Showing posts with label attorney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attorney. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Annual Report Of The Town Attorney - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Town of Franklin has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration Offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as- needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled the town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiation. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town’s zoning and general bylaws. During the COVID-19 Pandemic Attorney Cerel worked remotely and attended Town Council and all other relevant meetings using the “Zoom” virtual platform. He was readily available to all Town Staff throughout the pandemic for legal advice and guidance. The Town Attorney also played a key role in ensuring that the Town accurately exercised its Right of First Refusal on Chapter 61A land that became available for purchase near Maple Hill at the end of FY21.

Our in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town's legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrators prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Cerel,
Town Attorney



The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Report Of The Town Attorney - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town Attorney - FY 2021

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Commonwealth Magazine: "Healey argues that Baker has broad discretion under the Civil Defense Act"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER filed a court brief on Friday defending his use of a 1950 Civil Defense Law to declare a COVID-19 state of emergency, equating the virus to the “natural causes” referenced in the law and pointing out that the Legislature has not balked at his use of emergency powers to shut down the state’s economy. 
The brief, which includes citations to Alexander Hamilton and The Federalist Papers, is the first time Baker has publicly spelled out in any detail his legal authority for declaring a state of emergency. 
Attorney General Maura Healey filed the brief on behalf of the governor in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of business owners and pastors who say the Civil Defense Law is not applicable to COVID-19 and the governor’s many sweeping orders to deal with the coronavirus infringe on powers granted to the Legislature under the state constitution. The parties are scheduled to appear before a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court on September 11. 
The Civil Defense Act of 1950 was passed at the beginning of the Cold War, a time when the United States was increasingly worried about the spread of communism and military threats from the Soviet Union. The law allows the governor to declare a state of emergency when the state is threatened by enemy attack, sabotage, riots, fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts, or “other natural causes.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-defends-emergency-orders-under-civil-defense-act/

A COVID-19 testing tent outside the Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester. (Photo by Michael Jonas)
A COVID-19 testing tent outside the Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester. (Photo by Michael Jonas)


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

A Message from the Attorney General's Office

As the “People’s Law Firm,” the Office of the Attorney General is committed to serving all residents of the Commonwealth, especially during the current pandemic we are experiencing. We are working diligently to ensure that our dedicated staff has the resources and direction needed to adjust to the new normal and continue operating at the highest level possible.

Our goal is to continue protecting all residents of the Commonwealth during the on- going and unpredictable COVID-19 crisis on a wide-range of issues. Please contact me with any questions, including about earned sick time and workers’ rights, price gouging of critical goods and services, charitable donations, harmful debt collection practices, student loans and consumer scams. 

Some basic information is available
here: https://www.mass.gov/news/ags-office-issues-guidance-on-coronavirus-resources-warns-of-consumer-scams.

A helpful digital tool available through our office (https://www.mass.gov/news/ags-office-issues-guidance-on-coronavirus-resources-warns-of-consumer-scams) addresses the many resources we are providing that may be valuable for the Veterans residing in your respective towns and cities. I have also attached a PDF of the 2018 Resources Guide for Veterans and Servicemembers (below).

The Office and I are committed to working with each of you to honor the deserved rights and well-being of Veterans during this crisis. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any question you might have.


Steven Pfister
Senior Investigator; Medicaid Fraud Division Veterans Affairs Coordinator
MA Office of the Attorney General (617) 963-2699

The doc referenced can be found on the MA Gov site
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/11/09/vets-guide-110818_0.pdf

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

In the News: Early voting underway; 39 state coalition to sue Juul Labs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Daily News is tracking early voting turnout in our largest communities. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the numbers for Framingham, Franklin, Hopkinton, Natick, Marlborough, Milford, Hudson and Medway. 
Want to vote early this year? Massachusetts allows it, although its convenience could vary based on where you live. 
In an effort to boost voter turnout, early voting first started in 2016. This is first time voting has been allowed during a primary."
In the table for Franklin, there were 253 voters on Monday and 264 voters on Tuesday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200225/how-many-people-have-voted-early-day-by-day-counts-on-voter-turnout

Early voting sign in the lobby of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St
Early voting sign in the lobby of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

"A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday. 
Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company’s vaping products. 
The state officials said they also will investigate the company’s claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices. 
“I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200225/a-world-of-hurt-39-states-to-investigate-juuls-marketing

Thursday, September 5, 2019

In the News: 12 ballot questions for 2020 take next step; driver license legislation proposed for immigrants

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Questions on a range of topics from auto repair to ranked-choice voting to the public funding of abortion passed a key hurdle Wednesday on their way to the Massachusetts ballot.

Attorney General Maura Healey determined 12 of 16 initiative petitions submitted to her office last month have passed constitutional muster.

Two of the questions are proposed constitutional amendments that might not reach the ballot until 2022. The rest could appear next year.

The next daunting step for supporters is to gather the signatures of tens of thousands of Massachusetts voters."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190904/ranked-choice-voting-auto-repair-among-mass-ballot-questions

The MA.gov page with the Attorney General's opinion on the questions submitted   https://www.mass.gov/info-details/current-petitions-filed

Attorney General Maura Healey determined 12 of 16 initiative petitions
Attorney General Maura Healey determined 12 of 16 initiative petitions

"Supporters of a bill that would make driver’s licenses available to undocumented immigrants packed the Statehouse’s largest hearing room Wednesday to renew the push for a policy that has come up short in previous sessions and would need to be passed with enough support to survive a likely veto by Gov. Charlie Baker.

The legislation filed by Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield and Christine Barber of Somerville, and Sen. Brendan Crighton of Lynn, would permit all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for and receive a standard state license under the state’s now-two-tiered system.

Fourteen states, including Connecticut and Vermont, have laws in place allowing all residents to acquire some type of license or permit regardless of immigration status, according to supporters. The Massachusetts legislation would not affect federal Real ID-compliant licenses, which require proof of citizenship or lawful residence as well as a Social Security number."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190904/licensing-bill-triggers-debate-over-immigration-driving/1

Friday, October 26, 2018

In the News: Tri-County 8th grade open house; Attorney General candidates debate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The goal at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is to show the future, and that’s exactly what officials plan to do during this year’s open house. 
This year’s eighth-grade open house at Tri-County takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the school, 147 Pond St. 
Scott O’Brien, head of Tri-County’s guidance department, said the point is to get students who are looking to take their educations outside the usual classroom setting. 
“We’ve been reaching out, but mostly to tell people that we are one of the most evolved programs that is currently available to students,” O’Brien said. “We really just want to let people know that this isn’t your grandfather’s traditional vocational school.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181025/tri-county-high-invites-eighth-graders-to-open-house


"Attorney General Maura Healey on Wednesday afternoon parried a series of attacks from her Republican challenger Jay McMahon over the Democrat’s record on guns, drugs and suing the Trump administration, defending her office over the course of the final, hour-long debate in the race. 
Healey, who is widely expected to win a second, four-year term as attorney general, highlighted her work prosecuting drug traffickers and preventing dangerous copycat assault weapons from being sold in Massachusetts. 
She also said that while she doesn’t relish suing President Donald Trump, she will continue to do so if she believes it’s in the interests of the state or its residents. 
“I don’t wish for or want opportunities to sue the federal government. But it is my job as attorney general to stand up for the interests of our state, for our residents, for our businesses and for our values,” Healey said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181025/healey-defends-record-as-mcmahon-attacks-in-final-debate

Healey campaign page  http://www.maurahealey.com/

McMahon campaign page  https://www.attorneyjaymcmahon.com/

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk


Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html


Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

Thursday, October 4, 2018

In the News: MA Attorney General candidates debate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The two candidates running for Massachusetts attorney general tussled Wednesday over issues related to gun rights, drug addiction and immigration. 
Democratic incumbent Maura Healey faced off against Republican challenger James “Jay” McMahon in a half-hour televised debate hosted by WGBH. Each candidate is asking for the support of Massachusetts voters in the general election Nov. 6. 
McMahon, a lifelong resident of Cape Cod, won the Republican nomination last month after beating Dan Shores of Hingham in the primary election. Healey ran unopposed."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181003/massachusetts-ag-candidates-spar-over-guns-immigration

#election2018

Maura Healey - Official AG page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey

Campaign page  http://www.maurahealey.com/

James "Jay" McMahon - campaign page   https://www.attorneyjaymcmahon.com/

------------

Information for Franklin residents can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Early voting schedule for Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/early_voting_hours.pdf

The MA Information for Voters (large print edition can be found in PDF format)
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2018_Large_Print.pdf
Additional information for MA voters can be found on the state page
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele18/ballot_questions_18/message18.htm

Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

Thursday, November 23, 2017

“We did it entirely through a grassroots operation”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Many cities and towns closed their municipal offices early on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. But town and city clerks in every Massachusetts community remained behind their counters until 5 p.m. 
Wednesday was the deadline to submit signatures for questions to appear on the 2018 ballot. The Attorney General’s office certified ballot questions on 18 topics earlier this year – 17 proposed laws and one proposed constitutional amendment. 
The groups behind the ballot questions needed to collect at least 64,750 signatures by Wednesday to proceed to the next step in the process. The residents of any one county cannot comprise more than 25 percent of those signatures. 
Local clerks must certify the signatures of the registered voters in their communities. That is, the signatures of Milford residents are submitted to the Milford town clerk – and so on."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171122/town-clerks-delay-holiday-for-2018-ballot-question-deadline

For the complete listing of initiative petitions filed for the next election, check out the Attorney General's webpage here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/initiatives-and-other-ballot-questions/

“We did it entirely through a grassroots operation”
“We did it entirely through a grassroots operation”

Saturday, September 16, 2017

"a closer look at the potential ballot questions for 2018"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Will Massachusetts slash its sales tax? Should employers offer paid family leave? What about a $15 minimum wage? 
Those are among the 21 potential ballot questions Massachusetts voters could decide next year. Attorney General Maura Healey certified 21 initiative petitions on Sept. 6, one of the first steps toward securing a spot on the ballot. Some petitioners filed multiple versions of proposals on the same topic. 
Petitioners now must gather the signatures of at least 64,750 registered voters to clear the next hurdle. In 2016, just four petitions out of nearly three-dozen met all the requirements and deadlines to make it onto the ballot."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170915/2018-ballot-questions-take-first-step


Or go to the Attorney General's page for the complete official listing
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/initiatives-and-other-ballot-questions/

 initiative petitions filed with the Attorney General's Office and the Attorney General's certification decisions
 initiative petitions filed with the Attorney General's Office and the Attorney General's certification decisions

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Proposed change to the MA Open Meeting Law

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The comment period on proposed changes to the state’s Open Meeting Law closed Thursday at 5 p.m., after a public hearing that afternoon hosted by the Division of Open Government. 
In late July, Attorney General Maura Healey proposed a handful of changes to the law that dictates how public boards of committees should behave. Here’s a breakdown of some of the changes, should they remain as currently proposed. 
- If a board chooses to post meeting notices to the town’s website, and the websites crashes, the board has four hours to fix the problem during business hours. If that doesn’t happen, the meeting must be canceled and the notice re-posted for a new date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/changes-to-open-meeting-law-proposed


Additional information on the proposed changes and request for comments can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/open-meeting-law/request-for-comment-open-meeting-law-amendments.html

Explanation of Proposed Changes
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/proposed-regulations-statement-v2.pdf

Proposed regulations (Clean version)
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/dog-regs-2017-review-v2-clean.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings
Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings


Monday, January 2, 2017

Annual Report 2016: Town Attorney

"The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week.

In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an asneeded basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained."


Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney


Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016


Prior year annual reports can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports



Friday, September 16, 2016

In the News: schools work on communications, open meeting law training, Dean ranked as Best Value School

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The school district is considering ways to improve its communication with the community and solicit feedback on school activities. 
The School Committee discussed the effort at its meeting this week. 
Committee member Denise Schultz said the community relations subcommittee will continue its series of "coffee hours" with the public. 
"It's wonderful to see some of the work already done at the coffees show up in the school improvement plans," she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/franklin-school-officials-review-communication-efforts



"In an effort to better inform the public and government officials about the Open Meeting Law and its requirements, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office will hold a free training on the law from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Mendon Board of Selectmen’s Room, Upper Meeting Room, 20 Main St. 
State, local, regional and county public bodies are required to comply. 
The AG’s office will also hold three other regional educational forums in Brockton, Watertown and Agawam this fall. 
The open meeting law training sessions will be conducted by attorneys from Healey’s Division of Open Government, are open to the public and are being offered free of charge.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/ags-office-to-hold-free-open-meeting-law-training



"Dean College, a private, residential college located in Franklin, ranked 19th in the U.S. News & World Report for the Best Regional Colleges, north category. Additionally, Dean placed ninth in its category for Best Value Schools. 
dean college
dean college
This is the sixth consecutive year that Dean College has received the honor, and the highest ranking in the college’s history. 
U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform, publisher of news and information. The U.S. News ranking system for the Best Regional Colleges rests on two pillars. The formula uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it is based on research of graduation rate performance, academic reputation and financial selectivity, among others."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/dean-college-ranked-by-us-news--world-report


Wednesday, August 24, 2016

In the News: downtown work continues, open meeting law training set

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The streetscape project that has transformed the look of downtown is likely to come to an end early this fall, according to town officials. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the project - currently in the final year of its two-year schedule - is set to come to a close in the middle or end of September. 
"We're continuing on a lot of punch-list items," he said, noting such things as the return of a water trough to a traffic island. "This is all cleanup."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/final-touches-being-put-on-downtown-franklin-project

  while the article says the water trough remains to be returned, it was put in place last Friday
while the article says the water trough remains to be returned, it was put in place last Friday


"The Massachusetts Attorney General's office is hosting an open meeting law training session for public officials in Brockton on Thursday, Oct. 13, according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association. 
The two-hour training session will go over the provisions of the state's open meeting law and allow for questions and answers. 
"All members of public bodies, municipal employees and members of the general public are invited," the Massachusetts Municipal Association reported."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/attorney-general-to-host-open-meeting-law-training


Friday, April 15, 2016

In the News: School Committee hears about counseling, Atty General Healy looking for equal pay, DelCarte clean up scheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee heard an extensive presentation on district counseling efforts this week. 
The committee at its Tuesday night meeting listened to several members of the counseling staff - as well as some students - as they outlined initiatives at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. 
Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the role of school counselors had changed dramatically from the days when the focus was college and job preparedness. 
"School counseling is not what it used to be," he said. "It has never been more involved or far-reaching."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/franklin-schools-work-to-develop-counseling

The Franklin Matters reporting on the School Committee meeting can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/storify-real-time-reporting-school.html



"Attorney General Maura Healey calculates that she could have purchased 1 million cups of coffee with the additional wages she would have earned if she were paid the same as her male co-workers. 
“It is long past the time to get this done,” said Healey, who joined with state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, State Auditor Suzanne Bump and dozens of male and female legislators by the Statehouse’s Grand Staircase for Equal Pay Day, which was Tuesday. 
Chief among the topics was a pay equity bill (S 983) that prohibits employers from discriminating on wages based on gender. 
The bill would make it illegal for a company to ask what a job applicant made in a previous job, which Healey said often used as a way to keep women’s salaries down. The legislation would also bar any prohibitions against employees discussing their wages with each other."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/legislators-stump-for-equal-pay



"The Conservation Commission is seeking volunteers for a cleanup of the DelCarte Conservation property next weekend. 
The cleanup - scheduled for 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 - is the first such event at the 136-acre Pleasant Street property, which the town has opened up for recreational uses. 
Town Conservation Agent George Russell said the work that day would likely involve mostly trash pick-up. 
"It's more a maintenance issue than anything," he said, adding that the work would take place along the property's trails and picnic areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/franklin-delcarte-cleanup-scheduled-for-april-23

the playground at DelCarte is currently closed for repair but scheduled to be re-opened for May
the playground at DelCarte is currently closed for repair but scheduled to be re-opened for May

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Mass Attorney General Maura Healey Says Exxon Knew




Dear Friends,
Today Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that she is joining with the Attorneys General of New York and California in formally investigating ExxonMobil for their role in sowing doubt about climate science and preventing climate action after their own scientists affirmed the reality of climate change some 35 years ago.

This is yet another refreshing demonstration of climate leadership by Attorney General Healey, who has emerged as the people's champion in the struggle to prevent new fossil fuel pipelines in Massachusetts.  Today, Attorney General Healey has taken another big step forward to unambiguously plant herself on the right side of this issue and on the right side of history, and she deserves our thanks and appreciation.

People power makes a difference. When politicians know they can count on our support when they take a stand on climate, it makes it easier for champions like Maura Healey to lead. Please join me in thanking AG Healey by sharing this meme on Facebook and/or calling her office at (617) 727-2200.

Onward and upward,

Craig Altemose
Executive Director, Better Future Project
Senior Advisor, 350 Mass for a Better Future


Sunday, November 22, 2015

Attorney General says "electric ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill for additional pipelines"


Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that a study commissioned by her office has determined that the region is unlikely to face electric reliability issues in the next 15 years and additional energy needs can be met more cheaply and cleanly through energy efficiency and demand response. 
The study was designed to, first, determine whether the region is facing electric reliability challenges through 2030 and, second, identify the most cost-effective and clean solutions for addressing any of those challenges. 
“As we make long-term decisions about our energy future, it’s imperative we have the facts,” said AG Healey. “This study demonstrates that we do not need increased gas capacity to meet electric reliability needs, and that electric ratepayers shouldn’t foot the bill for additional pipelines. This study demonstrates that a much more cost-effective solution is to embrace energy efficiency and demand response programs that protect ratepayers and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
image from Attorney General webpage
image from Attorney General webpage


Additional info on the Attorney General study can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2015/2015-11-18-electric-reliability-study.html



Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving Programs To Local High Schools


Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving Programs To Local High Schools

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving
Programs To Local High Schools

The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring its "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to
  • Brockton High School on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 9:52am and 12:53 pm
  • Medford High School on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 8:30 am
  • Norwood High School on Thursday, January 7, 2015 at  9:54 am
The program will be headed by MATA President Charlotte E. Glinka and Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, who created the EDD program after losing his 21-year old daughter Casey in 2009 as a result of  the actions of a distracted driver. 
Attorney Glinka remarked, "MATA is proud to continue to support the efforts of Attorney Joel Feldman in bringing the End Distracted Driving program to high schools throughout the state. Over the past few years we have reached out and engaged in a dialog with thousands of teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There couldn't be a more important message about driving safely and saving lives". 
MATA Past Presidents Timothy C. Kelleher III and C. Michael Conley, as well as MATA Executive Committee Member Saba Hashem have volunteered in the last few years to bring the EDD presentation, created by Attorney Joel Feldman, to as many schools as possible and will continue to do so going forward. 
MATA has made this ongoing volunteer program a priority as an organization and the EDD events are a prominent part of MATA's public service projects statewide. As trial lawyers, MATA members believe in safety on every level and this important program is educating those most at risk – young and inexperienced drivers.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Annual Report 2013: Town Attorney

Continuing our journey through the Franklin, MA Annual Report for 2013 we find the section on the Town Attorney

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input. 
During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws. 
An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits. The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained. 
Respectfully submitted, 
Mark Cerel
Town Attorney

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Friday, December 28, 2012

Annual Report 2012: Town Attorney


The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as-needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to
the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that  discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney


From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Franklin, MA: In house Attorney - Mark G Cerel

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as-needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney


From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.