street?
59% No, Holyoke does not need that.
41% Yes, this is good for the city.
Thank you for so many people taking the time to vote!
Do you support placing a Trash Transfer Station on Main Street?
59% No, Holyoke does not need that.
41% Yes, this is good for the city.
Thank you for so many people taking the time to vote!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Councilor Jourdain files orders for March 18th Meeting!
1. PLUTA/JOURDAIN -- That the Assessors come into the City Council Finance Committee and let us know how the proposed legislation for taxing telecommunication lines as personal property might affect the City of Holyoke.
2. PLUTA/JOURDAIN -- That the City Solicitor advise the City Council in executive session on the status of pending litigation with the City.
3. PLUTA/JOURDAIN -- That someone from Americorps or Solutions, Inc. come into the City Council Redevelopment Committee withan assessment of the future of this program.
4. JOURDAIN -- That the HG&E please evaluate and install where needed guardrails at all locations along canals where a motor vehicle has a significant possibility of making accidental entry.
5. JOURDAIN -- That the City Council President please select a person to replace Councilor Norris on the Cable Television Committee.
6. JOURDAIN -- That the Law Department render a legal opinion if police officers under criminal charges are required to be placed on leave without pay while the charges are pending?
The City Council Session will be meeting on Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 7:30PM in the City Council Chambers. Watch the meeting live on Channel 15!
If there is ever an order or issue that you feel the City Council needs to act on, please never hesitate to contact me via email or at 538-5519.
2. PLUTA/JOURDAIN -- That the City Solicitor advise the City Council in executive session on the status of pending litigation with the City.
3. PLUTA/JOURDAIN -- That someone from Americorps or Solutions, Inc. come into the City Council Redevelopment Committee withan assessment of the future of this program.
4. JOURDAIN -- That the HG&E please evaluate and install where needed guardrails at all locations along canals where a motor vehicle has a significant possibility of making accidental entry.
5. JOURDAIN -- That the City Council President please select a person to replace Councilor Norris on the Cable Television Committee.
6. JOURDAIN -- That the Law Department render a legal opinion if police officers under criminal charges are required to be placed on leave without pay while the charges are pending?
The City Council Session will be meeting on Tuesday, March 18 beginning at 7:30PM in the City Council Chambers. Watch the meeting live on Channel 15!
If there is ever an order or issue that you feel the City Council needs to act on, please never hesitate to contact me via email or at 538-5519.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Big Morning in Holyoke!
I had the pleasure to participate in two very important events this past Friday:
First, I started my day at a homelessness summit at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College which revolved around the issue of "The Pioneer Valley's Plan to end Homelessness." There were a number of outstanding speakers and panels that addressed the homelssness problem in Pioneer Valley. Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Mayor Michael Sullivan of Holyoke and Mayor Mary Claire Higgins of Northampton deserve alot of credit for their leadership on this issue. City Councilors Rebecca Lisi and Tim Purington also attended the event with me.
Participants were all provided copies of the the plan and it appears to be a comprehensive approach to end homelessness, especially as it relates to families, in our area. The summit was very well attended and provided all types of people and constituencies to get together to end this problem.
As the former Director of Loreto House, a homeless shelter for men in Holyoke, this issue is very near to my heart and I told the mayor he can count on me to be helpful in any way possible to rid this tragedy from our community.
Secondly, from that event I wisked up to the Log Cabin for a special luncheon with the Speaker of the Mass. House Rep. Sal DiMasi. The event was hosted by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce who I thank very much for having invited me. We enjoyed a nice lunch and listened to this powerful Beacon Hill player tell us about his vision for the state. I certainly like the Speaker's approach to state finances which are very similar to mine on the city level. Keep taxes down as much as possible, find efficiencies, new approaches and make government live on its budget. This is never easy at the city or state level. He has a very difficult job and I was glad to hear that under his leadership the state has built up a reserve of $2.1 billion and there are no proposals to increase taxes. I am proud to say that City has over $9.1 million in our Stabilization Fund.
He discussed casinos and his skepticism for them. He added that the Legislature will be having more hearings and members will be taking some votes relatively soon. He discussed numerous bond bills on education, higher education and transportation that will be coming. He also stated that the legislature recently passed a large Life Sciences Bill which will call for the formation of a Life Sciences Center in our area. He stated that the Governor's recent proposal for free state tuition is also doomed because there is no way the state can afford it.
He is a very personable person who was very generous with his time and even fielded questions from the audience. I asked him about the future of the Governor's so called proposals to reduce property taxes. He stated that the proposed local option taxes such as allowing cities to have a meals tax or increased hotel occupancy taxes were unlikely to pass. As for the rest of the Governors proposal, its future appears cloudy at this time.
It was a great opportunity to say hello to alot of our local legislators; including Rep. Rosemarie Sandlin of Agawam and Rep. John Scibak of South Hadley who sat at my table along with my good friend Councilor Elaine Pluta and several employees of Goss & McLain Insurance.
First, I started my day at a homelessness summit at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College which revolved around the issue of "The Pioneer Valley's Plan to end Homelessness." There were a number of outstanding speakers and panels that addressed the homelssness problem in Pioneer Valley. Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Mayor Michael Sullivan of Holyoke and Mayor Mary Claire Higgins of Northampton deserve alot of credit for their leadership on this issue. City Councilors Rebecca Lisi and Tim Purington also attended the event with me.
Participants were all provided copies of the the plan and it appears to be a comprehensive approach to end homelessness, especially as it relates to families, in our area. The summit was very well attended and provided all types of people and constituencies to get together to end this problem.
As the former Director of Loreto House, a homeless shelter for men in Holyoke, this issue is very near to my heart and I told the mayor he can count on me to be helpful in any way possible to rid this tragedy from our community.
Secondly, from that event I wisked up to the Log Cabin for a special luncheon with the Speaker of the Mass. House Rep. Sal DiMasi. The event was hosted by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce who I thank very much for having invited me. We enjoyed a nice lunch and listened to this powerful Beacon Hill player tell us about his vision for the state. I certainly like the Speaker's approach to state finances which are very similar to mine on the city level. Keep taxes down as much as possible, find efficiencies, new approaches and make government live on its budget. This is never easy at the city or state level. He has a very difficult job and I was glad to hear that under his leadership the state has built up a reserve of $2.1 billion and there are no proposals to increase taxes. I am proud to say that City has over $9.1 million in our Stabilization Fund.
He discussed casinos and his skepticism for them. He added that the Legislature will be having more hearings and members will be taking some votes relatively soon. He discussed numerous bond bills on education, higher education and transportation that will be coming. He also stated that the legislature recently passed a large Life Sciences Bill which will call for the formation of a Life Sciences Center in our area. He stated that the Governor's recent proposal for free state tuition is also doomed because there is no way the state can afford it.
He is a very personable person who was very generous with his time and even fielded questions from the audience. I asked him about the future of the Governor's so called proposals to reduce property taxes. He stated that the proposed local option taxes such as allowing cities to have a meals tax or increased hotel occupancy taxes were unlikely to pass. As for the rest of the Governors proposal, its future appears cloudy at this time.
It was a great opportunity to say hello to alot of our local legislators; including Rep. Rosemarie Sandlin of Agawam and Rep. John Scibak of South Hadley who sat at my table along with my good friend Councilor Elaine Pluta and several employees of Goss & McLain Insurance.
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