At our March 3, 2009 City Council meeting, I was happy to file the following resolution on behalf of the people of Holyoke to our state and federal legislators to get our fair share of the federal stimulus dollars earmarked for Massachusetts.
My resolution which was co-sponsored by Councilor John Whelihan was adopted unanimously.
Ordered,
Whereas, Holyoke has expended approximately $24 million on wastewater treatment renovations and upgrades to comply with state and federal environmental regulations regarding combined sewer overflows;
Whereas, Holyoke is among the very poorest communities in the Commonwealth and the 225% increase in sewer rates to fund the improvements has been very difficult for residents to manage;
Whereas, current federal law requires that the federal government pay at least 55% [$13.2 million] of any required improvements yet Holyoke has not received this assistance;
Be it further resolved, that the Holyoke City Council respectfully requests our state and federal legislators to provide Holyoke with these funds or as much as possible from the six to nine billion dollars in stimulus funds currently earmarked for Massachusetts. This relief would enable us to lower rates and directly impact our local economy.
Meeting date: March 3, 2009
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Inside the Rail News: Councilor Elaine Pluta takes out Papers for Mayor!
Holyoke First News: This just in...Councilor Elaine Pluta took out nomination papers for Mayor yesterday morning at 10:30am. Holyoke First was able to obtain a brief statement from Councilor Pluta on her candidacy:
"Holyoke is going to need tough, experienced leadership to make difficult decisions on behalf of the City of Holyoke in these very challenging times. As a committed and knowledgeable public official, I can provide this leadership. My experience working on the City Council, and as a Mayoral and Congressional Aide will assist me in creating a seasoned administration for the Office of Mayor." City Councilor Elaine Pluta
Stay Tuned...More developing on this big story!
"Holyoke is going to need tough, experienced leadership to make difficult decisions on behalf of the City of Holyoke in these very challenging times. As a committed and knowledgeable public official, I can provide this leadership. My experience working on the City Council, and as a Mayoral and Congressional Aide will assist me in creating a seasoned administration for the Office of Mayor." City Councilor Elaine Pluta
Stay Tuned...More developing on this big story!
76% of HOLYOKE FIRST Bloggers oppose a Trash Fee!
In a recent HOLYOKE FIRST Poll, 76% of Bloggers opposed Mayor Sullivan's suggestion of possibly creating a Trash Fee.
Councilor Jourdain commented on the poll, "it does not surprise me that Holyokers would be against this very bad idea." Councilor Jourdain further stated that City Hall needs to stop thinking of new ways to take the citizens money and do a better job spending the money they are being given more wisely. "Holyoke families live on a budget and so should City Hall!"
Councilor Jourdain co-filed a City Council resolution with Councilor John Whelihan to have your City Councilors take a stand on a new trash fee. The measure is currently in the Finance Committee where Jourdain and Whelihan are members. The sponsors will seek a roll call vote on the measure.
Councilor Jourdain commented on the poll, "it does not surprise me that Holyokers would be against this very bad idea." Councilor Jourdain further stated that City Hall needs to stop thinking of new ways to take the citizens money and do a better job spending the money they are being given more wisely. "Holyoke families live on a budget and so should City Hall!"
Councilor Jourdain co-filed a City Council resolution with Councilor John Whelihan to have your City Councilors take a stand on a new trash fee. The measure is currently in the Finance Committee where Jourdain and Whelihan are members. The sponsors will seek a roll call vote on the measure.
City Council goes on Record against a Gas Tax Increase!
Holyoke - The Holyoke City Council at its March 3, 2009 meeting voted 13-2 to oppose Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed 19 cents per gallon gas tax. Holyoke joined the Agawam City Council in opposing the enormous increase.
City Councilor at Large Kevin Jourdain released the following statement in opposition to the gas tax hike: "When Holyokers are hurting and doing their very best to make ends meet, now is not the time to saddle their families with more taxes." Jourdain further commented, "what makes this outrageous tax increase even worse is the fact that it is entirely designed at giving a tax break to the people of Boston and their Big Dig project which has already cost Holyokers thousands in lost tax revenues and lost transportation dollars!"
City Councilor at Large Kevin Jourdain released the following statement in opposition to the gas tax hike: "When Holyokers are hurting and doing their very best to make ends meet, now is not the time to saddle their families with more taxes." Jourdain further commented, "what makes this outrageous tax increase even worse is the fact that it is entirely designed at giving a tax break to the people of Boston and their Big Dig project which has already cost Holyokers thousands in lost tax revenues and lost transportation dollars!"
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