Eric Dahlberg's Blog

Tough assessment of soaring municipal health insurance costs in today's Globe

2011-03-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

Brian McGrory, in his column in today's Globe, attempts to identify the biggest drivers of the City of Boston's soaring health insurance costs.

First, McGrory offers some perspective on the stunning size of Boston's problem:

"... Boston has fewer workers offering fewer services to residents and businesses paying rising taxes, all because health costs are out of control... Put another way, Boston now spends more annually on health care, $301.5 million, than it does on policing, $270.8 million. The projected rise next year of $20 million is bigger than the city’s $16 million parks budget."

McGrory then offers thoughts on what's behind the gathering fiscal storm. He sees health care providers' annual rate increases as the single biggest driver. He also identifies municipal unions and insurance companies as big contributors.

Similar drivers are at play in many cities and towns of the Commonwealth. Chelmsford is certainly no exception.

Massachusetts communities desperately need our elected officials on Beacon Hill to step up, put special interest politics aside, and, where possible, tackle these cost drivers head-on. Unfortunately, McGrory's piece closes with a decent prediction of what's going to happen:

... The state Legislature seems poised to do exactly what it does best, which is virtually nothing. “A long involved debate process,’’ is how House Speaker Bob DeLeo described what’s ahead... Until then, another year, another rate hike, another round of cuts.

Here's a link to McGrory's column: Health costs killing city.

Sobering headline in today's Boston Globe

2011-01-05T06:34:00.001-08:00

This headline in today's Boston Globe says it all: "Municipalities turn to borrowing to cover health care."

The story opens: "As cities and towns buckle under the weight of rising health care costs, some are looking to the credit card and Beacon Hill for short-term help."

The growth in municipal health care costs here in the Commonwealth is totally out of control.

It's time for Beacon Hill to step up and empower Massachusetts cities and towns to make cost-saving changes to their municipal health plans by granting plan design authority - the same authority that is exercised by the state itself.

The Globe story is here: Municipalities turn to borrowing to cover health care.

2011: Time for health plan design authority

2010-12-28T07:17:00.001-08:00

Nick DeSilvio of the Chelmsford School Committee and I recently penned the following op-ed piece in support of municipal health plan design authority. It appears in the latest edition of the Chelmsford Independent:

Opinion: Time for health plan design authority
By Eric Dahlberg and Nick DiSilvio
Posted Dec 27, 2010 @ 01:46 PM

Chelmsford — Last week, Chelmsford kicked off fiscal 2012 budget planning with a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, and the Finance Committee. This joint meeting, which occurs annually each December, serves as an opportunity for the town manager, accountant, and finance director to provide an overview of the town's fiscal situation.

Two figures regarding the FY 2012 budget stood out. The first is that we expect a $1.4 million decrease (10 percent) in state aid. The second is we expect a $520,000 increase (10 percent) in health insurance spending.

The situation is unsustainable. Spending on health insurance continues to grow at a rate far greater than overall expenditures. Chelmsford will spend 11 percent of its entire budget — 11 cents of every dollar that we pay in taxes — on health insurance in fiscal year 2012. That figure will grow to 25 percent — fully a quarter of our operating budget — in just a few years if this trend continues. The consequences are dire: more and more taxpayer dollars swallowed by health insurance means less and less for schools, public safety, and other critical municipal services.

We would like to get a handle on out-of-control health insurance spending at the local level, but state law prohibits us from making changes to our health plans without agreement from our town employees' unions. It's a stupid law that local officials would like to see changed. Unfortunately, the Legislature has been unwilling to do so, even as the economy has deteriorated, state aid has been cut and local officials across the commonwealth scream for something to be done. The reason for Beacon Hill's intransigence on this issue is obvious: many legislators are terrified of offending the unions.

Fortunately, the grave fiscal facing our state and its 351 communities in fiscal year 2012 presents the members of the Legislature with an opportunity to put their fears aside and implement a straightforward reform: they can pass a simple one-page bill that grants health insurance plan design authority to cities and towns. [It should be noted that Chelmsford’s four state reps, to their credit, have previously expressed a willingness to consider such legislation.]

Plan design authority would empower local officials to make cost-saving changes to municipal health plans without having to go through the collective-bargaining process. If we were to exercise this authority in Chelmsford by amending our health plan so that it resembles the typical plan offered by the state itself (the type of plan, incidentally, that's offered to our state reps and senators - hardly shoddy coverage), we would save an estimated $1 million annually. In fiscal year 2012, that would almost make up for the expected 10 percent cut in state aid. In the longer term, that's money we could use to improve deficient services, to restore school infrastructure, or to replenish our stabilization fund.

It is high time that the 200 members of the Legislature put aside special-interest politics, step up, and pass this commonsense, cost-saving reform. If not now, when?

Link to the op-ed on the Independent's site is here: Opinion: Time for health plan design authority.

New Bedford mayor's Globe op-ed hits it out of the park

2010-12-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Today's Globe includes an op-ed by New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, who lays out in stark terms the impacts that unsustainable growth in health insurance and pension costs are having on cities across Massachusetts:

The costs to the taxpayers of health insurance and pensions have risen 217 percent over the past decade in New Bedford, and over 200 percent on average across Massachusetts. With limited revenue streams, these rising expenditures represent dollars that cannot be used to put more police officers and firefighters on our streets or to offer our children smaller class sizes by hiring more teachers. Such dollars are instead allocated to pay the rising costs of current employee benefits. Soon, benefit costs will crush local government everywhere.

Mayor Lang is right-on. The operating model for the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts is outdated. Unfortunately, it is state law that prevents us from making changes to that model at the local level, so reform will have to start on Beacon Hill. Mayor Lang identifies a commonsense next step for proactively addressing the looming crisis:

The Legislature should create a task force to develop a new public employment covenant for the future. This panel should include members of Governor Patrick’s administration, the House and the Senate, labor, the business community, representatives from municipalities, and citizens’ groups — and should have a broad, frank, transparent discussion about how to develop models of local government that are sustainable in relationship to the revenue that cities and towns can realistically raise.

Mayor Lang's op-ed is available in its entirety here: Mass. cities need new deal with public employees.

Senator Brown has right idea for improving health reform law

2010-12-11T09:05:00.001-08:00

Josh Archambault of the Pioneer Institute and I recently submitted the following op-ed to the Boston Herald in support of Senator Brown's proposal to make national health reform more flexible for the states. It appears in yesterday's paper.

Dose of flexibility needed: Obamacare mustn’t bind states
By Eric Dahlberg and Josh Archambault
Friday, December 10, 2010

Last month, Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts partnered with Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon, to file the Empowering States to Innovate Act, which would revise a key provision of the national health reform law passed last spring. The Brown-Wyden bill is significant both because of the critically important change it would make to health care reform and because of the bipartisan approach it represents.

At a mere two pages, the bill is short and sweet. It is dwarfed by the monstrous 2,000-page health reform law it seeks to revise. Good things, as they say, come in small packages. The good thing inside this package is flexibility for the states.

The Brown-Wyden bill contains just one substantive provision: It simply changes the date by which states would be eligible to apply for waivers from the national reform law - so long as they can meet minimum standards of coverage and cost-effectiveness. The date in the original law is Jan. 1, 2017. The Brown-Wyden proposal bumps it up to Jan. 1, 2014, when most of the complex federal requirements are scheduled to go into effect.

This date change would provide states with badly needed flexibility as they gear up for the complicated implementation of health reform. At a time when all 50 states are buckling under the weight of a multi-year, recession-induced fiscal crisis, flexibility will incentivize state-level innovations, which can in turn benefit the entire nation.

The words of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis ring as true today, in the context of health reform, as they were back in 1932: “It is one of the happy incidents of the federal system that a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country.”

Equally important is the bill’s bipartisan nature. In this era of hyper-partisanship, it is encouraging and refreshing to see two senators from different sides of the aisle - and different sides of the country - come together to offer a straightforward, commonsense revision to our incredibly complicated national health reform law.

Brown-Wyden has been attacked from both ends of the ideological spectrum. Folks on the right seem willing to accept nothing short of outright repeal. Those on the left believe the only way to go is single-payer. Neither is politically realistic.

Brown and Wyden deserve kudos for working together to tackle the touchy subject of reforming health reform. With the new year upon us, let’s hope their 98 colleagues in the Senate and 435 counterparts in the House resolve to emulate them.

Link to the Herald site is here: Dose of flexibility needed: Obamacare mustn’t bind states.

Stalled out: GIC option for municipal health insurance

2010-12-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

An article in yesterday's State House News Service takes a sobering look at the lack of progress of what was billed as a huge opportunity for municipal health insurance cost savings - the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) option. It begins:

Not a single new city or town has notified the state that they intend to join the Group Insurance Commission next year, signaling a stark lack of momentum behind one of Gov. Deval Patrick's signature initiatives to help municipalities control health care costs.

The GIC option was a great attempt at providing cities and towns with a release valve for skyrocketing health insurance costs when it was created in 2007. Unfortunately, the law that set it up was configured poorly. Under that law, a municipality must get over a virtually insurmountable threshold in order to opt in to the GIC: 70 percent of that community's union membership must sign off on the change.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward, commonsense solution to the problem: the Patrick Administration and the Legislature should step up, put special interest politics aside, and give Massachusetts cities and towns unilateral health plan design authority.

The SHNS article is available here (on the site of the Arlington Advocate): Reform stalls out as municipalities shun invite to join GIC.

Letter to the editor: Cities and towns need Charlie Baker

2010-10-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

East Longmeadow Selectman Jack Villamaino and I recently co-authored an opinion piece in support of Charlie Baker. It was printed in the Lowell Sun a couple of days ago as a letter to the editor:

Cities and towns need Charlie Baker - The Lowell Sun

As Election Day approaches, each of our gubernatorial candidates is busy positioning himself or herself as the best agent to reform our broken state government. If our next governor is to truly change the way we do business here in Massachusetts, he or she must also tackle the daunting challenges being faced by our local governments.

As local officials like us across the state can report, local government -- as it is currently configured, micromanaged, and meddled with by Beacon Hill -- is unsustainable, despite our best efforts to achieve reform at the local level. The situation is as dire as the one faced by the state.

Charlie Baker is the only candidate in the race for governor who has unwaveringly supported commonsense reforms that will un-tie the hands of our cities and towns. Among these are:

Granting municipal health plan design authority. Granting cities and towns the very same authority that the state itself enjoys to change our own health plans would provide communities with a desperately-needed release valve for the unending annual increases in municipal health care costs.

Keeping local aid promises. It's bad enough for the state to keep sending back less and less local aid to cities and towns. It's even worse when the governor uses Chapter 9C powers to cut those amounts mid-year, essentially yanking the rug out from under cities and towns. Local aid must be maintained throughout the fiscal year. Our schools, police, and fire departments are depending on it.

Stopping unfunded mandates. Simply put, unfunded mandates result when state government passes bills so that they can take credit for good ideas while passing the buck to cities and towns. The Patrick administration has continued to pile on layer after layer of state-enforced requirements on cities and towns ... without any additional meaningful financial assistance whatsoever. Enough is enough.

As a former Swampscott selectman, Charlie Baker is familiar with the challenges facing the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. His consistent support for the straightforward reforms summarized above shows that he recognizes that a partnership between state and local government is essential in order to provide efficient and effective services to taxpayers.

As governor, Charlie Baker will renew this partnership. Please join us in voting for him on Nov. 2.

ERIC DAHLBERG, selectman
Chelmsford

JACK VILLAMAINO, selectman
East Longmeadow

Link to the Sun's site is here: Cities and towns need Charlie Baker.

Radisson Hotel joins Greener Chelmsford Initiative

2010-10-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chelmsford's Radisson Hotel became the newest member of the Greener Chelmsford Iniative (GCI).

The Chelmsford Patch was there to cover it:

Radisson Recognized for Going Green
The Greener Chelmsford Initiative recognized the business Wednesday.

The Greener Chelmsford Initiative Wednesday recognized the Radisson Hotel for doing its part to save energy and recycle.

Scott Durkee, general manager of the Radisson, said the hotel has replaced the lighting in all guest rooms to energy-efficient bulbs and upgraded its air control systems to recycle outside air instead of using regular heat or air conditioning units. Durkee said the hotel has reduced about 25 percent of electricity use with the new systems.

Numerous windows at the hotel have also been replaced to energy-efficient models, which are eligible for a National Grid rebate, Durkee said.

The energy management system the hotel now uses is more efficient as it comes with a sensor for each guest room. If the room is unoccupied, it will maintain a certain temperature until someone enters the room.

Linens are only changed upon request, said Durkee, as another way to save energy. The hotel's gym not uses a water filtration system instead of bottled spring water.

Instead of using chlorine in the hotel's pool, a saline solution is now used in the pools, eliminating the odor. Durkee said guests have noticed it feels softer on the skin and people can open their eyes under water without a burning sensation.

"People love it," he said. "Not only are we not using harsh chemicals, but it's a better guest experience."

Chelmsford recently received status by the state as a "green community" and is now eligible for certain state grants due to its initiatives.

The Radisson is the twelfth business in town to be recognized by the Chelmsford Green Initiative.

"We've been identifying business in town doing their part to help," said Pat Wojtas, who co-founded the group.

Story and photo courtesy of Chelmsford Patch. Link to Patch's coverage is here: Radisson Recognized for Going Green.

Now let's win on November 2nd!

2010-09-15T08:42:00.001-07:00

Friends,

Thanks to everyone - the volunteers, staffers, supporters, and donors - who gave so much of their own time, effort, and resources for all the pre-primary Republican campaigns. The final results of my own race weren't what we hoped they would be, but we had a phenomenal experience!

The voters have made their preferences clear - that's the beauty of our system. Now let's focus on getting good Republicans elected on November 2nd!

See you out there,
Eric

Next weekly "office hours": Friday, September 3rd in Concord

2010-09-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

Please join us! The Concord Journal has the details:

Dahlberg to hold office hours at Main Streets Market

The Concord Journal
Posted Sep 01, 2010 @ 04:06 PM

Concord — Eric Dahlberg, Republican candidate for state Senate, 3rd Middlesex District, will hold candidate office hours Friday, Sept. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Main Streets Market and Café, 42 Main St., Concord. This is an opportunity for voters to meet and chat with Dahlberg in an informal setting. He has been holding such meetings across the district on a weekly basis for months. All are welcome.

Dahlberg is vice chairman of the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. His professional background is in health care policy.

Link to Journal's coverage is here: Dahlberg to hold office hours at Main Streets Market.

You cannot be serious: state auditor is giving out raises

2010-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

The story below appears in today's Boston Globe. It's tough to overstate how flagrant a slap in the face this is to both taxpayers and to public-sector employees who "get it" - those who are voluntarily going without pay raises because of the ongoing economic crisis. We in Chelmsford just signed three-year contracts with our police unions - no pay raises.

Beacon Hill is totally out of touch with reality.

Retiring DeNucci increases staff pay
Auditor’s office defends 5% hike; move may stoke anger from voters
By Michael Levenson - Globe Staff / August 11, 2010

Despite an economic downturn and widespread job and wage cuts for many workers, outgoing state Auditor A. Joseph DeNucci has awarded a 5 percent raise to his staff, retroactive to July 1.

A DeNucci spokesman defended the raises, which he said would cost about $350,000 through the end of the year, as just compensation for a staff that has not seen a pay boost in nearly four years and has taken 11 furlough days over the last two years, a concession equivalent to a 4 percent wage reduction.

But DeNucci’s move as he prepares to leave office could anger state workers and many in the private sector workforce who have lost their jobs, seen their unemployment benefits run out, or been forced to contend with pay and benefit cuts.

Indeed, the state budget that took effect July 1 is expected to lead to scores of layoffs elsewhere in state government, which was hit hard by the recession...

Read the entire Globe article here.

Office hours this Friday in Chelmsford

2010-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Join me at Panera in Chelmsford this Friday, August 13th, 9-11 AM! Here is the Chelmsford Independent's coverage of our announcement:

State Senate candidate Dahlberg holding Chelmsford office hours
GateHouse News Service
Posted Aug 09, 2010 @ 11:02 AM
Last update Aug 09, 2010 @ 11:34 AM

Chelmsford — Republican candidate for state Senate Eric Dahlberg is holding office hours Friday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Panera Bread in North Chelmsford.

Dahlberg, who is currently a selectman in Chelmsford, said Friday will be a chance for voters to sit down over coffee with the candidate and chat. Dahlberg is holding meetings like Friday’s across the nine towns in the state Senate district on a weekly basis, according to his campaign.

About Eric Dahlberg
Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for state Senate in the Third Middlesex district. His priorities, according to his campaign, are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable. Eric is currently the vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Chelmsford. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University. Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy. Additional information about Eric is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

About the Third Middlesex District
The district is comprised of the nine communities of: Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Dahlberg’s office hours are Friday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Panera Bread, 90 Drum Hill Rd., Chelmsford.

Here is a link to the Independent's coverage: State Senate candidate Dahlberg holding Chelmsford office hours.

Office hours in Waltham this Friday

2010-08-03T11:21:00.001-07:00

Join me for coffee and chit-chat at 'Cafe on the Common' in Waltham on Friday. The scones are phenomenal! The Waltham Daily News Tribune has the details:

Senate candidate Dahlberg to host office hours Friday in Waltham
By Jen Judson/Daily News staff
Posted Aug 03, 2010 @ 12:46 PM

WALTHAM — Eric Dahlberg, Republican candidate for state Senate in the third Middlesex district, will hold office hours Friday at Café on the Common on Main Street.

From 9 to 11 a.m., Dahlberg will be available to meet and chat with voters over coffee. Dahlberg said in a release that he intends to hold meetings across the district on a weekly basis.

“His priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable,” reads the campaign release.

Dahlberg is the vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Chelmsford and lives with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher.

Dahlberg will face off in the September 14 primary against republican candidate Sandi Martinez. The winner will run against Democratic incumbent Susan Fargo.

Dahlberg’s campaign site is www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

Here's a link to the Tribune's story: Senate candidate Dahlberg to host office hours Friday in Waltham.

Former chair of Mass GOP and state rep Brian Cresta endorses our candidacy!

2010-07-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

The Chelmsford Independent has the story:

Former chairman of state GOP endorses Chelmsford's Dahlberg for state Senate

GateHouse News Service
Posted Jul 27, 2010 @ 11:13 AM

Waltham — Brian Cresta, a former chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and state representative, is endorsing Eric Dahlberg in his bid for state senate, according to the Dahlberg Committee.

The Committee announced Cresta's endorsement Tuesday. Cresta chaired the Massachusetts Republican Party from 1999 to 2001 and represented Wakefield, Lynnfield and Middleton in the state House of Representatives from 1994 to 2001.

"Eric represents the next generation of leaders who have stepped forward to put Massachusetts back on track," said Cresta, who served as Regional Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2006 and who is a Middleton selectman. "He'll bring the right combination of experience, principles, and energy to the State Senate."

Dahlberg said he is pleased to have the backing of Cresta.

"Brian and I share a passion for public service and for health care issues," said Dahlberg. "It's fantastic to have the support of someone who has accomplished so much for our state and for our party."

Last week, Dahlberg was endorsed by Susan Pope, former state representative from the Thirteenth Middlesex district, which includes Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. Dahlberg is also being endorsed by Reed Hillman, 2006 GOP nominee for Lieutenant Governor and former commander of the Massachusetts State Police, Waltham City Councilor Diane LeBlanc and Concord Selectman Greg Howes. Former Governor Paul Cellucci and former State Senator Cile Hicks serve as honorary co-chairs of the Dahlberg campaign's Steering Committee.

About Eric Dahlberg
Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for State Senate in the Third Middlesex district. According to his release, his priorities are to lower taxes, streamline government, improve business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable. Eric is currently the vice chairman of the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University. Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy. Additional information about Eric is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

About the Third Middlesex district
The Third Middlesex district is comprised of the nine communities of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Link to the Independent's coverage is here: Former chairman of state GOP endorses Chelmsford's Dahlberg for state Senate.

Former State Rep. Sue Pope endorses our candidacy

2010-07-19T08:50:00.001-07:00

The Chelmsford Independent carries the great news!

Former state Rep. Susan Pope endorses Dahlberg for state senate bid
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jul 19, 2010 @ 11:32 AM

Waltham — The Dahlberg Committee announced today that its candidate has earned the endorsement of Susan Pope, former state representative from the Thirteenth Middlesex district.

"I am endorsing Eric because he and I share an unshakeable belief in the Republican principles of lower taxes, limited government, and personal responsibility," said Pope, who represented the communities of Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland for five terms in the Massachusetts House, from 1997 to 2006, and now serves as a Selectman in the town of Wayland. "Like me, he places the highest priority on responsiveness to the taxpayers, something that the good people of the Third Middlesex district desperately need."

"Sue's support means the world to me," said Dahlberg. "She set the gold standard for responsive constituent services during her distinguished tenure in the House."

Last week, Dahlberg was endorsed by Reed Hillman, 2006 GOP nominee for lieutenant governor and former commander of the Massachusetts State Police. Last month, Dahlberg picked up endorsements from Waltham City Councilor Diane LeBlanc and Concord Selectman Greg Howes. Former Governor Paul Cellucci and former State Senator Cile Hicks serve as honorary co-chairs of the Dahlberg campaign's Steering Committee.

About Eric Dahlberg
Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for state Senate in the Third Middlesex district. His priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable.

Eric is currently the vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Chelmsford. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University.

Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy.

Additional information about Eric is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

About the Third Middlesex district
The Third Middlesex district is comprised of the nine communities of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Here's a link to the Chelmsford Independent's coverage: Former state Rep. Susan Pope endorses Dahlberg for state senate bid.

Reed Hillman endorses our candidacy

2010-07-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

Reed Hillman, 2006 GOP candidate for Lieutenant Governor and former Commander of the Massachusetts State Police, has endorsed our candidacy. Here's coverage from today's Chelmsford Independent:

Reed Hillman backing Chelmsford state senate candidate Dahlberg
Posted Jul 12, 2010 @ 10:03 AM

Chelmsford — The Dahlberg Committee announced today that its candidate has earned the endorsement of Reed Hillman, the GOP's 2006 candidate for lieutenant governor and former commander of the State Police.

"I'm endorsing Eric because he has what it takes to be an effective State Senator for the taxpayers of the Third Middlesex District," said Hillman, who served as a three-term member of the Massachusetts House following a distinguished 25-year career with the State Police. "He knows that the party is over on Beacon Hill."

"I'm honored to have Reed's support," said Dahlberg. "His lifelong commitment to public service is heroic. He has been an invaluable source of advice on both law enforcement issues and politics."

Last month, Dahlberg picked up endorsements from Waltham City Councilor Diane LeBlanc and Concord Selectman Greg Howes. Former Gov. Paul Cellucci and former state Sen. Cile Hicks serve as honorary co-chairs of the Dahlberg campaign's Steering Committee.

About Eric Dahlberg

Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for State Senate in the Third Middlesex district. His priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable.

Eric is currently the vice chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Chelmsford. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University.

Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy. Additional information about Eric is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

About the Third Middlesex district

The Third Middlesex district is comprised of the nine communities of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Link to the Chelmsford Independent's story is here:
Reed Hillman backing Chelmsford state senate candidate Dahlberg.

Note: photo above is from our March campaign kick-off celebration and was not included in the Chelmsford Independent's article.

My letter in today's Lowell Sun: Legislators should have approved 'plan design'

2010-06-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

Legislators should have approved 'plan design'
The Lowell Sun

The Legislature's conference committee budget for fiscal 2011 misses a $100 million opportunity to deliver services to the taxpayers more efficiently and effectively. It excludes a provision to grant health insurance plan-design authority to cities and towns.

Such authority is currently exercised by every private-sector organization in the state, as well as by state government itself. If granted to the 351 communities of the commonwealth, it would empower local elected officials to make cost-saving changes to municipal health plans without having to go through the collective-bargaining process. This is clearly in the best interest of the taxpayers.

The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimates that granting such authority would save up to $100 million annually. That's money we in local government could use to provide property-tax relief to residents, to improve deficient services, or to replenish our stabilization funds.

It is concerning and, frankly, bizarre that our legislators have failed to include this straightforward, common-sense measure in the fiscal 2011 budget, even as the economy continues to lag and federal stimulus funds dry up.

Yet again, Beacon Hill's special-interest politics has gotten in the way of prudent public policy.

ERIC R. DAHLBERG

Chelmsford

The writer is a selectman in the town of Chelmsford and a Republican candidate for state Senate in the Third Middlesex District.

Link to letter online: Legislators should have approved 'plan design'.

Waltham campaign office is open!

2010-06-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

Thrilled to share news of our headquarters' opening - here's the coverage from the Chelmsford Independent:

Dahlberg opens campaign headquaters for state Senate race in Waltham
State Senate candidate's team sets up shop at 282 Moody Street, announces 'Grand Opening Celebration' to be held on June 29th

Waltham - The campaign of Eric Dahlberg, Republican candidate for State Senate in the Third Middlesex District, today announced the grand opening of its headquarters at 282 Moody Street in downtown Waltham. Dahlberg's team will occupy the building's ground-level space for the duration of the campaign season.

"I'm thrilled that my campaign has set up its base of operations in downtown Waltham," said Dahlberg. "It's a phenomenal location with great visibility and easy access to the rest of the district."

Laurie Myers, Dahlberg's campaign manager, said that the office will be a central gathering spot for the growing team of volunteers that the campaign is assembling, as well as a place where voters can stop in to meet and learn more about the candidate.

"We'll have an 'open-door policy' at the office," said Myers. "All are welcome to come in for a visit, to chat with Eric and the team, and of course to help out!"

While the office is officially open for business and visitors as of today, a "Grand Opening Celebration" is planned for Tuesday, June 29th, 5:00 to 8:00 PM. All are welcome to visit the headquarters during this time to meet Dahlberg and his team and to enjoy some refreshments.

Dahlberg invites all visitors to the headquarters to bring one non-perishable food item. All food items will be collected and taken to area food banks periodically throughout the summer.

...

Link to story on Chelmsford Independent's web site is here: Dahlberg opens campaign headquaters for state Senate race in Waltham.

Concord endorsement!

2010-06-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

From today's Chelmsford Independent online:

CONCORD SELECTMAN GREG HOWES ENDORSES ERIC DAHLBERG FOR STATE SENATE

Chelmsford - Monday, June 14, 2010 - Concord Selectman Greg Howes has endorsed Chelmsford Selectman Eric Dahlberg in the race for State Senate in the Third Middlesex District.

"Eric Dahlberg is the person I want representing Concord in the State Senate," said Howes, who has served on the Concord Board of Selectmen since 2006. "He'll bring some badly-needed common sense and a focus on the efficient delivery of top-notch public services to the State House."

"I'm thrilled to have Greg on my team," said Dahlberg. "We're in sync on a number of important issues, including the need for the state to take the handcuffs off cities and towns so local officials can make cost-saving decisions that benefit the taxpayers."

Howes is the latest to join a growing list of current and former elected officials who have endorsed Dahlberg in the race. Waltham City Councilor Diane LeBlanc just recently threw her support behind Dahlberg. The Dahlberg campaign's steering committee is co-chaired by former Governor Paul Cellucci and former State Senator Cile Hicks.

About Eric Dahlberg
Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for State Senate in the Third Middlesex district. His priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable. Eric is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in the town of Chelmsford. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University. Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy. Additional information about Eric is available at http://www.dahlbergforsenate.com/.

About the Third Middlesex district
The Third Middlesex district is comprised of the nine communities of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Link to online story is here: Concord Selectman Howes endorses Dahlberg for state Senate.

Today's Lowell Sun: 'In Senate bid, Dahlberg's all in'

2010-06-12T04:20:00.000-07:00

Today's Lowell Sun features a story on our campaigning! Text and link are below:

In Senate bid, Dahlberg's all in
By Rita Savard, rsavard@lowellsun.com

CHELMSFORD -- Unseating an incumbent can be a laborious task.

That's why Eric Dahlberg quit his day job to campaign full time for the 3rd Middlesex Senate District seat, which has been held by Lincoln Democrat Susan Fargo since 1996.

"I don't think you should do things halfway," said Dahlberg, a Republican who lives in Chelmsford. "The district desperately needs a new voice on Beacon Hill, somebody who's trying to advance the priorities of the district, who's responsive and checked in. I want to be that person so I plan on giving 100 percent to campaigning."

Dahlberg is staring down two major obstacles in the race to Beacon Hill. First, he must beat fellow Republican and Chelmsford resident Sandra Martinez in a primary election this fall.

He also has to make sure voters know his name in the district's eight other communities beside Chelmsford, including Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Sudbury, Waltham and Weston.

"Being an incumbent is a powerful advantage anywhere, but especially in Massachusetts where the decks have been stacked against (newcomers)," Dahlberg said.

In March, he left his job as an associate at the Health Connector, established in 2006 to implement the state's health-care reform law, to start knocking on doors.

"I've lost 15 pounds since I've been hitting neighborhoods in the district," said Dahlberg, who began his day at 6:30 a.m. yesterday in Bedford Center, where he held his campaign sign before greeting constituents at Ken's New York Deli on Great Road.

Dahlberg describes himself as a moderate Republican, who's pro-choice and supports gay marriage. He has a bachelor's in history from Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

If elected, Dahlberg said he wants to help revitalize the state's economy and work with other members of the Legislature to hammer out a plan that would give cities and towns more control over health-insurance costs that are largely depleting municipal budgets.

"We want total 100 percent plan design authority," said Dahlberg, who is in the second year of his first term on the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. "Cities and towns should have the same privilege that the state itself enjoys when it comes to deciding health-insurance plans. Chelmsford alone would save hundreds of thousands of dollars with this plan, as would other communities, which is money that could be put back into the budget or given back to taxpayers in the form of property tax relief."

Through plan design, unions would still be able to negotiate the share of health premiums their members must pay but it would also allow municipal officials to determine the kind of plans, including the amount of co-pays and deductibles, that would be offered.

Dahlberg has also pledged to decline a state pension, limit his service to three terms, hold office hours in each district, never accept campaign contributions from special interest PAC's or lobbyists and respond to all constituent inquiries within one business day.

"I don't care what party you're in, what level of government you're at, or what issues get you out of bed in the morning," Dahlberg said. "The most important part of the job is staying in touch with the boss. When you're in the Legislature, your boss is the voters and when they contact you, you have got to get back to them."

New to local politics, Dahlberg beat incumbent Selectman Sam Chase in 2008 after launching a grass-roots campaign where he spent weeks going door-to-door, asking for votes.

His door knocking in the 3rd District has helped in Waltham -- the largest community in the district with 35,354 registered voters -- where a Waltham city councilor switched her party affiliation to support him.

Diane LeBlanc changed her voting status from Democrat to unenrolled and pledged her support for Dahlberg during a discussion with him on a Waltham local cable access TV show.

"I vote for the person, not the party," she said on camera, commending Dahlberg's efforts in meeting with residents and elected officials in Waltham. "Eric is the right person for the job... I am particularly impressed with his commitment to meet with the mayor and the members of the City Council at least twice a month."

Fargo has taken some criticism for being "inaccessible," and having the worst roll call attendance in the Senate, according to Bob Katzen of Beacon Hill Roll Call, a news service that records voting and attendance for both the House and the Senate.

Fargo missed 67 out of 185 roll calls in 2009 and 22 roll calls out of 108 so far this year, BHRC reports.

Fargo, who said her absences were due to two major hip surgeries, said her health has improved greatly and shouldn't impede her future work in the Senate. She also said her firsthand experience as a patient over the past year has given her new insight on the health-care process that will have an impact on her future decisions about health-care policy.

"There's a lot of unfinished work that needs to be done and it's good work that benefits people," Fargo said. "The major item is revitalizing the economy, economic vitality and job growth. I've already been taking actions toward those priorities."

Dahlberg, if he can get past Martinez in the primary election this fall and if he's able to beat Fargo, said he wouldn't dream of holding onto the seat for another 14 years. (Martinez did not return a call for this story.)

"You get in, give 100 percent and get out," he said. "It shouldn't be a lifelong career. When it becomes one, politicians can get too comfortable and stop trying hard. I think the voters are tired of that mentality and next year, I'll bet the Legislature looks a lot different because of it."

Full story is here: In Senate bid, Dahlberg's all in.

Waltham endorsement

2010-06-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Chelmsford Independent covers some great news out of Waltham. Full story is below:

Waltham City Councilor LeBlanc endorses Dahlberg for state Senate
Posted Jun 01, 2010 @ 10:42 AM

Chelmsford — Waltham City Councillor Diane LeBlanc threw her support behind Chelmsford Selectman Eric Dahlberg in the race for state Senate in the Third Middlesex District.

Citing Dahlberg's focus on responsiveness and accessibility, his understanding of the issues facing cities and towns, and his commitment to working collaboratively with the elected officials of Waltham, LeBlanc pledged her support during a TV broadcast discussion between the two that aired on Waltham Community Access (WCAC) on Saturday, May 29th.

"I vote for the person, not the party," said LeBlanc following the WCAC broadcast. "And Eric is the right person for the job. He has been campaigning tirelessly across Waltham to meet residents, business owners, and local officials. He understands our issues. He'll bring that same collaborative, accessible, input-driven approach to Beacon Hill. I am particularly impressed with his commitment to meet with the Mayor and the members of the City Council at least twice a month if elected."

LeBlanc, previously registered as a Democrat, has switched her party affiliation to 'unenrolled' so she can pull the lever for Dahlberg in the September 14th Republican primary election.

"I'm honored to have Councillor LeBlanc's support," said Dahlberg. "One of the most fulfilling things about public service is working across party lines to get things done for the taxpayers. I look forward to working with her, her colleagues on the City Council, the Mayor, and Waltham's two state representatives as the next State Senator for the Third Middlesex district."

About Eric Dahlberg
Eric Dahlberg is a Republican candidate for State Senate in the Third Middlesex district. His priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, an improved business climate, and representation that is independent, responsive and accountable. Eric is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in the town of Chelmsford. His professional background is in health care policy - he is presently a consultant in that field. He earned a bachelor's degree in American history at Dartmouth College and a master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University. Eric resides in Chelmsford with his wife Suzanne, a cancer researcher, and their dog, Teddy. Additional information about Eric is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

About the Third Middlesex district
The Third Middlesex district is comprised of the nine communities of Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9 only), Lincoln, Sudbury (precincts 1 and 4 only), Waltham, and Weston.

Story is available online here: Waltham City Councilor LeBlanc endorses Dahlberg for state Senate.

Debate update II: Chelmsford Independent backs our call for pre-primary debates

2010-05-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

This editorial appeared in the Chelmsford Independent online on May 23rd:

Chelmsford — Odd move
The world of politics is different from the everyday world. It seems, at times, to operate in a “Blade Runner” world where up is down and left is right.

This week, senate candidate Eric Dahlberg challenged his rival, Sandi Martinez to no less than nine debates. It would offer the voters of the sprawling 3rd Senate [the oppportunity] to see the two, compare and allow for real choice.

But Martinez’s camp sent an e-mail, announcing the candidate too busy, “With all due respect, the plan involves many people, places, and times that can not be changed at this juncture to fit your campaign model.”

That plan: “bring 'directly to the people' their fight for your Family, Freedom, and Future.” [Emphasis theirs.]

It’s a peculiar response. We hope it’s the first step in the Kabuki dance leading to debate between the candidates. What better way to reach ‘directly to the people.?’

Link to the Independent's editorial is here.

Debate update

2010-05-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

The Sudbury Town Crier has coverage of the latest developments on my effort to schedule public debates with my primary opponent here: Martinez rebuffs Dahlberg’s debate request.

Planning for debates before September 14th primary

2010-05-17T05:31:00.001-07:00

This morning I sent the message below to my Republican primary opponent. I will provide updates as debate details are confirmed!

Dear Sandi,

I would like to extend an open invitation to you to participate in a series of public debates across the State Senate district with me in advance of the September 14th Republican primary election.

I propose that you and I commit to and arrange a total of not less than nine public debates - at least one in each community of the district - on a roughly weekly basis throughout spring and summer. This will provide the voters of each community with the opportunity to understand our priorities, views, and ideas before the primary election on September 14th.

In anticipation of your positive response, I have taken the liberty of sending copies of this message to a wide variety of media outlets and other parties across the district that may take an interest in our debate schedule.

I look forward to a series of not less than nine respectful, issues-oriented debates with you. My campaign team stands ready to work with yours to coordinate the details of such a debate schedule.

For planning purposes, please know that the only night that I am unavailable is Monday, since the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen typically meets on that night.

Thank you,
Eric R. Dahlberg

Enterprise Bank joins Greener Chelmsford Initiative

2010-05-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today, the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI) welcomed its newest participant - Enterprise Bank.

GCI Director Badhri Uppiliappan, former Selectman and GCI co-founder Pat Wojtas, and I visited Enterprise's Littleton Road branch to present a GCI certificate to Denise Marcaurelle and CEO Jack Clancy of Enterprise Bank. Taking the photo was Catherine Fobes, also of Enterprise Bank.

Additional information about the Greener Chelmsford Initiative is available here.

Boston Globe takes note of our campaign: "If Republicans have an opportunity to rebuild the state party, it may be with candidates like Dahlberg."

2010-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Read the coverage in the April 28th edition here: Active campaign shapes up for Republicans.

My letter in today's Boston Globe on health care cost containment

2010-04-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

This letter appears in today's Boston Globe:

Contain costs of health premiums
April 26, 2010

THE ASSOCIATED Press story on “4 million may face fine under health law’’ (Page A8, April 23) regarding the coming national health insurance mandate states that Democrats in Washington who support the mandate “point out that getting young, healthy Americans in the insurance pool will reduce costs for others.’’

As someone who was on the staff of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority from 2006 to 2010, I know this statement is not supported by the evidence here in Massachusetts, where an individual mandate has been in effect since 2007. Despite impressive gains in insurance coverage across all segments of the population, including the young and healthy, we continue to experience extraordinary annual increases in health premiums.

It’s concerning that national reform supporters in Washington are employing a talking point that the Massachusetts experience — on which national reform is closely modeled — so soundly refutes.

There are many good things to be said about Massachusetts’ pioneering health reform effort as it enters its fifth year of implementation, but it has not contained premium costs. The Legislature should step up and fine-tune it accordingly.

ERIC DAHLBERG
Chelmsford

The writer is a Republican candidate for state Senate in the Third Middlesex District.

Link to letter online is here: Contain costs of health premiums.

Phenomenal volunteer work underway at Chelmsford's Sunny Meadow Farm

2010-04-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Phil Stanway of the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards tells me that there are a total of six Eagle Scout projects currently underway at Sunny Meadow Farm. The results of all of the Scouts' hard work will be a huge benefit to the residents of Chelmsford! Go down there and check out the progress being made!

Pictured with me below are Eagle candidate Chris Tribou (of Billerica's Troop 30) and Eagle candidate Bill Warren (of Chelmsford's Troop 74):

Another nice "Support our Town" gathering in Chelmsford

2010-04-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

With Tom Christiano and Selectman Matt Hanson at this morning's "Support our Town" coffee get-together at Jones Farm's Greenhouse Cafe in Chelmsford. Thanks to Tom and Kathy Duffett for organizing these nice gatherings to benefit local businesses.

Photo courtesy of Tom Christiano.

Chelmsford's Economic Development Commission is getting it done!

2010-04-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, members of Chelmsford's Economic Development Commission provided the community with a progress report and unveiled a new marketing slogan, web site, and fantastic logo (as shown).

The members of the Commission were appointed just a few months ago with a mission to develop strategies to attract good, job-creating, prosperity-enhancing businesses to Chelmsford.

Last night's presentation, led by the Commission's indefatigable chair Mike Kowalyk, was one of the best I've seen before the Board. Mike introduced executives from three of the four "Globe 100" firms currently located in Chelmsford (Airvana, Datawatch, and Zoll Medical) all of whom raved about how great it is to do business here.

Mike also introduced three of our state representatives who have taken an active role in the work of the Commission: Reps. Arciero, Atkins, and Golden.

Mike and Commission member Brad Marmo then walked us through the Commission's progress, unveiled the awesome new logo, and previewed ambitious next steps.

Fantastic work by the members of the Commission, all of whom have stepped up - as volunteers - to make this happen!

The Commission's marketing site is here (currently just a placeholder - will be live soon): http://www.chelmsfordbusiness.com/.

Last night's presentation will be available shortly on the town web site here.

Boston Globe editorial page again expresses support for municipal health plan design authority

2010-04-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Today's Boston Globe features an editorial in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker's proposal to grant cities and towns the authority to make unilateral changes to their health plans. The Globe has expressed support for this innovative, cost-saving concept several times previously.

According to today's Globe editorial:
With the cost of health plans eating up larger and larger shares of municipal budgets, local officials need the ability to pare those expenses if they are to avoid more layoffs or service cuts. Baker’s proposal is an idea whose time has come.

I've said it before on this blog, and it's definitely worth repeating: the Legislature should step up, put special-interest politics aside, and grant cities and towns the authority to make unilateral changes to municipal health insurance plans -the same authority that is exercised in the private sector and by the state itself.

The full Globe editorial is here: Baker deserves support on plan to help cities cut health costs.

Thanks for a great kick-off celebration!

2010-03-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who turned out for Sunday's kick-off party in Chelmsford - we had an awesome time! Below is a press release that my campaign issued on it:

DAHLBERG OFFICIALLY KICKS-OFF CAMPAIGN FOR STATE SENATE WITH 200 SUPPORTERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
Special guests at kick-off party include former Governor Paul Cellucci, former Senator Cile Hicks, and 2010 GOP candidate for State Treasurer, State Representative Karyn Polito

Chelmsford, Mass – March 22, 2010 – Chelmsford Selectman Eric Dahlberg officially kicked off his campaign for State Senate before a crowd of over 200 enthusiastic supporters at the Chelmsford Lodge of Elks on Sunday afternoon.

"I'm running to bring the priorities of the people, businesses and communities of the Third Middlesex District back to the State Senate," Dahlberg said. "These priorities are lower taxes, streamlined government, a business climate that encourages prosperity, and independent, accountable, and responsive leadership."

Dahlberg discussed several actions he would take if elected: support for a decrease in the state sales and income tax rates, support for repeal of the state's anti-privatization "Pacheco Law," and support for an immediate wage and hiring freeze across state government. He also committed to being a different kind of public official: he pledged that he will not accept campaign contributions from special interest PACs or lobbyists, that he will limit his service to a maximum of three terms, and that he will decline a state pension.

Dahlberg also pledged to hold office hours in each town of the district at least once every two weeks and to respond to all constituent inquiries within one business day.

Introducing Dahlberg to the crowd were his campaign steering committee's honorary co-chairs: former State Senator Lucile "Cile" Hicks, who represented the district from 1990 to 1996, and former Governor and Ambassador Paul Cellucci.

"Eric’s independence, ideas and integrity are a winning combination for the nine communities of the district,” said former Senator Hicks.

“Eric is the right candidate for the Third Middlesex District: an independent, fiscally conservative, reform-minded public servant who will bring some badly needed commonsense back to Beacon Hill,” said former Governor Cellucci.

Other special guests in attendance included State Senator Bruce Tarr, State Representative and 2010 GOP candidate for Treasurer Karyn Polito, former State Representative and 2006 Lieutenant Governor candidate Reed Hillman, and former State Representative Susan Pope.

Proud to join the "Save Our Communities Coalition"

2010-03-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to report that I have joined the "Save Our Communities Coalition" - a team of local officials from across the state pushing for municipal health plan design authority - an issue I talk, blog, and think about pretty frequently.

Here's what this group is all about (from the Coalition's website):

The Save Our Communities Coalition, a partnership of Massachusetts mayors, city and town managers, and members of local boards of selectmen, has joined together to advance state legislation aimed at lowering municipal health care costs. The group initially convened at the request of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to discuss how cities and towns can control rising employee health care costs without the authority to modify health plan design, as it stands under the current state law... its goal is to advance legislation that will enable local leaders to control health plan design for a more efficient use of taxpayer money.

Here is the list of early members:

Thomas G. Ambrosino, Co-Chair, Mayor of Revere
Scott W. Lang, Co-Chair, Mayor of New Bedford
Jay Ash, City Manager of Chelsea
Colleen A. Corona, Easton Board of Selectmen
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville
Eric Dahlberg, Chelmsford Board of Selectmen
Carlo DeMaria, Jr., Mayor of Everett
Robert J. Dolan, Mayor of Melrose
Kimberley Driscoll, Mayor of Salem
Mark P. Hawke, Mayor of Gardner
Clare Higgins, Mayor of Northampton
Richard C. Howard, Mayor of Malden
Richard Kelliher, Town Administrator of Brookline
Thatcher W. Kezer III, Mayor of Amesbury
Bernard F. Lynch, City Manager of Lowell
Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston
Joshua Ostroff, Natick Board of Selectmen
William F. Scanlon, Jr., Mayor of Beverly
Joseph C. Sullivan, Mayor of Braintree
Lisa A. Wong, Mayor of Fitchburg

I'll post updates about the Coalition's work as things progress. For more information, visit the Coalition's web site here.

My letter in today's Lowell Sun: Legislature needs to give municipalities authority to rein in health insurance costs

2010-03-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

The letter below appears in today's edition of the Lowell Sun:

Legislature needs to give municipalities authority to rein in health insurance costs

Your recent editorial on municipal health insurance costs ("Handcuffed by health costs," March 1) hit the nail right on the head. Skyrocketing health insurance costs are strangling municipal budgets across the state. Cities and towns currently don't have the authority to effectively rein in these costs -- we need our elected representatives on Beacon Hill to grant us that authority.

Here in Chelmsford, more than 10 percent of our $100 million operating budget now goes to health insurance for town employees. At its current rate of increase, our health insurance spending will double in just a few years. The budgetary impact of this trend is obvious: ever more spending on insurance means ever less spending on essential services such as public safety, education and public works. We've made several attempts to arrive at an agreement with unions to bring these costs under control. These attempts have been unsuccessful. Many other communities across the state are facing the same frustrating impasse.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward, common-sense solution staring us all in the face: the Legislature should step up, put special-interest politics aside, and grant cities and towns the authority to make unilateral changes to municipal health insurance plans -- the same authority that is exercised in the private sector and by the state itself. The taxpayers of Chelmsford and the other 350 communities of the commonwealth deserve it.

ERIC DAHLBERG
Chelmsford Selectman

Dahlberg is a candidate for the State Senate seat representing the 3rd Middlesex District.

Here is a link to my letter on the Sun's site: Legislature needs to give municipalities authority to rein in health insurance costs.

Municipal health insurance savings - not to be used in Vegas

2010-03-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

I had the following to say about the need to rein in municipal health insurance costs in a story appearing in today's Chelmsford Independent:

“It’s just totally unsustainable what’s happening... We’re now at a point [where] 11 cents of the dollar the town spends [goes] to insurance. We need to slow the cost of the health insurance... It would save the towns so much money. The [members of the] Board of Selectmen aren’t going to take that money to Vegas, that’s money that we’re going to put back into the budget.”

As usual I rambled a little bit, but you get the gist: any money we're able to save on municipal health insurance - if granted plan design authority by the Legislature - would likely be money we'd use to fund essential services like education, public safety, and public works!

Full Independent story is here: Chelmsford seeks to break negotiation stalemate.

My letter in the Boston Herald: Legislature should step up on municipal health insurance

2010-03-12T08:07:00.001-08:00

My letter appears in today's Boston Herald:

Savings denied
Friday, March 12, 2010

Your editorial, “Savings by design” (March 10) hit the nail right on the head.

Here in Chelmsford, over 10 percent of our $100 million operating budget now goes to health insurance for town employees. At this rate of increase, our health insurance spending will double in just a few years, and ever more spending on insurance means ever less spending on essential services. We’ve made several unsuccessful attempts to arrive at an agreement with unions to bring these costs under control.

The Legislature should put special interest politics aside and grant cities and towns the authority to make unilateral changes to municipal health insurance plans - the same authority that is exercised in the private sector and by the state itself.

Eric Dahlberg
Chelmsford Selectman

Link to this letter on the Herald site is here: Savings denied.

Link to the Herald editorial referenced in my letter is here: Savings by design.

Latest municipal relief proposal: letting the big one get away

2010-03-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting, we reviewed a summary of Beacon Hill's latest proposal for municipal relief.

The legislation contains a number of decent, commonsense provisions that would benefit cities and towns, such as expanded incentives for regionalization.

A glaring and disappointing omission: the legislation would not give cities and towns the authority to make unilateral changes to municipal health insurance plans.

The Lowell Sun captured my thoughts on this omission in its coverage of last night's meeting: "They're missing the big one," said Selectman Eric Dahlberg. "It's seems like they've tried to throw everything else at us to distract us. I'd rather give up all of this for the health-insurance piece."

As local officials across the state (and even the editorial page of the Boston Globe) have been arguing for some time: real relief for cities and towns means health insurance plan design authority - the same authority that is exercised in the private sector and by the state itself.

The Sun story is available here: Chelmsford officials: State missed the mark by leaving out health-care plan.

Pleased to announce hiring of campaign manager Matt Grew

2010-03-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to share the news below - issued in a press release earlier this week:

'ERIC DAHLBERG FOR STATE SENATE' ANNOUNCES HIRING OF CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Veteran GOP campaign strategist Matt Grew joins the Dahlberg Campaign effective March 1st

Chelmsford, MA - March 1, 2010 - Today the 'Eric Dahlberg for State Senate' campaign announced that it has hired veteran GOP strategist Matt Grew to serve as manager.

Grew brings years of political experience to Dahlberg's campaign for the State Senate in the Third Middlesex District. He previously served in the office of Governor Mitt Romney, where he worked on legislative affairs. He served as campaign manager for US Senator Scott Brown's 2008 State Senate re-election campaign. Most recently, he served as events coordinator on the staff of Brown's history-making campaign for US Senate.

"I hired Matt because he has the experience and skills to get the job done," said Dahlberg. "He is a brilliant campaign strategist, a true gentleman, and a good friend."

According to Grew, the decision to join Dahlberg's campaign came easily: "I've known Eric and Suzanne for years. I received calls from several GOP candidates following Scott Brown's election to the US Senate, but my decision was easy: I believe Eric is a leader who will be the right voice for the people of the Third Middlesex district."

Grew joins the Dahlberg campaign on a full-time basis starting today, March 1st.

Additional information about the Dahlberg campaign is available at www.DahlbergforSenate.com.

Out-of-control municipal health insurance costs: "It has got to be dealt with... Or we will all go bankrupt."

2010-02-28T05:12:00.000-08:00

A special report in today's Boston Globe shines a light on a fiscal challenge that has the potential to bankrupt Mass cities and towns: out-of-control municipal health insurance costs.

The Globe story lays out the challenge we face:

A six-month review by the Globe found that municipal health plans, which cover employees, retirees, and elected officials, provide benefit levels largely unheard of in the private sector. Copays are much lower. Some communities do not force retirees onto Medicare at age 65. Many citizens on elected boards - some after serving as few as six years - receive coverage for life, too.

As medical costs across the board rose over the past decade, municipal health care expenses exploded, draining local budgets and forcing major cuts in services, higher property tax bills, and billions in new debt.

The solution is obvious: the Legislature needs to step up and empower cities and towns to make unilateral changes to municipal health insurance plans - the same authority that is exercised in the private sector and by the state itself.

The full Globe story is here: Runaway health costs are rocking municipal budgets.

My letter in the Lincoln Journal: my top priorities and no PAC $ pledge

2010-02-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

I recently submitted a letter to the editor of the Lincoln Journal. My letter appears in this week's edition. Here it is in its entirety:

Independent, responsive, accountable leadership will be my top priority in the State Senate.

The historic result of last month's U.S. Senate election is a clear indication that the taxpayers of Massachusetts have had enough of business as usual. 2010 presents a great opportunity to elect fiscally conservative, reform-minded, independent candidates who will bring commonsense back to our state government.

I aspire to be one of those candidates — I am running for the State Senate here in the Third Midddlesex District. If elected, I will bring the same priorities to the State Senate that I've brought to the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen: streamlining government, lowering taxes, and improving the business climate. My top priority will remain serving as an independent, responsive, accountable voice for the taxpayers.

Independence is, in my view, the most important trait that an elected official can bring to the job. Doing what's best for the taxpayers — not for the special interests — is critical. I pledge that my campaign for State Senate will not accept one cent of special interest PAC money. I will owe favors to no one if elected.

Responsiveness is a similarly critical trait for an elected official. As a Chelmsford selectman, I've learned that taxpayers frequently reach out when they need urgent information or assistance, so getting back to them quickly is essential. I pledge to remain responsive and accessible to all taxpayers, at all times, if elected.

Finally, accountability is really what public service is all about. The taxpayers deserve total transparency. After all, they are the ones footing the bills. I pledge to conduct the people's business transparently and to remain accountable for my decisions, votes, and actions, at all times, if elected.

My professional background is in healthcare policy — I've worked in that field at both the state and federal levels. I previously worked as a staffer in the State Senate. I earned my bachelor's degree in history at Dartmouth College and my master's degree in public policy at Georgetown University. I reside in Chelmsford with my wife Suzanne and my dog Teddy.

I welcome your participation in my campaign to bring an independent, accountable, responsive voice to the State Senate. Please visit my Web site at www.DahlbergforSenate.com to contact me, to get involved, or to learn more.

Eric Dahlberg
Chelmsford

My letter is available on the Journal's site here (4th one down).

Every day is Groundhog Day for Mass cities and towns

2010-01-31T04:48:00.001-08:00

For at least the fourth time since I started to keep track last year, the Boston Globe's editorial page again calls for Beacon Hill to step up and empower cities and towns to get a handle on skyrocketing health insurance costs:

The 351 cities and towns could make do with less aid if they could bring down the costs of their employees’ pensions and health care without cutting benefits. Patrick and the Legislature should give them the means and the encouragement to do so.

The most obvious step is to give towns the power to buy health insurance through the state’s thrifty Group Insurance Commission. Right now, even minor changes to health plans are subject to collective bargaining, and current law gives unions a veto over whether a community joins the state insurance group. The Legislature should nix the veto - and even consider bonus aid to towns that sign up.

So far, only a handful of communities have made the change. But the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and the Boston Municipal Research bureau credibly estimated in 2007 that moving all communities into the commission would save more than $200 million in fiscal year 2011 alone. The state currently spends $936 million in unrestricted aid to local governments, so the change would amount to more than a 20 percent increase in local aid. There’s too much money at stake to tolerate the status quo.

The GIC is great, but our elected officials shouldn't stop there - cities and towns should have the same authority over health insurance as is enjoyed by the state itself and by the private sector. This means total control over plan design.

Anything less is just more of the same, and that's what put us in the predicament we're in today.

Link to the Globe editorial is here: To stabilize state finances, cut costs at local level.

Governor Cellucci signs on to campaign Steering Committee

2010-01-26T03:53:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to share the following news clip - from yesterday's Chelmsford Independent:

Dahlberg adds another familiar face to campaign

GateHouse News Service, Posted Jan 25, 2010 @ 10:22 AM

Chelmsford — The 'Eric Dahlberg for State Senate' campaign announced that former Gov. Paul Cellucci has signed on to the campaign’s Steering Committee as honorary co-chairman. Gov. Cellucci joins Honorary Chairman Lucile “Cile” Hicks, who represented the 3rd Middlesex District in the state Senate from 1990 to 1996.

“I am pleased to sign on as Honorary Co-Chair of the Dahlberg campaign's steering committee,” said Cellucci. “Eric is the right candidate for the Third Middlesex District: an independent, fiscally conservative, reform-minded public servant who will bring some badly needed commonsense back to Beacon Hill.”

“I am honored that Governor Cellucci has joined the team,” said Dahlberg. “His fiscally conservative views match my own.”

Dahlberg is a member of the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. He earned a bachelor’s in history from Dartmouth College in 2000 and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University in 2002. His professional background is in health care policy. He is a member of several area civic and charitable organizations. He and his wife Suzanne reside in Chelmsford.

Link to story is here.

Scott Brown wins!

2010-01-22T12:20:00.001-08:00

My letter in the Weston Town Crier: Scott Brown will be a responsive U.S. senator

2010-01-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

My letter to the editor of the Weston Town Crier appears in the most recent edition of that paper. Here it is:

Scott Brown will be a responsive U.S. senator

To the editor:

Scott Brown has earned my vote for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for a number of important reasons. He is admirably independent. He is a strong fiscal conservative. He has an outstanding record of accomplishment as a military veteran and public servant.

An additional reason why Scott has earned my vote – he is one of the most responsive elected officials I have ever met. Having had the opportunity to work with Scott’s State House office on a number of occasions during his tenure in the state Senate, I have been consistently impressed with his responsiveness and accessibility.

This attention to responsiveness isn’t always the most glamorous part of holding public office, but it is crucially important. Taxpayers frequently reach out to their elected officials when they need urgent information or assistance, so getting back to them quickly is essential. This is particularly so for our next U.S. senator, who will serve as a point of contact in the federal government for the entire Massachusetts population.

Please join me in voting for Scott Brown for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Eric R. Dahlberg
Candidate for State Senate in Third Middlesex District

Link to the letter is here (bottom of the page).

Scott Brown for US Senate on January 19th

2010-01-09T05:25:00.001-08:00

Please join me in voting for Scott Brown for US Senate on Tuesday, January 19th.

Chelmsford's Economic Development Committee off to a great start

2009-12-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

The lead story in today's Lowell Sun covers the impressive early work of Chelmsford's Economic Development Committee.

Appointed by Town Manager Paul Cohen and approved by the Board of Selectmen just weeks ago, the Committee members have really hit the ground running:

Officials working on a branding plan for Chelmsford are banking on theirs to draw more revenue and people into town. As the recession wallops cities and towns across the country, members of Chelmsford's Economic Development Committee are looking toward an image makeover to help attract business investment, tourists and new residents.

The Committee is a group of highly motivated, professional, energetic citizen-volunteers with some fantastic ideas to attract new businesses and retain those that are already here. This is exactly the pro-active approach that we need to get the attention of businesses that may be interested in relocating to Chelmsford.

The full Sun cover story is here: BRAND NEW: Chelmsford's out to sell itself.

The Boston Business Journal did a "Mass Roundup" blurb on today's Sun piece - it is available here: Chelmsford on PR mission.

The Chelmsford Independent also recently did a story on the Economic Development Committee's work - it is available here: Committee focuses on marketing Chelmsford.

Finally, the Town recently put together a snazzy brochure on the many advantages we offer to business - it is available here: Chelmsford: The Choice for Commerce. (Note that it's a very large document and may take a while to open. Also note that the graphic above is taken from the cover of the brochure.)

Around town on Thursday, December 17th: Chelmsford business appreciation coffee get-together at the Java Room

2009-12-20T07:22:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, a second business appreciation get-together was held at the Java Room. Thanks to School Committee member Kathy Duffett and Tom Christiano, the Godfather of Chelmsford, for organizing it.

Pictured above: Selectman Pat Wojtas and I with the event organizers.

Photo courtesy of Tom Christiano.

Around town on Thursday, December 17th: Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Signing Ceremony

2009-12-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

Selectmen Sean Scanlon and Pat Wojtas did a ton of work to make this happen - Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Signing Ceremony at the Elks Lodge on December 17th. It was an honor to participate.

Photo courtesy Tom Christiano.

December 14th: Chelmsford Copy & Secretarial Center joins Greener Chelmsford Initiative

2009-12-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

This morning, Chelmsford Copy & Secretarial Center became the latest town business to join the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI).

Pictured above: Selectman Pat Wojtas and myself with Lynn Marcella, owner of Chelmsford Copy & Secretarial Center and President of the Chelmsford Business Association.

Photo courtesy of GCI Director Badhri Uppiliappan.

Dana-Farber Leadership Council

2009-12-12T05:45:00.001-08:00

If you live in the Boston area and would like to get involved in supporting our world class Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, message me about joining the Dana-Farber Leadership Council.

The Council is a phenomenal group of young business and community leaders working to support DFCI's life-saving work.

Learn more about the Leadership Council here.

Around town on Sunday, November 29th

2009-12-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

At 50th anniversary of Garrison House Association in Chelmsford with Selectman Pat Wojtas and Janet Askenburg.

Photo courtesy of Tom Christiano.

Christmas shopping 2009: “The New Hampshire malls have definitely benefited from the sales tax increase in Massachusetts..."

2009-11-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Boston Globe carried a concerning - but not unexpected - piece of news: Massachusetts residents are doing a lot of their Christmas shopping in New Hampshire this year.

One Mass resident quoted by the Globe made the reason for this phenomenon pretty clear: "Taxachusetts is getting to be a bit overbearing and intrusive toward my wallet... I just went up there [to New Hampshire] to buy a pair of running shoes last week because I just wasn’t willing to pay the taxes.’’

Gone unsaid, of course, is the fact that New Hampshire's gain is Massachusetts' loss - in business, in consumer spending, in revenue, in jobs and in taxpayers' confidence.

Our elected officials in Boston should revisit their stunningly unwise decision to raise the state sales tax by 25 percent.

The Globe article is available here: Shoppers head north for deals.

Around town on Sunday, November 22nd

2009-11-24T19:34:00.001-08:00

At the Java Room in Chelmsford on Sunday 11/22 with Maxine Vaitses, Chair of the Chelmsford Republican Town Committee, and State Senator Scott Brown, candidate for US Senate.

New campaign site is up!

2009-11-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

Let us know what you think - DahlbergforSenate.com.

A top campaign priority: improving the business climate

2009-11-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to report that my State Senate campaign issued this press release earlier today:

DAHLBERG CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES AMBITIOUS BUSINESS OUTREACH INITIATIVE
State Senate candidate to conduct weekly meetings with business owners across 3rd Middlesex District

Chelmsford, Mass – November 16, 2009 – State Senate candidate Eric Dahlberg today announced that he has committed to conducting weekly meetings with business owners across the Third Middlesex District between now and Election Day in November 2010.

"Improving the business climate will be one of my top priorities in the State Senate. I need the input of the experts - local business owners - to get it done," said Dahlberg. "I want to hear from all different kinds of businesses - large and small, multinational and mom-and-pop - about what our state government needs to be doing better to help businesses stay, grow and thrive in the nine communities of the Third Middlesex District."

Dahlberg's first such meeting will take place later this week with Candy Liu, owner of the Java Room in Chelmsford, a local coffee shop. "I applaud Eric for taking the initiative to reach out to area business owners to learn firsthand what's on our minds,” said Liu. “When he is in the State Senate, I know we can count on him to continue working for our community."

Dahlberg has made improving the business climate a priority during his time on the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen. He and a colleague partnered with the local business community to develop and launch the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI), a successful town-wide effort to encourage organizations to go green. He also spearheaded an effort to formally recognize four Chelmsford businesses that were named to the Boston Globe's Globe 100 list earlier this year.

Additional information can be found at http://www.DahlbergforSenate.com. Content will be added to the site as the campaign progresses.

Losing our economic edge... to Michigan!?

2009-11-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

A recent Boston Globe article highlights the cut-throat competition in which states are engaging to attract new green-tech businesses. No surprises here - states, like cities and towns, want to see job-growing, revenue-generating firms open up shop inside their borders.

What's alarming is that Massachusetts-based businesses aren't being targeted by the usual suspects - California, North Carolina, New Jersey, etc - but by Michigan, a severely economically-depressed state that I wouldn't have imagined could come close to matching what Massachusetts has to offer.

It seems Michigan's leaders have seen the writing on the wall and are offering businesses extremely generous incentives and tax breaks to relocate there. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is quoted in the Globe article as saying that she's doing “what you’ve got to do’’ in order to close the deals her state so desperately needs.

The Globe article paints a stark picture:
Michigan is emerging as one of Massachusetts’ fiercest competitors in the race to become a hub for clean technology companies. And Massachusetts, despite being the birthplace of many of these technologies and the companies they spawn, is losing ground to Michigan’s money and determination.

Our elected leaders on Beacon Hill must improve the climate for business here in Massachusetts, or we'll continue to lose out to other states. For starters, we need to reform our ridiculously expensive unemployment insurance system and repeal the recently imposed sales tax increase. We shouldn't be giving Massachusetts-based businesses a reason to pack up and move to Michigan... or any other state.

Globe article is available here: Michigan luring Bay State business.

Saturday, November 7th: Grand Opening of the Chelmsford Center for the Arts

2009-11-08T06:32:00.001-08:00

Awesome Fall day for the ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration for the Chelmsford Center for the Arts yesterday! Thanks to everyone involved. Photos courtesy of Tom Christiano.

Phenomenal op-ed in today's Globe: The bizarrely out-of-whack priorities (and light schedule) of our Legislature

2009-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei tells it like it is in an op-ed in today's Boston Globe.

The residents and businesses of Massachusetts face economic challenges of historic proportions, but the folks running the show on Beacon Hill are focused on things like designating the Fluffernutter as the official state sandwich and raising dog licensing fees.

I like a good Fluffernutter as much as any native son of the Bay State, but Senator Tisei is 100 percent dead-on. His op-ed lays out a few of the matters that the Legislature should be spending time on:

If we’re really serious about getting state spending under control, then we need to implement an immediate hiring and pay freeze, just like many private employers have been forced to do. We also need to consider moving the state’s Medicaid recipients into managed care plans to rein in health care costs, which make up a significant portion of the budget. And while we are at it, we should repeal the anti-privatization Pacheco law, which costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Good stuff. Of course, the Legislature can't tackle these important priorities if it keeps such a notoriously "fluffy" work schedule. During the week of September 7-11, the Senate was in session for a grand total of 25 minutes. The House was in session for a grand total of 51 minutes - regular workaholics by comparison.

Senator Tisei's op-ed is here: Lawmakers, don’t focus on fluff.

Information on House and Senate session calendar for the week of September 7-11 is available in the Concord Journal here: Beacon Hill Roll Call, Sept. 17 edition.

Beacon Hill: Out of Touch on business

2009-10-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

The lead story in today's Boston Globe is a little wordy, but the message is clear: a movement is afoot on Beacon Hill to force already-struggling Massachusetts businesses to fork over yet more money in taxes.

Here's what's happening: the state "tightened up corporate tax laws" last year, which effectively resulted in a tax increase for businesses. In an effort to make the increase more palatable, a tax deduction provision was included in the measure.

The problem, as some see it, is that the deduction will save businesses an estimated $76.4 million annually when it is fully implemented in 2012. Some of the folks on Beacon Hill have decided that these savings are too generous and would like to "revisit" the deduction provision.

Let's be clear: removing the deduction would represent yet another tax increase for Massachusetts firms - a stunningly unwise move for a state that is hemorrhaging people, jobs, money and businesses.

The Globe article is available here: Business tax deal may cost $535m.

State revenue numbers for September: "That's a big twinkie"

2009-10-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

An article in today's Boston Globe relays the grim news that state revenue for the month of September fell $243 million below expectations, despite all the tax increases that were imposed on us earlier this year.

According to the article:
Governor Deval Patrick announced yesterday that the state’s September revenues came in $243 million below expectations, a shortfall that is worse than initial projections and could trigger hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts and layoffs.

What makes this news even worse is that the Administration has announced that additional mid-year cuts to local aid are "on the table" as a potential solution to the budget crisis.

Once again, the folks on Beacon Hill are attempting to handle the crisis the only way they seem to know how: by sticking it to already-struggling businesses and families - with ever-higher taxes - and to already-struggling cities and towns - with more local aid cuts.

Why not take advantage of this historic crisis to implement some serious, long-term reforms?
- Give cities and towns unilateral control over health insurance plan design, as is enjoyed by the state itself.
- Repeal the "Pacheco law" so the state can outsource more efficiently.
- Incentivize cities and towns to regionalize so we can achieve economies of scale in the delivery of essential services here at the local level.

If not now, when?

The Globe article is here: Revenue in last month declines.

Note: quote and photo above are from Ghostbusters.

Innovative Chelmsford-based company, Concordant Inc, in the news

2009-09-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last week's edition of Mass High Tech features a story on Concordant Inc, a Chelmsford-based provider of health IT and electronic health record (EHR) services.

Health IT and EHRs are becoming increasingly hot topics as the momentum for national health care reform continues to build in Washington. It's good to know that an innovative, Chelmsford-based company is right in the thick of it!

The Mass High Tech story is available here: Concordant's Harding in the right place with e-health records.

Learn more about Chelmsford-based Concordant Inc by visiting the company's web site here.

Boston Globe names Chelmsford one of six "overlooked towns" for house hunters

2009-09-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today's Globe includes a feature on six great Massachusetts communities where prospective new homeowners may wish to take a closer look. Chelmsford is the first town featured!

The blurb on Chelmsford states:

According to Pat Magnell, there is a lot to like in Chelmsford:

"Chelmsford is located north of Boston at the junction of Routes 3 and 495. Housing is varied in style and price ranges.

"In 2007, Money Magazine named Chelmsford one of the 100 best places to live in America. Why? A great combination of historical preservation and new growth."

For what it's worth, the other communities featured by the Globe are Dedham, Fairhaven, Lawrence, Malden and Maynard.

The entire feature is available here: Six overlooked Mass. towns.

Chelmsford firm, ZOLL Medical, named one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Fastest Growing Companies

2009-09-20T05:03:00.001-07:00

ZOLL Medical Corporation has been named to Fortune Magazine's list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. Awesome recognition for a Chelmsford-based company!

A company press release sums up the significance of this amazing recognition:

ZOLL MEDICAL NAMED ONE OF FORTUNE MAGAZINE'S 100 FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES

September 17, 2009—CHELMSFORD, Mass.—ZOLL Medical Corporation (NasdaqGS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions, announced today that Fortune magazine has ranked ZOLL #85 on its list of the 100 fastest growing companies.

In an article entitled “Defying the Downturn” in the August 31 issue, Fortune calls these companies “the world’s supercharged performers.” Even amid the worst economic slump since the Great Depression, some companies just keep growing, the article states. ZOLL is one of only 15 companies in the healthcare industry to make the list.

“While some of our business has softened with the economy since this data was collected, we are well-positioned for continued growth with the strength of our data management business and sales of the LifeVest® Wearable Defibrillator on track to increase 70 percent this fiscal year,” said Richard A. Packer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZOLL. “We are honored to receive this designation from Fortune and hope to be included in the coming years.”...

Fortune Magazine's full list is available here: 100 Fastest-Growing Companies.

ZOLL Medical was one of four Chelmsford companies recently recognized by the Board of Selectmen for being named to the Boston Globe's Globe 100 List for 2009. A June 21st Boston Globe briefing on that recognition is available here (third item down): Chelmsford: GOOD FOR BUSINESS.

Now they've gone too far: Beacon Hill proposes a dog tax!

2009-09-18T04:38:00.001-07:00

Not content with wrecking the economy by raising the sales tax, folks on Beacon Hill now want to add a new tax on local dog licenses! Where does it end?

According to today's Boston Herald:
State Republicans are howling mad over yet another tax hike being slipped through the Legislature that would slap an annual $3 state surcharge on municipal licensing fees canine owners pay for their pet pooches.

One legislator who supports the new tax states that it's necessary: "to fund a state spay-and-neutering plan."

I totally support following Bob Barker's advice and getting my dogs spayed and neutered, but I feel the question needs to be asked: Should the state really be getting into the dog neutering business during the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression?

Adding insult to injury, such a tax would impose yet another unfunded mandate on cities and towns, which would be burdened with enforcing, collecting and reporting the new state surcharge on top of existing local dog license fees!

The full Herald story is here: State plots dog surcharge.

[Pictured above is my dog/potential-state-revenue-generator Teddy and I.]

Around town on Sunday, September 13th: Roberts field clean-up

2009-09-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Over thirty people turned out to help spruce up the playground at Roberts field! Thanks to Phil Stanway and the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards for making it happen.

Pictured above are Nipha Roberts and myself. Photo courtesy of Phil Stanway.

Awesome story about a Chelmsford native donating bone marrow

2009-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

This inspirational story appeared in yesterday's Lowell Sun:

A New Way to Save a Life

BOSTON -- Christina Buettner doesn't look like a typical superhero.

You won't find the 20-year-old college student clad in a cape or leaping tall buildings in a single bound. But her blood could save one man's life.

After volunteering to undergo a new way of donating bone marrow, Buettner, a Chelmsford native, hopes she can give something extraordinary to a person she's never met: more time...

Read the rest of this great story here: A New Way to Save a Life.

Information on the National Marrow Donor program is available here.

[Photo above is from the Sun article.]

Greater Lowell Chamber Business Expo - to be held in Chelmsford 9/24

2009-09-06T06:43:00.001-07:00

Caught this in the Lowell Sun last week:

CHELMSFORD -- The Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce's premier event is spreading its wings.

For the first time in its 14-year history, the chamber's annual Business Expo is being held at a venue outside Lowell. The event starts at noon and runs through the evening on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Radisson Inn & Suites in Chelmsford...

Great opportunity for Chelmsford!

Full Sun article is here: Greater Lowell Chamber revs up for Business Expo.

The Boston Business Journal also took note of the fact that the expo will be in Chelmsford: Business Expo takes its act on the road.

Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce site is here.

Great op-ed by Indiana Governor in WSJ: The wheels will fall off state government if we don't embrace reform

2009-09-05T03:51:00.001-07:00

An op-ed by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in yesterday's Wall Street Journal lays out what's happening to state government finances across the country. It opens:

State government finances are a wreck. The drop in tax receipts is the worst in a half century. Fewer than 10 states ended the last fiscal year with significant reserves, and three-fourths have deficits exceeding 10% of their budgets. Only an emergency infusion of printed federal funny money is keeping most state boats afloat right now.

But states aren't doomed. Governor Daniels summarizes what he did in Indiana to right the ship:

Indiana was near bankruptcy five years ago but is relatively solvent today because we have spent the intervening years making hard choices. We have reformed state procurement, contracted out some jobs, cut costs, and relentlessly scrutinized expenditures in pushing for annual improvement in departments large and small. We've also reduced the number of state employees by some 5,000 from the 2004 level.

Important lessons for state and local governments alike - especially here in Massachusetts!

Governor Daniels' op-ed is available here: The Coming Reset in State Government.

Awesome crowd for opening of Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at Chelmsford's Old Town Hall on Saturday, August 29th

2009-08-30T05:20:00.001-07:00

Chelmsford's Old Town Hall was filled to capacity for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail on Saturday, August 29th! Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

Pictured above: first photo is a shot of the huge crowd; second photo is state Rep. Jim Arciero and myself at the ceremony. Photos courtesy of Tom Christiano.

Information on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is available here.

My letter to the editor of Weston Town Crier: Greener Chelmsford Initiative going strong

2009-08-27T15:40:00.001-07:00

I recently submitted a letter to the editor of the Weston Town Crier in response to an article about a local green effort that caught my attention. I couldn't resist taking an opportunity to let folks in another town know about successes of the Greener Chelmsford Initiative! Here's the text of my letter, which appears in today's online edition:

To the editor:

I write in response to your recent article about the Weston Climate Group’s "Friendly contest" (Aug. 20). This sounds like a great way to engage residents in opportunities to save energy (and hence money) by "going green."

I and a colleague of mine on the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen recently launched a local green initiative that has achieved fantastic early results. In the spirit of collaboration between towns, I thought I’d share details on our initiative and what we’ve accomplished thus far.

The Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI), launched on Earth Day 2009, is a town-wide effort that seeks to engage local businesses and organizations in the "three R’s" – recycling, reusing and reducing waste. Through GCI, we hope to accomplish four things:
1. Benefit the local environment.
2. Bring attention to "going green" as a way to save energy and money.
3. Demonstrate that collaboration between business and government can work.
4. Enlist the participation of businesses, residents and local government in a voluntary, no-cost, town-wide cause.

Here’s how it works:
Organizations interested in participating in GCI simply submit an application in which they commit to pursuing a set of "green tasks."

They can select tasks from a lengthy pre-fabbed list that we developed or come up with their own – the idea is to make participation workable. Examples of green tasks include going paperless, conducting an energy audit, installing a bike rack, or planting a tree. A GCI volunteer assists an applicant with the process.

Organizations willing to make a commitment to a minimum number of such tasks earn a GCI Seal of Approval and local recognition through the Board of Selectmen.

In the four months that GCI has been up and running, several organizations have stepped up as early participants. Examples include an independent coffee shop, a liquor store, a large workforce management company, an ink cartridge recycling store, and even the town of Chelmsford itself. Additional organizations continue to reach out to express interest.

I’m especially proud of GCI because it has achieved positive results without unduly burdening local businesses during a tough economic time (participation is 100 percent voluntary) and with no cost to the taxpayers of Chelmsford. It has taught businesses and residents alike that going green can save money.

You can learn more about the Greener Chelmsford Initiative on the town of Chelmsford’s Web site at www.townofchelmsford.us.

Eric Dahlberg
Boston Road, Chelmsford

Editor’s note: Eric Dahlberg is a member of the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen and can be reached at ericrdahlberg@gmail.com.

Here's a link to my letter in the Weston Town Crier: Greener Chelmsford Initiative going strong.

Here's a link to the article to which my letter responds: Weston Climate Group announces friendly competition.

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will open in Chelmsford on August 29th

2009-08-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

After 20 years of development, preparation and construction, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) will open next Saturday, August 29th, in Chelmsford! Once completed, the 25 miles of the BFRT will run through the communities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham.

Details on the August 29th opening from the BFRT web site:

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony and Party will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10 am at Old Town Hall & Town Common, Chelmsford, Massachusetts. We forward to seeing you there! Rain or shine!

After the formal ribbon cutting, we’ll have cake, music, silly bikes, rail trail information, and other activities on the common. All ages can grab a ticket and visit our “stops” along the trail. Come and join us in the fun!

If you would like to volunteer to help either ahead of time or on the event day, please email: ribbon-cutting@brucefreemanrailtrail.org.

The homepage of the Friends of the BFRT site is here.

Photo above courtesy of the Chelmsford Independent.

S&H Engineering joins Greener Chelmsford Initiative

2009-08-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, S&H Engineering, a local high-tech manufacturing and engineering firm, became the latest business to join the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI).

GCI continues to grow; S&H Engineering is the eighth organization to join since the initiative was launched on Earth Day in April 2009.

The GCI page on the Town of Chelmsford's web site is here, and the GCI business application (for town businesses and organizations that may be interested in joining) is available here.

Opening Celebration for the Walter Lewis Community Garden at Sunny Meadow Farm - Saturday, August 15th

2009-08-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

One of the nicest events I've ever attended in town...

Pictured above: Phil Stanway, myself, Bob Morse, Phil Jones, Clare Jeannotte and Paul Cohen during the opening.

Photo courtesy of Tom Christiano.

President of NH Retailers on Mass sales tax hike: "We are ecstatic"

2009-08-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today's Boston Globe reports on the increasing number of Mass residents who are doing their shopping in New Hampshire to avoid the newly hiked Mass sales tax.

The Globe article quotes Nancy C. Kyle, president of the Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire, as saying: “It’s definitely more than usual - the number of out-of-state residents shopping here in recent weeks... It’s wonderful for New Hampshire retailers. We are ecstatic.’’

Our elected officials here in Mass should revisit their stunningly unwise decision to increase the state sales tax. It is hurting Mass retailers, especially in towns near the NH border such as Chelmsford, at a time when the economy is already struggling.

The Globe article is available here: Taxes send shoppers north: Mass. retailers see money heading over the border since rate hit 6.25%.

My letter to the editor of the Sudbury Town Crier: Local option meals tax hike will hurt local economy

2009-08-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

I recently submitted a letter to the editor of the Sudbury Town Crier in response to an opinion piece - regarding the economic impact of a local option meals tax hike - with which I strongly agree. Here's the text of my letter, which appears in today's online edition:

To the editor:

Guest columnist Elizabeth Cygan was right on the money in her recent commentary on why adoption of a local option meals tax may not be a smart move for a community like Sudbury ("Cygan: Sudbury might shoot itself in foot," 8/6/09).

We’re in the midst of the same debate here in Chelmsford. In my capacity as a member of the Board of Selectmen, I recently voted against adoption of a local option meals tax (the Board’s vote was 3-2 against... the question now goes to town meeting for final consideration). While I certainly wouldn’t presume to tell the elected officials of another town how to vote on a local matter, I thought it might be informative if I shared the rationale for my opposition. Consider this a friendly "FYI" from someone in a nearby town.

My rationale for opposing a local option meals tax is three-fold:
1. Area businesses are already suffering because of the faltering economy and the recently imposed, stunningly unwise state sales tax hike. An additional tax increase will make things even worse. Businesses will continue to struggle and close, which means folks will lose jobs, leases will be terminated and local commerce will suffer.

2. In Chelmsford, a considerable opportunity for savings still exists on the expenditure side of the budget: a switch to cheaper municipal health insurance (specifically, the state’s GIC plan). Under state law, a super-majority of our municipal unions must agree to such a switch. Chelmsford’s unions have not yet taken advantage of this cost-saving opportunity. It is not right to force the taxpayers to shoulder an additional tax increase when such a clear-cut, painless efficiency has yet to be achieved.

3. The decision to adopt or reject local option taxes presents towns like Chelmsford and Sudbury with a great opportunity to demonstrate to the business community that we "walk the walk" when it comes to supporting the local economy. Towns that adopt these taxes will be making a subtle statement along the lines of: "we’re not as business friendly as other towns."

For these reasons, I believe it is in the long-term best interests of the residents and businesses of Chelmsford that our town reject higher local taxes.

Eric Dahlberg
Chelmsford

A link to my letter is available here: I support Cygan’s view about local option meals tax.

A link to the opinion piece to which my letter responds is here: Cygan: Sudbury might shoot itself in foot.

Awesome act of generosity: local cricket league donates $1,000 to Chelmsford sports programs

2009-08-10T18:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the players of the Burlington Cricket Club (BCC), a local cricket league, donated $1,000 to the Chelmsford Schools' Athletic Department.

The fact that the BCC chose to make such a significant donation for the benefit of the kids of Chelmsford - when there are so many other worthy causes and charities out there - makes this a particularly admirable gesture.

Thank you to the players of the BCC!

Pictured above: BCC members Shazad Khan of Billerica and Karthik Natarajan of Chelmsford present a check in the amount of $1,000 for the Chelmsford Schools' Athletic Department to Nick DeSilvio of the Chelmsford School Committee and myself.

My letter to the editor of the Concord Journal: Sales tax hike will hurt businesses

2009-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

I submitted a letter to the editor of the Concord Journal in response to that paper's recent story on the fragile local business climate. Here's my letter:

Sales tax hike will hurt businesses

To the editor:

Thank you for the well-written, but sobering, article on the plight of local business-owners doing their best to weather the ongoing economic storm (“The fight to stay: Businesses try to flow with the economy,” July 23).

What will surely make these folks’ tough situations even tougher is the fact that our elected leaders have recently voted to increase the state’s sales tax by 25 percent, from 5 percent to 6.25 percent. This is a stunningly unwise move that will undoubtedly serve as the last straw for many struggling area businesses, large and small. They will close up shop, which means laying off staff, terminating leases and halting their contributions to local commerce. The impact on the local economy will be significant.

Our elected leaders in Boston should reconsider their terrible decision to raise the sales tax before more Massachusetts businesses are forced to close down. We are all tightening our belts — our elected leaders should do the same.

Eric Dahlberg
Chelmsford selectman

The link to my letter in the Concord Journal is available here: Sales tax hike will hurt businesses.

The link to the article to which my letter responds is here: The fight to stay: Businesses try to flow with the economy.

Chelmsford Water District wins $3.783 million grant for Photovoltaic Project

2009-08-01T06:04:00.001-07:00

Updating a topic I previously blogged about here, the Chelmsford Water District will make use of a $3,783,000 federal grant to construct 2,300 solar panels at its Crooked Springs treatment plant.

Once up and running, the panels will generate all of the energy needed to power the plant and then some - excess power will be sold back to the grid. It will be the largest municipal solar-power project on the East Coast!

The Chelmsford Independent's story on the grant award is here: Chelmsford wins big grant for energy project.

August 1, 2009: Bad day for the Mass economy

2009-08-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today's Globe op-ed by Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, says all that needs to be said in its very first paragraph:

Today the Massachusetts sales tax goes up 25 percent to 6.25 percent. The big question on the minds of retailers is: “Are we going to survive?’’ For those who own or are employed by a retail business, today is a scary day. The sales tax increase is a significant jump at a time when the economic downturn has hit the retail industry especially hard.

Our elected leaders should rethink their terrible decision to increase the sales tax by 25 percent. It will have a devastating impact on the economy, especially in communities close to the NH border like Chelmsford.

Link to Jon Hurst's Globe op-ed is here: A bleak day for small businesses.

Link to the site of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts is here.

Harvard's Kennedy School launches Better, Faster, Cheaper - online resource for government best practices

2009-07-29T18:38:00.001-07:00

The Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation has launched a cool new site where ideas for government innovation will be posted and discussed.

The site, Better, Faster, Cheaper, has the potential to become a gold mine for public officials at all levels of government looking for best practices in areas as varied as social services and website-building!

Good stuff!!!

Kronos joins the Greener Chelmsford Initiative

2009-07-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Kronos, one of the biggest and best companies in Chelmsford, became the newest participant in the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI). Kronos is the seventh organization to join GCI since the initiative was launched on Earth Day in April 2009.

The GCI page on the Town of Chelmsford's web site is here, and the GCI business application (for town businesses and organizations that may be interested in joining) is available here.

Incidentally, Kronos is listed in a recent Boston Business Journal article as one of the ten fastest-growing growing companies in the Greater Boston area. That article is available here: Boston area has over 700 VC-backed job openings.

NH official states the obvious to MA: "We're definitely going to see more traffic here because of your tax"

2009-07-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Boston Herald reports that New Hampshire is working to get the attention of Massachusetts businesses:

Lassoing in Mass. jobs
N.H. telling cos. to be Big and Rich there

The Granite State, which has been poaching Bay State workers, customers and companies for decades, is now inviting 900 Massachusetts business owners to enter a contest with a grand prize of limousine service to a Big & Rich concert, complete with a VIP preconcert reception and backstage privileges.

Ten other lucky winners will get free tickets to the Aug. 30 show at the U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, N.H. - and New Hampshire economic-development recruiters will be right there with them touting their state as a place to do business.

Our elected leaders in Boston should reconsider their decision to raise the sales tax by 25 percent. It will hurt businesses here in Massachusetts, especially in communities close to the NH border, such as Chelmsford.

Full Herald story is available here: Lassoing in Mass. jobs: N.H. telling cos. to be Big and Rich there.

Actual Boston Business Journal headline: 'State spending $29M to build nothing'

2009-07-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

You can't make this stuff up.

This news brief actually appears in today's online edition of the Boston Business Journal:

State spending $29M to build nothing
The state is spending $29 million to design a new subway tunnel under Boston but has no plans to break ground for at least a generation, the Boston Globe reports.

The paper says the engineering work is being done as part of a deal with environmentalists.

How did we let things get this bad in Massachusetts?

Link to this BBJ brief is available here.

Link to the Globe story to which it's referring is available here: State to spend $29m designing a project on hold.

Letter to the editor in Waltham Daily News Tribune: Legislators should wait their turn

2009-07-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

I submitted a letter to the editor of the Waltham Daily News Tribune in agreement with that paper's recent editorial on the deplorable manner in which some of our legislative leaders conduct public hearings on Beacon Hill. It appears in today's online edition. Here it is:

Chelmsford — Thank you for the editorial on the manner in which some of our legislative leaders conduct public hearings on Beacon Hill ("Disrespect from the Legislature," July 17). Their practice of permitting other legislators to cut ahead of taxpaying citizens in line in order to testify at these hearings is an affront to good government.

Imagine you'd like to testify at a public hearing. You spend hours preparing your testimony. You take valuable time off from work. You spend a good portion of your day in transit to and from the State House. You arrive early to get your name on the list of speakers.

Then, when the hearing gets underway, you learn you'll need to wait because some legislators feel they are entitled to cut ahead of you, a citizen whose tax dollars fund their salaries. The wait could be a few minutes... it could be hours on end.

Our legislators should play by the same rules as the rest of us. Beacon Hill should adopt a "no cutting in line" policy for all public hearings.

Eric Dahlberg
Chelmsford

Here is a link to my letter: Dahlberg: Legislators should wait their turn.

Here is a link to the editorial to which my letter is responding: Disrespect from the Legislature.

10% reduction in energy use would save Chelmsford $166,736 a year

2009-07-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Chelmsford is participating in the EPA's Community Energy Challenge, "an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money."

At last Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting, we heard a presentation from the folks who are studying town facilities as part of the program. The highlight of the presentation (in my opinion, anyway) was that Chelmsford could save an estimated $166,736 annually if we can reduce energy consumption at town facilities by 10 percent!

That's serious money. An essential next step is to determine how to go about reducing consumption to achieve this huge savings!

Information on the EPA's Community Energy Challenge program is available here. Email me if you'd like a copy of the presentation (it's too big to post here).

Associated Industries of Mass (AIM) launches Mass Reform First campaign

2009-07-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

This past week, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the state's largest employer association, launched the Mass Reform First campaign.

AIM describes this initiative as "a broad-based citizen campaign to help municipal governments solve budget deficits by improving efficiency and reducing costs."

What better organization to spearhead such an ambitious campaign than AIM, a group that has unquestionable expertise in improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency? The public sector, especially at the local level here in Mass, could learn a ton from AIM and its Mass Reform First campaign.

Learn more about Mass Reform First on the campaign's web site here.

Become a fan of Mass Reform First on Facebook here. And follow on twitter here.

Another Chelmsford company, Mercury Computer Systems, in the news

2009-07-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

It was recently announced that Chelmsford-based Mercury Computer Systems has won a $2.7 million contract to upgrade a component of the US Air Force's Predator drone.

According to the Boston Business Journal:

The Chelmsford, Mass., maker of embedded computer systems (Nasdaq: MRCY) provides computers to the drone’s sythetic aperture radar system. The order is a part of GA-ASI’s upgrade of the Lynx Block 20 radar system, which was requested by the U.S. Air Force.

More good news for a Chelmsford-based company and for the local economy!

The Boston Business Journal's 7/14 story on the contract is available here: Mercury wins $2.7M Predator contract.

Mercury's website is here.

Cool Chelmsford company, OurStage, making news

2009-07-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

Tech news sites are buzzing about a Chelmsford-based company, OurStage, that is building venture financing even as the economy continues to sputter.

According to Mass High Tech, OurStage, launched in 2006, is "an online social community for pop bands and their fans." The company just raised another $3 million in venture funds, bringing its total to $20 million. Awesome news for a Chelmsford company and for our local economy!

Mass High Tech's recent news spot on OurStage is available here: Music network startup OurStage tunes in $3M funding.

Check out the OurStage site itself right here.

Another inspiring example of local government employees stepping up to the plate

2009-07-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

A recent Lowell Sun article describes another inspiring example of local government employees stepping up to the plate to help their town weather the ongoing fiscal storm: Several non-union school employees in Tewksbury have agreed to take a voluntary 5 percent salary reduction for fiscal year 2010.

According to the Sun article, the folks who will be taking the cut said, "Our time here is way too valuable to lose any of it. This is for the good of the students."

The article is available here: Tewksbury nonunion school staffers agree to 5% pay cut.

Awesome news for Massachusetts!!!

2009-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

We are going to have a fantastic chance to turn things around here in Massachusetts next year. From Boston.com:

Harvard Pilgrim CEO Charles Baker announces bid for governor

By Matt Viser and Andrea Estes, Globe Staff

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care chief executive Charles D. Baker announced today that he will leave his job and seek the Republican nomination for governor in the 2010 election.

"I'm in," Baker said at a press conference this afternoon at Babson College in Wellesley. "I'm very well suited for this task. And I would regret it -- for quite a while -- if under such difficult circumstances I chose to sit idly by and not participate."...

Full story available here: Harvard Pilgrim CEO Charles Baker announces bid for governor.

Commonwealth's fiscal situation: still a glass half-full for cities and towns

2009-07-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

The lead story on the cover of today's Boston Globe described the Commonwealth's dire budgetary circumstances: state revenues continue to drop precipitously.

While the situation is certainly serious, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that this fiscal crisis presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to fundamentally change the way the state - along with its 351 cities and towns - does business. Two areas to focus on:

Regionalization - the consolidation of services amongst communities to achieve significant cost savings - should be the name of the game when it comes to how the state approaches local service delivery. The state should remove any and all hurdles that cities and towns currently face on this front.

Increased local authority over municipal health insurance - one of the top "budget busters" for Chelmsford and so many other communities in the state - should also be at the top of the state's agenda. Towns should have the ability to switch municipal health insurance plans to the more cost-effective Group Insurance Commission (GIC) unilaterally - that is, without the need for a union vote, as is currently the requirement.

The question that needs to be asked as we consider reforms like those above: if not now, with things as bad as they are, when?

The Globe cover story is available here: Mass. revenues plummet again.

Chelmsford's Independence Day celebration: as always, the best around

2009-07-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

As always, Chelmsford's Independence Day celebration was the best around. Thanks to everyone who made it happen!

Coming soon to Chelmsford: Solar-powered water

2009-07-01T04:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I attended a fascinated briefing on the Chelmsford Water District's Photovoltaic Project conducted by District staff at the Crooked Spring Water Treatment Plant.

The District has ambitious plans to install 2,300 solar panels on the grounds of the Crooked Spring plant. Once up and running, the panels will generate all of the energy needed to power the plant and then some - excess power will be sold back to the grid.

I'm told that once the panels are installed, this will be the largest municipal solar-power project on the East Coast! Even better: it's expected that the project will cost the taxpayers of Chelmsford nothing. Funding will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the state's Commonwealth Solar Rebates.

Information about the Chelmsford Water District is available here.

Greener Chelmsford Initiative welcomes its newest business participant: Cartridge World

2009-06-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the Greener Chelmsford Initiative welcomed its newest business participant: Cartridge World. Pictured above are Cartridge World co-managers Steve and Bob Trask, Selectman Pat Wojtas, GCI Director Badhri Uppiliappan, and myself.

The Lowell Sun recently featured a story on the innovative, waste-reducing, money-saving work being done at Cartridge World. That story is available here: Fewer print cartridges, better world.

Another Chelmsford business is lauded as an innovations leader

2009-06-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

As recently reported in the Boston Business Journal, the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) has named Zeemote Inc. of Chelmsford as a winner of one of its 2009 New England Innovation Awards.

Zeemote was one of only six for-profit companies (in all of New England!) to receive this honor in 2009.

The purpose of the award, according to SBANE's website, is to provide "lasting recognition of a company's innovative heritage." In selecting winners among nominees, judges "weigh heavily on those businesses that have demonstrated the validity of their innovation through bottom line results."

According to its website, Zeemote Inc. is "the recognized leader in designing, manufacturing, marketing and licensing wireless controller technology and products for mobile devices." Additional information is available here.

The full Boston Business Journal story on the 2009 Innovation Awards is available here: Nine organizations win SBANE awards.

Details on SBANE's New England Innovation Awards are available here.

Chelmsford: Good for business

2009-06-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today's Boston Globe includes a brief on the four Chelmsford firms that were recognized for making it to the 2009 'Globe 100' list:

GOOD FOR BUSINESS - The Board of Selectmen on Monday recognized four local firms for being among the best-performing publicly traded corporations based in Massachusetts, as listed on The Boston Globe’s 2009 “Globe 100.’’ The four companies are Zoll Medical Corp., a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions; Hittite Microwave Corp., a developer of high-performance integrated circuits for radio frequency, microwave, and millimeterwave applications; Airvana Inc., a high-tech company that enables operators to deliver broadband services to mobile subscribers; and Datawatch Corp., a leader in enterprise information management.

“What an honor for these four firms and for our town,’’ said Selectman Eric Dahlberg, noting that Chelmsford being home to four of the top 100 businesses in the state “is testament to our continued success in attracting and retaining good businesses.’’ - Brenda J. Buote

The brief is also available online here (3rd item down): Good for business.

Getting serious about regionalization

2009-06-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Two recent Lowell Sun stories are encouraging to anyone who, like me, wants to see the inefficient patchwork of Mass cities and towns take a hard collective look at regionalization - consolidating services to cut costs:

The first story discusses the possibility of consolidating the school districts of Ayer, Shirley and Lunenberg into one regional district. A Regional Planning Board recently completed a two-year study showing that such a consolidation could achieve real efficiences for each participating community. Now comes the hard part: convincing people to go for it. The full Sun story on this effort is available here: Proponents see savings if Ayer, Shirley, Lunenburg districts regionalize.

In the second story, two regional districts, North Middlesex Regional School District and Quabbin Regional School District, are in talks to share a single school superintendent. If the details can be worked out, each district could achieve some real savings. The Sun's coverage of this innovative idea is available here: Cost savings seen in proposed sharing of North Middlesex superintendent.

Maybe both of these attempts at regionalization will be successful. Maybe neither will. Either way, the 351 cities and towns of Massachusetts have nothing to lose by taking a hard look at such efforts.

Chelmsford recognizes four firms named to 'Globe 100' list

2009-06-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

[This press release was issued following last night's Board of Selectmen meeting.]

BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOGNIZES FOUR CHELMSFORD FIRMS NAMED TO BOSTON GLOBE'S 2009 'GLOBE 100' LIST

Representatives from ZOLL Medical, Hittite Microwave, Airvana and Datawatch presented with Certificates of Recognition on behalf of Town

CHELMSFORD, Mass, June 15, 2009 - The Board of Selectmen today presented Certificates of Recognition to four Chelmsford firms recently named to the Boston Globe's 2009 "Globe 100" list. The list, which the Globe bills as an inventory of "the best of Massachusetts business for 2009," includes ZOLL Medical Corporation, Hittite Microwave Corporation, Airvana Incorporated, and Datawatch Corporation, all headquartered in Chelmsford.

Representatives from the four firms were in attendance at the Board's 7:00 PM televised meeting. Each representative accepted a certificate and shared some thoughts about his company’s success.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Clare Jeannotte commented: “The town of Chelmsford is proud to recognize and congratulate these successful firms. With an ideal location at the intersection of Routes 3 and 495, an educated workforce, a single tax rate for residential and business, and infrastructure to support both large and small firms seeking to relocate, we welcome inquiries into some of the services and opportunities this town offers.”

"What an honor for these four firms and for our town," said Selectman Eric Dahlberg, who had the idea to recognize Chelmsford’s four Globe 100 firms and helped to coordinate the presentation. "The fact that Chelmsford – one of 351 communities in the state – is home to four firms that made it to the Globe 100 list is testament to our continued success in attracting and retaining good businesses," he continued.

“It’s a pleasure to be recognized again this year in the company of Massachusetts’ strongest business organizations from various sectors, and we’re delighted that based on our performance we continue to rise in the rankings,” said Jonathan A. Rennert, President of ZOLL Medical Corporation.

“Hittite Microwave Corporation appreciates the Town of Chelmsford’s recognition,” said Norm Hildreth, Hittite’s Vice President for Sales & Marketing. “Our headquarters has been in Chelmsford since 1999, and we find the town’s policies supportive to our business and employees.”

“We are proud to be headquartered in Chelmsford since 2000,”said Airvana Co-Founder Sanjeev Verma. “It has an excellent location for technology professionals from Massachusetts and New Hampshire which is a key ingredient of our success.”

"We are delighted to be in The Boston Globe 100 and to be ranked as one of the top performing technology companies in Massachusetts," said John Kitchen, Senior Vice President and CMO of Datawatch Corporation. "Our strong performance is a reflection of our ability to deliver powerful, yet easy to use and very affordable Business Intelligence and information management solutions to our over 450,000 customers worldwide.”

About the Globe 100:
The Globe 100 ranks the best-performing publicly traded corporations based in Massachusetts by how well they increased sales, profits, and returns for shareholders during 2008. More info is available at: www.boston.com/business/globe/globe100.

About the four firms:
ZOLL Medical Corporation is a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions. More info is available at: http://www.zoll.com/.

Hittite Microwave Corporation is an innovative designer and developer of high-performance integrated circuits, or ICs, modules, subsystems and instrumentation for technically demanding radio frequency, or RF, microwave and millimeterwave applications. More info is available at: http://www.hittite.com/.

Airvana Incorporated's high-performance technology and products, from comprehensive femtocell solutions to core mobile network infrastructure, enable operators to deliver compelling and consistent broadband services to mobile subscribers, wherever they are. More info is available at: http://www.airvana.com/.

Datawatch Corporation, a leader in Enterprise Information Management, helps companies make better decisions and solve business problems by simplifying access to information. Datawatch transforms the massive amounts of data and documents generated inside or outside a company into actionable business intelligence, without any changes needed to existing systems. More info is available at: http://www.datawatch.com/.

You (MBTA) cannot be serious

2009-06-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

From today's Boston Globe: The MBTA spends almost $30 million annually to employ 386 'second drivers' whose job, according to the T's own chief of operations, is "opening and closing doors."

This function can be automated inexpensively and effectively, but the T can't get it done (except on the Blue line).

How did we let things get this bad in Massachusetts?

The entire Globe story is available here: Touching the third rail of transit policy: $30m for second drivers with almost nothing to do.

Bluestone Energy commits to assisting interested Greener Chelmsford Initiative participants

2009-06-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

The following is a snippet from a press release issued last week about a great new option for GCI participants who may be interested in arranging for a free energy audit of their facilities:

Bluestone Energy Services, LTD., a leader in energy conservation engineering and project development services for industrial and commercial clients, announced today that they will be assisting the Greener Chelmsford Initiative (GCI), a town wide energy initiative that will engage residents and businesses in a voluntary effort to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.

Bluestone Energy has agreed to provide free energy audits to any participants with a power draw of 200kW or more. The energy audits will help companies take the next step to ensure that their facilities are operating at maximum efficiency and help lay the groundwork for participants to receive incentives for local utilities...

... "We are delighted that Bluestone Energy has stepped forward to help Chelmsford's business community take the next step to reduce their environmental impact and we encourage other companies to get involved," said Eric Dahlberg, Chelmsford Selectman and GCI Co-founder...

A link to the full June 3rd press release is available here: Bluestone Energy Assists The Greener Chelmsford Initiative.