State House Visit from Hamilton-Wenham’s Champions

On Wednesday, Representative Hill and I hosted at the State House a special visit by Hamilton-Wenham’s Division 4 High School boys basketball team champions and Division 2 High School girls cross country champions.  We were able to honor the student athletes with citations from our respective legislative branches, gave them tours of the State House, and provided lunch in Nurses Hall of the building.

The boys basketball team recently won its division’s championship game against Sutton, completing an undefeated season and delivering the regional school’s first boys basketball championship in school history.  In November, the girls cross country team won its second straight division championship, as well as completing a dominate run in their region by winning their 9^th championship in 10 years in Eastern Massachusetts.

The student athletes were very engaging, and it was wonderful to have had the opportunity to honor them and their coaches as guests at the State House.  There is no doubt that the towns of Hamilton and Wenham are proud of their accomplishments.  Posted is a photo that was taken in the Senate’s chamber.

Honoring the Patton Family in Hamilton

On Saturday, April 26^th, the AP Gardner Post 194 American Legion in Hamilton, MA, dedicated their Post Hall to General George S. Patton, Jr. and Major General George S. Patton, and I was honored to have been able to join and participate in the naming ceremony.

For generations members of the Patton family have served our nation proudly while risking their own lives.  General George Patton, Jr. and his son Major General George Patton IV, who both served in the U.S. Army for a combined 70 years of service, are excellent examples of patriotism, dedication, character, and honor, and the Patton name will forever be remembered and celebrated in our history books because of their remarkable and exemplary service.

Saturday’s event featured passionate speeches, good food, great conversations, and wonderful music.  Attendees included Lieutenant General James D. Hughes, veterans and their friends and families, and supporters of the armed services.  Posted below are several photos I was able to capture during the dedication ceremony.

Hamilton Selectmen Bill Signed Into Law

Today Governor Patrick signed H.4294, “An Act Increasing the Membership of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Hamilton”, into law. The newly signed law, now Chapter 204 of the Acts of 2009, that I and Representative Hill sponsored increases the number of selectmen from three to five members.

This bill accomplishes an important change that reflects the town’s desire for a modern and effective system of government. Through a strong partnership between our legislative delegation and local officials we have been able to meet a major goal developed by the government study committee and endorsed by town meeting.

House Bill 4294 also adjusts the selectmen’s term cycle so that not more than two selectman terms run concurrently. Following at least 65 days, at the next annual town election one selectman will be elected to an initial 2-year term and the other member will be elected to a 3-year term. Hamilton follows several municipalities which have recently expanded their boards of selectmen from 3 to 5 members including both Georgetown and West Newbury. Adding two additional members to the town’s board of selectmen will allow the town to tap into increased specializations.

011010 Chapter204Actsof2009