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. 

(Click here to contact Dan)

March 10, 2010 (New Date) Playground and Dog Park public input meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 23, 2010 at 7PM at 85 Quincy Avenue (beside the Braintree Yacht  Club).

I will be attending this meeting.  Please take the opportunity to have your opinion and thoughts heard.

I will be attending this meeting.  Please take the opportunity to have your opinion and thoughts heard.

March 8, 2010 (Soldiers benefit from Braintree Councilor Clifford and Quincy Council President Coughlin work) See full story at: http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1758105985/Governor-to-sign-GI-tax-break-bill-in-Quincy 

 February 23, 2010 (Meeting for Thursday Feb. 25 Cancelled.  Rescheduled Tentatively for March 18)

1. Playground and Dog Park Study for location at Route 37 and South Street at the Kindred Hospital site. 

   One public meeting was held.  No decisions made.  

2. NEXT public input meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2010 at 7PM at 85 Quincy Avenue (beside the Braintree Yacht  Club)

Please come back for confirmation of the meeting.  It is important for you to be involved in these decisions. 

February 17, 2010 (Reduce Taxes, Create Jobs and Increase Town Revenues)

I have asked to lead a brand new Town Council sub-committee on Economic Development.  The skills and experience in managing business enterprises for Fortune 200 company’s will aid us to bring jobs to Braintree, reduced resident taxes, and increasing Town revenues.  Our new Economic Development Committee will work with the Mayor’s office, Braintree Trades Association, Chambers of Commerce, etc. to formulate a plan and road-map.

Please feel free to offer your suggestions or even volunteer to make this undertaking successful.

February 16, 2010

Dear friends and neighbors;

1. Update status overview of the success the BHR Civic Group is having in opposing the Holbrook Waste Transfer Station.
   • Most recently the newly elected members of the Randolph Town Council joined a growing list of elected officials opposing the Holbrook Regional Waste Transfer Station for a number of health, environmental and property devaluation concerns. Please click on this link: http://www.bhrcivicgroup.com/home
2. The 100 Roads Program will reconvene this spring.  This is the third year of the 100 Roads Program. 
   • It is expected a new Roads Program will be budgeted for fiscal year 2011 which starts July 1, 2010.  I am soliciting your help in identifying the next set of roads that need attention.  Please send me an email so I can call you to discuss your recommendation.

January 27, 2010 (Playground and Dog Park Update)

First, no decisions have been made.  The meeting was exploratory. 

Summary of the meeting:

• Opinions and feedback as you might expect were mixed.  The playground definitely received more support than the dog park.  I relayed resident’s feedback to the study committee, six residents emailed me in time for the meeting advising me they could not make it but did share their views via email and I relayed those to the committee. 
• The dog park got more NO than YES.  South Street residents and Washington street residents tended to say NO. 
• Concerns raised included:
  • How would the playground and possible dog park be policed and cleaned?
  • How would out-of-towners be managed? 
  • Predator concerns
  • Existing house on the property
  • Night lighting
  • Vandalism
  • Information about other similar parks and their controls
  • Key to enter
  • Remove dead trees
  • Health and safety issues concerning diesel exhaust of trucks

 January 8, 2010 (ALERT) Special Information and Question Meeting on a Proposed Playground and Dog Park in the Highlands Route 37 , South Street, Kindred Hospital Area. 

Friends and Neighbors of District 6, (Precincts 11 and 12) please come to this important meeting.  You will get all you questions and concerns answered.  Be heard, this is our neighbor;  Do you want a Playground and dog park?

This is your time to influence the outcome;  park or no park, etc.

There is more information directly to the right of this at the top of the right hand side column.

Meeting is on Thursday January 21 at 7PM at 85 Quincy Avenue. 

If you cannot make the meeting, you can call me and I will represent you at the meeting.  Please call me at 617-797-5534 and tell me your interest, question and concerns?

Hope to see many of you there.

December 31, 2009

Happy New Year 2010

December 9, 2009 (ALERT) Highlands Water Tower Demolition)

Resident Notification

Subject:  Demolition of the Water Street Elevated Tank

Dear friends and neighbors:

The final phase of the Water Distribution System Improvements Project is scheduled to begin shortly.  Now that the water standpipe has been raised and repainted, one of the final tasks is the demolition of the adjacent 60 year old elevated water tank.  The Towns’ General Contractor, Bay State Piping Company, Inc. has hired Allstate Tower, Inc. to dismantle the tank.  The demolition contractor will mobilize to the site during the middle of the week of December 7^th,and begin demolition activities the week of December 14

To ensure safety and the protection of public and private property the dismantling will be performed by cutting small sections of the tank and lowering them to the ground using a crane.  This work will be completed during weekday hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and should be completed in a week.

We appreciate your cooperation during this important public construction project.  If you have any questions please contact the Braintree Water Department at (781)-843-9205.

November 30, 2009 (NEWS....)

Dear constituents and friends,

We are exploring a run for State Representative of the Fifth District in Norfolk County, consisting of the town of Braintree, precinct one in the town of Holbrook, and precinct three, in the town of Randolph. 

We have spoken to local and state officials.  We are calling and meeting with constituents and officials, from Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph to gather their feedback and assess our overall position and strength for a run. The feedback we are receiving is positive, enthusiastic and broad-based.  We feel very good about that.

This opportunity presented itself quite suddenly, when it was reported that Representative Joseph Driscoll was interested in seeking the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, instead of State Representative. 

We will have a broader, formal announcement following the December 8, U.S. Senatorial primary election.

Your comments and feedback are important to me and will help in the decision making process.  Please call or email me with your comments, etc.

Sincerely,

-Dan-

November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. As you sit down to your traditional feast and give thanks, please also pray for our service men and women who are in harms way protecting our liberties and freedoms. 

May God bless them and keep them safe.

November 24, 2009 (ALERT)

(Braintree Town Hall Meeting)

An informational meeting concerning the safety, health, pollution, property devaluation and incremental infrastructure expenses, risks and concerns on Braintree surrounding the proposed Holbrook regional waste transfer station is being planned.

Please Stay-tune for confirmation and details.

(Click here for related information)  

October 15, 2009

Large and Enthusiastic Turn-out in Randolph for BHR Rally

October 14, 2009 - The Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph (BHR) Civic Group meeting at St. Mary's in Randolph was filled with more than 120 concerned residents last night.  Spokesman and Braintree Town Councilor Dan Clifford said,  "The Randolph residents turnout was impressive and demonstrates how strong the opposition is toward the proposed Holbrook regional waste transfer station.  The residents are energized to work to stop this proposed project.  This is citizen involvement at its best".

At the meeting was State Representative Walter Timility, who represents Randolph precincts 1,2,4,7 and 8. Representative Timility spoke briefly and was given applause for signing the BHR Civic Group petition to stop the proposed Holbrook Transfer Station.  State Representative Timility is the first of our communities state legislators to sign the petition.

Randolph's Selectman and new Councilor-elect William Alexopoulos also attended, as did Randolph Conservation Commission Chairman Jesse Krawiec and Planning Board member George Berdos.  

The BHR Civic Group presentation focused on the facts surrounding the safety, health, pollution, property devaluation and the incremental roads and infrastructure risks and costs, should this proposed project be allowed to operate.

"This project is bad business.  We urge all members and those associated with the BHR Civic Group to work respectfully with their local officials and state legislators to stop this project. When the facts are known, we are very optimistic this project will be stopped." said Braintree Town Councilor Dan Clifford.

Michael Barbuto, co-founder of the BHR Civic Group, said, "Randolph residents are highly motivated and engaged. This project is inappropriate, a poor use of the land and detrimental to the residents of all three towns".

Former Holbrook Selectman Kathy Connolly outlined Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) permitting requirements and steps that have yet to be undertaken.  She also stressed the Boards of Health from all three towns have a significant role to play in this permitting process. 

Bottom-line says the former Selectman, "this is far from a done deal and we can stop it if all three town’s residents work together. Seeing and meeting Randolph residents tonight makes us all the more optimistic and encouraged about our goal of preventing this proposed project at 3 Phillips Road in Holbrook."

Click here, see much more at: www.BHRCivicGroup.com

September 7, 2009 (Success Continues)

• The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) orders Holbrook Town Administrator, Michael Yunits to comply, after refusing the BHR Civic Group's Public Information Plan (PIP) petition request.

• The Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph (BHR) Civic Group has now obtained more than 2300 petition signatures as it continues its mission to inform, educate and engage the three towns residents and state legislators about the safety, health, pollution and property values declines the proposed Holbrook Regional waste transfer station will have on Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph.  Three thousand (3000) signatures is our next goal.

• Braintree Town Council approves a resolution supporting the BHR Civic Group. 
  

• Eight of nine councilors sign BHR support petition. 
  
  • Councilor Leland Dingee declines to sign.
    

• NEWS/ALERT: You can sign our petition online now simply by click on this link: 

• Visit our exclusive new website at:
  

• Read about the health issues regarding the proposed Holbrook waste transfer station and cancer at:

August 16, 2009

Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph resident's have joined together.

Helps us (BHR Civic Group) stop 200 more the waste transfer trucks from coming through our neighborhoods.  Click on the Resident Alert tabs above for more details.

Volunteers needed for Saturday August 22.  Just one hour.  Select any one hour between 10AM and 4PM and please call Dan at 617-797-5534 to help for just one hour. 

You will be surprised by the new friends and interesting people you will meet. It can be fun while extremely helpful in getting out the word and and helping us to our goal of obtaining 2000-3000 signatures to deliver to our legislators on Beacon Hill.

Where? Shaws Supermarket in Randolph, across from Randolph High School.

Do What? To sit at a table with one other volunteer to pass out information and accept petition signatures concerning the the proposed Holbrook Waste Transfer Station and the massive assault on Braintree, Randolph and Holbrook residences, especially the Route 37, Route 28 and Route 139 corridors.

Read the latest stories; just click on the links below to view news accounts and video:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x1885903839/Anti-transfer-station-message-spread

 

  Click here for a shocking video

The Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Civic Group Launches its Brand New Website. We will be migrating all the proposed Holbrook Waste Station news, events, updates, latest media, calendar, video, etc. over the next 30 days. 

This new site allows for electronic online signing of our petition to stop the potential hazardous waste and trash from traveling along residential neighborhoods.  Learn more about this very serious issue by going to our website.

(Click below to go to the Braintree,Holbrook, Randolph Civic Group (BHR Civic Group) brand new website:

 http://www.BHRCivicGroup.com

 August 15, 2009 (NEWS UPDATE)

Hello Team and Supporters:

We continue to have good success informing people, and collecting petition signatures concerning the proposed Holbrook Waste Transfer Station. Below are listed some highlights of this past two weeks and future events:

• Collected more than 1500 signatures to-date.  At our last information and petition signature drive at Shaws in Braintree we collected more than 400 new signatures.

• Media coverage is helping spread the word and message.  This past week alone we received significant coverage from the Patriot Ledger (with two separate stories), The Holbrook Sun and the Braintree Forum.
  

• Braintree Town Councilor Dan Clifford submitted to the full Council a resolution supporting the Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Civic Group (BHR Civic Group).  The Council voted 7-0 in support of the BHR Civic Group.
  

• The BHR Civic Group launched its NEW interactive informational website this week.  You can sign its petition electronically online now. 
  

See the media stories by clicking the links below:

We have a made great progress yet have far to go.  Please stay engaged, speak to your friends and neighbors.  Ask them to sign our petition (paper or online now at http://www.BHRCivicGroup.com ). 

Together we can win this.


Your advocate,


-Dan-  

August 4, 2009

Waste Transfer Station Disaster in New Bedford on August 3.  If we fail to learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. 

(Click here for details and video) 

August 1, 2009

Braintree, Holbrook and Randolph resident's have joined together.

Helps us (BHR Civic Group) stop 200 more the waste transfer trucks from coming through our neighborhoods.  Click on the Resident Alert tabs above for more details.

Volunteers needed for Saturday August 8.  Just one hour.  Select any one hour between 10AM and 4PM and please call Dan at 617-797-5534 to help for just one hour. 

You will be surprised by the new friends and interesting people you will meet. It can be fun while extremely helpful in getting out the word and and helping us to our goal of obtaining 2000-3000 signatures to deliver to our legislators on Beacon Hill.

Where? Shaws Supermarket on Pearl Street, Braintree.

Do What? To sit at a table with one other volunteer to pass out information and accept petition signatures concerning the the proposed Holbrook Waste Transfer Station and the massive assault on Braintree, Randolph and Holbrook residences, especially the Route 37, Route 28 and Route 139 corridors. Read the latest story and view the video links below.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x1885903839/Anti-transfer-station-message-spread

 Click here for a shocking video

July 22, 2009

Volunteers needed for Saturday July 25.  Just one hour.  Select any hour between 10AM and 4PM and contact Dan at Dan@DanClifford4Council.com for your choice.

Where? Stop & Shop at the intersection of Grove Street and Liberty Street

Do What? To sit at a table to pass out information and accept petition signatures concerning the the proposed Holbrook Waste Transfer Station and the massive assault on Braintree, especially the Route 37 corridor. Read the latest story and view the video links below.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x1885903839/Anti-transfer-station-message-spread

 Click here for a shocking video

July 20, 2009 (Location Change for Saturday, July 25)

Proposed Waste Transfer Station Information Drivea big success; reaches more than 1500 in one day. 

Another drive is scheduled on Saturday, July 25 at Stop & Shop supermarket at the intersection of Liberty Street and Grove Street between 10AM and 4PM.  See the story.  Click the link below:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x1885903839/Anti-transfer-station-message-spread

July 16, 2009

HELP  Sunday July 19 between 12:45PM and 3:30PM.

Click here for a shocking video

We need you now to spread the word and get information out to those who care about Braintree and stopping 200 MORE trash trucks a day from running up and down Route 37, that is 400 trucks.

We have all the package information ready to get to those who live all along Route 37 and South Street.  We need you to help us deliver it Sunday.  Three hours to keep our Town "Cleaner and Greener".  We need your HELP now... Meet us at 21 South Street at 12:45PM on Sunday July 19. Do not count on the other guy, we need you. We made the investment now you need to make an investment.

This is the time to work together.... You can make a positive difference now. 

I believe in you, please don't let us down. 

Bottom line: Act now or we will live with it.

Call me and tell me you are with us 617-797-5534

July 15, 2009 (Full BHR CIVIC GROUP MEETING)

Tonight at 21 South Street, Braintree at 6:45PM in preparation for our Sunday July 19 information and petition drive between 1 and 3:30PM.

These are pivotal to the success of the group.  We need all hands on deck.  Emails were sent out Sunday and Monday of this week. 

Contact Councilor Dan Clifford at 617-797-5534 with any questions and read the latest news concerning the proposed Waste Transfer Station right here below.  Make sure you click on the shocking video. 

Please join and support us at these meetings.  If you cannot make the Wednesday night meeting please RSVP Dan that you will support us on Sunday July 19. 

Click here: see what the Ledger says

Click here to see what the Forum says

July 6, 2009 (A Braintree Residents, MUST READ)

Safety, Health, Environmental and Property Values ALERT! 

Up to two million pounds of waste and trash could be transported up and down the route 37 corridor daily, six days a week. that includes Washington Street, Franklin Street, Pond Street and directly down South Street to a new proposed Waste Transfer Station on Holbrook's 3 Philips Road, just one half mile from the Braintree Town line. 

(Click here; SHOCKING Video)

(Click here for Fact Sheet Flyer and tell your neighbors; Residents ALERT on Safety, Health, Environment and Property Values) 

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 formeda 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 theCivic 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 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

March 13, 2009 (New to site)

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)

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 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.

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.   

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-

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)

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.

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) 

Updated with news on:

• 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)

  ---

• 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)

  ---

• 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 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)

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.

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. 

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)

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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)

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3. Important Roads Invitation Announcement (Click here) 

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.

Significant Concerns, Issues and Interests in District 6:

March 8, 2010 (Political Domino's starting to fall.)  The recent announcement from Congressman Delahunt last Thursday saying he will not seek reelection, and the unofficial announcement from Norfolk County District Attorney Keating saying he will run for the Congressional seat is setting the stage for several more local announcements to come shortly. This years election cycle is going to be very exciting; buckle up and enjoy it.  Stay tuned... more to come.  

February 23, 2010 (Dog Park and Playground Meeting for Thursday Feb 25 Cancelled.  Tentatively Rescheduled for March 23, at 7PM at 85 Quincy Avenue)

January 7, 2010

District 6 Neighbors Information Meeting is on Thursday, January 21 at 7PM at 85 Quincy Avenue.

December 9, 2009

Water Tower Demolition scheduled for December 14. Details are in the left column of this page.

 October 15, 2009 

See story at left margin; Large and Enthusiastic Turn-out...

Sept. 6, 2009

• Our safety, health, pollution and property values are at risk by the proposed Holbrook waste transfer station.
• FACTS:
  • The lifetime cancer risk from diesel soot in your community exceeds the risk of all other air toxics tracked by EPA combined.

• The average lifetime diesel soot cancer risk for a resident of Norfolk County is 1 in 3,512. This risk is 285 times greater than EPA's acceptable cancer level of 1 in a million. 

• Alarmed? Read more by going to our exclusive Braintree, Holbrook, Randolph Civic Group website at: (Click link below)
  

www.BHRCivicGroup.com 

• 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)

Details of Significant Concerns, Issues and Interests in District 6 outlined to the right above will be updated real-time.  Please come back.

Thank you,

-Dan-

Paul "Dan" Clifford

Town Councilor, District 6

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