House Republicans Vote Against $500 Million in Tax Increases

Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) supported tax-free transportation proposal defeated by Democrats

(A press release from the Republican representatives) House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R- North Reading), Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk), ranking Republican on the Joint Committee on Transportation, and Representative Peter Durant (R-Spencer) were joined by the House Republican Caucus in voting against a Democratic-led transportation finance proposal which contained $500 million in tax increases.  “By electing to raise taxes in the Commonwealth, Democrats on Beacon Hill have indicated their willingness to help fund Governor Patrick’s legacy project,” said Representative Jones. “Unfortunately, despite the House Republican Caucus’ proposal of an alternative transportation finance plan – free from any statewide tax …

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Tell Us: Should Norton Vote for 40B Reform?

Currently, Norton has 6,707 units of housing available in the town and would need 671 affordable units to make state-mandated goal.

Last month, selectmen voted 5-0 to allow a new town meeting warrant article in May that would allow the town to seek special Norton-only legislation concerning Chapter 40B, helping Norton to fill its quota. The warrant article at the special town meeting would, if passed by a counted majority, allow the town to count the 310 units currently in planning towards the Massachusetts Affordable Housing statute 10 percent goal.  Would you vote 'Yes' for this reform? Why or why not?

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Taking Time to Smell the Roses

Annemarie Holloway's latest blog post. To start your own writing adventure go to Norton.Patch.com/blog_post/new.

Do You Own a Hybrid? Would You Buy a Hybrid?

Weighing the pros and cons of a hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars have come a long way since the Honda Insight became the first hybrid for sale in North America in late 1999. For one, the styling has gone from futuristic insect to more traditional looks. And while once the sight of a Prius rolling by would turn heads, hybrids seem ubiqutious now. (The more traditional looking models also don't turn as many heads.) There are the well-known pros to hybrids, starting with cutting down on trips to the gas station. The miles per gallon these cars get is the first specification that jumps out at most people, and what many customers are looking for when shopping for a hybrid. For city-dwellers, the fuel economy of hybrids is often better for city driving than for highway driving, flipping the …

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Terry J

10:44 am on Saturday, March 30, 2013

Perfect Troll reply. Other adjectives come to mind when you consider what kind of person feels good about paying $6.57 to go 25 miles when a Prius owner is only paying $1.84. I get the same feeling when I see a drunk with cash falling out of their pockets. Clueless and pissed.   more ›

Show Us: What Does Your Water Look Like?

Tell us how often do you get brown water.

Next month the Water and Sewer Department is scheduled to begin flushing water hydrants. This is done so that the inside surfaces of water mains are scoured, cleaning out iron and manganese particles. These particles cause brown water.  Tell us: How often do you get brown water, if ever? Are you comfortable drinking, cleaning and cooking using water from your faucet? Show us what your water looks like by uploading photos.

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What Do You Think About Gov. Patrick’s Travel Ban?

Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?

All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …

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SOUND OFF: Should Women Serve in Combat?

The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on women serving in combat roles, including roles on the front lines of battle. What do you think about the change? Tell us below.

The Pentagon made a historic move Thursday when it lifted its ban against women serving in combat, according to USA Today.  A 1994 restriction prevented women in the military from serving in combat, including service on the front lines. However, many argued, including the American Civil Liberties Union, that reality showed women already serving on the front lines.  U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Armed Services Committee who strongly supports the historic change, issued the following statement after the announcement.  “I applaud the Secretary for formally removing the ban," Reed said. "The reality of today’s battlefield is that all who serve are in combat.” The military's lift of the ban opens up  230,000 posts to women in …

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Should Sperm Donors Be Held Financially Responsible?

Three years after a Kansas man donated his sperm, the state wants him to pay child support.

A mechanic who answered a Craigslist ad to donate his sperm to a lesbian couple, is now being pursued by the State of Kansas for child support, reports the Kansas City Star. In 2009, Angela Bauer and Jennifer Schreiner entered into an agreement with the donor, William Marotta to provide his sperm. They signed a contract that outlined he would be free from any financial responsibility as well as parental privileges, according to the newspaper. The legal contract stated Marotta was not responsible “for any child support payments demanded of him by any other person or entity, public or private, including any district attorney’s office or other state or county agency, regardless of the circumstances or said demand.” Although the women offered…

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Editors' Picks: Most Notable Sports Moment of 2012

Your group of local patch editors weighs in on the standout sports moments of the year.

Editor's Note: The following is part of a special "end-of-the-year" series in which local editors from your nearby Patch towns highlight their favorites in various topics.   Jonathan Friedman - Editor, Attleboro-Seekonk Patch From my earliest days through college, I was a competitive swimmer. I was never good enough to be an Olympian, but I have a tremendous respect for those who are. And every four years, it is exciting to see swimming in the spotlight. Special kudos go to Michael Phelps, who looked like he had lost his magic when he didn't even win a medal in his first individual event, the 400 IM (first time since 2000 that had happened), but then regained it later in the week with spectacular wins in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, while…

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Editors' Picks: Favorite TV Shows of 2012

Editors from nearby Patches weigh in on their favorite TV shows of 2012.

Editor's Note: The following is part of a special "end-of-the-year" series in which local editors from your nearby Patch towns highlight their favorites in various topics.   What was your favorite TV show from 2012?  Ben Paulin - Editor, Walpole Patch "Breaking Bad" is the best show on TV and maybe the best show ever. Every episode is more thrilling than the last and I will be sad to see it go next year. Walter White's journey from high school science teacher to crystal meth king pin has been truly incredible to see unfold. The creators of the show do an amazing job of leaving no stone unturned and leaving no loose ends. If you haven't seen it yet, I would highly recommend it. Jeff Sullivan - Editor, Mansfield Patch Too many to count. This…

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