Historic Compromise: Legislature Approves Comprehensive Tax Relief Package

Historic Compromise: Legislature Approves Comprehensive Tax Relief Package

By: State Senator Pavel Payano 10-23 In a landmark achievement of bipartisan cooperation, the Massachusetts Legislature has reached a historic compromise on a comprehensive tax relief package, and I am proud to have cast my vote in favor of it. This extraordinary effort was a true compromise between Democrats and Republicans and between the Senate and […]

Advocating a Brighter Future in the Merrimack Valley

Advocating a Brighter Future in the Merrimack Valley

By: State Rep.  Francisco Paulino 10-23 Dear Friends and Neighbors of Methuen and Lawrence, a few years back, when the halls of Suffolk University Law School were my daily walk, a fervent dream took root. I envisioned a community where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, was afforded the same opportunities and treated with […]

Auditor DiZoglio Releases Audit of the Sex Offender Registry Board

Auditor DiZoglio Releases Audit of the Sex Offender Registry Board

BOSTON –Today, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office released an audit of the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB), which reviewed the period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2021. The current audit followed up on deficiencies identified in a 2017 audit completed under the previous administration. In our report, Auditor DiZoglio notes that SORB has not yet implemented […]

The Methuen Veterans Center: A New Vision for Veterans’ Services

The Methuen Veterans Center: A New Vision for Veterans’ Services

State Rep. Ryan Hamilton 10-23 I am proud to come from the Merrimack Valley, where we cherish and uplift our veterans and their families. I am also proud to come from a family who understands the sacrifice our veterans have made. My grandfather was a Korean War veteran and two of my uncles served in […]

Gaps in Testing Represent Weaknesses in Cannabis Control Commission ~ IN YOUR CORNER with AUDITOR DIZOGLIO

Gaps in Testing Represent Weaknesses in Cannabis Control Commission ~ IN YOUR CORNER with AUDITOR DIZOGLIO

10-23 At the end of September, my office released an audit of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), diving into a commission that has the responsibility to build up oversight over a nascent industry. As this industry has evolved, so too has the CCC. This most recent audit specifically honed in on whether the CCC is […]

A Tribute Upon the Passing of Frank Cann, Family Man, Philanthropist, Mentor

A Tribute Upon the Passing of Frank Cann, Family Man, Philanthropist, Mentor

By: Michael Gorman 9-23 The following eulogy was delivered last month at the funeral of local philanthropist Frank Cann by TMF founder Michael Gorman. TMF is a group of local volunteers who feeds the homeless in Lawrence.   My Name is Michael Gorman and I am the Founder of the non-profit organization – The Movement Family, […]

Our Shared Journey: Charting a Brighter Future for Lawrence, Methuen in the Heart of the Valley

Our Shared Journey: Charting a Brighter Future for Lawrence, Methuen in the Heart of the Valley

By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino 9-23 Dear friends and neighbors of Lawrence and Methuen, When I think of the Merrimack Valley, I envision a lively mosaic of history, culture, and innovation. At its heart lie two cities — Lawrence and Methuen — that embody resilience, community spirit, and potential. As your state representative, every decision […]

State Auditor DiZoglio Makes Sure There Are No Unfunded Local Mandates ~ IN YOUR CORNER WITH AUDITOR DIZOGLIO

State Auditor DiZoglio Makes Sure There Are No Unfunded Local Mandates ~ IN YOUR CORNER WITH AUDITOR DIZOGLIO

By: State Auditor Diana DiZoglio 9-23 Hello Valley Patriot Readers, Within the Office of the State Auditor is the Division of Local Mandates (DLM), a critical resource for our cities and towns. DLM was established in 1980 under the property tax limit initiative known as Proposition 2 ½. The DLM team assists in determining whether […]

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Affordable Connectivity Program

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Affordable Connectivity Program

By: State Senator Pavel Payano 9-23 In our modern, interconnected world, the internet has become a fundamental necessity, impacting every facet of our lives, from education and healthcare to employment and communication. However, for numerous families and individuals, a formidable obstacle remains – the digital divide. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) emerges as a pioneering […]

My Efforts to Increase Cultural Funding in the Valley

My Efforts to Increase Cultural Funding in the Valley

By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton The Merrimack Valley is home to some of our Commonwealth’s finest arts and culture organizations. As the State Representative for Methuen and Haverhill, I can tour many of these historic landmarks and cultural attractions. This month, I want to highlight some of the significant events and projects underway in our […]

Former Councilor, School Committeeman Ken Willette, to Run Sticker Campaign in Methuen

Former Councilor, School Committeeman Ken Willette, to Run Sticker Campaign in Methuen

 Willette Announces Write-In Campaign for Methuen School Committee  Kenneth Willette (10 Burnham Road, Apt. 506A) officially announced his campaign today as a write-in candidate for the Methuen School Committee. Willette previously served six years on the Methuen School Committee and six years as a Methuen City Councilor at Large. Willette stated: “Based upon positive feedback […]

Shawn Hart of Methuen Indicted on Federal Charges for Narcotics, Firearms Offenses

Shawn Hart of Methuen Indicted on Federal Charges for Narcotics, Firearms Offenses

Shawn Hart is also Previously Convicted Felon BOSTON – A Methuen man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition and using a firearm in relation of a drug trafficking offense. Shawn Hart, 45, was charged with one […]

Methuen Taxpayers Should Be Angry Over Gallant Decision ~ PAYING ATTENTION! with TOM DUGGAN

Methuen Taxpayers Should Be Angry Over Gallant Decision ~ PAYING ATTENTION! with TOM DUGGAN

08/23 Just minutes after posting the story on-line about Methuen Police Captain Greg Gallant (story here) winning his Civil Service case against the City of Methuen for wrongful termination, the hate mail started pouring in. People were outraged, they were confused, and they were hostile. How could this be, many asked. How did Gallant get […]

Methuen Captain Greg Gallant Wins Civil Service Case – City Ordered to Give Back Pay

Methuen Captain Greg Gallant Wins Civil Service Case – City Ordered to Give Back Pay

Aug. 4, 2023 [updated]  The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has ruled that fired Methuen police Captain Greg Gallant must be returned to duty and given three years back pay after being illegally fired by Methuen Mayor Neil Perry. FULL RULING HERE Gallant v. Methuen, CS-22-388  Gallant was officially fired on June 9, 2022 after being put […]