亞裔社區昆市首辦政見發表會 兩市長候選人針鋒相對

(實習記者劉羽晨昆士市綜合報導)10月7日晚，昆士市首次由亞裔組織出面主辦雙語候選人論壇，二名市長候選人，五名不分區市議員候選人全員出席，既彰顯亞裔社區開始關注地方，漸有政治影響力，也傳遞出美國主流社會漸重視亞裔訊息。

昆市候選人論壇在亞裔學生最多的北昆士高中禮堂舉行，由愛國者報編輯Chazy Dowaliby主持，共約200人出席。

柯奇（Tom Koch），費林（William Phelan）這二名晉級十一月大選的市長候選人，以及昆市現任市議員方安(Joseph Finn)、麥法蘭(Michael Mcfarland)，昆士學校委員會委員狄邦納(Noel DiBona)、麥卡西(David McCarthy)，以及政壇新人梁秀婷(Nina Liang)等五名不分區市議員候選人，各就房屋，學前兒童教育，振興經濟，協助亞裔創業，以及交通等問題，分兩場發言。

在市長候選人辯論部分，過去7年來已是第3度對壘的柯奇和費林，起初都開玩笑，讓氣氛輕鬆，然後就開始互相指控起來。費林指柯奇把昆市發展的控制權交給了私營展商；柯奇指費林是草率花錢的海報小孩（poster child）。

柯奇表示，費林擔任市長時和能源節約承包商康寧維爾（Honeywell）簽的約，讓昆市揹了巨債，直到2013年麻州總檢察官辦公室發現該承包商高估了市政府的預期節餘，市府才和康寧維爾達成解決協議。

柯奇還指費林搞吹了從州政府取得90%補償款機會，要不然那筆錢可資助昆市的三所新學校樓宇計畫，包括昆市高中和中央級史特林（Sterling）中學。其中的建昆市高中，約讓昆市損失了4600萬元。

費林則表示，柯奇有著8年市長政績不說，卻盡談9到15年前舊事，那是哀兵策略。他說，由於柯奇和街道有效（Street-works）公司的合作失敗，市中心改建工程因此沒有進展。他也指則柯奇容許發展商不服可以用來造可負擔住宅，舒緩交通的紓解款，就施工蓋房子，有如讓發展商來控制了昆市的命運。

在醫療方面，費林指責柯奇在史都華醫療護理公司（ Steward Health Care）去年12越關閉昆士醫療中心（Quincy Medical Center)時，沒有展現領導力。他完全沒有看到，聽到，爭取保持該中心開張的聲音或行動。

柯奇反駁道，他爭取保留了保留衛星急診室，也正在和史都華公司談判，要把醫院原址留作健康照護用途。

談到多元化議題，尤其是亞裔人口湧入時，費林吹捧自己聘用會說普通話，廣東話警察的紀錄，還說一旦當選市長，考慮建一個新的文化中心。他說有些市民排斥，抗拒亞裔居民遷入，都是因為無知。

柯奇則說，在他任內，所有的學校，圖書館，康娛部門都增聘了更多亞裔。他說昆市不但歡迎新移民，還學校美麗，交通方便，公園很棒，犯罪率低，所以亞裔都選擇進昆市住。

他們兩人對用昆士市有土地，座落在北昆士海華街（Hayward）上的原波士頓齒輪廠大樓，來建中國超市這計畫，有不同意見。昆市議會在2009年及2013年，以交通理由，二度拒絕了該一申請案。

中國超市董事長方妙昆因此控告昆市政府。此案目前仍在土地法庭審理中。

費林支持中國超市開在海華街上，柯奇說他反對建在那條街上，但如果是搬到其他地點，他就支持。

昆市市府書記Joseph Shea表示，截至上週為止，昆士市共有登記選民6,972人，和2009年的5,942人，以及1996年的1,519人相比，有大幅增加。昆市內的亞裔人口也已佔全市人口24%左右。

 圖片說明：

昆士市市長候選人，柯奇(Tom Koch)（左）和費林(William Phelan)聯袂面對亞裔選民。（劉羽晨攝）

AG HEALEY, MOVA OBSERVE OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

AG HEALEY, MOVA OBSERVE OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Also Marks 20^th Anniversary of SAFEPLAN Program

STURBRIDGE – At an event commemorating 20 years of a successful state domestic violence advocacy program, representatives from Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) today acknowledged October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In a recent report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Center for Injury Prevention reported that one in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.

“Even one victim of domestic violence is one victim too many,” said AG Healey. “Programs such as the one being commemorated today assist domestic violence victims and can help prevent these situations from escalating. We will continue working together in our efforts to stop this abuse from happening, and to help those affected by domestic violence get the assistance and support they need and deserve.”

Today’s event commemorates 20 years of SAFEPLAN services, a program that is administered by MOVA. MOVA advocates for and assist victims of crime in Massachusetts and is governed by the Victim and Witness Assistance Board, chaired by the Attorney General.

           “Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion,” said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s Executive Director. “There are dedicated government and community based advocates located in District Attorney’s offices, the courts, hospitals, police departments, and community based agencies to offer alternatives and solutions to keep victims and their families safe and connect them with needed services. SAFEPLAN is one of those services which helps victims access protections offered by the courts but also to the services provided by their host agency – ensuring a holistic approach to the complex issues that result from domestic abuse.”

The daylong event includes SAFEPLAN Advocate recognition and a training presented by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell who developed the danger assessment instrument used nationwide to help determine the level of danger and lethality in intimate partner relationships.

SAFEPLAN provides specially-trained and certified advocates to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking protection from abuse. SAFEPLAN advocates are located in 44 district and probate courts throughout the state and provide crisis intervention, individualized safety planning, referrals to additional critical resources, education surrounding options available, and support and advocacy services.

The event is being held in Sturbridge and Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early is an honored guest. Worcester County provides a robust network of SAFEPLAN services to domestic violence victims in the area.

“The partnership among SAFEPLAN, MOVA and our courts has been enduring and successful,” Mr. Early said. “This is a continual battle and this partnership only serves to empower victims and face the problem head-on.”

MOVA funds government and community based agencies across the state that offer a range of services to domestic violence victims and their families including a 24-hour emergency hotline, crisis counseling, advocacy services, legal representation,

Many of these agencies recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by hosting events and fundraisers to engage the communities they serve to raise awareness and support of these lifesaving services and, most importantly, work toward solutions to combat this critical public health issue. 

To find out more about the SAFEPLAN Program or how you can get involved in Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in your area, please visit MOVA’s website at www.mass.gov/mova, by following MOVA on Twitter (@MassMOVA) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/MassMOVA), or by calling 617-586-1340. 

MAYOR WALSH ASKS: WHAT SHOULD BOSTON'S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE BE?

MAYOR WALSH ASKS: WHAT SHOULD BOSTON'S TRANSPORTATION FUTURE BE?

City Releases Draft of the Community-Developed Transportation Vision; Seeks Public's Input on Specific Actions

BOSTON - Friday, October 9, 2015 -  Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that Go Boston 2030 - the City's Transportation Planning Initiative - reached a major milestone, as the project moves from setting a vision for the City to identifying specific actions.  As part of this announcement, the City released a draft transportation vision for the city, developed by the Go Boston Advisory Committee through conversations with over 6,000 Bostonians.  That vision will be the foundation for engaging residents on what transportation projects they most want to see pursued in Boston.   "The City of Boston launched Go Boston 2030 to better understand the public's aspirations for transportation throughout the city and to build a bold, innovative transportation future based on an unprecedented level of public engagement," said Mayor Walsh. "Our transportation Action Plan will lay out an ambitious roadmap to address inequities in underserved neighborhoods, connect our workforce to job opportunities, and prepare our systems for climate change."   To build the Action Plan, the City is launching a series of community outreach efforts.  Suggestions can be submitted by visiting the 'Ideas on the Street' pop-up which is currently touring over 30 locations citywide and by attending 'Idea Roundtables' in November.  Schedules are available at http://goboston2030.org/participate/ . Ideas can also be submitted online at http://goboston2030.org/submit-ideas/ . The collected project and policy suggestions will inform the priorities and implementation strategies to be included in the Action Plan.  The plan will be completed by Summer 2016.   As part of the Go Boston 2030 initiative the City is already taking steps to improve transportation.  "We have identified early action projects to improve safety on our streets, fight congestion, and improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists," said Boston Transportation Commissioner, Gina Fiandaca.   The Vision that will inform the action is a result of extensive public participation. Based on over 5,000 questions from the public about getting around Boston in the future and comments from the 600 people who participated in the Visioning Lab, ambitious goals and aspiration targets have been identified around nine themes.   The following themes with their associated goals and targets rose to the top:   Access ●     Goal - Make Boston's neighborhoods interconnected for all modes of travel, and connect low-income communities to job-rich districts ●     Target - Every home in Boston will be within a 10 minute walk of a rail station or key bus route, Hubway station, and car-share. ●     Early Action - A commitment to sign a Mayoral executive order making Complete Streets the city's design policy to balance public space among transit, cars, walkers and bicyclists. DriveBoston, an expansion of car-share in the neighborhoods with 80 new spaces to be located on city streets and in municipal lots to add to those in off-street garages.  Green Links, a plan that will connect residents in every neighborhood to Boston's greenway network and park system.   Safety ●     Goal - Collaborate on design and education to substantially reduce collisions on every street ●     Target - Eliminate traffic fatalities in Boston ●     Early Action - Vision Zero Boston, a joint effort by BTD, the Boston Police Department and EMS to eliminate traffic fatalities and dramatically reduce collisions involving motor vehicles.   Reliability ●     Goal- Prioritize making travel predictable on Boston's transit and roadway networks ●     Target - MBTA customers will experience waits and travel times that are longer than what is scheduled only 10 percent of the time ●     Early Action - A data sharing partnership with Waze, a smartphone app, to facilitate signal timing adjustments and enforcement of double-parking and "Don't Block the Box" to improve commute times.   The complete draft Vision Framework report can be viewed and commented on at http://goboston2030.org/vision-framework.   ###   ABOUT GO BOSTON 2030 Go Boston 2030 is an initiative launched by the City of Boston to imagine a bold new transportation plan for Boston for the next five, 10, and 15 years. Listening to the public and providing a robust and innovative community engagement process has been critical at every phase of the process. The Go Boston 2030 Advisory Committee chaired by Representative Russell Holmes, who represents the Sixth Suffolk district and Richard Dimino, President and CEO of A Better City, business group, are guiding the process.  The goals listed in the draft Vision Report are based on the input gathered from the community engagement campaign that started last winter with a Question Truck that visited every neighborhood in Boston asking people to submit questions about Boston's transportation future. This was followed by a two-day transportation visioning lab held in May 2015, which collected further public feedback and ideas.  The proposed aspirational targets created to correspond with the goals in the Vision Report are based on extensive, expert research and data on transportation possibilities led by the City of Boston's Transportation Department.   Go Boston 2030 will be woven into the City's Imagine Boston 2030 plan, a citywide planning effort that will define a vision for the future of Boston leading up to its 400th birthday.  Imagine Boston 2030 will guide our approach to preserving, enhancing, and growing the city's neighborhoods in a way that promotes shared prosperity, sound public investment, and a healthy environment and population.

ED SOX TO HOLD PRICES AT 2015 LEVELS ON TICKETS PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31

ED SOX TO HOLD PRICES AT 2015 LEVELS

ON TICKETS PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31;

2016 AVERAGE TICKET PRICE TO INCREASE BY 1.4 PERCENT

All Season Ticket Holders Have Opportunity to Pay 2015 Prices

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox today announced that they will hold prices at 2015 levels for fans who purchase tickets before December 31, including season tickets, group tickets (20 or more), 4-game “Sox Pax,” and select single-game tickets.

Historically, more than 50 percent of Red Sox tickets are purchased before the end of the year.

Prices for certain seating categories purchased after the new year will rise, resulting in an average increase of 1.4 percent for the 2016 season. The increase will affect 12 of the 22 non-premium seating categories. Other seating areas will remain unchanged, including Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck, Right Field Roof Box Terrace, Upper Bleachers, and all Standing Room.

“We recognize the significant commitment and contribution our fans make to this club, especially our season ticket holders,” said Red Sox EVP/Chief Operating Officer Sam Kennedy. “Our goal each season is to provide value to our fans while continuing to invest in the team and to improve Fenway Park. Preserving 2015 prices for those who purchase tickets early reflects this important balance.”

In 2003, the Red Sox introduced a discount for season ticket holders who renew their plans before the early-pay deadline in December. This year, the value of that discount has nearly doubled for the 90 percent of season ticket holders who take advantage of the early-pay option.  

For the first time, an early-pay option will extend beyond season tickets. Starting in November for group renewals, and through December, when new group sales begin, group tickets will be available at 2015 prices. Sox Pax and select single-game tickets for April, May, and September games can also be purchased at 2015 prices through the end of the year. Those tickets go on sale starting Saturday, December 12, online and at the club’s annual Christmas at Fenway event at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox will continue to offer special reduced pricing for students, clergy, veterans, and active duty members of the military. Special opportunities for kids through the Kid Nation program will be announced at a later date. 

The club has not raised ticket prices for four of the past eight seasons. The average annual increase during that period is 1.5 percent per year. 

A breakdown of prices for each non-premium seating category is attached.  Also attached is a list of 2016 home games by tier. 

Average Ticket Price Increase
Season	% Increase
2009	0%
2010	3.8%
2011	2.0%
2012	0%
2013	0%
2014	4.8%
2015	0%
2016	1.4%

MAYOR WALSH NAMED AS CHAIR OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE, PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES

MAYOR WALSH NAMED AS CHAIR OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE, PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES

BOSTON - Thursday, October 8, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today that he has been named Chair of a new Conference Task Force on Substance Abuse, Prevention and Recovery Services by the U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The announcement came during the Fall Leadership Meeting held October 2-4 in Baltimore. The Task Force will focus on the devastating impact of substance abuse and addiction on cities and examine and share information on effective recovery services strategies and approaches. In making the announcement, Mayor Rawlings-Blake cited Mayor Walsh's knowledge of and commitment to the issues the Task Force will address. "I am honored to serve as the chair of this task force, whose mission of tackling head-on the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction is relevant to the struggles facing many of our cities, including the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "With the ongoing opioids crisis, too many individuals and families are all too familiar with the destruction that substance abuse causes in our homes, workplaces and on our streets. I look forward to teaming up with Mayors from across the country to make sure recovery services are readily available to those who need it, and develop strategies to overcome this public health crisis." "Mayor Walsh brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to this critical policy discussion," said Rawlings-Blake. "We look forward to his leadership on an issue that is vitally important to the success of our cities and the quality-of-life of our residents." Understanding the unique needs that those in recovery face, Mayor Walsh joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation in May to release a report on the current status of substance abuse and addiction in the City of Boston. The report focuses on how to better align the city's addiction and recovery services with demonstrated best practices. The report also served as a road map for the Mayor's Office of Recovery Services (ORS), the first-ever municipal-based office to focus on this issue. As part of the Boston Public Health Commission, ORS works to improve existing addiction and recovery services and create a continuum of high quality services, help families and those fighting addiction navigate the city's available resources, and work with City Departments, community partners and the recovery community to support a comprehensive response to the issue of substance abuse. In September, Mayor Walsh hosted a series of events to celebrate National Recovery Month, which highlighted that every day, resilient Americans with substance use disorders summon extraordinary courage and strength, and commit to living healthy and productive lives through recovery. As part of recovery month, Mayor Walsh was a partner in the 10th annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to encourage the public to dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs that are prone to abuse and theft.

HARD ROCK CAFE BOSTON FIGHTS BREAST CANCER THROUGH 16th ANNUAL PINKTOBER™ CAMPAIGN

HARD ROCK CAFE BOSTON FIGHTS BREAST CANCER THROUGH 16^th ANNUAL PINKTOBER^™ CAMPAIGN

Event to Benefit the Ellie Fund, Raise Awareness and Support for Breast Cancer Research

BOSTON, Mass., October 5, 2015 – Hard Rock Cafe Boston is uniting music fans, supporters and survivors in honor of the brand’s 16^th annual PINKTOBER™ campaign! Throughout the month of October, guests will be able to exclusively purchase an Ellie Fund bracelet for $2 to benefit the organization. Additionally, on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, Hard Rock Cafe Boston will host a PINKTOBER event to benefit the Ellie Fund. 

“We are excited to partner with the Ellie Fund again in support of the 16^th Annual Pinktober Campaign,” said Stacey Ogden, Sales and Marketing Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Boston. “Throughout the month of October we will be dedicated to raise awareness for breast cancer by inspiring our community to give back.”  

On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, Hard Rock Cafe Boston will host a wrap party, featuring a band, auction items, appetizers, a signature pink drink and a cash bar. The event will benefit the Ellie Fund, a Boston-based organization that provides essential support services for breast cancer patients and their families to ease the stresses of everyday life, allowing the focus to be on family, recovery and healing.

“The Ellie Fund is proud to partner with the Hard Rock Cafe Boston for Pinktober and our own Do Good Campaign in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Hillary Harrelson, Director of Development at the Ellie Fund. “Located in Needham and founded in honor of a life-long Newton resident, we thrive on support from our local community and business like the Hard Rock Cafe Boston who share in our dedication to helping those in our own backyard.”

The world-famous Hard Rock brand is thinking pink in support of the 16^th Annual PINKTOBER campaign. Starting now through the month of October, guests can support breast cancer research to help eradicate a disease that affects millions by visiting Hard Rock properties around the world and purchasing pink merchandise, pink drinks and pink hotel amenities. Proceeds from PINKTOBER will benefit research and awareness-driving efforts for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and cafe events will benefit additional local breast cancer charities around the globe, including the Ellie Fund.

Shop to Support

Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER campaign helps fans shop for the cause with the 2015 PINKTOBER merchandise line, including a collector’s edition pin set, T-shirts, scarf, bathrobe, pinksheets and more! PINKTOBER products will be sold online at www.hardrock.com, Hard Rock’s Collectable PINKTOBER pin is available at properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels and Casinos, and the PINKTOBER unisex T-shirt is available at Hard Rock Hotels worldwide. Proceeds will benefit BCRF, with 75 percent of the retail price of each pin and 15 percent of the retail price of other products sold going directly to the cause.   

Serving up a Good Cause

Giving back never tasted so good! As part of PINKTOBER, Hard Rock Cafe locations are serving up sweet support with a special pink-inspired drink. Hard Rock Cafe’s non-alcoholic Wildberry Smoothie is a frozen blend of fresh bananas, piña colada mix, orange juice and Monin Wildberry. This drink special carries the color of hope and raises funds for the cause, with a portion of proceeds benefiting BCRF.

Stay to Give Back

Hard Rock Hotel guests can support PINKTOBER by staying in Hard Rock Hotel’s Pink Sheets Rooms. Select Hard Rock Hotels worldwide will offer special rooms dressed with Hard Rock’s pink sheets. Guests can support the cause and enjoy pink sheets, pink bathrobes, commemorative pins and more with a portion of the room rate benefitting BCRF.

Social Message of Strength

As part of the 2015 PINKTOBER campaign, Hard Rock encourages fans to show off their support and strength with #PINKTOBER on social media. Whether sharing photos of Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER merchandise, or displaying how they support breast cancer awareness in their daily lives, Hard Rock looks to its guests to join the fight and utilize the #PINKTOBER hashtag in their social media posts this fall.

For more information on Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER campaign, please visit www.hardrock.com.

What:                        Hard Rock Boston Fights Breast Cancer Through PINKTOBER™ 

When:                       Tuesday, October 27

                                    6 p.m. – Event begins

Where:                      Hard Rock Boston

                                    22-24 Clinton Street

                                    Boston, MA 02109

                                    617-424-7625

Admission:              $10 suggested donation at the door

                                    $2 each – Ellie Fund bracelet

                                    Proceeds will benefit the Ellie Fund

For additional event information, please visit www.hardrock.com/boston.

白嘉莉愛國愛鄉返台 將赴養老院為長者慶生

白嘉莉愛國愛鄉  將赴養老院為長者慶生

本年專程返國與國人共同慶祝雙十國慶的華人巨星白嘉莉，規劃於10月11日上午10時前往臺北內湖仁愛頤養院訪視高齡長輩，與長者互動交流，並將為院內30多名10月份壽星長者慶生，展現其一貫的親和力及對國人的真誠關懷。

該院長者得知白嘉莉即將前往訪視的消息，能一睹巨星風采，期待和興奮之情溢於言表。對他們而言，有「最美麗的主持人」之稱的白嘉莉，主持和歌唱功力兼具，《可愛的陌生人》等多首歌曲都是美好的時代記憶。白嘉莉本次的訪視行程將與該院10月份慶生會結合，屆時白嘉莉將逐一致贈與會壽星長者糕點，合唱生日快樂歌及合切蛋糕，當日活動僑務委員會委員長陳士魁與該院董事長陳玉梅也將一同出席。

白嘉莉本次返國主要於10月9日僑務委員會在臺北小巨蛋舉行的「四海同心聯歡大會」擔綱國歌領唱，以及出席10日上午於總統府前廣場舉辦的國慶大典和當天晚上於臺北賓館舉辦的國慶酒會。旅居印尼多年的她，仍時時心繫中華民國和國人同胞，本年她將以實際行動展現愛國愛鄉的情懷，國人均殷殷期盼欣賞她的精彩演出(白嘉莉Facebook粉絲團:https//www.facebook.com/bettypai888)。