Monday, September 28, 2009

Judging Chowder in Ipswich


Congratulations to the Ipswich Lions on the tremendous success of this year’s Chowderfest, which took place on Saturday, September 26th. The event drew a huge crowd to the EBSCO parking lot along the Ipswich Riverwalk, where prefect weather combined with a spirited competition among chowder competitors, tremendous food offerings and strong community spirit.

Funds raised by the event will benefit local charities such as scholarships, eye and diabetes research, eyeglass recycling and hearing aid projects. The event was sponsored by a host of local businesses including; the Institution for Savings, EBSCO Publishing, TD Banknorth, Mass Lions Eye Research, and the J&C Entertainment of Ipswich.

I was pleased to perform guest judging duties along with fellow panelists Representative Brad Hill, Congressman John Tierney, WRKO Talk Show Host Todd Feinberg and others.

A few photos of the judges hard at work are featured above and below this post.


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Friday, September 25, 2009

Come and Take a Tour of the State House!


I would like to invite all of my constituents to come to the State House for a special free tour of one of the State’s most treasured buildings. Tours are given year round from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and last approximately 40 minutes. To reserve a tour please call the tour desk at (617) 727-3676. The State House offers both portraits and historical artifacts of Massachusetts long and storied history.







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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Media Alert: Tarr Talks on WBZ Radio Tonight


Tonight at approximately 9:00 p.m. I’ll be joining talk show radio host Dan Rea on WBZ News Radio 1030 AM. One of the topics to be discussed is the newly passed U.S. Senate Succession law. To call in to tonight’s show please dial 617-254-1030.



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A. Piatt Andrew Bridge Update

With the summer construction season winding down, progress continues at the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge and a fall construction schedule will be implemented. To read MassHighway's progress update please "Read more" at the bottom of this post.

Thank you for your continuing interest in this project, and please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,
Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante



Photo showing new sidewalk section along with new Minnesota bridge rail (on left).

Photo showing epoxy coated rehabbed supporting cross beam at Pier #3.

Release Date – September 8, 2009


Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 60% complete
Cost $25,500,000

Description The work involves the removal and replacement of the wearing surface of the bridge deck along with rehabilitation of the superstructure and portions of the substructure on Bridge No. G-05-017 carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River in Gloucester. The project will also include replacement of the sidewalks along with significant structural repairs and painting portions of the superstructure. A new wearing surface will be placed on the bridge along with a new median barrier. The existing bridge railing will be refurbished and a suicide deterrent safety screen will be erected along the sidewalk. SPS New England, Inc. is completing the work.

Current Project Status – The project is currently changing back to Stage II of the traffic management plan which has temporary concrete barrier installed along the right hand side of the northbound and southbound high speed lanes reducing traffic to one lane (inside lane) in each direction. This traffic setup will be in place during the fall months and will allow the Contractor to finish the new sidewalks, bridge rails and fence as well as place the new concrete deck in the right travel lanes. The Contractor has completed most of the masonry repairs/rehabilitation below the bridge. Structural steel repair is ongoing. The Contractor has also started cleaning the structural steel below the deck in preparation for new paint. The Contractor has been working various Saturdays and Sundays as well as extended hours during the week to remain within the approved schedule of operations.

Note: Additional project information and history can be found by visiting MassHighway’s website at: http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/ and clicking on the Project Info tab and selecting Projects under Design and Construction for the City of Gloucester, Project No. 604797.


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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25


Tomorrow morning I’ll be once again analyzing political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman on the Fox 25 Morning News Segment “Tolman and Gray”. Topics we’re likely to discuss are the Senate’s action on the U.S. Senate Succession bill and potential appointees, the Boston Mayor’s race and looming state budget cuts. Please join us on Fox 25 at approximately 7:15-7:20 a.m.



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Taking a Stand for Integrity

Yesterday I appeared before the Board of Education to request that it reopen the case of the granting of a charter for a school in Gloucester in the wake of the releasing of an e-mail by Secretary of Education Paul Reville in which he explained political motives in the process. Should my request not be honored I will seek action by Inspector General Greg Sullivan.

To read a news account of this situation from the Gloucester Daily Times, please click "Read more" at the bottom of this post.


Gloucester Times...Ed Board to Meet on Charter

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Media Alert: Eagle Tribune Editorial

Eagle Tribune. Kennedy Successor Vote About Nothing but Power



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Senate Succession Bill Could Be Unconstitutional


The U.S. Senate Interim Appointment bill (H. 4246) passed today by the Senate and earlier in the week by the House contains an emergency preamble which would cause it to take effect immediately (as opposed to the usual 90 days required before every bill takes effect). Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution provides that any bill containing an emergency preamble must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the House and the Senate.

Since the vote in the Senate to pass the bill was 24-16 and the vote to pass the bill in the House was 95-58 the requirement of a 2/3 vote has not been met. Absent a change in the numbers of votes when the House and Senate take up the bill tomorrow, it will not be able to move forward with an emergency preamble.

Should the bill be approved without an emergency preamble, it would take effect 90 days after the date of its passage.





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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Media Alert: Morning Discussion on "Finneran's Forum"


Tomorrow morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. I'll be joining talk show host and former House Speaker Tom Finneran on WRKO 680 AM to discuss the troubling developments surrounding the granting of a charter for a school in Gloucester.




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Votes to Note: Senate Acts on Kennedy Succession Bill


Today the Massachusetts Senate debated H. 4246, “An Act Relative to Filling a Temporary Vacancy in the United States Senate”, which would provide the Governor with the power to appoint an interim U.S. Senator to fill a vacancy which arises until a special election empowers voters to make that choice. Two amendments were considered as part of this debate:

The first, offered by Senator Tisei, would delay the effective date of the change to the law until after the special election on January 20, 2010. This amendment would have cured a major problem with the current proposal, which changes the rules in the middle of the process to select Senator Kennedy’s successor. This amendment failed by a vote of 7 yes to 32 no. To view how members voted please click the “Read more” link and refer to the first spreadsheet at the end of this blog posting.

The second amendment, offered by Senator Tisei, myself and others, would require that communications by the Governor involving the appointment of an interim senator be subject to the state’s public records laws. This provision, important to the transparency and accountability of the selection process, was rejected by a vote of 7 yes to 32 no. To view how the members voted on this matter, please click the “Read more” link and refer to the second spreadsheet at the end of this blog posting.

Finally, without taking action to ensure that the bill wasn’t being used to manipulate the process to suit a particular political contingency, and without provisions to ensure transparency and accountability, the Senate approved the bill by a close vote of 24 yes to 16 no. To view the details of this vote please click the “Read more” link and refer to the third spreadsheet at the end of this blog posting.


To read the text of the amendments and H. 4246, please click on this link http://www.mass.gov/legis/senate/calendar.htm.




Amendment to change the effective date to January 20, 2010

Roll Call Votes: Yea Nay

Steven A. Baddour nay
Frederick E. Berry nay
Stephen M. Brewer nay
Scott P. Brown yea
Stephen J. Buoniconti nay
Gale D. Candaras nay
Harriette L. Chandler nay
Sonia Chang-Diaz nay
Cynthia Stone Creem nay
Kenneth J. Donnelly nay
Benjamin B. Downing nay
James B. Eldridge nay
Susan C. Fargo nay
Jennifer L. Flanagan nay
Anthony D. Galluccio nay
Jack Hart yea
Robert L. Hedlund yea
Patricia D. Jehlen nay
Brian A. Joyce nay
Thomas P. Kennedy nay
Michael R. Knapik yea
Thomas M. McGee nay
Joan M. Menard nay
Mark C. Montigny nay
Michael O. Moore nay
Richard T. Moore nay
Michael W. Morrissey yea
Senate President Therese Murray
Robert A. O'Leary nay
Marc R. Pacheco nay
Steven C. Panagiotakos nay
Anthony Petruccelli nay
Stanley C. Rosenberg nay
Karen E. Spilka nay
Bruce E. Tarr yea
James E. Timilty nay
Richard R. Tisei yea
Steven A. Tolman nay
Susan C. Tucker nay
Marian Walsh nay


Amendment to Require Communications by the Governor Involving the Appointment of a U.S. Senator be Subject to the State's Open Public Records Laws

Roll Call Votes: Yea Nay
Steven A. Baddour nay
Frederick E. Berry nay
Stephen M. Brewer nay
Scott P. Brown yea
Stephen J. Buoniconti nay
Gale D. Candaras nay
Harriette L. Chandler nay
Sonia Chang-Diaz nay
Cynthia Stone Creem nay
Kenneth J. Donnelly nay
Benjamin B. Downing nay
James B. Eldridge nay
Susan C. Fargo nay
Jennifer L. Flanagan nay
Anthony D. Galluccio nay
Jack Hart nay
Robert L. Hedlund yea
Patricia D. Jehlen nay
Brian A. Joyce nay
Thomas P. Kennedy nay
Michael R. Knapik yea
Thomas M. McGee nay
Joan M. Menard nay
Mark C. Montigny yea
Michael O. Moore nay
Richard T. Moore nay
Michael W. Morrissey nay
Senate President Therese Murray
Robert A. O'Leary nay
Marc R. Pacheco nay
Steven C. Panagiotakos nay
Anthony Petruccelli nay
Stanley C. Rosenberg nay
Karen E. Spilka nay
Bruce E. Tarr yea
James E. Timilty yea
Richard R. Tisei yea
Steven A. Tolman nay
Susan C. Tucker nay
Marian Walsh nay


Bill: House Bill 4246 An Act Relative to Filling a Temporary Vacancy in the U.S. Senate

Roll Call Votes: Yea Nay
Steven A. Baddour nay
Frederick E. Berry yea
Stephen M. Brewer nay
Scott P. Brown nay
Stephen J. Buoniconti yea
Gale D. Candaras yea
Harriette L. Chandler yea
Sonia Chang-Diaz yea
Cynthia Stone Creem yea
Kenneth J. Donnelly yea
Benjamin B. Downing yea
James B. Eldridge yea
Susan C. Fargo yea
Jennifer L. Flanagan nay
Anthony D. Galluccio yea
Jack Hart nay
Robert L. Hedlund nay
Patricia D. Jehlen yea
Brian A. Joyce nay
Thomas P. Kennedy yea
Michael R. Knapik nay
Thomas M. McGee yea
Joan M. Menard yea
Mark C. Montigny yea
Michael O. Moore nay
Richard T. Moore nay
Michael W. Morrissey nay
Senate President Therese Murray yea
Robert A. O'Leary yea
Marc R. Pacheco yea
Steven C. Panagiotakos nay
Anthony Petruccelli yea
Stanley C. Rosenberg yea
Karen E. Spilka yea
Bruce E. Tarr nay
James E. Timilty nay
Richard R. Tisei nay
Steven A. Tolman yea
Susan C. Tucker nay
Marian Walsh yea



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Media Alert: Tarr Talks with Michele McPhee Regarding Dog Licensing Fee Hikes

On Monday, September 22nd I had the chance to talk with Michele McPhee of 96.9 WTKK Radio about a piece of legislation that was filed by one of my Senate colleagues that is making its way through the State House. Senate Bill 2120, “An Act Further Regulating Animal Control” seeks to place an additional $3 surcharge on top of your town’s dog licensing fee. To hear my interview on Michele’s show please follow this link: http://wtkk.everyzing.com/m/26478829/9-18-2009-guest-state-senator-bruce-tarr.htm




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Monday, September 21, 2009

Media Alert: More Discussion of Senatorial Succession


Once again today I was interviewed regarding the proposed legislation to change Massachusetts' election laws to provide the governor with the power to appoint an interim senator to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. Segments will probably air on New England Cable News (NECN) and others, and radio stations NPR and WBUR this afternoon and evening.




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Media Alert: Morning Analysis on Fox 25

I'll be returning to the Fox 25 Morning News this Thursday morning at approximately 7:15-7:20 on the show's "Tolman and Gray" segment. I'm pleased to be standing in for political consultant and analyst Rob Gray. Please check in to Tarr Talk in the next few days for more detailed information on this appearance, and please tune in on September 24th.




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Friday, September 18, 2009

Media Alert: Discussing Election Law Changes


Today I have been interviewed by a variety of news organizations regarding proposed changes to Massachusetts Election Laws to give the governor the authority to appoint an interim United States Senator to fill a vacancy pending an election to select a successor.

In action on the Senate floor this afternoon, I have laid this bill (H. 4246) on the table until Monday to allow Senators and our constituents the opportunity to review and contemplate several amendments to the bill, which were filed this morning, and its potential impacts now and in the future.

Look for segments on WBZ-TV, WBZ Radio (AM 1030), New England Cable News Network (NECN) and others throughout the day.




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Media Alert: Analyzing Kennedy Succession Issues

Last night I had the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the vacancy created by the passing of U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy and proposed legislation to change Massachusetts election laws regarding the selection of a successor with host Jim Braude on NECN and guest former Senator George Bachrach. You can view this segment by clicking here (http://www.necn.com/Boston/Politics/2009/09/17/Broadside-Mass-special/1253228444.html).




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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Progress on Plum Island

I worked with my colleagues in state government, local officials, non-governmental organizations and many interested citizens of Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury to organize the Merrimack River Beach Alliance in November of 2008 to unify and intensify efforts to preserve the coastal dune system at Plum Island and Salisbury Beach.

An unprecedented cooperative effort has brought us success in installing temporary measures to protect the Island Center area, and we are closing in on a major dredging project to nourish both beaches. In turn, planning is now underway for a more permanent solution in the form of repairing the jetties that define the mouth of the Merrimack River.

Recently, Newburyport Daily News reporter Victor Tine authored a story documenting the progress that’s being made by this diverse and committed team. Please click here to read it.

Below are some photos of the recent meeting of the Alliance.









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Celebrating with the Mother of Grace Club


Last Sunday, Gloucester's Mother of Grace Club carried on a tradition that has transcended generations by celebrating its annual fiesta. The club was created in 1945 by a group of mothers to pray for the safe return of their brothers and sons from World War II.

I was honored to be able to join with club members and supporters for this year's festivities, which culminated with the candlelight procession featured in the pictures below (photos courtesy of Anthony Marks). In the pictures with me are Joann Marks, Rosalie Imbrunone, Terese Ferrara and Vito Piscitello, all members of a family that has worked hard to support the club since its inception. The matriarch of that family, Antoinette Piscitello, was a founding member of the club.

Thanks to all who carry on the tradition of the Mother of Grace Club, and particularly to President Katie Fontana and Vice-President Gus McIntosh for all of their hard work to make this year's celebration a great success!

















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Monday, September 14, 2009

Media Alert: Lowell Sun reports on Kennedy Office initiative

A story in today’s Lowell Sun by reporter Matt Murphy contained information about our ongoing efforts to keep Senator Kennedy’s office open for constituent services, including the comments of Rep. Thomas Golden (D-Lowell), who is the Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws:


Sen. Bruce Tarr, a Gloucester Republican who represents Wilmington, sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Friday signed by 25 House and Senate members of both parties.


The letter requested that Reid and the Senate grant Kennedy's office a waiver to stay open until the Jan. 19 special election.


"That's a good idea," Golden said.


To read the whole article in its entirety please visit the Lowell Sun at http://www.lowellsun.com/.


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Friday, September 11, 2009

Media Alert: Senator Tarr Interviewed by WBUR




Please tune in to WBUR (90.9 FM) today between 4 and 6pm to hear an interview I taped this afternoon regarding my ongoing efforts to keep Senator Kennedy's office open for constituent services (now with the support of 29 members of the State Senate and House), and the resignation of State Transportation Secretary James Aloisi.

http://www.wbur.org/

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Keeping Senator Kennedy's Office Open

Today I have launched an effort to keep the office of the late Senator Edward Kennedy open for the purpose of providing constituent services until a successor is in office. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), I and numerous colleagues from both parties in the House and Senate are making the request that action be taken to allow constituent services to be provided without interruption.

This type of change has precedent and would address an issue that has been raised repeatedly since the loss of Senator Kennedy. Currently, the letter has 29 co-sponsors. Check in tomorrow to see the final list and a copy of the signed letter. To read the letter please click "Read more" below.

September 10, 2009



The Honorable Harry Reid
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Reid,

We, as elected officials in the state of Massachusetts, respectfully write to you today with the request that you take timely action to permit the office of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy to continue its constituent service functions until a successor is in place to serve the people of Massachusetts. By amending Senate Resolution 458, passed in 1984, the Senate can ensure that the six million citizens of Massachusetts receive the outstanding constituent service that Senator Kennedy has provided for the last forty-six years.

We know that you are aware that the Massachusetts state legislature is currently considering proposals to amend its laws regarding the filling of a vacancy in the office of United States Senator. In these deliberations, one of the issues that has gained significant prominence is that without a replacement, the constituent services provided by Senator Kennedy will not continue, and that the needs and well-being of the citizens of Massachusetts could suffer. Recognizing the consequences that this situation could present, we firmly believe that the leadership of the Senate has the ability to take action now that will prevent the disruption of constituent services being provided by Senator Kennedy’s office.

You likely know that the dedicated men and women who staff Senator Kennedy’s office are currently winding down the functions of that office, engaging mostly in the lengthy process of transferring the hundreds to thousands of active constituent cases to the offices of Senator John Kerry and the Massachusetts House delegation, a process made more difficult by the often confidential nature of these issues. The closure of this office is pursuant to Senate Resolution 458, passed on October 4, 1984, entitled “Closing The Office of a Senator or Senate Leader Who Dies or Resigns”. This resolution requires that, upon the vacancy of a Senate seat, the staff of the former Senator has sixty days in which to complete the closing of the office.

We believe that this rule is counterproductive to the goal of helping American citizens to enjoy the full assistance of the federal government, and believe it should be changed. Specifically, we believe that the rule should be interpreted or amended to allow a vacated Senate office to continue with its constituent services until a new Senator is in office. This change would maintain the availability of expertise that the staff of any vacated office possesses, but would specifically in this case preserve the unmatched skills and abilities of Senator Kennedy’s office at least through the special election scheduled for January 19th. A change to the language of the rule itself would ensure the continuity of constituent services whenever and wherever a vacancy arises.

Such a change would not require a lengthy period of debate, nor a cumbersome legislative process. This resolution has been amended three times: S. Res. 173 in 1987; S. Res. 478 in 2004; and S. 238 in 2007, which you co-sponsored. On each of these occasions, the proposed amendment was submitted, considered, and agreed to by voice vote or by unanimous consent in a single day. You therefore have it within your power to settle this matter quickly and permanently.

Alternatively, we believe that a broad reading of the term “closing of the office” would allow Senator Kennedy’s office to continue its constituent work until the special election. Senate Resolution 458 provides that the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration can extend the sixty-day period to whatever period is necessary to complete the closing of the office. While some observers have interpreted that term to mean that Senator Kennedy’s office may only engage in the administrative transfer of files to other legislative offices, we believe that the term could also be interpreted to mean that Senator Kennedy’s office is entitled to finish its work on the constituent matters which it currently handles. Subject to the Rules Committee’s determination that a need for an extension exists, the valuable expertise could be used for existing constituent matters within the current text of Senate Resolution 458.

We can all agree that the excellent constituent service provided by Senator Kennedy’s staff should be allowed to continue. We therefore request that the United States Senate take whatever action is necessary to achieve that goal on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its citizens.

Thank you for taking our views of this matter into consideration, and please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,
Bruce Tarr
State Senator

cc: Senator Charles Schumer, Chair, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration


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Friday, September 4, 2009

Media Alert: Gloucester Times Editorial

Gloucester Times Editorial

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Ongoing Gloucester Water Issues

Wednesday Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and I sent a letter to Mass DEP to ask them for their increase in assistance. You can read this letter by clicking the document below.


Richard Chalpin Gloucester Drinking Water 090109

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A “Night Out” in North Andover

Thanks to the North Andover Police Department, led by Chief Rick Stanley, and the Neighborhood Crime Watch Organization, the town participated in National Night Out. This year the event occurred on the evening of Tuesday, August 4th.

The North Andover Fire Department, the Recreation Department and others joined with many community businesses and organizations to provide families with a very enjoyable evening filled with food, demonstrations, special events and prizes on a beautiful summer night.

I was pleased to participate in the night out (I performed the duty of drawing winning raffle numbers), and look forward to supporting this event in the future.

Here are a few photos with Chief Stanley, Selectman Rosemary Connelly Smedile, active citizen Debbie Savoia and others:


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