Government
NEWNC Announces Candidates for Saturday, May 15, 2010 Election
Eight candidates have filed nomination papers and will appear on the ballot for the May 15, 2010 election for the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC). Six persons will be elected for 2-year terms on the council. All North End/Waterfront residents are eligible to vote in the NEWNC Election. Voters may choose up to six selections Read More…
Team BPS Looking for 100 Ambassadors
The Boston Public Schools Office of Welcome Services has established a new team (a volunteer corps: Team BPS) to encourage more families to become part of the Boston Public Schools — understanding that the more people who are involved and invested, the better the schools will be for all kids.
It’s just a twice a year commitment — and in return you get many things, including a deeper connection to the community of people in Boston who believe in public education. We are reaching out to those folks who have real experiences in the schools: parents of BPS kids (current or grads), alumni, BPS teachers, community partners who work in the schools, and more. Team BPS is a Call to Action to help spread the word about the many good things happening in our schools and for our students.
Help us reach our goal of 100 ambassadors signed up by the time we announce Team BPS in early May! Join Team BPS by May 5 and receive an invite to join the Mayor and the Superintendent at the official launch of the program on May 8 at the Copley Library!
It takes just 3 or 4 minutes to fill out this online interest form:
www.bostonpublicschools.org/teambps
12 State Reps Take Action To Keep All Library Branches Open
Much to the dismay of the Mayor’s Office and BPL Trustees, a group of State Representatives from Boston, including our local 3rd Suffolk District Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, have co-sponsored three amendments in the State budget that would force the City of Boston to keep all the branch libraries open in order to receive $3 million in State funding. While the North End and West End branches survived the City’s proposed budget cuts, four branch libraries remain at risk of closing. (See BPL Trustees Vote to Close 4 Branches; North End/West End Stay Open).
Note: The 12 State Representatives are: Reps. Forry, Moran, Basile, Wallace, Allen, Fox, Honan, Malia, Michlewitz, Rushing, Sanchez and Walz.
Press Release:
Boston State Representatives Mobilize to Save Local Libraries
Twelve State Representatives from the Boston delegation in the Massachusetts State House co-sponsored three amendments that seek to keep all Boston Public Library (BPL) branches open.
“The Trustees of the Boston Public Library and the Mayor of Boston have made clear their budget priorities,” Representative Michael Moran said. “Today, as a united group of legislators from neighborhoods throughout Boston, we are standing together and clearly stating that our priorities are to keep every branch library open.”
The BPL receives over $3 million worth of funding via three separate line items in the state budget. The amendments filed today would add additional language onto each line item, making their allocation contingent upon all 26 local branches remaining open in 2011.
“We had hoped that the Board of Trustees would do the right thing by keeping each branch open,” Representative Carlo Basile said. “Today we are taking steps to make sure that the right thing for our neighborhoods does happen.”
Pataki on the Prado: Sunday, 4/18 2pm
Former New York Governor George Pataki will be at the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) on Sunday, April 18th at 2:00 pm. This is the first stop on his drive to repeal health care reform. The press release is shown below. Revere America Announces First Stops of National Grassroots Tour — Governor George Pataki Kicks off Read More…
Rep. Michlewitz Votes With House Majority Favoring Casino Bill
“I am not an automatic no” was his answer during his 2009 campaign. That view was clarified yesterday when State Representative Aaron Michlewitz went on the record in support of expanded gambling in Massachusetts. Rep. Michlewitz, a Democrat representing the 3rd Suffolk District and North End resident, voted with the majority resulting in a 120-37 Read More…
NEWNC Election Announced – Saturday, May 15, 2010 10am-2pm
The 2010 election date for the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) has been announced as May 15, 2010. President Stephen Passacantilli presented the details at the April 12th NEWNC meeting. NEWNC Election Saturday, May 15, 2010 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St. Nominations forms will be available starting Wednesday, April Read More…
City Pulls Out the Stops For New North End Cleanup Program
North End residents were told to expect an immediate improvement in the cleanliness of the neighborhood’s streets at this week’s meeting of the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA). Pulling together city agencies, District 1 City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina announced an extensive new street cleaning program that starts Monday, April 12th. Here are the highlights: The Read More…
BPL Trustees Vote to Close 4 Branches; North End/West End Stay Open
Following the April 7th meeting where three budget options were proposed, the Boston Public Library Trustees voted this morning to close 4 branches while keeping the other 22 open with existing hours. The North End Branch Library at 25 Parmenter Street will be staying open as will the West End Branch on Cambridge Street. From Read More…
Supporters Turn Out for State Representative Aaron Michlewitz [Photos]
A packed house filled the NEBO Restaurant on N. Washington Street for a fundraising event to re-elect Third Suffolk District State Representative Aaron Michlewitz. To date, there have been no competing announcements for the seat that Democrat Michlewitz won in the Spring 2009 special election. Speaking in support of the State Representative was Democratic House Read More…
LaMattina Responds to Constituents Advocating Keeping Library Branches Open
Sal LaMattina Boston City Councilor, District 1 Dear Concerned Resident: Thank you for contacting my office regarding library cutbacks. I share your concerns and I am doing everything possible to keep our branch libraries open. They are invaluable resources to our communities. We are all aware that these are difficult economic times, but when we Read More…
Boston Public Library To Submit 4 Proposals; 3 With Branch Closings
In a response to constituents that sent letters to his office, City Councilor-At-Large, John Connolly, said he expects the Boston Public Library to propose 4 options to meet its budget gap. Of the four proposals, three will recommend neighborhood branch closings. Below is an excerpt from Councilor Connolly’s response. “One frustration on my end is Read More…