CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

our state is in critical condition. A $243 million revenue shortfall in September is a certain set up to CUT local aid again! most cities and towns are receiving 2002 local aid levels. services will be cut yet again as Beacon Hill has no sense of urgency to cut its expenses. Please--the WSJ recently published that Public Sector employees earn 46% MORE than private sector employees when all benefits are included. There is no margin for error as this administration has squandered $1.5 BILLION in rainy day funds. My administration will not take a state pension so Rachel will be able to collect hers in the future. Brockton High was a great place to go to high school. It taught me how to get along with what we had. It was old, wooden, and the top floor was condemed. my class had almost 1,000 students who graduated. no one was in trouble with the law. most worked jobs while going to school. its what we could afford and I treasure the memories.
If we can't cut the cost of government now, this will certainly provoke cuts at the local level like we have never experienced.

have taken an oath of office twice for the Turnpike Authority Board---the words, special interests, wealthy, connected, or powerful few just aren't in the oath. you doubt where I stood in all that fight?

won't see it. the principle the CW is a boondoggle--
A for profit industrial plant built with taxpayer money, subsidized with electricity rates that will need to be 100% more that the huge utility rates we pay today. Its a politically correct pipe-dream that will never be built.

you compromise on policy, programs, and politics. you never compromise on principle--no matter the cost.

correction: the statement on Romney was as follow: Mitt was hell on wheels the first two years but after that he turned turkey and began running for president---we have the video

CC Rock--we are after the illegal gaming crowd as we did in 1973 when in August of '73 the MASS STATE LOTTERY commenced. in time, the illegal numbers rackets died on the vine. The same can happen with the illegal sports betting industry. we need the revenue to restore the Cities and Towns treasuries so we can offer property tax relief to an over burdened and overtaxed resident. ALL of the revenues must be devoted to local aid.

To voice of reason---when elected we will terminate 10% of the state's work force= $600million.
No member of my administration will be part of the state pension system--we want public service not self-service.
Tax credits like the Hollywood-film tax credit and the bio-tech $105 million per year will be axed--with the legislatures assistance.
We will move to community based systems in healthcare as quickly as we can.
That's the first Billion in cuts and best practices -- more to come -- but my goal of returning 40% of state revenues to the 351 cities and towns is still job #1.
Get the money where the power in the state should vest.
At least at the local level, you have some control over YOUR money.

When does a business competitor raise its prices unilaterally with no regard to a competitor right next door who has lower operating costs, lower prices, less restrictions, and owners[leaders] who really care about their customers[taxpayers]---a recipe for financial disaster. no business, entity or institution can sustain itself when its costs go higher and it continuously loses its customers. Wake up Massachusetts.

this is one of the greatest stories of all time. Coasties are great Americans.

thanks for the comments Mr.Irishguy---I know you'd want only the best working for you---we're both hard-wired that way. PLUS--anyone coming into my administration, will have to agree not to be part of the State Pension System. Public Service will be just that--not self-service.

Thank you Insubordiate and Jonathan--this will be a worthwhile fight. I am as embarrassed by the performance on Beacon Hill as many in the state. we can do better. REFORM AND NO REVENUES----

thanks folks---will do my best. one party government causes abuse of power---that begets corruption. its where our State Government is today. Watch the daily reports of pension abuse. More tax increases are coming. many more.

please go to christy2010 to check out my positions in 2006--they're all right there in black and white. should you have any questions please e-mail me directly at christy@christysofcapecod.com as I'd be happy to clarify or answer any of your interests or concerns........christy

These men were a different breed. loyal, honorable, brave and loved their country. thank you for writing about Mr. Bourget--fellow Brocktonian.

Main Street Business? we had a chance to get a professional hockey team play two times weekly at the new complex and our leaders mismanaged that. can you imaging 1500 people descending upon main street shops and food establishments before and after a game twice weekly would have meant to Hyannis' Downtown viability? not with this crew.

We are proceeding in both locations at our risk and peril. That is our right. Dennis will open in one month or so yet only in the former retail area and the gas under the existing canopy arrangement. There just wasn't time to rebuild the new offering before summer. Chatham will hopefully commence next week also. The litigation process will exact a cost and 18months to 2 years to get a decision. It is what it is. We did our best to work with the plaintiffs yet to no avail. Thank you for your comments and good wishes---it means much to me.

dpie never give up !!! christy

thanks to all for your comments and advise. We'll watch this shake out over the next few months. Hope you'll all be my boss some day. Our State is worth fighting for. thanks again---pro or con!

Representative Perry GETS IT---Listen up folks and support his call. For example--the RMV collects over $1 Billion in revenues---its operating budget is less than $50 million and the Governor is cutting their budget. Get involved and take this type of convoluted, corrupt State Government on. Your children and their children will thank you in years to come.

The Patrick Administration today announced education funding is coming:
With $168,000,000.00 in new education funding coming to the 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth---Cape Cod is getting $2,700. An utter disgrace.

you must be right cranberryblogged--we attended 16 meetings over 7 months. on all permits before all boards we received unanimous votes except a 4 to 1 vote on one issue at the Board of Appeals. The letters were overwhelming in support of our project.
the Village group supported us--- people are out of work and need jobs. The construction jobs alone will add up to over $1 million in income for struggling trades people. nail in the coffin? get a grip.

This is spot-on for the elites in our state and country. Enough is enough.

some have been suggesting that--get in early and close to the Gov. and fight it out at the primary. who knows?

Democrant is at it again. The solutions are right before your eyes. let see what they do with selling the service plazas and terminating tolling for all west of 128--take a look at the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission who came up with the study that we need to spend $19 billion over the next 20 years to just stay even with the quality that the transportation
reps and senators, contractors and their lawfirms and lobbyists desire. any of those names look familiar?

In 2006 it was an issue and I was for it to save the 5000 jobs at the four tracks. Saw a statistic last week that the gaming industry has lost billions last year. There are major layoffs in the two CT. casinos and the new casino in RI is on life support. there is no easy fix these days.

actually, have not declared, picked a party or a way to run, but hopefully we get there to make the run. my Home State is in real trouble---it hurts to watch this ugliness each and every day. Thank you for your encouraging comments......we'll get there.

When did citizens lose their property rights in this country?

Amen to that!

just to be factual---we never applied for the permit on the site in Orleans Rd. in Chatham.
Second, the Schluter's site is now available for us to build upon after months of permitting same. we occupied it for four months and pumped gas to preserve the gas permit. hopefully we can get the site built out for the summer and have a new Christy's in Chatham. Crusader, you're up there on the stress meter today. lighten up. its life---enjoy it.

Just for the record, we have never been denied a permit in Orleans, never controlled, owned a property there and never applied for a permit in Orleans.

These brave men and women are always out there for us. Have the highest respect for what they do. Wishing the trooper a quick and healthy recovery.

620 days to go until election day here in the Commonwealth---make it happen Ollie, make it happen.

don't know the actual present day costs, but will research them. The State pays nothing for the Big Dig Debt of any kind. its all funded thru the tolls paid at the tunnels, and inside Route 128. There is $1.5 Billion in the rainy day fund, plus last year revenues were at record levels. They just spent it and did not or could not see what was coming.

four---thanks for your work in 2006! and you support and vote. If you recall, the cornerstone of our campaign was Proposition 1 whereby the 351 municipalities our receive 40% of state revenues as local aid--each and every year. The change would have been dramatic and formulated the strength in local government VS Beacon Hill. Also mandated no fees for busing, nor any extra curricular activities. we are in concert as to the revenue shortfall due to the current methodology--but my plan would work ! frankly to get the other municipalities to change the unfair distribution method is a non-starter with so many municipalities that do not want to take a hit. Prop 1 acknowledged the unfairness but sought to pump more $$$ in to cover the deficits. Take a look what our town would have received in local aid under Prop 1. www.christy2010.com or www.christyformassachusetts.com its in there. many thanks again, Christy

let me give you one small place to start--Turnpike Authority. We offered Fast Lane transponders in 1999. prior to that all transactions at the tolls were manual--handled by tolltakers, of which the Pike employed 615.
When I left the PIKE board in August 2004, 70% of all transactions were now Fast Lane Transponder transactions---un-touched by human hands. With 70% being technology driven transactions we still employed 586 tolltakers. Go figure. The Governors office was effectively doubled under Governor Patrick. Each agency has a legal department, HR, PR, Accounting, you name it department. Plus millions in outside lawyer law firms---many departments have their own lobbyists. The Turnpike had three under Amorello. You can not imagine the waste, fraud and abuse of the system that you pay for. Look--the first budget cuts Gov. Patrick was to cut the funding for Ferguson Industries for the Blind which put 25 legally blind people out of a job--they did great work and the government subsidy was $800,000. 25 people out the door and friends of Deval got huge salaries, and benefits.

Buzz--will get you the number later. BUT---the Troop E [Tunpike] contract has not been renegotiated since 1974. There are two state police barracks within two miles of each other--one for Troop E and another for the State Troopers who patrol state roads.

Demagoguery? Not at all--populist yes. Wander out of your bubble and look at this economy, the for sale signs, the banking crises and the cuts in local aid. Open your eyes.

Karen--in 2006 I proposed cutting the state labor force by 8,000. instead Governor Patrick, once elected hired 2,000 ! ! ! Believe the number is in excess of 80,000 who work for you. You can not sustain their benefits as they work and thereafter retire. I get up every day and go to work because I love it. Born and raised in Brockton--it will always be with me. Always.

Capenancy--see item #7 as a way of mitigating the loss of jobs. New jobs being created with Federal $$$ would mitigate that issue. We are grossly over staffed in government--the numbers are staggering, and the cost to benefit these employees can not be met at these current levels. Its the right choice to cut and rightsize.

thanks Mr. 'Rant---got my own stimulus plan. wouldn't cost you a dime.

Buzz--regular costs $1.80--I'm selling it at $1.79 plus add in the discounts==I did pretty well recently. Whoopies are on their way. We'll be prettying up the site real soon. Thanks all for your business. Cape Cod's been good to me

and its cash back on the spot. unfortunately, so many still after almost 10 months don;t know about this discount program. christy

the press jumped the gun on this. There will be a website christyformassachusetts.com soon that will chronicle what has been done to our home state recently. and Solon--baklava is not good for you; try one of our whoopie pies at $1.79---only 800 calories.

All comments by CPN and CW must be personal assasinations ---at least they're consistently personal about it all. IF you liked the Big Dig--you'll just love Cape Wind. That's not personal just a fact.

hamalcar,tron44, I've been at this place before in 2001 when ever newspaper in metro boston and the Cape Cod Times printed editorials day after day demanding my removal from the Turnpike Boards for questioning the Big Dig and Bechtel's performance. It was politically correct to go along with the waste,fraud,corruption and abuse of Taxpayer's money because boston was getting THE state-of-the-art project; the biggest public works project in the history of the United States. To question anything brought out all the usual groups--just like the Cape Wind issue. The facts degenerate into personal attacks. My point is that IF you liked the Big Dig, you'll love Cape Wind. So speak your mind and speak truth to power. Many did in the 1770's and look where that took us. Who cares about personal insults, go ahead-put us all who dare to question Cape Wind on a list to boycott. That's what the First Amendment is all about. knock yourselves out. in the meantime you can buy milk $1 less a gallon than at the supermarket and gas is 10cents off with a stop and shop gas coupon. christy

Thanks for listing us three times. you do what you believe is right. We are not accepting any tax credits form any agency with regard to our turbines. we will do our very best to offer goods and services to our customers. Can not believe the personal attacks and misinformation that some people stoop to in attacking those who speak their positions. That is why people despise the political process.

you buy your gas wherever you want to. we'll still offer the 10cents off with the stop and shop coupon and it will be a great deal. Our "'lil turbines" are paid with private $$, not your taxpayer $$. If they're telling you know that the cost per KWH is twice what we pay now, can you imagine what the REAL cost will be if--God Forbid it ever gets built--

nice push poll. you can always get your pollster to say anything you want

Everyone was in favor of the Big Dig until they understood that they were paying for mismanagement, corruption, fraud and abuse. it was always represented that 90%of the cost would be paid by the other 49 states. when the final numbers were in it was 55% of mass taxpayers who will be paying for it, and a billion more to go. This is the same issue here. The final product[electricity] will cost us double what had always been represented as costing us less. In the end, these mega projects can not happen unless the lies are believed by taxpayers. Government must lie to get anything major accomplished. Just look at the new Healthcare for All program. It was represented to cost us $200million annualy. It will cost us a billion dollars in two years. Another ripoff by private industry and big government.

brilliant as usual. Time to get this gentleman in front of a radio talk show microphone!!!!

Charles did a wonderful job with us at the Alliance. have a yuk at it if you will but he did a great job. He's back with his family and any family person would have to understand that even you folks who have been unmerciful in your personal attacks on the man. The Cape Wind thing has many more chapters to come. But, the greek thing you so often use is pretty lame. Grow up.

Maverick---this is like deja vu---all those federal and state agencies, all that special interest money, all the PR flaks touting the gospel and the costs just keep on rising---there will be no benefit to the taxpayers, utility payers,its the elite insiders who will make money off your taxdollars---

my apology for not attending. Had to do multiple programs all day and night--you see the federal government and the commonwealth settled the Big Dig fiasco for chump change and provided a liability cap if anything happens in the 10th year from the settlement date. not bad for the special interests to get off the hook again should anything happen in the 10th year. imagine, a $15 billion tunnel project that was to have lasted well into the next century and its time could be up in 10. And this is with a project that 14 state and federal agencies had oversight! that's why "if you liked the big dig, you'll love cape wind."

To compare our turbine installation with Cape Wind is a cruel joke. We did this with our money, on our property, utilizing Town zoning bylaws. For me a five year payback is acceptable. What is gratifying for me as one who believes in alternative energy sources and who lives each day contemplating the e-mails arriving every night at 6 PM form the oil companies heralding the latest increases in the cost of a barrel is that there has to be a mass acceptance that we all need to do what we can to develop a solution to the foreign oil issue. The calls I take every day from other companies and individuals throughout the country comtemplating turbines on top of their gas canopies or at their home or commercial buildings is gratifying. People are "getting it". What the masses can accomplish, if properly channeled, will FAR out produce what a one taxpayer funded industrial power plant in Nantucket Sound could ever hope to produce.

opinionator---Fred is conservative and sticks to his positions. He is not a flip-flopper like you know who, and has a viable solution to the Illegal Immigration issue that will cost our State ONE[1] billion dollars next fiscal year. Chance of Winning, who knows---but he's a man of conviction, has been tested, speaks from his heart, and has a great reputation. Checkout some of his margins of victory in his state elections. All the best----

Cape Cod Republican---wrong. we are awaiting the final permit which is at Town Hall. Thanks to you for throwing your wrench in the process. And for what? You Rs keep throwing dirt because I had the audacity to leave the Party. The Rs became worst than the Ds in selling out the taxpayers for your special interests and the elites on Beacon Hill. now, see how the cities and towns have to make due with crumbs called local aid from the state budget. But that's OK for you--you just want to get even. scorned does not make a better state.

Buzz--they'll power approximately 30% of our utility cost at that particular store. we don't have Slurpee machines-that's 7-Eleven. And for the Ms. Cutegirl, it's a business issue. the payback is 5 years and the technology is workable. sound: 5 decibles--alike the sound in a library; in no one's way, using private property, at private expense, and it might, just might get companies and home owners to consider the technology as it becomes even more cutting edge, to install wind turbines on their property. We're just not taking your 25 square miles of nantucket sound and your taxpayer dollars to fund a wind factory. Its just a start on our part to make a difference in fighting higher energy costs. not screwing with anyone's mind as you say. enjoy a beautiful day.

thanks for the feedback on the filters.
Dunkin is there for the long haul. now let me get the filter changed. all the best and thanks for shopping with us. christy

Maverick---I serve as Co-Chairman of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound and against the rip off of the PEOPLES' Trust. The windturbines at our stores are paid privately and will power only 30% of our use. But they won't be paid by you the taxpayer. If you liked the Big Dig you'll love Cape Wind. During the Governor's race I was against casinos in our state. Its the most regressive tax on people BUT I do sell MASS LOTTERY tickets in our stores as 68% of all proceeds are paid out to Lottery buyers and a Billion Dollars goes back to the Citites and Towns annually. But casinos---forget it. Can you imagine the corruption force in our state government running this boondoggle? I am totally against these rip-offs of special interest legislation and projects that leave the people with crumbs. Like you--it pains me no end to see our State being ripped off by these vultures for their own special interest.

Thanks Mr.Brooks for noticing the turbines.
They are installed and awaiting final approval on all the documentation from the Grid to actually produce energy. They will power our store and gas operation and we expect between 25 to 30% of our total utility costs to be wind driven.
We are very excited about the future of wind power and hope to gain the permits in all sites with the next permit process due on Monday in Hyannis. will share the data with you and your readers and hopefully other retailers and operators will feel the need to get on the wind power ride.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your readers.
PS/you have developed a great site for all of us on the Cape---Enjoy the day. Christy

if gaming is the answer--I hate to know the question. I had stores in and around the two casinos in eastern CT. and you have no idea what happens to the local communities with the sprawl of gaming. Revenues?? our state finished last fiscal year with a $440 million budget surplus and there is over $2 Billion in the rainy day fund. Four different budget analysts are predicting a $1 billion increase in revenues OVER last year. There is no revenue issue. Hold on spending the taxpayers money. Increase local aid and get it back to 2002 levels so the 351 cities and towns can breath. but no one's listening. watch the new initiative petition Proposition 1. its the new prop. 2 1/2.

It is with great interest that I read your story. congratulations and many years ahead for you and your family. I was diagnosed with both skin and prostate cancer on the same day this past may and had both surgeries in June. Like you, I am now a cancer survivor yet the surgery was tough, but now I call it the Gift of Cancer as it puts EVERYTHING in perspective. Thank you for writing the chapters, yet although mine went the surgical way, its very instuctive to hear and read the way to your cure. Congratulations. Christy Mihos

If you liked the Big Dig, you'll love Cape Wind---
In 1986 the BIG Dig was projected to cost $2.3 Billion. From that date to present day the following agencies have had oversight of the project:
Executive Office of Transportation
Mass Highway
Massachusetts State Auditor
Massachusetts Inspector General
Massachusetts Attorney General
House Transportation Committee
Senate Transportation Commitee
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
US Senate Committee on Commerce
US House Transportation Committee
US Department of Transportation
US Federal Highway Administration
Today the Project Cost exceeds $15Billion---the Project is riddled with mistakes.
The new players regarding overight are:
FBI
DOT Inspector General
US Department of Justice
Please, let the Cape Cod Commission do its job with regard to Cape Wind. If one of the above had, the Commonwealth would not be the laughingstock of the county regarding the Big Dig. CCC protect Cape Cod.

Jack--Peter will be on at 9:00AM and Jon Keller at 8:00AM segment. These are two people in the news. The show should be fun and with these two journalists/reporters on board, pretty informative. Tune in. WRKO 680 AM.

Peter will be a guest on WRKO saturday morning where thousands will hear the man that is still breaking this story and which will play a part in the future of gaming in the Commonwealth. I'm thrilled to have him as my guest. christy

I know Scott Ferson. He was instramental in my battle with Acting Governor Jane Swift and provided professional, extraordinary talent against the establisment in Boston. He has never had any dealings with James Abramoff; that's just not true. He is not a lawyer nor is Liberty Square Group a law firm. He was Senator Kennedys press person years ago, and is well regarded. I trust him and he's my friend. his client has problems---ferson is not the problem.

hey---- I saw this Wendy on Greater Boston Channel 2 and she claims she hasn't taken a position on Cape Wind--huh? Wendy doesn't get it! The turbines will power my stores, with my investment on our land and buildings. But moreso, we have waited until all the Towns have promolgated their OWN regulations and standards before applying for permits to get these turbines installed. If the Towns say the turbines are allowed they're being installed. If the Towns say no---its no. get your story straight. Don't shill when you claim to be neutral.

thanks for the interest! yet, what did Greek have to do with it again? We are thrilled that we will be transacting all our oil purchases from a massachusetts company, Gulf Oil of Newton, run by Joe Petrowski who is one fine manager. You will see many more of these moves by people who will not do business with a Thug like Chavez. His threat to raise a barrel of oil to over $100 per barrel would provoke havoc to our cherished economy. As to alternative forms of energy, we are now permitting 9 of our stores with wind turbines which will be anchored onto the steel posts supporting our gas canopies. We believe that this will help power up the stores and certainly decrease our utility costs. Further, we're making the investment and taking all the land costs personally. No 25 square mile land grab here; no $75 million annual government subsidy. hope you come by to see these wind turbines when they are installed. Life is great on Cape Cod !!!!!!