Quantcast
Channel: News
Viewing all 62489 articles
Browse latest View live

GOP congressional hopeful Richard Tisei gets increased support from Washington in bid against Rep. John Tierney

0
0

Christian Berle, the former deputy director for the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, has joined Tisei's team following more than three years with the advocacy group.

10-21-10Tisei.jpgRichard Tisei speaks to reporters at a press availability outside the State House in Boston.

As the race to represent the 6th Congressional District in Massachusetts continues to hold interest nationally, the Republican candidate looking to unseat the embroiled U.S. Rep. John Tierney, D-Salem, is receiving increased support from the GOP in Washington.

Richard Tisei, a Republican candidate with 26 years of experience in the Massachusetts legislature, has the attention of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the likely support of a new pro-LGBT Republican super PAC, and now a new communications director with years of experience in Washington.

Christian Berle, the former deputy director for the pro-LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, has joined Tisei's team following more than three years with the advocacy group.

Although Berle didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on Wednesday, the Maine native told MetroWeekly.com that working for Tisei, an openly gay Republican, was a natural fit considering his group has helped boost the candidate's efforts over the past year.

When previously interviewed by The Republican and MassLive.com in relation to LGBT issues in politics, Berle said that if Tisei won, it could help sway the opinions of other GOP lawmakers on LGBT issues.

"It is absolutely critical," Berle said of Tisei's potential election to Congress. "I believe Sen. Scott Brown would open his ear to a friend and colleague and it may change some of his views. We were lucky to have (former U.S. Rep.) Jim Kolbe (R-Arizona) in Congress. In that position, he spoke in conference when his colleagues needed to hear the voice of a gay man. It is extremely important for Republicans to hear from one of their peers on how a potential piece of legislation might affect them."

Christian BerleChristian Berle, former deputy executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, has joined the communications team for Richard Tisei's Congressional campaign.

Tierney has been embroiled at the edges of an ongoing scandal in which his wife and brother-in-law have been convicted of crimes and served time in jail for their respective roles in relation to an illegal gambling operation in Antigua. Tierney has said that he knew of the gambling operation, but thought it was legal.

Tisei has capitalized on the controversy and hit Tierney over it at every opportunity. But as media outlets reported on Tuesday, Seth Moulton, an independent, is seriously considering jumping in the race as well.

Taking over Berle's position with the Log Cabin Republicans on an interim basis is Don R. Bramer, a businessman, former presidential appointee, and military veteran.

"Log Cabin is fortunate to have Don's skills and experience to lead our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts at this critical time," said R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the group, in a press release. "His twenty years of private sector, public policy and political experience have prepared him to increase our role as a key player in building an inclusive Republican Party during the 2012 election cycle. Log Cabin Republicans members and chapters will be mobilizing to support our endorsed candidates and allies."


Alleged victim stands by accusations against Mass. State Rep. Carlos Henriquez

0
0

As the alleged victim held her press conference, Henriquez was back on Beacon Hill, voting with his Democratic colleagues to reject and overturn several of Gov. Deval Patrick’s fiscal 2013 budget decisions.

Carlos Henriquez mugMassachusetts State Rep. Carlos Henriquez, D-Dorchester, as seen in his official Mass. Legislature portrait. Henrizuez is a member on the Joint Committee on Education, the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

By Andy Metzger, STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON -- Seeking to refute Rep. Carlos Henriquez’s public claims of innocence and end a “barrage” of phone calls from reporters, Katherine Gonzalves spoke out publicly Wednesday afternoon about the early Sunday morning incident that resulted in the lawmaker’s arrest.

“Two days ago, I was a young woman with my life in peace. I was involved with a man who, I believed, cared about me,” the 23-year-old Gonzalves told reporters at a Back Bay law firm.

Gonzalves went on to say, “I was assaulted like many others but my situation has been thrust into the public eye because of the status of my attacker. I assure you that the event contained in the police report happened. I have told the truth about this incident and will continue to do so.”

According to a Boston Police report, Gonzalves flung herself out of a Zip Car Henriquez was driving because since picking her up at her mother’s house in Arlington around 2 a.m. Sunday, Henriquez had allegedly prevented the woman from leaving the car and had punched her and strangled her.

In his own statement, Henriquez proclaimed his innocence and said he was confident he would be “vindicated” of all charges. “Putting my hands on a woman is contradictory to my upbringing and my own morals,” Henriquez said in a statement released late Monday night.

On Monday, 35-year-old Henriquez pleaded not guilty in Roxbury Municipal Court to charges of domestic kidnapping, witness intimidation and larceny. He was also charged at the scene with domestic assault and battery, though that crime was suspected to have occurred in Arlington. Arlington Police are investigating and according to Gonzalves attorney Rick Brody, a report has been completed and Henriquez will be charged in Middlesex County.

As Gonzalves was holding her press conference, Henriquez was back on Beacon Hill, voting with his Democratic colleagues to reject and overturn several of Gov. Deval Patrick’s fiscal 2013 budget decisions.

Gonzalves and her pro-bono attorneys declined to discuss the specifics of the early morning incident, but Brody disclosed that Gonzalves, a Somerville resident, had received a temporary restraining order against Henriquez and planned to seek a permanent restraining order.

Gonzalves said that while she “appreciated the sensitivity” of news outlets that chose not to publish her name, she said, “I am not afraid to speak out and have my voice heard. I am here because I did nothing wrong.”

According to Brody, Gonzalves met Henriquez in February after hearing the lawmaker speak about a bill removing parole options for three-time violent offenders at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Gonzalves asked to interview Henriquez for a school assignment.

“She thought that his position was one she agreed with,” said Brody, who answered reporters’ questions while Gonzalves sat poised and silent between her attorney and her mother, Beatriz Mamani.

Breaking her silence toward the end of the roughly half-hour long press conference, Gonzalves spoke once off-script, answering a question by saying, “I am getting my bachelor’s in human services at UMass Boston.”

According to Brody, Gonzalves was a case worker at a homeless center but her job was one of ones left unfunded by the state budget.

While Gonzalves faced roughly two dozen reporters and photographers on Wednesday, she and her lawyers were clearly put off by reporters’ earlier attempts to reach out to her.

“She was being hounded,” said Leonard Kesten, another pro-bono attorney. “She had a choice: she could leave town and hide or she could meet the media . . . She’s not going to hide but she would like to be left alone.

Springfield releases request for proposals for purchasing and redeveloping former Asylum nightclub Main Street building

0
0

The building at 1600 Main St. has undergone renovations by the city, including partial demolition, asbestos and environmental remediation a new roof and a new boiler.

071111 asylum 1600 main st.JPG07.11.2011 | SPRINGFIELD — The former Asylum building at 1600 Main St. between Fort and Worthington streets as its rear two-thirds was being demolished.

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield Wednesday released a request for proposals seeking developers interested in purchasing and redeveloping 1600 Main St.

The building was known as the “Asylum” nightclub prior to the city acquiring the building in August, 2009.

Kevin Kennedy, chief development officer for the city of Springfield, said the city has completed significant renovations to the building including asbestos and environmental remediation, demolition of two thirds of the structure, development of a new 20-space parking area, new roof and upper story windows, a new boiler and has installed sprinklers throughout the entire structure.

Kennedy said the building footprint is approximately 6,000 square feet now with a full basement and mezzanine space that bring the total square footage to approximately 13,600.

“The city has taken this property, which was often a nuisance to the downtown and had suffered from disinvestment and has repositioned it as an excellent opportunity for a private developer or business,” Kennedy said.

He added, “We’re hopeful the private sector will recognize the unique opportunity of Main Street frontage with dedicated parking space in the rear.”

He said the city will benefit by returning the property to the tax rolls and adding jobs if it attracts private investment.

The minimum bid for the project will be $400,000, in order to recapture state grant funding that was utilized toward the demolition and remediation work.

“It’s an important piece of that northern end of downtown,” Kennedy said. He said MassDevelopment completed 1550 Main St., the former federal building, and it is fully occupied.

Said Kennedy: “WFCR is planning its move from Amherst to the Fuller Block and New England Farm Workers have assembled nearly two city blocks with plans to refurbish the Paramount Theater. Union Station is moving forward into construction. There is a lot of positive energy happening in that part of downtown.”

Interested parties should contact the city of Springfield Office of Procurement at 413-787-6284 or visit www.comm-pass.com.

Springfield NAACP President Talbert Swan: 'I joined in on the booing' of Mitt Romney's repeal Obamacare statement

0
0

Swan said Romney was respectfully received at the annual NAACP national convention in Houston, though likely did not sway many black voters.

romney.JPGRepublican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney pauses during a speech to the NAACP annual convention.

Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney did not pick up many votes from black constituents during the national convention of the NAACP in Houston on Wednesday, according to Springfield chapter President Rev. Talbert W. Swan II.

Romney was met with thunderous boos from an audience of about 600 at the 103rd annual meeting in Houston when he told the crowd he would repeal the Affordable Care Act – also known, and referred to by Romney, as ObamaCare – that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court two weeks ago.

“I joined in on the booing. I and a few of my colleagues are in the unique position of being from the state where Romney was governor,” Swan said. “I wanted to have a (U.S. Rep) Joe Wilson ‘You lie!’ moment. It’s disingenuous to speak against the health care package he signed (in Massachusetts) that served as the model for ObamaCare.”

Romney signed into law a bill providing universal health care for Massachusetts residents in 2006, lauding it as a monumental achievement.

“Today, Massachusetts is leading the way with health insurance for everyone, without a government takeover and without raising taxes,” the then-governor said of the bill that was commonly referred to as “RomneyCare.”

Romney was governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. He did not run for a second term, instead mounting an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2008.

092411 talbert swan mug vertical.JPGTalbert Swan

Swan said Romney was otherwise respectfully received, however, and connected with the crowd on a few discreet issues, prompting polite applause. Romney’s points that were met with the most warmth included his stance on traditional marriage (opposing same-sex marriage), economic development and job growth.

“African-Americans are not one-issue voters so to simply connect on the issue of traditional marriage is not enough to sway them,” Swan said. “He was received well enough, but I don’t think it will translate into additional votes from the African-American community.”

Swan did credit Romney for addressing the group that, while not hostile, overwhelmingly supported President Barack Obama in the last election. Studies show 95 percent of black voters backed Obama in 2008. And, previous Republican presidential candidates have declined to address the convention in the past, Swan said.

“I credit him for having the courage to step on that stage with a constituency he understands traditionally votes Democratic,” he said.

U.S. stocks close lower for 5th straight day

0
0

In minutes from their latest meeting, Federal Reserve officials said they saw a variety of threats to the U.S. economy.

By MATTHEW CRAFT | AP Business Writer

071011_wall_street_traders.JPGTraders prepare for the start of early trading at the New York Stock Exchange. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

NEW YORK — The stock market mostly recovered from an afternoon slump to end with slight losses.

In minutes from their latest meeting released Wednesday afternoon, Federal Reserve officials said they saw a variety of threats to the U.S. economy, including a slowdown in China and a looming budget crunch in Washington. The Fed also didn't signal that new steps to stimulate the economy were on the way.

Stock investors took the news badly at first, but by the end of the day were taking it in stride. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped as many as 118 points shortly after the 2 p.m. release of the Fed's minutes. Thanks to a recovery in the last hour it was down just 48 points at the closing bell, not much different from where it was earlier.

Fed officials said the economy could struggle if Congress fails to avert tax hikes and across-the-board spending cuts scheduled for the end of the year. They also worried that Europe's debt crisis and China's slower growth would weigh on the U.S.

But it was what the Fed didn't say that really tripped the stock market up, said Steven Ricchiuto, chief economist at Mizuho Securities USA. He said many traders had hoped to see evidence that the Fed was prepared to pull the trigger on a new bond-buying effort to prod the economy forward.

"They didn't get what they wanted to see," Ricchiuto said.

The Dow closed at 12,604.53, down 48.59 points. The Standard & Poor's 500 index slipped 0.02 of a point to 1,341.45. The technology-focused Nasdaq composite index lost 14.35 points to 2,887.98.

It was the fifth straight day of losses for both the Dow and S&P. That's the worst stretch for both since a six-day losing streak that ran through May 18. With Europe still working out the details of a bailout for Spanish banks and the U.S. economy still sluggish, there's little for investors to buy stocks.

"The bottom line is that there aren't a lot of investors willing to put money into this market," said Jeff Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial. "There's not much to get excited about."

The current batch of U.S. corporate earnings, which started to come in this week, isn't expected to help the stock market. Financial analysts forecast that companies in the S&P 500 will report a 2 percent earnings drop in the April-through-June period compared with the year before, according to the research firm S&P Capital IQ. That would be the first fall in profits since the summer quarter of 2009.

Chevron and other energy stocks rose, following oil prices higher. The price of crude oil jumped $1.90, to $85.81 a barrel, after the government said U.S. crude supplies fell for a second week in a row, a sign that demand for energy may be increasing.

Energy stocks led the 10 industry groups within the S&P 500 index, rising 1.4 percent. Chevron gained 97 cents to $104.85 and Exxon Mobil gained $1.27 to $84.38.

In Europe, Spain's borrowing costs fell after the country imposed new sales tax hikes and spending cuts in a bid to slash nearly $80 billion from its budget over the next two and a half years. High borrowing rates and 25 percent unemployment are squeezing Spain's economy.

Europe's debt crisis has led banks and investment funds from around the world to shift their money into Treasurys. High demand for Treasurys has kept U.S. government borrowing rates low.

The Treasury auctioned 10-year notes at a record low interest rate Wednesday afternoon, 1.46 percent.

Among other stocks making bigger moves than the overall market:

• HHGregg plunged 36 percent. The appliance and electronics retailer said after the market closed Tuesday that weak sales will cause its quarterly loss to widen. The company also cut its full-year earnings outlook. Analysts at SunTrust and Stifel Nicolaus downgraded the company's shares. The company's stock lost $4.20 to $7.34.

• AMC Networks jumped 2 percent. A stock analyst at Susquehanna Financial Group said AMC, whose shows include "Mad Men," and "The Walking Dead," could reach a settlement with Dish Network in their dispute over fees by mid-October. Dish replaced AMC's channels on July 1, arguing that they were too expensive. AMC's stock gained 86 cents to $40.73. Dish fell 3 percent, or 95 cents, to $26.80.

• Mead Johnson Nutrition surged 4 percent after a Chinese agency apologized for what it said were false accusations that the company's baby formula contained a possibly dangerous ingredient. The accusations helped knock the company's stock down 3 percent on Tuesday. Mead Johnson jumped $2.99 to $78.28.

Holyoke activists push for end to coal burning at Mount Tom plant

0
0

Owners of the plant said they have no plans to close or modify it.

mount tom coal plantMount Tom coal burning plant

HOLYOKE – A coalition of different groups joined Wednesday to announce the formation of Coal Free Massachusetts and efforts to push for the conversion of the Mount Tom power plant to a cleaner, more renewable energy producer.

Owners of the plant, FirstLight Power Resources, which is owned by GDF Suez of France, said they have no plans to close or modify the plant.

“We are still operating it. It doesn’t run as much as it used to due to economics,” said Charles Burnham, external affairs representative for FirstLight Power Resources.

The plant once ran most of the time, but since natural gas prices have dropped lower, making it a cheaper option than coal, the company only runs the plant at peak energy use times, he said.

“We are still meeting all state and federal environmental regulations and our plan, as on right now, is to continue running the plant as we have run it,” Burnham said.

A $55 million project completed in 2009 was expected to make the plant a cleaner operator by removing 95 percent of the sulfur dioxide and mercury that would otherwise go up the smokestack.

A dozen people who represent different organizations including the Sierra Club, the Holyoke-based Neighbor to Neighbor, Holyoke Food and Fitness and Nuestras Raices, a farming coalition in the city, joined together to discuss what they feel should be the future of the plant.

“We are educating the public about the health impacts of the plant and we are calling on GDF Suez to convert the coal plant to something sustainable,” said Lena Entin, an organizer with Neighbor to Neighbor.

“If we get everyone involved then we can really put pressure on them to convert to something sustainable or to sell to a new energy company,” Entin said.

Burnham said the company would be open to explore options of selling the plant, but have never been approached with an offer.

Through a translator, Carmen Concepcion, who was a registered nurse in Puerto Rico, said her concerns are about the high asthma rates in Holyoke and mercury from the plant could be contaminating the Connecticut River.

People do fish in the river and could ingest the mercury, she said.

The group has contacted the plant manager but has had little response. It is talking to the employees’ union, but said members are concerned they could lose their jobs if the plant closes, Entin said.

Coal Free Massachusetts is also planning to mail a demand letter to FirstLight Power Resources.

Republican Sen. Scott Brown raises $5 million in 2nd quarter, over $3 million less than Democrat Elizabeth Warren

0
0

Warren has outraised Brown in each of the four fundraising quarters since she launched her campaign last summer.

Brown Warren 92111.jpgU. S. Senator Scott Brown is seen with Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren.

Democrat Elizabeth Warren raised over $3 million more than Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in the fundraising quarter ending in June.

Brown’s campaign said Wednesday that Brown raised $5 million between April and June. Warren said earlier this week that her campaign had raised $8.67 million during the same time period.

Warren has outraised Brown in each of the four fundraising quarters since she launched her campaign last summer, taking in a total of $24.34 million this election cycle, compared to $18.9 million for Brown. Brown came into the race with $6 million left over from his 2010 special election.

The Brown campaign has more money in the bank than Warren – $15.5 million cash on hand, compared to $13.5 million for Warren.

Additional details of the candidates’ fundraising will be available after reports are due to the Federal Election Commission July 15.

The Brown campaign, which has criticized Warren for relying on out-of-state donations, said two-thirds of Brown’s donations came from Massachusetts.

Brown campaign finance director John Cook said, "This election will be decided by the voters of Massachusetts based on two very different visions for our future, and Scott Brown will have the resources he needs to share his pro-jobs message and independent record with voters across the commonwealth. Professor Warren may have the support of the out-of-state, left-wing interest groups, but no amount of money can change the fact that she supports job-destroying tax hikes that would crush our struggling economy."

Warren spokeswoman Alethea Harney responded, "So far, more than 40,500 residents of Massachusetts have donated to Elizabeth's campaign and more than 80 percent of her donations are $50 or less. Her proven record of standing up for middle class families is building strong grassroots support across the Commonwealth."

This post has been updated to reflect the Warren campaign's response.

No surprises from Massachusetts politicians as U.S. House votes to repeal Obama's health care reform

0
0

State Democrats tout the provisions in Obama's health care overhaul that will help Massachusetts residents; Republicans have said they would repeal the law.

boehner healthcare.jpgHouse Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, leaves the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 11, 2012, after the Republican-controlled House voted 244-185 to repeal President Barack Obama's health care law.

The U.S. House voted on Wednesday to repeal President Obama’s health care overhaul – for the 33rd time, according to a Washington Post tally. The House vote was 244 to 185, largely along party lines.

The bill will not pass the Democratic-controlled Senate.

No Republicans joined Democrats in backing the health care law, while five Democrats joined with Republicans supporting repeal. The Massachusetts delegation, which is made up entirely of Democrats, all voted with the other Democrats in support of the law.

Reactions from local politicians held few surprises.

Democratic Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren preempted the vote with an op-ed column in the MetroWest Daily News titled “What Republicans want to take away.” The op-ed lists the benefits Massachusetts residents will see under the Affordable Care Act – access to preventive care without co-pays, prescription drug benefits for seniors without the coverage gap known as the “donut hole,” and the ability for young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until age 26.

Warren spokeswoman Alethea Harney said Wednesday, "Scott Brown and Republicans in Congress want to keep fighting a three year old fight over health care. Rather than argue over taking benefits away from Massachusetts residents, Elizabeth Warren believes we should focus on restoring our economy and creating opportunities for working families."

Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown – a long-time opponent of Obama’s overhaul – was elected in 2010 partially because of voters’ anger over the Affordable Care Act. Brown has said in the past that he would repeal the Affordable Care Act because it will put in place additional taxes and more government spending, while cutting Medicare. He believes states should be able to implement their own reforms.

A Brown spokeswoman referred questions to Brown’s statement after the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Obama’s reform as constitutional. Brown said then that the law “is wrong for jobs and the economy” and that, “All we got out of this massive new federal entitlement is higher taxes, cuts in Medicare and additional debt at a time when we can least afford it.”

Before the vote, the Massachusetts Democratic Party released a web video tying Brown to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney because of both politicians’ opposition to Obama’s health care reform.

2nd District U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, released a statement before the vote calling it “political theatre.” “I look forward to casting a vote…in favor of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama and the health of the American people,” Neal said. “As we have seen over the past year, time and again, Republicans govern based on ideology and are willing to hold our nation hostage.” Neal said government can only work if Republicans “join my fellow Democrats at the table to seek common sense solutions.”

1st District U.S. Rep. John Olver’s office sent out a list of benefits Massachusetts residents are seeing under the law, including the elimination of lifetime caps on coverage, $11 million in funding for community health centers, the creation of high-risk pools for those with pre-existing conditions, and others.

The Massachusetts Democratic Party used the vote to attack Republican Richard Tisei. Tisei, a former state Senate minority leader, is running against Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney, who is seen as the most vulnerable member of Massachusetts’ House delegation. State Democratic Party Chairman John Walsh said, “National Republicans support Tisei because they know that if he goes to Washington, he'll support their extreme agenda which includes repealing ObamaCare, rolling back Wall Street reform and returning to the failed economic policies of the past.”

Tierney’s office stressed a provision included in the health care reform that Tierney had advocated for, which requires insurance companies to use at least 80 percent of premium dollars for health services, rather than overhead costs. Tierney said in Massachusetts, nearly 164,000 people will receive rebates averaging $140 because of this provision. Tierney campaign spokesman Grant Herring said, “By supporting repeal of the health care law, Richard Tisei is yet again prioritizing special interests and his narrow ideological agenda over our families and local small businesses.”

Tisei has said in the past that Obama’s health care overhaul will increase health care costs and hurt the economy.

Tisei on Wednesday said the House vote “provides an opportunity to get health care reform done right” by implementing those reforms both parties agree on. “It is time for Republicans and Democrats to come together to provide coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, extended access to healthcare for those up to 26, and providing portability for all workers across state borders,” Tisei said. “Now is not the time to impose 21 new taxes and thousands of pages of burdensome regulations….Unlike my opponent I have a history of creating the kinds of bipartisan agreements that will provide real relief and support for struggling workers.”

This post has been updated to reflect statements from the Warren and Tisei campaigns made Wednesday evening.


Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno calls proposal for downtown bars and restaurants to pay for added police more 'lip service'

0
0

Lawyer Frank Caruso said the group of bars and restaurants is looking to help Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Wednesday that a proposal by bars and restaurants to pay for additional police officers in the downtown has been heard many times before but has amounted to nothing more than “lip service.”

Sarno.jpgDomenic J. Sarno

Sarno’s comments were in response to a letter, submitted last week by local lawyer Frank A. Caruso, stating that that a group of businesses are willing to pool their funds, which might total $1 million annually, to pay for 16 additional police officers in the downtown entertainment district.

“It’s been lip service,” Sarno said. “We have heard this ad nauseam, well over three years. There has been no follow through.”

Caruso said Wednesday is not yet ready to disclose the names of businesses ready to pool funds, but said they are numerous. The group wants to confer with city officials, including the Police Department, to finalize details, he said.

“We are not looking to fight with the mayor,” Caruso said. “We are simply looking to make Springfield a better and safer place and it starts with an open dialogue. Once we sit down with the city, and they tell us exactly what they want, we will (finalize) it.”

The letter states, however, that some of the businesses are asking the mayor to terminate a 1 a.m. entertainment curfew, that has halted music and television at 1 a.m., except for those granted a late-night permit.

If the curfew is not ended, it will be more difficult to raise the needed funds for the additional officers because the curfew is causing businesses to lose a lot of money, Caruso said.

Sarno said that at the present time, he has no intention of ending the curfew. He said the initial statistics indicate the curfew has helped to reduce late-night violence, arrests, and police calls, creating less of a drain on police resources.

In addition, he recently asked the License Commission to consider closing all bars and clubs an earlier hour than the current 2 a.m. to advance efforts to improve public safety. Sarno said he would favor “a hard look” at a new 1 a.m. closing time but has properly left it to be reviewed and decided by the License Commission. An initial discussion is planned by the commission on July 26.

Sarno said the proposal from Caruso about adding 16 officers and for the downtown club owners to each sign a “code of conduct,” was sent to the City Council, but nothing was received by his office. Councilor John A. Lysak said Tuesday he will be drafting a city ordinance to establish the downtown security-code of conduct plan.

Caruso said he and others have sought meetings and discussions with the mayor in recent months without success. The mayor’s communications director, Thomas T. Walsh, said there was a meeting in the past, but a discussion of the curfew now with the mayor is not appropriate while there is litigation filed by bars against the mayor and city seeking to overturn the curfew.

Sarno said he remains open to any formal proposals being offered.

“I am open to tangible proposals that make sense,” Sarno said. “It has to make sense, make public safety sense, budgetary sense. I am more than willing to stay open-minded.”

Sarno said his “number one priority is to ensure that residents, the business community and visitors to the community have a safe and enjoyable experience” whether it be in the downtown or other neighborhoods.

Western Massachusetts real estate market shows signs of life, according to deeds stats, Realtors

0
0

The total amount spent on real estate in Hampden County from July 2011 to June 2012 was $967.2 million.

Hampden County Registrar of Deeds Donald E. Ashe gives the update for real estate transactions for fiscal 2012 for Hampden County during a press conference at his office in the Hampden County Hall of Justice.

SPRINGFIELD – The real estate market is finally showing some signs of life, according to data released Wednesday by Realtors and registries of deeds.

The total amount spent on real estate in Hampden County from July 2011 to June 2012 was $967.2 million, according to an annual end-of-fiscal-year report issued by Hampden County Register of Deeds Donald E. Ashe. That’s an 11 percent increase from the $874 million spent on real estate in the previous fiscal year.

“In the past year the real estate market has improved,” Ashe said. “But it is tepid.”

Ashe said the total number of documents filed at his office was up 4 percent, from 78,472 to 81,367. Foreclosures were a big part of that jump, going up 21 percent on the fiscal year, from 797 to 965.

Before 2011, the amount spent on real estate hadn’t been less than $1 billion for a fiscal year since 2005. It was $1.128 billion in fiscal year 2010, and $1.085 billion in fiscal year 2009.

These figures include all the money spent on residential and commercial real estate, as well as what was spent on vacant land.

In Hampshire County, the total amount spent on real estate rose 17.5 percent, from $415.4 million to $488.3 million, in the just-completed fiscal year, according to the Hampshire County Register of Deeds.

In Franklin County, the total amount spent on real estate rose 8.8 percent, from $150.4 million in the 2010-11 fiscal year to $163.7 million in fiscal year 2011-12, according to the Franklin County Register of Deeds.

Also, single-family home sales rose 26.8 percent in the second quarter of 2012, according to figures released by the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley. There were 993 homes sold in the second quarter of 2011 and 1,259 sold in the second quarter of 2012.

HomeSale0712.jpgView full size

The median price brought by those homes was down 1.7 percent, from $181,000 in the second quarter of 2011 to $178,000 in the second quarter of 2012

“We have an increasing number of buyers out there making purchases,” said Kathleen M. Witalisz, an owner and broker at Witalisz & Associates in Westfield. “It’s very encouraging.”

She said the real estate market has stabilized and prices will start to climb in a few years, but slowly. “You are not going to see the big increases and not the big decreases,” Witalisz said.

Eight years ago, at the end of the second quarter of 2005, the median price of a single-family home in Springfield was $197,600, or 9.9 percent greater than the current median.

A 30-year fixed rate mortgage averages 3.66 percent, according to FreddieMac.com.

In Hampden County alone, second-quarter home sales rose 30.5 percent, from 660 to 861. The median price fell 3 percent, from $165,000 to $160,000, according to the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.

In Hampshire County, second-quarter sales rose 30.8 percent, from 224 to 293. The median price fell 4 percent, from $250,000 to $240,000.

In Franklin County, sales fell 3.7 percent, from 109 to 105. The median price fell 2.3 percent, from $176,000 to $172,000.

Defense cut delays leave Westover with extra C-5 jets

0
0

The C-5A jets were being stored and maintained at Westover until room could be found at another base.

Westover315.jpg A C5-B sits on a runway at Westover Aorce Force Reserve Base in Chicopee..

CHICOPEE – Air Force officials announced this week they would put a plan to retire four C-5A Galaxy jets operated by the 439th Airlift Wing on hold until an extensive study on the impacts of proposed military budget cuts could be made.

The problem is the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base hasn’t operated C-5A jets for years. Instead it has 16 C-5B jets, none of which are to be retired.

Lt. Col. James G. Bishop, chief of public affairs at Westover, said he believes the confusion was caused by the fact there are three C-5A jets parked at Westover temporarily which are slated to be retired. Two of the jets come from the Tennessee Air National Guard in Memphis and one is from the West Virginia Air National Guard in Martinsburg.

A fourth, which also came from another base, has already been flown to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, where planes are rebuilt or scrapped.

Because the C-5 jets are so large there are not a lot of places to store them so Westover does occasionally serve as a way station, Bishop said.

Under the budget cut proposal, four Massachusetts bases, including Westover and Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, could see reductions as early as Oct. 1, the beginning of fiscal year 2013. The plan, which has not been approved, calls for eight of Westover’s C-5B’s to be transferred to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas by 2016.

In May, Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., asked the Committee on Armed Services to delay proposed defense cuts scheduled for the next fiscal year at bases across the country until impacts could be studied.

On Monday, the Department of the Air Force announced in writing to Kerry that it will suspend all aircraft transfers and retirements for the current fiscal year until Congress completes work on defense appropriations bills – hence the delayed action on moving C-5A jets.

Putting the retirement of the three planes on hold will mean Westover personnel will have to provide security and maintain them longer, Bishop said.

“We have to provide a little extra security and a lot of extra maintenance so they are ready to fly at any time,” he said.

Letter from the Department of the Air Force to Sen. John Kerry

Westfield resident Wayne Nutter's sentencing on child rape charges delayed by defense motion for new trial

0
0

Judge Peter Velis said he was concerned about testimony at trial from Nutter's wife suggesting her husband take a lie detector test.

SPRINGFIELD – Hampden Superior Court Judge Peter A. Velis has postponed sentencing for a Westfield man on child rape charges, citing the need to clarify an issue raised by a defense lawyer seeking a new trial.

Velis set a July 26 date for arguments on a new trial after explaining he was concerned about testimony at trial from the defendant’s wife suggesting her husband take a lie detector test.

The judge said he wanted to review a transcript and tape recording of discussions he held with defense lawyer Kathleen Whitley-Cavanaugh and Assistant District Attorney Melissa G. Doran about the admissibility of the lie detector testimony in the trial.

“The transcripts are critical,” Velis said.

A jury found Nutter, 48, guilty of two counts of rape and abuse of a child on June 15 following four hours of deliberation. He faces a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.

Nutter was acquitted of eight other counts, including five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and three of rape and abuse of a child.

The victim testified she endured sexual abuse over multiple years, ending when she was about 15.

As the lead prosecutor, Doran said she had no intention of questioning Nutter’s wife about her suggestion that he take a lie detector, or his response that he would not pass it.

But the wife “just blurted it out” during the trial, Doran said.

Cavanaugh-Whitely said she believed the subject was off limits, based on discussions with the judge.

No lie detector test was administered, the lawyers said.

During the trial, Cavanaugh-Whitley argued the victim fabricated the accusations, while Doran said the girl had no reason to make false accusations.

Velis expressed regret to the victim and her family for delaying the sentencing, but added it would be “wasting everyone’s time” to impose a sentence before the defense’s the motion for a new trial was resolved.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren to campaign for Barack Obama at Salem, N.H., office opening

0
0

Setti Warren is one of several Massachusetts Democrats who have acted as a surrogate for President Obama.

011312 setti warren.JPG01.13.2012 | SPRINGFIELD — Newton Mayor Setti D. Warren addresses the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration and flag-raising Friday at Springfield City Hall.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren will be the special guest at the opening of a Barack Obama campaign office in Salem, N.H., on Sunday.

Warren, a first-term Democratic mayor, briefly ran for the Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Scott Brown. But Warren ended his campaign after consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren entered the race.

Setti Warren has been regularly acting as a surrogate on behalf of President Obama, defending Obama’s record on issues ranging from jobs to education to help for veterans. With Obama facing a tight race against Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, numerous Massachusetts Democrats have been traveling around the country acting as surrogates for the president.

Visit MassLive.com on Thursday for more on the role of New Hampshire in the general election campaign.

Easthampton City Councilor Donald Cykowski calls on organizers to pay for special election to recall him

0
0

A special election would cost between $7,000 and $8,000.

071112 donald cykowski arms folded.JPGEasthampton City Councilor Donald Cykowski said Wednesday that he believes those calling for his recall should pay for a special election if they gather enough signatures to warrant one.

EASTHAMPTON — While City Clerk Barbara LaBombard expects to issue petitions Monday or Tuesday to organizers hoping to recall City Councilor Donald L. Cykowski, the councilor said he believes those calling for the recall should pay for it.

“Common sense dictates that the person or persons who are calling for the recall should accept the responsibility for the cost, since they are the ones who initiated this action,” Cykowski said in a statement during public comment at the City Council meeting Wednesday night. The at-large councilor also said he has big shoulders to weather the attention.

A special election would cost between $7,000 and $8,000.

Petitioners have submitted the affidavit to the clerk, the first step in the recall process. The next step requires organizers to collect signatures from 2,235 registered voters within 21 days of the date the petitions are issued. LaBombard expects to issue them Monday or Tuesday.

If enough voters sign the petition, LaBombard would present it to the City Council on Sept. 5. The council would then notify Cykowski, who would have five days to resign. If he declines, the council would set a special election within 90 days.

LaBombard expects the election would occur in late November or December.

The recall campaign stems from a Dec. 7 City Council meeting. When a fellow council member was accidentally locked out of a meeting room, Cykowski quipped, "Where's a Puerto Rican when we need one?"

The remark, apparently intended as humor, was widely viewed as bigoted. Cykowski later apologized, but only after the Rev. Talbert W. Swan II, leader of the Springfield branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, seized on the remark and called for Cykowski's resignation or removal from public office.

On Wednesday, Swan issued a statement commending the Easthampton recall effort.

"The submission of an affidavit, thereby initiating the process to recall City Councilor Donald Cykowski is an example of residents working for a cause larger than one’s self. The current climate of racial division in our nation has brought to light the need for increased civic involvement. The Springfield Branch NAACP commends the organizers of the recall effort and commits its support in seeking justice and fairness in the City of Easthampton," Swan said in the statement.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick strikes casino deal with Mashpee Wampanoag tribe

0
0

The compact calls for the state to receive 21.5 percent of gambling revenues from the tribal casino.

042612 mashpee wampanoag casino drawing.jpgThis file image of an artist's rendering released by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe depicts a resort casino that the tribe has proposed be built in Taunton. The plan calls for a 150,000 square foot casino, three hotels, retail stores and a family-oriented water park. The state and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe have reached a tentative agreement on a compact for a resort casino in Taunton. (AP Photo/Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, File)

By BOB SALSBERG

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick's administration announced a tentative casino compact Wednesday with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, a key requirement in the tribe's bid to develop a $500 million resort casino in Taunton.

The agreement calls for the state to receive 21.5 percent of gambling revenues from the tribal casino, a figure lower than the 25 percent tax that would be assessed on a commercial casino built in the state.

The compact also would give Massachusetts authorities jurisdiction over any crimes or gambling violations committed at the tribal casino.

The compact was also approved Wednesday by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribal council. It still needs to be passed by the state Legislature before a July 31 deadline set under the state's new casino law.

The law allows up to three resort casinos in the state but gives exclusive rights to a federally recognized Indian tribe in the southeastern Massachusetts region if the deadline is met.

Even with the compact, the Mashpee still would face other obstacles, including a requirement that the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs place the Taunton land into trust, a process that could take two years or longer.

Patrick, in a written statement, called the compact a "good deal" for all involved. He thanked the tribe for negotiating in good faith.

The compact "balances the interests of the Commonwealth with the inherent rights of the people of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe," Patrick said in the statement. "If this Compact is approved, it will allow the Mashpee Wampanoag to open a unique facility that is governed and regulated by the tribe itself, in partnership with the state."

The agreement would establish a Tribal Gaming Commission as the primary regulatory body for the casino. But that panel would be subject to oversight by the five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission created under the state gambling law.

Administration officials noted that the Mashpee, as a sovereign nation, was not subject to the provisions of the state law and that that the state made concessions in exchange for the tribe's willingness to follow guidelines consistent with the policies and procedures spelled out under the law.

Tribal chairman Cedric Cromwell said the compact is a "monumental step" forward for the Cape Cod-based tribe.

"Our destination resort casino will enable our tribal government to move toward economic self-sufficiency and the ability to fully provide for the needs of our Tribe," Cromwell said in a statement.

Officials said while Massachusetts did not have authority to impose the full 25 percent tax on tribal casino revenues, the 21.5 percent "revenue allocation" under the compact is a reasonable result of the negotiations.

The tribe also agreed to ban smoking in the casino.

Massachusetts agreed in the compact — which if given final approval would run for 15 years — to advocate for approval of federal land-in-trust and to support a separate trust application for land in the town of Mashpee.

The proposed 150,000-square-foot casino would be on 146 acres at an industrial park at the junction of Routes 24 and 140. The tribe already has reached an agreement with Taunton that calls for about $33 million in upfront payments to the city and minimum annual payments of $13 million after the casino begins operations.

Taunton voters approved the proposal in a nonbinding referendum on June 9.

Tony LaCourse, head of the anti-casino group Preserve Taunton's Future, said he was not surprised by the compact agreement and predicted the tribe faces an uphill battle.

"It's not over yet. The simple fact is that they still have to get the land into trust which is the big issue anyway," LaCourse said.


6 new Ware police officers sworn in

0
0

The new patrolmen are John Cacela, Aaron DeSantis, Christopher DeSantis, Diana Gliniecki, Scott Lawrence, David Obrzut and Dana Rouisse.

WARE — Six new police officers were sworn in by the town clerk at Tuesday’s selectmen meeting.

The new patrolmen are John Cacela, Aaron DeSantis, Christopher DeSantis, Diana Gliniecki, Scott Lawrence, David Obrzut and Dana Rouisse.

They replace five officers who retired, Aaron Butler, Peter Harder, Alan Kusek, Robert Lavallee and Travis Odiorne.

The departed patrolmen salaries averaged more than $60,000 per year. All but one of the new officers is starting at the base rate of $39,234.78, figures provided by the town show.

The data shows the annual pay for the retired patrolmen at $315,328, versus $283,381 for the new hires, a savings of more than $30,000. 

MassLive.com launches real-time commenting

0
0

Although we are making significant changes, the basics will feel familiar. Our goal was to improve your experience, not radically change it with unnecessary features. The same account you used to post comments in the past will work, and all of your previous comments will be imported into the new system.

MassLive.com is pleased to announce the rollout of a new commenting platform. The new community experience features faster conversations; the option to vote on interesting, meaningful, and funny comments; and one-click flagging of inappropriate posts.

Comments now appear on a single page, with an option to load more – a much better reader experience than paging through comment history.

The new system is pretty intuitive and we think people will get up to speed quickly. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please share them in the comments below or email us at commentfeedback@masslive.com.

If reporting a technical issue, please include as much detail as possible, including the name and version of your browser, any error messages you may have received and the action you were trying to take when the issue arose.

Readers who do not have a community account can sign up for a free account.

We’d love to hear what you think, and we look forward to talking to you in the comments!

A quick overview of the changes:

Speed
Comments take place in real-time, without refreshing the page. You’ll see responses to your comments show up immediately, and new comments are continually added to the story, making conversations much more like talking in real life.

Voting
Did someone say something that sums up exactly what you were thinking? Did they make a good point no one else made? Did someone make you laugh? “Like” a comment to show appreciation.

Sorting of comments
The new system features newest comments at the top, directly below the text of the story, where most people initially start reading. Those who prefer the old method can toggle to “Oldest Comments First.” Other options include “Popular Now” and “Most Likes”: the first option sorts by a combination of response frequency and “Likes”, the second is purely the number of “Likes” a comment has received. We’re excited about these options: they make finding the best and most interesting comments easy.

Images and videos
Commenters can use rich link-sharing to share photos or videos, just like on Facebook. Paste the URL to a video or photo from services like YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr, and others and share them in the comments!

Comment archives
All comments on a story, photo or video now appear on one page, providing a smoother reading experience. This will make following the conversation much easier and mean fewer interruptions to your conversation. You will get up to 30 comments and their replies when you first load the page. If there are more comments, simply click the "more" button at the end of the stream to view more comments.

Instant flagging
The "Inappropriate Post" button and form that used to appear beside comments has been replaced with a single “Flag” link. There is no form to fill out, and no other action required to report a post that may not meet community standards. Flagged comments are reviewed by moderators to determine whether they do in fact violate the Community Rules.

A few caveats:
We expect the launch to go smoothly, but we may see an outage here or there as the new platform kicks to life. We appreciate your patience.

Some avatars from pre-launch comments may not appear on the site, depending on whether historical information has been populated.

Permalinks to comments are not currently enabled, but will be in the near future and we’re excited to we’ll be able to share and bring more attention to individual comments.
This post will be updated as we become aware of issues related to the launch of the new commenting platform and we will be responding as fast as possible to any questions raised in the comments! Have fun, everyone!

Ed Kubosiak is the Editor-in-Chief of MassLive.com. Reach him at ekubosia@masslive.com and follow him on Twitter @Ed_Kubosiak.

Restaurant review: Cal's Wood-Fired Grill & Bar in West Springfield

0
0

An especially appealing option at Cal's is their prix fixe lunch. Priced at $12.95 and available Monday through Friday, it includes salad, choice of main dish, and dessert.

Cals.jpgCal's

Upscale dining options at lunchtime have become, it seems, an increasing rarity.

Fast food joints and casual dining chains are great for something quick and easy when the noon hour rolls around, but if midday entertaining, whether it be for business or pleasure, is on the agenda, neither of those have what it takes.

One establishment that does offer a lunchtime experience with style and flare is Cal's Wood-Fired Grill & Bar in West Springfield. It's a dining venue that, in our experience, scores the restaurant business hat trick by offering great food, upscale ambiance, and attentive service.

The dining space at Cal's is among the most attractive around. Its classy yet unpretentious surroundings provide an ideal setting for midday wheeling and dealing.

The lunch menu at Cal's is a variant of the restaurant's dinner hour repertoire.

Entree selections include Grilled Top Sirloin au Poivre ($16.95), Classic Chicken Parmesan ($12.95), Oven Roasted New Bedford Cod ($13.95), and Pappardelle Bolognese ($12.95).

The available selection of appetizers ranges from Blue Point Oysters ($2.25 each) to Tomato Crostini ($7.45) and Cajun Crawfish Tails ($8.95). Three different soup selections and generously proportioned salads are also available.

We began one lunch with the Soup de Jour (roasted tomato -- $5.25). It's tough to coax much flavor out of shipped-in tomatoes, but the kitchen did its best, producing a chunky, herb-flecked puree that had a delicate, tart-sweet appeal.

"Stone pie" is, of course, a fancy dress name for pizza. Cal's offers seven different variations on the stone pie theme, ranging from a Classic Cheese Pie ($10) to a Veggie Pie ($11.45) topped with onions, baby squash, eggplant, and portabella mushrooms.

The Shrimp Scampi Pie ($12.45) we sampled was of the white variety --- no tomato sauce involved -- and had low-key garlic notes accenting the toppings of shrimp and sliced fresh tomato. Tender crusted and buttery flavored, it made for a fine midday dining experience.

Sandwiches are a noontime staple, and Cal's offers choices such as a Chicken Cutlet Panini ($9.95) and ten-ounce Cal's Burger ($9.95).

In preparing the Corned Beef Rueben Sandwich ($9.95) the kitchen follows a traditional recipe -- thin-sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss on marble rye -- and, in doing so, produces a Rueben we'd eagerly order again. "Coated" fries and coleslaw made zippy with finely minced jalapeno completed the presentation.

An especially appealing option at Cal's is their prix fixe lunch. Priced at $12.95 and available Monday through Friday, it includes salad, choice of main dish, and dessert.

The hazelnut-encrusted Atlantic salmon around which we built our lunch was first rate -- deliciously fresh fish, with no trace of the slight rancidity restaurant salmon sometimes has; a mellow honey mustard sauce; garlic mashed potatoes; and a medley of baby veggies.

Admitted, the portion wasn't large as restaurant portions go, but was definitely appropriate for those who don't have the option of napping once they get back to the office.

Special notice is due the lemon-citrus vinaigrette that dressed the accompanying salad. With its perfectly orchestrated flavors, it was the tastiest salad anointment we've enjoyed in quite a while.

Cal's offers full bar service and an extensive wine list with more than 60 different selections.

Dessert choices at the restaurant are limited. Passing on the chocolate cake and various cheesecake flavors, we instead tried a Tiramisu ($6), especially liking the way grated dark chocolate replaced the traditional (and often too-bitter) dusting of cocoa.

Apple strudel, a dessert that was an option in the prix fixe lunch, was also much to our liking. Garnished with ice cream, custard sauce, and a whipped cream spritz, the pastry had a fine, fresh apple flavor.

The dinner menu at Cal's expands on the lunch menu, adding several steak options as well as the likes of Swordfish ($21.95) and Pan-seared Day Boat Scallops ($21.95).

The restaurant also serves brunch Sundays from 12 noon until 2 p.m., offering a variety of morning food favorites.

Name: Cal's Wood-Fired Grill & Bar
Address: 1086 Riverdale Street, West Springfield
Phone: (413) 827-9353
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Saturday: 3:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Sunday: Noon - 9:00 p.m.
Entree Prices: $16.45 - $27.95
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped Access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted

Small swing state New Hampshire may play outsized role in Barack Obama-Mitt Romney presidential race

0
0

President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Romney are battling it out for New Hampshire's fiscally conservative, socially liberal voters.

obama nh office (5).JPGVolunteers Mary Jo Cannarella (left) and Sonia Prince make phone calls for President Obama's campaign in Nashua, N.H. on July 6, 2012.

NASHUA, N.H. — On a recent Friday morning, Sonia Prince, a stay-at-home mom from Nashua, sat in President Barack Obama’s campaign office making phone calls.

Prince has supported Obama since 2007. Her biggest concern is the affordability and availability of health insurance, and she supports Obama’s health care overhaul. Prince told one voter about an upcoming phone bank, health care information session and ward meeting. “We’re in the same ward, and I’d love to meet you,” Prince said.

A handful of volunteers – from a high school student to a retiree – joined Prince making phone calls. Next to a life-size cardboard cut-out of Obama, a whiteboard featured a wish list of supplies: clipboards, quarters for parking meters, coffee cups.

Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s campaign was preparing for a “Super Saturday,” in which the campaign opened five offices around New Hampshire and organized volunteers to make phone calls and knock on doors.

New Hampshire, with four electoral votes, may be the smallest of the swing states. But neither presidential campaign is taking it for granted. Obama, who won New Hampshire in 2008, has a stronger ground game, with more offices and more advertising. But Romney, who won New Hampshire’s Republican presidential primary, has visited multiple times and, like Obama, maintains a network of supporters from his 2008 run.

“It’s a very close state, a legitimately purple state, made even more purple by our involvement in the primary,” said Tom Rath, a senior Romney advisor and veteran of New Hampshire politics. “This state knows these candidates as well or better than any state in the country.”

The Obama campaign currently has 10 offices in New Hampshire – seven of which have been open since before the January primary, though Obama faced no major primary challenger. On July 10, the campaign’s online New Hampshire calendar for that day listed phone banks at 15 locations, three team meetings, a canvass, a planning session for a “youth night” and an office opening in Conway. Records show the Obama campaign has spent more than $1.3 million since May advertising on WMUR, the Manchester-based TV station.

New Hampshire House Democratic Leader Terie Norelli, who is on Obama’s state leadership team, said she is optimistic about Obama’s chances. “As I have been traveling around the state, people are very excited about the choice that they have this year,” Norelli said. “People are excited to be out working for President Obama because of the positive things that he has done.” Norelli pointed to Obama’s work on health care reform and keeping student loan interest rates low.

The Romney campaign has eight offices in New Hampshire, including those opened Saturday. The campaign had one office during the primary – which Romney won with 39 percent of the vote – and a continuous presence since then. The campaign has spent just over $300,000 at WMUR since June, according to WMUR’s public file. Romney spent more time in New Hampshire during the primary campaign than almost any other candidate, and has campaigned there several times since – in addition to spending time at his vacation home in Wolfeboro.

“After we lost in 2008, we never stopped working,” Rath said. “We maintained relationships, friendships, built up a very strong statewide organization.” Rath said the campaign has good voter lists, knows how to target resources and is bolstered by frequent visits from Romney.

New Hampshire voters chose Obama over Republican John McCain in 2008, 54 percent to 45 percent. But Republicans in 2010 won a Senate seat, two House seats and control of the state Legislature. The presidential races in 2000 and 2004 were closer, with Democrat John Kerry winning in 2004 and Republican George Bush winning in 2000, both by margins of around 1 percent. Registered voters, as of May, were 28 percent Democrat, 32 percent Republican and 39 percent undeclared. Romney led Obama in the polls before Romney won the Republican nomination, but Obama has since pulled ahead.

“My sense is it’s going to be pretty close,” said Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

Fergus Cullen, a former New Hampshire Republican Party chairman, said Romney’s message about Obama’s failure to improve the economy may be challenging to deliver in New Hampshire, where the unemployment rate, 5 percent in May, has remained below the national average. However, Cullen said, Obama owns the national economy in a way he did not in 2008. “The fact that the economy is sputtering nationally is his biggest impediment politically,” Cullen said.

Will Cypher, 67, a Republican from Manchester who works in the floor covering business, said he voted for Obama in 2008, but will support Romney this year. “I think (Obama) took over a situation that was bad and made it worse,” Cypher said. “I was looking for the ‘change’ but the change didn’t happen.” Cypher believes Romney’s business background could help the country.

Democratic National Committeewoman Kathy Sullivan, a former New Hampshire Democratic Party chairwoman, countered that Romney will be hurt by his “flip-flopping” on health care reform – supporting his own health care overhaul in Massachusetts but opposing similar reforms put in place by Obama nationally. She believes Obama’s attacks on Romney’s business experience at Bain Capital will resonate, and Romney’s failure to connect with everyday people will hurt him. “Romney just is taking the wrong positions in terms of where most New Hampshire voters are at,” Sullivan said.

Eating brunch at Riverwalk Café and Coffee House in Nashua, Kirby Foote, 28, a mental health counselor and Democrat, and her friend Tara Richard, 29, an employment specialist and undeclared voter, both said they will vote for Obama. They like Obama’s support for student loans – particularly a provision giving loan forgiveness to those who work in public service. “I look at what will help me,” Richard said.

The typical New Hampshire voter is fiscally conservative and socially liberal, said Dante Scala, associate professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire. Voters are focused on economic issues including curbing the size of government, and would prefer to keep abortion and gay marriage out of public debate.

Scala said Obama will not have the same struggles for support from working class Democrats that he does in Ohio or Pennsylvania. “In New Hampshire, there are proportionally more college-educated, prosperous voters who have moved in a Democratic direction the past couple of decades,” Scala said.

He said Democrats are energized to make up for their 2010 losses. “It’s no longer the case that Democrats are sitting back fat and happy, and Republicans are on the outs,” Scala said.

At the same time, Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, fits in well with New Hampshire Republicans. Romney’s Mormon faith, which makes some evangelical voters wary, is likely irrelevant in New Hampshire, one of the least religious states in the country, Smith said. Some conservatives nationally dislike the fact that Romney rarely talks about social issues and previously supported abortion rights and gay rights (he now opposes abortion and gay marriage). Smith said New Hampshire Republicans are more pro-choice than voters as a whole nationwide, and 40 percent support keeping gay marriage legal in the state. Smith said New Hampshire Republicans are likely to be attracted to Romney's moderate reputation and focus on economic issues.

“They see Romney as one of their own, not just geographically but ideologically,” Scala said. “Romney’s in their backyard, in both senses.”

Stench from Connecticut landfill fire detected throughout greater Springfield

0
0

The air throughout greater Springfield was redolent with the odor of a fire burning at the Enfield town landfill on Ecology Road.

ENFIELD — A fire at a Connecticut landfill had people in greater Springfield sniffing the air this morning, wondering about the source of the strong odor. The burning scent was noticeable inside the Springfield Police Department on Pearl Street and inside The Republican's newsroom on Main Street.

The source of the odor, it turns out, is a smoldering fire at the Enfield town landfill on Ecology Road, just off Town Farm Road in the southern section of the Massachusetts border town.

"It's blanketed the air here," Enfield Police Sgt. Matthew Meier said early Thursday.

Meier said a mulch or vegetative debris fire at the landfill is causing the odor to waft over portions of the Interstate 91 corridor straddling the Connecticut-Massachusetts border. The burning smell was detected as far north as Holyoke, according to reports from motorists in that area.

Despite a local media report indicating the fire was a controlled burn, Meier described the incident as a fire reported at 12:18 a.m. that's now under control. Enfield Fire Department officials were still at the scene around 5:30 this morning and could not be reached for comment.

Meier speculated that dry weather conditions may have contributed to the fire.

Viewing all 62489 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images