Power plant stupidity

My octogenarian brain, with 54 years of residence in Brockton, cannot believe the utter and complete stupidity of Brockton government in its attitude toward the proposed power plant.

The Brockton Enterprise of November 6, 2009, has two feature articles: "Somerset power plant to shut down" and "Mall loses another store; Waldenbooks to close its doors ...".

Recently, the proposed 12-screen movie theater for Westgate Mall has been cancelled; we denied access to an entertainment center at Westgate Mall; Westgate Mall itself is bankrupt and is up for auction; a downtown renewal project on Montello Street has been abandoned; the national unemployment rate has surpassed 10% for the first time in 26 years; and meanwhile, our leaders are turning down an offer by Brockton Clean Energy to create 756 new jobs and $368 million in economic stimulus.

Where is the supposed brainpower in Brockton government leading us?

I also may be stupid, but I can point to my Ph.D. degree from M.I.T. as some indication that I might be thinking straight.

I call upon former Mayor Jim Harrington and Mayor-Elect Linda Balzotti to forget their politically motivated illogical opposition to the power plant, and to admit to the common sense of accepting a new power plant in Brockton. Brockton Clean Energy's suggestion that old, obsolete power plants will close if they build a clean natural gas plant, is proved by the Somerset power plant closing to be right on the mark! Without the new plant, the area will be depleted of a huge source of energy.

The proposed power plant will provide $12.5 million annually for the economy of the Brockton metropolitan area - what kind of stupidity will oppose this while boasting of its inefficient, money-draining solar power field that lights up a few rooms at City Hall (when the sun is shining)!

Let's be real, Jim and Linda. And Jim, now that you're out of office, what prevents you from helping the local economy and to hell with the special political interests that compelled you to abandon your initial support and to adopt a stance opposing the plant? The Democrats abandoned you and you owe them nothing. Join with former Mayor Jack Yunits and do us all a favor! Speak up honestly now that it doesn't matter to your political career. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Teamsters Local Union, the Brockton Education Association, and 24 other local unions support the plant and the jobs it will create. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities siting Board approved the plant by a vote of 9-0. Get with it!

Elect LARRY CURTIS Councilor at Large

We need to have Larry Curtis on the City Council of Brockton to promote the power plant project. If Brockton misses this opportunity to advance its economic growth, it may be another generation before another such chance comes up. Let's support Larry and let him fight for our future!

Fred Fontaine for Councilor at Large

Fred Fontaine deserves to be our Councilor at Large. With an M.I.T. education and a record of public service, he will push for the Brockton power plant and strive for the economic development and prosperity of Brockton.
For a review of his commitment, go to his home page.

ALL HAIL KING DEVAL THE FIRST OF MASSACHUSETTS

Having now shown himself to be above the law, can we next expect King Deval to proclaim, as kings do, that he is actually descended from above?

Here is how it has played out in recent days. After Senator Edward Kennedy's recent death, the Obama administration found itself perhaps one Senate vote short of passing its threatened health care bill. Massachusetts law, passed to restrict former governor Romney's powers of appointment, prohibited our governor from appointing an interim U. S. senator to save the health bill. Sensing stress and opportunity, the Kennedy family and the White House took a sudden interest in the Massachusetts legislature, and pressured them to overturn this prohibition. Which of course they did, as the good little sheep that they are.

However, Massachusetts law also imposes a delay of 90 days on new statutes before they become effective. Oh my goodness, what to do! That would be too late to rescue the health "reform" act in the United States senate.

Again sensing disaster in Washington, the Massachusetts legislature filed a bill to declare an emergency and waive the 90-day delay. But it did NOT pass the Massachusetts House by the necessary 2/3 vote. Hooray for democracy! But behold, Beacon Hill found a way out. Governor Patrick decided unilaterally to declare an emergency, and to waive the 90-day delay, thus setting himself up to single-handedly get the health reform bill passed in Washington and to bankrupt the United States and Medicare recipients all at once.

He promptly appointed Kennedy friend Paul Kirk as interim "Senator." In our opinion, Mr. Kirk is no more a legitimate Senator representing Massachusetts than I am. He is an apostle of King Deval and Lord Obama. Nevertheless, we expect little to be done about it in our little Northeast Kingdom.

Christy Mihos Speaks up for power plant!

In an article entitled "Brockton can benefit from power plant," gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos makes it clear that accepting Clean Energy's proposal would be a win-win situation for our city of Brockton. Click here to read the article that appeared in The Enterprise on August 6, 2009.
Seldom has Brockton's condition been so clearly outlined, from a historical and analytical point of view. Mr. Mihos has clarified the issues admirably in the face of our city government's obstinacy. Our mayor and city council have backed themselves into an indefensible corner and should be ashamed. It's not too late to change their minds!
Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Mihos.

Help Your City!

On Tuesday, August 4th, there will be a meeting of the Brockton Planning Board to consider approval of the power plant site plan. Public comments will be heard! Mysteriously, the Enterprise had a long article on July 31 about the state siting board's approval of the power plant, but it failed to mention that there will be a public hearing on August 4 by the Brockton Planning Board to discuss the issue with the public. What kind of treachery and bias is this on the part of Brockton's daily newspaper?

Brockton Clean Energy, and I personally, appeal to you to show up in force Tuesday at the hearing to show that our mayor and City Council are dangerously out of step with what is best for Brockton. There is NO QUESTION that permitting the plant to be built here would be beneficial for the community. Ten of the eleven City Councilors are doing a major disservice to the residents of Brockton. It's a disgrace.

Please read Brockton Clean Energy's appeal below and do what you can to help us all make the most of what we have here in Brockton.

Dear Supporters,

Your continued support is vital to the success of Brockton Clean Energy!

On Tuesday, August 4th, we need your help! The Brockton Planning Board is considering the approval of the project's Site Plan. The meeting will be open to the public and the Planning Board will hear public comments.

With your support Brockton will move one step closer to constructing the $350M project and realizing the economic benefits, which include more than 300 jobs and millions in new tax revenues to fight crime and provide vital services.

Supporters should arrive at the meeting early, particularly if you would like to speak in order to put your name on the list for public comment. The meeting will take place at Brockton City Hall in the GAR Room at 7:00 p.m. Brockton City Hall is located at 45 School Street.

21-Year-old operator in fatal motorcycle crash

Christopher Wood of Halifax, riding home on his Yamaha from a party at 7:30 p.m. on July 25, left the road in Plympton and was thrown from his motorcycle. He did not survive. Mr. Wood was accomplished in automotive matters, having graduated in 2006 from South Shore Vocational Technical High School and later from Universal Technical Institute in Norwood.