Thursday, February 28, 2013

Breaking Ground to Support Public Safety

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to join Sheriff Frank Cousins to break ground on an $11 million Regional Support Services Building that will be constructed on the grounds of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and House of Correction located in Middleton, Massachusetts.  The new building, which will provide records, offender intake, property, release and transportation services with an enclosed vehicle sally port on the first level of the building, is expected to be completed late Spring of next year.

Below I am pictured at the groundbreaking with Sheriff Cousins, Representative Ted Speliotis, Middleton Town Administrator Ira Singer, Essex Police Chief Peter Silva, and others.  To learn more about the groundbreaking of the Regional Support Services Building and its uses please click here to read a report in today’s Gloucester Daily Times.


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Friday, February 22, 2013

Media Alert: On the Air with WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller

This Sunday at approximately 8:30am I will be part of a featured panel during Reporter Jon Keller’s Keller@Large Report on WBZ-TV.  The panel will also feature Governor Patrick’s former campaign manager, Alex Goldstein, and we will be discussing with Jon the race for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator John Kerry.

Please tune in Sunday morning to watch our lively discussion.

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Special Book for Children

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to attend Ipswich Public Librarian Laurie Collins’ book launch at the Roots to Wings Yoga Studio in Byfield.  Her book, The Pajamas of My Dreams, which was illustrated by Margie Florini with cut-paper artwork, was received by several individuals including a special reading to children in their pajamas.

The children’s picture book follows the dreams of children as they drift off to sleep contemplating what they hope to be when they grow up.  It’s a touching story that offers vignettes of different children hoping to be artists, athletes, doctors, chefs, and other professions.

To learn more about the book please click here to visit The Pajamas of My Dreams official website.  Posted below are a few photos from yesterday's book launch.





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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Media Alert: On the Air with WBZ-TV



Earlier this afternoon I was interviewed by WBZ-TV News Political Reporter and Analysis Jon Keller regarding former Chelsea Housing Authority Director Michael McLaughlin’s decision to plead guilty today in Federal Court.  Please tune in to tonight’s news beginning at 5:00pm to see Jon’s report.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Emergency Preparedness

With two powerful winter storms expected to provide blizzard-like conditions to Massachusetts and Southern New England tomorrow morning and into Saturday, my office has gathered several documents and emergency contact numbers that may be of assistance.  During a storm with the potential of this magnitude, people may become stranded in their vehicles or unable to leave their homes with the loss of utilities and other services.  The best way to protect yourself, loved ones, and your property is to plan for an emergency before one strikes.  

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.

Other important precautions to take before a storm include;

• Stocking your house and/or vehicle with supplies such as non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags, a fire extinguisher, and a radio.

• Installing storm windows or cover windows with plastic to provide additional insulation.

• Letting faucets drip to avoid water pipes from freezing.

• Locking all doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and precipitation.

• Learning where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.

• Keeping an amount of money on hand just in case there is a power outage and ATM’s are unable to operate.

• Knowing your community’s emergency shelter locations if an evacuation becomes necessary.

• Having 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 assist you. The documents include a family communications plan, a disaster preparedness kit checklist, a winter emergency car kit checklist, the National Weather Radio stations listings in Massachusetts, 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.

Family Communications Plan by troy_wall3196

Auto Safety Tips & Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist.docx by Troy Wall

Tips for During After a Winter Storm by Troy Wall

Disaster Preparedness for Pets by troy_wall3196

National Grid Helpful Tips by troy_wall3196

National Weather Radio Station Listings for Massachusetts by troy_wall3196


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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25 and NECN

Please tune in to tonight’s Fox 25 News broadcast at 6:00pm where I will be speaking with News Anchor Maria Stephanos regarding the race for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator John Kerry.

Also at 6:00pm I will be featured on NECN’s Broadside with Jim Braude.  Jim and I further discussed the U.S. Senate seat and the decisions a candidate has to make prior to entering such a race.

Fox 25’s Evening News will air again at 10:00pm and 11:00pm, and Broadside will re-air at 8:00pm and again at 3:30am.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

A Convincing Editorial

Today the Boston Herald offers a very interesting perspective about the importance of the passage of Senate and Joint Rule changes proposed by the Senate Republican Caucus about the online posting of roll call votes made by the members of the General Court.  The rules highlight this measure, which the legislature should have had in place years ago, and will offer a window into the legislative process by making the votes more accessible.

The Boston Herald is right when they reference that the year is 2013.  The time for such postings is overdue, and can be accommodated easily through modern technology.  Following the adoption of these rule changes proposed by the minority party, the Senate Republican Caucus will continue to make transparency and accountability in state government a top priority.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Boston Herald.

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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Media Alert: On the Air with Fox 25

Please tune in to tonight's Fox 25 Evening News to see a report that I'm featured in where I discuss my thoughts of the upcoming special U.S. Senate election.

Tonight's evening news will be broadcast at 10:00pm and again at 11:00pm.

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Media Alert: On the Air with WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller


Earlier today WBZ-TV’s Political Analysis and Reporter JonKeller stopped by my office to discuss the decision made by former U.S. SenatorScott Brown to not run in the upcoming U.S. Senate special election. 

Please tune in to this evening’s news towatch Jon’s report.

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