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Michael Bloomberg outlines plan for balancing U.S. budget

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In a speech in Washington on Tuesday, Bloomberg said U.S. business leaders won't invest or hire workers until they know how Washington intends to grapple with the deficit. He says business leaders' lack of confidence in Washington is a drag on job creation.

Michael BloombergFILE - In this May 26, 2011 file photo, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks in New York's Cooper Union. Bloomberg, a former trader and CEO who ardently defends the big banks against those who would blame them for the nation's economic woes, has by and large declared its support for the Occupy Wall Street protesters, and has thus far avoided taking decisive action against the encampment protesting economic inequality and corporate greed. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says Congress' deficit-fighting "supercommittee" must take bold action to balance the budget.

In a speech in Washington on Tuesday, Bloomberg said U.S. business leaders won't invest or hire workers until they know how Washington intends to grapple with the deficit. He says business leaders' lack of confidence in Washington is a drag on job creation.

The supercommittee has until Nov. 23 to recommend legislation.

According to the prepared text of his speech to the Center for American Progress, Bloomberg says Democrats and Republicans on the committee have to be willing to give on something.

He says Democrats must accept cuts in health care and Social Security, while Republicans should allow George W. Bush's tax cuts to expire at the end of 2012.


18-year-old Tahiem Goffe, shot by Springfield police as he allegedly ran officer down, dies at Baystate Medical Center

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Officer Matthew Benoit was treated at Baystate and released

tahiemgoffe18.jpgTahiem Goffe

SPRINGFIELD – Eighteen-year-old Tahiem Goffe, shot by a Springfield police officer early Sunday morning as allegedly he ran the officer down on Taylor Street, died Monday night at Baystate Medical Center, according to police.

Police said Goffe deliberately drove at Police Officer Matthew Benoit, who was on-foot, striking him and sending him airborne over the front corner of the vehicle and onto the pavement.

“The officer was able to fire a round at the oncoming car to possibly save his life,” Sgt. John M. Delaney said.

Benoit, who remains on paid administrative leave, was treated at Baystate Medical Center and released. Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said the department has begun an internal investigation into the shooting, is it automatically does with any shooting involving a police officer.

The results of that investigation will be forwarded to Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni.

Goffe, who suffered a single gunshot wound, was also taken to Baystate, was listed in critical condition there Monday. Delaney was not able to provide information Tuesday morning as to what part of Goffe’s body was hit by the bullet.

The vehicle, a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, had been reported stolen the day before from the parking lot of the Racing Mart on Boston Road. It was occupied by three suspects.

Officers Scott Richard and Ivan Rosas came to assist Benoit and Brendan. Police then saw the Grand Am pull out of the lot and head east down Taylor.

Richard and Rosas followed the vehicle down Taylor Street and Benoit and Curran sped east on Worthington, which runs parallel to Taylor, took a left on Kibbe Street and placed their cruiser in the path of the stolen car.

Goffe, boxed-in, gunned the engine in reverse and smashed into the cruiser driven by Richard and Rosa. Then, he put it in drive and drove at Benoit and Curran who were now on foot.

Afterwards, the Grand Am came to stop. The passengers in the front and rear seats refused to unlock the door and the police had to break the windows to get them out of the car.

Police. seeing that Goffe was injured, grabbed their first aid kit and treated the suspect until EMTs arrived on the scene, Delaney said.

Massachusetts state pension fund awards staff bonuses while value fell $5 billion

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The bonuses, awarded through a performance-based compensation system adopted four years ago, are tied to a three-year period ending in June. During that time, the fund, which started at $50.6 billion, suffered deep losses before rebounding to $45.6 billion.

BOSTON (AP) — The agency that manages the pension fund for retired state employees has earmarked more than a quarter of a million dollars for staff bonuses while the fund lost money and while few other state employees are getting raises.

The bonuses, awarded through a performance-based compensation system adopted four years ago, are tied to a three-year period ending in June. During that time, the fund, which started at $50.6 billion, suffered deep losses before rebounding to $45.6 billion.

The compensation is based on investment benchmarks set by the Pension Reserves Investment Management board and not entirely on the value of the fund.

The Boston Globe reports that Michael Trotsky, the agency's executive director since August 2010, is getting more than $33,000 in bonuses on top of his $245,000 annual salary.

Fatal house fire on Bumstead Road in Monson under investigation; fire victim identified as Donald Marier

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The State Fire Marshall's Office is assisting Monson police and fire departments with a probe into the cause and origin of the fire. Police said the fire killed 53-year-old Donald Marier.

Updates a story posted at 10:55 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8.


MONSON — Fire Chief George L. Robichaud said Monday's house fire at 110 Bumstead Road that claimed the life of a 53-year-old man remains under investigation.

Robichaud said the fire started in the basement, but investigators are still trying to determine how it ignited. The blaze was reported by the home's owner, Bruce N. Gilbert, 65, who was on the first floor and was alerted to the fire by the smoke detector.

Donald A. Marier was found dead in the basement of the home, police said. Robichaud said Marier lived there, and became trapped by the fast-moving fire.

Robichaud said firefighters got to the residence within five minutes of the 5:30 p.m. call on Monday. There was "heavy, heavy smoke" upon their arrival, he said, and fire in the area of the basement door.

"It was a rapidly progressing fire and it grew very quickly," Robichaud said.

It took 25 firefighters about 15 minutes to extinguish the fire, he said.

Gilbert escaped without injury. Another resident, Catherine F. Marier, 72, was taken to Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer for smoke inhalation. Robichaud said she was treated and released.

"From a public safety standpoint, the fact they were alerted to the fire by the smoke detector is pretty significant," Robichaud said.

The State Fire Marshall's Office is assisting Monson police and fire departments with the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.

An autopsy by the State Medical Examiner's Office also is expected.

Tankers from the Palmer, Hampden and West Stafford, Conn., fire departments were called to help fight the blaze, Robichaud said.

The last fatal fire in Monson was in January 1994; Guy Samson, 35, was found dead inside the door of his burned-out house trailer at 260 Palmer Road, and fire officials said at the time they believed a portable heater ignited his bedclothes.

Robichaud said Monday's fire was not related to power restoration at the home, as it had electricity for at least 48 hours prior to the fire. Power restoration had been ongoing in Monson since the Oct. 29 snowstorm downed power lines throughout the community, but is now complete.

The residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The house is a total loss, he said.

Springfield Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola reports 'brisk business' at polling places

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Polls close here at 8 p.m.

carewelex.JPGNov. 8, 2011 - On Election Day, campaign workers appeal for votes near the Springfield Boys and Girls Club on Carew Street in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD - Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola reported “brisk business” at city polling places late Tuesday morning.

“It seems like we are doing brisk business at most of the polling locations said Oyola. “We haven’t even hit the lunch rush or the (after) work rush,” either.

As of about 10 a.m., some 140 voters had already cast their ballots at Precinct 7G at the Brunton Elementary School. Precincts 5G and 6G, meanwhile, at the Greenleaf Community Center and Martin L. King Charter School, respectively.

“It seems on par with other mayor elections,” Oyola said.

In Springfield, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno seeks re-election to a newly expanded four-year term. He has served two, two-year terms.

His challenger, City Council President Jose F. Tosado, if elected, would be the first Latino mayor in city history.

Polling hours, which vary in the region, close here at 8 p.m.

Voters come out in Agawam, West Springfield and Westfield

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Agawam and We4st Springfield boast contested mayor's races

Campaign workers in Agawam Tuesday morning

WESTFIELD – Voting in Westfield, West Springfield and Agawam was steady Tuesday morning.

Crowds were especially heavy at Agawam’s Roberta G. Doering School. Agawam Mayor Richard A. Cohen is running for reelection against former State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin.

“We have two people who are well known in the community and have done a lot for Agawam over the years,” said Daniel Mancini of Cooper Street. “It’s got the town excited.”

In West Springfield, Robert M. Vandal of Lancaster Ave., was one of about 200 people who’d voted at Mittineague Congregational Church by 10 a.m.

West Springfield Mayor Edward J. Gibson announced in June that he wouldn’t seek a sixth term. That opened the way for a race between architect Gregory C. Neffinger and town Councilor Gerard B. Matthews, a lawyer.

“Having the seat open means this is a big decision for West Springfield. We really have to chose a direction,” Vandal said. “I can’t wait to see who wins.”

In Westfield, Mayor Daniel M. Knapik is running unopposed. But the ballot did feature a number of city council and school committee races.

“I always try to make time to vote,” said Robert Bocash of Joyce Drive as he came out of the polling places at Munger Hill School. “It is my most important job.”

Holyoke City Clerk Susan Eagan said reports of 'good numbers' are coming in from polls

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Polls close here at 8 p.m.

Morganholy.JPGNov. 8, 2011 - On Election Day, campaign workers appeal for votes near Morgan Elementary School in Holyoke.

HOLYOKE – City Clerk Karen Eagan said reports of “good numbers” are coming in from city polling places.

“It’s going pretty good,” Eagan said. “We have been getting good numbers.”

Mayor Elaine A. Pluta faces a challenge here from Alex B. Morse. Polls close here at 8 p.m.

McMahon Elementary School. home to Precinct 5A, reportedly nearly 400 votes cast as of 11 a.m. “We usually don’t have 400 at 11 in the morning,” she said.

Precinct 2A Warden Maria Martinez, based at Morgan Elementary School, reported 141 votes cast as of about 9:45 a.m.

Pluta, 67, is in her first, two-year term. She was a city councilor for 14 years.Morse, 22, is a former career counselor who graduated from college in May and is making his first bid for elected office.

Morse finished first - by a single vote - in a field of four candidates for mayor in the preliminary election, Sept. 20. Pluta finished second in the preliminary election to set up the Election Day race.

“It’s going to be tight,” Martinez predicted of the mayoral race.

Herman Cain says he won't drop out of Republican race for presidential nomination

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He said he would be willing to take a lie detector test to dispute sexual harassment allegation if he had a good reason.

Herman Cain 11811.jpgRepublican Presidential candidate Herman Cain addresses the media Tuesday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Cain was responding to Sharon Bialek, a Chicago-area woman, who accused Cain on Monday of making an unwanted sexual advance against her in 1997.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – A defiant Herman Cain declared Tuesday he would not drop his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in the face of allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.

“Ain’t gonna happen,” Cain said at a news conference a day after a fourth woman accused him of unwanted sexual advances.

“We will get through this,” he added, trying to steady a campaign that has been rocked by the controversy for the past 10 days.

Cain denied anew that he had ever behaved inappropriately and said the alleged incidents “they simply didn’t happen.” He said he would be willing to take a lie detector test if he had a good reason.

Earlier in the day, Cain sought to undercut the credibility of the latest woman whose accusations are threatening his Republican presidential campaign. His chief rival, W. Mitt Romney, weighed in for the first time, calling the allegations “particularly disturbing.”

Cain said he called the news conference because he wanted to speak directly to the public, accusing the media of distorting his response to the allegations. He said that had never seen Sharon Bialek until she called her news conference on Monday in New York, alongside attorney Gloria Allred.

“I don’t even know who this woman is,” he said of Bialek. “I tried to remember if I recognized her and I didn’t.”

Another name confronted Cain, as well, when one of his two original accusers gave an interview to The New York Times and was identified publicly by news organizations including The Associated Press as Karen Kraushaar, now a spokeswoman in the Treasury Department’s office of inspector general for tax administration.

When asked about Kraushaar, Cain said he recalled her accusation of sexual harassment but insisted “it was found to be baseless.”

Cain contended that “the Democratic machine” was pushing the allegations but said he could not point to anyone in particular. He also suggested his accusers were lying.

Earlier, Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who has been a GOP front-runner for months, told ABC News/Yahoo! the allegations were serious “and they’re going to have to be addressed seriously.” He called the latest accusations disturbing, and Cain didn’t disagree, both in an earlier interview and at the news conference.

“He’s right. They are disturbing to me,” Cain said. “They are serious. And I have taken them seriously.”

But they’re untrue, he declared.

“I reject all of those charges,” he said, adding that “I have never acted inappropriately with anyone” and didn’t even recognize Bialek.

Cain said it was “a remote possibility” when asked if it were possible he would recall Bialek’s alleged incident in the future.

“I seriously doubt I’m going to have an ‘a-ha’ moment later,” Cain said.

Prominent Republicans pressed for a full accounting.

“Get all the facts in front of people, otherwise he’s going to have this continuing distraction,” Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a former Republican National Committee chairman with deep ties to the GOP establishment, told MSNBC.

Though recent polling shows Cain still doing well, party operatives suggested it was only a matter of time before his political standing could suffer.

“Herman’s base is going to stick with him,” said Republican strategist Rick Tyler, Newt Gingrich’s former spokesman. “But the average Republican voter who is not as engaged as intensely in the race, is sick of this and, for Cain, the concern is they will pass on it and pass on him.”

Cain looked to keep those supporters in his corner.

“We are not going to allow Washington or politics to deny me the opportunity to represent this great nation,” he said.

“As far as these accusations causing me to back off and maybe withdraw from this presidential primary race? Ain’t gonna happen. Because I’m doing this for the American people, and the children and the grandchildren.”

Cain spoke at a hotel on the outskirts of Phoenix, where reporters crowded a small room. Outside, protesters waved signs that read: “Hey Herman. How many more women will you be calling liars?”

There were growing signs of unease in conservative circles as the Georgia businessman tried to stem the controversy in its second week.

“If there is a pattern then it’s a part of his character and then, yes, it is going to matter,” Tony Perkins, head of the conservative Family Research Center, said in an interview.

An upstart in the presidential race, Cain shot to the top of opinion polls and emerged in recent weeks as Romney’s main conservative opponent, with tea party activists and other conservatives flocking to the former pizza company executive’s tell-it-like-it-is style and outsider image.

But he’s spent the past 10 days battling accusations from women that he acted inappropriately toward them while he headed of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.

Cain’s campaign issued a tough statement by Tuesday about Bialek, the most recent accuser, including references to civil lawsuits in the Cook County Court system in Illinois allegedly relating to her and cited news reports of her involvement in a paternity case and a bankruptcy filing.

“In stark contrast to Mr. Cain’s four decades spent climbing the corporate ladder rising to the level of CEO at multiple successful business enterprises, Ms. Bialek has taken a far different path,” the campaign said.

It also questioned whether Bialek had a financial interest in stepping forward.

“Who is financing her legal team, have any media agreed to pay for her story, and has she been offered employment for taking these actions?”

In a round of media interviews early Wednesday, Bialek was asked repeatedly about her motives in speaking out after staying quiet for 14 years.

“I’m just doing this because it’s the right thing to do,” she said. She said she was neither paid nor offered a job to go public with her allegations. She said she waited so long to come forward because “I was embarrassed ... and I just kind of wanted it to go away.”

She said she wasn’t paying a fee to Gloria Allred, the attorney whose name has become synonymous with women’s rights issues.

At least two women who worked at the restaurant association the same time as Cain filed sexual harassment complaints with the trade group and received financial settlements.

One of them was Kraushaar.

After her name was revealed by several news sites on Tuesday, The Associated Press chose to publish her name after independently confirming that she was one of his accusers. Kraushaar and her attorney previously had attempted to keep her name out of the public discussion, but they issued an anonymous statement last week that confirmed she had complained of sexual harassment and received a financial payout from the trade group. Kraushaar later confirmed to news organizations that she had filed the complaint. And she spoke publicly on Tuesday to The New York Times, saying she had decided to speak out since her name was public.

“When you are being sexually harassed in the workplace, you are extremely vulnerable,” she said. “You do whatever you can to quickly get yourself into a job some place safe, and that is what I thought I had achieved when I left.”

Kraushaar, 55, previously worked as a news reporter, and she has held other U.S. government jobs since she left the National Restaurant Association after she settled her complaint against Cain. She also has written a children’s book with her mother-in-law, “Gas Station Charley,” about a dog. Her husband, Kevin, has worked as a lobbyist on environmental, municipal and health issues. He has donated money to both Democrats and Republicans. They live in suburban Maryland.

A third woman told The Associated Press last week that she considered filing a workplace complaint against Cain over what she deemed sexually suggestive remarks and gestures that included a private invitation to his corporate apartment. And a former pollster for the restaurant association has said he witnessed yet another episode involving a different woman.

The AP has not identified the other woman who filed a claim against Cain while working at the restaurant association. It also has not identified the third woman, who did not file a claim, because it promised confidentiality to her because she said she feared retaliation if her name became public.

Bialek came forward Monday to say that Cain, an acquaintance, groped her in car in July 1997 after they’d had dinner in Washington. Cain led the association at the time, and the unemployed Bialek was seeking job advice. She said she had been fired from her job raising money for the trade group’s education arm – told, she said, that she had not raised enough money.

Cain has been urging supporters to donate to his Iowa fund so he can meet a $999,999 goal before Wednesday’s debate in Michigan.

“The media is just itching to be able to make up more stories about how my campaign is faltering,” Cain said in an email blast to supporters.


Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities launches probe of power companies following October snowstorm

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As part of the probe, state investigators will examine how Western Massachusetts Electric Company and National Grid prepared before the storm.

Gallery preview

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has formally launched an investigation into the response to the late October snowstorm by three of the state’s public utilities.

The Oct. 29 storm dumped heavy wet snow across the state, bringing down tree limbs and wires, plunging hundreds of thousands of residents into the dark. The utilities struggled over the past week to restore electricity.

As part of the probe, state investigators will examine how National Grid, NSTAR, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company prepared before the storm, how quickly they were able to restore electricity, and how they communicated with local officials.

The DPU could end up levying fines and requiring the companies to change their storm policies.

In September 2011, the agency penalized National Grid $1.2 million for its response to a December 2010 snowstorm.

Holyoke Ward 2A council candidate Anthony Soto has key supporter but race draws less interest than mayoral contest

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Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez is vacating the seat for the first time since 1991.

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HOLYOKE – Manny Salgado held a sign supporting Anthony Soto for Ward 2 City Council outside the Ward 2A polls Tuesday.

Salgado had a few good reasons for being on a sidewalk in the darkness at Morgan School, 596 South Bridge St.

“He’s kind of a relative. I’m his brother. Just supporting my family member,” said Salgado, 26.

Soto would be a “very dedicated” councilor, he said.

“He loves his city,” Salgado said.

Soto, of 10 James St., is seeking the seat that Ward 2 Councilor Diosdado Lopez, who has held it since 1991, is vacating. Soto is opposed by Gloria I. Rosado, 164 Sargeant St.

040110 anthony soto.JPGAnthony Soto

Inside Morgan, the Ward 2 race had failed to generate big interest, warden Elizabeth Delgado said.

“It’s been busy, for this ward. I think the people are coming out because of the mayor’s (race). There’s not as much interest” in other races, Delgado said.

Ward 2A had 378 votes cast by 5:15 p.m.

Back on the sidewalk, Nick Duclos held an Alex Morse for mayor sign because he said Morse defines the city’s future.

“I believe Alex Morse is the future mayor to get us where we need to be,” Duclos said.

Amherst officials want comments on town's response to snowstorm

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Town Manager John P. Musante provided a storm update to Select Board and Town Meeting.

103011 amherst snowstorm.JPGVirtually every road in Amherst had both trees and lines down following the October 29 snowstorm. Here a truck manages to fit under the lines on Flat Hills Road in Amherst.

AMHERST – Town officials had been considering the purchase of an electric generator but put off the expense because officials didn’t think it was necessary.

But after the Halloween snowstorm that knocked power out to virtually the whole town, officials will revisit the purchase as they put together the capital budget.

Town Manager John P. Musante gave the Select Board and later Town Meeting a recap Monday night of the events that began Oct. 29 and thanked town staff for all that the did.

They also will discuss the purchase of a generator with the Joint Capital Planning Committee as it puts together the fiscal 2013 budget.

As of Monday morning, two customers still were without power. At one point, Musante said nearly everyone in town had lost power. In some cases, Western Massachusetts Electric Co. workers had to do “the equivalent of rebuilding traditional power lines,” because of the damage.

Musante said they hired an additional tree company to help town public works officials with tree cleanup.

During the nine-day event, there were four reports of carbon monoxide poisonings and two storm-related fires.

The emergency management team, meanwhile, met twice a week to assess the situation and issued daily updates on the town’s website.

Chairwoman Stephanie J. O’Keeffe said that people appreciated the updates. And while some questioned the helpfulness for those who didn’t have power, some people were able to access the information from their telephones and text information to others.

O'Keefe, meanwhile, suggested people register their cell phone numbers so if the power goes out they can be notified on those lines as well.

Musante said the town wants residents to review its performance during the storm.
He said they are looking for constructive criticism or suggestions “about how we might improve” should there be another storm.

Residents can send emails to stormfeedback@amherstma.gov.

Charter Communications: About 98% of Massacusetts customers back on line following October snowstorm

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Charter says that on Day 1 of the storm, more than 55% of its Massachusetts customers had lost power.

072611 charter communications line crew.JPGA crew from the Charter Communications repairs lines in Wilbraham.

Charter Communications, which serves several Massachusetts cities and towns that suffered major outages in the aftermath of the late October snowstorm, including Belchertown, Brimfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Ludlow, Sturbridge and Wilbraham, issued a statement today updating its service restoration efforts:

Charter Communications Storm Response Update -- November 8, 2011

In the wake of the October 30th storm, more than 600,000 customers lost power in the state of Massachusetts, primarily in the central and western parts of the state served by Charter. The extensive tree damage brought down power lines and made hundreds of roads impassable, many for more than a week. The extent of the damage and power losses varied from town to town, but in the immediate aftermath of the storm, about 55% of our Massachusetts customers had experienced a power outage. The hardest hit areas were Belchertown, the Brookfields, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Ludlow, Brimfield, Sturbridge, Charlton, Harvard and Worcester. In addition, we were forced to put all our headends, tower sites, hubs and office facilities on back- up generators to keep our network operating so we could continue to serve our customers who had not lost power.

Charter has brought in additional crews to support our restoration efforts in our Massachusetts systems. Last week we had 190 crews working to assess the damage by riding out every street that was accessible, deploying generators throughout our network, repairing plant damage and replacing downed drop lines. We brought in additional crews from Michigan, Virginia, Texas and the Carolinas to support our efforts to get our customers back on line as soon as possible after commercial power was restored. All of these extra crews will remain in place until we have all our customers back on line.

Charter services are dependent on commercial power, and our network utilizes the poles owned by the power companies. From Day 1 of the storm, we have worked with National Grid to coordinate our restoration efforts as efficiently as possible. For safety reasons, we are not able to work in areas that have not been cleared and released by the power company. We do, however, replace downed drop lines wherever possible. This storm resulted in an unprecedented number of downed drop lines (the line from the home to the street). Already we have replaced in excess 10,000 drop lines, yet still have more than 3,000 left to replace. On average we’re replacing about 1,000 per day.

Typically (about 95% of the time), when power is restored all of Charter services come back on immediately for the customer. In many other cases, all the customer has to do is reboot their equipment and their service(s) come back on. This simply involves unplugging their cable box, Internet modem and/or phone modem for a couple of minutes, then plugging them back in.

We have the crews in place do get the job done, but in many cases we are just gaining access to the hardest hit areas where roads were inaccessible until quite recently. In these areas we are finding many more downed drops and incidences of plant damage that need repair.

As of today, approximately 98% of our customers are back on line. On Day 1 of the storm, more than 55% of our customers statewide had lost power. The progress we made in getting customers back has been dependent on the progress made by National Grid and Western MA Electric.

We assure you that our employees and contractors are working tirelessly to restore services to our customers. If there is a downed cable line in your area, contact Charter at 1-888-GET-CHARTER (888-438-2427) or email us at charterrecovery@chartercom.com.

If you are unable to connect to the internet or phone, please view these videos for easy-to-follow steps that may help you regain access.

http://www.charter.net/video/play/415303/channels/charterhelp

http://charter.net/video/play/188964/channels/inspiration

Thank you for your patience during our restoration efforts.

Michelle Bachmann suggests Calvin Coolidge as 5th face for Mount Rushmore

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Bachmann said she admires Coolidge as a "taking care of business kind of guy."

cal2.jpgView full sizeNorthampton's favorite son, former President Calvin Coolidge, left, is also an apparent favorite of Republican presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann, who suggested he would make a fine addition to Mount Rushmore.

NORTHAMPTON - What to the city of Northampton and Republican presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann have in common?

No, it’s not a trick question.

The left-leaning Hampshire County community and the hard-right conservative congresswoman from Minnesota each have an affinity for Calvin Coolidge.

In Northampton, Coolidge, the longtime attorney and former mayor who became president in 1923, remains a presence, more than a half century after his death.

Coolidge’s collection is at the Forbes Library and there is a bust of him outside the county court house.

And Bachmann? In an interview with ABC News/Yahoo on Tuesday, Bachmann said she’s go bigger -- much bigger -- than a simple bust for “Silent Cal.”

She has Coolidge on her short list for faces to be added to Mount Rushmore.

Why Coolidge?

Because, she said, “Calvin Coolidge was able to get the United States budget way on track and he really was a taking care of business kind of guy.”

Her short list also includes Ronald Reagan and James Garfield.

Dorothy Hall of North Brookfield died from hypothermia, other health issues, following October snowstorm, DA says

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Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said the death was an accident.

Joseph Early 2007.jpgJoseph Early

NORTH BROOKFIELD – The state medical examiner’s office has found that an 86-year-old North Brookfield woman who died last week in her unheated home died from hypothermia, lung cancer and heart disease.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. announced the findings Tuesday, and said the death of Dorothy Hall was ruled an accident.

Hall was found unresponsive Thursday by a son who lived with her. Fifty-nine-year-old Willis Hall called 911 when he found his mother sitting wrapped in a blanket in a living room chair. He told police the house had been without power since a snowstorm the previous Saturday.

Willis Hall was taken to a hospital for treatment of a medical condition and possible hypothermia.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo briefed on bill that would extend sales tax to Internet

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The speaker said he wants to hear both sides of the debate before he decides whether to support the bill.

120710 robert deleo.jpgRobert A. DeLeo

By KYLE CHENEY

BOSTON - Two years after he led a drive for a 25 percent increase in the state sales tax, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said he discussed for the first time Tuesday the details of a bill that retailers say they desperately need to compete with online outlets like Amazon.com.

Emerging from a Democratic caucus billed as a briefing on legislation to help Massachusetts recoup an estimated $300 million in uncollected sales taxes from Internet retailers, DeLeo said he has no opinion yet on the proposal, which was approved by the Legislature’s Committee on Revenue in August and has been a subject of state and national discussion for years.

“You know, it’s the first time I’ve really heard a little more than a cursory discussion about it. I want to hear both sides of the argument before I make a final decision,” he said. “I want to talk to the chair of Ways and Means in terms of where he may be, and obviously some of the members as well … I think what it was meant for was just to have some discussion. It wasn’t meant as an endorsement by me or anyone else of the bill or a rejection of the legislation. It’s a learning process.”

The plan – known as the streamlined sales tax – would begin to enable Massachusetts to collect an estimated $335 million in sales taxes from online purchases. Backers of the bill say states are collectively losing billions of dollars from one of their chief sources of revenue because online retailers aren’t required to collect sales taxes from consumers. In addition, retailers have held for a decade that tax-free online sales disadvantage brick-and-mortar stores, whose customers will simply purchase products online to avoid the tax. The issue has only gotten worse, they say, with the proliferation of smart phones.

Critics of the idea have portrayed the initiative as a new tax and an impediment to economic growth at a time when consumers have little discretionary income to spare.

DeLeo said the retailers association, which was invited to attend the closed caucus, expressed concern that without leveling the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores and online sellers, the retail landscape could undergo a permanent transformation.

“They feel if we keep on going on the present system that we’re going than the retail stores as we know it here in Massachusetts within a 10-year period of time may no longer exist or exist on a much smaller level,” he said.

The proposal has also been presented as a potential solution for cash-strapped states bracing for sharp reductions in federal support. Asked whether Massachusetts could turn to the streamlined sales tax to blunt the impact of federal spending cuts, Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick) called it “a consideration.”

“But I know that we’re very, very leery about ever making people dig deeper into their pockets,” he said.
Tuesday’s briefing, led by Revenue Committee co-chair Rep. Jay Kaufman (D-Lexington), included remarks from Chris Rants, former speaker of the House of Representatives in Iowa, one of 24 states that have adopted similar legislation. Scott Peterson, executive director of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board – an organizing leading the national effort to encourage states to pass legislation - and Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, also offered remarks.

Hurst said after the caucus that if enough states pass the proposal, it could create an impetus for Congress to support the policy nationwide. He added, however that he received no indication whether the House would consider the proposal this session.

“In this economy, you’d be hard-pressed to find a retailer that’s going to take the risk to open a new store and do much hiring. The clear trends are to shop online,” he said.

States that have adopted the streamlined sales tax include: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

In addition to Massachusetts, legislation is pending in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Maine, California, and Hawaii.

Although the issue has gained little traction on Beacon Hill in recent years, the disparity between Main Street businesses and online retailers has been a source of frustration for some lawmakers. In 2009, on the same day that the House passed a sales tax increase, Republican lawmakers held a press conference and warned that the hike would given internet retailers an edge over local businesses. The following month, Sen. Richard Moore (D-Uxbridge) proposed an amendment to the Senate’s budget to join the streamlined sales tax effort but withdrew it, claiming he wanted to see whether Congress would take it up first.

In a blog post disseminated Friday, a spokesman for the Patrick administration’s Department of Revenue described an “eye-popping” Los Angeles Times story that highlighted a proposal by Amazon to collect sales taxes for brick-and-mortar stores for a 2.9 percent fee.

“The irony here is that Amazon has been at the forefront of internet retailers who have vigorously opposed efforts to make them sales tax collectors,” wrote the spokesman, Robert Bliss.

Bliss also noted that in California, “Amazon agreed this year to abandon an effort to repeal a new Internet sales tax law passed by the state legislature and instead agreed to start collecting and remitting California's 7.25 percent sales tax, plus local taxes, beginning September 15, 2012. In the past few months, the company's executives have said they would prefer to see national internet sales tax legislation passed, rather than have individual states pursue their own policies.”


Watch Live: NCTV provides coverage of the Northampton elections as the results come in

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Watch live video as the Northampton election results come in.

Northampton Community Television will be providing coverage of the Northampton municipal elections Tuesday, and you can tune in live above.

Acting Mayor David Narkewicz and challenger Michael Bardsley are vying to be the city's first newly-elected mayor in over a dozen years.

Six Northampton city council candidates are also in the running for just three seats, so this year's municipal election in Northampton is one to watch.

The live video feed from NCTV is scheduled to begin between 7:30 and 8 p.m., and will run until the results come in.

For comprehensive coverage of the Northampton mayoral race, follow our Northampton Election blog. For more on local, state and national politics, visit our Politics section.

Presence of Hispanic candidates energizes voters in Springfield

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Mayoral candidate Jose Tosado was joined by several Hispanic candidates running for city council.

Springfield mayoral candidate Jose F. Tosado stands outside one of the polls Tuesday evening

SPRINGFIELD – For the first time in the city’s history a Hispanic candidate, Jose F. Tosado, ran for mayor Tuesday, he was joined by several Hispanic candidates running for ward and at-large City Council seats.

“I think the Hispanic community is excited and has come out to vote throughout the city,” said Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola.

Oyola said she was expecting a 30 percent voter turnout citywide and a higher than normal turnout in Ward 1 where many of the city’s Latino residents live.

“We haven’t seen the numbers yet, but I think having Latino candidates motivated some voters to come out,” she said early in the evening.

The 2010 US Census Bureau revealed that Springfield’s Hispanic population increased from 27.2 percent in 2000 to 38.9 percent in 2010.

Jimmy Rivera, a 55-year- resident of the North End said he was disappointed by lack of voter participation in the neighborhood.

“I’ve been standing here all day and I have not seen too many people coming in to vote,” he said.

Rivera said he voted for Tosado.

“I think there need to be changes in the city. I think we need a new vision,? he said. ?I think if we elect a Latino candidate he would work better with the Hispanic community.”

Joining Tosado are at-large candidates Amaad I. Rivera and Miguel A. Soto.

Soto said he thinks having Latino candidates is a benefit to the city. He said many people were excited to see Tosado run.

“I have been involved in this community for quite awhile,” he said. “I hope people will come out to vote.”

Zaida Luna is running for re-election in Ward 1, Clodo Concepcion is running for reelection in Ward 5 and Orlando Ramos is running against John Lysak for the Ward 8 seat which includes Pine Point, Indian Orchard, and parts of East Springfield.

“This has been a three-year campaign for us after losing the last election in 2009 by 80 votes I never really went away. I’ve still been very involved with the community,” he said.

Ramos said being a Latino candidate who speaks Spanish helped him reach more voters.

“Latino people very excited to have someone from Puerto Rico representing them on the City Council. I’ve seen a lot of Latinos out voting today,” he said.

Rene Mendez, of Springfield, cameo out to vote for Tosado.

“I don’t think being a Latino makes him a good candidate. I think being who he is and growing up in the neighborhood he can make a change for these people,” he said.

Carmen Rosa held signs for Zaida Luna on Tuesday. Rosa believes Luna represents the people of her community and is a voice for them, she said. Rosa said she did not see many residents out voting.

“I would like to say that a lot of people came out to vote, but I know the reality, the numbers are not good. I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m here doing my part,” she said.

West Springfield city clerk Otto Frizzell says turnout was about 30%

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Frizzell said everything ran smoothly on Tuesday at the four polling locations in town.

West Springfield mayoral candidate Gregory Neffinger waves to supporters shortly before the polls closed Tuesday evening.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday in West Springfield and City Clerk Otto Frizzell said he expected a 30 percent voter turnout.

“It’s a pretty typical turn out for a municipal election,” he said.

Frizzell said everything ran smoothly on Tuesday at the four polling locations in town.

“It was a very successful day,” he said.

Facing off in the mayoral race are architect Gregory C. Neffinger and Town Councilor Gerard B. Matthews are seeking the mayoral position. They are looking to fill the seat left by Edward J. Gibson, who announced in June that he wouldn’t seek a sixth term.

Incumbents Robert M. Mancin, Kathleen A. Bourque, Brian J. Griffin and George R. Kelly ran for re-election for at-large City Council seats.

Daniel G. Sullivan faced off against George D. Condon III for the district 3 City Council seat and Mark D. Bergeron is running against John R. Sweeney for a district 4 City Council Seat.

Seven candidates ran for seats on the School Committee including incumbents Kathleen A. Alevras, Nancy M. Farrell and Joseph Foresi Jr.

Easthampton Mayor Michael Tautznik easily wins re-election over Don Emerson

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The vote was 3,056 to 1,758.

Tautznik EBM.JPGMichael A. Tautznik

EASTHAMPTON - Mayor Michael A. Tautznik has been elected to an eighth term, beating out a challenge mounted by retired police captain Donald C. Emerson.

Tautznik, 58, secured 63.5 percent of the vote with 3,056 ballots cast in his favor. Emerson, 64, got 1,758 votes to finish a distant second.

The two faced off in the election's only contest,Tautznik promised an eighth term would be his last and the city has been hiring financial personnel to take on some of his duties, hoping for a smooth transition to a new mayor.

Emerson promised throughout the campaign to be more accessible to the average citizen than Tautznik. He won support from half the city's employees unions and many in the business community.

Tautznik repeatedly thumped his opponent for alleged financial illiteracy. Emerson had proposed using Community Preservation Act money for business development, which Tautznik said is "probably not legal" and demonstrated Emerson's poor grip on the issues.

Emerson contended that Tautznik's time was up and the people wanted change. He said he had more experience in government and with finance than Tautznik did when he first took office in 1996, a claim Tautznik has disputed.

On the City Council side, President Joseph P. McCoy and Donald L. Cykowski retained their seats while Planning Board member Chester A. Ogulewicz, Jr., and newcomer Nathaniel P. Ziegler are set to bring two new faces to the nine-member body. At-large councilors Andrea H. Burns and Ronald D. Chateauneuf bowed out of the race early on.

All precinct councilors won re-election without challenge: Precinct 1 Councilor Daniel C. Hagan, Precinct 2 Councilor Justin P. Cobb, Precinct 3 Councilor Joy E. Winnie, Precinct 4 Councilor Salem Derby and Precinct 5 Councilor Daniel D. Rist.

Five incumbent School Committee members will remain: Chairman Peter T. Gunn, LaDonna E. Crow, Nancy L. Sykes, Lori J. Ingraham and Bonnie L. Katusich. Debora R. Lusnia, a member of the Easthampton High School Building Committee, will assume the seat vacated by Eric Yates.

Alex Morse easily beats Elaine Pluta in race for Holyoke mayor

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Mayor Elaine Pluta conceded victory to Morse, and added that she will retire.

Holyoke mayoral candidate Alex Morse stops to chat with supporter John A. LaChapelle outside the St. Pauls polls on Appleton Street during the day Tuesday

HOLYOKE - Unofficial numbers coming out of the Paper City have mayoral challenger Alex B. Morse defeating incumbent Mayor Elaine Pluta.

Unofficial figures show Morse with 5,121 votes to Pluta's 4,201.

Holyoke mayor Elaine Pluta conceded victory to 22-year-old challenger Alex Morse just after 8:20 p.m. this evening and indicated she will retire.

"I'm going to be retiring in January and that will be a good thing so I'm looking forward to it," said Pluta. "So think good thoughts and keep up the good work and Holyoke's going to be fine."

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