Happy New Year!

May we all find ways to work together in the year ahead to make our Commonwealth a better place to live and work.

Mid-December Tax Revenues Up

The recently released report from the Department of Revenue detailing mid-December tax collections indicates some improvement over last year. While this is positive, serious budgetary problems persist for our Commonwealth. Please click here to read the report.

Under Pressure, Patrick Moves to Reverse Regional Transportation Cuts

In October, Governor Patrick dealt a serious blow to our regional schools by taking unilateral action under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 29, Section 9c to cut regional school transportation funding. The tremendously adverse impacts of this action compelled me to join with 61 of my colleagues to request that the Governor reverse this action, which came without legislative authorization.

More recently, I met with stakeholders from the Triton Regional School District last Monday to evaluate the situation and strategize regarding further actions to continue efforts to change the regional school transportation funding situation. The meeting brought together a strong coalition of selectmen, parents, school committee members and others committed to this issue.

The Governor had slashed this account by nearly 50% from $40.5 million to $22.5 million. For more on the subject of regional school transportation funding, please read today’s article by Katie Curley Katzman of The Newburyport Daily News.

Fortunately, Governor Patrick announced this morning that he intends to reverse the cut to regional school transportation funding, and has directed members of his administration to identify a means to do so. This is a positive development, although the problem is not yet solved.

I remain committed to bringing this issue to a positive conclusion, and want to express my deep gratitude to all those who have been involved with my office in confronting this cut. While there is work still to be done on this front, we have proven that by working together, we can shape the course of state government in positive ways.




Regional Transportation Letter

Merry Christmas

May we all take the time during this special holiday season to cherish family and friends, be thankful for those who serve our nation in uniform, and reflect on how we each might act to foster peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Working for Fair Funding

On Monday I convened a meeting at Rowley Town Hall to discuss issues relating to educational funding for the Triton Regional School District and others, the status of our state’s financial condition, education reform and economic development.

A major concern shared by all in attendance was the extremely adverse impact of Ch.29, S.9C cuts to regional school transportation aid enacted by Governor Patrick.

The meeting was well attended, and participants included members of the Rowley and Newbury boards of Selectmen, the Triton Regional School Committee, and a substantial number of interested citizens.

We had a productive dialogue and exchange of ideas which I believe will lead to some action steps in the near future. Thanks to everyone who participated, I look forward to continuing to work with you to promote the prosperity of our state and the fair, adequate and sustainable funding of education.

Celebrating Christmas on U.S.S. Constitution

Through the generous invitation of Captain Timothy Cooper and the crew of U.S.S. Constitution, I was able to attend the Christmas tree lighting ceremony aboard “Old Ironsides” on the 6th of December. The lighting and display of a Christmas tree aboard the ship is one of many traditions carried on by the dedicated crew of a ship which is one of the revered symbols of our nation’s resolve to defend the ideals of freedom and liberty for all.

Below I am pictured with BMC Robert Breaker, a Rowley resident attached to the United States Coast Guard’s Sector Boston. Also pictured with me, in the second photo, is Lt. James J. Murphy of the Marine Guard. Lt. Murphy, having served with distinction in the United State Marine Corps, now ensured the safety of the Captain and crew of U.S.S. Constitution.

Progress on the Bridge

The project to reconstruct and rehabilitate the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, which carries Route 128 over the Annisquam River, is making tremendous progress. Please click "Read more" to view the most recent update from the Massachusetts Highway Department.


Photo showing demolition and preparation for the new concrete bridge deck at the median.


Release Date – December 1, 2009

Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 73% 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 working under Stage III of the traffic management plan which has temporary concrete barrier installed along the skip lines for both the northbound and southbound lanes reducing traffic to one lane (outside lane) in each direction. This traffic setup will be in place during the fall and winter months and will allow the Contractor to demolish and replace the bridge deck and guard rail at the center median. Concrete deck repairs and a new concrete overlay will also be done to the inside (high speed) lanes. The Contractor has completed most of the masonry repairs/rehabilitation below the bridge. Structural steel repairs continue. The placement of the concrete overlay in the right travel lane in each direction has been completed. The Contractor continues to sand blast and paint the structural steel on the underside of the bridge. The Contractor continues to work Saturdays and Sundays, as needed, 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 MassDOT’s website at: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us and clicking on the Projects tab, then selecting “Current Road and Bridge Projects” and after entering the City of Gloucester, select Project No. 604797.