News Roundup

Budget cuts mean fewer substitutes at Brockton High School

Students will be seeing far fewer substitute teachers at Brockton High School this year, one of the consequences of $9.7 million in budget cuts made over the summer.

Budget cuts mean fewer substitutes at Brockton High School

Students will be seeing far fewer substitute teachers at Brockton High School this year, one of the consequences of $9.7 million in budget cuts made over the summer.

Acushnet studies budgetary implications of early retirement program

ACUSHNET — Selectmen want to review budgetary impacts of early retirement for town employees before supporting a state measure that could lead to the departure of veteran workers.

Board vacancies

ACTON Residents are needed to fill vacancies on several town board and committees, including the Community Housing Corporation, Cable Advisory Committee, Council on Aging, Green Advisory Board, Historic District Commission, Recreation Commission, Senior/Disabled Taxation Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, Sidewalk Committee, Volunteer Coordinating Committee, and Water Resources Advisory Committee. Applications are on the town website, www.acton-ma.gov, and at Acton Memorial Library, ...
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Mass. tax revenues in August below expectations

Massachusetts has collected $89 million more in taxes during August compared with the same month last year, but that still fell $70 Million below the estimate for the month.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Undercurrents: The taxation myth

Read more [Newburyport Current - Opinion]

Tobin, Keenan clash at state Senate forum

For nearly an hour, Stephen Tobin and John Keenan appeared at ease with each other. Then one comment ignited a verbal confrontation. The two Democratic candidates for the state Senate district that includes Holbrook shook hands before delving thoughtfully into tax credits and laws governing independent contractors, but tension was building throughout the Sept. 2 forum organized by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and held at a Braintree car dealership. The candidates, who will face off in a Sept. 14 primary, ended up shouting over each other after Keenan, in his closing statement, criticized Tobin’s voting attendance as a state representative, a dig the Quincy city councilor is making central to his campaign.

Candidate for treasurer urges transparency of state coffers

FITCHBURG -- The entire checkbook for Massachusetts should be on the Internet, updated regularly and open for scrutiny by every resident, according to Steve Grossman, a Democrat candidate for state Treasurer.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Hingham students finding nutritious food can taste good, too

“These are the kinds of food that kids would have at home,” said Lynn Petrowski, shared food service director for Hingham and Cohasset. “Within our limited budget, we can find ways to be creative.”

Candidates speak out on taxes, economy, education at forum

TOWNSEND -- Taxes, the economy, illegal immigration and even school uniforms were covered during a two-hour candidates forum for Democrat and Republican candidates for the 1st Middlesex District at Memorial Hall Thursday.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

LETTER: If sheriff saved tax dollars, where is the money?

If sheriff saved tax dollars, where is the money?

Schools rethink budgets

LEOMINSTER -- School officials in the region are carefully considering how to spend an influx of federal cash they received last week through a $26 billion federal jobs bill.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Audit discloses Cahill campaign failed to pay $15G in state income tax

BOSTON -- State Treasurer Tim Cahill took responsibility Wednesday for failing to pay state income taxes on interest earned from his campaign account, calling the gaffe "an oversight" that he moved quickly to correct.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Letter to the editor: Disappointed in guest column on Obama

We were very disappointed in the guest column by one Claudia Heller ("Sticking up for Obama, p. 13). Many of us in the Weston and Wayland community are simply hardworking, tax paying, decent people who have honest disagreements with the Obama policies. To characterize us all as simply operating from cynical motivation is totally unfair.

Patrick sidesteps queries on tax rollback referendum

Read more [Swampscott Reporter - News]

Baker comes to Milford, arguing for cuts ins spending, taxes

Charlie Baker brought his campaign for governor to Draper Park yesterday, speaking about plans to decrease property taxes and cut state spending if elected.

YOUR VIEW: Taxpayers can't afford zoo expansion

I am shocked to learn that the city of New Bedford pays over half a million of our tax dollars to prop up the Buttonwood Park Zoo each year! That's money the city could use to avoid layoffs, keeping more city workers employed in more vital areas.

Patrick won’t commit to sales tax rollback

Governor Deval Patrick declined to say yesterday whether he would implement a tax rollback if the voters mandate it in November, pitting him against all three of his campaign rivals, who say they would abide by the referendum.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Patrick won’t commit to sales tax rollback

Governor Deval Patrick declined to say yesterday whether he would implement a tax rollback if the voters mandate it in November, pitting him against all three of his campaign rivals, who say they would abide by the referendum.



Deval Patrick - Sales tax - Tax - Accounting - United States
Read more [Boston Globe - City / Region]

DA investigates death of Lowell boy, 2

LOWELL — Authorities are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy in Lowell, who his mother said had suffered a seizure.



Boston Red Sox - Mike Lowell - Lowell - Texas Rangers - Detroit Tigers
Read more [Boston Globe - City / Region]

2 more on ballot failed to pay tax

Two high-profile Democrats, the lieutenant governor and a candidate for state auditor, acknowledged yesterday that they also had not paid required taxes on investment income earned on their campaign accounts.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

2 more on ballot failed to pay tax

Two high-profile Democrats, the lieutenant governor and a candidate for state auditor, acknowledged yesterday that they also had not paid required taxes on investment income earned on their campaign accounts.



Democratic - Lieutenant Governor - United States - Politics - State auditor
Read more [Boston Globe - City / Region]

Campaign 2010: Patrick says rivals don't want to cut property taxes

Gov. Deval Patrick said Tuesday during an appearance on WTKK that he’s the “only candidate in the race” who favors lowering the property tax, saying the tax-cutting plans of his gubernatorial rivals would make higher property taxes “inevitable.”

Candidate Statement: John Quinn

It is time that Bristol County has a Sheriff that punishes criminals, not taxpayers, and I believe that I am the candidate that has the necessary education, experience and proven record of accomplishments to achieve this goal.

Charlie Baker in Milford today

Supporters of Charlie Baker gathered at Draper Park this morning to hear the gubernatorial candidate talk about rising property taxes.
Read more [Milford Daily News - News]

Hudak signs death tax repeal pledge

Massachusetts’ Sixth Congressional District candidate Bill Hudak has signed the American Family Business Institute’s (AFBI) “Death Tax Repeal Pledge.”

Local business saves Chartley Halloween parade

The Norton Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that the 18th annual Chartley Halloween parade will go on as planned.

In light of the recent budget constraints, there was a possibility the lack of  funds would force the cancellation of the annual October parade. Fortunately, a local business, the Teachers Driving Academy, has offered to provide the necessary funds to make this parade a success and the recreation commission is extremely grateful for their generosity, said commission Chairman Sheri Cohen.

Newton property taxes: Statement from Hill and Flicop

Newton residents Chris Hill and Sue Flicop issued the following statement in response to the TAB article "Newton property owners owe $4.2 in unpaid taxes'"

Patrick won't commit to Mass. sales tax rollback

Gov. Deval Patrick won't commit to implementing a proposal to reduce the state's sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent even if voters approve it through a ballot question this fall.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Holbrook Library News: Library thanks summer reading supporters

Library News: The Holbrook Public Library would like to express appreciation to the local businesses that supported the library’s successful Summer Reading Program—Baskin Accounting and Tax Services, Colonial Federal Savings Bank, Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar, Randolph Savings Bank, and Smith’s Restaurant. The library would also like to thank the Holbrook Cultural Council, the library trustees, and the Friends of the Library, who assisted with the programs. 

Lancaster's senior tax program to be reworked, say selectmen

LANCASTER -- Town leaders plan to make alterations to the town's senior citizen tax work-off program, so seniors who are most in need of financial help have first priority to enlist in the program.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Campaign 2010: Cahill campaign acknowledges about $15K in unpaid taxes

Treasurer Timothy Cahill, who oversees cash management of the state's $29.5 billion budget, failed to pay roughly $15,000 in taxes on campaign funds, his Independent campaign for governor said late Tuesday.s

Abington school officials announce $100,000 windfall

School officials announced the district has received a windfall of over $100,000 that will be used to lower the varsity athletic fee and restore some positions that were eliminated due to budget reductions.

Abington school officials announce $100,000 windfall

School officials announced the district has received a windfall of over $100,000 that will be used to lower the varsity athletic fee and restore some positions that were eliminated due to budget reductions.

Cahill campaign failed to pay $15,000 in state taxes on interest since 2002

State Treasurer Timothy Cahill’s campaign has failed to pay state taxes on some interest-bearing accounts since 2002 because it didn’t realize it had to, the campaign announced late Tuesday night.

Cahill committee didn’t pay state tax

State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill acknowledged last night that his campaign committee failed to pay an estimated $15,000 in state income taxes over the past decade, as required by law.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Cahill committee didn’t pay state tax

State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill acknowledged last night that his campaign committee failed to pay an estimated $15,000 in state income taxes over the past decade, as required by law.



Income tax - Tim Cahill - United States - Politics - Taxation
Read more [Boston Globe - City / Region]

Cahill' campaign failed to pay Mass. tax

An audit has found that Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy Cahill's campaign has not paid a state tax on interest earned from funds held in certificates of deposits during the last eight years.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

State budget gap estimates grow

The Senate’s top budget author has elevated high-end projections for the state’s budget deficit this fiscal year, pointing to executive agency estimates through early August that showed surging demands on already strained finances that could result in a gross $600 million deficit in Medicaid accounts.

A look at home prices in 20 US cities

Home prices rose in June as now-expired tax credits inspired a burst of home-buying. But demand has faded and prices are expected to fall through the rest of the year.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

King: Imminent disaster at the Uplands

How is it that Brian O’Neill receives preliminary approval for a tax-free $52 million bond from the commonwealth of Massachusetts, after he allegedly defaults on a loan from a Pennsylvania bank, gets sued by the bank, then counter-sues because his projects got held up [“O’Neill applies for $52M bond to build at Belmont Uplands,” Aug. 12]?

Whitman church group caught in a bind

First Baptist Church of Whitman loses tax-exempt status but can’t dissolve
Read more [Brockton Enterprise - News]

2 men allegedly harassed women riding T

BOSTON Two men are being charged with sex offenses after being arrested by MBTA Transit Police and accused of molesting women on the T. Daniel Rhoades, 24, a homeless man from Quincy, faces two counts of open and gross lewdness in allegedly exposing himself to women who were riding the Red Line Aug. 16 and Aug. 17. Alexander Zerchykov, 51, ...



Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - Red Line - People - Science and Technology - Twitter
Read more [Boston Globe - City / Region]

Candidates Corner: Tobin opposes proposal to add tax to bottled water

Candidates Corner: State Rep. Arthur Stephen Tobin, candidate for state Senate, said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to meet you and your family and hear your views and concerns. My experience in the Legislature has taught me that taxes come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some proposed solutions appear to address a problem and are strategically packaged to be misleading and can come at a price, often carrying fees that essentially are a form of an added tax. An example of this is found in a proposed bill to add a tax to your bottled water.  The idea seems appealing because the proposed end result appears to be in direct alignment with the preservation of your environment. A closer look shows that it does not solve the problem. Adding a tax to your water bottles neither equates to fewer water bottles nor decreases plastic production. Furthermore, it is damaging to your quality of life. The result of the proposed bill is an additional tax for you, albeit strategically disguised."

Officials say window repairs overdue

In May, Town Meeting approved a capital budget that includes $75,000 to repair and restore the three stained-glass windows on the Pleasant Street side of the Town Hall auditorium.

Candidates Corner: Keenan vows to bring fiscal discipline to state budget

Candidates Corner: Democratic candidate for state Senate John Keenan said that he is looking forward to bringing his proven track record of fiscal discipline to Beacon Hill, where the state budget remains more than $2 billion out of balance.  “As chairman of the Quincy city council’s finance committee, I have been guided by a strict sense of fiscal responsibility,” Keenan said. “I have supported spending cuts and budgetary reforms before tax hikes, and as a result of my stewardship, Quincy has been able to balance its budget and fund core local services without resorting to Proposition 2 ½ overrides.”

Regional schools try to get along

"We need to do a better job of working together," said Dan Morin, the Mendon-Upton Regional School District's School Committee chairman. "We haven't done a good job of planning for the budget from the municipal side and the school side.

Connie Sullivan pushes for lower sales-tax rate

AYER -- Discouraging Massachusetts consumers from crossing the state border is one of Cornelius "Connie" Sullivan's economic stimulus strategies.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Candidates Corner: Clifford asks: ‘Are you better off today?’

Candidates Corner: Paul “Dan” Clifford, independent candidate for state representative, said, “Are you better off today than you were a year ago or two years ago?  No, the majority of us are not better off.  Job losses and increased taxes affect all of us. While most of us are cutting our household budgets, our state and federal governments are spending more and taxing us more."

Reich: Fuel economy with education and energy

Upon hearing that British Petroleum would will receive a $10 billion tax break for the loss of oil in the Gulf, Jesse Reich said he wondered how alternative energy providers like Cape Wind are supposed to compete with the oil industry.
Read more [Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise - Local News]

Rochester Memorial School 'on schedule, under budget'

The Rochester Memorial School will be ready to welcome students for the first day of classes, despite some rumblings around town to the contrary, officials said.

Menu of options for Hingham meals tax revenue

Such a tax, which went into effect July 1, brings in additional revenue that could be used to offset expenses and expected future increases in property taxes. Annual income to Hingham from the tax is estimated at as much as $250,000 to $350,000.

YOUR VIEW: Propaganda and the Constitution

Primary season is in mid September, and the politicians aspiring to public office are, invariably, seeking a message that resonates with voters. Drawing from the national theme that big government and bigger taxes are a witches' brew that will destroy...

School officials say this year is the worst they’ve seen since early 80s

South Shore schools are opening this fall with 229 more students and 180 fewer teachers. School administrators say the budgets they’ve been given for this year are the worst they’ve seen since Proposition 21/2 was introduced in 1980, limiting how much communities could raise in local taxes.

Special Town Meeting: Article 6, FAILED

The most controversial article on the Special Town Meeting warrant was Article 6, the fiscal 2011 budget. At May Town Meeting, voters passed the Finance and Advisory Board’s recommended budget (opposed to the Board of Selectmen’s), which required $801,395 in Free Cash and Local Receipts to balance, according to Town Administrator David Ragucci.

Special Town Meeting: Article 4, PASSED

There wasn’t too much mystery as to how Town Meeting would vote for the local meals tax option, despite School Committee member Jeanne Craigie’s request that votes be taken by secret ballot.

Stoneham Town Meeting votes down selectmen’s budget

This past Thursday’s Special Town Meeting was expected to be a clashing of egos, with residents and boards butting heads over the top issues such as the fiscal 2011 budget and implementation of a meals tax. But besides a few small arguments here and there, the meeting remained relatively calm, considering the emotional buildup in the last few months. This was in large part due to the Board of Selectmen’s work to reduce a $400,000 School Department cut within the budget they presented, and the indefinite postponement of Article 5 to change Town Meeting code, which related to the issue of “balanced” budgets and would have prevented any motion made to appropriate money in excess of the estimated total revenues for the town.

Report: Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Report: State depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Massachusetts depends heavily on income tax

Massachusetts is the third most income-tax-dependent state in the nation, deriving 36.8 percent of its revenue from its 5.3 percent tax on individual earnings, and nearly cracked the top-ten list of states most dependent on property taxes, according to a new report.

Candidates Corner: Regan says district needs ‘fighter who can get results’

Candidates Corner: James Regan, candidate for state representative in the Fifth Norfolk District, said, “Helping our community during these hard economic times required the Braintree municipal light board commission to set a strong financial foundation. When I first ran for office, I promised that we as a town should get more back from our government. I have made it a point to lead the way in giving back to the ratepayers. Under my leadership, we have instituted a working capital policy that has given us that strong financial foundation. The goal was to have three months of working capital on hand to fight off any possible rate hikes. With this in place, we have focused on our core mission: reliable and low electric rates. Not only have electric rates been cut by 11 percent, but the tax payment to the town has increased from $750,000. to $1.5 million."

Plymouth County sales, values remain strong

With the expiration of federal tax incentives for qualified home purchases, the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds did not see the same frantic pace of recordings in July that it saw in June. At the same time, Register of Deeds John R. Buckley Jr. reported, sales continued at a significantly increased pace over 2009.

Logan Airport radar system gives false readings; pilots, controllers air concerns

Pilots and air traffic controllers say a new ground radar system designed to prevent collisions on runways and taxiways at Logan International Airport gives false readings that have caused pilots to abort landings, especially in bad weather.

Amesbury seeks applicants for Senior Tax Work Off Program

Amesbury seniors have an opportunity to work off a portion of their property taxes.

Bayview house will be sold at auction Saturday

FAIRHAVEN — The town of Fairhaven is going ahead with the auction of a house at 25 Bayview Ave. that the town took possession of over nonpayment of taxes. The auction begins at 11 a.m. The town is requiring a minimum bid of $100,000.

Abington fire chief wants funding article on warrant

Acting Abington Fire Chief Jack Weckbacker said he’s in discussion with Town Manager John D’Agostino to put an article on the October Town Meeting warrant which would help fund the fire department’s operating budget.

OPINION: Beacon Hill should tackle another vice

Gambling may have been the vice du jour in the last legislative session but changing attitudes toward marijuana and a flawed law designed to regulate its use may give casinos some competition on the Beacon Hill agenda when the next session begins in January.

Failing Avon food bank investigated by attorney general

Serve New England, once based in Avon, has failed to file tax returns, according to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. The group also has lost its USDA produce-selling license because it owes a farmer more than $12,000 for potatoes, the agency spokesman said.

Letter: Meals tax a ‘no brainer’

On Thursday, Aug. 26, at a Special Town Meeting, voters will have the opportunity to support a local meals tax. As many residents have stated, the 0.75 percent tax is a “no brainer.”

Home prices are up in July despite plunge in sales volume

Home prices in Massachusetts continued to rise moderately last month despite a severe drop-off in sales hurt by the expiration of federal tax credits.

Natick may have $3M left from 2010 budget

NATICK - Selectmen said Monday night that town administrators' preliminary estimates show the town will be left with about $3 million in free cash as fiscal 2010 is closed out.

Two owners of firetraps are tax scofflaws

At least two owners of properties flagged by Hub jakes for over a decade as potentially deadly firetraps owe the...
Read more [Boston Herald - Regional News & Opinion]

Oops! Error might have cost NJ an education grant

HADDONFIELD, N.J. -- For anyone who's ever entered the wrong number on a tax return and been denied a refund, or accidentally overtipped, here's some consolation: A silly error on New Jersey's application for the highly competitive Race to the Top education grants might have cost the state $400 million.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Nurses say they're important to Hudson schools

In a landscape of budget cuts and layoffs, school nurses stood as one before the School Committee last night to explain why their presence in Hudson's public schools is vital.

Home prices are up in July despite plunge in sales volume

Home prices in Massachusetts continued to rise moderately last month despite a severe drop-off in sales hurt by the expiration of federal tax credits.
Read more [Brockton Enterprise - News]

Gregorio: Proposed changes to budget not finalized

The Board of Selectmen has included an article on the warrant for Thursday’s Special Town Meeting proposing adjustments to the fiscal 2011 budget. These adjustments were necessary since the town voted on a budget in May based on inaccurate revenue estimates. As I type this letter, the proposed changes have not been finalized since the boards, town administrator and superintendent are working together to find ways to bridge the gap.

New Bedford looks to federal aid after 80 teacher layoffs

About 80 city teachers were laid off last week to close the School Department's budget shortfall, but school officials remain hopeful that anticipated federal funding will allow them to restore some of those positions.

90 years ago women gained the right to vote

The balloons Carol Kane will tie to a Framingham Centre signpost Thursday pay tribute to her great-aunt Josephine Collins. The colors pay tribute to Lydia Taft of Uxbridge, Augusta Cheney of Natick, Louisa May Alcott of Concord, the "Women Taxpayers" of Milford, fellow Framingham resident Louise Parker Mayo, and the thousands of other local women who shared in Collins' goal to ratify the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18, 1920, and it became the law of the land on Aug. 26.

90 years ago women gained the right to vote

The balloons Carol Kane will tie to a Framingham Centre signpost Thursday pay tribute to her great-aunt Josephine Collins. The colors pay tribute to Lydia Taft of Uxbridge, Augusta Cheney of Natick, Louisa May Alcott of Concord, the "Women Taxpayers" of Milford, fellow Framingham resident Louise Parker Mayo, and the thousands of other local women who shared in Collins' goal to ratify the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18, 1920, and it became the law of the land on Aug. 26.

Candidates Corner: Regan cites ‘proven record of strong fiscal oversight’

James Regan, candidate for state representative, said, “The challenges our district will face in the years ahead are not small ones. We are all concerned about the economy, education, rising taxes, and the quality of life in the communities we call home.

“The solutions we seek cannot be found in advertising sound bites or empty promises. I won’t make empty promises. Here’s one promise I will make. I promise that I will work tirelessly on behalf of this whole district to see that the people have a common sense voice on Beacon Hill."

Candidates Corner: Keenan supports further pension reforms

Candidates Corner: Democratic candidate for state Senate John Keenan said more steps need to be taken to close loopholes that allow savvy and often politically connected public employees to abuse state and local pension systems. Keenan said his experience as executive director of the Norfolk County Retirement System has provided him with a first-hand look at how some employees exploit loopholes in state pension rules and receive unfairly large retirement packages at a high cost to taxpayers. “I know where the abuses are and will file legislation to close these holes,” he said.

Letters to the editor for Aug. 23

— Time to repeal sales tax in Massachusetts– Congress strikes again with Obama’s help Time to repeal sales tax in Massachusetts

For Democrats, a tempting tack to the right

WALTHAM — Susan L. Fargo, a veteran Democratic state senator from Lincoln, is on the campaign trail armed with a Republican talking point: Repeal last year’s sales and alcohol tax increases.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Tax bills rise as property values shrink, again

Milton and Rockland were among only nine communities in Massachusetts that saw double-digit increases in average annual property tax bills during the fiscal year that ended July 1. Voters in both towns approved Proposition 2 1/2 tax overrides in 2009.

True threat close to home

By John Edward Recent economic reports confirm Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's observation that "the economic outlook remains unusually uncertain." It is much too soon to be thinking about balancing the federal budget.
Read more [Lowell Sun - Columns]

Home values down, but tax bills rise

Despite dropping home values, Massachusetts property tax bills continued to rise last year. Revenue-hungry cities and towns, looking for money to pay for new buildings and to maintain services, have continued to push up local taxes, often asking voters to approve property tax overrides even as real estate values drop further.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Library thrives in tough times

At a time when many libraries are struggling with budget cuts, the Dover Town Library is increasing hours, positions, and services — largely thanks to the tightknit community it serves.
Read more [Boston.com - Massachusetts News]

Letter: The illusion of transparency

Many of you may have received a Comment of the Day e-mail from Selectman Paul Rotondi this weekend titled, “Myths and Transparencies,” and since it is his custom to submit these e-mails as letters to the editor, you may have just finished reading it in this newspaper. [Editor’s note: A shorter version of Rotondi’s e-mail appears as a column this week titled “Myths and Transparency.”]

Chartley station reopening end of August

After being closed for two months, the Chartley fire station will reopen Monday, Aug. 30.

The station was temporarily shut July 1 to offset a gap of $50,000 to $100,000 in the fire department’s 2011 fiscal budget.

The temporary closure of the station has saved the town $35,000, Fire Chief Richard Gomes told selectmen at their Aug. 12 meeting.

Rotondi: Myths and Transparency

The purpose of this letter is to shed light on myths that have been presented by the School Committee to protect their budget with the facts and supporting data. Before I start, all the data that I will present can be verified by the town account or found on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE) website (fiscal 2009 Expenditures per Pupil, All Funds, Summary by Function).

Glover project to proceed on twin tracks, say Marblehead school officials

The Marblehead School Committee appropriated $71,100 from its 2011 budget to continue the Glover School Feasibility Study at its Thursday, Aug. 19 meeting.

7th Congressional District Republicans Tierney, Dembrowski answer question about defense budgets

Question of the Week: Is the defense budget too big, too small, just right?

7th Congressional District Republicans Tierney, Dembrowski answer question about defense budgets

Question of the Week: Is the defense budget too big, too small, just right?

7th Congressional District Republicans Tierney, Dembrowski answer question about defense budgets

Question of the Week: Is the defense budget too big, too small, just right?

ELECTION NOTEBOOK: Political newcomer Carnevale looks to unseat Somerville's Jehlen

It was the frustrations of running a small business that led Dave Carnevale to run for State Senate this year, his first bid for a political office.

Carnevale, a 26-year-old Republican who has lived his entire life in Medford, is attempting to unseat state Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, who he sees as too progressive for the district.

“I don’t feel that she’s a typical Democrat,” said Carnevale, who pointed out her support for raising sales tax, taxing liquors and allowing cities and towns to increase meal and hotel taxes – which three of the four municipalities in the district have adopted. Winchester has not.

Business owners have different opinions on tax-free weekend

Predictions, opinions and judgments about the tax-free weekend varied widely among local businesses all over Wayland, ranging from nervous optimism to pessimistic ambivalence. Since the tax holiday had failed to materialize last year, due to the budget crisis in Massachusetts, many suspected that even their most loyal customers would be unaware of it this year.