Thursday, September 30, 2010

Today's Appearance on Fox 25's "Tolman and Gray" Segment


Today on Fox 25’s “Tolman and Gray” segment I had the opportunity to discuss the Boston Globe’s recent gubernatorial poll and what that means for this year’s election. Please view my lively discussion with Warren Tolman by playing the posted video below.




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Spending in Silence?


Currently the legislature is meeting in informal sessions until January, meaning that only non-controversial matters are considered and no recorded roll call votes are taken. Because of this, floor debate or formal discussion of bills is also rare during these sessions, in which routine matters are generally moved through the legislative process.

That’s why the supplemental budget now pending before the House of Representatives is concerning. While it is not uncommon for supplemental budgets to be passed in informal sessions, the appropriations in this one total more than $447 million. What’s more, the bill comes at a time when the sustainability of current spending levels is very much in question.

Given these circumstances, I am scrutinizing this bill very carefully along with several colleagues to ensure that it only expends funds to address real deficiencies in important accounts, and doesn’t unduly expand spending parameters beyond the levels of the FY’2011 budget itself, and of sustainability.

You can review this budget in its current form yourself by clicking the document below.

An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 to Provide for Supplementing Certain Existi...



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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

It's Tarr and Tolman on Fox 25


I'm pleased to report that I will now be appearing on the Fox 25 Morning News every Thursday morning from now until the general election in November. On the segments, which air at approximately 7:15 am, I will be discussing current political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman.

Throughout the past year I have been making guest appearances on the "Tolman and Gray" segment that regularly airs in this time slot.




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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Media Alert: On the Air with WHDH Channel 7 News


Today I had the opportunity to discuss with Channel 7 News reporter Linda Ergas the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School. Please tune to WHDH Channel 7 evening news for Linda's report.


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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Media Alert: On The Air With Fox 25

Tomorrow morning I’ll once again be analyzing political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman on the Fox 25 Morning News Segment “Tolman and Gray”. We will most likely be discussing the recent gubernatorial debate, today’s debate among the candidates for Lt. Governor, and journalist Bob Woodward’s book “Obama’s Wars” scheduled to be released on September 27th. Please join us on Fox 25 at approximately 7:15-7:20 a.m.




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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

On the Air With WBZ-TV Channel 4 News

On Saturday I had the chance to discuss with WBZ-TV Channel 4 News the erosion problem currently facing Plum Island and the river dredging and beach nourishment project that has commenced over the weekend. You can view the report by clicking here.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox25


Tomorrow morning I’ll be analyzing political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman on the Fox 25 Morning News Segment “Tolman and Gray”. We will most likely be discussing yesterday’s primary elections in both local and national races and what to expect as the races move closer to November’s elections. Please join us on Fox 25 at approximately 7:15-7:20 a.m.




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Monday, September 13, 2010

Supporting the Mother of Grace Club


Once again this year I was pleased to join with the members of Gloucester’s Mother of Grace Club for their annual Fiesta, which culminates a traditional prayer novena that dates back to the early 1940’s. A group of mothers and other family members created the club to facilitate prayers for the safe return of those defending our nation overseas in World War II.

The club and its events are a great tradition that adds strength and character to our community.
Above and below are photographs from last night’s closing ceremonies for the 2010 Fiesta.




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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Today's Appearance on Fox 25's "Tolman and Gray" Segment

Today I made a guest appearance on Fox 25’s “Tolman and Gray” segment to discuss the recent gubernatorial debate and next week’s upcoming primaries. Please view my lively discussion with Warren Tolman by playing the posted video below or by clicking here.




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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Media Alert: On the Air With Fox 25


Tomorrow morning I’ll be analyzing political issues with former State Senator Warren Tolman on the Fox 25 Morning News Segment “Tolman and Gray”. We will most likely discuss last night’s gubernatorial debate, next week’s upcoming local and national primary races, and President Obama’s jobs bill. Please join us on Fox 25 at approximately 7:15-7:20 a.m.


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Friday, September 3, 2010

Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home


As Hurricane Earl draws near, my office has gathered several documents and emergency contact numbers that may be of assistance. The best way to combat an emergency is to plan before one strikes to minimize the threat of danger to health and property.

All households should have a contact list of emergency numbers posted next to a working phone. In case of a power outage, most cordless phones may be unresponsive so it is advisable to keep a backup phone with a cord in a close and safe place. While emergency calls should be directed through 911 it is a good idea to keep other numbers in an accessible location. Some numbers to be placed on that list include your local non-emergency numbers for the police and fire departments, nearest hospital, town hall, and your electricity and gas provider’s area telephone number. National Grid’s emergency number is 1-800-465-1212. Comcast can be reached at 1-800-266-2278 and Verizon’s help service line is 1-888-553-1555.

Marine related emergencies may require contacting the U.S. Coast Guard. The best number to contact Coast Guard Station Gloucester is (978) 283-0705 and Station Merrimac River is (978) 462-3428. You can also call Sector Boston’s emergency line at (617) 223-5750. Boaters on the water and in need of immediate assistance can radio through a “Mayday” distress message. It is best to either use MF 2182 kHz or marine VHF-FM radio channel 16 (156.8 MHz) because these channels have been designated for emergencies and are closely monitored by the Coast Guard.

Other important precautions to take before a storm are;

• Bring in all lawn furniture, decorations, and other objects that can be projected through the air that could cause harm to property and personal safety.
• Properly anchor all storage sheds to the ground and lock all doors to prevent contents from damage.
• Lock all doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
• Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.
• Keep an amount of money on hand just in case there is a power outage and ATM’s are unable to operate.
• Elevate property in basement that might be susceptible to minor flooding.
• Clear clogged rain gutters to prevent property from flooding.
• Know your community’s emergency shelter locations if an evacuation becomes necessary.
• Have a plan for all family pets in case an emergency shelter does not allow their presence.

Below are several documents produced from several state and federal agencies that might be of help to you. The documents include a family communications plan, a disaster preparedness kit checklist, the National Weather Radio stations listings in Massachusetts, tips for people with disabilities requiring additional assistance, tips for business owners, and a family pet disaster preparedness plan. If my office can assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to call at (617)722-1600.

Disaster Preparedness Kit Checklist

Family Communications Plan

MEMA Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

MEMA Business Owners Guide

National Grid Helpful Tips

People With Disabilties Requiring Additional Assistance

National Weather Radio Station Listings for Massachusetts



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Channel 4

On Wednesday I had the chance to discuss with WBZ-TV Channel 4 reporter Christina Hager the erosion problem currently facing Plum Island and what Hurricane Earl means to the challenges of the upcoming beach nourishment project scheduled to start next week. You can view her report by clicking here.


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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

State Agencies Developing Emergency Preparedness Plans


With the approach of Hurricane Earl, public safety agencies across the Commonwealth are preparing for the potential increased need for services. My office has been and will remain in contact with many of them, including the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). MEMA personnel are working diligently to ensure that our state stays ahead of any emergency needs that arise.

Over the next several hours we will post some contact information that might be helpful in the event of a major storm impact.

One valuable source of weather information is the National Weather Service, which provides forecasts and other relevant information. You can visit the agency’s web site by clicking here.

Current forecasts predict that Earl will pass by Massachusetts late Friday night/early Saturday morning, producing some significant weather impacts, including wind and rain.

Presently I am planning to provide WBZ-TV Channel 4 reporter Christina Hager with an update for tonight’s newscast at 11:00pm.



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