My View
Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante
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As the new legislative term gets started, I want to thank you, the Cape Ann community, for choosing me to represent our district on Beacon Hill.
This past week, I was selected to represent Cape Ann as the vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Agriculture.
This committee is charged with overseeing issues concerning fisheries, water and sewer resources, farms and agriculture and wildlife. I intend to use this position to protect our fishing industry, our farms and our water resources and to do our best to protect water and sewer rate payers.
I was also appointed to the House Committee on Ways and Means. This committee is charged with overseeing the state budget and funding state government, including each and every state agency. I intend to use this position to monitor state spending and to assist in establishing priorities for state spending.
Our state is facing an additional shortfall of $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion. We, as a Legislature, cut over $3 billion during our last term. As we continue to streamline state government, my focus will be to reform where cost-effective savings are possible and to continue to protect those who are the most vulnerable, such as our seniors, children and the disabled.
Finally, my third appointment was to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology.
This committee is charged with strengthening our economy and creating jobs. For Cape Ann, my priorities will be to protect the fishing industry by continuing to promote better methods of data collection, such as the Northeastern sonar survey, and to support our farms by continuing to put an emphasis on buying local, investing in marine biotechnology, promoting tourism and the cultural economy. Clearly, these are the economic drivers for Cape Ann.
Please know that I am humbled by the task of representing our community on Beacon Hill, and by the appointments and opportunities that I have been given to assist Cape Ann and the Commonwealth. None of this would be possible without your support.
Two years ago, we said that we would bring change and bold leadership to Beacon Hill.
With Inspector General reports on the charter school approval process and fisheries enforcement; additional funding for water and sewer and small businesses hurt by the water crisis; and a new program to count fish, we are changing how the state and federal government does business.
I looking forward to the next two years and the change that we will bring. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my legislative aide, Kathleen "Toody" Healy, should you have any questions, comments or ideas.
My contact information has changed. My new e-mail address is ann-margaret.ferrante@mahouse.gov, My new telephone number 617-722-2210, the fax number is 617-722-2239 and my new address is State House, Room 473 F, Boston, MA 02133.
Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, is state representative for the 5th Essex County House District, covering Gloucester, Rockport and Essex.
