A Step in the Right Direction

Today’s action by the Essex Regional Retirement Board to dismiss its current Chief Executive Officer marks a first and important sign of self-awareness that serious problems exist with the ERRB and that public confidence in it has been shattered. While the action that has been taken today is important, it has taken far too long for the board to move in the directions of reform, transparency and accountability.

We must move forward to bring about the necessary reform that this situation demands, and I am confident that decisive action by the Senate on the ERRB is imminent and that the Northeast Legislative Caucus will be relentless in its pursuit of reform.

An article about the Essex Regional Retirement Board by the Salem Daily News can be found by clicking the link (www.salemnews.com).

Learning About The Helping Exchange

Recently I have had the opportunity to learn about a tremendous new concept known as “The Helping Exchange,” which is also referred to as ThEX. This web-based system was created to connect those with a particular financial need with those who might like to assist them with that need.

ThEX facilitates peer-to-peer giving and is remarkably efficient in that nearly 100% of a donated financial gift reaches the person who needs it. Administrative and operational expenses are minimal.

Through this electronic medium those who are seeking to assist others can learn about the particular needs of someone in their community or someone from anywhere in the country or the world.

You can learn more about ThEX by logging on to www.thehelpingexchange.com.

I’m pictured below with the dedicated individuals from Manchester-by-the-Sea who developed ThEX and are working to enable it to reach its full potential.





From left to right: Susan Coffin, ThEX Volunteer; Senator Bruce Tarr; Matt Hoyle,ThEX Intern; and Bill Shipman, Founder of the Helping Exchange.

Media Alert: Talking Bridges with Channel 5

Today I had the opportunity to discuss needed reforms in the way our State repairs and replaces structurally deficient bridges with Rhondella Richardson of WCVB, Channel 5. You can watch her report by tuning in tonight at 11:00 pm.

Media Alert: Editorials in the Gloucester Daily Times and Newburyport Daily News

Two editorials in today’s newspapers make particularly important points about reform and bureaucracy.

The first, from the Gloucester Daily Times, highlights the need for sweeping reform of the Essex Regional Retirement Board.

A second piece in today’s Newportburyport Daily News, speaks to the value of teamwork and practicality when facing serious issues concerning the environment and public safety, such as those presented by erosion on Plum Island.


Editorial...Audit is Last Straw for Hopelessly Corrupt Area Retirement Board


Positive Signs on Plum Island

Public Meeting on Plum Island to Evaluate Options

The severe erosion that has occurred on Plum Island over the past several days has caused local and state officials to convene a technical meeting to evaluate options for stabilizing the area south of Island Center on Friday. Called for the purpose of exploring all available options to stabilize the dune system and protect several homes that are in jeopardy, the meeting will be open to the public and conducted at P.I.T.A. Hall at 2pm.

Representatives from the following agencies and organizations are expected to participate in what is anticipated to be an informed, productive exchange of ideas:

• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
• Plum Island Taxpayers Association
• Plum Island Foundation
• and Federal, State and Local elected officials

The unexpected occurrence of erosion in this area of the beach and dune system clearly presents a major new challenge and we need to address that challenge with the team approach we have used to make so much progress thus far on the northern section of the island.

Honoring a Great Veteran

On Friday, March 5, I was honored to join with Representative Brad Hill in Memorial Hall at the State House to recognize the remarkable efforts of Vietnam Veteran Michael Reagan, who is an accomplished portrait artist. He founded, and continues to build, the Fallen Heroes Project. Through the project he provides portraits of those who have given their lives in military service to their family members. You can read more about this important project at www.fallenheroesproject.org/.

I co-sponsored a Joint Resolution with Representative Hill to recognize Mr. Reagan’s efforts, and today we presented it with the Chairs of the Veterans committee, Senator Ken Donnelly and Representative Harold Naughton and Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Thomas Kelly. We presented it to Marine Staff Sergeant Coffey, a distinguished young man who resides in Plymouth and is considered by Mr. Regan as like a son.

Media Alert: Eagle Tribune Article

The Eagle-Tribune: State Senate Approves Loan Rescue Bill