[Note: This opinion piece is for publication before the 2013 Boston mayoral preliminary election.] In an age when powerful incumbents routinely thwart new challengers, draping our civic life in a drab backdrop of electoral monotony, the … [Read more...]
Wal-Mart: Act like Costco if you want to do business in Somerville
I just read local officials' and candidates' responses to questions about WalMart in the latest Somerville Scout and thought I would share an insight. Costco pays its workers an average wage of $17.00 per hour. Wal-Mart pays its workers … [Read more...]
VOTER CHOICE (IRV) ballot referendum campaign needs help now!
------------------------------------------------------------ VOTER CHOICE MASSACHUSETTS - PETITION DRIVE "More Voices, Real Choices" Sept 11th - Nov 18th ------------------------------------------------------------ ENDORSEMENTS + The … [Read more...]
Op-Ed about Low Voter Turnout (targeted to concerned, but not yet active, citizens)
But hey, it's a free country. We should be free to vote or not vote at our leisure. True enough, but here's the kicker: witholding your vote doesn't raise any eyebrows at the State House. No one cares. When the … [Read more...]
Voting Incentive: get a tax credit for voting
Australia gives its citizens a fine for failing to vote on election day. In my experience as a teacher, I find that carrots work way better than sticks in trying to change a student's behavior. Therefore I propose a law whereby … [Read more...]