Comments for Blogging Belmont

Comment on Game on: Scharfman Picks Up Selectman Nomination Papers by Yury Kats

Yury Kats — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:48:51 +0000

Dan’s campaign site: http://danscharfman.com/

Comment on Red-Lined: Proposed MBTA Cuts Would Hit Belmont Hard by dr2chase

dr2chase — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:04:57 +0000

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_MBTA#MBTA_expansion_and_the_Big_Dig

It looks like there was an unfunded mandate on the MBTA to expand service to offset increased auto pollution from the Big Dig. Hard to tell if they did something boneheaded and cost-ineffective, or were asked to undertake an impossible task.

Not sure what the best protest is. If I were someone forced to buy a car to make my commute work, or a METCO parent whose kid suddenly had an intractable school commute, I’d be pissed. It occurs to me that if someone were now forced to drive when it was previously not necessary , that “drive to rule” might be amusing, and perhaps even effective. Would not take much of that to make a real mess of everyone’s commute.

Comment on Red-Lined: Proposed MBTA Cuts Would Hit Belmont Hard by Paul Roberts

Paul Roberts — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:52:00 +0000

I wasn’t aware of the Big Dig shell game, David. Do you have a link to any info on that? I just find it perplexing that the T is saying, on the one hand, ridership is going through the roof and on the other hand is saying “we’re going broke.” I also wonder how closely they looked at right-sizing their staffing? I don’t see any mention of administrative cuts? But – bottom line – passenger rail isn’t a money making venture. Its got to be subsidized with an awareness of the greater good – cleaner air, more livable communities, equity for those of lesser means. Looking at it based on the “does this line support itself with fare revenue” is just silly. This isn’t a lemonade stand – or even a Dunkin’ Donuts – its a public transportation network.

Comment on Red-Lined: Proposed MBTA Cuts Would Hit Belmont Hard by David Chase

David Chase — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0000

I notice that some of the outbound commuter busses (e.g., Burlington office parks) are also on the list. I can see how they might be subsidized (long trips, not packed like sardine cans) but there might be people who really rely on that — that’s a 10-mile commute without good choices. Drive, or a bike ride that sucks a lot once you hit the Burlington line.

Have you ever been able to figure out if the Big Dig debt dumped onto the T was in any way legitimate?

Comment on Libraries…who needs ‘em? (Answer below) by Interior Design

Interior Design — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:19:00 +0000

Why no one posting comments here. No body cares about libraries.

Comment on One In Four Belmont Voters Declared “Inactive” (And I’m One Of ‘Em) by Paul Roberts

Paul Roberts — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Yes – I think that’s right. I think the census data (or Street List) is used for all kinds of things both locally and at the state level. I’m all for that – I just think putting up obstacles to vote should never be a solution to compel folks to action. The stakes are too high and folks are already too willing to give a pass to voting as it is!

Comment on One In Four Belmont Voters Declared “Inactive” (And I’m One Of ‘Em) by Mark

Mark — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:42:00 +0000

It is my understanding that the state uses the town census information to (among other things) also feed the jury selection process. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure this is the case.

Comment on Vote Will Brownsberger For Senate On Tuesday by Will Brownsberger

Will Brownsberger — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:15:00 +0000

Thanks, Paul! It is a privilege to work with you.

Comment on Vote Will Brownsberger For Senate On Tuesday by Political Campaign Expert » Blog Archive » Vote Will Brownsberger For Senate On Tuesday | Blogging Belmont

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:49:16 +0000

[...] Read the original: Vote Will Brownsberger For Senate On Tuesday | Blogging Belmont [...]

Comment on Vote Will Brownsberger For Senate On Tuesday by John Bowe

John Bowe — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:50:00 +0000

I got two calls this afternoon, one from head of the state teachers union machinery, one from Tolman. Both hid the Caller ID. (Reminder (ala Scott Brown’s campaign): It’s the people’s seat, not the AFL-CIO’s…)
The one from Will’s campaign was a live, non-robotic call. (and valid caller ID) That hold much more cred for me.