Andrews talks collaboration, moving forward in Templeton
Eryn DionNews Staff Writer
Rep. Denise Andrews, D-Orange, meets with Templeton residents at Country Mischief Sunday afternoon during a meet-and-greet stop
TEMPLETON — State Rep. Denise Andrews, D-Orange, greeted Templeton residents and town officials like old friends during her meet-and-greet at Country Mischief Sunday afternoon — asking how they were doing and most importantly, what they needed.
Rep. Andrews was on hand for Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting and said she has met with department heads and the Board of Selectmen to help Templeton transition through its financial crisis and stay on the right path.
“One of the most important things to do is encourage people and support them when they’re doing good work,” she said. “And when they’re not, try to course correct them and hold them accountable.”
For the town, Rep. Andrews said she is working with Council on Aging Director Bethany Loveless to secure $200,000 to help complete the construction of the new senior center, as well as $50,000 to help Fire Chief Raymond LaPorte replace and update his department’s equipment.
She has spoken with Interim Town Administrator Bob Markel about possibly enlisting the Worcester County Sheriff’s Inmate Community Service Program or Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School students to help mow the town’s cemeteries — neglected due to budget cuts — or move the town offices.
Across the district, Rep. Andrews said continuing economic growth is key in creating jobs and addressing the area’s problems and that if re-elected, she hopes to keep the money flowing from Boston out west.
“This area didn’t always get funds equal to other parts of the state,” Rep. Andrews commented. “I want to keep the fair share of money coming in.”
Rep. Andrews said through close relationships with state Senators Stephen Brewer, D-Barre, and Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, and state Rep. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, Templeton and other towns in her district would get the state’s much-needed attention and resources for growth and job creation.
“With Sen. Rosenberg as president of the Senate, we’re in a good position to get more money for projects that towns have been waiting a long time for,” she said.
Looking ahead, Rep. Andrews said that — should she win another term — she would use her experience and knowledge to tackle larger, more systemic issues, such as evening out the state’s Chapter 70 aid distributions for schools and revising the tax policy.
“I think the rural issues are very different than the municipal issues, and that poverty issues are very different than affluence in our community,” said Rep. Andrews.
Rep. Andrews currently represents the Second Franklin District comprised of Athol, Belchertown, Erving, Gill, New Salem, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Templeton, Warwick and Wendell.
Two Republicans candidates — Susannah Whipps Lee, of Athol, and Karen Anderson, of Orange — are hoping to win Rep. Andrews’ seat at this year’s general election Nov. 4.
I had a talk with my cousin from Athol yesterday. She informed me that along with Market Basket, the town of Athol is going to get a Olive Garden, a hotel and conference center, along with the usual businesses that go together in those kinds of developments. I will ask her again who is exactly coming, but she did tell me this news came from a Athol selectman. If anything, this will provide jobs for the people in our area. Ms. Andrews has worked hard for our town. We can thank her for the work she has done for the elderly in our town, and she has been more than willing to help anytime she is asked. Denise is the only representative I know of that you can call if you have a problem. That is very rare in todays age. Bev.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank Representative Andrews for moving our town's Citizen Petition (looking for an investigation into 252 Baldwinville Rd., Casella Money, Ch93 Acts of 2000 and wastewater treatment plant contract nightmare) forward to a Senate Hearing under S623. Representative Andrews was the only Representative who even came close to touching the Treatment Plant Contract Lawsuit. I believe it took courage to bring these issues forward and I respect her for her efforts. Thank You Representative Andrews for standing up to the powers on these issues.
ReplyDeleteWhen the town had a agreement with Charlie Hausen from Baldwinville Products, the town could have received help paying the costs of the refurbishing the Sewer Treatment Plant to meet the needs of a smaller facility. When Charlie sold to American Tissue, he must have forgotten the years of working with the town to meet the needs of both parties. In short, he took the money and ran, taking a good chunk of money with him. Our Annual Town Report, for the year of 2002 tells a part of the story. "The Sewer Department was forced to take over operations at the waste water treatment plant in 2002. Sewer Department employees and contract employees repaired many key pieces of process equipment that had fallen into disrepair. Process chemical supplies that had been depleted were resupplied and the systems placed back in service". The change from a system that processed waste from the paper mill and the town to just the town alone, put a strain on the town's budget. Adjustments like that should have been planned for, and we should have received financial help, that we did not get. K&P were aware of this but chose to give Mr. Hausen a deal he couldn't refuse, and they both left the town holding the empty bag. If the town can receive any kind of compensation, the credit will go to Ms. Andrews because she was the only one that would stand up for the citizens of Templeton. Bev.
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