The RMV, and Why I Can't Stand It

I bought a motorcyle in 1999. I didn't ride it too often, but it was fun when I did. It gave me mobility that my bicycle couldn't always provide. I put it up for sale last fall. I advertised it on craigslist, fielded a few emails, had a few visitors, and sold it to a nice woman in western Mass. This is where the story gets unhappy.

Tour de Mac

Bobby Mac is a minor legend in Boston/New York cycling circles. He's on the rainy side of 55 years old, legally blind, and bikes thousands of miles every year. He developed most of his reputation helping the Boston/New York Aids Ride. He still works vigorously for AIDS research, but there is a ride this spring in his name: the Tour de Mac. I'm traveling this weekend, but I ponied up some dough - don't you think you should too?

Arlingtonians Everywhere

I was in New Orleans for JazzFest a couple of weeks ago. (It's an annual pilgrimmage that I could go on for pages about). I was standing in line at one of the food stands, waiting for the next batch of gumbo to be ready (mmmmmmmmm. gumbo.). Another guy walked up and asked if they had any gumbo, and I said it would be a few minutes. I was wearing my Red Sox hat, and he asked me what the score for yesterday's game was. He asked if I was from Boston, and I told him I was from Arlington, just outside Boston.

Town Meeting 2006

Here are my notes for Town Meeting 2006.

Article 20 - Venner Road

I learned a lot more about this article (which will probably be voted on May 8) from people at tonight's Selectmen's meeting. I haven't heard the whole story yet, but I'll relay it as I understand it at this time.

The Cost of Symmes Settlement

The Symmes lawsuits are settled. It appears that the last major obstacle to the development on the Symmes site is past. But what was the cost of that settlement?

Thank You

I'd like to thank the voters of Precinct 11 for their support on election day. I will strive to make you proud that you voted for me.

Asking For Your Vote on April 1

To the voters of Precinct 11:

Vote Yes on April 1

The town votes on Saturday whether to increase the sales of liqour in Arlington.

Superintendent Levenson and FY07

On Monday the new schools superintendent, Nate Levenson, presented his budget to the Finance Committee. When we walked into the room on Monday I didn't have an opinion about him either way. I had heard a few generally positive reports about his performance, and I had heard about the mini-controversy about his contract. His budget presentation blew me away. When he left the room, I was a convert. He has earned my respect and support.

The Risks of Symmes

As most everyone knows, the development of the Symmes property is being delayed by two lawsuits. A few (four) Arlington residents have essentially stopped the project in its tracks.

How Town Meeting is Raising the Cost of Housing

It is intuitive to me that the more regulation and restriction that the town imposes on building, that fewer and fewer building projects will be undertaken.

Seat Belt Law Rides Again

An article in the Globe last week sparked the writing juices. Stricter seat belt bill back on table, read the headline. The article is about activity on a proposed law that would permit police officers to pull drivers over and ticket them simply because they weren't wearing a seat belt.

The Patriot Act, Senator Sununu, and Party Politics

Why I'm Voting Against the Override on June 11th

I'm voting no because this override is too big. The tax increase is too large to be justified by the needs of the town.

Why I'm Voting Against Rebuilding the Park Circle Fire Station

Does anyone know how many fire stations we need? Does anyone know where we should place the fire stations? I'm voting against spending $2.5 million on the Park Circle fire station because I am not satisfied that we know the answer to these questions.

Live from Arlington

I'm very excited to announce the launch of http://www.livefromarlington.com, Live from Arlington.

Candidate's Night

I went to Candidate's Night tonight for three reasons. . .

ISAC Subcommittee

We decided to recommend a change in the bylaws. . .

Gimme Gimme Gimme

Representative Scott Brown won the March 3 special election to replace State Senator Cheryl Jacques, and in today's Sunday Globe he reminded us all what he stands for: pork.

Special Town Meeting Notes

I have written my usual notes about tonight's Special Town Meeting.

Fire Stations Deserve Thought

Arlington Fire Chief Rich Maimone saying something pretty spectacular today.

Romney on Marriage: If He Were to Finish His Logic

Governor Mitt Romney wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal this week opposing gay marriage. He said: "The institution of marriage was not created by government and it should not be redefined by government."

Why Spending Reserves is a Bad Idea