星期三, 1月 14, 2015

查理貝克要打造簡樸政府

麻州州長理貝克(Charlie Baker)八日就任後,不但宣佈凍結州府人事,還選擇使用較小的房間做州長辦公室,藉以無聲強調,他要打造簡樸,有效率,與前不同的政府。
過去這幾天來,理貝克馬不停蹄的既往麻州中部,也到波士頓水前區的當代博物館,多徹斯特的河岸(Strand)劇場等地謝票,拜會哈佛大學校長佛斯特(Drew Gilpen Faust),會晤參眾兩會議長,昨(十三)日再趕到羅爾市(Lowell),和麻州大學羅爾分校校長米罕(Marty Meehan),以及麻州科技(MassTech執行長潘蜜拉哥伯格(Pamela Goldberg)晤面,宣佈麻州科技合作會(Mass Tech Collaborative)撥發四百萬元贈款給麻大羅爾分校。
十一日,他還撥出幾小時,出席斯溫普斯克特(Swampscott)鎮議會為他舉辦的接待會,簡短發言五分鐘,再和排成長龍向他道喜的鄰居們一一寒暄,合影。
回到州政府大樓時,他卻不用原有的州長辦公室,反而選用前任州長幕僚長的辦公室,做他日常辦公地方,只打算在接待貴賓,召開會議時,才去用在前任州長任斥資千萬元翻修復古,透著歷史味,有著高天花板,巨大水晶吊燈,大壁爐,牆壁漆著1798時布芬奇綠色(Bulfinch green)的州長辦公室。
在競選時表態要和一般麻州人一樣節儉的查理貝克說,他是為了能夠輕鬆辦公,即使打翻了咖啡,也不必擔心。
他的這一決定,被有心人當作一種象徵性宣示,以及他對前任州長的挖苦。
八年前,當派區克(Deval Patrick)上任州長時,他花了一萬元用綾羅綢緞做窗簾,買了新傢俱,還決定租輛凱迪拉克(Cadillac)車做州長座駕。據說在輿情批評下,他掏腰包還給州政府那一萬多元。

圖片說明:

            麻州州長查理貝克(左)在Swampscott鎮議會接待室中,故意表示驚喜的收下女童軍們送他的餅乾。(菊子攝)

            麻州州長查理貝克夫婦(右)和出席道喜的鄰居民寒暄,合影。(菊子攝)

            麻州州長查理貝克(左)在Swampscott鎮的住家,結上紅綵帶,慶祝他當選州長。(菊子攝)


            麻州州長查理貝克(左)住在Swampscott鎮的靠水一方。(菊子攝)

梅宇國勒星頓展國畫作品

紐英崙藝術學會會長梅宇國在勒星頓鎮公共圖書館舉行的國畫作品展,十一日舉行開幕接待會,將展至一月三十日止。
            梅宇國在波士頓華埠一向以寫書法聞名,篆楷行草隸等不同字體,都能寫得一筆好字。他開過華夏藝廊,也出版過梅宇國書法集,雖然十幾年前就已經提筆作畫,公開做個人展覽,倒是近年才有的事。
            這次在勒星頓鎮卡瑞(Cary)紀念圖書館派卜(Piper)畫廊展出的十四幅彩墨國畫,有荷花,竹子,魚,老虎,多半是工筆,也夾雜有水墨畫。
            梅宇國坦言,學書法的人少,學繪畫的人多是他近年在繪畫上花更多時間,精力的原因之一。最近麻州大學波士頓分校孔子學院也請他開課。當天出席的李雪梅,李煦陽兩母女,就在梅宇國的課堂上成了同學,從畫荷花開始學起,一學期有十堂課。
李雪梅透露,梅宇國和李煦陽不但是五月同一天生,還同屬羊年,他們拜梅宇國為師這緣分,還真是巧極了。
            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪,副處長陳銘俊,波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文,當天有如三劍客,聯袂到會,恭喜梅宇國開畫展,還送上匡助經文處辦理雙十慶祝有功的表揚狀一紙。
            梅宇國國畫作品展已從一月二日起,在勒星頓鎮卡瑞(Cary)紀念圖書館派卜(Piper)畫廊展出,將展至一月三十日止。每天上午十一點至下午五點,以及每週日的下午一點至五點開放展出。查詢可洽617-818-2973,或上網www.wahar-art.com


圖片說明:

            梅宇國(左起)和他的兩名學生,李煦楊,李雪梅兩母女。(菊子攝)


            梅宇國和他的畫作。(菊子攝)

麻州府撥款四百萬助麻大羅爾分校做電子產業研發

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)昨(十三)日親自到羅爾市,宣佈 麻州科技合作協會(Mass Tech)撥款四百萬元,支持麻州大學羅爾分校印刷及柔軟電子產業集群的發展。
該產業據說未來十年在全球將有七百六十億元的市場。
            麻州大學羅爾分校新設的印刷電子研究合作會(The new Printed Electronics Research Collaborative (PERC))將致力協助麻州的大小企業,經由研發產品,做供應鏈等,充分掌握新興的印刷及柔軟電子產業可帶來的商機。
            該機構的最初營運重點將是支援麻州內的印刷電子產業集群,但長期來說著眼於更廣泛的應用,包括在醫療護理,電信,以及再生能源等。
            這一領域的全球市場,目前估值為一百六十億元,IDTechEx2014年報告,估計未來十年會成長四倍。
            這一為期四年的贈款,將容許麻州羅爾大學從總額五千萬元的合作研發匹配補助項目中,獲得一千兩百萬元的企業支持。
            該筆經費來自2012年的就業法案,由麻州科技創新院管理,學術界,業界及創投社區組成的投資顧問委員會評審。
昨日的撥款儀式在麻州大學羅爾分校,佔地八萬四千平方呎的馬克及伊麗莎(Mark and Elisia Saab)工程科技及創新中心舉行。
住在馬修恩(Methuen)的麻大羅爾校友羅伯及唐娜曼寧(Robert and Donna Manning 也承諾要另捐四百萬元給該校,做羅伯曼寧商學院及護理學院的策略性計畫經費。

查理貝克任命Stephanie Pollack為交通長

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)昨(十三)日宣佈,任命普萊珂(Stephanie Pollack)為交通長(Secretary of Transportation)。
普萊珂在東北大學的杜卡吉斯市區及區域政策中心(Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy)當過九年的副主任,獲任命前在公私企業藉做公共政策資深顧問。

            查理貝克表示,麻州的交通網不只有助於創造就業機會,推動經濟成長,更有許多家庭賴以安全上下班,上下學,重要性不言可諭。普萊珂的豐富經驗有助於為麻州找到因應需要的創新方法。

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Names Daniel Sieger Assistant Secretary for Environment

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Names 
Daniel Sieger Assistant Secretary for Environment

BOSTON - January 14, 2015 - Today, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton announced Daniel Sieger will serve as Assistant Secretary for Environment.

“Daniel will be a great addition to the team we are assembling at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said Matthew BeatonSecretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. I am confident in Daniel’s ability to ensure Massachusetts' position as a leader in environmental reform, and I look forward to working with him going forward.”

“I'm honored to be asked to work for Secretary Beaton, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito,” said Daniel Sieger, Assistant Secretary for Environment“I look forward to supporting the preservation of open space and sustainable agriculture as well as ensuring that every citizen of the commonwealth has access to clean air and water, fresh local food, and outdoor recreation.”

Daniel Sieger, Assistant Secretary for Environment

Daniel Sieger currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Department of Environmental Protection. Prior to joining the Department of Environmental Protection, Daniel spent several years assisting in the oversight of Massachusetts’ four environmental agencies as Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Environment. Daniel is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Boston.

星期二, 1月 13, 2015

CAPAC Members Celebrate Korean American Day

CAPAC Members Celebrate Korean American Day

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to celebrate Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“On January 13, 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu aboard the S.S. Gaelic. 112 years later, we celebrate Korean American Day, honoring the many contributions and accomplishments of the Korean American community nationwide. From small business owners to community leaders to military service members, Korean Americans are invaluable to our society. On this special day, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the Korean Americans in California and across the U.S., and wish them all a Happy Korean American Day.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Today we commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to America with the celebration of Korean American Day. Since Korean immigrants stepped off the S.S. Gaelic in Honolulu in 1903, the Korean American community has grown tremendously, strengthening our nation along the way. Korean Americans energize our local and national economies through entrepreneurship while also forging strong, supportive community ties. They serve with distinction in the various levels of government as well as our armed forces. I would like to extend a warm mahalo to the Korean American community for all their contributions in strengthening the cultural fabric of Hawaii and our nation.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“112 years ago today, 102 women, men, and children traveling from the Korean Peninsula landed in Hawaii. Since their arrival, Korean Americans have contributed immensely to every facet of our society – including the arts, sciences, entertainment, businesses, and public service. I am especially grateful to the Korean Americans in my district – and the 1.7 million across the country – who continue to bridge the divide of Korean and American cultures, histories, and economies; they are the lynchpin in a vibrant and unwavering U.S.-Korea Alliance. Happy Korean American Day!”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (Guam), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“I join our fellow Americans throughout the country in celebrating Korean American Day. This day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903, and it recognizes the many contributions Korean Americans have made, and continue to make, to our nation. I especially join the Korean American community in Guam, many of whom are leaders in our community and make Guam a more diverse and vibrant island.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“I am honored to celebrate the 112th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States. I am proud to represent California’s 13th district which has a vibrant and thriving Korean American community. This community’s achievements have and continue to make the East Bay, California and our nation great and contribute to the rich, vibrant and diverse tapestry of our community.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“I am proud to join the Korean-American community in New York and across the country in celebrating Korean American Day. Today, we commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants in America, and pay tribute to the outstanding contributions that Korean-Americans have made to our city, state and nation. Americans of Korean descent play a critical role in strengthening every aspect of our society, and I know that Korean-Americans will continue to enrich our communities and further contribute to the prosperity of America. I thank the Korean-American community for all it’s done to make America great, and I am honored to wish all Korean-Americans a very Happy Korean American Day!”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“Over 100 years ago, in 1903, the first Korean immigrants to America arrived in the First Congressional District of Hawaii. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Korean-American community for their great accomplishments and sacrifices. Korean-Americans have played an integral role in the formation of Hawaii’s modern-day culture and the community as a whole truly embodies the Aloha Spirit.”

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47):

“I am honored to join with all Americans in celebration of Korean American Day. Today, on the 112th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the U.S., we recognize the countless civic, economic and cultural contributions Korean Americans have made to our communities. I am proud to represent the vibrant, bustling Korean Business District in Garden Grove, California and the thousands of Korean Americans who call the 47thDistrict of California their home. It is our unique ethnic heritage and cultural diversity that build and strengthen the fabric of our great nation.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“As we celebrate Korean American Day I am proud to stand with the more than 20,000 Koreans and Korean Americans who live in San Diego. These men and women are business owners, educators, scientists and civic leaders in neighborhoods across my district, and I applaud their many contributions to our community. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to help represent this growing community in Washington, D.C. and look forward to continuing to work with them to better San Diego.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13):

“Since the first Koreans arrived on the shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, on this date in 1903, they have excelled and shown that the American Dream is alive. Whether in military, education, science, business, sports or the arts, Korean Americans proved that with hard work, dedication and zeal for education, they can thrive and help make America even greater. As a Korean War veteran, I have been proud to witness South Korea’s rise from a war-torn nation to becoming the world’s 13th-largest economy, a transformation which has been largely driven by the resilience and industriousness of the Korean people. Here in America, Koreans have inspired us with the same entrepreneurialism and perseverance toward building success and wealth for their communities. The Korean American community has been an integral part of our American fabric, and I am honored to join my Colleagues and Korean American friends in celebrating their many milestones and triumphs. The Korean people will always have a very special place in my heart. I look forward to the continued friendship I cherish so much.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Today, I join Korean Americans across the country in celebrating the tremendous achievements and culture they have shared with the United States. I’m honored to represent thousands of Korean Americans in the 9th District of Washington, and see their contributions to our community as innovators, members of our military, and civic leaders. Thank you to all Korean Americans who help make our country great.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.