http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion en-us Copyright CNHI All Rights Reserved. 5 http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225442.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:43:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225442.html First, I offered to put up a buck for each of our members who had already voted in the Gloucester election — and that did make me happy, since nearly 20 had voted as of noon.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225254.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:39:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225254.html That was the day that the Babson Water Treatment Plant failed, too. I can't tell you how frustrating it was to not have a direct line of communication with the community during the prolonged water crisis.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225414.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225414.html On Monday, Nov. 9, two articles relative to Conomo Point will be before the public for a vote at the Special Town Meeting.
Article 1 asks for funds to extend the contract with Horsely Whitten Associates for additional support to move the definitive sub-division for Southern Conomo Point through the approval process and to bring the necessary zoning bylaw amendment to the Annual Town Meeting in May 2010.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225029.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:34:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225029.html If you are one of the Essex voters who has attended numerous town meetings over the last 10 years and voted repeatedly to preserve the 10 acres of town-owned waterfront at Conomo Point for public use, you need to attend the Special Town Meeting on Nov. 9.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225137.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:24:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225137.html During floor debate on the health care reform bill, please support an amendment to incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of "conscience rights."
The Stupak Amendment in the House addresses essential pro-life concerns on abortion funding and conscience rights in the health care reform bill. Help ensure that the rule for the bill allows a vote on this amendment. If these serious concerns are not addressed, the final bill should be opposed.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225331.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:19:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225331.html Thanks to the parents and residents who supported my campaign for the Gloucester School Committee.
I am determined to repay the confidence you have placed in me, and do the best job I can to see our schoolchildren through the challenging fiscal tempests that lie ahead of us. ¬  ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225205.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:14:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_310225205.html I would like to respond to the headline on the letters page last week that read: "What's Wrong With Capitalism?"
If that person does not see any problems with capitalism, I would like to leave that person with just one thing to think about: 40 percent of the income earned in these United States of America goes to the top 1 percent of the people.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309212934.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309212934.html http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213318.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213318.html I agree with Mr. Parkhurst (Times, letters, Tuesday, Nov. 3) that the artist who paints the new dragon on the rock should be carefully considered.
That being said, a mid-winter contest should be held with the emphasis on Cape Ann. The artist would submit three copies of proposed artwork and colors. These would be distributed to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the Rocky Neck Art Association and the Cape Ann Historical Society. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213155.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213155.html I would like to encourage the people of Gloucester to once again come forward tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall to oppose the utterly flawed and politically corrupt application and approval process of the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213248.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213248.html "The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. All this equality was due to ... the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General."]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213125.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_309213125.html The article by Richard Gaines, "Protest Brings Out Hidden Show of Force" (Times, Tuesday, Nov. 3) illustrates the dysfunction between the National Marine Fisheries Service and the fishermen.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308223907.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308223907.html http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308225127.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308225127.html I lived in New York City for more than 40 years and had heard the phrase "democracy in action," but never experienced it until I moved to Rockport in 1986 and attended my first Town Meeting. For the first time, I saw that my vote counted.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308224118.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308224118.html The 38 recorded volunteers who signed our sheet (and there could be a few I've missed) did a tremendous job through a collaborative effort to give O'Maley a much needed facelift. It looks transformed. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308224020.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308224020.html "Where have all the war protesters gone at Grant Circle?"
That was the question Dean Burgess asked in his letter (Times, Monday, Nov. 2).
The answer is, at Grant Circle every Saturday, from noon to 1 p.m. — exactly where we have been every Saturday since December 2002, except when it has rained, snowed or sleeted prohibitively.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231227.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231227.html While last year's local and national elections focused on sweeping calls for "change," the changes brought on by yesterday's Gloucester voting are more like tweaks in the city's government, not profound sweeping reforms. And that was especially the case for Mayor Carolyn Kirk, who received the first unopposed free ride into a new term since Bruce Tobey collected the same pass in his mayoral re-election bid in 1997.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231048.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231048.html "But as for your heart, when it breaks, it's completely silent. You would think, as it's so important, it would make the loudest noise in the whole word or even have some sort of ceremonious sound like the gong of a cymbal or the ringing of a bell. But it is silent and you almost wish there was a noise to distract you from the pain."]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231259.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231259.html In recent years, the Gloucester and Rockport Boards of Health have received grant funding from the Massachusetts Health Officers Association to conduct retailer education and inspections to make sure stores did not sell tobacco to minors.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231328.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231328.html How do you get over 1,000 preteens and teenagers together without any problems?
Ask Coach Jim Munn.
I recently attended the annual NEC cross-country championship and invitational meet at Stage Fort Park on a beautiful Cape Ann afternoon. There were runners from grades five through eight, from both private and public schools. Everyone there was having a great time and cheering the youth on to do their personal best.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231158.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_307231158.html Wednesday, Oct. 28, was a rainy, windy day on the waterfront in Gloucester.
While at a meeting, I received a call that the large American flag was down.
Brian Tarr was out of town, so I went to retrieve it. When I arrived, I found two ROTC Marines — in uniform — standing in the rain meticulously folding the huge flag. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308111911.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_308111911.html Yes, we are concerned for the future of the Community House in Rockport,
But the initial presentation at Town Meeting was unclear, confusing, and needs revisiting.
We know our historical Community House needs basic repairs and restoration so that it can continue to serve all ages as it has done so well for so many years for school and church groups, sales, shows, rehearsals, plays, performances, meetings, dinners, suppers, fancy buffets and private parties.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222121.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222121.html Unfortunately, even the governor's latest actions are only a start.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222316.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222316.html http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222219.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222219.html My rage over the untimely and unnatural demise of the dog, Otis, of West Gloucester, having subsided, I suggest we all follow the example of Paul Langone (Massachusetts General Hospital) and pray for the soul or souls of whoever committed this atrocity and commiserate with all those who knew and loved Otis.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222247.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222247.html I am neither a fisherman, nor in any way associated with any fishing or related industry, nor am I a marine scientist or government regulator.
I do not have a vested interest in the battles between our governmental regulatory bodies and our fishermen. However, I still hold an opinion as a concerned, tax-paying, voting Gloucester citizen.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222414.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222414.html The Rockport Council on Aging has been exploited by the Town of Rockport so as to arrive at a decision that should have been made at least a decade ago.
I refer, of course, to the recent Town Meeting that determined the course of action required to renovate the Community House. It causes me distress to think that I inadvertently served as a dupe in propelling the Community House question to the fore of Fall Town Meeting. Through observation and research, I have concluded that the property renovation was in hand before Town Meeting, and the warrant article for purchase of the Granite Savings Bank building was dead on arrival.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222150.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_306222150.html Every so often over the decades I've dropped by Cressy's Beach and gravitated toward the painted serpent.
It was like an adventure to go seek it out and remember it. There it would be, as if timeless, almost hidden. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225557.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225557.html http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225824.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225824.html There are others on the station who are great too, but these two have the consistently best show going in my humble opinion. So, it was hard to ignore their question posed to listeners the other week concerning the popularity of the Patriots vs. Red Sox. Being kept on hold for an hour while painting the house on a tall ladder is a no-go in the Survivors Handbook, so I will do my call-in on the subject to you instead.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225833.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225833.html Now I am not one of those conspiracy theorists, but is it me or where have all the war protesters gone at Grant Circle?
I can't remember the last time was that I saw them down there on a regular basis.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225750.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_305225750.html The other day I was cleaning out my desk, a frequent task of a retired doctor who is long on memories and short on real things to do.
I came across Margaret Parson's funeral program from over four years ago, and read it thinking of the impact this joyful, humorous competent and loyal person had on people. She was not only a good nurse, but a good friend.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232509.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:44:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232509.html http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232411.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232411.html In a recent vote, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed a bill by Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, 14-9, with Republican Olympia Snowe of Maine crossing party lines.
The next action of Congress is to combine the Senate Finance Bill with a House Democratic bill. The task is in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with little support from the GOP. The debate has garnered national media attention with the most efforts on the public option which exists in the House version of the bill, but not in the Senate Finance Committee's version of the bill. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232323.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:35:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232323.html Mr. Marolda is right in his defense of free-market capitalism, (Letters, Times, Monday, Oct. 26).
Yet he is wrong at the same time.
Think of corporate, global capitalism as one of our democracy's two parents, the other of which must be an equally developed and protected system of social welfare. Corporations have attained the rights of personhood, which provide them with extensive legal protections without requiring in return the social responsibilities of personhood. Absent a developed system of social welfare, democracy comes to be understood as being the same thing as capitalism. Many people mistakenly believe, for instance, that owning private property is equivalent to living in a democracy: for instance, the old "American dream" of "owning your own home." But what happens if that house catches fire?]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233719.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:30:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233719.html To the defacing dragon being defaced on the rock at Cressy's Beach (Times, Oct. 21), I say: good riddance!
As an artist and a Gloucester taxpayer, the Parks Department should water-blast all the paint from the rock and allow unsullied nature to prevail again.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232649.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:26:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232649.html I strongly support Bob Whynott for Gloucester City Council for these reasons:
Bob stands out among all the candidates for his service working with the council as city clerk and two terms as councilor serving Ward 3.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232440.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:20:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303232440.html Please send a message to Mayor Kirk on Nov. 3.
When you get your ballot, leave the vote for mayor blank.
Let her know that we want to be part of the vocational district.
robert parsons sr.]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233727.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:15:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233727.html Have you seen those "Roger!" signs around Gloucester?
They are for Roger Hussey, who is running for Ward 2 councilor. Roger and his wife, Carol, are both committed to helping Gloucester people. ]]> http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233650.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:10:00 EDT http://www.gloucestertimes.com/puopinion/local_story_303233650.html We're for Roger Garberg.
Roger's interest in Gloucester's public schools follows a family tradition of thoughtful advocacy.
His mother-in-law, Peggy Sibley, served on the School Committee for many years, and like him, she quietly connected with parents, teachers and children.]]>