I am glad you took the time to check out what we hope will be a useful and informative District 6 Newsletter.  It will be a place you can keep current with what your new government is doing and in particular, what is happening in your own District 6 (former precincts 11 and 12).  

The Newsletter will be updated each month following my monthly office hours.  Office hours are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Town Hall, in the Council Chambers. Office hours are between 7:15PM and 8:15PM.  Come on down, I am happy to meet and hear from you.

This is another vehicle by which you can reach me and voice your opinion as well. 

Your suggestions are welcome. 

June 19, 2009 (Safety and Health Concerns Along the Route 37 Corridor)

Residents living along the Route 37 corridor (Franklin street, Washington street, Granite street, etc) need to know the safety, health, environmental and economic property value concerns and effects of between 80 and 125 dumpster and waste transfer trucks running along and through their neighborhoods as a result of the proposed Holbrook Waste Transfer Station. Consider 2 million pounds of waste and trash being carried along that corridor daily. Consider these trucks and air pollution rolling by school bus stops and pick-ups.  Consider home value depreciation, on and on and on.

We have formed a civic group.  Members from Holbrook, Randolph and Braintree are coming together to resist and challenge this.  We have engaged the Toxics Action Center Organization of Boston to help us.  We have established a leadership team of Braintree, Randolph and Holbrook leaders. We need you!

(Click here) See what is coming to Braintree's streets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg_U1MWaZOw

Also visit the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station tab

And go to the Civic Group (BHR) Communications tab 

Please get involved by contacting me via email or phone.

(Click or call Dan at 617-797-5534 or email at Dan@DanClifford4Council.com)

June 17, 2009

Office hours for June 18 are cancelled due to a Braintree civic group meeting concerning 2 million pounds of waste per day being trucked through Braintree streets should the Holbrook waste transfer station go online.

June 10, 2009

Braintree thanks Major Michael Schuler and welcomes him home from Iraq.

(Click here for story)

June 3, 2009 (Town Council Controversy Expands! about hiring Practices) 

Click on the Links below for details. Get involved.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x313671862/Council-controversy-resumes-about-clerk-search

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x138098893/Town-clerk-search-process-criticized-in-Braintree

District 6 establishes a "Wall of Honor" for its outstanding residents who generally go unnoticed and without fanfare while giving much. 

All District 6 residents are welcome to submit nominees.

1. Staff Sergeant Barry A. Beaudoin is our (District 6) first recipient.

(Click here for details)

February 19, 2009 (News Update; Waste Transfer Station Video Clip now available for your viewing) 

Resident living along Route 37 (Washington, Hancock  and abutting streets) and in particular South Street in Braintree, leading onto Centre street in Holbrook, would be particularly affected should the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station become operational. 

The approval process still has a ways to go.  Be assured, Mayor Sullivan, Representative Driscoll, Senator's Morrissey and Joyce are following developments.  

Braintree, Randolph, Avon, Brockton and Holbrook residents opposed to the Waste Transfer Station proposal are about to create a civic action group. Please stay informed and become involved.  You can contact me through this site by (clicking here).

(Click here for more information and view the clip)

February 15, 2009 (News)

A civic minded group of concerned citizens (from Braintree and outside of Braintree) is forming to provide you information and education about the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station project and its impact on Braintree should it be licensed to operate. (Click here for more information)

Water tower work update posted.  Sand blasting to begin Thursday February 5.  (Click here) 

I would like to call your attention to the speed at which our new form of government can respond and new found productivity and effectiveness. 

On November 18 (reference below) I submitted this initiative, in just 3 short weeks your new Town Council was able to complete its due diligence and pass this expanded property tax exemption. 

Consider if you would, our previous form of government could not have moved and approved this initiative in less than 6 months, and more likely a year.  Your new Mayoral/Council form of government is far more efficient and agile.

This came to my attention while working with Quincy City Councilors, Doug Gutro and Kevin Coughlin.  Kevin Coughlin contacted me about the Braintree, Citizen Soldier's Bill. Quincy is looking at implementing the Braintree model.  As I was working with them, this local option opportunity for 41c was brought to my attention by Quincy Councilor, Kevin Coughlin.

Best of all, this expanded benefit is 100% reimbursed to Braintree by the State!

In summary:

1. The newly expanded and passed property tax exemption (41c) reduces the age requirements from 70 years or older to 65 years or older allowing more to benefit for this $500 exemption.
2. It increases the income qualification to $16,085, if single, and $19,302, if married. 
3. It increases the whole estate asset limit to $29,881, if single, and $32,015, if married.

Last year 130 Braintree senior's qualified for this tax exemption.  With the changes we have adopted we expect 46% more can qualify in 2009. 

As chairman of the Elder Affairs and Veteran's committee, I am happy to have helped these groups by initiating and gaining approval of both the "Citizen Soldiers Bill", and this new tax exemption for our seniors. It is little enough to do for both groups who have served Braintree.

(Click here to link to the approved initiative)

November 28, 2008  (Tax Rate Setting Meeting)

Property tax rates will be set for 2009, Tuesday night, Dec. 2 at the Town Council Meeting at Braintree Town Hall starting at 7:30pm.  

This is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn what goes into setting the rate. 

I hope to see you there. 

November 18, 2008 (You May Qualify for a property tax exemption)

Come to the meeting.  Get answers to your questions on residential and commercial property valuations and how the tax rates for each are established and set. 

Learn about the tax exemptions available and how those could benefit you.

In particular, I will be introducing a summary of a local option available to Braintree and paid by the State, that could significantly increase the number of senior home owners eligible for a $500 property tax exemption. 

There are qualifications to meet, however by Town Council acceptance and the Mayor's approval the existing qualifications are greatly relaxed to allow for many more to qualify.  In these poor economic times this is a little good news, specifically for those 65 years old and older. 

If you can not go to the meeting, watch it on cable TV, BCAM, or call the Braintree Assessors office for the latest information on available tax exemptions at: (781)794-8050. Ask for Marie, Gail or Kathy.

Acknowledgements: Congratulations to the City of Quincy for approving this local option.  In particular,  thanks to Quincy City Councilors Kevin Coughlin and Doug Gutro for their collaboration on this and their interest in carrying the Braintree Soldiers Bill forward for their Guardsmen and Reservist.  It is a pleasure meeting and working with you across town and city lines on good things for our residents.

November 12, 2008 (Second request)

October 13, 2008     (First request)

I am coming back to ask again for your email addresses and phone number, as responses were very light last month. I hope to hear from many of you this month thereby improving the communications link between us.  

As your Councilor, excellent communications between us is a goal.  This Newsletter continues to gain wider readership as seen in the increasing number of residents visiting it. You can help me broaden channels of communications by sending me your email address and phone number. 

By doing so, I will be able to provide regular mailings and include you to my automated phone messaging network further improving the link and communication between us. 

If you would like to be included simply (click here) and email me your email address and phone number.  If you have any other suggestions please send those along too.  

Sincerely,

Your advocate,

-Dan- 

Councilor, District 6

Office Hours for October 16 are cancelled due to bereavement travel.

October 2, 2008 (News Especially for Condo Owners)

Reported in the Braintree Forum on Tuesday, September 30, was a new resident friendly agreement with SEMASS allows residents access to transfer station on Ivory Street. 

This announcement is a positive one, especially for condo owners of whom have not previously had access to the waste transfer station.

(Click here for details) 

September 22, 2008 (Significant Activity)

1. The Kindred Hospital closing and land sale is something the Mayor, Representative Driscoll and I are discussing.  I will be meeting with Mayor Sullivan this week. He has already assured me the neighborhood integrity will be preserved; there are conservation protections that will secure the area.  After I meet with Mayor Sullivan I will up-date you all.   
2. There has been less resident interest in the heating fuel initiative then expected. I believe the word has not circulated but will over the next few weeks. We are continuing to pursue the ideas of gathering support from agencies, groups and businesses. 

Let me urge those interested in participating in creating purchasing power via shear number whereby we can receive volume discounts, etc. or know of others in need to contact me here at this website (Click here to email Dan)

At the Town Council Meeting this evening I encouraged Braintree residents to contact me via my web site if interested in reducing oil heating expenses this winter season. 

I have started working with several organization (Marge Chrispin Center, Council on Aging, CITGO Petroleum, and the Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. to try to increase heating assistance this winter.

Beyond that I believe we can reduce the cost of oil heat per gallon through volumn discounting. IF you are interested in reducing the cost of you oil cost from between 15 cents to 50 gents per gallon and maybe more you should email me.  The more people we can bring together the greater the savings we can secure.  All I need is for you to email me. I will negotiate a volume discount based on the numbers of people that are interested. Time is of the essence, I would like to work a deal for all interested by November 1, 2008.  We need a minimum of 100 people to have enough leverage to negotiate.  More than that is better again, and we would realize better discounts. It would be sensational to have several thousand interested in single sourcing heating services this winter and the discount per gallon would be great.  

We do not have time to waste.  In order to make this happen we have only a few weeks to determine those interested and negotiate a deal with a heating service provider.  I will start the negotiations process immediately, however if there are not at least 100 interested people by September 22 we will lose our ability to secure less costly heating fuel this winter.  Pass the word fast, and let us take more control.  

This is an opportunity to cut your heating cost.  

(Click here to contact Dan)

August 29, 2008 (NEW, Responses Needed)

The heating season is nearly on us.  There are proven ways to reduce the ever increasing cost of heating your home. There are several topics I would like to discuss and work with you that can reduce your cost this heating season. 

 (Click here for details; it is worth money to you)

August 22, 2008 (Latest Water Tank Update)

 (Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

August 20, 2008 (New Town Hall Directory, Click here) 

August 6, 2008 (Water Tank Project)

Below is a quick summary.  More to follow.  Your comments are welcome and helpful.

A special District 6 meeting regarding the Water Street, water tank project was held today at the Highland's Fire Station at 6PM to provide the residents of the Highland's and specifically the Water Street area information on the Water tank project.

Mayor Joe Sullivan, Councilor Dan Clifford, DPW Director, Tom Whalen, Town Engineer, Bob Campbell and the project manager met with District 6 residents, provided information and set expectations of the work about to start in the neighborhood.

The meeting was very positive.  Residents asked many questions and received the assurances needed to allay their concerns and anxiety.  

The project is estimated to be completed in the spring of 2009. 

The scope of the project effects Water street to Livoli to East Division Street.

The feedback I received from the residents was very positive, and those to whom I spoke were comfortable with the information provided.

The outcome included:

1) Establishing a telephone hot line  for residents to communicate their concerns, etc. The hot line number is: 781-843-9205.  

2) Bi-weekly project activity forecasts will be provided by the Project Manager and communicated to Councilor Dan Clifford for inclusion here on this website.  These updates will start August 10 and will be updated every two weeks.

3) A major concerns included:

a. School children safety.  A policeman will be on duty and bus transportation authorities will be advised.

b. Water Street will be restored to same or better condition at the end of the project.

c. Will this work cost the residents? No, this work is not a cost to the residents in terms of betterments or property valuations.

If I left out any major concerns please let me know.

The Mayor asked resident to think about how they would prefer land use following the project, and to think about how they might like to to see the tower painted, etc.  No decision will be made without consulting with the residents and not for 6-8 months. 

(Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

July 20, 2008 (New for discussion and information) 

When Mayor Sullivan presented the FY2009 Operating Budget in early June, each councilor commented on their first several months on the job, etc. My comment was simply, "After spending the majority of our time on Mayoral appointments, hiring’s and the Operating Budget, I was looking forward to the Council establishing an Annual Council Goals and Objective Agenda".  A public broad-based annual agenda concerning the interests of our Town and residents; one placed on the Town website and measured and reported on regularly.

Our Town Council is akin to the State legislature and U.S. Congress.  We need to be about the work of the people and their interest through a broad-based annual set of goals and objectives.

Our economy is in recession and getting worse. Property values are falling, inflation is rising, Unemployment is rising, our neighbor's Weymouth and Quincy are financially strapped.

Braintree is facing similar financial issues unless the Council, working with the Mayor, plans around these and more financial landmines.  The Mayor's office is far ahead of the Council in understanding the issues facing Braintree. 

It is time now for the Council to move ahead smartly and broadly. Eliminate the trivial and focus of the vital issues facing Braintree.

I will introduce an initiative at the upcoming Council meetings (August 5, and beyond) to get buy-in from Council colleagues to establish,construct, and distribute, an Annual Council Goals and Objectives Agenda. 

It will address the weak economic outlook, its impact on Braintree, and will develop contingencies to at least mitigate impacts. Included will be: decreasing property values, increasing property taxes, the likelihood of less state aid, less CPA money from the state, Governor Patrick's Municipal Partnership Act (enabling municipalities new sources of revenues), and more. These are the things we need to address for the common good of our residents and the Town of Braintree. 

You can help by calling other Councilors and sharing your opinions and ideas.  You can also come to the Council meetings and be heard. 

My friends, this is your government, make it be what you want it to be; stay engaged.

Sincerely,

February 19, 2009 (News Update; Waste Transfer Station Video Clip now available for your viewing) 

Resident living along Route 37 (Washington, Hancock  and abutting streets) and in particular South Street in Braintree, leading onto Centre street in Holbrook, would be particularly affected should the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station become operational. 

The approval process still has a ways to go.  Be assured, Mayor Sullivan, Representative Driscoll, Senator's Morrissey and Joyce are following developments.  

Braintree, Randolph, Avon, Brockton and Holbrook residents opposed to the Waste Transfer Station proposal are about to create a civic action group. Please stay informed and become involved.  You can contact me through this site by (clicking here).

(Click here for more information and view the clip)

February 15, 2009 (News)

A civic minded group of concerned citizens (from Braintree and outside of Braintree) is forming to provide you information and education about the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station project and its impact on Braintree should it be licensed to operate. (Click here for more information)

Water tower work update posted.  Sand blasting to begin Thursday February 5.  (Click here) 

I would like to call your attention to the speed at which our new form of government can respond and new found productivity and effectiveness. 

On November 18 (reference below) I submitted this initiative, in just 3 short weeks your new Town Council was able to complete its due diligence and pass this expanded property tax exemption. 

Consider if you would, our previous form of government could not have moved and approved this initiative in less than 6 months, and more likely a year.  Your new Mayoral/Council form of government is far more efficient and agile.

This came to my attention while working with Quincy City Councilors, Doug Gutro and Kevin Coughlin.  Kevin Coughlin contacted me about the Braintree, Citizen Soldier's Bill. Quincy is looking at implementing the Braintree model.  As I was working with them, this local option opportunity for 41c was brought to my attention by Quincy Councilor, Kevin Coughlin.

Best of all, this expanded benefit is 100% reimbursed to Braintree by the State!

In summary:

1. The newly expanded and passed property tax exemption (41c) reduces the age requirements from 70 years or older to 65 years or older allowing more to benefit for this $500 exemption.
2. It increases the income qualification to $16,085, if single, and $19,302, if married. 
3. It increases the whole estate asset limit to $29,881, if single, and $32,015, if married.

Last year 130 Braintree senior's qualified for this tax exemption.  With the changes we have adopted we expect 46% more can qualify in 2009. 

As chairman of the Elder Affairs and Veteran's committee, I am happy to have helped these groups by initiating and gaining approval of both the "Citizen Soldiers Bill", and this new tax exemption for our seniors. It is little enough to do for both groups who have served Braintree.

(Click here to link to the approved initiative)

November 28, 2008  (Tax Rate Setting Meeting)

Property tax rates will be set for 2009, Tuesday night, Dec. 2 at the Town Council Meeting at Braintree Town Hall starting at 7:30pm.  

This is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn what goes into setting the rate. 

I hope to see you there. 

November 18, 2008 (You May Qualify for a property tax exemption)

Come to the meeting.  Get answers to your questions on residential and commercial property valuations and how the tax rates for each are established and set. 

Learn about the tax exemptions available and how those could benefit you.

In particular, I will be introducing a summary of a local option available to Braintree and paid by the State, that could significantly increase the number of senior home owners eligible for a $500 property tax exemption. 

There are qualifications to meet, however by Town Council acceptance and the Mayor's approval the existing qualifications are greatly relaxed to allow for many more to qualify.  In these poor economic times this is a little good news, specifically for those 65 years old and older. 

If you can not go to the meeting, watch it on cable TV, BCAM, or call the Braintree Assessors office for the latest information on available tax exemptions at: (781)794-8050. Ask for Marie, Gail or Kathy.

Acknowledgements: Congratulations to the City of Quincy for approving this local option.  In particular,  thanks to Quincy City Councilors Kevin Coughlin and Doug Gutro for their collaboration on this and their interest in carrying the Braintree Soldiers Bill forward for their Guardsmen and Reservist.  It is a pleasure meeting and working with you across town and city lines on good things for our residents.

November 12, 2008 (Second request)

October 13, 2008     (First request)

I am coming back to ask again for your email addresses and phone number, as responses were very light last month. I hope to hear from many of you this month thereby improving the communications link between us.  

As your Councilor, excellent communications between us is a goal.  This Newsletter continues to gain wider readership as seen in the increasing number of residents visiting it. You can help me broaden channels of communications by sending me your email address and phone number. 

By doing so, I will be able to provide regular mailings and include you to my automated phone messaging network further improving the link and communication between us. 

If you would like to be included simply (click here) and email me your email address and phone number.  If you have any other suggestions please send those along too.  

Sincerely,

Your advocate,

-Dan- 

Councilor, District 6

Office Hours for October 16 are cancelled due to bereavement travel.

October 2, 2008 (News Especially for Condo Owners)

Reported in the Braintree Forum on Tuesday, September 30, was a new resident friendly agreement with SEMASS allows residents access to transfer station on Ivory Street. 

This announcement is a positive one, especially for condo owners of whom have not previously had access to the waste transfer station.

(Click here for details) 

September 22, 2008 (Significant Activity)

1. The Kindred Hospital closing and land sale is something the Mayor, Representative Driscoll and I are discussing.  I will be meeting with Mayor Sullivan this week. He has already assured me the neighborhood integrity will be preserved; there are conservation protections that will secure the area.  After I meet with Mayor Sullivan I will up-date you all.   
2. There has been less resident interest in the heating fuel initiative then expected. I believe the word has not circulated but will over the next few weeks. We are continuing to pursue the ideas of gathering support from agencies, groups and businesses. 

Let me urge those interested in participating in creating purchasing power via shear number whereby we can receive volume discounts, etc. or know of others in need to contact me here at this website (Click here to email Dan)

At the Town Council Meeting this evening I encouraged Braintree residents to contact me via my web site if interested in reducing oil heating expenses this winter season. 

I have started working with several organization (Marge Chrispin Center, Council on Aging, CITGO Petroleum, and the Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. to try to increase heating assistance this winter.

Beyond that I believe we can reduce the cost of oil heat per gallon through volumn discounting. IF you are interested in reducing the cost of you oil cost from between 15 cents to 50 gents per gallon and maybe more you should email me.  The more people we can bring together the greater the savings we can secure.  All I need is for you to email me. I will negotiate a volume discount based on the numbers of people that are interested. Time is of the essence, I would like to work a deal for all interested by November 1, 2008.  We need a minimum of 100 people to have enough leverage to negotiate.  More than that is better again, and we would realize better discounts. It would be sensational to have several thousand interested in single sourcing heating services this winter and the discount per gallon would be great.  

We do not have time to waste.  In order to make this happen we have only a few weeks to determine those interested and negotiate a deal with a heating service provider.  I will start the negotiations process immediately, however if there are not at least 100 interested people by September 22 we will lose our ability to secure less costly heating fuel this winter.  Pass the word fast, and let us take more control.  

This is an opportunity to cut your heating cost.  

(Click here to contact Dan)

August 29, 2008 (NEW, Responses Needed)

The heating season is nearly on us.  There are proven ways to reduce the ever increasing cost of heating your home. There are several topics I would like to discuss and work with you that can reduce your cost this heating season. 

 (Click here for details; it is worth money to you)

August 22, 2008 (Latest Water Tank Update)

 (Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

August 20, 2008 (New Town Hall Directory, Click here) 

August 6, 2008 (Water Tank Project)

Below is a quick summary.  More to follow.  Your comments are welcome and helpful.

A special District 6 meeting regarding the Water Street, water tank project was held today at the Highland's Fire Station at 6PM to provide the residents of the Highland's and specifically the Water Street area information on the Water tank project.

Mayor Joe Sullivan, Councilor Dan Clifford, DPW Director, Tom Whalen, Town Engineer, Bob Campbell and the project manager met with District 6 residents, provided information and set expectations of the work about to start in the neighborhood.

The meeting was very positive.  Residents asked many questions and received the assurances needed to allay their concerns and anxiety.  

The project is estimated to be completed in the spring of 2009. 

The scope of the project effects Water street to Livoli to East Division Street.

The feedback I received from the residents was very positive, and those to whom I spoke were comfortable with the information provided.

The outcome included:

1) Establishing a telephone hot line  for residents to communicate their concerns, etc. The hot line number is: 781-843-9205.  

2) Bi-weekly project activity forecasts will be provided by the Project Manager and communicated to Councilor Dan Clifford for inclusion here on this website.  These updates will start August 10 and will be updated every two weeks.

3) A major concerns included:

a. School children safety.  A policeman will be on duty and bus transportation authorities will be advised.

b. Water Street will be restored to same or better condition at the end of the project.

c. Will this work cost the residents? No, this work is not a cost to the residents in terms of betterments or property valuations.

If I left out any major concerns please let me know.

The Mayor asked resident to think about how they would prefer land use following the project, and to think about how they might like to to see the tower painted, etc.  No decision will be made without consulting with the residents and not for 6-8 months. 

(Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

July 20, 2008 (New for discussion and information) 

When Mayor Sullivan presented the FY2009 Operating Budget in early June, each councilor commented on their first several months on the job, etc. My comment was simply, "After spending the majority of our time on Mayoral appointments, hiring’s and the Operating Budget, I was looking forward to the Council establishing an Annual Council Goals and Objective Agenda".  A public broad-based annual agenda concerning the interests of our Town and residents; one placed on the Town website and measured and reported on regularly.

Our Town Council is akin to the State legislature and U.S. Congress.  We need to be about the work of the people and their interest through a broad-based annual set of goals and objectives.

Our economy is in recession and getting worse. Property values are falling, inflation is rising, Unemployment is rising, our neighbor's Weymouth and Quincy are financially strapped.

Braintree is facing similar financial issues unless the Council, working with the Mayor, plans around these and more financial landmines.  The Mayor's office is far ahead of the Council in understanding the issues facing Braintree. 

It is time now for the Council to move ahead smartly and broadly. Eliminate the trivial and focus of the vital issues facing Braintree.

I will introduce an initiative at the upcoming Council meetings (August 5, and beyond) to get buy-in from Council colleagues to establish,construct, and distribute, an Annual Council Goals and Objectives Agenda. 

It will address the weak economic outlook, its impact on Braintree, and will develop contingencies to at least mitigate impacts. Included will be: decreasing property values, increasing property taxes, the likelihood of less state aid, less CPA money from the state, Governor Patrick's Municipal Partnership Act (enabling municipalities new sources of revenues), and more. These are the things we need to address for the common good of our residents and the Town of Braintree. 

You can help by calling other Councilors and sharing your opinions and ideas.  You can also come to the Council meetings and be heard. 

My friends, this is your government, make it be what you want it to be; stay engaged.

Sincerely,

Your advocate,

-Dan-

 Send me an email at: Dan@DanClifford4Council.com

June 21, 2008 (A first in the nation for Braintree)

Updated with news on:

1. Braintree's Citizen Soldier's Bill (H4240) was   signed into law on June 16, by Governor Patrick.  Refer to Chapter 134 of the Acts of 2008 in Massachusetts General Laws. (Click here for more details)

   ---

2. Come to the July 4 Celebration Parade that will be held Saturday, June 28.  Starts at 11:45AM. Welcome home Bronze Star recipient Staff Sargeant Kenny Butler (Details submitted on Thursday, June 26)

   ---

3. Important Roads Invitation Announcement (Click here) 

June 6, 2008

Welcome. Today is the 64th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces mounted their World War II invasion of Normandy and began to free Europe from the clutches of Nazi occupation. 

Braintree will hold a re-dedication ceremony this morning at 10AM at the Veteran's Memorial Mall.  Please come.   Come early, the nationally renowned singing trooper "Dan Clark" will open the ceremony with our national anthem.  Dan will also sing, "If Your Are Reading This", and "God Bless America".  

Come and feel good about our country.  Recall our greatness and dedicate yourself to insuring generations to come can enjoy the freedoms and liberties we so often take for granted.  Remember too, freedom isn't free; "D-Day" reminds us of that today; "Never Forget".

If you come tomorrow please say hello to me.  If you can not be there drop me a note, and tell me how we, your new government are doing. 

Sincerely,

-Dan-

I am glad you took the time to check out what we hope will be a useful and informative District 6 Newsletter.  It will be a place you can keep current with what your new government is doing and in particular, what is happening in your own District 6 (former precincts 11 and 12).  

The Newsletter will be updated each month following my monthly office hours.  Office hours are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Town Hall, in the Council Chambers. Office hours are between 7:15PM and 8:15PM.  Come on down, I am happy to meet and hear from you.

This is another vehicle by which you can reach me and voice your opinion as well. 

Your suggestions are welcome.

I would like to call your attention to the speed at which our new form of government can respond and new found productivity and effectiveness. 

On November 18 (reference below) I submitted this initiative, in just 3 short weeks your new Town Council was able to complete its due diligence and pass this expanded property tax exemption.  Consider if you would our previous form of government.  This initiative would have miss a full year because of the time constraints we were under to make this happen.

This came to my attention while working with Quincy City Councilors, Doug Gutro and Kevin Coughlin.  Kevin Coughlin contacted me about the Braintree, Citizen Soldier's Bill. Quincy is looking at implementing the Braintree model.  As I was working with them, this local option opportunity for 41c was brought to my attention by Quincy Councilor, Kevin Coughlin.

Best of all, this expanded benefit is 100% reimbursed to Braintree by the State!

In summary:

1. The newly expanded and passed property tax exemption (41c) reduces the age requirements from 70 years or older to 65 years or older allowing more to benefit for this $500 exemption.
2. It increases the income qualification to $16,085, if single, and $19,302, if married. 
3. It increases the whole estate asset limit to $29,881, if single, and $32,015, if married.

Last year 130 Braintree senior's qualified for this tax exemption.  With the changes we have adopted we expect 46% more can qualify in 2009. 

As chairman of the Elder Affairs and Veteran's committee, I am happy to have helped these groups by initiating and gaining approval of both the "Citizen Soldiers Bill", and this new tax exemption for our seniors. It is little enough to do for both groups who have served Braintree.

(Click here to link to the approved initiative)

November 28, 2008  (Tax Rate Setting Meeting)

Property tax rates will be set for 2009, Tuesday night, Dec. 2 at the Town Council Meeting at Braintree Town Hall starting at 7:30pm.  

This is an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn what goes into setting the rate. 

I hope to see you there. 

November 18, 2008 (You May Qualify for a property tax exemption)

Come to the meeting.  Get answers to your questions on residential and commercial property valuations and how the tax rates for each are established and set. 

Learn about the tax exemptions available and how those could benefit you.

In particular, I will be introducing a summary of a local option available to Braintree and paid by the State, that could significantly increase the number of senior home owners eligible for a $500 property tax exemption. 

There are qualifications to meet, however by Town Council acceptance and the Mayor's approval the existing qualifications are greatly relaxed to allow for many more to qualify.  In these poor economic times this is a little good news, specifically for those 65 years old and older. 

If you can not go to the meeting, watch it on cable TV, BCAM, or call the Braintree Assessors office for the latest information on available tax exemptions at: (781)794-8050. Ask for Marie, Gail or Kathy.

Acknowledgements: Congratulations to the City of Quincy for approving this local option.  In particular,  thanks to Quincy City Councilors Kevin Coughlin and Doug Gutro for their collaboration on this and their interest in carrying the Braintree Soldiers Bill forward for their Guardsmen and Reservist.  It is a pleasure meeting and working with you across town and city lines on good things for our residents.

November 12, 2008 (Second request)

October 13, 2008     (First request)

I am coming back to ask again for your email addresses and phone number, as responses were very light last month. I hope to hear from many of you this month thereby improving the communications link between us.  

As your Councilor, excellent communications between us is a goal.  This Newsletter continues to gain wider readership as seen in the increasing number of residents visiting it. You can help me broaden channels of communications by sending me your email address and phone number. 

By doing so, I will be able to provide regular mailings and include you to my automated phone messaging network further improving the link and communication between us. 

If you would like to be included simply (click here) and email me your email address and phone number.  If you have any other suggestions please send those along too.  

Sincerely,

Your advocate,

-Dan- 

Councilor, District 6

Office Hours for October 16 are cancelled due to bereavement travel.

October 2, 2008 (News Especially for Condo Owners)

Reported in the Braintree Forum on Tuesday, September 30, was a new resident friendly agreement with SEMASS allows residents access to transfer station on Ivory Street. 

This announcement is a positive one, especially for condo owners of whom have not previously had access to the waste transfer station.

(Click here for details) 

September 22, 2008 (Significant Activity)

1. The Kindred Hospital closing and land sale is something the Mayor, Representative Driscoll and I are discussing.  I will be meeting with Mayor Sullivan this week. He has already assured me the neighborhood integrity will be preserved; there are conservation protections that will secure the area.  After I meet with Mayor Sullivan I will up-date you all.   
2. There has been less resident interest in the heating fuel initiative then expected. I believe the word has not circulated but will over the next few weeks. We are continuing to pursue the ideas of gathering support from agencies, groups and businesses. 

Let me urge those interested in participating in creating purchasing power via shear number whereby we can receive volume discounts, etc. or know of others in need to contact me here at this website (Click here to email Dan)

At the Town Council Meeting this evening I encouraged Braintree residents to contact me via my web site if interested in reducing oil heating expenses this winter season. 

I have started working with several organization (Marge Chrispin Center, Council on Aging, CITGO Petroleum, and the Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. to try to increase heating assistance this winter.

Beyond that I believe we can reduce the cost of oil heat per gallon through volumn discounting. IF you are interested in reducing the cost of you oil cost from between 15 cents to 50 gents per gallon and maybe more you should email me.  The more people we can bring together the greater the savings we can secure.  All I need is for you to email me. I will negotiate a volume discount based on the numbers of people that are interested. Time is of the essence, I would like to work a deal for all interested by November 1, 2008.  We need a minimum of 100 people to have enough leverage to negotiate.  More than that is better again, and we would realize better discounts. It would be sensational to have several thousand interested in single sourcing heating services this winter and the discount per gallon would be great.  

We do not have time to waste.  In order to make this happen we have only a few weeks to determine those interested and negotiate a deal with a heating service provider.  I will start the negotiations process immediately, however if there are not at least 100 interested people by September 22 we will lose our ability to secure less costly heating fuel this winter.  Pass the word fast, and let us take more control.  

This is an opportunity to cut your heating cost.  

(Click here to contact Dan)

August 29, 2008 (NEW, Responses Needed)

The heating season is nearly on us.  There are proven ways to reduce the ever increasing cost of heating your home. There are several topics I would like to discuss and work with you that can reduce your cost this heating season. 

 (Click here for details; it is worth money to you)

August 22, 2008 (Latest Water Tank Update)

 (Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

August 20, 2008 (New Town Hall Directory, Click here) 

August 6, 2008 (Water Tank Project)

Below is a quick summary.  More to follow.  Your comments are welcome and helpful.

A special District 6 meeting regarding the Water Street, water tank project was held today at the Highland's Fire Station at 6PM to provide the residents of the Highland's and specifically the Water Street area information on the Water tank project.

Mayor Joe Sullivan, Councilor Dan Clifford, DPW Director, Tom Whalen, Town Engineer, Bob Campbell and the project manager met with District 6 residents, provided information and set expectations of the work about to start in the neighborhood.

The meeting was very positive.  Residents asked many questions and received the assurances needed to allay their concerns and anxiety.  

The project is estimated to be completed in the spring of 2009. 

The scope of the project effects Water street to Livoli to East Division Street.

The feedback I received from the residents was very positive, and those to whom I spoke were comfortable with the information provided.

The outcome included:

1) Establishing a telephone hot line  for residents to communicate their concerns, etc. The hot line number is: 781-843-9205.  

2) Bi-weekly project activity forecasts will be provided by the Project Manager and communicated to Councilor Dan Clifford for inclusion here on this website.  These updates will start August 10 and will be updated every two weeks.

3) A major concerns included:

a. School children safety.  A policeman will be on duty and bus transportation authorities will be advised.

b. Water Street will be restored to same or better condition at the end of the project.

c. Will this work cost the residents? No, this work is not a cost to the residents in terms of betterments or property valuations.

If I left out any major concerns please let me know.

The Mayor asked resident to think about how they would prefer land use following the project, and to think about how they might like to to see the tower painted, etc.  No decision will be made without consulting with the residents and not for 6-8 months. 

(Click here to go to "Water Tank Project Activities")

July 20, 2008 (New for discussion and information) 

When Mayor Sullivan presented the FY2009 Operating Budget in early June, each councilor commented on their first several months on the job, etc. My comment was simply, "After spending the majority of our time on Mayoral appointments, hiring’s and the Operating Budget, I was looking forward to the Council establishing an Annual Council Goals and Objective Agenda".  A public broad-based annual agenda concerning the interests of our Town and residents; one placed on the Town website and measured and reported on regularly.

Our Town Council is akin to the State legislature and U.S. Congress.  We need to be about the work of the people and their interest through a broad-based annual set of goals and objectives.

Our economy is in recession and getting worse. Property values are falling, inflation is rising, Unemployment is rising, our neighbor's Weymouth and Quincy are financially strapped.

Braintree is facing similar financial issues unless the Council, working with the Mayor, plans around these and more financial landmines.  The Mayor's office is far ahead of the Council in understanding the issues facing Braintree. 

It is time now for the Council to move ahead smartly and broadly. Eliminate the trivial and focus of the vital issues facing Braintree.

I will introduce an initiative at the upcoming Council meetings (August 5, and beyond) to get buy-in from Council colleagues to establish,construct, and distribute, an Annual Council Goals and Objectives Agenda. 

It will address the weak economic outlook, its impact on Braintree, and will develop contingencies to at least mitigate impacts. Included will be: decreasing property values, increasing property taxes, the likelihood of less state aid, less CPA money from the state, Governor Patrick's Municipal Partnership Act (enabling municipalities new sources of revenues), and more. These are the things we need to address for the common good of our residents and the Town of Braintree. 

You can help by calling other Councilors and sharing your opinions and ideas.  You can also come to the Council meetings and be heard. 

My friends, this is your government, make it be what you want it to be; stay engaged.

Sincerely,

Significant Concerns, Issues and Interests in District 6:

• Two million pounds of waste and trash could travel along Braintree's Route 37 corridor daily creating safety, health, environmental and economic property values concerns.  Holbrook's proposed waste transfer station is Braintree's problem (Click here for the latest news)
  

• Braintree's Major Michael Schuler, "Operation Enduring Freedom" and "Iraqi Freedom" Veteran honored. (Click here).

• Braintree's Sergeant Barry A. Beaudoin, Iraqi Freedom veteran honored.(Click here)

• Tax Reduction NEWS...More can qualify for a $500 Property Tax Exemption.  Age qualification just reduced from 70 years and over to 65 years and older.  Income and asset qualifiers increased allowing for more to benefits too.  Contact the Braintree Assessor's office for details to Exemption 41c. (Click here for details)

•  Water street, Water Tank Project will be update here every two weeks providing residents with the project activities for that period (Click here for latest update).

• 100 Roads in Three Years Program. Impact of the Mayors recently announced program in our District and on our streets (Click here for the latest update)

• The FY'08 Town Budget and its impacts (Click here for details)

• Heating season cost savings and fuel assistance (Reference Newsletter entries August 29, September 2, September 22 and related links).

• Heating season cost savings and fuel assistance (Reference Newsletter entries August 29, September 2, September 22 and related links).

• Heating season cost savings and fuel assistance (Reference Newsletter entries August 29, September 2, September 22 and related links).

Details of Significant Concerns, Issues and Interests in District 6 outlined to the right above will be updated next by March 2, 2009.  Please come back.

Thank you,

-Dan-

Paul "Dan" Clifford

Town Councilor, District 6

(Click here to go back to Braintree's Website)