A new guide for teens, developed by the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, entitled: “When You Turn 18.” The It is designed for high school seniors who will soon reach the important milestone of the age of legal adulthood.  The Guide gives an overview of some of these new opportunities to participate as an adult and gives some tips for handling money and finances, understanding the legal obligations involved when signing a contract, fully participating in our civic life, and much more.

It is available on the AGO’s website at http://www.mass.gov/Cago/docs/Community/turn-18-pdf-final.pdf.

BOSTON—The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government announced today they will be hosting a “Listening Session” on Cape Cod.  The Committee members hope to hear from Cape Cod residents on any of the bills currently pending before the Committee, or any other issues facing Cape towns.  The event will take place on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 11:00am – 2:00pm in room 213 of the Lorusso Applied Technology Building at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable.

Committee members are particularly interested in hearing from local residents on major zoning reform measures currently being considered by the Committee.  The Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Protection Act (S.1019) and the Land Use Protection Act (S.1008/H.1443) would streamline, clarify and update the zoning laws currently on the books in Massachusetts.

The session will be hosted by the Committee chairs, Sen. James Welch (D – West Springfield) and Rep. Michael Kane (D – Holyoke).  Committee vice chair Sen. Daniel Wolf (D – Harwich) and Committee members Rep. Cleon Turner (D – Dennis) and Rep. Timothy Madden (D – Nantucket) along with other committee members are expected to attend.

“It has been our priority to increase transparency within all branches of state government and to provide more opportunities for the public to discuss their position on legislation or concerns in the community,” said Senate President Therese Murray (D – Plymouth). “Commonwealth residents are encouraged to attend regular public hearings, watch live webcasts of formal sessions and review all bills, including the state budget, that are available online. This listening session takes our effort one step further and I hope Cape residents take advantage of this opportunity.”

 “I look forward to the opportunity to hear directly from local Cape residents about the most important issues facing their towns,” said House Chairman Michael Kane (D – Holyoke).  “Many of the bills we are now considering would have far reaching effects throughout the Commonwealth and receiving input directly from residents is invaluable to our process.”

“Interacting with Cape Cod residents about issues of concern to them will help us as we continue through the legislative process,” stated Senate Chairman James Welch (D – West Springfield).  “This is an example of how we in state government can be more accessible to all residents of the Commonwealth.” 

“So many of the issues before the Municipalities and Regional Government committee are near and dear to the hearts of Cape Codders and bringing the committee to the people is really what government should be all about,” said Senator Daniel Wolf (D – Harwich). “I think this will be a great experience for both the committee and my constituents and I look forward to a healthy discussion about some very important issues here on the Cape.”

“I have very much enjoyed serving on this Committee,” added Rep. Turner (D – Dennis).  “I am looking forward to hearing from my fellow Cape residents at this event.”

“I appreciate the Chairs bringing the Committee out to the Cape,” said Rep. Madden (D – Nantucket).  “It will provide easier access for Cape and Island residents to comment on issues that concern them. I look forward to the event”.

In addition to zoning reform measures, the Committee is also is considering numerous animal control and regulation bills including S.1033, An Act further regulating municipal animal control.  Other important bills pending in the Municipalities Committee include S.1018/H.1447, An Act Relative to the Effective Enforcement of Municipal Ordinances and Bylaws as well as H.577 and H.578, two bills filed by Rep. Turner to address an issue involving subdivisions with private roads and other amenities such as private beaches.

To see a complete list of all the bills currently before the Municipalities Committee please go to http://www.malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J10.

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“Tourism is one of the drivers of the Massachusetts economy,” said Representative Madden. “The history and beauty of Massachusetts draws tourists from across the globe, stimulating local business and strengthening our Commonwealth’s economy. Our investment in tourism is a sign of the House’s commitment to growing ourselves out of this recession rather than just making cuts.”

“Regional Tourism Councils are the ‘boots on the ground’ in our communities, promoting the beauty and history of the Commonwealth that tourists from all over the world want to visit and see,” said Representative Sarah Peake, Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “This increase in funding will help the RTCs to promote Massachusetts and bring us more visitors which will inevitably lead to a growth in revenue, and will support our local businesses and expand job growth in the Commonwealth.”

 Tourism generates over $900 million in state and local tax revenue and is the 3rd largest industry in Massachusetts. For every $1.00 spent on tourism, there is a return of $5.00.

 The official list was announced by former district Rep. Eric Turkington last week at the State House in Boston. The former Representative chaired the 1,000 Great Places Commission responsible for identifying and recognizing the 1,000 most special places in the Commonwealth in order to celebrate pride in our history and culture, increase knowledge of our natural surroundings, and encourage regional and international tourism.

 The 1,000 Great Places program is administered through a partnership of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and its regional tourism councils; and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). The goal is to celebrate what is unique about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its communities, and its people. It aims to boost visitation to Massachusetts as well as give local residents the opportunity to visit known and unknown historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes.

“I am proud to represent and support these local treasures that enrich our lives and contribute to the vitality of our communities,” said Representative Timothy R. Madden. 

 A complete list of the 1,000 Great Places can be found on the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s (MOTT) website: http://www.massvacation.com/ .

August 2009

Gosnold- State Representative Timothy R. Madden of Nantucket, along with Lt. Governor Tim Murray, State Representative John Quinn of Dartmouth, New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang and local officials help dedicate the new $320,000 town pier and fuel dock.

Selectwomen Gail Blout said, “Our town dock is the lifeline of Cuttyhunk” which relies on a ferry which makes one round trip a day from New Bedford.

“As an island resident myself, I know how important a good dock is” said Rep. Madden. He represents the town of Gosnold, of which Cuttyhunk is a part. Gosnold is the smallest town in Massachusetts with only 32 year round residents.