In the News: 4th Congressional debate

Kennedy said his public service record shows he can fight to give people, including small business owners, better opportunities. 

"The number one issue in this district is jobs and the economy. But it’s almost bigger than that. There are people who are not getting that access to opportunity. I’ve spent my entire life fighting for people in that position [while working] in the DA’s office," he said. 

The debate, moderated by WCVB anchor Ed Harding and political reporter Janet Wu, gave Bielat and Kennedy a chance to distinguish their platforms. 

To help the economy, Bielat said he favored tax cuts over government spending because "tax relief lets families and businesses make the best decisions. Families and businesses know best. The result is you get more efficient expenditure of capital than government spending." 

On the other hand, Kennedy said the government plays an important role in giving small businesses access to capital, strengthening education, "putting Americans to work" and "removing uncertainty in the market."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264120504/Kennedy-Bielat-trade-jabs-in-4th-Congressional-District-debate#ixzz27kvJpQMe

The debate reported on here is scheduled to air on Sunday at 11 a.m on The Boston Channel, WCVB, TV 5

What's with teenagers? (video)

As parents, we either have had teenagers, or those youngsters now will soon become teenagers. Life is consistent in that it advances one day at a time. So why are the teenage years so challenging?

In this TED Talk,

"Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically “teenage” behavior is caused by the growing and developing brain."

"So adolescence is defined as the period of life that starts with the biological, hormonal, physical changes of puberty and ends at the age at which an individual attains a stable, independent role in society."

"So what's sometimes seen as the problem with adolescents — heightened risk-taking, poor impulse control, self-consciousness — shouldn't be stigmatized. It actually reflects changes in the brain that provide an excellent opportunity for education and social development."

In the News: lab wrongdoing, Tri-County, fall festival

Franklin chemist admits to wrongdoing at lab

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Tri-County High School: A one-stop shop

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Franklin Children’s School plans fall festival, Sept. 29

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

MassBudget: Massachusetts Ranks 25th in Taxes

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Massachusetts Ranks 25th in Taxes State and local taxes in Massachusetts are roughly in line with the national average, according to data released today by the census bureau. Massachusetts ranks 25th among all states--meaning there are 24 states with a higher level of taxation and 25 with lower rates. The most accurate way to compare taxation across states is to measure it as a percentage of personal income. That is, you look at the total amount of money collected through state and local taxes and then see what share that is of the total income earned in the state. When you do that for Massachusetts, you find that the level of taxation is 10.2%--below the national level of 10.6%. Read MASSACHUSETTS RANKS 25th IN TAXES The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Springfield: 1st MassDOT "Your Vision Our Future" Meeting

According to the published schedule for these meetings, it looks like the closest meeting will be in Framingham.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Springfield: 1st MassDOT "Your Vision Our Future" Meeting

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 9/26/12

MassDOT will kick off a series of statewide public meetings tomorrow, Thursday, September 27, in Springfield, engaging with residents, community leaders and business owners to discuss the future of transportation in the Commonwealth.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Thursday, September 27, 6-8 pm, Springfield Technical Community College One Armory Square, Building 2, Scibelli Hall Theater, Springfield

Legislation passed in August requires the Department to host at least six public meetings in advance of developing a long-term financing plan for the state's transportation system next year. To ensure that all regions of the Commonwealth are represented, MassDOT will hold 15 meetings.

Representatives from each division of MassDOT – RMV, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA/Rail and Transit – will be available to answer questions and provide information.
An informational website is available at: http://www.mass.gov/massdot/yourvisionourfuture

Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments can do so at yourvisionourfuture@dot.state.ma.us

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• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
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Franklin High School: Update to School Committee

While I was unable to attend the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, I want to thank Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski for sending this document along to share with you.


FHS Update 9-25-12 Final

"sighs of relief from town officials"

The constructions bids for the new Franklin High School were opened and ended up $1.1M under the estimated cost.

"The builder has an excellent reputation," said Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski. "And the price was very good, very good for the community. It’s very fulfilling." 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said going with the model school program rather than repairing the town’s 41-year-old high school, which town officials initially discussed doing, was the better choice. 

"I think the numbers proved today that what we were asking the citizens to support was the right decision," Nutting said. "I think we are going to have an awesome education facility for the next 50 years or so." 

As long as the bid came in at or below the estimated budget, he said, "We were going to be happy. Now that it’s well below the estimate, that’s good for the state and good for the tax payers of Franklin."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1238767627/Bids-for-new-Franklin-High-School-below-budget#ixzz27ZBgVDWO


The collection of posts on the new high school can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html