Senate Republican Caucus Press Release on Electric Rates

Today the Senate Republican Caucus, led by Senator Richard Ross, distributed the following press release regarding a letter the caucus sent to Attorney General Martha Coakley and others seeking further review concerning National Grid receiving approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to raise electric rates for customers. National Grid estimates that rates could jump as high as 37% this upcoming winter due to an elevation in power supply prices.

Posted below is a signed copy of the letter to the AG from the Senate Republican Caucus:

Senate Republican Caucus Seeks Answers from National Grid

Boston- Following National Grid’s recent announcement that customers will see a substantial increase in their winter electric rates, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), along with fellow Republican Senators Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), and Donald Humason (R-Westfield), submitted a letter to the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, for further clarification of this decision and its implications for Massachusetts home and business owners.

On Wednesday, September 24th, National Grid issued a press release stating that they recently filed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to adjust electric and gas rates for the winter. National Grid projects that electric bills for customers will be 37% higher than last winter, citing higher power supply prices as a cause.

In the October 7th letter authored by Senator Ross, which was also sent to Governor Deval Patrick, Chair of the Department of Public Utilities Ann Berwick, and Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Maeve Vallely Bartlett, the Caucus wrote, “As Massachusetts families struggle to meet their financial needs during the costly demands of winter, the cost of this rate increase will present a serious burden. Massachusetts businesses will face yet another financial obstacle to remaining competitive in a challenging economy.”

The Senate Republican Caucus requests:

•             A full review and examination of Department of Public Utilities’ approval of National Grid’s proposed rate increase to ensure that it is in full compliance with Massachusetts law and represents the least burdensome course of action.

•             The office of the Attorney General determines whether any options are available to alleviate the burden that the proposed rate increase will present.

According to National Grid, the increase in electricity costs will take effect on November 1, 2014.

“With NSTAR and Western Massachusetts Electric Company expected to file their rates in November, it is important that we confront this serious issue early,” the Caucus wrote.

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Senate Republican Caucus Letter RE Electric Rates 10.7.2014

Enjoying the North Reading Apple Festival

On Saturday, September 20^th, Representative Jones and I were able to attend North Reading’s annual Apple Festival.  The town’s festival was held on the grounds of the Putnam House, which was built in 1720 and currently serves as the headquarters of the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society, from 10:00am-3:00pm. 

Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the 20^th anniversary of the festival. The beautiful day featured apples harvested from area farms, local vendors, an apple pie contest, entertainment, children’s games, pony rides, plenty of food to enjoy, an art raffle, a silent auction, and tours of North Reading’s historical buildings.  Once again the North Reading Apple Festival was a tremendous success.  The hard work of the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society and the efforts of local community supporters truly paid off.

Posted below are several photos I was able to capture during the festival.  To learn more about the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society please click here.

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

With the start of the Jewish New Year commencing last night at sunset, I would like to wish all of my Jewish friends, constituents, and the community a sweet and happy new year in recognition of Rosh Hashanah.  “L’Shana Tova!”

Enjoying Gloucester’s Block Party

On Saturday, September 20^th, the final Gloucester Block Party of the summer commenced at 6:00pm on Main Street, where hundreds of people from Gloucester and Cape Ann gathered to take part in the festivities.  Attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather as they listened to great music, outstanding entertainment, and a fantastic opportunity to shop and dine.  Best of all, it was a great time to enjoy conversations with so many friends.

Every year the organizers of the Gloucester Block Party do a tremendous job coordinating the event.  They dedicate a lot of time to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, and I would like to especially thank Valerie Marcley, Will Hunt, Mark McDonough, Lucinda Seigel, Judith Brackley, and Kirstin Elaine Myers for their hard work, and City Council Vice President Sefatia Romeo Theken for her efforts in coordinating “Little Italy”, which was located at the West End of Main Street.

Posted below are several photos Anthony Marks and I were able to capture during the evening’s event.  To learn more about the Gloucester Block Party please click here.

Route 128 Bridge Reconstruction Project Update

Because additional issues that need to be addressed were discovered in Phase 1 of repairs to the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has developed and is implementing a Phase 2 project to address those issues.  Phase 2 of the construction bid documents have been completed, and currently MassDOT is in the process of awarding the contract to Cianbro Corp., a construction engineering company headquartered in Maine and that has a regional office in Georgetown, MA.

The bridge project will focus on removing and installing new structural steel bracing between the arches; repairing the arch ribs; cleaning and painting portions of the structural steel in the superstructure; replacing finger joints; sealing deck deflection joints; milling and grooving the existing deck surface; conserving the existing historic bronze doors; and installing temporary shielding for construction.

For further details regarding the reconstruction of the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, please click here.  Once the webpage has loaded, utilize the drop down menu and select Gloucester, then click on project #607338.  Keep checking back to continuing to receive bridge updates as they become available.

Cheering On this Year’s Fish Box Derby Racers

Gloucester's annual Fish Box Derby marked its 21st anniversary on Sunday, September 14, with spirited and friendly competition carrying on a tradition started in 1994 by a committee of dedicated people with the goal of creating a great opportunity for youth in the region. This year's competition reflected their success, with young competitors bringing their derby cars to the course on Rogers Street surrounded by family, friends, and fans. This is truly a community event, with families working together to sponsor and build cars, and support their drivers. I was an enthusiastic fan once again this year, cheering on the racers on a beautiful afternoon that everyone involved should be proud of.

The derby featured outstanding and unique fish box cars driven by the racers; support from their families, friends, local businesses, and enthusiasts; and the hard work of volunteers. Congratulations are in order for all of the competitors and to the dedicated committee that makes it all happen every year. They include Barry Pett, a member of my staff who serves as a race official for the event; Dan Conrad, President of the organization; Rick Isaaics, Vice-President; and Greg Bover, Clerk.

Please click here to learn more about the Gloucester Fish Box Derby. Posted below are several photos I was able to capture of the derby.
 

 

Celebrating Groveland Day

On Saturday, September 6^th, I was honored to participate in the events of Groveland Day.  The event, which is organized through a special Groveland Day Committee, offered fun for everyone.  The day’s festivities included a fair type atmosphere during the first portion of the day where several vendors showcased items for sale, local organization distributed information, and activities and games for kids to enjoy.

Later in the day there was a town-wide BBQ offering delicious food, fantastic music, and other events dedicated to celebrating the great Town of Groveland.  I want to thank Steve Merrill and the Groveland Day Committee for all of their hard work this year.  It truly paid off.

Posted below are several photos I was able to capture during the course of the day.