By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Oct, 2016 Bridgewater State Hospital is the center of attention for a number of high profile incidents stemming from the use of excessive force. These include the recent suicide of Leo Marino this April and the death of Joshua Messier from the excessive use of restraints in 2014. […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Sept, 2016 During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln explained his reluctance to impose capital punishment upon homesick soldiers that deserted or upon young men who bolted from their posts and “ran like hell” when being fired upon for the first time. Quite simply, he said, “It is simply […]
Reggie Autumn Craft & Vendor Fair to be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Greater Lawrence Technical School Andover, MA. We are looking for interested crafters and vendors interested in participating inthefair. Spaces are $25.00. For more information and an application please contact SOuellette@glts.net or CLewis@glts.net. OVERHEARD: At a recent high school scholarship night […]
By: State Representative Linda Dean Campbell – July, 2016 The Massachusetts House of Representatives recently passed important legislation for workers, for our communities, and protections for transgender individuals. Facing an unexpected decline in capital gains, we also passed a budget on time – unlike many states throughout the country. I will have more on the […]
PHOTOS|VIDEO CHIEF SOLOMON|VIDEO CHIEF FITZPATRICK Lawrence and Methuen Police were treated to a free lunch Friday afternoon thanks to JT Torres of New England Veterans’ Liberty House and resident volunteers from all over the Merrimack Valley. Torres is also helping to organize a pro-police “We’ve Got Your Back” rally, at Methuen High School next week. (Wed. July 20th, […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – May, 2016 Following a three-day session and a process that starts in the fall, we in the House of Representatives finalized our FY17 budget. We held the line on spending and included no new taxes or fees. As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, I […]
By: State Re. Linda Dean Campbell – April, 2016 Recently, we saw the bipartisan approval by the Massachusetts House of a bill to fund local municipal road and bridge repair. Additionally, Governor Baker has requested more money for local bridge repair, which will require an additional appropriation. As a member of the Committee on Ways […]
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $385,000 to 10 Communities to Develop Asset Management Plans to Help Minimize System Failures BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration has awarded $385,000 in grants to 10 communities to complete Asset Management Plans that will enhance the long-term operation and maintenance of their drinking water, wastewater or stormwater systems. The grant program is being administered by […]
The Massachusetts House of Representatives took a number of important measures in addressing the ongoing opioid abuse crisis in the Commonwealth. The House passed comprehensive legislation that incorporated aspects of Governor Baker’s bill, the Senate opioid bill, input from the medical community, and input from families who have been affected by this scourge. The House […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell 2.5.16 I am pleased that the House of Representatives is currently closely reviewing legislation filed by Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante from Gloucester that will allow those suffering from addiction to go to their local police station for help without fear of being charged with drug possession. There may be […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Jan. 2016 We have an opportunity in coming weeks in the Legislature to send the Governor a comprehensive piece of legislation to further address the opioid crisis. Legislative action to date includes substantially increased funding for: treatment post-detox; Community Mental Health Centers for both adults and youth; and […]
By: Linda Dean Campbell – Dec. 2015 Before Thanksgiving, the Massachusetts House passed two important pieces of legislation. One of these bills will make significant changes to our antiquated public records law. The other will lift the cap on solar energy production to take advantage of existing solar projects and expiring federal tax credits. Both […]
By Tom Duggan – 12-26-15 Hundreds of needy and underprivileged children in Methuen were shocked yesterday morning to find a present under their Christmas trees, thanks to the efforts of the Methuen Police, Fire, and the volunteers at Debbies Treasure Chest, which is headquartered in Lawrence. Methuen Officers Derek Licata and Mike Blanchette, as well […]
By: Maria Fiato. Christine Ryan, and Tom Duggan Nov. 23, 2015 MASSACHUSETTS – After nearly five years of trying to get the Massachusetts legislature to reform the state’s impotent public records law, Valley Patriot publisher Tom Duggan says that they have made a good first step towards holding public officials accountable for not turning over […]
By: Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Nov. 2015 Over this past summer, we saw two women graduate from the Army’s Ranger School, our military’s premier course for both leadership and light infantry combat. While there has been a long ongoing debate upon whether American women should fill military occupations associated with close combat, we are […]