昆市市長候選人古楚（Doug Gutro）向亞裔選民拜票

昆士市今年將改選首名一任四年市長。候選人之一古楚（Doug Gutro）上週末在居民鄒毅家中辦小型聚會，成為首名公開向亞裔選民拜票的昆士市長候選人。

古楚上週才宣佈在興國（Hancock）街795號成立競選總部，繼而在選民家中闡述決定參選緣由，提出多項市政改革需要，也使他成為更認真，更有份量的市長候選人。

昆士市今年的市長改選，因為當選者將成為該市首位一任四年市長，參選人數破歷年紀錄。不但曾經兩度向昆士現任市長柯奇（Tom Koch）挑戰的馬洪妮（Ann Mahoney），前任昆士市長費林（William Phelan）都再度出馬，昆士市現任不分區市議員古楚也加入戰局，總共有不下六人參選。

昆市坊間咸認前述四人是今年選舉的重量級人馬，但過去半年來，除了有人陸續宣佈參選，有候選人支持者零星的站街舉牌外，昆市一直並沒有多少競選氣氛。

古楚的上週設立競選總部，成為第二位設競選總部市長候選人，隨即在選民家中開小型政見發表會，有著把昆市正式帶入選舉季節的味道。

古楚在支持者鄒毅家中舉辦小型聚會時，向選民介紹自己，說明為何決定參選，強調要聽選民意見，要讓市政更透明，要給選民表達意見機會。

他認為昆市是個很美好的城市，有歷史，有風景，但管理不善，財政及發展前景令人擔憂。

            古楚說，昆士市中心重建計劃遇挫受阻，房屋局維修部門被接管，醫療中心關閉，水災區地圖擴大，公共交通系統營運不良，市府招聘資料不對外公開，鏟雪費用超支驚人，房地產稅可能漲30%等，都讓他覺得昆市管理不善，應該換人經營。

            古楚指出，昆市醫療中心的關閉，使得昆市成為全麻州唯一一個市內沒有醫院的大城市。昆市今年鏟雪費用高達一千三百五十萬元，但道路面積和昆市差不多的羅爾市（Lowell），以及道路面積約為昆市兩倍多的屋斯特市，依序才花了四百五十萬元，六百六十萬元鏟雪，加起來都還沒昆市多，讓人質疑原因何在。

            古楚又指昆士市長柯奇沒向聯邦政府上訴，修訂水災區地圖，不但讓1400戶民宅被劃入水災區，原本在水災區內的2700戶居民的保險費率也將被提高。

            當天出席聚會的一昆市居民表示，昆市府有哪些職位空缺，竟完全不公開，市府人事部門網頁還公開表示，由於市府內許多工作機會是工會職位，一有空缺先在內部張貼，供市府內符合資格的工會會員競標，人事部門將在有需要時才辦額外招聘。

            鄒毅則以昆市警察局早前竟然在大門上張貼請居民自帶翻譯告示，指昆市府忽視英語不佳居民的需求。

            古楚覺得他自己擔任昆市第五區市議員10年，擔任不分區市議員4年，在薩福克（Suffolk）大學擔任客座教授，在聯邦政府環保局（EPA）工作26年，如今擔任政府及社區關係主任，和麻州351個市鎮首長都以建立良好關係，可以借鏡，求經，找出改良市政的最佳做法，把昆市帶向更美好的未來。

            古楚認為，昆市正在發展路上，但卻未像尚莫維爾（Somerville），劍橋市（Cambridge），雀喜市（Chelsea），水城（Watertown），華森市（Waltham ）等城市班充分利用機會。

圖片說明：

            昆士市長候選人古楚（Doug Gutro，中）在昆市居民家中辦小型政見發表會。（菊子攝）

            昆士市長候選人古楚（Doug Gutro，中）與出席者合影。（菊子攝）

            支持古楚的昆市居民鄒毅（前中）以手機中的照片說明，昆市警察局門外曾貼出要求民眾自帶翻譯的告示。（菊子攝）

波市鼓勵女生騎自行車7/18辦 Boston Bikes and Bites

廚師們。（圖片由波市府提供）

波士頓市將於七月十八日，首度舉辦“波士頓騎與嚼（Boston Bikes and Bites）”，紐英崙最大的女性騎自行車活動。

這活動今年將第一次擺出由本地六大名廚製作的食物，包括Rialto 餐廳的Jody Adams，麵粉烘培店（Flour）的張柔安（Joanne Chang），液體藝術屋（Liquid Art House）的Rachel Klein，Forge, Bloc 11 and Diesel Café的Jennifer Park，Seta's Café的Seta Dakessian，Topsfield Bakeshop的Mary Bandereck等。

其中的Jody Adams及Jennifer Park 還將參加騎自行車活動。

活動現場的音樂，將由全女班樂隊 Zili Misik演奏非洲，加勒比海，以及美國靈魂樂曲。

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊鼓勵大波士頓地區的女性都來參加這活動，和名廚，音樂家同樂，為波士頓市締造歡樂一日。

            當天將有 10, 30 及50英哩的騎車群，從牙買加平原的柳塘（Willow Pond）和牙買加路（Jamaicaway）交界處的菊花田 （Daisy Field），將是出發點，也是終點。

            騎車者可沿路品嚐各名廚抨製的美食。

            出發點及終點站的菊花田將有Zili Misik的現場音樂演奏，機械師的現場修理攤位。“波士頓騎車（Boston Bikes）”指導者也將為從未騎過自行車的女性。提供學騎車工作坊。

            參加活動的費用為35元，低收入波士頓居民可享有折扣。查詢可上網www.bostonbikes.org/women/festival。有興趣參加活動的男士，可登記當義工。

BRA releases findings of independent operational review and action plan for continued reforms

BRA releases findings of independent operational review and action plan for continued reforms

Restructuring of real estate and finance departments and elevating role of proactive planning identified as priorities

BOSTON – Director Brian Golden today released the findings of an independent operational review of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and an action plan for addressing concerns that were uncovered during the months-long study. The review, commissioned last winter and conducted by McKinsey & Company, identified several areas in need of improvement for the BRA, whose leadership team has been working to reform the management, culture, and operations of the agency since last year.

Coming on the heels of a more limited analysis conducted by KPMG in 2014, this review forms the basis of a new action plan that Director Golden and senior staff at the BRA have begun to implement. The action plan calls for the elevation and restructuring of the agency’s real estate management department in order to optimize BRA-owned assets and generate new revenue from those holdings. The plan also highlights the need to continue to improve systems and implement a more forward-looking budget strategy within BRA’s administration and finance department.

The report’s findings suggest that the BRA’s planning division, which was the initial focus of the review, should add staff to support the proactive planning initiatives that are currently underway.

“As director, nothing is more valuable to me than an honest assessment of our shortcomings and strengths because it allows us to take a thoughtful approach as we implement reforms,” said Brian Golden. “We have embraced the challenge that comes with improving the way we do business, and this latest review provides the information we need to create a robust and positive plan for the future of the BRA. Change is already underway, and we are intent on delivering upon the rest of the action plan. This work will take time, but in the end I’m confident that it will lead to results for which we can all be proud.”

In comparing Boston to cities such as San Francisco, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Vancouver, the independent review found that the BRA does less proactive planning than many of its peers. Nearly all of the comparison cities have completed neighborhood plans, and most large cities engaged in comprehensive citywide planning. In order to strengthen the planning division, the BRA will hire five to six new planners to help support the Mayor’s Imagine Boston 2030 citywide planning initiative and the recently launched transit oriented planning studies in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and South Boston.

Through an informal survey of developers and community members, the consultants found that the BRA’s design review process varies greatly in the length of time and number of meetings necessary to approve projects. The timeline is partially contingent upon how responsive a developer is in incorporating design review feedback. However, the review findings noted several potential changes – such as clearly written best practices for developers and offline reviews to lessen the need for in-person meetings – that the BRA could consider implementing so that the process functions more smoothly. As a result of the BRA’s action plan, the urban design department has begun to track its performance in reviewing projects with the goal of streamlining the design review process. New leadership will oversee changes within the department.

A review of the agency’s finance department found “several gaps between the BRA’s financial processes and capabilities and what is typically expected from a finance department.” The report points to a lack of departmental budgets and insufficient annual strategic planning and budgeting. Basic documents such as balance sheets and annual audited financial statements were not always available in a timely manner for the independent reviewers or the general public.

While there is significant room to modernize financial systems and processes, the BRA is in a much stronger cash position than it was just six years ago. At the end of the 2009 fiscal year, the agency was operating with a  $6.2 million deficit. Through a combination of staff and salary reductions and lean budgeting, that deficit has since been erased. The BRA now has approximately $18 million available for capital spending and other important investments essential to the agency’s long-term success. This money will help fund capital improvements for two significant BRA-owned properties, the China Trade Center, in Chinatown, and 12 Channel Street, in the Marine Industrial Park, to help make those facilities more attractive to potential tenants. $2.5 million of the $18 million has been allocated for unfunded liabilities, such as post-retirement benefits. And several million dollars will be held aside to create a stabilization fund for fiscal emergencies.

To address the department’s shortcomings, Director Golden will seek fresh leadership to take over the BRA’s finance operation. However, acknowledging the great strides that have been made to stabilize the organization’s balance sheet, he has asked the current finance director to remain with the BRA as a special assistant who will advise on continued finance and human resource reforms.

The BRA’s asset management division will also be restructured as a result of the operational review and subsequent action plan. The agency relies heavily on the leasing of properties to generate most of its revenue, and the BRA’s real estate portfolio is not configured to maximize the value of these assets. Just two individuals within the facilities and engineering division currently handle real estate management. While estimates suggest that the BRA owns 10 to 12 million square feet of undeveloped land and buildings, including roughly 100 parcels that are more than 20,000 square feet each, no comprehensive list of real estate assets exists. The review estimates that untapped lease opportunities could generate $6 to $8 million in new revenue for the BRA.

A new director of real estate will be hired, the search for which is currently underway, to better manage the utilization, marketing, and leasing of the BRA’s real estate portfolio. That person will build out a more professionalized department that will include the current facilities and engineering division. The new department will be responsible for developing a plan to grow the BRA’s real estate revenue by at least five percent per year over the next five years.

In an effort to improve morale among employees, many of whom felt the BRA lacked a clear vision when surveyed earlier this year, the agency began sponsoring more professional development opportunities, started an employee wellness program, launched a performance review system for staff, and is piloting an internal data dashboard to help departments track key metrics. Since taking charge of the BRA, Director Golden has organized three all-staff events to bring employees from different departments together, and he has held periodic lunches with staff this year.

The full report and a summary of findings, along with the BRA’s action plan, are available atwww.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org.

Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.6 Percent in June

Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.6 Percent in June

Massachusetts marks 10 consecutive months of job gains

BOSTON, MA – JULY 16, 2015 –The state’s total unemployment rate remained at 4.6 percent in June, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday.

The new preliminary job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Massachusetts gained 10,500 jobs in June, marking the tenth consecutive month of jobs gains. During the past four months, Massachusetts has added 38,900 jobs.

Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent from 5.7 percent in June 2014. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts peaked in September 2009 at 8.8 percent.

The June state unemployment rate is 0.7 of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 5.3 percent reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised downward its May job figure, reporting the state gained 5,200 jobs, instead of 7,400 which the agency reported last month. 

“We are seeing very strong job growth. Not only are jobs continuing to grow in many sectors, we are seeing many more people entering the labor force, encouraged by the strong job growth,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker, II, said.

Over the month, jobs were up 10,500 with a private sector gain of 10,700. The federal and state government lost a few hundred jobs.

The sector with the largest job gains over the month was Professional, Scientific and Business Services, which added 5,200 jobs, or a 1 percent increase. Over the year, the sector has added the most jobs of any sector, with 21,900, a 4.2 percent increase.

Other sectors and industries with jobs gains over the month include: Leisure and Hospitality which added 4,800 jobs; Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities added 2,000 jobs and Wholesale Trade added 400 jobs over the month, while Retail Trade lost 1,200 jobs. Manufacturing gained 900 jobs and Construction gained 700 jobs. The Construction sector has added 4,800 jobs over the year.

The state’s labor force participation rate – the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks – decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 66.2. The labor force participation rate over the year has increased 0.9 percent compared to June 2014.

June 2015 estimates show that 3,465,600 residents were employed and 169,000 were unemployed.  There were 35,000 fewer unemployed persons over the year compared to June 2014.

Professional, Scientific, and Business Services, along with Education, and Health Services had the largest job gains over the year.  All sector details are listed below.

June 2015 Employment Overview

Professional, Scientific and Business Services added 5,200 (+1.0%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Professional, Scientific and Business Services added 21,900 (+4.2%) jobs.

Leisure and Hospitality gained 4,800 (+1.4%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Leisure and Hospitality added 10,900 (+3.2%) jobs.

Trade, Transportation and Utilities added 1,200 (+0.2%) jobs over the month.  Over the year, Trade, Transportation and Utilities gained 3,300 (+0.6%) jobs.

Manufacturing gained 900 (+0.4%) jobs over the month.  Over the year, Manufacturing  added 1,000 (+0.4%) jobs.

Construction added 700 (+0.5%) jobs over the month.  Over the year, Construction has added 4,800 (+3.8%) jobs.

Financial Activities added 100 (0.0%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Financial Activities added 2,400 (+1.2%) jobs.

Education and Health Services lost 1,000 (-0.1%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Education and Health Services gained 15,900 (+2.2%) jobs. 

Other Services lost 1,000 (-0.7%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Other Services are up 1,900 (+1.4%) jobs.

Information lost 200 (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Information added 1,100 (+1.3%) jobs.

Government lost 200 (0.0%) jobs over the month.  Over the year, Government gained 9,600 (+2.1%) jobs.

Labor Force Overview

The June estimates show 3,465,600 Massachusetts residents were employed and 169,000 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,634,600. The unemployment rate was 4.6 percent. The June labor force decreased by 5,600 from 3,640,200 in May, as 5,900 fewer residents were employed and 300 more residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force participation rate, the share of working age population employed and unemployed, was 66.2, a decrease of 0.2 of a percentage point over the month.   The labor force was 79,100 above the 3,555,500 June 2014 estimate, with 114,100 more residents employed and 35,000 fewer residents unemployed.

The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers.  As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends.

Weekend Red Line Service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy to be Suspended for Winter Resiliency Work

Weekend Red Line Service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy to be Suspended for Winter Resiliency Work

BOSTON – Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - Beginning on Saturday, July 25, and continuing on selected weekends through the month of August, Red Line service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy stations will be temporarily suspended to allow workers to make the subway more resilient to harsh winter weather conditions.

On weekends when workers will be replacing third rail and switch heaters, Red Line service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy will be suspended in both directions from start to end of service. Shuttle bus service will be provided, serving JFK/Umass and North Quincy stations. Service will be impacted on the following weekends:

JULY	AUGUST
- Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26	- Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23 - Saturday, August 29 - Sunday, August 30

The $83.7 million Winter Resiliency Plan is designed to address critically needed improvements to the MBTA’s infrastructure, equipment, and operations.  Information regarding the Plan can be found athttp://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442454500&month=&year=.

Similar work began last month on outdoor sections of the Orange Line between Oak Grove Station and Wellington Station and is scheduled to continue through July 30th from 8:45 PM to the end of regular service hours. Shuttle bus service is being provided, serving Wellington, Malden Center, and Oak Grove stations.

All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog:www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

Governor Baker Announces $26 Million in Community Development Block Grants

Governor Baker Announces $26 Million in Community Development Block Grants

Funds set to support 65 municipalities across the Commonwealth

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded 33 Community Development Block Grants totaling $26 million to 65 communities. These funds will help municipalities across the Commonwealth provide housing, infrastructure improvements, childcare vouchers, and other services to residents.

“Helping municipalities identify and solve local problems with local solutions ensures that funding is spent efficiently and effectively,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Increased local aid, supplemented by Community Development Block Grants, is an investment in our cities and towns that will reap benefits across the Commonwealth.”

“Working to help communities guide their own development and solve economic problems within their jurisdiction facilitates a focus on core community needs,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Community Development Block Grants are an incredibly effective vehicle for improving communities for those who live and work in them.”

The CDBG Grants distributed in this round will fund housing rehabilitation for more than 300 units, as well as infrastructure improvements from Truro to West Springfield. They will also support a community center in North Adams, a domestic violence prevention task force in Russell, Chester, Huntington, and Middlefield, and childcare vouchers in Dennis, among other projects.

“Further economic development in Massachusetts requires a focused, effective, investment in infrastructure, education, and caretaker assistance,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Improving our workforce through increased mobility and training will help grow and sustain our economy in a targeted, effective manner through programs like the Community Development Block Grants.”

“The opportunity to address housing needs through coordinated local action is one of the best parts of the Community Development Block Grant program,” said Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay. “I look forward to continued partnerships with municipalities across the Commonwealth as we work towards a sustainable, affordable housing supply.”

Massachusetts’ Community Development Block Grant Program is a federally funded, competitive grant program designed to help small cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs. Assistance is provided to qualifying cities and towns for housing, community, and economic development projects that assist low and moderate-income residents, or by revitalizing areas of slum or blight.

In Massachusetts, the state CDBG program has distributed $237 million through more than 300 grants in the last seven years.

Click here to view details of the winning projects.

List of Towns:

·         Adams – $580,728

·         Athol – $363,818

·         Amherst – $825,000

·        Amesbury and Salisbury – $985,922

·        Avon and West Bridgewater – $762,784

·         Ayer – $900,000

·         Bellingham, Franklin, and Hopedale – $894,082

·         Chelsea – $825,000

·         Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Williamsburg, and Worthington – $1,097,235

·         Dennis – $825,000

·         Eastham and Harwich – $899,161

·         Edgartown, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, and Chilmark – $873,473

·         Erving, New Salem, Northfield, Warwick, and Wendell – $1,099,034

·         Everett – $825,000

·         Gardner – $825,000

·         Greenfield – $825,000

·        Huntington – $886,540

·         Montague – $374,909

·         North Adams – $825,000

·         Oak Bluffs and Tisbury – $805,694

·         Palmer – $452,420

·         Russell, Chester, Huntington, and Middlefield – $922,009

·         Shelburne, Buckland, and Colrain – $903,026

·         Shirley and Lancaster – $940,389

·         Southbridge – $825,000

·         South Hadley and Granby – $850,614

·        Truro, Provincetown and Wellfleet – $869,780

·         Wales, Brimfield, and Holland – $571,547

·        Ware and Hardwick – $878,801

·         Wareham – $825,000

·         Warren, Brookfield, and North Brookfield – $955,136

·         Webster – $825,000

·        West Springfield – $825,000

Weekend Red Line Service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy to be Suspended for Winter Resiliency Work

Weekend Red Line Service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy to be Suspended for Winter Resiliency Work

BOSTON – Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - Beginning on Saturday, July 25, and continuing on selected weekends through the month of August, Red Line service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy stations will be temporarily suspended to allow workers to make the subway more resilient to harsh winter weather conditions.

On weekends when workers will be replacing third rail and switch heaters, Red Line service between JFK/Umass and North Quincy will be suspended in both directions from start to end of service. Shuttle bus service will be provided, serving JFK/Umass and North Quincy stations. Service will be impacted on the following weekends:

JULY	AUGUST
- Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26	- Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23 - Saturday, August 29 - Sunday, August 30

The $83.7 million Winter Resiliency Plan is designed to address critically needed improvements to the MBTA’s infrastructure, equipment, and operations.  Information regarding the Plan can be found athttp://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442454500&month=&year=.

Similar work began last month on outdoor sections of the Orange Line between Oak Grove Station and Wellington Station and is scheduled to continue through July 30th from 8:45 PM to the end of regular service hours. Shuttle bus service is being provided, serving Wellington, Malden Center, and Oak Grove stations.

All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog:www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.