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Obama's Jobs Program Or Obama's Copycat Campaign Strategy?

President Obama has proposed a joint session of Congress on September 7, 2011 at 8 p.m. as the forum for his next speech.  The subject matter, allegedly, will be his proposals for stimulating the economy and accelerating job growth.

 Is this a sincere attempt to deal with a national problem in a bipartisan way? Or is it a blatant attempt to establish a campaign 2012 strategy for Obama that hopes to be a successful carbon copy of Harry Truman's campaign of 1948 when he defeated Tom Dewey by, essentially, campaigning against the "do-nothing" Republican Congress? 

 TRUMAN'S ELECTION STRATEGY

 Truman's popularity was above 90 percent in the early 1940s, but the problems he had after the end of World War Two caused it to plunge to about 38 percent in 1948.  Truman was an unpopular president in that election year.

 He wanted the nomination of his party but he'd be lucky to get it.  He had an impressive war record, (which was dimming) and an engaging personality going for him, but he couldn't brag about a good economy (unemployment was rising), and the antics of well known Democratic allies left him vulnerable to charges that he was "weak on communism." 

 He had to fight for the nomination.  Feeding on that doubt, two men, Strom Thurmond and Henry Wallace, walked away from the Democratic Party in protest, promising to run   against Truman in the election (they did). 

 So Truman won his nomination, but at a high cost, and he badly needed a strategy that would take the spotlight away from him, and the economy, and at the same time redirect it to a weak spot in his opponent's armor.  Attacking Dewey directly wasn't the answer -- he was squeaky clean.  So they turned their eyes to the Congress

 Republicans in 1946 won control of both houses of Congress.  To turn this administrative disadvantage into an electoral advantage Truman, once he had the nomination, called Congress into a special session and presented a list of his desired legislation.  He knew his plan would be rejected.  But most of his proposals, even though they didn't address fundamental problems at hand, were attractive to voters - and he got Republicans to reject them. 

 And Truman, gleefully, for the balance of the campaign, made it known, from whistle stop to whistle stop, that the problems in the nation could be directly blamed on the "do-nothing" Congress that wouldn't work with him.  And - he almost accidentally reminded voters - things would get even worse if that stuffed shirt from New York became president of the United States.  

 OBAMA'S COPYCAT STRATEGY

 The parallels between Truman in 1948 and Obama in 2011 are vivid.  And how Obama is beginning to take lessons from the Missourian is becoming plainer every day.   

 ·        In 2010, Republicans won the House and considerably increased their strength in the Senate.  Obama's days of veto-proof- rule were over.  Like it or not, ever since he has had to contend with Republicans, and their ideas for a smaller government.  Truman had the same problem. 

• Obama's popularity, Truman-like, has skidded steadily from about 70 percent to about 38 percent in less than three years.1
• The economy under Obama is poor; his attempts to fix it have been misdirected and hapless. Like Truman, he has no economic record to brag about.
• Unlike Truman, national debt under Obama has mushroomed because of his costly, and unsuccessful, spending programs. And unlike Truman, Obama's foreign policy is - to be kind - incoherent.

 Even more than Truman, Obama needs a scapegoat, someone (anyone) to blame for the condition of the nation, economically, internationally and financially. 

 President Bush, a favorite target for more than two years, will continue to be useful to (and used by) Obama - but blaming Bush is wearing thin. 

 The Republican nominee can't be demonized yet (as he/she will be) because he/she isn't known yet.  But something must be found to take the heat away from Obama - he can't wait (as long as Truman did to make his play) to set up the only campaign strategy that is currently available to him.

 He must demonize Congress, especially the House, where Republicans rule. 

 This explains Obama's call for a special session of Congress on the same night, and at the same time, as the Republican primary debate in California.  In this way, if Republicans agree to the special session, he will monopolize television time and reduce the positive impact of the debate.  More importantly, he'll present ideas that, relative to the nation's current problems will be trivial.  But if Republicans disdain them, and if they do not offer challenging proposals, their dismissive action will provide the basis for Obama's future campaign against the "do-nothing" Congress that obstructs him.  And, the rhetoric will continue, if a Republican is elected president, things will get even worse. 

      No attempt by any politician from either party should be taken seriously of it doesn't first deal with unaffordable social programs that have destroyed the federal budget for more than a half-century.  Obama never deals with that problem in any specificity because it's politically toxic - a brew he refuses to face.  Republicans (bravely or foolishly) did so, and it could cost them votes if Obama doesn't join them. 

 He will not join with Republicans next week, nor is he likely to do so in the foreseeable future.  Therefore, his congressional address will be nothing more than another edition of Obama-theater.

 END

 Robert Kelly, author of several books on baseball and history/politics, is also a freelance, award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in many Massachusetts newspapers.  His latest book, Neck and Neck to the White House, is available at Amazon and the better bookstores. His e-mail address is bobkelly17@comcast.net

Political Round Up- Rubio/Rudy or Obama/Hillary Presidential /Local excitement yet to come !

    Local talkmasters and TV pundits are finally admiting I was on the money on how the Presidential race would play out a few months ago.   Ed Lambert (WXTK),   Howie Carr (WRKO),  Joe Malone (WATD)/ (Fox 25) and Jen Brien (WXTK)/(WRKO) all are starting to come around about what I told them months ago.   Ed suggested I go outside and scream the name and see who knows Marco Rubio.  When people were talking about Alan West,  Herman Cain, Donald Trump , Ron Paul, Sarah Palin, Tim Palenty (bad when by the time you try to spell his  name you have to give up & so does he, first), Newt Gingrich,  Rick Santorum, George Pataki, Jon Huntsman,  I said Marco Rubio is the energy you will get to know.  Ed and Jen went through a dozen of those,  including Bachman when I made the call to have him put on the calender.   Howie, fought me for awhile,  but slowly came around esp. when I asked Newt Gingrich about Senator Rubio (FLA.) and he practically endorsed him and he is still in the race.   Howie finally agreed to attempt to get Marco,  for a dying man in a Hurricane (me-I am still dying,  I only have 100 years to live-Don't tell cc today-commenters I am alive, I'm pretending to be lost in the storm).    Newt and everyone else say that Rubio is on a short list of  one for Vice Presidential Nominee.  You know what I call someone who is on everyone's list to be VP ?  I call him the Next President!  Think about it he is the young energy candidate.  He is the Handsome Husband of a former NFL cheerleader /Model.    (SEE Scott Brown -model with former model wife).  The son of  legal immigrants,  Cuban Exiles,  who sought asylum.    Their children learned to speak the language.  So much so,  that one of them just showed up our Senior Senator John Kerry, on the Senate floor.    I have to admit I worked for John Kerry back in 1984 when he was the underdog and my Dot . friend Mike Wholley,  was his field guy.   I have always been an Independant who works for an underdog almost exclusively, unless the Candidate becomes a friend and is stepping up as an incumbent.    People change,  and sometimes very quickly.  John Kerry , is an example.  I couldn't walk a day in his flip flops.   Now Mike Wholley, went on to be a legendary field, guy, and another Dot friend Jamie Houton,  who worked for Kerry told me along time ago that in D.C. there is alot more cooperation than they let on.   It is especially true  with members of  Congress from the same state , and particularly with their staff, as they are trying to help the same people back home.  As an Independant that bothers me less than the extremist of either party.   Kerry and Brown getting along doesn't  bother me.   Some of Kerry's comments I have been offended by, but it is not like I am going out to Iowa for him again, and why I left the last time. 

     The bottom line it is all about "We the People".    The lunchpail Union guys, the Small Businessmen, the Cops or the  Jakes, and us everyday ordinary Joe's all just really want commonsense solutions.    We want the frauds to be exposed and we vote for the best candidate, in our opinion most of the time.   I admit I have worked for one candidate and voted for the other.   Mainly it was when I knew I was going to win big,  and wanted to keep my candidate honest or I had several friends in the same local race.   Several of those classic Boston races were like the Civil War.  No, not the  busing issues,  just that families were split amongst several candidates.  Marty Walsh rep race where Coakley came in 4th of 5 is one,  Menino v. Brett,  and Maureen Feeney for Dist. 3 Council race, another (btw Dougie Bennett is taking the Keating Carpetbagger Mantle to a new level in the battle to replace her  and more families are being split up there, but none of them Dougie's family).   Should be close between my friends John O'Toole ,  Craig Galvin and the brother of  a little league team-mate of mine Frank Baker.  (Frank was coming up at the Dot Boys' Club when I was Social Recreation Director and Mark Wahlberg was a regular) I tried to steer Dougie to one, but he wanted to waste his own time and money,  and did not know how wired I was up there before he pissed me off.   If  he wins that race I will have to go to the Reebok store and eat a boat load of  sneakers.  (His placard will have to read:  Councilor D. Bennett (R)-Dorchester,  North End,  Nantucket,  PA-Farm Boy-See Keating later on).   It should be O'toole and Galvin , although if  Baker  steals second O'toole is a shoe in.  There are those footwear Cliche's again.  Hey, appropriate for races, don't you think?

      Back to the Rubio underdog Candidacy.   He was Speaker of  the House in Florida  , the gold standard of transparent government.  (Not like Mass.  gold standard in Criminal Government).   He is young and energetic but the same  age range as Obama.   Those people who drooled over Obama like he was Denzel Washington will not have a problem with a Latin Heart-throb.  For you guys who think this is crazy,   I say,  Sarah Palin or Michelle Bachman vs. Hillary.    I agree to an extent.   If we have to look at these people for 4-8 years ,  and they all will screw things up equally,  we might as well enjoy the view.   So here is what ties this all together.    Hillary resigns,  John Kerry becomes Secretary of  State; Gov. Patrick appoints himself, not so LiTe Gov.  Tiny Tim gets a two year boost up on the Governors Saddle;   Biden is invited to go on the speakers tour and takes itl  to buy good will for his son in Deleware down the road.  Besides how much beating up can a guy take .  He is the only one less popular than O'bama , ever!    This will give big energy to the Dems.  but they will hold onto until there is Republican energy.  Perry , the flavor of the week does not have the staying power and Romney has been done.  Romney could be King Maker but he is listening to the Krazy Kahezei Karl Rove want to be,  Eric Fehrnstrom.    Scott Brown has distanced himself already,  and the Shawmut Group might reconfigure and let Eric ride out the Romney gravy train.  That train is on a short track, that will coast home on cash but little else after N.H.   Rubio may try to take the easy way out with VP nod but that is a huge mistake.  Carpe Diem Marco,  Saturday Night Live Scott Brown will be winking his way around the Country in 2016 and you will be too attached to a failed Perry/Rubio ticket to smile out of  it.  

     On the other hand,  you and Rudy could win,  the South including the automatic FLA swing state.  Bachman and Palin will get behind you and get you swings-Iowa/Minn/Ariz/Alaska.  Perry would even be behind you,  although you could beat him now in Texas  and New Mexico another swing state.    Rudy would get you New York even with Hillary and  Christie would get you NJ.    The hispanic vote in cities like New York, Philly and LA could be different in their respective states.      Obama will have to fight the economy on his own,  so the Romney /Trump business logic means nothing.   This criminal  illegal alien stuff works from Arizona to Massachusetts,  and Perry loses with his Deval Patrick like illegal tuition stuff is a game breaker.    If  you don't run,  Obama wins in his sleep and we all have to look at Hillary's fat ass,  for another 4 years.  I don't know about you but don't all of those pant suits look the same.   We know she can afford all of the different designers but she still looks the same.   Talk about lip stick on a pig.  The all ugly ticket would be Hillary /Paul unless Kusinich wants in, but he already got a wife in the last deal.   His mother must be the only one who was happy he got in the race,  because she would never have grandchildren.    

    On the local front Keating may have to carpet bag again from Quincy back to Stoughton or Brockton,  as Lynch gets more of  Quincy and another more conservative South Shore Town.   Capuano and Frank will get Milton and split more of  minority Boston and liberal Cambridge.   Patrick will convince Oliver to go with some golden handshake, and the Cape will be ignored again!   I mean what do you expect when  Keating/Wolf/Murray/Atsalis/Peake/Turner are mum on their wastewater issue,  while  people are up in arms in their districts .  Crickets!   Tom Keyes might drain more cash from murray and cut into that small victory yet!  Inside Ball-  like the umpire in the Sox v. NYY Monday night.  I'm out.

     Speaking of the Congressional CarpetBagger,  did you hear his recent one, while he was down here on Cape (Not at Big Pipe meetings btw-Don't worry Cong. CB no else came either) about storm loss of power issue.  Yeah, he was making a candy coated appearance with the Coast Guard and commented, "...in my district we have National Grid...".   Fraudian slip of  redistricting proportions,  while saying that on the Cape.  Hate the break the news to you, or your constituents it is your District Congressman.  Most people still think their Congressman is Bill, but they think it is Delehunt.  They think this Bill is still in a fight with O'leary and General is yet to come.  The good news is he may be out our  hair (we can't be out of his) soon.  Either he gets totally knocked out as low man on totum poll in redistrict plan, they pair him against Lynch, or the rest of  agree with him that this isn't his district.  File under Congressional Power Outage!

     Despite the many instances of  mis-information on Big Pipe put out by the WIC  and their comrades in the Pravda media,  the most recent is the most disturbing.  They have put out that you can only vote by absentee ballot 30 days out.   This is patently false.  Absentee ballots can be recieved even after the election.  This is the main reasons elections are not certified until 10 days after elections.    Another misconception is that they count them later because of  the previous fact.   They are counted first actually,  if they come in before election day.  So, if you send one in as soon as you recieve from the Town Clerk and it gets there it is counted.  If you are say in Iraq, or  send in a few days before  it counts unless it is post marked after that date.  These absentee ballots have been important in several recent elections.   The same person who is in charge of the ballots at your voting location is in charge of  them , so you should trust just as much.  I like even better,  because it ensures my vote.  Alot of times ,  getting back into town is harder than we think,  and this is not a worry.  Also,  it is nice to spend time at the kitchen table really thinking about my vote with no rush,  like you are holding up the line,  or at a betting window,  even if  they seem like horse races.  Kitchen table issues,  kitchen table votes works great for me.   There is no third degree on this,  there can not be.   Health issues,  religious reasons,  (I religiously vote, and I pray my guy wins.) or if you are simply out of town, every reason is good enough.  ( This could be Hawaii, or Hyannis).    You can't vote twice,  but you can't vote early.   I like early and often but early works fine enough.   Low voter turnout  is not a good thing and usually favors those with not so noble reasons.  Keep them honest which ever way you want just keep them honest and vote!   If you are in Yarmouth Vote NO on Big Pipe!  Sept 12th  Special Town Meeting/Sept. 14th Special Town Election.

Eastham FinCom spurns Hoffmann's folly

Finance Committee Votes 2-6 Against Nauset’s $6.5M Surprise
One town can stop the Nauset Superintendent's sneaky end run

Dr. Dick Hoffmann, A.K.A. "Snidely Whiplash", makes a Nauset region town an offer they CAN refuse. Snidely Whiplashis the cartoon arch-villain to Dudley Do-Right in the tongue-in-cheek Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties segments of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.

Eastham’s Finance Committee has once again exemplified the common sense of rural folk when they voted 2-6 against recommending funding of the $6.5 million renovation at Nauset Regional High School. 

Amidst the wreckage of Tropical Storm Irene, Eastham officials yesterday released the warrant for a special town meeting on September 20, 2011.  Article 5 presents the question of whether or not to fund the surprise request from Nauset superintendent Dr. Richard Hoffmann, which blindsided Nauset’s member towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Orleans and Brewster.  Eastham’s share of “Hoffmann’s Folly” would be $806,441.

At a recent public hearing, FINCOM members criticized Nauset for not having a capital plan that outlines upcoming expenditures to maintain Nauset’s buildings.  In the statement by the majority of the FINCOM, members said

…historically there has been no capital plan that provides an evaluation of each building’s major plumbing, electrical, and structural systems. Such a plan should be professionally prepared before investing taxpayers’ dollars in these facilities.

This article was presented on an emergency basis in order to take advantage of a State grant. Our research shows that state funds for school improvements are available on an annual basis with approximately the same reimbursement rate.

The majority of the Finance Committee will be happy to consider a new proposal, submitted in a timely manner, including an adequate capital plan for all district facilities and funded in a way that is fair to all the towns.

The minority opinion of the Finance Committee was such that we question their very fitness for office.  “We believe substantial deference is owed to the district superintendant (SIC) and to his assessment….”  (In which school did this duo study spelling?)  They obviously aren’t offended by the superintendent’s failure to mention this “opportunity” that arose over a year ago.  Meanwhile, the town never knew this “$800 surprise” was coming as they voted an override for the regional school last spring.  Moreover, Eastham still has a potential $4.5 million library allocation hanging over its head, if the state frees up money to fund that deferred project in the future.

A common sense approach by once-fooled town leaders

The FINCOM majority exemplifies the common sense that we have come to expect from the good people of rural Eastham.  Once the turnip capitol of the Northeast, Eastham has time and again set an example for accountability and transparency in government. 

We hope the voters of Eastham, Orleans, Wellfleet and Brewster will “just say no” to the Nauset Region’s dastardly attempt to extort an extra $6.5M from the taxpayers.

--------

Read Dr. Hoffmann's other recent foibles here:

• New Adventures of Nauset Regional's Artful Dodger
  Posted in Editorial on August 4, 2011
• Nauset Regional's opaque contract
  Posted in Editorial on April 14, 2011

Two suspects sought in Wellfleet home invasion

Two suspects sought in Wellfleet home invasion

WELLFLEET - Wellfleet police are looking for two men wanted after a violent home invasion on Briar Lane just after midnight Monday, according to a Wellfleet police release. At 12:17 a.m., officers responded to a home at 29 Briar Lane where the victim told police that two men, described as a white male with facial hair and a Jamaican male with dreadlocks, entered the bedroom where the victim and family were sleeping. The victim told officers he was stabbed by one of the men twice in the shoulder. The two men fled the home after a brief struggle in which the victim tore some of the dreadlocks out of one of the man's head, police said.

While the victim was transported to Cape Cod Hospital, officers searched the surrounding area. A Barnstable County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit and a Barnstable County criminal investigative officer were called in to aid in the search and process the scene for evidence. The suspects still remain at large.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information about the attack or either of the two men is asked to contact Wellfleet police at 508-349-3702.

Source: Wellfleet Police Department.

Orleans announces committee, commission and board vacancies

Orleans announces committee, commission and board vacancies

The Orleans Board of Selectmen has released a list of vacancies on committees, commissions and boards. Anyone interested in filling on of the open positions is asked to complete a citizens' interest form, available at the Orleans Town Hall or on the town's website here.

Positions are currently available on the following:

• Agricultural Advisory Council
• Architectural Review
• Bike and Pedestrian Committee
• Building Code of Appeals
• Commission on Disabilities
• Community Preservation Committee
• Conservation Commission                 
  
• Cultural Council
• Fourth of July Committee
• Marine & Fresh Water Quality Task Force
• Nauset Regional School Committee
• Renewable Energy/Wind Committee
• Shellfish & Waterways Improvement Advisory
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Zoning Bylaw Task Force

Committee information is available in the Annual Town Report, on the town website or by calling Margie Astles, Chairwoman of the Orleans Board of Selectmen at 508-240-3700 ext. 311. Applications for all committees, commissions and boards will be kept on file in the event of future vacancies.

Source: Town of Orleans.

Naples, Capri, and IRS Pub. 463

In an attempt to show a recent trip to Italy as a business expense on my tax return, my accountant has suggested that I publish more of my travel journal here on the pages of this website in order to give the impression that the trip was planned entirely as a business trip. If you recall, I earlier published four entries in April during Holy Week, recounting my visits to churches in Rome, Naples, Pompeii, and Pozzuoli (in accordance with the stipulations of IRS Publication 463: Travel Expenses).

In this entry, my journal will take us for a drive and stroll about the cobblestone streets of Naples, and then on a daytrip to the Isle of Capri and her amazing Blue Grotto.

Naples: Beneath the Mediterranean Moon

I have become convinced that Italian drivers are either the worst drivers on the planet...or else they are among the best.

There appear to be no "rules of the road." Anything goes. Maneuvers which would cause us at home to beep and curse and gesture at the other driver are commonplace here. Cars approach each other like metallic medieval knights in some jousting battle, nearly hitting each other as one driver swerves one way and the other swerves the other way at seemingly the very last moment.

Turns that would seem impossible to accomplish at home are no problem here. Roads that seem to come to an abrupt end, usually at the front of a neighborhood church, offer some escape route that looks as if only a baby carriage could fit through - yet it is somehow more than enough room for a Fiat or some similar size automobile.

And yet, with all the close calls and near misses, the Italian cars show almost no sign of bumps or bruises. As I said earlier, the Italian drivers are either the worst drivers or else the best drivers on the planet.

A note about the roads here: They are made of cobblestone - large blocks black in color and cut into roughly rectangular shapes that run from a foot and a half long to about a foot wide. Driving the streets is a bumpy experience that must make happy those who sell and install shock absorbers.

Walking can be an experience as well. You must be mindful of where you step as your foot may miss a block and your ankle become twisted in between the cobblestones. When walking, one tends to step from stone to stone like crossing a brook.

The buildings of Napoli are worn and tired, as if the residents have left them that way on purpose in order to add to the charm of the place ... as if to emphasize that a façade is merely a façade, and it's what's inside which truly matters.

And inside are people full of passion for life - from the foods they eat to the robust way in which they converse with one another. A typical conversation witnessed on the streets of Napoli may be likened to two people involved in an auto accident arguing over who is to blame. Yet, there is no accident, and these two friends are merely discussing some of the finer points of life here along the narrow streets of this Mediterranean coastal city.

In general, the women of Napoli, and of neighboring Pozzuoli where I was staying, are beautiful and the men who court them are handsome. At night, they perform the "ballo di amore" out upon the streets as couples walk hand-in-hand, or drink espresso and cappuccino at outdoor cafes, or embrace as if depicting some ancient statue beneath the Mediterranean moon, or beneath the glow of a street light, or seated atop a stone wall overlooking the sea below.

Life and love, they exist hand-in-hand here in Napoli - a situation that one imagines has existed for millennia.

Capri: Into the Blue Grotto

The next morning I awoke refreshed - with three cups of espresso - ready to face the new day.

On this particular morning we boarded a ferry bound for the Isle of Capri, a bit more than an hour's sojourn from the port of Napoli. As the city disappeared behind us, I realized I was on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea! Imagine me on the Mediterranean, upon waters I had only read about in books, where Italians - perhaps even my ancestors - fished for their livelihood centuries ago.

Capri appeared before us, sheer cliffs of volcanic rock soaring over purple-hued waters, with buildings climbing up the more subtle sloping hillsides - each building overlooking the Mediterranean. Upon docking, we immediately obtained tickets for a smaller boat, which took us to the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) -- a natural wonder somehow carved into the volcanic rock at sea level, into which, in an even smaller dory, we entered.

Once inside we marveled at the florescent blue nature of the interior waters, as rowers from a half dozen similar boats sang Italian songs ... and who then, upon exiting, held out their hand for tips. It was a satisfying experience - something to be checked off the list of lifetime accomplishments as we headed back to the harbor and our next adventure, a trip up the Funicular to the top of Capri.

High aloft we were afforded a commanding view of the island, and of the harbor and the brilliant sea below. Also at the top were the typically narrow Italian streets, lined with elegant shops designed to capture the tourists' Euro dollar. I found it strangely satisfying to know that capitalism existed atop the beautiful Isle of Capri, beneath brilliant sunlight that has long attracted artists to capture upon canvas its eternal and perhaps elusive essence.

Publication 463, Section 1: Travel Expenses; Subsection -- Part of Trip

"To figure the deductible amount of your round-trip travel expenses, use the following fraction. The numerator (top number) is the total number of business days outside the United States. The denominator (bottom number) is the total number of business and non-business days of travel."

Let's see ... Zero divided by ten equals zero.

Hmmm...that couldn't be right. Let me try that again.

Zero divided by ten equals ... damn!

Jack Sheedy

PS: Ballo di amore (dance of love)

PPS: Be sure to look for my latest book, Cape Odd (written with Jim Coogan), at a library near you - available thru the CLAMS and OCLN systems. And while you're at it, check out our earlier book, Cape Cod Harvest. Take them to the beach for an afternoon of Cape Cod stories ... just be sure to shake the sand out before you return them.

Many Cape Codders still without power days after Irene

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene visited the Cape on Sunday, leaving in her wake many downed trees and limbs, a lot of clean-up work and several Nstar customers without power on the South Shore and Cape Cod.

As of 4 a.m. this morning, Nstar estimates that 40,000 customers are still without power--less than half those without power early yesterday morning.  On Cape Cod, of 178,148 customers, 10,010--or roughly 6%--are still without power. Cape Cod power outages and expected restoration times are below:

Restoration updates are available on the Nstar website here. Outages or other concerns should be reported to Nstar at 800-592-2000. Do not call 911 to report continued or new power outages.

Cape Cod Arraignments and Dispositions - August 31, 2011

QUICK LINKS: ORLEANS DISTRICT COURT ::  FALMOUTH DISTRICT COURT

ORLEANS DISTRICT COURT

August 31, 2011

In court August 29, 2011

ARRAIGNMENTS

HEDDERIG, Erika, 22, 795 Old Falmouth Rd, Mashpee; breaking & entering a building at daytime for felonious purposes, August 29 in Harwich.  Co-defendant with MONROE, below.  Pretrial conference scheduled for September 15.

In court August 30, 2011

ARRAIGNMENTS

GARBITT, Ryan S, 23, 35 Lake Dr, S. Dennis; breaking & entering a vehicle or boat at daytime for felonious purposes; larceny under $250, August 26 in Brewster.  Pretrial conference scheduled for September 13.

MONROE, Phillip, 19, 1379 Bumps River Rd, Barnstable; breaking & entering a building at daytime for felonious purposes; vandalizing property, August 29 in Harwich.  Pretrial conference scheduled for September 15.  According to police reports, Harwich officers responded to Factory Avenue for a report of two males walking around the residence and banging on the door.  The reporting party noted a white vehicle in the driveway associated with the two.  When officers arrived, both men had left, but a witness was able to provide descriptions and specifics as to dress.   The Harwich police found Monroe and an associate exiting another residence on Factory Rd.  Both fled.  The suspect vehicle was located nearby, driven by a female who was allowed to proceed.  Officers found the two men walking near Depot Rd in North Harwich.  Monroe was arrested.  His associate, Sy Zarthar again fled but was caught lying flat in the back of the suspect vehicle driven by the same woman, near Old Chatham Road.  Zarthar was arrested as was Erika Hedderig, the driver. 

PLANTE, Nicholas A, 19, 8 Bluebird Dr, W. Yarmouth; trafficking in heroin/morphine/opium; Class D drug possession with intent to distribute, marijuana, June 10 in Dennis.  Pretrial conference scheduled for September 30.

ZARTHAR, Sy, 23, 300 Nottingham Dr, Centerville; breaking & entering at daytime for felonious purposes; vandalizing property, August 29 in Harwich.  Co-defendant with MONROE, above.  Pretrial conference scheduled for September 15.

DISPOSITIONS

GOULDING, Philip J, 21, 129 Sullivan Rd, W. Yarmouth; Class B drug possession, April 14 in Dennis.  To be dismissed upon payment of court costs by September 30.

PECKHAM, Gerard F III, 20, 187 Division St, W. Yarmouth; assault & battery, May 3 in Dennis.  Dismissed.

ROBBINS, Clayton A, 30, 2 Summer St, Dennis Port; assault & battery with a dangerous weapon, amended to assault & battery; assault & battery on a police officer; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct, April 1 in Dennis.  Jury trial.  All counts, admitted to sufficient facts.  All counts, guilty finding.  Both assault counts and resisting arrest, ninety days house of correction, suspended.  Probation until August 30 2012.  Disorderly conduct guilty finding,  filed.

YOUNIS, Adam N, 21, 15 Aspinet, Eastham; assault & battery; malicious destruction of property over $250, amended to under $250, July 14 in Orleans.  Assault & battery, dismissed.  Malicious destruction of property, admitted to sufficient facts.  Continued without a finding until February 27 2013.  Counseling, drug- and alcohol-free with screens. 

FALMOUTH DISTRICT COURT

August 31, 2011

In court August 30, 2011

ARRAIGNMENTS

BROWN, Nicholas S, 19, 223 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich; lights violation, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license on July 26 in Bourne. Hearing scheduled for September 22

FRIAS, Jorge D, 26, 6 Parker Drive, Wareham; operation under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle on August 30 in Bourne. Hearing scheduled for October 5.

HICKS, Phillip C, 19, 51 Great Neck Road North, Mashpee; receiving stolen property under $250 on August 30 in Mashpee. Hearing scheduled for September 2.

HICKS, Phillip C, 19, 51 Great Neck Road North, Mashpee; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot) , conspiracy, unarmed robbery on August 12 in Mashpee. Dangerousness hearing on September 2.

JOHNSON, Shane A, 23, 263 Head of the Bay Road, Bourne; assault and battery on August 30 in  Bourne. Hearing scheduled for November 16.

LANGLOIS, Michele L, 27, 13 North Wind Drive, Plymouth; larceny under $250, inn keeper defraud under $100 (2 counts) on August 30 in Bourne. Hearing scheduled for October 6.  Langlois and a male party ate at Leo's restaurant and when a party left got up to leave, she is alleged to have taken a $50 bill from their  table and walked out of the restaurant. When witnesses told police she took the $50 bill, Langlois allegedly stuffed the bill in her mouth and tried to swallow it.  An officer saw a piece of the bill in her mouth, but was unable to retrieve it.

LONG, Jason T, 26, 18 Scotch Pine Road, Buzzards Bay; assault and battery on August 30 in Bourne. Hearing scheduled for October 6.

MACHADO, Ian S, 19, 208 Sea Street, Dennisport; possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug on August 30 in Mashpee. Hearing scheduled for September 13. The Class A drug is a form of ecstasy known on the streets as "molly" and is the latest fad at raves and in clubs. The drug increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It is a highly addictive drug, manufactured in labs.

NOONAN, Cory E, 21, 58 Homestead Lane, East Falmouth; unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, number plate violation, speeding on August 21 in Falmouth. Hearing scheduled for October 5.

OKERNICK, Kellie A, 19, 13 Harvest Drive, Falmouth; marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operation under the influence of alcohol on August 30 in Falmouth. Hearing scheduled for October 5.

SNYDER, John, 54, 20 Shepherd Street, Foxborough; operation under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop for police, speeding, alcohol  in possession in a motor vehicle on August 30 in Falmouth. Hearing scheduled for September 1.

DISPOSITIONS

BRIGGS, Michael  S, 25, 7 Wheelhouse Circle, East Falmouth; marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license on May 24 in Falmouth. Dismissed upon payment received by September 6.

CUSOLITO, Dominic F, 19, 300 Falmouth Road, Mashpee; operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, misc. motor vehicle equipment violation, possession of a Class B drug (ibuprofen), two counts possession of a Class E drug (hydrocodone, cyclobenzaprine)  on June 2 in Mashpee. Dismissed upon payment received by September 13.

NEWELL, Rochelle  M, 20, 138 Winter Street, Hyannis; destruction of property over $250 on June 30 2010. Dismissed upon payment received by November 1.