Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Improve Road Safety

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Improve Road Safety

Proposal to address distracted driving, interlock devices, pedestrian and bicyclist safety and new mobility options

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today filed legislation to improve road safety entitled, “An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth.” The proposal makes a number of changes recommended in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan and updates existing statutes that were drafted before recent advances in various forms of mobility.

“Keeping the Commonwealth’s networks of roads as safe as possible for everyone using them is one of our administration’s top public safety priorities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This bill includes common sense proposals to substantially reduce distracted driving, stiffen penalties associated with operating under the influence, improve safety requirements for certain trucks and to begin establishing a regulatory framework for new forms of transportation. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass this comprehensive road safety bill into law.”

“Our administration believes empowering law enforcement and transportation officials with the tools contained in this bill will make a real difference in road safety for drivers, workers, bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “This bill will put in place important safety measures for First Responders and highway construction crews working every day to improve road conditions and overall safety for everyone travelling in Massachusetts.”

Between 2012 and 2016, 15,662 people were seriously injured and 1,820 people lost their lives on the roadways of the Commonwealth, including 14 road workers who have been killed. To protect those working, the legislation would allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to set up temporary mandatory speed limits in construction zones. To protect people walking, bicycling and using motorcycles on Massachusetts roadways, the legislation would require state-owned heavy trucks and state and municipally-contracted vehicles to be equipped with convex and cross-over mirrors and require the installation of side guards between the front and rear wheels of these vehicles to protect people from being caught under a truck and run over by its rear wheels. The bill expands efforts to limit distracted driving by having Massachusetts join sixteen other states, including all of our neighboring New England states, in requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving. Law enforcement would also be able to stop motorists who are not wearing seatbelts under this legislation.

The proposal corrects inconsistencies in the law for those convicted of Operating under the Influence (OUI) by requiring first-time offenders who apply for hardship licenses to be placed into the ignition interlock program and clarifying the ability of the Registry of Motor Vehicles to penalize those who attempt to drive after consuming alcohol, even with an ignition interlock device.

Emerging micromobility technologies like electric scooters and increased use of electric bicycles present both opportunities as a compliment to current means of transportation and challenges as an industry without any existing statutory framework. As a first step, the administration proposes treating electric scooters and pedal assist electric bicycles the same way bicycles are treated under state law and establishing a multi-party advisory group to recommend more permanent policies.

An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth includes proposals on the following topics:

·       Hands-free: Requires electronic devices to be used in “hands-free” mode and would not allow anyone operating a motor vehicle to touch or hold a mobile electronic device, “except to perform a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate, or initiate hands-free mode.” The bill would permit talking, texting and other tasks to be completed by voice commands and would allow law enforcement officers to better enforce distraction laws.

·       Primary seatbelt: Law enforcement would be permitted to stop motorists for not wearing seatbelts.

·       Work zone safety: Allows MassDOT to establish mandatory temporary lower speed limits in construction zones that would double fines when workers are present.

·       Ignition interlock, hardship licenses: Proposal would require the use of ignition interlock devices for first offenders who apply for hardship licenses, requiring an interlock device for a minimum of six months as a condition of obtaining a hardship license.

·       Ignition interlock, penalties for violating terms of interlock program: Clarifies the ability of the Registry to penalize those who attempt to drive after drinking alcohol, (even with an interlock device), or who tamper with an interlock device.

·       Side guards and additional mirrors: The proposal would require all Commonwealth-owned and operated vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have side guards, convex mirrors, and cross-over mirrors after January 1, 2020. This law would require all Commonwealth and municipal contractors to have these devices by January 1, 2022. Certain vehicle classifications would be exempt and the law grants the authority to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to grant additional exemptions, in keeping with U.S. DOT standards.

·       New technology: Electric scooters and other low speed mobility devices, such as electric bicycles, currently lack a specific vehicle classification. The proposal treats these new technology items the same as bicycles according to existing Mass General Law. For example, these operators, like bicyclists would need to wear a helmet if under the age of 16, would be required to yield to people walking and provide an audible signal when passing, and could not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic when parked. In addition, the law would require MassDOT to establish a micro-mobility advisory working group to propose future changes for safe adoption of emerging and undefined low speed mobility devices.

The proposals to increase road safety being made by the Baker-Polito Administration stem, in part, from discussions with members of the Massachusetts Legislature, strategies outlined in the 2018 Massachusetts Strategic Highway Safety Plan and input from key stakeholders like The Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition and various law enforcement professionals.

AG HEALEY FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS

AG HEALEY FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS

Bills Filed Protect Victims, Ratepayers, Workers, and the Environment

           

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today announced several initial bills filed for the 2019-2020 session.

The first of many of bills that AG Healey plans to file or support this session include legislation to combat human trafficking by regulating bodyworks practices, ban the competitive electric supply market for residential customers, improve the AG’s ability to address violations of wage and hour laws, allow continued use of statewide grand juries, ensure the confidentiality of sensitive victim information, and protect bees and other pollinators from dangerous insecticides.

In addition to this initial set of bills, the AG’s Office plans to work with the Legislature in the coming months on various other priorities including increasing funding across public school districts, prosecuting illegal gun dealers, expanding violence prevention education to students, ensuring access to reproductive health care, combating wage theft, and protecting students and consumers from unfair practices. 

“My office works every day to protect all Massachusetts residents,” said AG Healey “These bills will strengthen our ongoing work and improve the lives of people across the state.”

The bills filed last week, which are sponsored and supported by various legislators, District Attorneys, law enforcement organizations, and advocates, are as follows:

• An Act Regulating Bodyworks

·         An Act Relative to Protecting Residential Electric Customers

·         An Act Relative to Enhanced Enforcement of Civil Penalties

·         An Act Relative to Statewide Grand Juries

·         An Act to Protect the Privacy of Crime Victims

·         An Act Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators

[SD 1840], An Act Regulating Bodyworks

Sponsored by: Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford)

An Act Regulating Bodyworks creates a regulatory structure for bodyworks practices to prevent criminals from using these currently unregulated businesses as fronts for human trafficking. Over the past two years, the AG’s Office has pursued indictments in connection with five separate criminal enterprises involving 10 individuals who set up illicit massage or bodyworks establishments where they trafficked victims for sex. This legislation will close a loophole that exempts these businesses from state oversight by adding bodyworkers, bodywork therapy, bodywork facilities and schools to the current state licensing structure overseen by the Division of Professional Licensure. The bill also restructures the current oversight board to include membership from the bodyworks industry as well as a law enforcement representative who focuses on human trafficking. 

[HD 1204/SD 880], An Act Relative to Protecting Residential Electric Customers

Sponsored by: Representative Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) and Senator James Welch (D-West Springfield)

An Act Relative to Protecting Residential Electric Customers would ban new competitive electric supply contracts for residential customers beginning in 2020. In March 2018, the AG’s Office released a report that found that Massachusetts residential consumers paid competitive electric suppliers $176.8 million more than they would have paid for electricity from their utility between July 2015 and June 2017. A third year of data shows residential customers lost another $76.2 million, for a three-year total of $253 million. The report also found that low-income consumers are disproportionately affected. In October, AG Healey sued competitive electricity supplier Starion Energy for allegedly using unfair and deceptive marketing and sales tactics to lure more than 130,000 Massachusetts consumers into expensive contracts with high electricity rates, overcharging consumers by $30 million. To prevent further harm, this bill bans new competitive supply contracts in the residential retail market.

[SD 809], An Act Relative to Enhanced Enforcement of Civil Penalties

Sponsored by: Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett)

An Act Relative to Enhanced Enforcement of Civil Penalties allows the AG’s Fair Labor Division to better address violations of our state wage and hour laws—including those requiring payment of wages, minimum wage and overtime—by filing civil cases in Superior Court. Today, workers have a legal right to go to court to address violations of wage and hour laws, and this proposal gives the AG’s Office that same right.

[HD 2641/SD 783], An Act Relative to Statewide Grand Juries

Sponsored by: Representative Paul Tucker (D-Salem) and Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont)

The AG’s Office uses the statewide grand jury to present evidence and witnesses in one location, to one grand jury and with one supervising judge. The availability of a statewide grand jury is particularly important when crimes are alleged to have been committed in multiple counties and/or an investigation crosses county lines. The AG’s Office has used statewide grand juries to prosecute human trafficking, drug trafficking, theft rings, computer crimes, complex white-collar crimes, and environmental crimes. The AG’s use of the statewide grand jury will expire on December 31, 2020, so this legislation would make the statewide grand jury a permanent resource for the office. 

[HD 3377/SD 1418], An Act to Protect the Privacy of Crime Victims

Sponsored by: Representative Chynah Tyler (D-Boston) and Senator Cynthia Creem (D-Newton)

This bill would statutorily protect the confidentiality of information contained in a crime victim’s compensation application. These applications routinely contain considerable private information that the victim and the victim’s advocate want to keep confidential. For example, applications may include the victim’s home or work address and telephone numbers, names and addresses of the victim’s family and friends, medical history, behavior health history and doctor information.

[HD 3339], An Act Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators

Sponsored by: Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston)

In an effort to address the declining health and numbers of honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators in Massachusetts, AG Healey is cosponsoring An Act Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators. Neonicotinoids have become the most widely used insecticide and are considered systemic pesticides, meaning once sprayed or coated on plant seeds, the chemical is taken up into plant tissue and can remain in plants and soil long after application. Recent studies show that neonicotinoids can devastate both managed and wild populations of pollinators. This bill restricts sale of neonicotinoid pesticide products to certified commercial applicators, private applicators, or licensed applicators and incorporates violations into the current penalty framework. The bill also directs the Department of Agriculture to include pollinator protection in the licensing and evaluation materials for applicators.

In the last legislative session, 2017-2018, AG Healey successfully advocated for several important measures that were passed into law including sweeping criminal justice reform, automatic voter registration, protections for victims of security breaches, limitations on the ability of drug manufactures to use discount coupons for opioids and the creation of extreme risk protection orders for individuals at risk of harming themselves or others. She also successfully increased the fine corporations must pay if convicted of manslaughter. AG Healey supported legislation to better protect pregnant workers, ensure adequate contraceptive coverage and access to confidential healthcare, and to repeal outdated and unconstitutional restricted access to contraception and abortion services.

候慶辰分享生醫公司在中國市場制勝之道

主持人魏宇峰(左一)，講者侯慶辰(左五)，TECO 科技組組長謝水龍(後左七)，中華專協理事康麗雪(前右一)，中華專協副會長康雅雰(前右二)與部分出席者合影。(主辦單位提供)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子劍橋市報導)紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)1月19日早在劍橋創新中心(CIC)舉辦講座。在台灣創辦慶辰律師事務所，目前在哥倫比亞大學做訪問學者的侯慶辰，以他同時擁有中美台三地法律學位資歷，分享”從智財面看海外生技產業前進中國大陸”。

              侯慶辰獲有台大法律，政大商學，美國賓州大學法律等三個碩士學位，2017年還在中國大陸也取得北京大學法學博士學位，嫻熟中美台三地法律。他還擁有美國與台灣的律師資格，以及台灣專利律師的執照，執業逾10年，專精公司法，證券交易法，企業併購，資本市場，稅務訴訟，智慧財產權。

              侯慶辰除了在台灣開設了律師事務所，還在中國南京創辦了中國智慧財產資訊及諮詢公司( China Intellectual Property Information and Consulting Co.)。

右起，康雅雰，魏宇峰，侯慶辰(右四)，張重華等人。
(主辦單位提供)

                        他在講座中從四個角度分享看法，包括中國專利的價值，中國目前及未來的專利權環境，外國生物製藥公司進中國市場必須要知道的事，中國生物製藥專利趨勢。侯慶辰相信，專利權的價值只有在資本市場重視專利，以及專利可以做為開發某個市場的武器時，才有價值。他認為，中國專利資訊及諮詢公司因此是很獨特的商業模式。

主持人魏宇峰(左)和講者侯慶辰(右)。

              曾任紐英崙玉山科技協會(MJNE)會長，獲有麻省理工學院電機工程博士學位，2014年和朋友合作創辦生醫類人工智能公司Vizuro的魏宇峰，回台灣時經創投業友人介紹，認識侯慶辰，當天特地出席擔任講座主持人，也分享了他參與美國、台灣企業到中國大陸開發市場的經歷。

               包括新到任的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處科技組組長謝水龍，紐英崙中華專業人員協會副會長康雅雰，理事康麗雪，也是理事的塔芙茨大學教授張崇華，義工林致中等，當天有將近30名不同背景者出席，提了許多問題。會後講者和部分出席者意猶未盡的到木蘭餐廳繼續討論。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES UPDATED PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER STORM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES UPDATED PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER STORM

Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow regulations

BOSTON - Saturday, January 19, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced updated preparations for this weekend's winter storm. Snow will begin at 9 p.m. Saturday, with heaviest snow falling from midnight to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, with precipitation on Sunday accumulating at the rate of one to two inches per hour. The storm has the potential to bring six inches of snow to Boston, with the potential for low temperatures and freezing rain. All residents and businesses are encouraged to shovel and salt their sidewalks immediately Sunday morning, to ensure the precipitation does not freeze to sidewalks and driveways. Residents are reminded not to throw snow onto the street, and to shovel out catch basins and fire hydrants. There isno parking ban or snow emergency in effect. The Public Works Department currently has 42,000 tons of salt on hand. During the storm, 600 pieces of equipment will be on hand to deal with the ice and snow. Boston Public Works have also been pre-treating Boston streets with salt to prepare for the winter storm. "We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist older neighbors and those who are disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm this weekend," said Mayor Walsh. "The City of Boston and our Public Works are prepared for all storms that come Boston's way, and we ask that residents and businesses do their part, including shoveling their sidewalks and walkways, to ensure safety for all. Please remember to abide by the snow rules, stay off the roads and be safe." Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize Boston's 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow Rules on Clearing Snow Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Do not throw snow onto the street. Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow. As a reminder, no cars are allowed to park in Boston Public Schools parking lots during a snowstorm. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to any health symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Public Libraries & Community Centers Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families' community centers will be open normal business hours. Please check their scheduleshere. Helping the Homeless If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates two emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. BPHC is working closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, and a warm respite from the cold. Street outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement Center behind 112 Southampton St., remain operating as normal during winter weather. More information available here. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

波市長馬丁華殊2019市情諮文 致力擴大中產階級機會

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)豎拇指，與觀眾
彼此稱讚。(周菊子攝)

　　　（Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)1月15日在波士頓交響樂廳發表2019年度市情諮文，宣佈將設立移動經濟發展中心，恢復人權局，耆英局改名強齡局(Age Strong Commission)，推動一系列14項法案，強調要讓社會進步和中產階級發展機會同步增長。

                  2019雖然是波士頓市長馬丁華殊當選連任後，在位的第二年，但他發言的架勢，報告的新猶，結束演說時，語調之激昂，讓許多人有他又在競選的錯覺。

旗隊上台。(周菊子攝)

                        包括麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，財政廳廳長高伯珂(Deb Goldberg)，稽核長邦普(Suzanne Bump)，麻州眾議會議長狄勒歐(Robert DeLeo)，麻州企業發展廳助理廳長范文南(Nam Pham)，麻州眾議員黃子安，麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)，波士頓市所有議員，包括吳弭(Michelle Wu)，愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)等，以及波士頓前市長雷費林(Ray Flynn)等，把交響樂廳的一，二樓坐得滿滿的嘉賓，頻頻為馬丁華殊的演說鼓掌。

                 在致詞中，馬丁華殊闡述自己過去五年來成就，重申他致力確保社會進步和中產階級機會一起成長，加強流動經濟，擴展機會，建造可負擔住宅，並把波士頓保持為對所有居民都安全的地方。

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker，左)和波士頓市長女友Lorrie Higgins。(周菊子攝)

                馬丁華殊說，因為他們動用了比以往任何時候更多人的優勢，使波士頓比以前任何時候都強健。波士頓市的成功也促使他們把目標設得更高，工作得更努力，要確保市內每一個人都能完整，公平地得到他們所創造的機會。

                回顧過去時，馬丁華殊指出，2018年1月，他宣佈成立"波士頓的回家路基金(Boston’s Way Home Fund)”，計畫在未來4年內籌集1000萬元私人基金，建造200個新住宅單位，為退伍老兵，長期流浪的男男女女，提共支持性，可持續的長期住宅。現在僅一年以後，該基金已籌得500萬元。

波士頓市議員，右起，Ed Flynn， 吳弭，Althea Garrison。
(周菊子攝)

              為了確保波士頓居民享有公平，機會及彈性，馬丁華殊還向州政府提交了一連串14巷法案，要推動經濟流動性，住家，交通，環境，教育基金，健康及公眾安全。既要建造可負擔住宅，讓租客保有他們的家，減少暴力，爭取社會正義，擴大中產階級，也要為所有學生做教育投資。

               展望未來一年，馬丁華殊提出多項新計畫。他說，波市府要確保社會進步之際，擴大中產階級。他宣佈成立”移動經濟發展中心(Mobile Economic Development Center)，要在關於就業訓練，企業發展，公共場所規劃，社區經濟發展等經濟發展政策上和居民互動。

昆士小學交響樂項目夏日街銅樂隊表演。(周菊子攝)

               他也分享了將在洛士百利(Roxbury)的布魯斯博林(Bruce. C. Bolling)市政大樓，把一樓的7,800平方呎空間，打造成為”爵士城市餐廳(JazzUrbane Cafe)"，一個有完整餐飲服務，兼具娛樂場所，社區空間功能的餐廳。

               談到"把槍買回來"，馬丁華殊說五年來，警察從街頭收回4100把槍枝，把數以千計青少年帶到機會之路上，造成逮捕率降低25%，犯罪率減少25%的佳績。

麻州企業發展廳助理廳長范文南(Nam Pham)和麻州難民
移民署署長張瑪莉(Mary Truong)，兩夫婦聯袂出席
波士頓市長的市情諮文發表會。(周菊子攝)

              為了歡迎更多聲音，擴大民主程度，馬丁華殊宣佈，將重啟”人權局”，為波士頓居民提供討論歧視，得到公平承諾的平台。他也指派了人口統計調查聯絡員來確保每一名波士頓居民都被計算到。馬丁華殊還會簽署行政命令，規定所有市府員工在如何辨識，糾正市府服務差距上接受訓練。

             未來五年，馬丁華殊計畫建造更多可負擔住宅，提供更多財務援助，要讓1000人成為新屋主。迄今，他們已讓1600名長期流浪者有屋可住。

             波士頓市府將把耆英局(Elderly Commission)改名為強齡局(Age Strong Commission)，以反映波市府在讓年齡漸增人們仍然感覺得到政府的包容，易接近，正面上的努力。

               馬丁華殊強調，波士頓士不僅存在，更欣欣向榮，鋪橋補路的讓市內道路更適於自行車和巴士通行，建造公園，在全市各地投資1億元進圖書館。在保持屋主低稅率之際，能夠以智慧的財務管理打開了歷史性的投資能力。波士頓市在波士頓廣場上投資了2800萬元，在法蘭克林公園上投資了2800萬元，學校樓宇興建維修經費增加了一倍多，已在建新學校，做大整修，更換更有能源效率的屋頂，熱水爐，窗戶，以及現代化傢俱等方面花了超過3億元，預計還要花8億元。

Quincy declared snow emergency

Snow Emergency, Saturday January 19

Snow emergency parking rules will be in place beginning at 7 p.m., on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Residents may park on the EVEN numbered side of non-emergency neighborhood streets, but should always park in driveways if available. Parking is prohibited on all designated emergency arteries. Click here for a complete list of emergency arteries. Parking in business districts will be allowed until closing time on Saturday night. Residents on side streets posted permanently as one-side parking should park on the side always allowed. Cars parked in violation of emergency rules or that impede snow plowing operations pose a public safety risk, and WILL BE TOWED. Regardless of parking rules, vehicles determined to be in obstruction of snow removal or emergency vehicles are subject to towing if not moved. For assistance, residents can use the City’s snow request application atsnowhotline@quincyma.gov or call the DPW's snow operation hotline at (617) 376-1927. The potential for flooding exists for 10 a.m. Sunday, January 20 high tide. For flood-related assistance, call (617) 376-1910. Residents in coastal areas should take appropriate precautions and monitor weather reports. ALWAYS call 911 in an emergency. The forecast calls for ice and high winds, which creates the potential for downed tree limbs and power lines. If you lose power, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 or visit their Outage Central page at https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/. For updates and emergency notices, please tune to Quincy Access Television; follow the City of Quincy’s Facebook page or via Twitter @CityofQuincy.

黃奎博:中美台路上 美重自身利益 台別誤判局勢

政大教授黃奎博(左)，邱稔穰(右)在紐英崙中華公所演講。
(周菊子攝)

            （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）政大國際事務學院副院長黃奎博坦率表示，＂在美台關係上，美國一向首重自身利益，台灣必須認清自己能影響的實在不多，才不會誤判局勢＂，＂在中美關係上，許多觀察家直言今年不會好轉，智庫認為，恐怕越來越嚴峻。

             在中台關係上，黃奎博形容台灣是＂逆水行舟＂，中國似＂刻舟求劍＂。換言之，他認為台灣走的方向不對，中國也忽略台灣今非昔比，人心已變，並不在乎國名，但更重視政治，經濟等自由。

波士頓經文處長徐佑典(左)強調外交官都很努力。
(周菊子攝)

台灣政治大學國際事務學院院長邱稔穰和副院長黃奎博此行訪問波士頓，主要是應波士頓世界事務協會與波士頓大學Pardee學院之邀，1月14日在波士頓大學為＂台灣關係法40週年＂，發表＂今日台灣：來自台北觀點＂講談。

1月13日下午，全美台灣同鄉聯誼會波士頓分會搶先舉辦＂美中台三邊關係＂講座，請他倆在紐英崙中華公所會議廳和近百名僑胞分享看法。

根據邱稔穰和黃奎博的會場發言，論調都屬於統派。

            和台灣現任外交部長吳釗燮是同學的邱稔穰透露，政大去年十二月才舉辦＂第三屆兩岸國際事務學院院長論壇＂，群英畢集，還決定下一次要到中國大陸辦。中國大陸不分北中南部的院長們都熱烈支持。他們甚至成立了微信群組來推動此事。

左起，波士頓市議員助理盧善柔，中華公所主席陳家驊，
馬滌凡女兒，馬滌凡，波士頓經文處長徐佑典，杜麗雲
夫婦，政大教授邱稔穰，黃奎博，波士頓僑教中心主任
歐宏偉。(周菊子攝)

             他也引用三國演義的＂天下分久必合，合久必分＂，指兩岸有共同的歷史，語言，文化，實難以分割，統合模式有中西古今許多不同範例可參考，關鍵在於哈佛費正清教授當年提點的，思考時不要把自己變成局中人。

             做為主講人的黃奎博則闡述，從1979年1月1日美台斷交起，美國就很無情，從來都是以自身利益為優先考量，無論是斷交，廢約，撤軍，在軍售上內容尤其互相矛盾的＂三個公報＂和＂台灣關係法＂，源自雷根總統時期，迄今仍無正式文件面世的＂六個保證＂，歐巴馬總統的放寬軍售，川普總統的打台灣牌等等，歷任美國總統看台灣的戰略眼光有所變化，其實都是大環境使然，在美國打中國牌策略中，台灣只是配角，能夠影響的實在不多。台灣必須認清現實，才不至誤判局勢。

聽眾常敘彭發問。(周菊子攝)

             黃奎博列舉許多事例，指美國經常性的打擦邊球，總是說些話讓中台倆方有各自想像空間，可以自我安慰。他直言多名美國總統在第一個任期中認為北京很壞，必須打擊，但到了第二任就認清事實，態度緩和下來。

             黃奎博表示很多外國人質疑，他個人也認為，中國大陸與台灣在文化，語言上一脈相承，要違逆和平交流大勢的分離漂流，不太可能。但是台灣的政治制度與生活型態目前都更好，中國大陸想要吸引台灣，得放下習近平一月二日講話的＂強調九二共識，不放棄武統＂，提出更有創意的點子。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典和黃奎博是高中，大學同學。他在會末的提問時間中，發言６分多鐘，表達他的觀點。他認為做為中華民國外交官，最重要的一個特點是＂該挺身而出或回應時，就必須挺身而出或回應＂。

會末抽獎，馬賓嶠(前右)，陳玉瑛(左)主持。(周菊子攝)

徐佑典指出，＂獨立，絕對不是中華民國的現行政策＂。他以自己踏入外交界２２年，一直都在處理台美關係的經驗表示，中華民國外交官的處境，一直是在逆水行舟，也因此他們要更加努力。這麼多年來，有高山低谷，但可確信是往正面發展，影響決策的因素很多，大致上方向一致，只要目的明確，就算走岔，仍會回到原路。

            

Elizabeth Warren Exploratory Committee Announces Hires

Elizabeth Warren Exploratory Committee Announces Hires with Deep New Hampshire Experience Boston, MA - The Elizabeth Warren Exploratory Committee today announced that four operatives with extensive New Hampshire experience - Roger Lau, Elizabeth Wester, Kate Moore, and Tracey Lewis - have joined the exploratory committee as it plans for the early states and lays the groundwork for a potential presidential run. Liz Wester has spent the last ten years fighting for progressive causes in various campaign positions and non-for-profit organizations, including the New Hampshire Democratic Party, Standing Up for New Hampshire Families, the Human Rights Campaign, and Hillary for America as political director. She most recently served as the state director for America Votes New Hampshire, which helped to coordinate the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights. She has also worked with Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Congressman John Tierney of Massachusetts. Roger Lau has spent the last twenty years serving in various government and campaign positions for members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, including John Kerry and Elizabeth Warren. He most recently served as the campaign manager for Warren’s re-election campaign and has previous New Hampshire experience by ways of working on presidential campaigns for both John Kerry and Hillary Clinton. He also worked at the Commerce Department during the Obama administration. Tracey Lewis served as the deputy executive director and chief operating officer at the DSCC and as the primary states director for Hillary for America in 2016. In 2014 she was the chief operating officer for Michelle Nunn’s Georgia senate campaign after being Senator Warren’s deputy campaign manager in 2012. She served as the first African American coordinated campaign director in Massachusetts then became Hillary Clinton’s New Hampshire field director in 2008.  During the 2008 presidential generation election, she was the general elections director for the New Hampshire Campaign for Change and also worked in New Hampshire for John Kerry. She has managed three coordinated campaigns, worked on four presidential campaigns and organized in sixteen states across the country including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Kate Moore is a long-time member of the Warren team, starting as a field organizer on Elizabeth Warren's 2012 campaign. She served as a regional director in Senator Warren’s Boston office, and as political director during the 2018 re-election campaign. In 2016, she was deputy political director for Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire general election campaign. She is a graduate of Smith College.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER STORM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR  WINTER STORM

Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow regulations

BOSTON - Friday, January 18, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tomorrow's winter storm. While forecasts are still being finalized, the storm has the potential to bring up to 12 inches of snow to Boston, starting at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. Snow will be heaviest from midnight to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, with the potential for low temperatures, sleet and freezing rain. All residents and businesses are encouraged to shovel and salt their sidewalks immediately Sunday morning, to ensure the precipitation does not freeze to sidewalks and driveways. A decision regarding parking bans will be shared on Saturday. The Public Works Department currently has 42,000 tons of salt on hand. During any storm, 750-800 pieces of equipment are readily available to assist with snow clearing efforts. Boston Public Works have also been pre-treating Boston streets with salt to prepare for the winter storm. "We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist older neighbors and those who are disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm this weekend," said Mayor Walsh. "The City of Boston and our Public Works are prepared for all storms that come Boston's way, and we ask that residents and businesses do their part, including shoveling their sidewalks and walkways, to ensure safety for all. Please remember to abide by the snow rules, stay off the roads and be safe." Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize Boston's 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow. Rules on Clearing Snow Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Do not throw snow onto the street. Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow. As a reminder, no cars are allowed to park in Boston Public Schools parking lots during a snowstorm. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to any health symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Public Libraries & Community Centers Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families' community centers will be open normal business hours. Please check their scheduleshere. Helping the Homeless If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates two emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. BPHC is working closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, and a warm respite from the cold. Street outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement Center remain operating as normal during winter weather. More information available here. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

A Day of celebration in Boston to honor Martin Luther King Jr. scheduled on 1/21

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES 2019 DAY OF CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

The City of Boston, the Museum of African American History, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras continues the tradition of paying tribute to the life, legacy, and influence of Dr. King. BOSTON - Friday, January 18, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with Boston University, the Museum of African American History, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, will present, "A Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Hall on the second floor of George Sherman Union at Boston University located at 775 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. This event celebrates Dr. King: the man, the minister, and the humanitarian. Outstanding performances of classical music, spirituals, and freedom songs by young Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras musicians complement readings of Dr. King's words by distinguished community leaders. The event culminates with a keynote address by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. "The City of Boston has the great privilege of partnering with Boston University, the Museum of African History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras for the Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," said Mayor Walsh. "This day allows us the opportunity to come together as a community to recognize Dr. King's enormous impact and legacy, and recommit ourselves to living out his dream in our community." "We are proud to host this event honoring Dr. King's service and sacrifice. His legacy is immense and timeless. We count it a privilege to be able to claim him as an alumnus and find continuing inspiration from his words and deeds," said President Robert A. Brown of Boston University.   "This year's program offers a moment of service, celebration and inspiration," said Marita Rivero, President and CEO at the Museum of African American History.  "It is an honor to join with the City of Boston in celebrating this adopted son who was educated here, met his wife here, and spoke here as a civil rights leader. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among Boston's great leaders, a champion of humanity." "Dr. King cherished the values of community, justice and equality," said Catherine Weiskel, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO)'s Executive Director. "We at the BYSO also foster these ideals and are honored to celebrate Dr. King's legacy through sharing exceptional music-making with the City of Boston on this special day. " In previous years, leaders such as Beverly Morgan-Welch, Sonia Sanchez, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, Judy Richardson of Eyes on the Prize, and civil rights activist and filmmaker Topper Carew served as keynote speakers. Governor Deval Patrick, Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, Boston Poet Laureates Sam Cornish and Danielle Legros Georges, former Orthopaedic Surgeon-in-Chief at Beth Israel Hospital Dr. Augustus White, and WGBH Radio host Eric Jackson are among those who have served as readers in previous years. In December of 2017, Mayor Walsh and King Boston announced that a memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King will be established on Boston Common. As a result of community input, the project vision was expanded from a single memorial site to three components: an outdoor memorial on the Boston Common, a dynamic program headquartered in Roxbury and in partnership with leading local stakeholders that oversees civic, educational, and economic equity programming, and an endowment in partnership with Twelfth Baptist Church to educate and train nonviolent activists. The MLK Boston Art Committee has selected five finalists. More information is available here. For further information on the MLK events please call 617-635-3911, visitboston.gov/tourism and boston.gov/visiting-boston, or follow the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCity.