FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Ciampa - 508-415-9665
3.22.10
Incumbent MIA on Defending Local Aid
Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, responded to the failure of the Massachusetts House of Representatives to consider a local aid resolution at the first formal session in several weeks.
“Our tax dollars belong in Taunton rather than the Boston bureaucracy. Passage of this resolution would have made a statement that our Representatives wanted to protect local instead of slashing it,” said O’Connell. “This resolution deserved the support of every House member.”
Last week House Republicans attempted to introduce a resolution on local aid on the House Floor. The Democrat leadership refused to allow it to be debated.
“Where was our Representative? Why didn’t he stand up and do the right thing in protecting our local aid?” asked O’Connell. “Clearly he is too partisan and that is hurting us in Taunton.”
The resolution proposed the following:
1. Establish a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY11.
* The minimum Chapter 70 appropriation must equal $4,048,324,258 for FY11
* The minimum Unrestricted Local Aid appropriation must equal $936,437,803
2. Establish a minimum level of funding for each of the following accounts to equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY11
* Reimbursement to cities in lieu of taxes $27.3 million
* Regional school transportation $40.5 million
* Special education residential schools $135 million
“We need a Representative who will fight for Taunton and put our priorities first. By not standing up for this resolution, Rep. Fagan has proven once again that he is more obligated to the insiders on Beacon Hill than us,” added O’Connell.
O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and eventually becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
End The Beacon Hill Insider Holidays
O’CONNELL FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Ciampa - 508.415.9665
3.17.10
O’CONNELL: It’s Time to End Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Holidays
Fagan Cast Deciding Vote to Preserve Beacon Hill Insider Holiday
Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative, announced her support for ending the special Suffolk County holidays of Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
“At a time when so many people are unemployed, it is a disgrace that the legislature is protecting this costly perk,” said O’Connell. “There is no reason Suffolk County government workers and the legislature deserve an extra two days off.”
Last year on June 3rd, State Representative James Fagan voted against abolishing the holidays which would have saved taxpayer dollars. It was a tie vote and Fagan voted as a Beacon Hill insider. (Roll Call 145 – 78 Yeas vs. 78 Nays) Preserving these Suffolk County Holidays is just one difference between O’Connell and Fagan.
“Every day we hear about how our state is in fiscal chaos and that Taunton’s local aid is being threatened. A 25% sales tax increase was forced upon us, and yet when our State Representative could have taken a small step to protect the interests of the taxpayers, he failed. He cast the tie vote saving these so-called hack holidays,” said O’Connell. “He had a choice between Taunton taxpayers and the Beacon Hill gang. Taunton lost again. We need a Representative fighting for our interest rather than political insiders.”
O’Connell went on to state that when elected, she will cast the vote to repeal the holiday perk. “One vote can make a difference,” added O’Connell.
O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and eventually becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.
Voters can find more information on her by visiting www.Shaunna2010.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Ciampa - 508.415.9665
3.17.10
O’CONNELL: It’s Time to End Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Holidays
Fagan Cast Deciding Vote to Preserve Beacon Hill Insider Holiday
Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative, announced her support for ending the special Suffolk County holidays of Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
“At a time when so many people are unemployed, it is a disgrace that the legislature is protecting this costly perk,” said O’Connell. “There is no reason Suffolk County government workers and the legislature deserve an extra two days off.”
Last year on June 3rd, State Representative James Fagan voted against abolishing the holidays which would have saved taxpayer dollars. It was a tie vote and Fagan voted as a Beacon Hill insider. (Roll Call 145 – 78 Yeas vs. 78 Nays) Preserving these Suffolk County Holidays is just one difference between O’Connell and Fagan.
“Every day we hear about how our state is in fiscal chaos and that Taunton’s local aid is being threatened. A 25% sales tax increase was forced upon us, and yet when our State Representative could have taken a small step to protect the interests of the taxpayers, he failed. He cast the tie vote saving these so-called hack holidays,” said O’Connell. “He had a choice between Taunton taxpayers and the Beacon Hill gang. Taunton lost again. We need a Representative fighting for our interest rather than political insiders.”
O’Connell went on to state that when elected, she will cast the vote to repeal the holiday perk. “One vote can make a difference,” added O’Connell.
O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and eventually becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.
Voters can find more information on her by visiting www.Shaunna2010.com.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Taunton Sends a Message to Washington
On Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in this historical election, Massachusetts sent a message to Washington: "We're the boss and we're taking control."
The people of Taunton were among the loudest voices sending that message. So it is loud and clear that the good folks in my hometown are looking for new leadership, independent leadership, someone they can trust to represent their best interests.
I intend to work very hard to earn the support of the people of Taunton. I know that being elected as State Representative will be an honor, not an entitlement.
As your State Representative, I want to go to Beacon Hill and be a leader in fighting for government reforms to demand accountability, eliminate wasteful spending, and put you back in charge of Beacon Hill.
As I have in the past, I will continue to fight for stronger laws that protect our kids and keep our neighborhoods safe.
On to the next victory for the people!
Shaunna
The people of Taunton were among the loudest voices sending that message. So it is loud and clear that the good folks in my hometown are looking for new leadership, independent leadership, someone they can trust to represent their best interests.
I intend to work very hard to earn the support of the people of Taunton. I know that being elected as State Representative will be an honor, not an entitlement.
As your State Representative, I want to go to Beacon Hill and be a leader in fighting for government reforms to demand accountability, eliminate wasteful spending, and put you back in charge of Beacon Hill.
As I have in the past, I will continue to fight for stronger laws that protect our kids and keep our neighborhoods safe.
On to the next victory for the people!
Shaunna
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
City of Taunton Inauguration
After attending the inauguration for elected officials in the City of Taunton on January 4th, I was filled with a renewed sense of pride and respect for my city. I've always known my hometown is a great community filled with caring people, and this ceremony only deepened that understanding.
The first word that comes to mind in describing the ceremony is "all-American," from the opening prayer, to the National Anthem performed by a student, to the middle school chorus singing I'm Proud To Be An American.
The ceremony ended with an address from Mayor Charles Crowley, who assured us the elected officials will be working together to keep Taunton on the path to economic recovery, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality education, to name a few.
And that's what it's really all about: working together for something bigger than yourself, for the common good of the community.
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year,
Shaunna
The first word that comes to mind in describing the ceremony is "all-American," from the opening prayer, to the National Anthem performed by a student, to the middle school chorus singing I'm Proud To Be An American.
The ceremony ended with an address from Mayor Charles Crowley, who assured us the elected officials will be working together to keep Taunton on the path to economic recovery, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality education, to name a few.
And that's what it's really all about: working together for something bigger than yourself, for the common good of the community.
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year,
Shaunna
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Common Sense Makes a Comeback
Now, here's a good piece of proposed legislation that really makes sense: alleviate some of the burdensome coverage requirements placed on insurance companies that drive up the cost of health care for everyone in Massachusetts.
Just a couple examples of some of the 37 treatments insurance companies are required to cover here in Massachusetts are infertility and chiropractic treatments.
Certainly no one wants to eliminate basic procedures and life-saving treatments. What will be accomplished is eliminating inefficient government regulations that do more damage than anything else.
The manner in which this reform is accomplished will most likely be at the center of the debate, but let's just hope that our legislature will have meaningful debate and not turn this into a partisan issue that will be buried by the supermajority on Beacon Hill.
Just a couple examples of some of the 37 treatments insurance companies are required to cover here in Massachusetts are infertility and chiropractic treatments.
Certainly no one wants to eliminate basic procedures and life-saving treatments. What will be accomplished is eliminating inefficient government regulations that do more damage than anything else.
The manner in which this reform is accomplished will most likely be at the center of the debate, but let's just hope that our legislature will have meaningful debate and not turn this into a partisan issue that will be buried by the supermajority on Beacon Hill.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Protect our Children...Please
I read in horror, as I'm sure you all did, about the 3-year-old who was raped by a repeat sex offender who was free on bail. This monster had recently raped a 5-year-old while her 10-year-old cousin watched in fear.
The prosecution asked for $200,000 bail in the first rape case. The judge gave a mere $10,000 bail and refused to impose any conditions, such as "stay away from children." How can anyone deny the fact that we need mandatory sentencing?
Now legislation is being filed to require dangerousness hearings to be held in cases involving sex crimes against children. This allows pretrial detention for a period of time for defendants found to be dangerous.
It sounds like something that should already be required, right? So of course it will pass in the House very quickly, right? Wrong. Let's not forget how difficult it was to get even lenient mandatory sentences of 10 years passed in Massachusetts last year.
When it comes to protecting children, you can't take anything for granted in Massachusetts. We all need to call our reps and demand tougher mandatory sentences and mandatory dangerousness hearings for sex crimes against kids.
The prosecution asked for $200,000 bail in the first rape case. The judge gave a mere $10,000 bail and refused to impose any conditions, such as "stay away from children." How can anyone deny the fact that we need mandatory sentencing?
Now legislation is being filed to require dangerousness hearings to be held in cases involving sex crimes against children. This allows pretrial detention for a period of time for defendants found to be dangerous.
It sounds like something that should already be required, right? So of course it will pass in the House very quickly, right? Wrong. Let's not forget how difficult it was to get even lenient mandatory sentences of 10 years passed in Massachusetts last year.
When it comes to protecting children, you can't take anything for granted in Massachusetts. We all need to call our reps and demand tougher mandatory sentences and mandatory dangerousness hearings for sex crimes against kids.
Monday, November 23, 2009
A Self-Imposed Vacation...wouldn't that be nice.
Is anyone you know getting six weeks of vacation right before Thanksgiving? Maybe you are? No, I didn't think so. But if you're a member of the Massachusetts state legislature you are. And well deserved too, don't you think? (Answer: NO!)
After all, it's hard work to vote to restore $18.8 million to the "legislative fund," a slush fund we don't know much about that the legislature reserves for its own personal use. It also takes a lot of energy to fight for keeping the two "hack holidays" that the vast majority of us do not get paid for. Eliminating those would only save us about $10 million anyway. Chump change if you're an entrenched incumbent of the Massachusetts legislature.
The answer you've probably heard to any concerns about our elected officials recessing for the rest of the year when there is still much important work to do is that "those are the rules." And we know our trustworthy legislature never breaks the rules...right?
They are self-imposed rules!! Our state reps and senators make them, and they can change them. Of course, that would mean doing that dirty little thing we call "reform."
There's one sure way to get reform: vote in new candidates in 2010!
After all, it's hard work to vote to restore $18.8 million to the "legislative fund," a slush fund we don't know much about that the legislature reserves for its own personal use. It also takes a lot of energy to fight for keeping the two "hack holidays" that the vast majority of us do not get paid for. Eliminating those would only save us about $10 million anyway. Chump change if you're an entrenched incumbent of the Massachusetts legislature.
The answer you've probably heard to any concerns about our elected officials recessing for the rest of the year when there is still much important work to do is that "those are the rules." And we know our trustworthy legislature never breaks the rules...right?
They are self-imposed rules!! Our state reps and senators make them, and they can change them. Of course, that would mean doing that dirty little thing we call "reform."
There's one sure way to get reform: vote in new candidates in 2010!
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