For those who focus on the details of flood events, here is a collection of data points from my travels around the Alewife and Mystic from Sunday into Tuesday. It is important now that we assemble observations from this event and learn as much as possible. Clarissa Rowe will be convening a meeting of the Arlington-Belmont-Cambridge Stormwater Flooding Board for that purpose.
Author Archives: Will Brownsberger
FY2011 Budget Priorities
In my annual budget letter, I reinforced concern re local aid and health insurance reform and expressed a preference for a budget without earmarks.
Municipal health insurance update
Groups from diverse perspectives — the Boston Foundation, Stand for Children, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation — are pushing for change in municipal health insurance. I think that the legislature is really beginning to focus on making something happen and I am starting to be hopeful that we’ll have a bill this spring.
Lawrence Financial Crisis — House Action
I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment on this issue before the vote. I read all of the comments. I did vote for the bill. The House did strengthen the bill on the floor in one important respect. We gave the financial overseer the power to trigger a financial control board at any time.
Lawrence financial crisis in perspective
Although it is true that Lawrence is a relatively poor city, Lawrence’s financial crisis largely reflects relatively recent municipal management decisions, some fairly attributable to the recently ousted Mayor. And that is grounds for believing that the crisis may be easier to resolve than some fear.
Lawrence — non-bail-out bill
Tomorrow, I will be asked to vote on a proposal to assist the City of Lawrence. As of now, I am planning to vote for the bill, but I am still listening — it is a close call. Your thoughts are appreciated.