November 02, 2012 - Southbridge Evening News

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16 • THE WEBSTER TIMES • Friday, November 2, 2012 www.webstertimes.net ELECTION QUESTIONNAIRE Peter Durant INCUMBENT, R-SPENCER, 6TH WORCESTER DISTRICT CHARLTON, DUDLEY, SOUTHBRIDGE, SPENCER As Election Day is next week, Tuesday, Nov. 6, Stonebridge Press has reached out to our local candidates on the State House level to get their “last words” out to their constituents before the big day. The following are 10 questions that deal with the issues at hand this election season. In the interest of fairness, the same 10 questions were given to all the candidates, and the order at which they appear in this newspaper were chosen at random. What role, if any, should the state play in efforts to regionalize local services? If so, which services? “A limited one. One of the things that we need to make sure of in the Legislature is that we are careful about what we mandate our cities and towns do. Regionalization of local services needs to take place on a local level when cities and towns themselves recognize the value and mutual benefit of working together. One issue that I regularly hear about is the growing push to regionalize housing authorities. This is a prime example of why state mandates are dangerous, because every argument I have heard has been from towns who know their residents best and who advocate that they can provide the best services locally. We should not ignore this and force these towns into a regional arrangement that is not in their best interest.” What are your thoughts on bringing casinos to the area? “I believe the chances of bringing a casino to our district are very slim given the way in which the three casino districts are divided in the state. That being said, should a casino or slot parlor license be awarded to an entity within the district, it will be up to the local communities to approve this arrangement and negotiate the appropriate agreements. My job as a state representative is to ensure that the process is followed with proper oversight as outlined in the legislation passed last year.” Do you think the formula the state uses to determine Chapter 70 aid for school districts should be reworked? “Absolutely. In fact, I have joined a growing bipartisan coalition of legislators calling for the modification of this formula. The problem with modifying the formula however, comes down to funding. Unfortunately, if the Legislature cannot increase the funding overall, then reworking the formula will simply pick new winners and losers. Some districts will have their funding increased in the new formula and some will have it decreased. Those with decreases will, rightfully so, implore their representatives and senators to oppose any new funding scheme and will doom the process. We need to work to find a solution that is palatable to all districts, which is the real balancing act.” Peter Durant What legislation that was either voted down or sent to study would you like to see come to a vote in the next legislative session in January? What would be the first bill you would sponsor yourself when the new legislative session starts? “There are a number of bills that we have ready to file at the beginning of the new session. Some of them are bills that did not make it through the process last term for one reason or another, others are new. Of those, my priority is legislation that will eliminate the minimum corporate tax for small businesses in the start-up phase. This $500 tax can mean a lot to those small organizations that are just starting out and struggling to employ people and make ends meet. In addition, adding cost effective health care plans to the current list of available options is an important issue for a number of people who fall through the cracks. These highdeductible, low-premium plans fill a specific need for those who make too much to qualify for Mass Health, but do not make enough to afford insurance plans currently available. We also have legislation prepared to help protect our public safety community by rewarding them for skills upgrades and training.” Do you believe there should be a requirement that people who wish to vote in Massachusetts must present some sort of identification? Why or why not? “Yes. I, along with the overwhelming majority of the public, believe there should be a requirement to show ID to vote. Voting in America is arguably the most sacred right we have, and is something that people the world over wish for. To ensure a completely fair and legal system, we must have a mechanism available to verify the identity of those voting. In today’s modern society ID’s are required for everything from buying alcohol and tobacco, to boarding an airplane and renting a car; is exercising the right to vote any less important?” Do you think illegal immigrants who wish to attend a state college or university should pay the in-state or out-of-state tuition rate? Why? “I do not favor in-state tuition for those here illegally. I do not believe that we should reward bad behavior by giving taxpayer benefits to those who break the law. Rewarding those who cheat the system and enter this country illegally is an incredible disservice to those who wait in line through the complicated bureaucratic process of legal immigration to come to our country the right way.” How would you promote an economy that both creates jobs and improves the district’s environment? “Job creation and improving the economy are the most important issues we face today. While there are a number of issues that we passed in the legislature during this term, there is still more to be done. Within the space constraints allowed here, I will outline broad strokes, but my complete plan can be viewed at www.electdurant.com. Overall, the role of the government in the economy is to foster an environment where businesses can grow and succeed. To do that we need to accomplish a few goals: 1. Lower business costs and regulatory burdens to encourage the creation and expansion of business. 2. Increase collaboration among business and education to ensure that local vocational schools and colleges are providing relevant training for local jobs and demographics. 3. Repair and improve our infrastructure so people and products can move easily throughout the state. 4. Improve our energy portfolio. With the fourth highest electrical rates in the country Massachusetts is at a competitive disadvantage with most other states. Providing more energy options, including renewable options, will lower costs for residents and businesses alike.” What do you think you can do to create greater citizen involvement beyond voting? “Keeping citizens engaged is one of the most difficult things we do as legislators. People have busy lives; with the time constraints and demands of modern life we often do not have time to personally interact with our government. I have looked to provide opportunities for citizens to become involved and engaged more on their terms. First, we conducted a series of roundtable discussions open to the public soliciting input on the issues that face us. We also send out quarterly newsletters to keep people informed on current events at the State House and in the district. In addition, I have gone into the public schools to teach our students about the workings of government. We speak about the legislative process and discussed current bills. It is important to inform students they have a voice. Finally, we actively reach out to local citizens when a bill arises in their particular field of expertise. I seek the insight from professionals with the experience and background in a particular field before I make major legislative decisions. My commitment is to be accessible to everyone in the district and it is a commitment I take very seriously.” What is your stance on Question 2 — the “Death with Dignity Act”? “I will be voting no on this bill. The problem that I have is not necessarily the issue of someone making an individual choice. Instead what concerns me is that we all are being asked to make a decision on an incredibly complicated bill on the basis of a catchy campaign slogan: ‘Death with Dignity.’ This is an incredibly complex issue that should be examined and debated in an appropriate setting, where the bill can be amended and potential unintended consequences of this legislation can be discussed.” From Keith Forest Brown, of Douglas, via e-mail: “One of the ballot questions at the polls this November is in reference to the medical use of marijuana. We have all read the pros and cons printed in the state election pamphlet mailed out recently. I would be curious to know how each of the candidates would vote on this issue and how they have arrived at their decision.” “As with ballot Question 2, I will be voting no on this issue. While I do believe that the use of marijuana can be beneficial for certain medical uses, and overall I am not opposed to its use, I feel the legislation is poorly written and lacks specific safeguards. The question, as currently written, is similar to the law enacted in the State of California where a recent study shows widespread abuse. Most notably, a recent study found that 70 percent of all young adults using marijuana in California do so by way of prescription. This bill must be tightened to include a specific list of illnesses and conditions where the use of marijuana would be allowed. It will be easier to expand a stringent law on the books as we gain experience rather than attempting to add restrictions to a weak bill. We need to make sure that specific safeguards are in place, and that the potential for abuse of such a law is kept as low as possible. As with ballot Question 2, I feel that this is best accomplished within the Legislature where we can debate the bill, amend it, and make it as strong as possible.” Rash of local fires prompts Red Cross officials to speak out SAFETY continued from page 1 donations. We did become concerned about whether we’d be ready for the [fall and winter] fire season, due to all of the summer fires.” Fortunately, the community responded to the local chapter’s call for donations. “But we are always looking for more help,” said Leaks. “You never know what fires or other emergencies may come.” As examples, Leaks cited the massive power outages POLICE and other effects of 2011’s Tropical Storm Irene and rare October snowstorm. “We are always ready, and do have the support of the National American Red Cross,” said Leaks. While victim support following a disaster is largely a target of the American Red Cross, prevention education is also a part of the overall mission. “We want to make sure that everyone is following Red Cross fire safety tips and making emergency plans for their families,” she said. In Spencer, where there have been six major fires since June 1, Chief Robert Parsons urged that residents heed both the safety guidelines provided by the Red Cross and local fire departments. “People really need to pay attention to electrical outlet overloading,” said Parsons. “Especially when using appliances and electrical chords.” The chief said electrical overloading has been an element in several fires investigated within the town lately. He said that cigarettes, though more fire-safe than in the past, still pose a risk. “Even though they are supposed to be fire-safe we are finding they aren’t as fire safe as we thought,” said Parsons. Both Parsons and Leaks stressed that ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working is paramount to avoiding a tragedy, especially in the fall and winter season where equipment like wood and pellet stoves and generators are in use. “Wood stoves should be cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep and they need be cleaned very often,” said Parsons. The Red Cross, which responds to 170 home fires a day, urges people to take the right steps to stay safe – keep items than can catch fire at least three feet away from heat producing appliances like space heaters; never smoke in bed; talk to children about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach; stay home while food is cooking and remain attentive and alert. A complete list of fire safety tips can be found online at www.redcross.org. “We have a lot of interactive tools on that website, to try and make fire safety and prevention fun for people, because we know it isn’t always,” said Leaks. As the temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors, engaging with those online tools and following the Red Cross’ tips could save your home, your pets – or your life. WEBSTER POLICE ARRESTS Oct. 14 Charles T. Burrows, 37, 73 Babula Rd., Thompson, Conn. Operating under influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, failing to use care/cautionstart/stop/turn/back. Oct. 16 Robert P. Layte, 53, 38 Ash St. Webster. Possession Class B Drug. Jonathan F. Greenwood, 18, 4 Goddard St.Webster. Warrant arrests. Arthur J. Stebbins, 43, 45 Roy St. Whitinsville. Operating motor vehicle with suspended license, subsequent offence, unregistered motor vehicle, possession open container of alcohol in motor vehicle, false name to a police officer. Oct. 18 Sarah K. Guinan, 29, 8 Chestnut St., Dudley. Warrant arrest. Jonathan Roland Groleau, 32, Disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession class B drug, disturbing the peace. Oct. 19 Shaun P. Murphy, 17, 47 Old Worcester Rd., Webster. Disorderly conduct, resisting arrest. Robert D. Gilchrest, 17, 291 Main St., Webster. Assault and battery with dangerous weapon. Oct. 20 Terry Penkala, 29, 310 Thompson Rd., Webster. Operating under influence of liquor, leaving scene of property damage, negligent operation of motor vehicle. Nathan A. Lynch, 37, 292 Dresser Hill Rd., Dudley. Operating motor vehicle with suspended license, failing to stop for police, operating under influence of liquor, negligent operation of motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, possession class B drug, subsequent offense, marked lanes violation, passing violation, motorcycle lanes violation, speeding in violation special regulation. Oct. 21 John M. Reznikow, 18, 26 Cutler St., Webster. Disorder conduct. Christian Brian Such, 22, 55 Pleasant St., Webster. Disorderly conduct, subsequent offence, disturbing the peace, subsequent offence, domestic assault and battery, wantonly injuring real or personal property. DUDLEY POLICE ARRESTS Oct. 14 Genevieve Nyarko, 37, 12 Eagle Dr., Dudley. Out of agency warrant. Richard R. Guerin, Jr., 42, 43 Sylvestri Rd., Dudley. Assault and battery, firearm without FID card in possession, firearm, stored improperly. Oct. 15 Jacob Robert Diaz, 21, 25 Alton Dr., Dudley. Out of agency warrant. Oct. 16 15 year old juvenile. Assault and battery, assault and battery with dangerous weapon. Oct. 17 Derrick D. Amoh, 31, 7 Oxford Ave., Dudley, MA. Dudley PD Warrant. Alisha Remillard 17, 7 Fairview Ave., Dudley, MA. Dudley PD Warrant. Oct. 19 Samantha Tavano, 18, 201 Capes Trl., W. Barnstable, MA. Receiving stolen property +$250. Emily L. Fitzgerald, 18, 13 Emerson Way, Salem, NH. Receiving stolen property +$250. Oct. 20 Vanessa B. Krasnecky, 22, 1 Beacon Dr., Out of Area, MA. Speeding, license no in possession (3) Out of agency warrants.
www.webstertimes.net Friday, November 2, 2012 • THE WEBSTER TIMES • 17 VIEWPOINT Questions about shoplifting The reading of police logs continues to result in questions for this column. Recently, I was once again asked about the charge of shoplifting. The person wondered what it meant to be charged with shoplifting by “asportation.” She asked for some CHIEF’S CORNER STEVE WOJNAR clarification on this issue. Shoplifting, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30A, contains a number of ways a person can commit a violation. Asportation is one of these terms and it is contained in the first section of this law. It is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “The act of carrying a thing away; the removing of a thing from one place to another.” This is the common offense which most people associate with shoplifting. The definition can be rather complex, however; it generally involves intentionally taking possession of an item and carrying it away from the place in which it is stored. The most common example of this is when a person goes into a store, takes an item, and leaves without paying for it. The shoplifting statute does contain many other charges as well. They include concealment, altering merchandise, label switching, and more. The mere act of taking an item and placing it in your pocket, without leaving the store, could possibly be considered as shoplifting. If you take the price tag off one item and place it on another, it can also qualify as a violation under this section. Shoplifting costs the retail industry billions of dollars each year and the losses are passed on to the paying customers. Penalties can include a fine or jail time, depending on the value of the item. Police officers also have a statutory right of arrest for this charge without a warrant. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, MA 01571 or e-mail at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. Tips to cut home energy costs With cold weather fast approaching and fuel prices on the rise, it’s time to take a proactive role to keep costs down to size. From making your house cozy warm to reducing household hot water use, the following tips are geared toward efficient fuel usage, which can translate into impressive savings! *** Numbers game: It’s no secret setting the thermostat lower can reduce home heating fuel use. Here are the numbers According to the Dept of Energy: For every degree you lower the dial, expect to save from 1 percent to 3 percent of your heating bill. Better yet, lowering it five degrees for four hours a day can add up to a 10 percent savings! *** Rising temperatures: While you’re turning down the thermostat, why not turn up your internal thermostat to multiply the savings effect? Donning a lightweight, long sleeved shirt averages two degrees of warmth, while putting on a heavy or wool sweater can propel your warmth quota four degrees! *** In hot water: Families typically use more hot water in winter months and heating up the water can account for nearly 15 percent of total household energy costs. Lowering the temperature on the hot water heater to 120 degrees can add up to substantial savings TAKE THE HINT KAREN TRAINOR throughout the winter. Some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees, while most households only require 120 degrees. According to the U.S. Dept of Energy, each 10 degree reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3 to 5 percent in energy costs. Another benefit? Reducing your water temperature to 120 degrees also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes — helping the water heater operate at its maximum efficiency to last longer. *** Unplugged: The average family has 40 “phantom” or “standby” electronics that sap energy 24/7 as long as they are plugged in. Unplugging these phantom energy users or connecting them to a power strip that can easily be turned off when not in use, saves 10 percent of a typical family’s electricity use. *** Most moisture: Did you know a humidifier can boost the effect of heating? Moist air retains heat better than dryer air, which translates into lower fuel costs! *** Laundry list: Doing laundry takes its toll on water usage and hot and warm water cycles use more fuel than you might think. Save money by buying a cold water detergent and doing all your laundry in cold water. Typical savings realized by a family of five is up to $250 annually. *** Shower switch: Switch out a hot bath for a shower. While a long, hot bath is tempting, remember, it will almost triple your cost over a shower as more water is used and must be heated. To save even more on hot water costs, replace showerheads with low flow models. *** Duct work: Studies show if you have non insulated ducts that run through attics, cellars or other unheated spaces, heated air can be reduced by 60 percent before it reaches the room to be heated! Insulating duct is a cost effective fix. Small leaks in the ducts also allow heated air to escape. The remedy is as simple as applying metallic duct tape or a spray sealant. *** Free inspections: It costs nothing to do a vent check, but it can lower heating costs. If you have baseboards, make sure they are fully open and operable. Move any furniture or drapes that could be blocking warm air flow. Vents or baseboards that are even partially blocked result in an unnecessary hike in heating costs. *** Shut it up: Did you know leaving your chimney flue open when not in use is the same thing as opening your window several inches? You should also make sure your dryer vent closes properly to keep cold air from coming in. *** Air flow: According to the US Dept of Energy, the inexpensive task of changing your furnace air filter monthly or whenever it’s dirty permits a better flow of air through your heating system. A clogged filter greatly decreases the furnace’s efficiency and makes it work harder. In addition, a clean filter reduces the strain on your furnace, which can extend its life. *** Fan folly: During the winter months, use your stove and bathroom fans sparingly, as they remove precious warm air from the room. Obviously, you’ll want to use a vent to dispel moisture in the bathroom, but there’s usually no need to switch on the vent fan every time you put on the bathroom light. Ditto for a kitchen fan vent. Use it periodically while cooking; do not leave it on constantly unless smoke is an issue. *** Win Dinner for Two at the Publick House — Your tips can win you a great dinner for two at the historic Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge! Simply send in a hint to be entered into a random drawing. One winner per month will win a fabulous dinner for two (a $60 value) at the renowned restaurant, located on Route 131 across the town common in historic Sturbridge. Because I’m in the business of dispensing tips, not inventing them (although I can take credit for some), I’m counting on you readers out there to share your best helpful hints! Do you have a helpful hint or handy tip that has worked for you? Do you have a question regarding household or garden matters? If so, why not share them with readers of The Southbridge Evening News? Send questions and/or hints to: Take the Hint!, C/o the Southbridge Evening News, 25 Elm St., Southbridge, MA 01550. Or e-mail kdrr@aol.com. Hints are entered into a drawing for dinner for two at the historic Publick House Inn. For more great hints, tune into Take the Hint! one minute snippet tips aired twice daily on ORC FM 98.9. And for more tips and talk, be sure to listen to my live hour long show from 9 to 10 a.m. each Friday on WARE 1250. New technology to sell old antiques Editor’s Note: This is the first part in a two-part series. As I near a quarter century of helping people sell their estate contents, antiques and collectibles, I’ve seen technology change many aspects of the antiques business. Like the antiques themselves, sometimes older is better and the tried and true methods still work. In the 1980’s and before, serious collectors would look at the offerings at local auctions to see if there was anything they might want to add to their collections. They would be competing with dealers who also wanted these items for their shop, antique co-op booth or to sell at antique shows. Dealers might be at a different auction every night to keep up with demand. Dealers often resold their acquisitions to other dealers at a markup. Items often changed hand several times before they ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & ESTATES WAYNE TUISKULA reached their final buyer. Items were resold to other antique dealers so often that a joke of the time said that three antique dealers were trapped on a deserted island with one antique chair and they all made a living. Antique furniture was a big seller at auctions during this time. Bidding was very competitive and even pieces that were painted or had a rough finish sold well. The buyers would either refinish the pieces or bring them to a furnisher refinisher. Most local antique dealers set up at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market during this time. Pickers and dealers would empty out the contents of an entire estate to sell at Brimfield. One dealer told me that he had to drive back to northern New England to restock after most of his inventory was depleted during the first day of sales. These dealers from all along the East Coast and Midwest with loaded trucks were selling to buyers from throughout the world. We sold a chair to an Austrian couple that was filling a container with furniture. Our chair went in the container and was shipped to Austria. At the time, we also sold antiques in a little shop in Charlton. Three buyers from California brought a tractor-trailer with them and bought about a third of the inventory in our shop to sell back in California. Brimfield is composed of multiple fields with staggered opening times. By the time the gates for a new field opened there was usually a crowd of hundreds waiting to rush through and buy things. People had signs or wore T-shirts saying they were looking for everything from gambling memorabilia to phonograph horns. People would move by quickly asking if you had baseball items, miniature license plates, cast iron cookware, etc. Many of the same dealers are still there and buyers still travel great distances to attend but Brimfield has changed since these times. The Internet has been a big factor. First there were newsgroups where people could sell antiques. Then online antique shops appeared. eBay was founded in 1995 and offers people another option to buy and sell items. Some of the people who used to race through the fields of Brimfield now search for items from the comfort of their own homes. To be continued … Contact us at: Wayne Tuiskula Auctioneer/Appraiser Central Mass Auctions for Antique Auctions, Estate Sales and Appraisal Services www.centralmassauctions.com (508-612-6111), info@centralmassauctions.com. Still time to set up owner-only 401(k) for 2012 If you’re a small-business owner, with no full-time employees (except possibly your spouse or business partner), you’re probably used to taking care of just about everything on your own. So, if you’re thinking of establishing a retirement plan — and you should — you might also be attracted to “going solo” with an “Owner-only” 401(k). An Owner-only 401(k), sometimes known as an Individual 401(k), has been around for a few years now, and has proven quite popular — and with good reason. This plan is easy to establish, easy to administer and, most importantly, gives you many of the same benefits enjoyed by employees of a company that offers a traditional 401(k) plan. These benefits include the following: FINANCIAL FOCUS MIKE TUOMALA Tax deferred earnings — Your earnings aren’t taxed as they accumulate. Tax deductible contributions — An Owner-only 401(k) consists of two components — salary deferral and profit sharing contributions, both of which are generally 100 percent tax deductible. If you choose to make Roth salary deferrals to your Owner-only 401(k), your contributions aren’t deductible, but you won’t pay taxes on your earnings, provided you don’t take withdrawals until you’re 59 1/2 and it’s been five years since your first year of Roth deferral. Variety of investment choices — You can choose to fund your Owneronly 401(k) with a wide range of investments. And you can construct an investment mix that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance and longterm goals. Furthermore, an Owner-only 401(k) can potentially allow you to make greater contributions, at an identical income level, than other small-business retirement plans, such as a SEP IRA. In 2012, you can defer up to $17,000, or $22,500 if you’re 50 or older (as long as you don’t exceed 100 percent of your income). Then, in addition, you can make a profit-sharing contribution equal to 25 percent of your income (slightly less if you are unincorporated). So, by combining the salary deferral and profit-sharing components, you can potentially contribute up to $50,000 to your Owneronly 401(k) in 2012, or $55,000 if you’re 50 or older. And these figures are doubled if your spouse also contributes to the Owner-only 401(k). However, you’re not obligated to contribute anything to your plan. So, if your business is slow one year, you might scale back your contributions, or put in nothing at all. Then, when business picks up again, you can get back toward contributing whatever you can afford, up to the maximum. Clearly, the Owner-only 401(k) can offer you some key advantages in building resources for retirement. But it’s not the only smallbusiness retirement plan on the market, so, before you make a decision, you may want to consult with your tax and financial advisors to determine if an Owner-only 401(k) is indeed the right plan for you. But don’t wait too long. You’ll have to establish your Owner-only 401(k) by Dec. 31 if you want to receive any tax deductions for 2012. And in any case, the sooner you start putting money away, the faster the progress you will make toward the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Michael Tuomala, the local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, may be contacted at his Oxford office at (508)-987-5327 or by e-mail at michael.tuomala@edwardjones.com
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