MBTA要漲價6.3% 公聽會上一片韃伐聲

波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)在公聽會後接受記者採訪。

(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) MBTA的漲價公聽會，2月27日晚在麻州運輸大樓吸引了近100多百民眾出席，其中約58人獲得發言機會，一面倒地要求MBTA探討其他方法來增加收入，根本不需要漲價。

管理地鐵營運的麻州灣區公路局(MBTA)在1月28日時宣佈，打算漲價6.3%，估計可增加收入3250萬元，一旦通過，將可從今年7月1日起生效。

超過100名來自麻州各地的民眾，出席MBTA公聽會。
(周菊子攝)

MBTA認為，州法規定MBTA每兩年可小幅漲價，每次漲幅不超過7%，該局這次提出的漲價幅度，符合州法規定，也與波士頓地區通貨膨脹幅度相應，收入將用以改善營運服務。在3月7日前，該局陸續舉辦公聽會，並在網上接受民眾置評。

波士頓不分區市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)在2月27日於麻州運輸大樓舉行的公聽會中，第一個陳情。反對地鐵漲價，籲請MBTA給學生，耆英，青少年發行一整年有效，不限使用次數的乘車證(pass)。吳弭在陳情之前，早於1月31日就在波士頓環球報上發表了一篇呼籲地鐵免費的評論文章，藉由臉書，電子郵件，表達她的反對漲價意見，還親自到三個不同的地鐵站派發傳單，並收集到2800多個請願簽名。

愛默生學院學生Brady Boca白天在地鐵發傳單，晚上
出席公聽會。支持反對地鐵漲價行動。(周菊子攝)

吳弭在公聽會後回應記者們的提問時表示，波士頓市議會為這事也舉行了公聽會，她的市議員同事們幾乎都簽署了反對地鐵漲價的請願。市議員們也討論了波士頓市府可以做些什麼，包括市府每年撥給MBTA的8500萬元，是否還應繼續。

吳弭指出，MBTA應該考慮可以持續的收入來源，而不是不斷的一再漲價。這些來源包括採用更智慧的公路收費設備，提高諸如優步(Uber)，來福(Lyft)共乘車輛需繳交的附加費，提高汽油稅等，不一而足。

她也提議進一步重訂通勤火車收費的區域劃分，把整個波士頓市劃為同一個1A區。

Frank Emanuele出席陳情，強調MBTA應重視乘客安全。
(周菊子攝)

根據吳弭辦公室發佈的新聞稿，波士頓市議會13名市議員中的12人，包括陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)等多名州議員，政要，都簽署了她的請願信，向MBTA提出取消以距離訂收費價格，限制了貧苦人民在不同地區自由移動，爭取改善經濟情況的機會等等要求。

當晚出席公聽會的民眾，來自麻州各地，不少人表示看到吳弭在臉書上的貼文，才知道MBTA有這公聽會。他們從各人搭車經驗指證，加價只會讓許多小市民生活更艱難，對地鐵當局卻並無大用。

住在南端，搭銀線巴士的Jonathon Alves也指陳，一份地鐵當局自己的報告就有顯示，只要汽油稅提高一分錢，地鐵收入的增加就會遠超過漲價可得的3200萬元。

MBTA主持公聽會。(周菊子攝)

從1990年以來，麻州只在2013年漲過一次汽油稅。目前的汽油稅為每加侖26.54分錢。

一名家住塞冷鎮(Salem)，每天搭通勤火車進波士頓公做的Frank Emanuele在陳情時表示，一週五天中有四天，他搭的106線火車都擠滿了人，乘客多到被迫站在標明了”乘客在行車之中，不可站立此區”的地方。在MBTA無法照顧的乘客安全時，就談漲價，他實在無法接受。

MBTA在3月7日前還有4場公聽會，其中3月7日有一場市在波士頓城中心。MBTA董事會預定在3月12日開會，投票表決漲價等地鐵營運方案。

AG’S OFFICE TO HOST EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE FOR NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK

AG’S OFFICE TO HOST EVENTS ACROSS THE STATE FOR NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK

Staff to Educate Consumers on Identity Theft, Online Safety, Auto Laws, and Consumer Scams

BOSTON – In celebration of the 21st annual National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Maura Healey today announced a series of events designed to help empower and educate Massachusetts residents.

“The AG’s Office advocates for consumers every day, arming them with the tools they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from bad actors,” said AG Healey. “This month, we will travel throughout the state to meet with consumers, teach them about their rights, and connect them with the resources we have available through our office.”

During National Consumer Protection Week, the AG’s Office will offer consumer education events across the state on topics ranging from consumer awareness, scams, senior consumer rights, and auto laws. A complete list of consumer protection events being held throughout March is available here.

Each year, the AG’s Office provides direct assistance to thousands of consumers across Massachusetts. AG Healey’s Consumer Advocacy & Response Division (CARD) directly assists consumers by answering questions, offering referrals to appropriate organizations or government agencies, working with businesses to resolve disputes, and providing information on other available services and community-based consumer programs.

In 2018, CARD worked on more than 34,000 cases, and either directly or through its partnerships with local consumer programs helped secured more than $3.7 million in relief for consumers. Some examples of consumer assistance provided by the AG’s Office in 2018 include:

• Assisting an elderly consumer facing foreclosure. CARD staff successfully got the foreclosure date postponed and provided the consumer with time to apply for a loan modification.
• Helping to clear a consumer of a fraudulent wireless phone bill totaling nearly $5,300. The consumer was contacted by the carrier for more than a year even though he repeatedly told them that he never had an account with them. With CARD’s assistance, the carrier confirmed that the consumer did not owe the debt and corrected his credit.
• Assisting in getting an auto purchase rescinded after a consumer discovered within days of purchasing it that her car was a lemon. CARD contacted the finance company that originated the auto loan, and the company unwound the deal, offered to correct the consumer’s credit report, and ceased doing business with the dealership.
• Coordinating the delivery of 100 gallons of oil, paid for by Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands Inc. and delivered by Guard Oil, to a senior without heat. Guard Oil also serviced the furnace at no charge.
• Working with a hotel chain to compensate consumers after a spa in one of their Boston locations closed abruptly. Consumers who filed complaints with the AG’s Office received credits at the spa slated to replace the one that closed or at the hotel for a total value of $6,158. 

In addition to direct assistance, the AG’s Office investigates and litigates violations of the state’s consumer protection laws. In 2018, the AG’s Office securedrefunds for 20,000 consumers from Comcast, $4 million in relief from a national mortgage servicing company, $450,000 in restitution and penalties from used auto dealership in Westport, and nearly $50,000 for student borrowers from a student loan “debt relief” company that charged unnecessary and unlawful fees. 

Consumers with problems are encouraged to contact CARD’s consumer specialists at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint on the AG’s website. The AG’s Office also has an Elder Hotline at 888-243-5337, which operates as part of CARD and is staffed by trained specialists who are knowledgeable about problems that are more common for older Massachusetts residents. The AG’s Office also encourages student borrowers to contact the Student Loan Assistance Unit at 888-830-6277 for help.

風雪太大 波士頓市政府今早宣佈關門

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF CITY HALL AND BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY DUE TO WINTER STORM

Boston Public Schools are also closed today

BOSTON - Monday, March 4, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the closure of City Hall due to more than anticipated snow that came overnight, which has brought up to 14" of wet, heavy snow in parts of the city. Snow is expected to continue falling over the course of the early morning. City Hall will be closed for normal business operations, as well as the Boston Public Library. For City of Boston employees, only public safety, emergency management and snow operations personnel are required to report to work. Boston Centers for Youth & Families Centers (BCYF) will remain open today. Boston's Public Works Department currently has 660 pieces of equipment clearing snow, which will be followed this afternoon by treating roadways with salt. The Public Works Department currently has 26,000 tons of salt on hand. When shoveling snow, residents are reminded not to throw snow onto the street, and to shovel out catch basins and fire hydrants. There is currently no parking ban or snow emergency in effect. "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," said Mayor Walsh. "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. 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.

Boston Police Commissioner William Gross to Read to First Graders at Roxbury’s Tobin School in Read to a Child® Event

Boston Police Commissioner William Gross to Read to First Graders at Roxbury’s Tobin School in Read to a Child^® Event

 

Event Launches New Initiative to Pair Boston Police Officers and Cadets with Elementary School Children to Build Trust and Ultimately Empower Boston Youth

 

Boston, MA, March 4, 2019 – National literacy and mentoring non-profit Read to a Child® announced today that on Friday, March 8 at 10AM, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross will read to the first grade at the Tobin K-8 School in Roxbury. This event will mark the beginning of a new initiative to pair Boston police officers and cadets with elementary school children as reading mentors in Read to a Child’s Lunchtime Reading Program.

At Friday’s event Commissioner Gross will be joined by Boston Police Superintendent Nora Baston, Commander of the Bureau of Community Engagement, and Read to a Child CEO, Paul Lamoureux, to highlight the importance of introducing police to children early in life and the value of strong police/community/non-profit partnerships to build trust, empower youth and help close the opportunity gap. Commissioner Gross will also have a lively Q&A with students both before and after he read Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Cat in the Hat.’

The Tobin K-8 School is one of 16 public schools in greater Boston where Read to a Child operates its Lunchtime Reading Program. Read to a Child enlists and manages a force of nearly 2,000 community and corporate volunteers from 124 organizations who visit urban elementary schools once a week and read aloud one-on-one to at-risk children during lunch. This time spent with a caring adult ignites a love of reading in struggling children, while providing students with the skills and self-confidence to succeed in school and in life.

“Read to a Child’s community and corporate partnerships greatly benefit our students and enable our children to get the extra help and attention they need for a brighter future,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. “It is my goal to support the children in our communities by participating in the Lunchtime Reading Program and enabling students and police officers to get to know each other earlier in a child’s life. Relationships are key to building trust. Our officers work hard every day to create and strengthen relationships with the community. It is clear to me that the relationships that develop with the children in the Lunchtime Reading Program will greatly benefit families and communities over time."

“Commissioner Gross’ commitment to building trust, improving communities and empowering Boston’s youth is evident,” said Read to a Child CEO, Paul Lamoureux. “The event at the Tobin School will highlight our mutual commitment to enlist police officers into the Lunchtime Reading Program and to create as many life-changing mentoring relationships as possible. It will be of tremendous value to children, police, schools, families and all community stakeholders to pair police officers with the hundreds of deserving children currently on our Lunchtime Reading Program waiting lists!”

“I deeply value our partnership with Read to a Child as I see the results of the dedicated mentors who come each week to read with our students," said Efrain Toledano, Tobin K-8 Principal. “Adding Boston Police Officers into the Lunchtime Reading Program mix will not only enable more of our children to develop a love of reading, but as part of the mentoring relationships that develop, our student’s attitudes towards the police will also improve. This will inevitably be a great benefit to our students and the entire community.” 

Friday’s event will also highlight the necessity to fund creative mentoring initiatives and coincides with Read to a Child's annual online fundraising campaign to ‘Help Kids in Need Love to Read.’ In March, Read to a Child’s goal is to raise $115,000 in order to support 7,200 reading sessions for ‘kids in need.’ All proceeds from the campaign will fund Read to a Child's Lunchtime Reading Program. For more information or to donate to ‘Help Kids in Need Love to Read,’ click here or visithttps://tinyurl.com/helpkidslovetoread.

Read to a Child’s corporate partners at the Tobin School that provide both financial support and more than 100 volunteer reading mentors include: ArcLight Capital Partners; Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Charles River Associates; Harvard School of Public Health; Partners HealthCare; Posternak, Blankstein & Lund, LLP; and Wayfair. Individuals, including retirees and community members, bring the number of Lunchtime Reading Program volunteers at the Tobin to more than125.

紐英崙昭倫公所慶新春 謝開明圖片專輯

紐英崙昭倫公所幹部和嘉賓合影。前排左起，陳毓璇，黃景佩夫婦，中華公所主席陳家驊，波士頓經文處處長徐佑典，談繼欣，史美芳，蔣宗壬。後排右起，談家權，譚達兒，謝如鍵，馬滌凡，杜麗雲，歐宏偉，謝仲安，謝雲鵬，譚柏林夫人等。

昭倫公所元老級宗親，譚榮熾(右起)，譚柏林夫婦。

譚秀婷(左起)，談家權擔任司儀，請主席譚達兒抽獎。

宗親，嘉賓合唱卡拉OK。

唱得激動十分。

謝如鍵和阮鴻燦哥倆好。

謝仲安(左)，陳家驊合唱，投入得勾肩搭背。

謝仲安唱得渾然忘我。

左起，謝如鍵，蔡高進，鄭玉春，陳家驊，歐宏偉擺出五虎將場面。

Governor Baker Announces 11:00 AM Delayed Start Time for Non-Emergency Executive Branch State Employees on Monday, March 4th

Governor Baker Announces 11:00 AM Delayed Start Time for Non-Emergency Executive Branch State Employees on Monday, March 4th

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker is announcing an 11:00 AM delayed start time for Monday, March 4th for all non-emergency state executive branch employees due to the winter weather starting tonight and continuing into early Monday morning. The delayed start will allow crews time to safely clear snow and public walkways to ensure residents can quickly return to their daily routines. The Baker-Polito Administration is in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, MassDOT and State Police to monitor the forecast. The administration urges everyone to plan ahead, drive cautiously, use public transportation when possible and check MBTA.com/winter for updates.

State Offices: State offices will open at an 11:00 AM delayed start time on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Highway Travel: Travel will be significantly impacted overnight due to heavy snow conditions overnight. Motorists should exercise extreme caution, “don’t crowd the plow”, and stay behind snow removal equipment on the roadways. Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving during periods of heavy snowfall.

MBTA: The MBTA and Commuter Rail will run a weekday train schedule, buses and ferry service remain on a normal schedule. Depending on the storm’s intensity, buses may also operate on snow routes. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Public Safety: Please clear home and auto exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR OVERNIGHT WINTER STORM; SCHOOL CLOSURE TOMORROW

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR OVERNIGHT WINTER STORM; SCHOOL CLOSURE TOMORROW Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow regulations

BOSTON - Sunday, March 3, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations ahead of this evening's snowstorm, which is expected to bring between six to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow to Boston beginning at 8:00 p.m. tonight. The storm will begin tonight through the morning, with the heaviest snow falling between 1:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. Monday commutes are likely to be impacted. The City is encouraging all commuters to utilize extreme caution when traveling tomorrow morning, and asks that businesses prioritize worker safety when considering attendance policy. Due to the travel conditions, Boston Public Schools is cancelling school on Monday, March 4, as well as all afterschool activities. BPS is notifying families of the decision to cancel school via automated phone call and other communications, including on  bostonpublicschools.org. Boston City Hall and all City departments and agencies, including the Boston Public Library and  Boston Centers for Youth & Families Centers (BCYF) will open during normal business hours. Please check their schedules here. In preparation of the winter weather, Boston Public Works will have 70 pieces of equipment pre-treating Boston roadways with salt. At the height of the storm, PWD will have 620 pieces of equipment working citywide. The Public Works Department currently has 26, 000 tons of salt on hand. When shoveling snow, residents are reminded not to throw snow onto the street, and to shovel out catch basins and fire hydrants. There is no parking ban or snow emergency in effect. "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," 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 schedules here. 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.