|
星期一, 6月 07, 2021
代市長同意選票問題 波士頓市預算邁向全民參與
星期六, 6月 05, 2021
波士頓華埠舞獅期待旺商機 南派獅隊先出場
 |
| 嘉賓和南派醒獅隊在華埠牌樓前合影。 |
波士頓華埠從新冠病毒疫情爆發之後，生意就大不如前，儘管新冠病毒和華埠無關，只因為新冠病毒疫情最早從中國境內傳出，坊間以訛傳訛，把許多人嚇到不敢進華埠用餐，購物。
波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle
Wu)，當時的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)等人都曾以身作則，聚眾在華埠內吃點心，用餐。
新冠病毒疫情隨後加劇，州市政府紛紛發出禁令，餐飲業只能外賣，不能堂食，餐館生意更是一落千丈，許多餐廳被迫歇業，關上大門。華埠內也有至少2家餐廳因此轉手，換了新東主。
如今這超過一年的疫情，總算舒緩了，麻州、波士頓市也都解除禁令了，但人們的習慣，一時間似乎改不過來。許多人都在問，有甚麼方法可以吸引人進華埠消費。
6月5日中午是這帶旺華埠商機活動的第一場舞獅，由南派武館的醒獅隊擔綱。
華埠主街董事何遠光在致詞儀式中還宣佈，跨入7月後，將於7月3日在華埠牌樓前的公園，擺出花市，繼續吸引人潮。
 |
| 左起，黃市公所主席黃光沐，華埠主街裡適何遠光，波士頓市議員 Ed Lynn，紐英崙華人歷史協會董事陳建立，華埠主街董事會主席 黃光野等人致詞。 |
 |
| 蘿絲甘迺迪綠路新主任Chris Cook(右三)致詞。 |
波士頓市長宣佈波士頓今日進入熱浪緊急狀態
|
|
吳弭參選波士頓市長 進華埠拜會籲請支持(圖片)
 |
| 波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)(前右二)參選波士頓市長，進華埠拜會，和波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷 (前左二)，財政余麗媖(前右一)，華埠社區議會共同主席雷國輝(後左起)，紐英崙中華公所中文書計馮武成， 全美安良工商會總理陳仕維，至德三德公所共同主席周樹昂(前右一)等人晤談。 |
海外香港華人民主人權促進會6/3網上悼念六四
 |
| 左起： 陳家驊 、蔣宗壬、謝中之、 張海、羅四鴒等人，6月3日中午 在波士頓華埠天安門紀念碑前悼念32年前發生的天安門事件。(謝中之提供) |
海外香港華人民主人權促進會，波士頓港澳之友社由中堅份子謝中之居間協調，6月3日中午，有蔣宗壬，陳家驊，廖平，張海，羅四鴒，阮鴻燦，鄺坤珍，余麗媖等約10人陸續來到波士頓華埠牌樓旁的天安門紀念碑前獻花，致意。
 |
| 波士頓天安門紀念碑前有人獻花。 |
1989年6月4日已經是32年前的事了，在中國大陸境內的「天安門事件」，震驚世界，迄今仍有數難以計的人們，心懷傷痛，每一憶及，就不能自已。
 |
| 6月3日晚，天安門紀念碑前的燭光。(謝中之提供) |
只是沒人想到，光陰消逝32年，當年同聚廣場，齊聲要求民主，一度匯聚在波士頓的這些青春少年，已散落世界各地，悄然跨入鬢毛衰的壯耄之年 ，卻依然還得悼念六四。
今年海外中國民運人士發起了”點起一根蠟燭—2021年「六四」32週年全球網路視頻紀念大會。波士頓也在謝中之安排下加入連線。周峰鎖等人則在ClubHouse上開了個八九六四房間，邀請當年親身經歷過六四的人分享各自的經驗。(三次更新版)
悼念: 天安門屠殺三十二週年 香港鎮壓抗爭兩週年從一九八九天安門屠殺, 經過二零一九年六月九日香港反修例抗爭運動開始至今，中共政權血腥鎮壓民主運動，肆意踐踏人權從長安街伸展到香港。 週年在即，讓我們向這些抗爭運動的死傷者致哀，向受逼害、入獄的人士致意。讓中國大陸及香港的當權者確知：人民不會忘記這些歷史，人民不會饒恕這些罪行。請參加六月三日的悼念會。
日期：2021年6月3日 星期四
時間：中午
地點：悼念活動均在互聯網上舉行、波士頓華埠天安門紀念碑作為背景
連結：https://www.facebook.com/aohkc/
程序：影音回顧，默哀，以音樂、錄像及相片表達本會及參與悼念者宣言
主辦：海外香港華人民主人權促進會，波士頓港澳之友社協辦
遵從麻省疫情指示，本月十五日前戶外聚集不得超過25人，遵守社交距離。 如閣下選擇在此歷史時刻，往波士頓天安門紀念碑悼念，
務必與其他人相隔最少六呎， 配戴口罩及其它麻省推介的防疫設備。 如在紀念碑獻花， 敬請悼念後自行清理場地， 感謝各位尊重唐人街鄰舍。
即使未能在該時刻參加悼念會，主辦機構歡迎公眾其它時間參與、到紀念碑獻花、志哀、拍照並在網上共享及留言。意見可以自由發表，但懇請大家尊重抗爭受害者，以及參與是次悼念人士。
Memorial
32nd
Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre
2nd Anniversary of Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong
In Memory of the Democracy Movement of 1989 and Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong of 2019, we will hold a Memorial and Candlelight Vigil for the fallen heroes on Thursday (3 June 2021). Widespread violation of human rights in Hong Kong. Pre-1997 promises made to the international community have been broken. We intend to send a simple message to those in power in Beijing and Hong Kong: People will not forget, and will not forgive the crimes their governments have committed.
Date: 3 June 2021, Thursday
Time: Noon
Program: -
Prelude
-
Moment of Silence
-
Statements in the form of photos, videos and songs, pre-recorded
or real-time by participants
Location: Public commemorative events will be
hosted on Facebook at the following link, using the Tiananmen Memorial Monument
at Boston Chinatown Gateway Park for background: https://www.facebook.com/aohkc/
Organized by: Association of Overseas Hong Kong Chinese for Democracy and Human Rights Friends of Hong Kong and Macau
Please note that the emergency measures implemented in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for COVID-19 will not be terminated until Jun 15. Limit on outdoor gathering up to 25 participants, and social distancing, must be observed. Those who have chosen to congregate on the Tiananmen Memorial Monument at 6 Hudson Street, Boston, at this historical moment would be advised to stay at least 6 feet away from one another, wear protective gears including but not limited to face masks as recommended by the Commonwealth, and to do their own cleanups should anyone choose to place flowers/wreaths at the Monument. Your courtesy to the Chinatown neighborhood will be most appreciated.
Those who would like to
participate in this virtual event but could not use the link at noon are
welcome to join in & to share photos & comments afterwards. Your show
of support & respect to the fallen can take many forms, including sharing
photos & statements on the link above, including your own moment of respect
recorded at the Monument. Despite differences of opinions, participants are
expected to be respectful to those already fallen, and to those who care enough
to be a part of this annual event.
星期五, 6月 04, 2021
波士頓市長選舉第三波民調 Annissa Essaibi George衝上第一名
 |
| 六名波士頓市長候選人出席ACE主辦，以氣候正義為主題的論壇。 第一排最右為John Barros，第二排從右向左，吳弭(Michelle Wu)， Jon Santiago，Annissa Essaibi George，Kim Janey， 第三排，Andrea Campbell。(視頻截圖) |
其餘三名候選人的民調支持率，遠落在後，依序為Andrea
Campbell 6.4%，以及Jon Santiago4.9%，John
Barros 4.6%。心意未決者高達近30%。
熟悉選舉者透露，在有意參選者繳交3000份支持者簽名後，現在又多了2人參選波士頓市長。誰有機會在9月14日的初選中脫穎而出，成為11月大選的2名決戰者之一，變數陡增，差距可能小至幾百票，甚至幾票。
最近的這次民意調查，是2家政治顧問公司，Poll Progressive 和Emancipated
Group，在5月25日至30日之間，向500人發出問卷做成的。
有政治分析家指稱，過去這一、二個月以來，坊間辦過共3次民意調查，從4月20日迄今，至少已有4、5場候選人論壇，安排的問題，多半都很激進。舉辦這次調查的顧問公司Poll
Progressive和Emancipated Group，也在調查時問了選民幾個今年選舉比較熱門的問題，包括是否贊成刪減警察預算，支不支持讓16歲以下青少年搭乘MBTA免費或減價，學校應不應該安排警察駐守，學校和警察局內一直備受爭議的幫派檔案，是否應該廢除，投票年齡應否降低等等。
在這次的民意調查中，Annissa
Essaibi George贏得最多白人選民支持，約27%；吳弭其次，23%。Kim Janey獲得最多黑人選民支持，約34%。
年紀在18到44歲之間的選民，支持Annissa Essaibi George和吳弭的人最多，依序支持率為23%，22%。在45到64歲之間的選民中，29%支持Annissa Essaibi George，但僅有12%支持吳弭。65歲以上的選民，支持Kim Janey的最多，22%，其次為吳弭15%，Annissa
Essaibi George11%。
在接受調查的選民中，約49%支持刪減警察局預算，把經費轉用於防止暴力項目。在MBTA車票上，36%支持車票降價(Essaibi-George, Santiago, and Barros)，20%支持完全免費(吳弭、Kim Janey)，Andrea
Campbell倡議只有的MBTA巴士免費，指得到7%支持。
當過13年高中教師的Annissa Essaibi George，贊成學校有警察駐守，不贊成以郵遞區號作為考試學校錄取依據，認為學校委員會委員應由指派產生。在競選路上，她似乎贏得了中庸派選民支持，3月時有麻州護士協會，最近有前任波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William Gross)，以及波士頓消防員工會都背書支持她。
Annissa Essaibi George還誓言，一旦當選，將在波士頓市府內成立一個新部門，”經濟正義及工人權益(Economic
Justice & Workers’ Right)”，還會探討直接發現金給市內最弱勢居民的可行性。
其他候選人也各有主張，都有斬獲。
吳弭一早就得到聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren背書支持，支持者為她舉辦籌款會，也陸續有聯邦眾議員孟昭文，劉雲平等人為她站台，5月份還有聯邦參議員Tammy
Duckworth也來支持她。Teamster本地25號工會，
Andrea
Campbell的支持者包括劍橋市市長Sumbul Siddiqui，前麻州州長Deval
Patrick的妻子Dianne，成員包括Netflix執行長Reed Hastings，特許學校支持者，預定籌款200萬元的超級團(SuperPac)，”更好的波士頓(Better
Boston)”，她呼籲波士頓公校系統用聯邦政府的補助經費，每名學生發給3000元。
Jon Santiago早在3月初就有麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)表態支持，之後獲得轄區在Allston-Brighton的兩名麻州眾議員支持，5月25日再獲得麻州眾議會議長Ron
Mariano的背書支持。
John Barros在4月27日宣稱一旦當選市長，將試行基本收入計畫。
由一群社區組織合作舉辦的波士頓市長候選人論壇系列，將於6月10日晚6點到7點半舉辦第六場，也是最後一場，將由「城市投票權(Right to the City VOTE)」主持，主題為住宅與土地。報名可上網https://bostonmayoralforums.org/。
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $109 Million in Direct Federal Aid for Four Communities
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $109 Million in Direct Federal Aid for Four Communities
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced a total of $109 million in discretionary funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be distributed today to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph. These four communities were amongst the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but due to shortcomings in the federal ARPA funding formula, were set to receive disproportionately smaller amounts of federal funding compared to other hard-hit communities.
“Our Administration committed additional funds to Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph to ensure all of the Commonwealth’s communities received the funding they deserved from the federal relief package,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These four communities were disproportionately impacted by the virus, and this additional funding will support critical local COVID response and recovery efforts.”
“As the Commonwealth’s economy reopens, this funding will allow the four communities to make investments to recover from the pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration was pleased to work directly with local officials in these communities to deliver this funding.”
The following amounts will be distributed to the communities today:
- Chelsea $28.5 million
- Everett $33.3 million
- Methuen $26.3 million
- Randolph $21 million
ARPA allocated direct aid to some municipalities based on the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program formula, while assistance to other communities was allocated on a per-capita basis. The use of these two different allocation formulas created disparities in distributions among cities and towns, and Chelsea, Everett, Methuen and Randolph are the four designated hardest hit communities with disproportionately smaller levels of federal funding compared to other hardest hit communities. The Administration worked closely with key state and local stakeholders to determine the extent of the necessary additional resources given federal funding levels and local needs.
These four municipalities will be able to use this funding to support costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including direct response efforts, addressing negative economic impacts, replacing revenue lost during the pandemic, making investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, as well as other eligible expenditures.
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million in Community Compact Grants
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $1 Million in Community Compact Grants
48 municipalities and 4 school districts to receive funds for efficiency and regionalization
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a total of $1 million in grants covering 48 communities and 4 school districts through the Community Compact Cabinet (CCC) Efficiency and Regionalization (E&R) grant program. Including today’s announcement, the Administration has awarded over $5.5 million in E&R grants to support over 300 municipalities and school districts across Massachusetts.
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan made the announcement today during a virtual award ceremony attended by recipients, local and state officials, and community leaders.
“Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito, the Community Compact Cabinet continues to empower local cities, towns, and school districts and ensures they are able to provide high-quality, efficient, and reliable services to Massachusetts residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By leveraging the collective capacity of local communities, this grant program helps maximize local funding and achieve important efficiencies.”
“We are proud to work closely with our local partners and support their efforts to improve the delivery of local services which are important to the people of Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Polito, Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet. “The efficiency and regionalization program provides important resources for local communities and school districts and we look forward to seeing the benefits of these grants.”
The Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program was started in Fiscal Year 2017 by the Administration to assist municipalities and school districts interested in providing services to their constituents in a more efficient and cost-effective way. The grants provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional planning agencies, and councils of government interested in such projects.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to announce this latest round of grant funding and continue assisting local cities and towns in implementing creative and financially responsible reforms,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Heffernan. “We continue to collaborate with our state and local partners and focus on increasing long-term sustainability through common-sense regionalization and efficiency initiatives.”
The award recipients are as follows:
- $178,000 for shared DPW equipment for Berlin and Clinton
- $160,000 for a regional Net Zero Plan for Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop
- $133,275 for shared police services for Leverett and Wendell
- $100,000 for regional IT services for Danvers, Essex, Hamilton, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Middleton, Topsfield, and Wenham
- $78,725 for regional climate resiliency efforts for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District which serves numerous municipalities (Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Carver, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Wareham)
- $75,000 for regional human resources services for Great Barrington, Monterey, New Marlborough, Sheffield, and West Stockbridge
- $75,000 for regional planning services for Mendon, Millville, and Uxbridge
- $100,000 to explore forming a regional school district for Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield
- $98,200 for regional full-day Pre-K for Manchester-Essex RSD
Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and is composed of the Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Technology Services and Security, along with the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services.
The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations, and accountability for both partners.
麻州府撥款1900萬元 鼓勵民眾出門用餐購物
Massachusetts Launches the “Let’s Go Out” Campaign to Support Local Restaurants and Encourage In-Person Dining
BOSTON —
Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy and Boston Mayor Kim Janey to highlight the “Let’s Go Out” marketing campaign, an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting local restaurants throughout the Commonwealth.
On May 27th, the
Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of the “Let’s Go Out”
campaign, an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of supporting
local restaurants across the Commonwealth. The campaign is being led by
the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) in conjunction with the
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and industry
partners. The launch of the $1.9 million campaign is timed to coincide
with the lifting of public health restrictions in Massachusetts and is
scheduled to run throughout the summer, through September.
The mission of the campaign is to amplify the importance of restaurants as an
integral part of daily life and a key driver of economic activity for the
Commonwealth’s downtowns and main streets. “Let’s Go Out” is an extension of
the Administration’s “My Local MA” campaign that has been encouraging residents
to shop, dine and stay local since last August.
“Our administration recognizes that the challenges created by the pandemic have
made the last year tremendously difficult for the entire small business
community, and especially for the restaurant industry,” said Governor
Charlie Baker. “We have been proud to provide more than $688 million in
grants to help restaurants and other hard-hit small businesses navigate these
challenges, and look forward to building on that support through the 'Let’s Go
Out' campaign to ensure a strong recovery for restaurants across the
Commonwealth.”
“Throughout the pandemic, restaurants have demonstrated their resilience and
creativity to adapt their operations in response to the public health crisis,
from increasing delivery and takeout options to embracing outdoor
dining,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As our nation-leading
vaccination program allows us to reopen our economy, we are glad to launch this
campaign to stimulate recovery throughout Massachusetts by encouraging
residents to return to their favorite restaurants and the communities they call
home.”
Campaign ads will capture the meaningful moments that play out in restaurants,
such as celebrating special occasions, reconnecting with friends, spending time
with loved ones, or meeting someone new. Following the economic impact of
COVID-19 on restaurants and the transition of many customers to delivery and
takeout alone, this summer presents an opportunity for consumers to get out and
reengage with friends and family, around the food they love in an atmosphere
that invites emotional connections.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been pleased to launch a number of key
initiatives among which include the largest-in-the-nation small business relief
grant program, which directed about $224 million to the restaurant industry
alone, funding to support modifications to public spaces to accommodate more
and safer outdoor dining, and the successful ‘My Local MA’ campaign to
encourage people to shop, dine, and visit locally,” said Housing and
Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “With the ‘Let’s Go Out’
campaign, we’re doubling down on our call to the public to buy local by
reconnecting with friends and family around the tables of their favorite
restaurant, the new tavern down the street, and the café with the live
music.”
“As our restaurants reopen to capacity, it’s an exciting time for them to
welcome back customers,” said MOTT Executive Director Keiko Matsudo
Orrall. “The aim of the ‘Let’s Go Out’ campaign is to showcase the amazing
diversity of restaurants we have across the state and encourage a return to
in-person dining to support these businesses that are so critical to our
economy. While there may be some changes at the restaurants, like new floor
plans or contactless payment systems, the unparalleled experience of
in-restaurant dining is essential to connection and community.”
The campaign, which will run through September 2021, will feature statewide
coverage including display ads, digital billboards, posters, and radio spots,
as well as billboards at Fenway Park. Additional billboards and display ads
will be featured on highways and at Logan Airport, in partnership with MassDOT
and Massport. A TV spot will also air on broadcast TV, including on NESN during
Red Sox games in late summer. The campaign’s landing page, VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut,
features campaign information and a growing restaurant directory.
“As the Senate Chair of Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development, and a
member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission, I heard first-hand from industry
leaders about the challenges facing restaurants before the pandemic hit – and
there were many,” said Senator Ed Kennedy, a member of the Restaurant
Promotion Commission. “Restaurants are the places where we meet up
with friends, hold business meetings, and celebrate special occasions. They are
an important part of the Commonwealth’s economic vitality and the center of our
social lives. The restaurant sector was devastated during the pandemic and those
businesses that have survived now need all our support to remain viable. As we
lift restrictions and begin to go out again, please remember to eat local and
shop local.”
"If my family were still in the restaurant business and had to contend
with something like COVID-19, I don’t know how we would have survived,” said
Senator Julian Cyr, a member of the Restaurant Promotion Commission. “After
a painful test of their creativity, hard work, and crisis response, the
restaurant workers who make their lives on the Cape and Islands are ready to
welcome residents from across the Commonwealth and beyond. I’m optimistic that
we will take action soon to see restaurant promotion kick into high gear — just
in time for our busy season to begin in full."
“Restaurants play an essential role in the local, regional and statewide
economy,” said Representative Paul McMurtry, a member of the Restaurant
Promotion Commission. “Not only in employing thousands of people, they
are the center of community, socialization, and quality of life. Increased
customer patronage and the continued support of the Legislature will strengthen
the industry and assure a brighter future as we emerge from the pandemic.”
The “Let’s Go Out” campaign was developed in close collaboration with key industry
stakeholders that offered their expertise and support, including the
Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Mass Restaurants United, and members of
the Restaurant Promotion Commission.
"Over the last year, restaurant owners and their staffs have shown great
resilience and creativity as they invented new ways to engage with customers
while dealing with important but difficult safety restrictions. The fact is,
however, that in-person dining is critical to the health of the restaurant
industry. With the ‘Let's Go Out’ campaign, Massachusetts is making it clear
that they support restaurants, and are taking the issue seriously. The
Massachusetts Restaurant Association is proud to be a part of this statewide
effort," said Massachusetts Restaurant Association President and
CEO Bob Luz.
For information, go to VisitMA.com/LetsGoOut.
The “Let’s Go Out” campaign will supplement My Local MA, the state’s marketing
initiative to encourage residents of the Commonwealth to support their local
economies by shopping at Massachusetts businesses and attractions. Launched in
August 2020, the campaign was developed in response to the economic impact the
COVID-19 pandemic has had on small businesses and communities. The marketing
outreach includes print, broadcast, billboard and digital ads, along with
social media. The website LoveMyLocalMA.com features resources for
businesses and consumers on how to get involved.
Last October, the Baker-Polito Administration released Partnerships for
Recovery, the Commonwealth’s plan to help stabilize and grow the
Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work,
supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns, and
ensuring housing stability. Through Partnerships for Recovery, the
Administration awarded more than $688 million to support small businesses, with
one-third of the total program funding benefiting the restaurant and bar
industry, and has opened new grant programs to revitalize downtowns, support
cultural institutions, enhance tourist destinations, and fund regional economic
development projects.