News opinion 2008-07-07 Andanh.com

Letter: Newbury now has to find new sources of revenue Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:30:00 EDT
To the editor:
The recent Special Town Meeting regarding the Village at Little River (VLR) development resulted in one good outcome: record turnout of over 800 citizens. Contrast this with the dismal turnout (130) at the recent Annual Town Meeting when we voted to change our form of town administration, $300,000 in service cuts to finalize our FY'09 budget, and selling 5.4 acres of pristine beachfront property to meet some of our capital needs. Town Meeting is our "legislature" and it is everyone's responsibility to participate. Leaving important decisions in the hands of others through lack of attendance means you are giving up your right to express an opinion, especially after the fact. At this Special Town Meeting taxpayers voted against zoning changes to enable development of a project opportunity that does not come along very often. We'd like to commend the developer for their two years of hard work, considerable expense and flexibility in accommodating the requests of the Town of Newbury in trying to find an optimal solution.

Viewpoint: Voke ed a Bay State success story Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:30:00 EDT
There are high schools where admission is competitive; where mastery is the standard, not just time spent in class; where community and business partnerships augment school budgets; and where students are prepared for the challenges of the global economy. This is the reality of vocational and technical education in Massachusetts today.

Marijuana helps AIDS, cancer patients Monday July 7, 2008
If health outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural norms, marijuana would be legal. Unlike alcohol, marijuana has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it share the addictive properties of tobacco. Marijuana can be harmful if abused, but jail cells are inappropriate as health interventions and ineffective as deterrents.

Amusement rides need safety inspections Monday July 7, 2008
Perhaps I missed it, but I haven't heard any news recently concerning the amusement rides that are provided for enjoyment for those who attend certain functions.

Babe Ruth rules are in need of change Monday July 7, 2008
This is concerning the Worcester Babe Ruth West Side rules. The coach's kids play every inning of every game. Any mention of this to league officials will be viewed as an attack on the organization and may result in your removal.

Iraq should pay U.S. for its freedom Monday July 7, 2008
I have a solution to the energy crisis we are facing in America. Our government is equal to big business. When big business helps out another business it gets paid back. We need to go to Iraq and tell the new government that the United States formed that we need to be paid back for helping them get its freedom.

'No-kill' method works in animal shelters Monday July 7, 2008
Worcester Animal Rescue League is beholden to the public for donations, volunteers and adoptions. Therefore, it cannot take the public for granted, or ignore its opinion about killing animals. They have a duty of full disclosure and a duty to care for homeless animals.

Protection needed for mentally ill Monday July 7, 2008
Contrary to an editorial, "Law and medicine: No quick fix for ER complaints by mentally ill" (Telegram & Gazette, June 5), laws to protect people with psychiatric histories from abuse and medical neglect are needed. Would you tell women suffering sexual harassment to work out their issues with their employers without benefit of legal protection? We are vulnerable and presently have no legal protection, and we need the law proposed by state Rep. Ruth B. Balser, D-Newton.

Green light Monday July 7, 2008
It took two years of legislative wrangling and a final push by the House leadership as the long Independence Day weekend approached, but on Wednesday, the long-anticipated Green Communities Act became law.

10 meg modem was too much trouble Monday July 7, 2008
If you are paying for 10 meg speed for your computer with Charter Communications, it would be a good idea to go to a free Web site to make sure you are getting what you are paying for.

The quotable voice Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

"We watched some (smokers) try to quit and they were just so psychologically devastated. Some of them would rather buy cigarettes than buy food."

LETTER: Fix Wareham's problems at ballot box Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Fix Wareham

LETTER: New override comes too soon Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

New override comes too soon

YOUR VIEW: Don't blame Republicans for energy crisis Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

In response to the energy crisis, which is currently diminishing our standard of living and which could ultimately even shift the world's balance of power, President Bush has proposed a number of steps to increase our energy supply and move us toward...

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