Ordinarily, it wouldn't make headlines. But the fact that the town of Bridgewater is expanding the hours of operation for its library and senior center during a recession makes headlines for several reasons.First of all, while many in … [Read more...]
Brown backers said ‘yes’ to taxes
For many in Massachusetts and across the nation, Scott Brown’s January 19th victory is being widely hailed as a victory for anti-government, anti-tax crusaders. Brown won big in suburbia and Dedham was no exception (55 percent).But on … [Read more...]
Facing cuts, towns raise revenue
Faced with declining revenues, cuts to local aid and rising costs, many Massachusetts towns are increasing hotel and meals taxes as well as overriding Proposition 2 1/2 to raise property taxes.In Rockland, residents voted 2-1 in favor of a … [Read more...]
A balanced approach in Randolph
While many communities in Massachusetts are cutting services to make up for increasing budget deficits, Randolph voters, who last year passed a Prop. 2 1/2 override, are investing in their public systems and laying the groundwork for … [Read more...]
Who Needs Libraries, Anyways?
...Brockton Public Library faces a... loss of eight jobs, six from layoffs in the fiscal 2009 budget currently before the City Council. ...Bridgewater Public Library awaits a June tax override vote to [fund] the restoration of the 63 … [Read more...]
A form of mothering – teaching civic engagement
In a previous incarnation as a Mother of five children under seven, I found myself up to my neck in local politics because I wanted my children to grow up in a vibrant healthy community. They got pretty good at rounding up neighborhood kids … [Read more...]
Progressive Predicament: Agreeing With Barbara Anderson
Like Barbara Anderson, I believe in limited taxation, though I know we would disagree on where the limit lies. Unlike the anti-tax crusader, however, I see tax justice as a matter of fairness, not taxlessness. Oddly enough, our differing … [Read more...]