Author Archives: Will Brownsberger

Gas tax increase

A conversation is developing about the gas tax and also about how to protect low and middle-income tax payers from additional financial stress.

Recent Jim Hansen testimony — higher risks?

NASA scientest Jim Hansen argues that the concensus estimates of the rate and risks of global warming are understated.

Alewife traffic issues

A quick update on Alewife traffic issues. Some progress has been made that merits report.

Question two — marijuana decriminalization

Question Two on the November ballot purports to enact a “Sensible State Marijuana Policy.” So packaged, the proposal is likely to pass.

I believe that there are three major reforms that we need to pursue in Massachusetts drug policy: (1) moderation of our sentencing policies; (2) improvement of substance abuse treatment quality; (3) expansion of screening and brief intervention.

Coerced drug treatment — perspective

Coerced treatment has great appeal for parents, judge and prosecutors. But, now that it has become widespread, it is damaging the treatment system and making all treatment less effective.