The FY15 TIP includes funding for Comm Ave Phase 2A: from Amory Street to Alcorn Street, and there are rumors of the project finally starting to get in motion. This started in December when BTD requested permissions to chop down trees along Comm Ave, a request which was denied. I thank the Senator for acting …
MBTA Pension Transparency
Back in 2008, I became aware and concerned that the MBTA Retirement Fund is not subject to the same transparency rules that apply to state agencies. My understanding of this issue has greatly evolved over the past few months: While I have undiminished passion for transparency, I have to admit that the Retirement Fund is …
Justina Pelletier
Recently, I’ve been hearing from people urging me to take action to free Justina Pelletier from the custody of the Department of Children and Families and send her back to her parents. See the sample emails further below. I’m certainly troubled by the story of Justina. It is always deeply saddening when DCF takes children …
The condition of our roads
Will, I’ll be blunt. The condition of our roads (all of them, local, state, divided highways, etc) is abysmal. In 30 years of driving in MA, I’ve never seen them at this level of deterioration. So what’s going to be done? All the publicity around transportation funding centers around the MBTA and bike paths. For …
Senate Passes Drinking Water and Wastewater Reform
The Senate on Thursday passed legislation 37-0 that combines reform with increased commitments to improve existing partnerships with cities and towns, grow municipal options while incentivizing best management practices and responsibly address water and wastewater infrastructure challenges in the Commonwealth.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the Commonwealth’s future will not be limited by our access to clean drinking water,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “This bill takes the first step in addressing our water and wastewater infrastructure challenges and I am proud of the Senate for taking action on this important issue. The state of our water infrastructure is strongly linked to the health of our economy and a commitment to improving our water infrastructure is a commitment to improving our economic strengths.”
Pension fund inquiry scheduled
The Boston Herald reports that a hearing is scheduled on MBTA pension fund transparency.