經略南海･永保太平-收復南海諸島七十周年 紀念特展12月9日開幕

內政部與國史館合辦「經略南海･永保太平-收復南海諸島七十周年紀念特展」，將於今(105)年12月9日至19日在國史館展出。

這次特展分為「歷史經略」、「南疆鎖鑰」及「永續太平」等3大主軸，利用檔案、文物、圖像及影音等資料串連，重現政府收復南海諸島的重要決策與經略歷程，呈現太平島豐富的自然風情與人文風貌，讓社會大眾重新認識太平島，以及政府多年來持續和平經營的成果。

這次特展也將一併呈現相關部會將依據總統指示的原則及作法，持續推動包含生態保育、人道救援及科學研究等相關措施及計畫，彰顯出我國未來南海政策的內涵。

內政部表示，這次特展分為「歷史經略」、「南疆鎖鑰」及「永續太平」等3大主軸，利用檔案、文物、圖像及影音等資料串連，重現政府收復南海諸島的重要決策與經略歷程。此外，由於今年7月12日，有關菲律賓依照《聯合國海洋法公約》所提起的仲裁，仲裁庭作成的仲裁判斷，其中對太平島的認定，嚴重損及我對南海諸島及其相關海域的權利，為此，展覽中也將呈現太平島豐富的自然風情與人文風貌，讓社會大眾重新認識太平島，以及政府多年來持續和平經營的成果

內政部指出，總統已於今年7月19日揭示我國未來處理南海問題的政策基調，這次特展也將一併呈現相關部會將依據總統指示的原則及作法，持續推動包含生態保育、人道救援及科學研究等相關措施及計畫，彰顯出我國未來南海政策的內涵。

這次特展自12月9日(星期五)中午12時起在國史館(臺北市中正區長沙街一段2號)2樓展覽室展出，展期至12月19日(星期一)止，活動期間，開放民眾免費入場，展覽時間配合國史館開放時段及休館規定，歡迎大眾前往參觀。

內政部說明，由於12月12日，恰好是70年前海軍太平艦及中業艦駛抵太平島，完成南海諸島收復的重要歷史時刻，當日現場將安排專人進行定時導覽解說，也將致贈參訪人員太平島精美明信片1套，限量300套。

Sustainable Governance and Enduring Peace:An Exhibition Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Recovery of the South China Sea Islands opens December 9

Sustainable Governance and Enduring Peace: An Exhibition Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Recovery of the South China Sea Islands, jointly organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Academia Historica, will open to the public on December 9.

The exhibition is being held to raise public understanding of Taiping Island and its history, as well as associated administrative measures taken by the government and the importance it attaches to South China Sea issues.

On December 12, 1946, the ROCS Taiping and ROCS Chungyeh arrived at Taiping Island, the largest of the Nansha Islands, carrying officials from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of National Defense, as well as a Navy platoon, meteorologists, and supplies. Their arrival marked the completion of the recovery of the South China Sea Islands by the Republic of China. In the ensuing decades, related ROC government agencies built infrastructure on the islands and incorporated them into the nation’s administrative system, laying a solid foundation for the role that the ROC now plays in the South China Sea.

The exhibition, which focuses on the three themes of “Historical Developments,” “Key to the Southern Territories” and “Sustainable Peace,” features presentations of documents, artifacts, graphics, and audiovisuals so as to recreate the government’s important policy decisions and history of governance in recovering the South China Sea Islands.

The award made by the tribunal on July 12, 2016 in the arbitration brought by the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea severely undermines the rights of the ROC over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters. Therefore, the exhibition showcases the rich natural and cultural aspects of Taiping Island, in the hope that the public can become reacquainted with the territory and better understand the achievements of the government’s many years of continued peaceful governance there.

President Tsai Ing-wen set out the tenor of the government’s policy in handling South China Sea issues on July 19 this year. As such, this exhibition will also display the relevant measures and projects undertaken by government agencies under the principles and measures specified by the president, including ecological conservation work, humanitarian assistance, and scientific research, thus highlighting the nature of future ROC policy on the South China Sea.

The exhibition runs from noon on Friday, December 9 to Monday, December 19, in the second floor exhibition room of Academia Historica (No. 2, Section 1, Changsha Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City). The exhibition will be free to the public, with opening hours subject to the hours and regulations of Academia Historica. All are welcome.

Guided tours will be provided on December 12, which marks the day that the ROCS Taiping and ROCS Chungyeh arrived at Taiping Island 70 years ago—an important historic moment in completing the recovery of the South China Sea Islands. Visitors on that day will also receive one set of Taiping Island postcards (limited to 300 sets).

SOUTH SHORE USED CAR DEALERSHIP TO CEASE OPERATIONS, OWNER TO PAY RESTITUTION TO CONSUMERS FOR SELLING UNSAFE MOTOR VEHICLES

SOUTH SHORE USED CAR DEALERSHIP TO CEASE OPERATIONS, OWNER TO PAY RESTITUTION TO CONSUMERS FOR SELLING UNSAFE MOTOR VEHICLES

Owner of Auto Number One Failed to Make Promised Repairs; Business Operated in Unlicensed Locations

BOSTON – A South Shore used car business will cease operations and its owner will pay restitution after they were sued for selling unsafe and unreliable used cars, failing to make repairs which were promised or required under warranties, and operating in unlicensed locations, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

“This dealership scammed hard-working Massachusetts residents who were looking for a good deal and sold vehicles that put consumers’ lives, families, and others at risk,” AG Healey said. “Not only were these vehicles dangerous, many of the drivers were left with unreliable or unusable cars and significant debt.”

The consent judgment, entered in Suffolk Superior Court, resolves allegations that Auto Number One, Inc. and its owner Mark Hanna, of Abington, routinely made false representations to consumers that cars were in good working order or would be repaired. 

Pursuant to the settlement, Auto Number One will cease all operations in Massachusetts. The company and Hanna will also pay nearly $25,000 in consumer restitution. An additional $85,000 in civil penalties and attorneys’ fees will be suspended pending the defendants’ compliance with the terms of the consent judgment.

According to the AG’s complaint, which was filed in January 2015, Auto Number One frequently sold vehicles that failed to pass inspection and refused to provide refunds or make repairs or promised to make repairs but then did not do so. Additionally, the complaint alleged that Auto Number One retained vehicles during consumers’ seven-day inspection period, so that consumers would be unable to exercise their rights under the Lemon Aid Law. 

Consumers reported a variety of issues with their vehicles from Auto Number One, including lack of heat, oil and other fluid leaks, a broken catalytic converter, and transmission issues. Many consumers spent weeks or months trying to get their vehicles repaired, often making multiple unsuccessful repair attempts. Several consumers took their vehicles off the road altogether because they could not get them in safe working order. 

Auto Number One has operated out of locations in Weymouth, Quincy, and Abington. The AG’s complaint alleged that Auto Number One advertised and sold vehicles from locations where it was not licensed to do so, including a location on Washington Street in Weymouth and on Adams Street in Quincy. In order to operate as a used vehicle dealership, or to display used motor vehicles for sale, a person must obtain a license from the city or town.

The AG’s Office continues to look into deceptive practices in the auto industry. In September, the AG’s Office sued a Westport used auto dealership for selling unsafe and unreliable vehicles to consumers.

For questions about this case or about the auto industry in general, consumers may call the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint with the office.

The matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Ann E. Lynch and Paralegal Sharon Coles of AG Healey’s Western Massachusetts Regional Office and Investigator Anthony Crespi in the AG’s Boston Office. 

MAYOR WALSH BREAKS GROUND ON REDEVELOPMENT OF ORIENT HEIGHTS IN EAST BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH BREAKS GROUND ON REDEVELOPMENT OF ORIENT HEIGHTS IN EAST BOSTON

Boston Housing Authority, DHCD and Trinity Financial celebrate Phase One of multi-phase effort to redevelop Orient Heights

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) along with the development team of Trinity Financial and East Boston Community Development Corporation (CDC), celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase One of the redevelopment at Orient Heights, a 331-unit state public housing development in East Boston. Built in 1951, Orient Heights has long been the most physically distressed property in the Boston Housing Authority's state funded portfolio. "I am grateful to join with our state and community partners as we celebrate the beginning of a new era for the Orient Heights housing development," said Mayor Walsh. "This public housing facility has been the home of many families for decades, and I am proud that with the support of our state and federal partners we are revitalizing current facilities, while creating new living spaces for future residents." The Orient Heights public housing development is owned and managed by the BHA, which undertook a planning process in 2008, funded by DHCD, to consider redevelopment options for the site. The BHA commissioned a master plan with an overall design concept and established the goals for the site's redevelopment-to transform the site into an attractive, energy-efficient and healthy housing community modeled on the successful transformations of the BHA's previous public housing redevelopments at sites such as West Broadway, Maverick, and Old Colony. "Every resident in Massachusetts deserves the opportunity to live in housing that is safe, affordable and modern, and the first phase of the redevelopment of Orient Heights is an important step forward for this community's residents," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I congratulate the City of Boston for embracing efforts to modernize its public housing stock, and look forward to seeing the benefits this transformation will bring to the entire neighborhood." "Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of strong cities and towns, and this redevelopment project will further knit together the Orient Heights development with the rest of East Boston," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. "This public-private collaboration between DHCD, the Boston Housing Authority, the East Boston Community Development Corporation, and Trinity Financial will create a housing development that will bring much-needed new amenities to its residents, while preserving every unit of affordable housing on-site." Orient Heights Phase One includes the demolition of 90 units of existing housing and a decommissioned boiler plant, and the construction of 120 new units of affordable rental housing. The new housing units will be spread throughout four clustered townhouse buildings containing 40 dwelling units and a mid-rise building contacting 80 dwelling units.   All 120 units will receive an operating subsidy-75 percent of the units will receive state public housing operating subsidy and 25 percent of the units will receive project-based subsidy through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). "Across the Commonwealth, we are making significant investments and working creatively to update and preserve state-funded housing units," said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay. "Our administration is proud to support projects like this that ensure affordability, and create communities that are inclusive, vibrant and strengthen their surrounding neighborhoods." Current Phase One residents of the site worked with a relocation team to find alternative housing options that best fit their needs.  Options included moving to another BHA public housing development of their choice or moving to privately owned housing with a state subsidized MRVP voucher.  Following the completion of this project, residents have the option to return to the redeveloped site when construction is complete or remain in place after initial relocation. "Phase one is the start of a long overdue modernization of the Orient Heights housing development," said State Senator Joseph Boncore. "As we break ground, this project will ensure needed affordable and safe housing in a growing East Boston community." "I am excited about this collaborative effort that will bring much needed investment and improvement to Orient Heights, said State Representative Adrian Madaro. "This project will not only be transformative for residents of the development, but for the entire East Boston community. I thank Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh for making this a priority and I look forward to seeing it become a reality." "I am very happy for the residents of Orient Heights. Our friends and neighbors who live in these affordable units deserve nice spaces to call home," said District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina. The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) authorized a 121A agreement for the project which will result in a streamlined regulatory process, an expedited construction schedule, and continues the tax exempt status for the public housing component.  "Over the past 15 years, MassHousing has worked in partnership with the BHA to revitalize close to 2,000 units of its most physically distressed rental units in the city and transformed housing communities like Maverick Landing, Franklin Hill, Washington Beech, Old Colony, Lower Mills, Heritage and now at Orient Heights, into modern, mixed-income communities for the residents of Boston,'' said MassHousing Executive Director Tim Sullivan. "We are very pleased to be working with the city of Boston, DHCD, Trinity Financial, and all the public and private partners who are committed to the redevelopment of Orient Heights.'' In January 2015, the BHA selected the development team of Trinity Financial and East Boston CDC to work with BHA and DHCD to finalize a redevelopment strategy for the site. This development team will secure financing to implement the redevelopment, and will own and manage the buildings post-redevelopment subject to applicable laws and regulations. The BHA will continue to own the land and will lease the land to Trinity affiliated entities. "We're thrilled to begin Phase One of the Orient Heights development," said Trinity Financial Vice President of Development Eva Erlich. "The multi-phased project will help deliver the type of housing the East Boston community needs: housing that is affordable, energy efficient, accessible, and integrated with the rest of the East Boston community. Phase One will also result in updates and improved housing for the residents in the initial 90 units. We're looking forward to working with our partners to create a development that the entire community can benefit from."    "We are looking forward to working with our development partners Trinity Financial to revitalize the community as we successfully did together at the Maverick development in Eastie several years ago" stated Bill McGonagle, BHA Administrator. The total development cost for Orient Heights Phase One is approximately $51.2 million. The financing plan includes $17.5 million in private equity raised through an allocation of federal four percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits;  tax-exempt bonds for construction financing; $32.725 million in state public housing capital funds from BHA and DHCD; and affordable housing resources from the City of Boston. Today's groundbreaking furthers Mayor Walsh's commitment to increasing affordable housing options for residents and families in Boston.  As part of the sale of the Winthrop Square Garage in downtown Boston, Mayor Walsh will advocate for the allocation of $10 million in funding to be used for additional improvements at Orient Heights. Mayor Walsh's administration to date has built historic levels of affordable housing as part of the effort to create 53,000 new units of housing at a variety of income levels across the city by 2030, including setting a 15-year record for housing completions, surpassing the record of new affordable housing units permitted in a single year, and leveraging the private development market to ensure the continued development of affordable housing in Boston through changes to the Inclusionary Development Policy. About the Boston Housing Authority The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is a public agency that provides subsidized housing to low and moderate income individuals and families. In addition to conventional public housing communities throughout Boston, BHA offers rental assistance programs. BHA receives federal and state funding in order to provide housing programs to individuals and families. BHA's mission is to provide stable, quality affordable housing for low and moderate income persons; to deliver these services with integrity and mutual accountability; and to create living environments which serve as catalysts for the transformation from dependency to economic self-sufficiency. About Trinity Financial Since 1987, Trinity Financial has pursued a distinctive vision in real estate development, dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods, strengthening commerce and fostering opportunities through a collaborative urban spirit. Our work spans half a dozen residential and commercial specialties, from multi-unit housing to transit-oriented development. Across that spectrum, Trinity projects demonstrate a high caliber of vision and attention to detail, which sets them apart and has led to sustainable success.

Governor Baker Nominates Two to Massachusetts Superior Court

Governor Baker Nominates Two to Massachusetts Superior Court

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker has nominated Bill Barrett, an attorney from Concord and Andover attorney Salim Tabit to serve as Associate Justices of the Massachusetts Superior Court.

“I have the utmost confidence that Bill Barrett and Salim Tabit have the temperament and dedication to serve the people of the Commonwealth on the Superior Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Both attorneys bring diverse backgrounds and distinguished legal careers filled with a wealth of civil, criminal, trial and public service experiences.”

“These two well-respected and experienced attorneys exude the hard work and character necessary for serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with justice and integrity,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I look forward to the Council’s review of the nominees.”

The Superior Court is comprised of 82 justices in 20 courthouses across all 14 counties and is a statewide court of general jurisdictions that handles a broad variety of civil litigation in matters of contract, injury, civil rights, and others with amounts in controversy exceeding $25,000. In addition, the Court oversees criminal matters including homicide, sex offenses, robbery, and financial fraud. Approximately 65% of the cases are civil lawsuits and the remaining 35% are criminal proceedings.

For more information about the Massachusetts Superior Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/sc/

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Bill Barrett

C. William Barrett is a partner at Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs & Mone law firm where he  is a  trial attorney with a focus on complex civil litigation in the areas of tort law and contract disputes as well as criminal defense. He became an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office in 1988 where he prosecuted criminal cases in the District Court. He graduated from Brown University in 1983 with a B.A. and from Boston University Law School in 1988. Attorney Barrett has important public service experience, having served on various town committees, including Chairman of the Concord Zoning Board of Appeals. He is a recent past President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Board of Trial Attorneys, where he helped organize educational programs, as well as award ceremonies highlighting the contributions of the Commonwealth’s judges and attorneys.

About Salim Tabit

Salim R. Tabit is a Founding Partner at Broadhurst Tabit LLP, a general practice law firm specializing in civil litigation, real estate conveyance work, small business representation, immigration and criminal defense work. Tabit began his legal career in 1995 as an Assistant District Attorney in Essex County and was later assigned to the Lawrence District Court where he would serve as Head of the Juvenile Justice Unit. In 1998, he opened his own firm, handling criminal and civil litigations focusing primarily on matters of immigration and family reunification. In 1999, he became an associate at Broadhurst, Lakin & Lakin, where he handled a wide variety of legal matters and often provides pro bono work in poor and underrepresented communities. He graduated from Carleton College with a B.A. in Political Science in 1991 and from Boston College Law School in 1994.

麻州長以色列經貿訪問團成員名單底定

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Delegation for Israeli Economic Development Mission

 Nearly 50 private, public and academic sector leaders to showcase Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness for Israeli firms

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration and the New England-Israel Business Council (NEIBC) today announced the business delegation attending the administration’s upcoming Economic Development Mission to Israel, including nearly 50 leaders and over 20 presidents and chief executive officers in digital health, cybersecurity, public policy, academia, and other industry sectors. The mission is focused on leveraging the Commonwealth’s unique and innovative economic climate to welcome Israel’s global leadership in cybersecurity and digital health.

“Massachusetts is home to many of the world’s leading innovative companies, accelerators and educational institutions, as well as an economically competitive climate prepared to host the world’s emerging digital health and cybersecurity industries,” said Governor Baker. “We are pleased to have many of the Commonwealth’s top executives, business and academic leaders joining us to share with their Israeli counterparts our strengths and their own reasons for choosing Massachusetts.”

Massachusetts recognizes a thriving digital health ecosystem, with nearly 300 innovative companies and 10 digital health innovation programs and accelerators, including an initiative announced by Governor Baker earlier this year. Cybersecurity continues to be one of the major economic growth drivers between Israel and the Commonwealth’s robust research, investment, capital and talent sectors.

The mission will build on the Commonwealth’s unique and existing relationship with Israel. According to the NEIBC’s 3^rd edition economic impact study, Israeli-founded companies in Massachusetts booked over $9 billion in revenue in 2015 – nearly 4 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – and employed 9,000 workers.The study also found that the growth rate of Israeli companies in Massachusetts is four times that of the Massachusetts economy as a whole.

Over the course of the mission, the Governor and delegation members will participate in various forums and site visits with Israeli partners seeking to do business in the Commonwealth announced earlier this week. The administration is partnering with the New England Israel Business Council (NEIBC), with the support of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) to host the mission at no cost to taxpayers.

The delegation will include representatives of nearly 50 private, non-profit, public and academic sector partners, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Jewish Community Relations Council and members of the Baker-Polito Administration, including:

• Robert Blumofe, Executive Vice President and General Manager Enterprise & Carrier Division, Akamai
• Ido Schoenberg, CEO, American Well
• Kristen Rupert, Executive Director, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) International Business Council
• Jonathan Bush, CEO, Athenahealth
• John Halamka, CIO, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Kevin Tabb, CEO, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Betsy Nabel, President, Brigham & Women's Hospital
• Lou Shipley, CEO, Black Duck Software
• Eric Lander, President, Broad Institute
• Justine Levin–Allerhand, Chief Development Officer & Chief External Relations Officer, Broad Institute
• Elliot Katzman, Partner, Commonwealth Capital
• Udi Mokady, CEO, CyberArk
• Lior Div, CEO, Cybereason
• Ernesto DiGiambattista, CEO, Cybric
• Avner Halperin, CEO, EarlySense
• Kathy Kountze, CIO and SVP, Eversource
• Carl Byers, Executive Partner, F-Prime Capital
• Stephen Knight, President, F-Prime Capital
• Michael Greeley, General Partner, Flare Capital Partners
• Phyllis Gotlib, Executive Partner, Flare Capital Partners
• Matt Moynahan, CEO, Forcepoint, a Raytheon joint venture
• Michael Idelchik, VP for Advanced Technology Programs, GE
• Bill Schnoor, Chairman Tech Practice, Goodwin
• Aly Simons , Partner, Goodwin
• Paul Maeder, Founding Partner, Highland Capital
• Marc van Zadelhoff, General Manager, IBM Security
• Nicolas Meyerhoffer, Chief of Staff, IBM Security
• Aron Ain, CEO, Kronos
• Todd Cozzens, Managing Partner, Leerink Transformation Partners
• John Harthorne, CEO, MassChallenge
• Peter Sherlock, SVP for Programs and Technology, The MITRE Corporation
• Fay Rotenberg, Co-Founder and  CEO, Mymo
• Dan Trajman, CEO,  New England-Israel Business Council
• Larry Renfro, Vice Chairman, UnitedHealth Group & CEO, Optum
• Dana McNally, VP for Business Development, Optum
• Juliet Domb, Chief Administrative Officer, Optum International
• David Goodtree, Global Venture Partner, OurCrowd
• David Hughes, CEO, Raven Fly
• David Wajsgras, President - Intelligence, Information and Services, Raytheon
• Michael Daly, Chief Technology Officer for Cyber Security, Raytheon
• Gary Nabel, Chief Scientific Officer, Sanofi
• Scott Sperling, President, Thomas H. Lee Partners
• Jason Robart, CEO, Zaffre Investments (BCBS/MA)

Baker-Polito Administration, Public, Non-Profit and Academic Sector Partners

• Governor Charlie Baker
• First Lady Lauren Baker
• Assistant Secretary for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Katie Stebbins
• Assistant Undersecretary for Homeland Security and Senior Advisor for Antiterrorism and Cyber Security Hans Olson
• Brandeis University President Ron Liebowitz
• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ken Montgomery
• Harvard University Vice President and Chief Information Officer Ann Margulies
• Israeli Consul General to New England Yehuda Yaakov
• Israeli Economic Minister to North America Inon Elroy
• Massachusetts Health Connector Executive Director Louis Gutierrez
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor of Operations Management Retsef Levi, Sloan School of Management
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Associate Provost Richard Lester
• Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI) Executive Director Mark Sullivan
• Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) Executive Director Timothy Connelly
• MassIT Executive Director Mark Nunnelly
• Wentworth Institute of Technology President Dr. Zorica Pantic
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) President Dr. Laurie Leshin
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Dr. Michael Ginzberg, Dean of the Foisie School of Business
• University of Massachusetts (UMass) President Marty Meehan

About New England-Israel Business Council

The mission of the New England-Israel Business Council is to increase economic development in Israel and New England by fostering cooperation, investment opportunities and business relationships and by leading a vibrant Israeli-minded Business Community in New England. NEIBC provides a varied and diverse program of activities and events and facilitates connections between the Israeli and New England business communities and offers advice on doing business in these two regions. www.neibc.org.

麻州長查理貝克訂12月9日率貿易團訪問以色列

(Boston Orange周菊子整理報導)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)將於12月9日至14日，率領包括40名企業高管，12名州政府官員的經濟發展代表團，到以色列參訪6天。州長辦公室今(6)日和以色列商會(NEIBC)聯袂宣佈排定的參訪活動，強調重點將是以色列居於全球領先地位的網路安全和數位健康領域。

這將是麻州州長查理貝克上任以來首次率貿易團出國訪問。

查理貝克政府的新聞稿表示，這訪問將給麻州和以色列面對面交流的機會，展示麻州有教育程度極高的人才，最好的學府，蓬勃的創投資本業，是以色列初創企業擴張的好地方。

根據新英格蘭以色列商會的經濟影響研究第三版，以色列人在麻州創辦公司的營業收入，2015年約有90億元，在麻州生產總值毛額中約佔4%，聘用了9000名員工。該研究也發現，麻州以色列公司的成長率是麻州整體經濟成長率的4倍。

麻州政府代表團此行赴以色列，將介紹麻州以數位健康經濟生態發展蓬勃著稱，有將近300家創新公司，10個數位健康創新項目及加速器，其中一項計畫還是麻州州長查理貝克今年稍早才宣佈的。在網路安全業帶動研究，資金，人才，成為推動經濟成長動力上，麻州和以色列有著非常相似的發展途徑。

麻州州長辦公室表示，代表團成員們將在訪問期間參加各種論壇，參觀，拜訪許多有意到麻州做生意的以色列公司，已經安排的參訪活動，包括一場有400多網路安全及數位健康界企業領袖參加的美國以色列高峰會，參觀以色列醫療模擬中心，會晤以色列科學長Avi Hasson，和通用電子公司高層主管討論該公司在以色列科技經濟生態系統中的未來，參觀2016年在以色列設立的”麻州挑戰”等。

訪問團成員將包括大約40名私人企業夥伴。查理貝克政府官員將包括助理創新、科技及企業署長Kaite Stebbins，健康聯繫者執行主任Louis Guiterrez，麻州網際網路(MassIT)執行主任Mark Nunnelly，以及反恐及網路安全資深顧問Han Olsen。

這訪問團是由麻州政府和新英格以色列商會(NEIBC)合作，在聯合猶太慈善會(CIP)資助下主辦，不花納稅人的錢。

麻州前任州長派區克(Deval Patrick)在兩任八年期間，曾率領貿易團兩次訪問以色列。2014年第二次訪問以色列時，有120名麻州企業領袖參加。

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS CABLE TELEVISION LICENSE, BRINGING VERIZON SERVICES TO BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS CABLE TELEVISION LICENSE, BRINGING VERIZON SERVICES TO BOSTON

Advanced Fiber-Optic Network Will Support Businesses, Bring Consumer Choice to Residents

Mayor Walsh and Bob Mudge of Verizon with the license

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston has issued a Final Cable Television (CATV) License to Verizon New England. The license covers three neighborhoods: Dorchester, the Dudley Square neighborhood in Roxbury and West Roxbury. The license anticipates future expansion of the service area to additional neighborhoods, with the first service area expansion expected to include Hyde Park, Mattapan, and other areas of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. "Boston will continue to grow and thrive, and Boston's residents need fast, reliable communications services built on the latest technologies," said Mayor Walsh. "I look forward to working with Verizon to bring more choice and upgraded technology to Boston's residents and businesses." In April, the City of Boston and Verizon announced a partnership to bring a new fiber-optic network platform to Boston, replacing copper infrastructure. Since then, Verizon has been constructing their network and has already installed fiber-optic wiring necessary to offer service to 25,000 homes and businesses by year's end. The signing of the cable license clears the way for Verizon to begin selling Fios service before the end of the year. "We are appreciative of the leadership of Mayor Walsh and his staff to quickly bring choice and competition to Boston," said Bob Mudge, executive vice president for Strategic Initiatives at Verizon. "This shows what's possible when the public and private sector are both willing to try a new approach to deploying fiber-optic technology." The license was issued in accordance with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable. The City held two public hearings and solicited public input throughout the process. Video of the hearings and other documents related to the licensing process are available online. Boston's partnership with Verizon make Boston one of the most technologically advanced cities in the country by replacing its copper-based infrastructure with a state-of-the-art fiber-optic network platform across the city. The new network will offer enormous bandwidth and speeds. Through an investment of more than $300 million from Verizon over six years, this change will bring increased competition and choice for broadband and entertainment services in Boston, and support the ongoing efforts to spur innovation and economic opportunity in all neighborhoods.

蘇宇寅贏得2016年波士頓火花影響獎

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES 2016 SPARK IMPACT AWARD WINNERS

Mayor Walsh and SPARK Boston honor a diverse slate of young adult residents making a positive impact in Boston

Finalists and winners of the 2016 SPARK Impact Awards (photo by Ethiopiah Al-Mahdi) 後排左三為蘇宇寅。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)12月1日在"麻州挑戰"辦公室宣佈2016年的5名火花影響獎得主。"雞肉飯傢伙(Chicken & Rice Guy)"暨"亞裔創業基金(AEF)"創辦人蘇宇寅(Ian So)在"創業創新類"脫穎而出，榮獲獎項。

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and SPARK Boston announced the five 2016 SPARK Impact Award winners at an award ceremony on Thursday, December 1 at MassChallenge. "Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 SPARK Impact Awards, and thank you to all who submitted nominations," said Mayor Walsh. "The young men and women we honor are true changemakers, sharing their talent and innovation with Boston. I look forward to the many accomplishments they will continue to bring to our City." Mayor Walsh put out an open call for nominations for the 2016 SPARK Impact Awards this summer. A selection committee comprised of SPARK Boston Council members reviewed over a hundred nominations in order to select these finalists, whose personal stories can be found on SPARK Boston's website. A round of online voting determined the winners in each category. In addition to the award presentation, the event featured a networking reception, a keynote speech by award winning filmmaker and arts advocate Jae Williams, and award presentation by 2015 Impact Award winner and CEO of Zapp RX Zoe Barry. 2016 SPARK IMPACT AWARD WINNERS: Category: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ian So, nominated for spearheading the Chicken & Rice Guys Foundation and founding of the Boston Asian Entrepreneurship Foundation Category: Arts & Culture Matt Parker, nominated for using poetry as a tool for effective community building and violence prevention Category: Community Building and Neighborhood Improvement Sherri Snow, nominated for leadership as Executive Director of the North End Music & Performing Arts Center Category: Activism and Issue Advocacy Mario Paredes, nominated for serving as Centro Presente's youngest board member Category: Unsung Heroes Taylor Curley, nominated for going above and beyond to support her special needs students at the Mattahunt Elementary School Learn More Visit SPARK Boston's website to learn more about the 2016 SPARK Impact Awards and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #SPARKImpact. About SPARK Boston Boston is home to a large and diverse millennial population. SPARK Boston (formerly ONEin3) is a City of Boston initiative that aims to empower the millennial generation to play a greater role in planning for the future of our city. SPARK Boston focuses on engaging the next generation of civic leaders and social entrepreneurs in the work of city government. This will shape how the City designs and develops policies, convenes stakeholders for important initiatives, and works collaboratively with young people to shape Boston's future. Learn more at  www.sparkbos.com.

麻州眾議會議長發表聲明反對刪預算

A Statement from House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo

“While recent reports require that we continue to watch revenue numbers closely, I believe it is premature to make mid-year budget cuts, particularly given that we are only approximately 0.2 percent below benchmarks. The House is proud of its tradition of fiscal prudence and we remain confident that our work to trim the FY17 budget following passage of both the House and Senate budgets reflects a responsible and economically sound response.

It seems that the Administration is seeking to achieve policy objectives that have previously been rejected by the Legislature through its unilateral use of 9C cuts. Recent revenue numbers indicate a need to be vigilant; they do not however necessitate cuts at this time.”

Whitney Dow Ferguson

Office of House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo

860-324-0165