Lawmakers discuss options for statewide public alert system
Patrick supports plan for colleges
4/26/2007

By James Vaznis, Globe Staff  |  April 26, 2007

Governor Deval L. Patrick and the Legislature are pushing for emergency alert systems that use text-messaging to warn the public of a natural disaster, a pandemic, or an attack similar to the Virginia Tech mass shooting.

One system under consideration would be for only colleges, while the other would be for all the state's municipalities, school districts, and universities.
After a morning meeting at Bridgewater State College with the state college presidents, Patrick told reporters that he would support and fund the state Board of Higher Education's effort to install an emergency alert system just for colleges. He said his only concern was finding a way to notify students of an emergency when cellphones are shut off.

A governor's spokeswoman, Cyndi Roy, later added, "The governor believes that anything we can do to ensure all students, staff, and faculty are safe we should do, and the emergency notification alert system seems to be one way to make people aware when and if an emergency is present."

In the afternoon, a joint legislative committee on public safety and homeland security began debate on a bill that would create a statewide public notification system for municipalities, school districts, and universities. The system would use text messaging and other technology. The governor hasn't taken a position on the bill.

The statewide and the university-only systems have been under discussion for several months, but have taken on more urgency since last week's attack at Virginia Tech by a student. Senior Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed two people in a dormitory about 7:15 a.m. and then two hours later killed 30 others in a classroom building and then himself.

Some Virginia Tech students expressed concern that the university did not alert students and staff early enough about the attacks. Some said they didn't receive the first warning, which came by e-mail, until two hours after the first attack -- about the time of the second attack. Other students said they received no notification.

The proposed system for the universities could cost about $250,000 annually and could reach 400,000 students, faculty, and staff. The goal is to get the system, now being tested at a handful of colleges, operating by this fall.

Patricia Plummer, the state's higher education chancellor, said the governor's office is looking for a source of funding and might use federal homeland security funds. She said she is reluctant to use student fees to cover the costs. She said she is also in discussion with private colleges to see if they would like to join the system.

No cost estimates were available for the proposed statewide system. Private companies that provide such services to some municipalities and school districts said it would cost roughly $2.50 per household or business.
Both systems could be tailored so messages could go out to specific geographic regions.

"If you don't communicate quickly, people get hurt," said state Senator Stephen M. Brewer, a sponsor of the bill.

While the systems are being touted as a way to keep the public safe during a mass emergency, the systems could also be used to inform the public about parking bans during snow emergencies or school cancellations.

"Whether it's Mother Nature or man-made, I would want to know as a parent, resident, or property owner what's going on in a quick sound bite from my leader in my city, town, or school," said Brendan M. Cotter, managing director at NTI, a private company that says it provides public notification services for half the state's K-12 school districts and a growing number of municipalities.

His company is among several vying for contracts with public and private universities.
The systems are not considered foolproof. Because students sometimes turn off phones, especially in class , public and private colleges also are turning to low-tech ways of emergency notification, including sirens and public address systems. The colleges are scheduled to come together for a symposium in June to discuss which alert systems to use.

 

 

 

Protecting the Pets, Too
3/14/2007

Recent studies have shown a correlation between violence against animals and violence against people. The state’s largest animal humane society, the MSPCA, is supporting legislation that would allow for the inclusion of pets in restraining orders. Metro talked with Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the MSPCA, about the importance of this bill.
 
What are the details of the bill?
 
Kara Holmquist (KH): It would expressly allow pets to be included in temporary restraining orders taken out in domestic violence.
 
Therefore, if someone takes out a restraining order against their partner they can include their pet in the order?
 
KH: Yes. Pets are often used as pawns for domestic violence abusers. Some domestic violence victims are afraid to leave the abuser because they don’t want to leave their pet behind. A lot of shelters don’t take pets.
 
Why is the MSPCA rallying behind the legislation?
 
KH: Three states passed similar legislation last year. About 15 states, including Massachusetts, have filed it this year. More and more people are becoming aware about the link between animal abuse and violence toward people. The MSPCA and Northeastern University did a study that found that people who abused animals are five times more likely to commit violence against people.
 
Are you contacted often by victims worried about their pets?
 
KH: We frequently get calls from people — or domestic violence service providers — about people who want to leave a situation but want to keep their pets and have nowhere to bring them. We also have heard many stories about animals being killed or tortured as a way to control people. Violence toward people doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It is very related. We are trying to address part of this equation.
 
Some may say there are more pressing issues concerning domestic violence that should be addressed first?

 KH: I think this is something that is as much a people issue as a pet issue. It is so related. It’s part of a cycle of violence. We really need to take animal abuse seriously, not just because of the animal, but because of the potential impact on people, too.

 

 

With energy near top of agenda, experts talk about possibilities
2/13/2007

By Gintautas Dumcius
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON, FEB. 13, 2007…..Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration should strive to lead the region in renewable energy, focus on the cost to businesses and its effect on the state’s competitiveness, and stay wary of complacency over energy diversity. Oh, and cut back on that state police helicopter.

“I was going to suggest use less aviation,” joked Sen. Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy), co-chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, referring to this morning’s Boston Herald piece on the governor using State Police helicopters for official trips across the state.

The advice on the energy front, expected to be a major area of policy changes this year, came from some of the state’s top energy officials, who also talked today about the state joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the governor’s governmental reorganization plan, and liquefied natural gas needs.

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is expected to file sweeping energy legislation soon and has indicated his bill will be an early-session priority. With energy at the top of the agenda, a panel of experts convened at the Omni Parker House hotel today at an event sponsored by Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and The Suffolk Group.

“I think you’ll see us come up with a reasonable bill,” said Morrissey’s House counterpart on the committee, Rep. Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), who was also on the panel. “I think we’re all moving in the same direction,” with a balance between the interests of environmental advocates and business groups.

Other panelists included Ann Berwick, Patrick’s energy undersecretary, Seth Kaplan, a senior attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation, and Robert Rio, vice president of governmental affairs at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. The forum was moderated by Boston Globe business reporter Peter Howe.

Approximately 126 other bills relating to energy have been filed so far for the 2007-2008 session, according to a tracking report provided by The Suffolk Group.

Massachusetts has recently been “missing in action” in leading the region on tapping energy efficiency and renewable energy such as wind power and creating new jobs through them, with states like Vermont making a stronger presence, Kaplan said.

Others voiced concern over a regional approach, and instead pushed for a national policy on energy.

“The only thing we should be concerned about is cost,” and its effect on the state’s competitiveness, Rio said.

States participating in RGGI, such as includes Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont, have some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, Rio said.

Patrick signed Massachusetts into RGGI, a pact to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, last month; Gov. Mitt Romney had opposed joining the group, saying it would leader to higher costs for consumers.

Rio warned the state may get too complacent about whether it is diverse enough in its energy resources.

“We’re already dangerously reliant on natural gas,” he said.

Federal regulators signed off on two LNG facilities off the coast of Gloucester in the last two weeks.

Morrissey and Berwick both acknowledged RGGI was borne out of frustration at a lack of a policy at the federal level. “We have to make it work,” Morrissey said.

With a Democratically-controlled Congress, “That can also bring pressure to bear on the Republican administration,” he added.

Morrissey also said he would take a “hard look” at Patrick’s proposal to reorganize state government that includes breaking up the state Department of Telecommunications and Energy between the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Berwick said the administration is “deeply committed” to working with the Legislature, and listed supplying energy at affordable prices and promoting clean energy as among their top priorities.

Patrick’s proposal would also replace DTE’s five-member commission and create a 3-member utilities commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, one of which will have to be a member of another political party, Berwick said.

“We’re going back to a structure that’s worked well in the past,” Berwick said, adding that the administration will respect the commission’s judicial powers.

The proposal also changes the nine-member energy facilities siting review board, making the energy and environment secretary chair, instead of the DTE chair, and adds the Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to the roster of board members.

Dempsey echoed Speaker DiMasi’s recently voiced sentiments, saying the governor should have the chance to revamp the inner workings of his administration.

Patrick’s proposal currently sits in Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, awaiting a hearing.

The issue of “net metering” might see action of its own soon. “Net metering” is the term for allowing customers’ electric meters with renewable energy generating facilities to run backwards when their generators are producing more energy than they are consuming.

Morrissey said an ad hoc group, made up of lawmakers and energy advocates, will meet at the end of the month, having already held four to five meetings in the last five to six months to discuss legislation he has filed.

“We could also get overtaken by the administration,” he said after the forum. “They may be more aggressive than we are. That remains to be seen.”

Asked about “net metering,” Robert Keough, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, said, “At this point, I have to say only that we’re exploring it along with a number of potential regulatory changes to manage peak demand and encourage alternative energy sources.”

Samuel Krasnow, an attorney with the environmental advocacy non-profit Environment Northeast, who was among the 130 audience members to attend the 90-minute forum, said he saw a consensus among the panelists emerge on needing to tap into the energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“This is the moment, this is the window,” he said.

 

 

It’s not fair game: Bill would ban Internet hunting
2/3/2007

A disgusted Brockton lawmaker wants to fast-track a ban on “Internet hunting,” a “sick” online service that allows players to use their computer mouse to fire a real remote-controlled rifle and kill fenced-in animals on far away ranches.  

“This is really sick,” said Sen. Robert Creedon (D-Brockton). “To term that ‘hunting’ really demeans hunting.”  

Creedon’s proposal would ban Bay State residents from gunning down exotic animals via the Internet and also would make it illegal to set up a Massachusetts-based online hunting site. Every New England state except Massachusetts and Connecticut has banned the gruesome game, as have 25 other states.      

Creedon is seeking to fast-track the bill and hopes to have it on Gov. Deval Patrick’s desk within weeks.  

“They lure animals into a circumstance where, by remote means, you kill the animal,” Creedon said. “It’s beyond me how anyone can derive pleasure from that.”  

One former site, called LiveShot.com, charged members $1,500 to have sheep, deer, boars and other exotic animals herded in front of a remote camera at feeding troughs for players to shoot with their computer-controlled rifle. The carcass would then be stuffed, mounted and shipped to the gamer.  

The site was run out of a Texas ranch that allows “canned” hunting, a controversial sport in which hunters shoot domesticated animals in fenced-in reserves. The Web site has since been shut down, but animal rights groups say there are efforts under way to open new cyberranches.  

“This is nothing more than pay-per-view slaughter,” said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States. “It takes the canned hunt to a new unsavory low. This is not sporting. This is not hunting. This is a snuff film.”      

Internet hunting supporters argue that the virtual shooting gallery gives handicapped hunters and others who can’t get out into the wilderness a chance to hunt. But Markarian, who is also pushing for a federal ban, hopes Massachusetts becomes the next state to prohibit the bloodsport.  

“They still have half the states that are open to them unless we can prevent this sick idea from spreading,” he said.

 

 

Big government a good customer for smaller firms
1/12/2007

You turn plenty of money over to the government, so how about trying to earn some of it back?
 
The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. Agencies and departments buy everything from airplane parts to chocolate chip cookies. State and local governments have billions of dollars to spend as well.
 
The government probably won’t be your most lucrative customer and certainly not your easiest. But it can be one of the most steady.
 
There are many challenges in trying to sell to the federal government. There is neither a central purchasing unit nor a single agency to which businesses can pitch their services or look for requests for proposals. There are generally special registration requirements and there is often extra paperwork.
 
And there is a bit of a chicken and egg thing: If you haven’t gotten your first contract, it’s hard to get a contract.
 
To help break down the barriers, U.S. Sen. John Kerry is hosting a free Massachusetts Procurement Conference and Business Expo on Jan. 19 at Northeastern University to give business owners more information about the process.
 
“Plain and simple - my second annual procurement conference is a one-stop-shop for small business owners. No other place offers everything a small business owner needs all under one roof,” said Kerry, who is chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee.
 
This year he brought in several organizations as co-sponsors to offer more resources, organizers said.
 
There will be workshops on everything from getting started to finances and cash flow. There will also be dozens of exhibitors, including government agencies and private companies looking for subcontractors to work on federal contracts.
 
That’s how Charter Environmental Inc. got started in government procurement. The company was hired by Weston Solutions to work on a project in Watertown for the Army Corps of Engineers.
 
By working with the larger company, the smaller one learned the ins and outs of government requirements, said Charter chief Robert Delhome. “A lot of companies don’t do it because it seems so overwhelming, and it really is,” Delhome said. “You just have to break it down into steps.”
 
The company went after more subcontracts and later became the primary bidder. Now, the government accounts for about half of the Charter’s work.
 
Government contracts are open to all, but the most likely to get them are well-established businesses. You need to know your market and you need to have your finances in order.
 
You also need to know your competition, even more so than in the private sector. You need to know what they are bringing to the table and at what price.
 
The government may be your most demanding customer. Usually, there are highly detailed specifications for each service or product. You could lose money if you fail to factor a key requirement into your bid.
 
If you win the contract, you will likely face more scrutiny than with a private sector job. But if you can handle work for the government, you might find yourself better prepared for your other clients.
 
“For us, it’s really been worth it,” Delhome said. “For us, it’s been a way to differentiate ourselves.”

 

 

The Suffolk Group to co-sponsor energy policy forum

The Suffolk Group, LLC is a proud co-sponsor of “The Future Of Energy Policy In The Bay State” forum, which will include a panel discussion about the future of energy in Massachusetts and the role that state public policymakers will play in its development.

Date: February 13, 2007
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Omni Parker House in Boston, MA

Click here to view the online invitation to this event.

For more information or to register, please email Elizabeth Gallagher at ekgallagher@thesuffolkgroup.com. 

 

 

The Suffolk Group Announces Elizabeth Gallagher Joins Firm
9/20/2006

The Suffolk Group is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Gallagher has recently joined the firm as Communications and Operations Specialist where she manages initiatives among firm principles, clients and the Massachusetts Legislature. Beth also assists with research into many key areas of the group’s projects and supports all aspects of administration and communication within the firm.

Beth comes to The Suffolk Group having most recently served as a legislative aide to state Senator Brian A. Joyce (Milton), where she assisted in the development of several legislative initiatives, including a bill to ban aversive therapy on mentally disabled students. Prior to her work at the State House, Beth was district staff assistant to Congressman Martin T. Meehan. Beth also has campaign experience as both a volunteer and staff member at the state and federal levels.

Beth is an evening student at Suffolk University Law School. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross

 

 

State House Gone to the Dogs
9/21/2006 - MSPCA

Boston (September 21, 2006) - Dogs and their human companions will gather in front of the Massachusetts State House today at 1PM to celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month. State Representative Jennifer M. Callahan (D-Sutton) and State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) will present a proclamation on behalf of Governor Mitt Romney declaring September 2006 “Responsible Dog Ownership Month”. Deputy Director of Advocacy of the MSPCA, Scott Giacoppo, and members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) will also be in attendance to receive the proclamation.

The AKC sponsors Responsible Dog Ownership events across the nation to educate the public regarding the various aspects of responsible dog ownership. September happens to be the “spotlight month” when many dog owners come together to learn how to best care for their pet.

On the heels of losing a 13-year-old family member, Lily the Lab, Representative Callahan was pleased to pursue the proclamation at the request of an AKC constituent. “As a lifelong dog owner, I understand that having a dog means more than just going for walks and playing fetch,” said Representative Callahan.

“It was important for many legislators to have Governor Romney proclaim September “Responsible Dog Ownership Month” so that more people would understand the dedication and commitment that is needed to foster a lasting relationship with a family pet.”

“The relationship between owners and their dogs is a serious one. By declaring this month to be observed in honor of responsible dog owners for the first time, the residents of the Commonwealth have an opportunity to become more aware of the responsibilities and rewards associated with pet ownership,” said Representative Hill.

“I personally am motivated to see the Responsible Dog Ownership program given the Governor’s proclamation. As an animal advocate, I know that education is the best tool we have to prevent ineffective legislation that may arise from specific incidents of irresponsible dog ownership,” said Nancy Fisk, member AKC. “Our events inform people on how to select the best breed for them, socialize and train their dog, as well as register their pets with our database to connect missing animals with their owners.”

The MSPCA will also be present to speak on tips relative to responsible dog ownership. “There are four simple things that people can do for their beloved canine friends. They are; identification, vaccination, spay/neutering, and leashing,” said Scott Giacoppo, Deputy Director of Advocacy of the MSPCA. “By following these tips you will not only help to keep your dog safe, but you will also prevent diseases from spreading from dogs to humans and curb aggressive behavior.” The MSPCA will also be accompanied by several dogs that are available at their shelters.

After the speaking session the dogs will be treated to canine refreshments including; Paws ice cream, gourmet dog biscuits, and of course plenty of fresh water.
 

 

 

House Approves Standard-Setting Bill for Vehicle Anti-Theft Industry
8/3/2006 - By Gabriel Dye, STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 20, 2006.....In a bid to weed out fly-by-night outfits, the House on Monday approved legislation requiring vehicle anti-theft system manufacturers to register with the state and meet new requirements designed to protect consumers.

Backers of the bill (S 3062) aim to discourage companies from offering warranty claims, such as complete repayment for a vehicle if it is stolen while under warranty, without being able to follow through on their promises. The bill also clarifies the definition of a vehicle protection product.

"It's a move by the more legitimate protection people to separate themselves from these fly-by-night companies," said Wayne Weikel, spokesman for Rep. Ronald Mariano of Quincy, chief sponsor of the bill, known as the Vehicle Protection Product Act. Sen. Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton), a cosponsor of the bill, said it would hold companies accountable. Consumers should not confuse the purchase of an antitheft device with auto insurance, Joyce said, but companies need to abide by warranties. The bill distinguishes between warranties and insurance.

The bill also requires that companies offering warranties register with the Secretary of State's Office, file records annually, and pay a registration fee of up to $250 per year. Products must also be backed by a warrantee reimbursement insurance policy, according to a bill summary.

The legislation also enumerates requirements of warrantees, mandating disclosure of obligations of the warrantor and the holder, payment terms, and the name and address of the issuing company. And it requires warrantors to pay warranty holders within 60 days of proof of loss.

If consumers can trust warranties advertised on anti-theft devices, Joyce said, they would be more likely to purchase those products. That move could benefit Massachusetts overall, he said, by reducing auto theft, Joyce said.

According to the National Vehicle Protection Association, a trade association of manufacturers who produce and distribute automobile anti-theft products, Massachusetts insurance regulators allow discounts based on the use of anti-theft devices.

The association says the bill proposes "appropriate" government oversight and will encourage the sale of anti-theft products. Maintenance of liability reimbursement insurance policies, the association says, will help ensure the wherewithal to pay claims.

States that have already adopted similar laws include New York, Illinois, California, Florida, Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, Hawaii, Ohio and Texas.

Both Joyce and Weikel said they do not know of anyone opposing the bill.

The bill defines a vehicle protection product as a device, system or service that includes a written warranty, is installed or applied to a vehicle, and is designed to prevent loss or damage to a vehicle. Vehicle protection may include steering wheel locks, alarm systems, ignition disablers, satellite or radio tracking systems, and identification systems, including body parts marking and window etching.
 

 

 

Most Homes Required to Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors by Next Week
3/23/2006 - By Gintautas Dumcius, STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON, MARCH 23, 2006….Lawmakers, the state fire marshal and fire officials from Holbrook and Randolph today promoted awareness of a law due to take effect next week requiring most Massachusetts homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors.

The detector mandate is designed to cut down on the nation's leading cause of unintentional poisonings.

Beginning next Friday, March 31, all residential homeowners with fossil fuel-burning equipment, like boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters, or enclosed parking will be required to have carbon monoxide alarms on every floor and within 10 feet of each sleeping area. Homes with electric heating and no enclosed parking are exempt.

"We urge you to install them as quickly as possible," William Scoble, vice president of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, told reporters during a briefing in the Senate Reading Room today.

Carbon monoxide is produced when burning gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood or coal. It is typically vented from homes but in cases where ventilation problems occur, the inhalation of carbon monoxide can lead to breathing difficulties, impaired judgment, damage to the nervous system, or death.

Radio and television spots are running on WBZ Radio 1030 and local and cable stations until April 6 to highlight the law and the importance of detectors capable of alerting residents to an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas, widely known as the "silent killer."

The law, named "Nicole's Law" after Nicole Garofalo, the 7-year-old Plymouth girl who died last year from boiler fumes when a vent in her family's home was blocked by snow, was signed by Gov. Mitt Romney last November, and sponsored by Sen. Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) and Reps. Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) and Thomas O'Brien (D-Kingston).

As an enforcement mechanism, the law requires any home sold or transferred to have one detector for each habitable floor.

Local fire departments are charged with enforcing the new law. Any time a fire official is lawfully in a home, they have the ability to issue orders to install the alarms.

"It's discretionary on the part of the fire department," said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.

If someone refuses, the property can't be sold and fines associated with failing to comply with fire codes are imposed. "You can't legislate for stupidity," said Sen. Murray.

It's unknown how many Massachusetts homes don't have the alarms. "This is going to take some time," Coan acknowledged. "We're in this for the long haul."

Coan said several other states were looking at the law, and the National Fire Protection Association will discuss it at their conference this summer.

There are additional provisions in the law for landlords, who must annually inspect detectors and replace old batteries.

Fire officials say getting a carbon monoxide detector is fairly simple: Go to a supply store, buy one, and plug it in or install batteries, said Eddie O'Brien, Holbrook's fire chief. "Can't get much simpler than that," he said. They can be hung on walls or installed on a shelf or desk.

Most monoxide alarms generally retail between $20 and $50 at most stores, like Lowe's and Home Depot. One of the higher-end alarms, the "Nighthawk," costs $45 and yells out "Fire!" or "Warning! Carbon Monoxide" when triggered, according to the Lowe's chain's website.

Voluntarily reported carbon monoxide-related incidents, which numbered 3,000 each year in Massachusetts during 2004 and 2005, aren't limited to wintertime.

"It can really happen anytime, anywhere," said Heather Caldwell, communications manager for Kidde, which manufactures the alarms, along with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

In the summertime, people leave their cars running in their garage, or bring in their charcoal grills during storms or power outages to cook food, she said.