Who Is Protecting Our Families? Not The Massachusetts Legislature.
Today there is yet another story in the Boston Herald of a woman being viciously attacked by a repeat sex offender. A violent level-three sex offender who has been charged and convicted of various sexual assaults since 1996 has spent little time in jail for his offenses.
Prosecutors tried to have David Flavell declared a sexually dangerous person in 2006, but Judge Richard T. Moses disagreed and allowed him to go free. Since then, Flavell has been charged with sexual crimes twice, once in 2007 and again in 2008 when he tried to rape a woman. Today we can add another charge to the list.
So it makes any sane person wonder why our legislature fought so hard against tough mandatory sentences for convicted sex offenders. A mere ten-year sentence was called "draconian" on the house floor. The majority of states have a mandatory 25-year sentence.
Massachusetts has some of the weakest laws for sex offenders in the country. We must strengthen laws that protect families and children and close the myriad of loopholes that let repeat sex offenders go free and unmonitored.
Our legislature continues to fail all of us when it comes to public safety.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Last Saturday I challenged everyone at my Campaign Kick-Off party to spread the word about me and my campaign, to make some noise, tell folks how we will all benefit from getting good people elected. Lisa Lima has risen to that challenge by sending the following e-mail to over 50 of her friends and family:
"On Saturday I had the honor of singing the National Anthem at Shaunna O’Connell’s Campaign Kick Off event. John and I were both very impressed with what she had to say and her goals for State Representative. She cares about and is clearly dedicated to the community. We found her to be a woman of integrity and a strong work ethics, someone who will serve the people of Taunton well.
"As you know our families are from Taunton and so our interest for their proper representation is important to us. I would like to encourage all of you get to know Shaunna and her beliefs. We feel you also will be very impressed with what she has to say regardless of your political party. We encourage you to share this email with your family and friends who live in Taunton such as we are doing with you today. Thank you for reading this and please take a look at her web site http://www.shaunna2010.com."
Join Lisa in supporting my campaign by taking action and spreading the word. Tell people you support me and encourage them to do the same. Be sure to look for my speech later this week or early next. Pictures are already posted.
Thanks for your continued support. Power to the People!
Shaunna
Sunday, October 18, 2009
And it was the best party in town! My Campaign Kick-Off Party was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came to show their support. If you missed it, you really missed out.
We had great speakers full of energy. The enthusiasm and excitement in the room was contagious. My speech was electrifying and inspiring. After hearing me talk about who I am, what I believe in and the kind of leadership I will bring to Beacon Hill, the support is just pouring in.
We hope to have the video up sometime this week. Stay tuned.
Shaunna
We had great speakers full of energy. The enthusiasm and excitement in the room was contagious. My speech was electrifying and inspiring. After hearing me talk about who I am, what I believe in and the kind of leadership I will bring to Beacon Hill, the support is just pouring in.
We hope to have the video up sometime this week. Stay tuned.
Shaunna
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Today is the big day! It's my Campaign Kick-Off Party from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Jockey Club in Raynham. We had to change the location from my church in Taunton because of the weather, so it better start raining!
Join us any time from 3 to 5 today, and bring the whole family. We have pumpkin painting and crafts for the kids. $10 donation per person; kids are free!
Check out Holly Robichaud's blog about us and add your own comment:
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/news/lone_republican/
Join us any time from 3 to 5 today, and bring the whole family. We have pumpkin painting and crafts for the kids. $10 donation per person; kids are free!
Check out Holly Robichaud's blog about us and add your own comment:
http://www.bostonherald.co
Saturday, October 10, 2009
HEARINGS ON OPT-IN FOR SEX EDUCATION Tuesday, October 13, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room A-1, State House.
Children in school districts across the state are still being given what some parents might consider inappropriate instruction in sexuality issues without parental permission or knowledge.
Currently the law allows parents to opt their children out of these programs, but this law is weak and flawed. Parents are either not notified or the classes are presented as being about safety, diversity, or tolerance. Parents should have to opt in to ensure they are informed of the classes and their content.
House Bill 437 is being introduced with bipartisan support. It would ensure parental notification, opportunity for parents to inspect the materials, and offer sex education only in clearly identified elective courses. Teachers and administrators would not be required to participate in such a class if it would violate their religious beliefs.
I urge you to write your representative in support of HB 437. Parents must have the ability to monitor and choose what their children are taught about so-called "social issues." As a mom, I want to teach my children with my morals and values, not those of the state of Massachusetts.
If you haven't been notified and educated about this bill from your current state representative, you have to wonder why.
Children in school districts across the state are still being given what some parents might consider inappropriate instruction in sexuality issues without parental permission or knowledge.
Currently the law allows parents to opt their children out of these programs, but this law is weak and flawed. Parents are either not notified or the classes are presented as being about safety, diversity, or tolerance. Parents should have to opt in to ensure they are informed of the classes and their content.
House Bill 437 is being introduced with bipartisan support. It would ensure parental notification, opportunity for parents to inspect the materials, and offer sex education only in clearly identified elective courses. Teachers and administrators would not be required to participate in such a class if it would violate their religious beliefs.
I urge you to write your representative in support of HB 437. Parents must have the ability to monitor and choose what their children are taught about so-called "social issues." As a mom, I want to teach my children with my morals and values, not those of the state of Massachusetts.
If you haven't been notified and educated about this bill from your current state representative, you have to wonder why.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The verdict is in. We taxpayers, of course, already knew this. The laundry list of taxes that were raised on us did not result in more revenue for Beacon Hill. Is anyone surprised?
Maybe, just maybe, our representatives will do what they should have done YEARS ago: reform. Make that BOLD reform.
I have a few suggestions for our legislators. How about a hiring freeze? That's an easy one. They don't even have to work too hard at that. As of September, almost 2000 jobs had been added to the state payroll. No, you don't need new reading glasses.
Here's another real easy one to save a couple bucks. Eliminate Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day. What? You've never heard of them? That's because they're specific to Suffolk County, although state employees in other counties get them as floating holidays. So it was surprising when some state reps fought so viciously to keep these holidays.
And last, but not least, pension reform, pension reform, pension reform. Need I say more?
Maybe, just maybe, our representatives will do what they should have done YEARS ago: reform. Make that BOLD reform.
I have a few suggestions for our legislators. How about a hiring freeze? That's an easy one. They don't even have to work too hard at that. As of September, almost 2000 jobs had been added to the state payroll. No, you don't need new reading glasses.
Here's another real easy one to save a couple bucks. Eliminate Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day. What? You've never heard of them? That's because they're specific to Suffolk County, although state employees in other counties get them as floating holidays. So it was surprising when some state reps fought so viciously to keep these holidays.
And last, but not least, pension reform, pension reform, pension reform. Need I say more?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Well, the plans have been made, the invitations have been sent, and the RSVP's are pouring in for my Campaign Kick-Off Party on October 17 from 3:00 to 5:00.
You do not want to miss this party! Bring your family, bring your friends, and be prepared to have loads of fun. We'll keep the kids busy with activities so the adults can enjoy stimulating conversation and have some fun of their own. You'll want to meet our special guests.
So clear your schedule and make room for this family-fun event. On this campaign, we want to hear from you and we want to meet your family.
See you on October 17 at West Congregational Church, 155 North Walker St. Ext., Taunton.
E-mail Rebecca at info@shaunna2010.com to RSVP or get more info.
You do not want to miss this party! Bring your family, bring your friends, and be prepared to have loads of fun. We'll keep the kids busy with activities so the adults can enjoy stimulating conversation and have some fun of their own. You'll want to meet our special guests.
So clear your schedule and make room for this family-fun event. On this campaign, we want to hear from you and we want to meet your family.
See you on October 17 at West Congregational Church, 155 North Walker St. Ext., Taunton.
E-mail Rebecca at info@shaunna2010.com to RSVP or get more info.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Massachusetts has received $437 million in stimulus fund money to be used for infrastructure projects. But other than a few new signs telling us there are projects going on, we haven't seen that money being put to good use.
The excuse is that bigger, long-term projects are in the works, but only one has been named -- and that is in Somerville.
I'm sure everyone reading this can list a handful of projects right here in Taunton and nearby communities that need to be immediately undertaken. What happened to all the "shovel ready" projects that were going to create jobs? After all, there were going to be catastrophic consequences if that stimulus bill didn't get passed immediately.
So where is the leadership? We have the money. We have to spend it. Yet Beacon Hill is just sitting on it. Sound familiar?
The excuse is that bigger, long-term projects are in the works, but only one has been named -- and that is in Somerville.
I'm sure everyone reading this can list a handful of projects right here in Taunton and nearby communities that need to be immediately undertaken. What happened to all the "shovel ready" projects that were going to create jobs? After all, there were going to be catastrophic consequences if that stimulus bill didn't get passed immediately.
So where is the leadership? We have the money. We have to spend it. Yet Beacon Hill is just sitting on it. Sound familiar?
This weekend I attended the AMRC conference for town and city committees. I gained a wealth of knowledge from the speakers who generously gave their time to reach out and address town and city committee members.
One very important understanding I gleaned is what an important role committee members play in the success of the candidates. Members can support their candidates by actively participating and volunteering their time. Coming to the meetings is the first step, but don't stop there. Ask a candidate what you can do for them. An active city committee plays a key role in the victorious outcome of an election.
So take the time to join your local city or town committee today. We need you. As a candidate, I can tell you that we truly appreciate everything the city committees do for us. In Taunton, you can contact me and I'll give you all the info you need to get started.
Get active, get involved, get your government back.
Shaunna
One very important understanding I gleaned is what an important role committee members play in the success of the candidates. Members can support their candidates by actively participating and volunteering their time. Coming to the meetings is the first step, but don't stop there. Ask a candidate what you can do for them. An active city committee plays a key role in the victorious outcome of an election.
So take the time to join your local city or town committee today. We need you. As a candidate, I can tell you that we truly appreciate everything the city committees do for us. In Taunton, you can contact me and I'll give you all the info you need to get started.
Get active, get involved, get your government back.
Shaunna
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Taunton is a great place to live. The people here are friendly, generous, and they care about their community. I took my daughters out for breakfast at Jimmy's Restaurant Tuesday morning, and I felt like I had known everyone there for years.
The folks I talked to were ecstatic that I am running for state representative in Taunton. They told me they are ready to vote for a new leader like me who will go to Beacon Hill and fight for the BOLD changes we need to shrink government, lower taxes and relieve families of the burden our state government has unfairly thrust upon them.
As I meet all these wonderful people in Taunton, I am witnessing the tidal wave of change they are going to make in 2010. I am proud and honored to be an integral part of that change.
Power To The People!
Shaunna
The folks I talked to were ecstatic that I am running for state representative in Taunton. They told me they are ready to vote for a new leader like me who will go to Beacon Hill and fight for the BOLD changes we need to shrink government, lower taxes and relieve families of the burden our state government has unfairly thrust upon them.
As I meet all these wonderful people in Taunton, I am witnessing the tidal wave of change they are going to make in 2010. I am proud and honored to be an integral part of that change.
Power To The People!
Shaunna
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