Rebecca's Ramblings
(December07 Newsletter)

     The November Coalition meeting hosted the annual Legislative Roundtable. The group met with Senator Stephen Brewer, Representatives Christopher Donelan and Anne Gobi and Legislative Aide, Paul Dunphy from Representative Stephen Kulik’s office. The focus of the discussion was primarily on the economy and the impact of the coming winter on many of the area’s low to moderate income residents. With soaring gasoline prices, costs for many other goods and services are expected to rise. As winter approaches, many are concerned with the costs of heating their homes and limited resources for assistance. As seniors, families and individuals struggle to make ends meet often having to choose between health care, food and fuel, it is even more critical that services are available for those in need.

     The local economy is one important element to the region’s future growth. Access to technology for even the smallest business enterprises and incentives for business development in the region are both clearly at the forefront of the Legislative delegation’s interests. Developing alternatives to an oil based economy is imperative and our area hosts many innovative approaches to sustainable energy resources.

     As the Commonwealth weighs the costs versus the benefits of issues like casino gambling, the more pressing needs of rural communities can risk being lost. The North Quabbin region is fortunate to have the representation at the state level that is very much in tune with the local people and the region’s needs.