Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Statement on Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force Report

Yesterday, I issued the following statement following the release of a report and recommendations by the Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force:

“The Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force undertook an important task in examining some critical elements of campaigning in our state.  Unfortunately, the task force missed prime opportunities to seek fairness for contribution limits for organizations, and greater transparency regarding donors.  While these opportunities have been lost in the report of the task force, we will continue to bring the priorities they represent to the legislative process.”

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Posted below is the task force’s report in its entirety.



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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas

 
I would like to wish my friends, family, and constituents a very merry Christmas. On this day we are all given the special opportunity to express our love and gratitude to those closest to us. 
 
Also, I hope we all take the time to think of those currently serving our country away from their own families this holiday season.
 
Merry Christmas!

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Monday, December 22, 2014

Illuminating Historic Boxford


Every year Boxford residents gather at the town’s Holiday Tree to commence a procession called the “Grand Illumination” throughout the community’s historic East Village where houses built in the 1700’s and after still stand. The long lasting tradition, which was Sunday evening, featured a festive crowd of people who carol from door to door asking residents of the community to “light up their lights”.

The evening concluded at the Holyoke French House, which was originally built in 1704 and then rebuilt in 1760, where people gathered for cookies and cider. It was a beautiful night with great people, fantastic singing, and wonderful conversations. The Christmas spirit was on full display, and I look forward to joining again next year for the festivities.

Every year the Boxford Historic Society does a great job coordinating this event. Earlier in the day the Council on Aging hosted a craft fair at the Community Center, and then the bonfire tradition was brought back with the help of the Boxford Fire Department and the Boxford Library.

The photo above is of some of the carolers singing on the stairs at the Holyoke French House.

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Thursday, December 18, 2014

A Successful Toy Drive


Last week we conducted our annual North Shore holiday toy drive with North Shore 104.9FM, where we aired live from 9 different broadcast locations in an effort to collect toys for local children, which ultimately were donated to area charities. It was an overwhelming success yet again, but it wouldn’t have been without the help of so many special individuals who volunteered their services.

I want to thank Governor-elect Charlie Baker; Representative Bob Fennell and the people at the Capitol Diner; Senator Tom McGee; Joe Picano and the members of the Lynn High School Chorus; Craig VanRemoortel; North Shore Community College President Patricia Gentile; Salem State University President Patricia Meservey; April Renzella; Melissa Gaspar and the Flint Public Library; Paul Richardson, his wife, and his sons Peter and Christopher; the children of the Howe-Manning Elementary School and their choral director Carolyn Colby; the children of the Fuller Meadow school and their choral director Meghanne Alvarado; Dawson’s True Value Hardware; Representative Jerry Parisella; the Beverly High School Chorus and their choral director Lyn Pilanen; the First Ipswich Bank and President Russell Cole; Frank Stewart; Ipswich’s 5th grade string orchestra and their director Marissa Scarano; the AMVets; the Patriot Riders; Woodman’s of Essex; Dan King; Teen Challenge; the Manchester Athletic Club; Chelsea Berry; the North Shore Ringers; Heidi Dallin and the children at the Gloucester Stage Company Theatre; the Shalin Liu Performance Center; the Rockport 6th Grade Orchestra and directors Nathan Cohen and Patti Pike; Superintendent Rob Liebow; Tony Hilliard and his wife; the Cape Ann Savings Bank and President Bucky Rogers; La Petite Choral, Optimistic Voices, and their choral director Wendy Manninen; Leo Francis; Paul “Sasquatch” Cohan; Fly Amero and Allen Estes; Rudy Machi; Joanne & Anthony Marks; Carlos Menezes, Sr.; Shane Wilson; and Todd Tanger and all of our partners at North Shore 104.9FM.

These are just a few of the wonderful people who contributed greatly to this year’s toy drive, and I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I also want to say thank you to all those who contributed to the toy drive by bringing a toy, gift card, or money. Through your generosity and the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers, we will ensure Christmas morning is a special moment for many area children on the North Shore. Posted below and in the “Read more” section are several photos that were captured during the course of our 12+ hour toy drive.














































































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