It pains me to public disagree with our usually well intentioned state representative, but Rep Brownsberger was wrong to vote in favor of a 28 member Legislative Redistricting Commission offered by his party rather than a seven person non legislative commission. While it was the politically smart and easy vote, it is not in keeping …
Silver Maple Forest is Worth Saving
The Silver Maple Forest should be considered an “ACEC” — an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for flood control. It is rare open space in an urban area, an ecologically valuable site which once gone, cannot be recreated.
Lessons Learned From Bad Parenting
I can’t help but view the recent riots in England and Greece in the same way as I do a child creating a ruckus in Whole Foods’ after learning he won’t be getting a chocolate candy after all. While there may be many explanations for the behavior of the rioters and the child, I contend …
Sixth of Six Bills passed for Belmont
House 5024, a bill requested by vote of Belmont’s Town Meeting, will give the Selectmen the authority to issue seven additional restaurant alcohol licenses. These will will be all-alcohol licenses for restaurants between 60 and 250 seats.
What pension benefits for state employees are required by federal law?
Financial pressures and equity considerations require that the state rethink how it provides retirement security. Under the Massachusetts constitution, major changes could only be applied to new employees. An important first question in thinking through change options for new employees is: What does federal law require the state to provide to employees?