from Enterprise News.com
For 40 years, Myles Connor Jr. has let TV and newspaper headlines tell the story of his art thefts, jailbreaks, shootings and drug deals.
Now he’s telling it his way. (read the full story here.)
Developer attempting to recoup some losses from DPW plaza effort
The Boston Globe had a brief piece in today’s paper (4/19/09) regarding a house that has been put on the market by developer Christopher Quincy. This is the developer who was attempting to put a shopping plaza into the DPW space. The effort was defeated due to overwhelming opposition from the neighborhood. Five single family homes were purchased by the developer in the course of their initiative. One of those homes, 681 randolph Ave., has been put on the market for $270,000. In 2004 the developer paid $425,000.
A frank talk with Charlie McCarthy, candidate for Town Treasurer
There may be someone in Milton who speaks with more confidence and authority about this town and its government than Charlie McCarthy, but it is hard to think of who that might be.
McCarthy is largely a self made man. And like most entrepreneurs, he will tell you, “I always see a glass that’s half full.”
We met at McCarthy’s house. Looking out his kitchen window, McCarthy pointed to a series of raised beds where he plants stuff every spring. A lot of people know McCarthy, but who knew he was a farmer?
But this spring he may not have time to get down on his knees. This year the campaign season is interfering with the sowing season.
Who is Charlie McCarthy?
Charlie McCarthy
Charlie McCarthy is a product of the Milton Public Schools who has served the town in ways both appointed (Warrant Committee) and elected (Board of Selectmen).
McCarthy has managed his own businesses for 20+ years. Initially, he was a contractor and managed a team that installed equipment at factories and manufacturing firms. As a small businessmen, he has had to deal with budgets, audits, payroll and taxes. After a while, the travel and the requirements of the job came up against family life and the fact that he wasn’t getting any younger. Installing conveyor belts and the like 20 feet above a factory floor somewhere hundreds of miles from home and family got tiring. So he recast his business.
Now he is a manufacturer’s representative. As a result, his life is saner and travel less frequent. He likes his lot in life, saying that in considering whether to run for treasurer, “I had to think long and hard about [possibly] leaving this business.”
Why Charlie McCarthy for Treasurer?
Not surprisingly, McCarthy believes his extensive experience in service to the town provides him with a unique knowledge and understanding of the office of Treasurer that the other candidates cannot match.
As chairman of the Warrant committee, he relied heavily on the financial projections given him by the Town Treasurer Kevin Sorgi. And he appreciates that those projections “are as much art as science.” As an example ,he cited estimating revenue from excise taxes. The amount of revenue driven by excise taxes is a function of the age of the cars owned by residents, the number of new cars to be bought, and the relative price points. That is not an easy number to pin down.
He also interacted with the Treasurer as a Selectman, but McCarthy does not rely solely on his experience with the position and insights it has given him. “I have done my homework.” Keeping him company on his dining room table are the last two Town of Milton Annual Reports along with a hefty copy of the Treasurers Manual. “I’ve read it cover to cover.” He then commences on a discussion of town funds– those the Treasurer is responsible for administering versus those for which he is simply the custodian. He speaks about the responsibilities and what he views as the priorities of the office. He is clear on that: managing cash flow.
What comes through as McCarthy speaks is not just confidence but a certain enthusiasm. As he will plainly tell you, “Every minute of every day, I am trying to learn.”
DiMascio brilliant as Braintree defeats Milton in softball
from The Patriot Ledger
On a day when Braintree High senior hurler Liz DiMascio was dominant and her softball teammates were never in jeopardy of losing, both sides came away with a degree of satisfaction after the Wamps dispatched Milton, 5-1. (read full story here.)
DA: Actions of police who shot Mass. man ‘heroic’
from WHDH
The Norfolk District Attorney says the actions of Milton police officers who shot and killed a man who had fatally stabbed two of his sisters were not only justified, but “heroic.”
Police said 23-year-old Kerby Revelus had already killed 5-year-old Bianca and 17-year-old Samantha Revelus and was attacking a third sister on March 28 when officers responding to a 911 call forced their way into the apartment.(read full story here.)
Break-in on Century Lane and another drug arrest reported
The Patriot Ledger reports two recent police actions:
Joyce Reminds Residents of Energy Assistance Still Available
Press release from office of Senator Joyce
Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) would like to alert his constituents of energy assistance still available through the Energy Bucks campaign until April 30, 2009.
Energy efficiency services are still available to families at little or no cost, depending on their income. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance of energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124 a month.
This year, the Massachusetts’ federal heating assistance allocation nearly doubled from $114 million to $212 million, and funding for low-income weatherization increased to $13 million.
Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop shopping” for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit the Energy Bucks website at www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.
MHS teams have tough going against Braintree
Milton High varsity teams struggled on the diamonds yesterday. The boys baseball team fell 9-2, while the girls softball team lost 5-1.
The Wildcats split on the tennis courts (also against Braintree). The boys were defeated 3-2, but the girls got a win, 4-1.
Mass. House Budget Proposal Slashes Local Aid
from WBUR
The scope of state spending is shrinking again. A House budget proposal released Wednesday slashes state aid to cities and towns, public health prevention initiatives, home care for the elderly and ends state funding for 55 programs.
“This budget is a string of regrettable choices counterbalanced only by the understanding that it is the responsible thing to do,” House Ways and Means Chairman Charley Murphy says. (read the full story here).
Children Without Borders: an Interview with Dr. George Whitelaw
from The Examiner.com
The next Boston non-profit that I want to write a quick profile of is Children Without Borders, based in Milton, MA. In a nutshell, Children Without Borders is working hard to bring medical supplies and treatment to the children and their families of under-developed countries in Central and South America. What makes them stand out from many of the other organizations with a similar goal is that they set up permanent clinics in specific areas, manned by doctors, nurses and other volunteers all year round. (read the full story here.)
MHS Bulletin for 04.16.09
- Today, Juniors in Group 11A will meet for their final session of group guidance and juniors in Mr. Devlin’s 11C will meet for Library Lab.
- Ultimate Frisbee: Any student interested in playing, please meet at the lower fields at 2:30 TODAY. Bring water!
- Outdoors Club members and friends are reminded to meet at Shea Rink this Sunday at 11:00 am for a spring hike. Everyone is welcome!
- GSA will be selling t-shirts for the Day of Silence which will be held on Wednesday, April 29. Please pay $15 to Mr. Devlin in guidance, Mme Menard in 310 or Nancy Killoran, by Friday, April 17.
- GSA members will be selling Skittles this week and the week after vacation to support the Day of Silence. Please pay $1 to Nancy Killoran, Bryan Doherty, Ariel Bounas, Rachel Lipton or Betsy Meyer.
- Fashion Show practice after school today and Saturday. See outside of Mr. Costa’s room for vacation practice schedule.
- Tomorrow’s Teachers…time to plan a spring shadow…check in with Mrs. Mullen to make arrangements. Also…any student interested in participating in Teacher appreciation week please see Mrs. Mullen in the Child Study room. Thanks!