MA State News: wind energy and commission report on special taxes

Mariano pledges to turn South Coast into ‘hub of wind energy’ 

"MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE SPEAKER Ron Mariano on Thursday pledged to make major investments to turn the South Coast into “a hub of wind energy for the region.” 

Mariano, in a virtual speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, envisioned using the nascent offshore wind energy industry as a way to create jobs in Massachusetts while positioning the state to be a leader in a growing field."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/mariano-pledges-to-turn-south-coast-into-hub-of-wind-energy/ 

Commission raises flags on film, alcohol, Fidelity tax breaks

"A COMMISSION ESTABLISHED to review the effectiveness of special tax breaks issued by the state of Massachusetts raised serious concerns in its initial report about measures benefitting the film, alcohol, and mutual fund industries.

The Tax Expenditure Review Commission, in a first-of-its-kind report, tried to rate the effectiveness of 26 of the more than 200 tax breaks that in some cases have been on the state’s books for decades and never been subjected to any scrutiny even though they represent billions of dollars in foregone revenue."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/commission-raises-flags-on-film-alcohol-fidelity-tax-breaks/

"It’s the megaphone that makes the government work better"

Rep. Lori Ehrlich (@RepLoriEhrlich) tweeted on Tue, Feb 16, 2021:

Terrific article by @KamiRieck with insight from @dankennedy_nu @BrendanCrighton & @jasonpramas. TY Speaker @RonMariano for this important new law and for appointing me to the new 23-member commission. I look forward to digging in! https://t.co/unm9Wgo3jF

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RepLoriEhrlich/status/1361729045491236871

"The growth of “news deserts” in Massachusetts and the possible solutions to improving local journalism in underserved communities will be the focus of a new commission approved in the final hours of the last legislative session.

The initiative by Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, and Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, was part of the massive economic development bill approved by lawmakers and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker last month. It will examine the sustainability of local press business models and the sufficiency of news coverage in communities across the state.

“Local journalists tell the community stories that bind us together,” Ehrlich said. “They tell us who we are, and where we’ve been and where we’re going. Local news is also essential to ensuring a healthy democracy.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.gazettenet.com/Journalism-task-force-38783093?fbclid=IwAR0cBSONXdL2PwMv17xgH0a8NQ7nBcnKFO4OJz9uQs2SnEGhSOQVAX8bWu0

Staiti Qualifies for Ballot for Norfolk County Commissioner

Atty. Richard R Staiti of Canton has officially qualified for the Democratic Primary race for Norfolk County Commissioner to be held September 1.

Despite the challenges presented by the novel coronavirus, Staiti and his supporters gathered over 1000 signatures (over twice the reduced requirement of 500) to qualify for the Democratic ballot.

A lifelong resident of Canton, Atty. Staiti currently serves as the Town Moderator. Prior to serving as Moderator, Staiti served nine years as a member of the Board of Selectmen (newly renamed the Select Board), being elected Chairman three times. Staiti represents Canton on the Norfolk County Advisory Board which oversees all county finances and spending. He is the longest serving member of the board and has been elected Chairman of this financial board three times.
 

Atty. Richard R Staiti

“The role of County Commissioner is to oversee the operation and expenditures of various county operations including but not limited to the maintenance of the Court system, the Norfolk County Agricultural School, the President's Golf Course, county roads and layouts, engineering and other agencies under their supervision."

“As an attorney and with my education and experience as a selectmen, town moderator and long time member of the county advisory board, I feel this skillset will enable me to deal effectively and professionally with the many issues confronting county government in the decade ahead", Staiti said.

Staiti added that his many years of service in education and first hand knowledge as a classroom teacher as well as Director of Science and Technology at Canton High School will be invaluable in providing leadership to maintain and improve upon the programs of study at the Norfolk County Agricultural school. The County School is the jewel of the county. "We need to improve and maintain high standards for the students, staff and parents."

"The pandemic has changed our life and forced us to rethink things the way they are at present. With the economic issues caused by the pandemic, and as revenues dwindle we need to investigate and explore new ways of producing revenue without increasing taxes."

Staiti is a proponent for clean energy. “We need to expand the use of clean renewable energy in the county to preserve our environment and increase sources of revenue to the county operation. As an attorney I permitted one of the largest solar fields east of the Mississippi. The revenue from that project will provide a steady stream of income over a 20 year period. In addition the town (Canton) derives energy credits on the utility bill. Clean and reusable energy is something that we need to act upon now, not in five years."

"We should also collaborate and expand regional services to help local cities and towns especially in light of the impending fiscal crisis. With the help of the county and local chiefs, a grant was obtained to establish a regional dispatch operation that serves several towns in the county." Staiti worked closely with the fire chiefs and director to make this regional service a reality. "As smaller communities struggle with budget shortfalls, the county can play a larger role in managing and providing regional services."

"Like any municipal entity, the county should have a well planned, long term capital program to repair and maintain our courts and buildings. We need to set aside funds in a stabilization account that should be used only for capital improvements."

The son of working class parents, Staiti has been endorsed by unions such as New England Regional Council of Carpenters Local 346. He has been an avid participant in and supporter of numerous Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) vigils, canvassing and other related social justice actions.

The father of five children, Staiti is also a member of the Board of Directors on the Canton Association of Business and Industry, (CABI) as well as Trustee of the Salah Foundation.

“Change is needed now at the county and in all phases of government, help make change happen now! I respectfully ask for your vote for Richard Staiti as your new County Commissioner on election day September 1."

For more information about the campaign, please visit : www.votestaiticommissioner.com

Franklin Disabilities Commission: Ability Summit - April 18

The Franklin Disabilities Commission is holding an Ability Summit on Saturday, April 18 from 12 PM - 3 PM at the Franklin Senior Center. 

All are welcome! 

Please see the attached flyer for more details and contact information.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/20200306111229537.pdf

Franklin Disabilities Commission: Ability Summit - April 18

Applications for 61A and 61B status to be filed by Oct 1, 2019

The Franklin Agricultural Commission would like to remind all Franklin landowners of parcels of 5 acres or more that their applications for 61A (agricultural tax status) or 61B (recreational land tax status) must be filed with the Town Assessors office by October 1, 2019.

The application form is available at the Town of Franklin Assessors Office at 355 East Central Street (phone number: (508) 520-4920. 

A link to the document online can be found at:
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tl/cl1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3ftUtj_z--FsqSuHz4lSSW69Yi92D57KKR4yK-B9NJO3hAo5hRQbAvVlM

General Law Chapters 61A and 61B allow for a reduced property tax on land that is primarily used for agriculture and/or recreational uses, including wildlife habitat and open space. The property tax is reduced to reflect the benefit to the community that such land provides. 

For more information, please contact the Franklin Agricultural Commission (email us at Franklinmaagcom@gmail.com) or the Franklin Tax Assessors office.

Public Service Announcement from the Franklin Agricultural Commission
 https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission

 

Franklin Story map on the Agriculture Commission page

“It’s like the foundation of a building. If you remove the foundation, the whole building is going to fall down”

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

"It’s estimated there are about 200,000 species throughout the world that are considered pollinators - animals that transfer pollen grains from one flower to another. Pollination leads to the production of fruits that people eat, and seeds that will create more plants. 

From the plump bumblebee to the chirpy hummingbird, the delicate monarch butterfly to the wide-eyed fruit bat, pollinators of all kinds play an important role in helping maintain the Earth’s biodiversity and agricultural systems. 

It’s estimated there are about 200,000 species throughout the world that are considered pollinators - creatures that transfer pollen grains from one flower to another. Pollination leads to the production of fruits that people eat, and seeds that will create more plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190615/pollinator-week-in-massachusetts-time-to-celebrate---and-protect---animals-and-plants-that-fuel-biodiversity

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has recently created a "pollinator pasture" at Dacey Fields:




Pollination Tips to help Horace
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/pollinator_pastures_with_horace_-_untitled_page.pdf

a "pollinator pasture" at Dacey Fields

Get your copy of "Our Family Farms"

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has created a nice one page listing of the farms along with a map of their location in Franklin. 

You can stop by the Agricultural Commission booth at the Strawberry Stroll to pick up a copy.

You can view and download a copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b6dnRFJmDRiy55ZC2rIuoXNsiLIcpkra/view?usp=sharing

Get your copy of "Our Family Farms" at the Strawberry Stroll

Senate President Karen Spilka Appoints Three Members to Citizens Commission

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) appointed three members to serve on a newly-created Citizens Commission to advocate for a potential constitutional amendment to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in Citizens United, with the goal of curtailing corporate political donations.

"Big money has been shown to have a corrupting influence in our politics, and I am excited to see the work of the new Citizens Commission get underway," said Senate President Spilka. "These three individuals are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to public service. I have every confidence they will ably advocate for Massachusetts' interests when it comes to the regulation of Citizens United."

Noval Alexander serves on the Framingham School Committee and Framingham School Building Committee. He is a substitute teacher in the towns of Needham, Wellesley and Natick. Alexander is a decorated retired Army veteran who served 25 years in the Army Reserves and two tours of Active Duty.

Jay Marsden serves as Chair of the Holliston Board of Selectmen. He is an estate planning lawyer at Marsden Law P.C. and works as a financial planner at Solares Hill Advisors.

Costas Panagopoulos is a Professor of Political Science at Northeastern University. He previously directed the Center for Electoral Politics and Democracy at Fordham University.

Massachusetts is the first state to create a Citizens Commission. Appointments were made by Senate President Spilka, Governor Charles Baker, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Secretary of State William Galvin. The application process was public and on a website created by the Governor's office.

All appointees to the Citizens Commission serve on a voluntary basis without compensation. A report with recommendations for constitutional amendments is due by December 31, 2019.

A 2018 ballot measure, which passed with 71.4% of the vote, created the non-partisan, 15-member commission.


Visit the Citizens Commission web page for additional updates
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/citizens-commission-created-by-2018-ballot-question-2

Visit the Citizens Commission web page