News opinion 2008-07-28 Andanh.com

Essex County Chronicles: Marblehead sculptor earned a national reputation Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
The next time you find yourself stuck in rush-hour traffic in the vicinity of the Sumner Tunnel in Boston, take a moment to notice the sculpted decorative medallions over the tunnel entrance. They are the work of the noted Marblehead sculptor and painter Johan Selmer-Larsen.

Our view: Innovation has region on brink of economic revival Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
Robotics, photolithography, clean energy — these technologies and others hold great promise for the region north of Boston whose brainpower is its greatest natural resource. There were these developments this month:

Letter: Not happy with new road Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
To the editor:
The state has built the $15-million drag strip to nowhere. Now it is only fair that it and the city protect the neighborhoods from the environmental hazards of noise, exhaust, and visual pollution.

Thanks: Ipswich Historical Society appreciated help with property maintenance Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
To the editor:
We at the Ipswich Historical Society want to publicly thank several area businesses and individuals for their recent generous gifts of time and service to our Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Our view: Dominion decision good news for Salem, region Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
Word that Salem Harbor Station will continue producing electricity for the indefinite future is good news for Salem and New England.
There was a lot more than good jobs, economic activity and property tax revenue to be lost had Dominion decided it was in its best financial interest to simply close the plant, rather than invest the additional money needed to comply with the more stringent environmental regulations due to take effect within the next several years.

Letter: Obama acting like he's already been elected president Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
To the editor:
One must wonder if U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, candidate for president, is creating foreign policy for the United States before he gets elected.
Also, we must ask how and if he got permission from the State Department to confer with heads of state in war-torn Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Palestine. We have seen him spend little time with our military men and women in those countries where fighting is still going on.

Thanks: Rotarians helped kids help Salem Mission Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:31:00 EDT
To the editor:
I would like to thank the Salem Rotary Club for donating to the Salem Mission Food Pantry.
When the people there saw the food we were bringing in, they seemed ecstatic, especially the person in the storage room. He praised us, saying things like, "Wow!" and "Thank you so much!" Their donations made everyone at the shelter extremely happy.

Taylor Armerding: For women 'priests,' church is all about them Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:34:00 EDT
I'm not a Catholic.
So, I've got no personal religious stake in the current hot, cutting-edge challenge to the pope and his cadre of old white men (well, OK, a few of them aren't white) in hats and red robes.

Pocket politics in the halls of Congress Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:10:00 EDT
You may not believe this, but I am an optimist. I have an optimistic view of life and I am filled with wonder at the wonder and majesty of life especially life in this country. I am extremely thankful that my eyes have been opened to the natural beauty around us, especially in this part of the nation.

Letter: Letter writer's accusations unfounded Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:09:00 EDT
To the editor:
Your newspaper recently published a letter titled, "Kezer shouldn't have sole control of 'CodeRed'" (July 9). In that letter, the author levied some serious accusations that require response.

Letter: McCain flip-flops on offshore drilling Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:08:00 EDT
To the editor:
First John McCain was against drilling for oil off our coast for environmental concerns; then when the public became outraged at gas prices, he changed his mind and now advocates drilling for oil off our coasts, telling an outright lie that Hurricane Katrina did not cause any oil spills off the coasts of Louisiana when the governor of Louisiana stated that the storm caused 40 oil spills. Offshore oil rigs in other locations have 40 more oil spills, which endangers our oceans.

Letter: Are we thick as bricks? Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:08:00 EDT
To the editor:
I wondered in amazement as I read about our Historical Commission's desire to fight the new owner of Mike's Subs plans to expand purely because he isn't using bricks (Page 1, July 21). Has anyone been to Europe where cities much older than ours have complemented their streetscapes by dotting their neighborhoods with ingeniously creative modern buildings? The atmosphere is like a family reunion photo. And before neighbors pipe up and resist a little out-of-the-brick thinking, maybe they should do a little self-reflecting. Don't they own an art gallery, and an abandoned gas station across the street?

Letter: Thanks for a great cookout Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:07:00 EDT
To the editor:
This is a thank-you note to all of the members of the Golden Agers Club who worked so hard to make our cookout a huge success!
I can't name names because I might miss someone, but someone made the plans so we had everything ready. Someone made macaroni salad, someone did all the shopping, someone cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs, others passed out plates and napkins, served and picked up the mess.

Our view: Taxpayers have reason to be restive Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:07:00 EDT
Will it be Peabody's "dozing dispatcher" or the "disabled" bodybuilder from the Boston Fire Department that becomes the poster boy for this fall's tax-repeal effort?
Both are worthy candidates with good lawyers and an ability to keep themselves in the public spotlight.

Politicians, priorities are out of sync Monday July 28, 2008
Before demolition of the former Worcester Center Galleria begins, the city should review the project. Who will guarantee more than a half-billion-dollar investment in today's real estate market?

Library a pawn in Hubbardston tax debate Monday July 28, 2008
On June 10, Hubbardston voters set a record for a special election ballot, and by majority voted to not approve a Proposition 2 1/2 override for $635,000, that would have increased their taxes 13.5 percent for this year and every year in the future. With the price of home heating oil doubling this winter, and an economy that is in recession, a 13.5 percent increase in taxes made it difficult to approve a large Proposition 2 1/2 override. Hubbardston has many elderly people who live on fixed inco

Wachusett lessons Monday July 28, 2008
Word that the state is poised to revoke the certification of the contractor heading up the Wachusett Regional High School renovation - now two years behind schedule and $12 million over budget - is welcome. If decertified, the contractor would be barred from bidding on public projects for one year.

Safer by the mile Monday July 28, 2008
A 9 percent decline in the number of U.S. highway deaths during the first five months of 2008 is being credited in large part to sharply higher gas prices, which have led to a reduction in the number of Americans on the roads. Overall, government analysts say, Americans have driven 2.1 percent fewer miles in 2008 than last year.

Google-Yahoo partnership a problem Monday July 28, 2008
It's of little surprise that the Department of Justice, attorneys general and most members of Congress are looking skeptically at Google's proposed partnership with Yahoo, "Congress explores Yahoo-Google antitrust questions" (Telegram & Gazette, July 15). By giving a single company control of the online-advertising market, the deal raises concerns for business owners and the consumers who patronize them online - in other words, the majority of all Americans.

Senator working hard for schools Monday July 28, 2008
On behalf of the teachers and educational support staff of the Worcester Public Schools, I'm writing to publicly acknowledge our state Sen. Edward Augustus, D-Worcester, for his excellent work during the budget debate representing his constituents.

The quotable voice Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

"I think we've done that ... but you've got to do that. No one else is going to feel sorry for you."

LETTER: Skippers must stay alert Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Skippers must stay alert

YOUR VIEW: Park board made responsible but difficult choices Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

As an elected park commissioner for the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of working with many dedicated employees as well as elected and appointed officials in our town of Dartmouth. I am a lifelong resident, and it saddens me, as it does many, to...

YOUR VIEW: Can we be saved from downfall of democracy? Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Last week I read an article while waiting in the doctor's office. It sort of shocked me back into reality. I have been so agitated lately with newspapers and the mainstream media, I shut it all off and decided my faith in American people would once more...

Don't count 'em out Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

The U.S. Census Bureau does a pretty good job of assembling its snapshot of America every 10 years.

Falmouth must demand experience in school chief Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

It seems to me that no one has taken responsibility for the renovation of Falmouth High School — no one except the taxpayers of Falmouth, who are committed to pay the bills.

On a soapbox for the folks behind the Cape League Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

I enjoyed your wonderful article on the behind-the-scenes efforts put in by the players, host families and franchises to bring world-class college baseball to the Cape ("Washing machines," July 25).

Police details may work to slow people down Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Regarding your July 20 story on police details, I don't know any police officers on a personal basis so I don't have an agenda.

Wind farm detractor overlooks endorsements Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Terry Martorana (Letters, July 18) may not be aware that the Massachusetts Audubon Society has conditionally endorsed Cape Wind. As have Dan Wolf, president of Cape Air, and Capt. Richard Elrick, who has sailed on Nantucket Sound for 30 years.

Price accuracy must join 21st century Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:00 EST

Legislation to update the archaic price disclosure laws in Massachusetts sits waiting for action in the closing days of the legislative session.

BPD loses its way with take-home cruisers Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:03:20 -0400
More than 200 members of the Boston Police Department are driving unmarked cruisers home on the taxpayers' dime, an exorbitant expense and part of a system that even...

Bobby Brown vows to make public service videos to help kids Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:02:56 -0400
Bad boy Bobby Brown is singing a different tune since promising to mentor Brockton youths five months ago in exchange for the courts brooming a state police investigation...

Yarmouth cop kills fleeing driver Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:57:36 -0400
A driver was shot dead by a Yarmouth cop after failing to stop and leading police on a 90-second car chase, officials said. Barnstable County District Attorney Michael...

Whitey Bulger killed crash victim's aunt in '81 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:54:50 -0400
One of two young women killed in a head-on crash in Wrentham on Saturday night was the niece of one of fugitive mobster James "Whitey" Bulger's most highly...

State police hit the gas on fuel-saving measures Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:27:27 -0400
Faced with budget-busting fuel costs that have increased by more than $4 million in three years, the Massachusetts State Police is becoming more fuel efficient. Three-wheeled...

Double-slay trial set to begin Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:53:27 -0400
A New Hampshire man goes to trial today in Middlesex Superior Court for a double murder prosecutors say all started when he coveted his neighbor's wife. Sean Fitzpatrick,...

Lifeguards rescue competition Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:51:34 -0400
Like a scene out of Baywatch, nearly 40 lifeguards from Nantasket, Revere, South Boston and Horseneck beaches brought their paddle boards and game faces to Nantasket Beach...

Monday Morning Briefing Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:00:29 -0400
Lawmakers have four days to pass the budget and any leftover bills such as allowing out-of-state gay couples to marry and a high-stakes bailout of the Massachusetts Turnpike...

Garden melee leaves 3 shot, two stabbed Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:52:58 -0400
A man already put in a wheelchair by gunfire was one of three people shot during an apparent melee near the TD Banknorth Garden early yesterday morning that also left two...

NASA astronaut: Aliens visited us Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:19:10 -0400
Legendary NASA astronaut Edgar Mitchell stunned British radio listeners by claiming aliens exist and that governments have covered up their presence on Earth. Dr. Mitchell,...

Our view: More monitoring might catch thieves Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT
The MBTA yard in Haverhill was robbed of $5,000 worth of copper cable sometime this past Tuesday.
It was the second time in a week — thieves did the same thing on July 15, cutting the locks off the containers holding the cable.

Sound Off Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT
Soldier's sacrifice
I cried when I heard about Staff Sgt. Alex Jimenez. I really feel for his family. I would like to extend to them my deepest sympathy to his family. I only hope they can have peace of mind now. And to Alex, I thank him a million times for sacrificing his life for me.

Our view: Let private company run Stevens Estate Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:45:00 EDT
After more than a decade, North Andover may finally be getting out of the wedding business.
Town officials are again considering leasing the Stevens Estate to a private company. The town-owned estate, an 1886 mansion and carriage house on 150 acres on Lake Cochichewick, is a venue for weddings and business meetings.

Our view: Don't let Route 125 fix take 10 years Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:44:00 EDT
Here's a way for New Hampshire to go greener: Finish the overhaul of Plaistow Road/Route 125, just north of the border with Haverhill, in less than 10 years.
There is not much that is more wasteful, and produces more unnecessary pollution, than vehicles with their motors running, not going anywhere. But that is the prospect on one of Plaistow's busiest roads, since the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has decided to split the project, running from the Haverhill line to Route 111 in Kingston, into five sections.

Letters to the editor Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:44:00 EDT
Same-day registration can work here, too
To the editor:
Communities are stronger when people know their neighbors, when they show up to community meetings, when they hold elected officials accountable, and when they vote. Growing up in Lawrence and Methuen, I know The Eagle-Tribune has always reminded us that we each have a responsibility to help build a better community.

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