OPEN LETTER TO VOTERS OF THE 2ND FRANKLIN DISTRICT ON THE ANDREWS-WHIPPS LEE DEBACLE

OPEN LETTER TO VOTERS OF THE 2ND FRANKLIN DISTRICT ON THE ANDREWS-WHIPPS LEE DEBACLE

Despite the personal anguish and injustice Susannah Whipps Lee experienced from allegation her political opponent, Denise Andrews, made regarding Whipps Lee's alleged purchase of cocaine and the demand that if true she be prosecuted, the greatest injustice in this debacle is to the residents of the newly redistricted 2nd Franklin District. There are twelve towns that deserve a serious vetting of the issues between viable candidates so that a wise choice between the candidates and their respective platforms can be made.

The Democratic voters of the district made their choice on September 6th unaware of the iceberg their party was about to encounter. Out of respect to the voting public and the overwhelming needs of the 2nd Franklin District, I

respectfully request that the Democratic candidate Denise Andrews withdraw from the race. Whether or not Ms. Andrews consents to this, a write-in campaign should be mounted for the runner-up, Rebecca Bialecki, the executive director of the North Quabbin Community Coalition who has ten years experience dealing with the needs of the region.

It is clear that the ramifications of Andrews' allegations against Whipps Lee will continue, but the political football being played is grossly unfair to residents. The 2nd Franklin Districts' problems are unrelated to this fiasco and deserve a serious campaign focused exclusively on their issues - not the Andrews-Whipps Lee legal battles.

Genevieve Fraser
Orange, MA

National Sierra Club Creates Website Promoting Fraser's "EcoTheater" Book

Genevieve Fraser aka G. Thomson Fraser

National Sierra Club Creates Website Promoting Fraser's "EcoTheater" Book

The national Sierra Club has created a website devoted to Genevieve Fraser’s environmental theater book, “EcoTheater for the Global Village,” as part of their web-based John Muir Exhibit.  The book features Fraser’s environmental play, “Giants in the Wilderness” whose characters include the Scottish naturalist, John Muir as well as Gifford Pinchot, the founder of the USDA Forest Service and Charles Sprague Sargent, author of the environmental classic “The Silva of North America.”  The play is set in the late 1800s at the birth of the conservation movement, now referred to as the environmental movement.  John Muir is the founder of the Sierra Club.

According to Fraser, “Harold Wood, education chairman for the Sierra Club, was the inspiration behind the book. He read my play, ‘Giants in the Wilderness’ and suggested that it be published, along with children's dramas with an environmental theme.”  The play was originally developed as part of the centennial celebration of the Massachusetts State Forest and Parks System and was funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and matching funds from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management's Conservation Trust Fund.

Drama critic Richard Duckett, writing for the Worcester (MA) Telegram and Gazette, characterized "Wilderness" as a history lesson. "By 1896, the destruction of America's forest wilderness had become so rampant many people believed that unless something was done soon, there wouldn't be any wilderness left... Three naturalists - John Muir, Charles Sprague Sargent and Gifford Pinchot - had divergent opinions on the best way to save them." 

Along with Fraser’s play, “EcoTheater for the Global Village” includes MacKenzie Louise Coffman's children's theater piece, "Forest Hideout," the story of two children, a brother and sister, who take matters into their own hands to save the family farm. Coffman is a freshman at Quabbin Reginal High School. A televised production of her play was developed for AOTV.  The third play in the trilogy is Rebekah Lovat Fraser's "The Tree and the Village,” an environmentally instructive fable, a mythological saga that engages the audience and is a visual feast for children of all ages. Lovat Fraser is a graduate in Film Studies from Yale University and mother of MacKenzie. 

The Sierra Club website can be located by typing “EcoTheater for the Global Village” into a Google search.  Or clicking EcoTheater.

Genevieve Fraser is the artistic director of the Drama Circle and director of Michael Riccard's "Lincoln: The Musical" which was produced at the Orange Town Hall in July.

Fraser – Brewer Amendment Allows Small Towns and Rural Communities to Apply for MA Cultural Facilities Funds

Fraser – Brewer Amendment Allows Small Towns and Rural Communities to Apply for MA Cultural Facilities Funds

According to Genevieve Fraser, artistic director of the Drama Circle and a member of the Orange Cultural Council, “Until recently, the Capital Facilities Fund administered through the Massachusetts Cultural Council had rules that effectively barred small towns and rural communities from accessing the program which supplies money to plan for, renovate, expand, and repair facilities.”

“The grant, which also offers help to nonprofit cultural organizations and public or private institutions of higher education, was available to municipalities - provided that the municipally owned cultural facility was at least 50,000 square feet in size, and at least 50% devoted to cultural purposes,” Fraser explained. 

“But that 50,000 square feet rule left most small towns and rural communities unable to compete for these vitally needed funds. Yet, many town halls are among the most historic buildings in their communities and often double as the cultural facility, offering art shows and dance recitals as well as musical, film and theatrical venues,” Fraser stated.

In an attempt to remedy the situation, Fraser contacted State Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and requested that the language be changed so that town halls and other municipal buildings in rural areas might be eligible.  The result was an amendment to the 2013 MA state budget which has now been signed into law.

“Section 42 of chapter 23G of the General Laws has now been amended so that the municipal facility which doubles as a cultural facility no longer has to be 50,000 square feet or greater. Instead, the ‘building, structure or site’ is eligible for capital improvement funds if it is ‘125 years old or older and is significant in the history, archeology, architecture or culture of the nation, the commonwealth or the community in which it is located.’ And, best of all, it may be of any size,” Fraser said.

A Vision for Building a Community-Based Economy for the 2nd Franklin District

A Vision for Building a Community-Based Economy for the 2nd Franklin District

By Genevieve Fraser

I suspect we share similar ideals.  We want children to be well fed, live and play in a safe environment and receive a well-rounded education.  We want affordable, cutting-edge health care for all – and to assure our elders and veterans and those in need of special care receive the support services they need and deserve. Our towns must have sufficient funds to provide vitally needed services.

We all need good paying jobs, safe housing and the amenities that make life enjoyable. But our economy is in trouble.  We can no longer rely on “business as usual.” Added to that uncertainty are the all-to-obvious impacts of climate change that have spawned weird weather patterns and a fear that dust bowl era crop failures will drive up food prices and create scarcity. 

I believe creative solutions still can be found right here at home using our “Yankee ingenuity!”

As state representative for the 2^nd Franklin District, I will bridge the gap between ideals and the challenges ahead by rebuilding our local economy so that adequate revenues can flow into our nearly depleted public coffers.  I propose we create Industrial Bio-Parks built around CHP (combined heat and power) renewable energy.  These facilities would provide heat and electricity to a pellet plant, greenhouses, food processing centers and 21^st Century industries that will contribute to environmental solutions, not problems.  The 2nd Franklin District Industrial Bio-Parks will serve as incubators for new and emerging manufactured products with our community colleges providing education and training for well-paying jobs.  At the heart of this Green Economy would be recreation and tourism and an expanded agriculture and forest and wood products industry promoted by a Green Certified Buy Local Program. 

Let’s work together to make this a reality.

New MA Biomass Regs - Harmful or Helpful?

New MA Biomass Regs - Harmful or Helpful?

By Genevieve Fraser

Though the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resource’s (DOER) goal of incentivizing the development of high efficiency biomass facilities may be laudable, its recently finalized regulations for renewable energy credits (REC) for biomass may have significant detrimental consequences for the industry as well as the health of the forest and may accelerate climate change.

Instead of offering a full credit for all sustainably managed and harvested forest biomass, layers of additional requirements and costly accounting practices have been added to receive ½ or less of a renewable energy credit (REC).  However, if the forest is converted to a non-forest use such as a parking lot, mall or housing development, such a clear-cut receives full REC credit prized by developers.  Ironically, any resulting biomass is no longer a renewable energy because the trees can no longer grow back.

Red Pine Scale destroyed trees at Quabbin Park

Utilization of biomass for thermal (heat) and power (electricity) has long been considered a valuable tool for removing woody debris from landfills where it biodegrades, forming oxygen robbing methane considered to be twenty times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2.  The utilization of biomass derived from forest thinning also encourages the removal of invasive species as well as disease infested dead or dying trees.

Researchers at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies recently reported that diseased trees in forests may be a significant source of methane that causes climate change with concentrations as high as 80,000 times normal ambient air quality levels. (8/7/2012 Science Daily)  “These are flammable concentrations,” according to Kristopher Covey, the study’s lead researcher.

But despite benefits to the overall health of the forest, wildlife habitat and a reduced risk of forest fire, the cost of removing such a low quality product from the forest can be prohibitive for most landowners without biomass facilities willing to offset the cost and be available for disposal. Unfortunately, the excessively stringent standards now imposed by the MA DOER may soon drive these renewable energy utility companies out of business.

Fraser 4 Rep Committee hosting Pre-Debate Reception at Common Italian in Belchertown

   

Fraser 4 Rep Committee hosting Pre-Debate Reception at Common Italian in Belchertown

Thursday, August 23 will be the third and final public debate scheduled for the 2nd Franklin District prior to the September 6 Democratic Primary for state representative for the newly created district.  The Fraser 4 Rep Committee is hosting a pre-debate reception for Genevieve Fraser of Orange, one of the four Democratic candidates, at The Common Italian Pizzeria, 4 Park Street, Belchertown, across the street from the Town Hall from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.  

The third debate is scheduled for the Belchertown Town Hall, 2 Jabish Street (intersection of Route 202 and Route 181) at 7:00 PM with the doors open at 6:00 PM.  It is hosted by the Belchertown Democrat Town Committee with Peg Louraine of Belchertown Cable TV serving as moderator.  Fraser is a former aide to state Senator Robert Wetmore (retired D-Barre) and a recipient of a Massachusetts Environmental Commendation.   

The Fraser 4 Rep reception is open to the public, light refreshments will be served.

FRASER 4 REP Coffee Hour at the Boxcar Restaurant in Erving Saturday August 18 at 3:30

2^ND FRANKLIN DISTRICT

 FRASER 4 REP

 MEET AND GREET

at the Boxcar Restaurant

3 E Main St., Rte 2
Erving, MA

GENEVIEVE FRASER

Democratic Candidate for State Rep

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

3:30 – 5 PM

FREE COFFEE – LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

LET’S TALK! 

I WANT TO HEAR YOUR CONCERNS...

Fraser Offers Economic Development, Environmental, Artistic and Public Service Expertise

Fraser Offers Economic Development, Environmental, Artistic and Public Service Expertise

By Genevieve Fraser

As a Democratic candidate for state representative for the 2^nd Franklin District, I offer over three decades of public and private service from economic development initiatives to environmental safeguards.  As an aide to state Senator Robert D. Wetmore, I learned first hand from one of the best what it means to be a true public servant...to dedicate one’s life to insuring that residents and the municipalities in which they live have a strong voice at the State House as well as an advocate to help navigate the labyrinth of state and quasi-public agencies that impact lives. 

As a planner for the Private Industry Council, I investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the region’s economic and labor market and helped lay plans for education and training opportunities and the entry of business and industry into the local economy.  As a staff associate at Mount Wachusett Community College, I worked to showcase the dozens of career choices whether technical oriented, science based, teaching or  social service training to help those in need, the handicapped and the elderly. I helped initiate and worked closely with the Forest and Wood Products Institute and organized and chaired the Northern Tier Transit Coalition that lead to the creation of the Link Bus System that spans from Gardner to Greenfield and provides vitally needed transportation for the region.

And I have worked to bring the arts to the region as the artistic director of the Drama Circle and our recent Quabbin Civil War Remembrance and  “Lincoln: The Musical.”  I spent a decade working on “In the Claw of the Tiger," a book that serves as a history of Athol and Orange during World War II as well as a chronicle of the sacrifices and suffering of local heroes who survived as a POW in the Philippines and Japan. 

Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I chose to live here because of my respect and commitment to its people as well as the awe and inspiration I derive from the incredible natural beauty of this place.  But along with the blessings of the region, conversely, the outsourcing of jobs and decline of the mature industries have wrecked havoc on the prospects of a proud and once prosperous region. 

The newly created 2^nd Franklin District is home to over 200,000 forested acres and at it’s heart is the Commonwealth’s most valued asset – the Quabbin Reservoir and Watershed that filters and protects this priceless natural resource - which was created by obliterating the four town once cradled in the Swift River Valley.  

But the legacy of exploitation continues, too often our region functions like a third world country with our natural resources shipped elsewhere – our water to Boston and our timber to points across the globe - from Canada to China  -where its milled and manufactured and shipped back to our shores to be sold. 

I am running for state representative to reverse the trend of exploitation and economic downturn - to rebuild the region’s local economy – to work with colleges and universities and the Commonwealth’s Technology Collaborative and local business, industry and municipal leaders.  Through the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass - which is so abundant in the region – we can reverse the trend and attract business and industry to locate here where a sustainably managed forest offers a healthy ecosystem for wildlife, recreation for residents and a new economy and new hope for the region.

Please vote for Democrat Genevieve Fraser on September 6 for state representative for the newly created 2^nd Franklin District

Fraser Ends Tenure on Massachusetts Wood Products Association Board

Fraser Ends Tenure on Massachusetts Wood Products Association Board

Genevieve Fraser, a Democratic candidate for state representative for the 2nd Franklin District, poses with fellow Massachusetts Wood Producer Association board members at their final meeting.  As of June 30, the MWPA has been dissolved and is now part of the newly formed Massachusetts Forest Alliance (MFA).  From left to right bottom: Ken Lynds, Jim Dimaio, Jeff Poirier, past president of the MWPA who will serve on the newly created MFA board, and Mike Orzel,   Top row (left to right) Genevieve Fraser, Fred Jajko and Kris Armstrong who serves as secretary to the MFA.

Fraser declined a seat at the newly formed MFA board while serving as a candidate for state representative.  "Though I'm deeply empathetic to the cause of the forest and wood products industry, it's important that I remain as open as possible to the debate from all sides.  However, maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem remains one of my core commitments," Fraser stated.

2nd Franklin District candidate Genevieve Fraser Testifies before Department of Public Utilities in Defense of Cape Wind

Fraser Testifies before Department of Public Utilities in Defense of Cape Wind

Genevieve Fraser, a Democratic candidate for state representative for the 2^nd Franklin District, recently testified before the Department of Public Utilities in Boston regarding the Cape Wind project.  Fraser, along with environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and the Environmental League of Massachusetts, focused on the benefits of Cape Wind versus the true cost of fossil fuels to the environment and public health,

Cape Wind is a 130 wind turbine electrical generation project proposed for Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound, miles from the nearest shore.  It is projected to produce up to 420 megawatts of clean, renewable energy which will provide three quarters of the Cape and Islands electricity needs.

Though off-shore wind turbines are common in parts of Europe, if built, Cape Wind will be America’s first offshore wind farm. 

“Though some regard natural gas with its reduced CO2 content as the gold standard of fuels, they fail to measure its true cost – the environmental catastrophe to aquifers caused by fracking which can be likened to blowing up mountain tops to extract coal, or putting our oceans’ flora and fauna at risk through deep water drilling,” Fraser commented.  “Gas, coal, oil are all fossil fuels that generate global warming and climate change.  Their toxins are dead matter, EXCESS carbon exhumed from biomass created eons ago.  These toxins overload the atmosphere and cannot be successfully recaptured – though we are stressing our forests to the max attempting to do so.”

“Cape Wind, however, offers hope of a cleaner, healthier world.   The ocean’s wind currents, close to a land base, can harness energy that can be captured without destroying forests and farmlands so vitally needed for food and shelter and fiber-based products,” Fraser continued.  “Offshore wind farms harness more frequent and powerful winds than are available to land-based installations and have less visual impact.  By utilizing ocean borne wind energy - working in tandem with solar, geothermal, hydro and sustainably harvested biomass that recaptures its own gasses as it re-grows and regenerates itself as part of the natural cycle of life – we are using natural resources native to the atmosphere to help power our collective global civilizations.” 

“The crisp, pollution-free, off-shore Cape Wind, in conjunction with other renewables, can be harnessed to create bio-based fuels for transport and bio-based non-toxic products and chemicals that will produce jobs within the manufacturing, farming and forestry industry.  This, in turn, will help foster clean air, clean water and soil, as well as flourishing biodiversity amid flora and fauna as an overly mature forest is sustainably harvested and put less at risk for disease and fire,”

Genevieve Fraser is a former aide to retired state Senator Robert D. Wetmore and a recipient of a Massachusetts Environmental Commendation for her work on an Acid Rain awareness campaign.

IN DEFENSE OF CAPE WIND by Genevieve Fraser

Fraser awarded Environmental Commendation

 

IN DEFENSE OF CAPE WIND

by Genevieve Fraser
 

NOTE: to be submitted at a public hearing on May 30, 2012 

to Mark D. Marini, Secretary, Department of Public Utilities
One South Station, 5th Floor, Boston, MA  02110

Docket Reference D.P.U. 12-30

 

It is small comfort to realize if mankind is rendered extinct through continued, wanton use of greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels, the planet may return to the floral lushness of the proverbial Garden of Paradise MINUS Adam, the perpetrator of his own demise. 

Today, California smog threatens the giant redwoods – smog created from energy production and trucking, diesel freight train corridors, motor vehicle exhausts, solvents, pesticides and other fossil fuel derived compounds, along with fires escalated by sustained winds that ravage unmanaged forest landscapes.  Meanwhile, East Coast cities are also shrouded in a cocoon of air-borne pollutants.  It seems as if the natural world has turned against those who would be its master.

Though some regard natural gas with its reduced CO2 content as the gold standard of fuels, they fail to measure its true cost – the environmental catastrophe to aquifers caused by fracking which can be likened to blowing up mountain tops to extract coal, or putting our oceans’ flora and fauna at risk through deep water drilling.  Gas, coal, oil are all fossil fuels that generate global warming and climate change.  Their toxins are dead matter, EXCESS carbon exhumed from biomass created eons ago.  These toxins overload the atmosphere and cannot be successfully recaptured – though we are stressing our forests to the max attempting to do so.  Yes, even natural gas is a fossil fuel – not part of the living, breathing world.  It too needs to be phased out if we humans are to survive.

Cape Wind, however, offers hope of a cleaner, healthier world.  The ocean’s wind currents, close to a land base, can harness energy that can be captured without destroying forests and farmlands so vitally needed for food and shelter and fiber-based products.  Offshore wind farms harness more frequent and powerful winds than are available to land-based installations and have less visual impact.  By utilizing ocean borne wind energy - working in tandem with solar, geothermal, hydro and sustainably harvested biomass that recaptures its own gasses as it re-grows and regenerates itself as part of the natural cycle of life – we are using natural resources native to the atmosphere to help power our collective global civilizations. 

The crisp, pollution-free, off-shore Cape Wind, in conjunction with other renewables, can be harnessed to create bio-based fuels for transport and bio-based non-toxic products and chemicals that will produce jobs within the manufacturing, farming and forestry industry.  This, in turn, will help foster clean air, clean water and soil, as well as flourishing biodiversity amid flora and fauna as an overly mature forest is sustainably harvested and put less at risk for disease and fire.

But if Massachusetts is to become part of this legacy, it is critical that the Department of Energy Resource’s (DOER) abide by its stated commitment to apply the best possible science for wind, solar and biomass and all other renewables in the face of the opposition to each of these technologies that exists. 

Perhaps someday - through the use of off-shore wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and sustainably harvested biomass and other non-harmful technologies yet to be developed – we can reduce the territorial conflicts among people so often generated by a fight for resources – and come to live in balance and harmony with nature in what future generations may come to regard as a true Paradise.

NOTE: Genevieve Fraser was awarded an MA Environmental Commendation for organizing Acid Rain Awareness Campaigns.

Legislators Exempt from Conflict of Interest Law - Andrews Acted within the Law

Legislators Exempt from Conflict of Interest in Legislative Matters despite  Potential Financial Gain  - 
Andrews Acted within the Law

By Genevieve Fraser

I have received notification from the State Ethics Commission that the case has been closed on the Andrews Conflict of Interest investigation and warrants no further action.  Representative Andrews filed a disclosure regarding her employment with the Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, which exonerates her from conflict of interest as a cosponsor of major drug legislation filed in January 2011.

Though Massachusetts has one of the toughest Conflict of Interest laws in the country, state legislators exempted themselves from penalties.  According to the statute, they can participate in general legislation and home rule legislation even if they have a financial interest in such legislation, but state legislators and constitutional officers must file a disclosure if the matter will substantially affect their financial interests.

Working for a major industry and supporting legislation that benefits them is like being a covert lobbyist. It may be legal, but is it truly ethical? Ethics reform closed and barred the front door, but by allowing an exemption of this magnitude for legislators, they kept the back door wide open and ready for business. 

 

Because of this concern, I contacted Secretary of State Galvin's Office to see if legislator disclosure forms can be made public and put online, just as the Elections Division has made campaign contributor information publicly available online.  I was informed that the Legislature is exempt from the Public Records Disclosure Law, and the Secretary of State does not have jurisdiction.

 

I then contacted the House Clerk's Office in Boston and was informed that you can file a request on a specific legislator and review disclosure records, but these records will not be put online. They can only be accessed in person at the House or Senate Clerk's Office at the State House in Boston. 

If elected to serve as state representative for the 2nd Franklin District, I pledge to file legislation to end the exemption to the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law for state legislators and constitutional officers regarding  legislative initiatives.

Fraser Announces “Official” Candidacy for 2nd Franklin District State Representative

Genevieve Fraser, a resident of Orange and former aide to retired state Senator Robert D. Wetmore, is pleased to announce her official candidacy as a Democrat for the 2^nd Franklin District state representative seat.  The district is now comprised of six towns in Franklin County, five in Worcester County and District A in Belchertown, which is in Hampshire County.

“Once you’ve visited the Secretary of State’s Election Division in Boston with a sufficient number of town certified signatures, and they hand you a receipt, you’re in the race,” Fraser said.  “I wish to thank the hundreds of people who signed my nomination papers, including Republican and Green affiliated voters whose signatures could not be certified but whose well-wishes I greatly appreciate.”

“My campaign is based on a promise – to work tirelessly to rebuild a local economy, based on a renewable energy infrastructure, which employs built-in environmental safeguards. All three goals must be achieved if we are to create a secure, healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” Fraser commented.

Fraser has worked as a planner with the Private Industry Council, an environmental technical writer, a member of the staff of Mount Wachusett Community College and currently serves as faculty with the University of Phoenix Online.  She is the recipient of a Massachusetts Environmental Commendation for her work organizing Acid Rain Awareness events and is an author. Her World War II non-fiction novel, “In the Claw of the Tiger” is the true story of Athol native, Porky LaCoste, who survived the Bataan Death March and prisoner-of-war camps in the Philippines and Japan.

FRASER 4 REP NOW OFFICIAL & CONFLICT OF INTEREST UPDATE

Newly created 2nd Franklin District

FRASER 4 REP NOW OFFICIAL  &
CONFLICT OF INTEREST UPDATE

I am now an official candidate!! I filed my SFI - Statement of Financial Interest with the State Ethics Commission and then filed the certified signatures with the Secretary of State's Election Division.  There I ran into US Senate candidate, Marisa DeFranco, who was filing her certified signatures at the next counter.  

While I was at the State Ethics Commission, I requested to speak with the investigator who was handling the complaint I filed against Representative Andrews concerning a possible conflict of interest in cosponsoring drug legislation while working for a major drug company.  I expressed concern that the campaign season had begun, and it wouldn't be fair to allow a cloud to hang over Andrew's candidacy if she were to be ultimately exonerated.  The investigator explained that she hadn't returned my calls because the case involved an ongoing investigation.  

I mentioned my concern that an exemption existed for legislators for general legislation if they had a financial stake as long as they filed a disclosure.  I suggested that the exemption allowed legislators to become defacto lobbyists.  Though the ethics law barred the front door, it allowed the back door to be open and ready for business.  I also suggested that legislation should be filed to close the loop-hole.

The investigator's response was to send me the Commission's Advisory 98-01 on the Conflict of Interest Law and Legislator's Private Employment.  The advisory reads, in part:

"The feature that distinguishes special from general legislation is the "particularity of the scope and purposes of the act's provisions." If a bill provides assistance to all cities, towns and counties as well as to the Commonwealth, the Ethics Commission has concluded that the bill is a matter of general legislation.  In addition, even though the subject matter of a bill may have a special effect upon one or more individual cities or towns, if the main purposes of the bill are to achieve state, regional or general objectives, the bill will not be considered special legislation. In contrast, if the legislation creates an exception or special rule which does not apply to other similarly situated individuals, the legislation will be regarded as special legislation. Legislation that practically affects a single community is regarded as special legislation, even where the act is drafted in more general terms."

"Thus, § 6 does not prohibit a legislator from participating in any general legislation which may affect her financial interest or that of her private employer. However, § 6 does prohibit a legislator from acting on any special legislation, any budget line item or any constituent service, in which the legislator or her private employer has a financial interest."

 In regard to the Representative Andrews case, the matter rests with the State Ethics Commission. 

Genevieve 

Fraser Concedes Andrews May be Exempt from “Particular Matters” in Conflict of Interest Law

Fraser Concedes Andrews May be Exempt from “Particular Matters” in Conflict of Interest Law

Though the State Ethics Commission has failed to contact Genevieve Fraser regarding a filing she initiated several months ago concerning 2^nd Franklin District Representative Denise Andrews, Fraser is willing to concede that Andrews may not be in violation.  Fraser is one of six candidates vying for the newly redistricted 2^nd Franklin District in the fall election.  Both Andrews and Fraser reside in Orange.

At issue is Andrews’ co-sponsorship of legislation which might benefit the pharmaceutical company where she had been working in a management position. In September 2011, Andrews, a freshman legislator, began work in New Jersey for the Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, as a global head of human resources.

“Representative Andrews approached me recently and requested that I release a statement as soon as I hear from the Ethics Commission,” Fraser commented.  “Andrews stated she felt that she had done nothing wrong and had filed a disclosure indicating that she had accepted a position with Novartis.

“As a candidate challenging Andrews in the Democratic primary, I feel it is important to put the matter behind us.  Despite repeated attempts to reach the Ethic Commission, I’ve heard nothing,” Fraser said.  “But as I was filing my Statement of Financial Interest as a candidate, I happened upon summaries that clearly spell out differences between municipal officials – which I am, serving on three town boards in Orange – and state employees, which Andrews is as a state representative.”

“In both instances, under Section 6 of the MA General Laws chapter 268A on self-dealing and nepotism, the law states that participation as a state employee in “particular matters’ in which you, your immediate family, your business organization, or your future employer has a financial interest is prohibited.  However, there appears to be a further clause or exemption that representatives to the General Court fall under,” Fraser explained. 

 

"According to the conflict of interest law, ‘A state employee can participate in general legislation and home rule legislation even if she has a financial interest in such legislation, but state legislators and constitutional officers must file a disclosure if the matter will substantially affect their financial interests,’” Fraser continued.  “If Andrews filed such a disclosure, as she claims she has, she may not be guilty of conflict of interest, and I stand corrected.”

 

"It is interesting that when urged to pass ethics reform, legislators went after municipal officials. And lobbyists must register every minute of face time with legislators. Yet, legislators are exempt. Working for a major industry and supporting legislation that benefits them is like being a covert lobbyist. It may be legal, but is it truly ethical?" Fraser noted.

"Ethics reform closed and barred the front door, but by allowing an exemption of this magnitude for legislators, they kept the back door wide open and ready for business."

“Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet at Gill Tavern - Sunday, April 29 from 4:00-5:30

“Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet at Gill Tavern - Sunday, April 29 from 4:00-5:30

The public is cordially invited to attend a “Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet for Genevieve Fraser, a Democratic candidate for the newly redistricted 2 nd Franklin District at the Gill Tavern on Sunday, April 29 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

“The Gill Tavern, formerly the 200 year old Gill store across the street from the Gill Town Hall on the Common, is a place where people gather with family and friends to hang-out or to discuss local and national news,” Fraser stated.  

“I look forward to meeting people to find out what is on their minds.   I also plan to share my strategic vision for the newly created 2nd Franklin District - to revitalize the local economy by re-industrializing the region,” Fraser said.

The Gill Tavern is located at 326 Main Road,  Gill, MA.   Light refreshments will be served.  

The Fraser4Rep Meet and Greet is paid for by the Fraser4Rep Committee, P.O. Box 373, Orange, MA 01364.   For further information, contact Genevieve Fraser at Telephone(978) 544-1872, or email: FraserGenevieve@gmail.com

Public Invited to “Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet in Petersham

Public Invited to “Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet in Petersham

The public is cordially invited to attend a “Fraser 4 Rep” Meet and Greet for Genevieve Fraser, a Democratic candidate for the newly redistricted 2^nd Franklin District at the Petersham Country Store on Sunday, April 22 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

“The Petersham Country Store has been a landmark for over 100 years.  It’s a place where people gather with family and friends to hang-out or to discuss local and national news,” Fraser stated. 

Genevieve Fraser

“I look forward to meeting people throughout the district to find out what is on their mind.  I also plan to share my strategic vision for the newly created 2nd Franklin District which is to revitalize the local economy by re-industrializing the region,” Fraser said.

The Petersham Country Store is located On the Common in Petersham, MA.  

Light refreshments will be served.  

The Fraser4Rep Meet and Greet is paid for by the Fraser4Rep Committee, P.O. Box 373, Orange, MA 01364.  For further information, contact Genevieve Fraser at Telephone (978) 544-1872, or email: FraserGenevieve@gmail.com

Using Biomass for Economic Development and Forest Health by Genevieve Fraser

Genevieve Fraser

Using Biomass for Economic Development and Forest Health

By Genevieve Fraser

Imperative Energy, a company that provides biomass heat and power to the UK and Ireland and a recent recipient of the Global CleanTech award, has plans to expand its US presence by bringing a combined biomass – industrial development project to Massachusetts.  The Bio-Park would be based in the greater Taunton area in the Myles Standish Industrial Park, a 220 acre expansion which includes a proposed life sciences development area.  Taunton has been designated as a Massachusetts Platinum Level Bio Ready Community with the ability to accept biotech projects based on available property, building space, board of health regulations and zoning. 

According to trade journal reports, the proposed Bio-Park would include a best-in-class Swiss technology biomass-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) plant, a wood pellet manufacturing unit and biopharma facility.  Imperative Energy has also partnered with a West Coast company to provide bioenergy options for industrial and commercial customers on the West Coast. 

As a candidate for state representative, I propose to follow the lead of the Taunton Office of Economic and Community Development in utilizing biomass and other renewable resources to power economic development.  The region should investigate economic development opportunities that could utilize the wood waste from the 200,000 plus acres of public and private forests in the 2^nd Franklin District and beyond.  Rather than utilize this sustainable resource to supply power to the grid, use it as a resource to power dedicated uses with district heating for municipalities, business and industry.  By offering inexpensive heat and power options, you provide a reason for business and industry to locate here that would complement the other assets the region provides such as a rail system, interstate highways, plus an educated workforce and nearby state colleges that could offer industry-specific training.

Tangle of invasive species Rte 2 Erving

Along with the obvious economic incentive, there’s another reason to turn to biomass, namely, the health of the forest.  Infestations of invasive species as well as diseases such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid are rapidly advancing on the state’s forest which is now over 90% mature with a “closed forest canopy.”  Invasive species and diseased trees should be removed and incinerated which, in turn, will allow new, healthier regenerative growth.  A case in point can be easily spotted if you take a drive around the Windsor Dam at the Qubbin Reservoir Watershed where stands of what should be evergreens have instead turned rust red, dead from an infestation of Red Pine Scale, a mite like insect that can suck the life out of formerly majestic forest species.

Red Pine Scale at the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed

The fact is Massachusetts is awash in wood-waste that used to be disposed of in landfills where it decomposed and generated deadly methane gas.  Today, with landfill space at a premium, wood waste is now banned. Meanwhile, with ice and snow storms, the 2011 tornado and other wind events, sawmill residue, land clearings for construction, discarded pallets, roadside and power line trimmings and a host of other sources, the wood keeps piling up.  According to David Celino, the state fire warden, the state’s 3 million acres of forests are currently the equivalent of a tinderbox because of the lack of significant snowfall, the hundreds of thousands of dead trees and limbs from the natural disasters that have dried out on forest floors, and the historic high temperatures.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation and outright bogus claims about the use of and harvesting of biomass for electrical and thermal (heat) generation.  “Stop incinerating our forests” is the battle cry.  The boogieman raised is that allowing biomass plants will result in deforestation – with landowners in cahoots with logging operators to strip the forests for burning.  The truth does not match up to the propaganda scare tactics. 

According to a MA-DOER study in 2002, there is over 2.5 million tons per year of available wood waste in Massachusetts.  But as recent events in western Massachusetts have made clear, the extent of tornado-damaged debris alone is staggering.  Surrounding states can also supply millions more.  Combined heat and power biomass plants dedicated to serving the needs of business, municipalities and industry are an outlet for this wood waste, a practical solution which provides jobs and generates income for local economies while replacing fossil fuels.

Isn’t it time we stopped listening to the fear-mongers.  The state of Massachusetts needs the availability of Biomass CHP facilities to deal with excess wood waste, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, revive our local, rural economies, and manage the forest so that it is less prone to disease and fire and is better able to provide a wide-diversity of forest habitat for wildlife.

Biomass is not THE answer. It is part of the answer: Genevieve Fraser

Invasive species attacking trees in Petersham, MA

Biomass is not THE answer. It is part of the answer, along with other renewables. But for the overall health and well being of the forest, biomass is an excellent tool for culling diseased trees and invasives and low-quality wood and enhancing wildlife habitat for a variety of species. I support biomass for dedicated uses...for schools, industry and municipalities. Roadside clearings can be put to good use reducing the cost of heat, and electricity. Greenhouses can be attached to utilize the CO2 emissions needed for plant growth. We can expand out industrial and agricultural base while reducing electrical and heating costs for business/industries and towns.
Genevieve

Should Representative Andrews cosponsor Drug Legislation while working for Big Pharma?

Should Representative Andrews cosponsor Drug Legislation while working for Big Pharma?

By Genevieve Fraser

Representative Andrews (D-Orange) - who is on the Joint Committees on Election Law, Labor and Workforce Development and Revenue - crossed over to the area of Public Health to cosponsor H. 594 which directs the Department of Public Health to promulgate regulations governing the administration of medication to children in school. 

In an article by Richie Davis of the Greenfield Recorder, it was recently revealed that Representative Andrews works up to 50 hours per week for the pharmaceutical giant Novartis while also serving as state representative for the 2^nd Franklin District.

Along with dealing with epinephrine, H. 594 also states: no school district shall prohibit students with asthma or other respiratory diseases from possessing and administering prescription inhalers. XoLair is a Novartis asthma drug with warnings that it should only be administered in a doctor's office because of possible severe allergic reactions.  In addition, E-MERG PEN is an epinephrine medication trademarked by Novartis.

Perhaps H. 594 is a good bill or perhaps not, the real issue here is should Representative Andrews cosponsor legislation involving administration of drugs to school children while working up to 50 hours per week for one the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world? Clearly, Novartis stands to gain financially if the legislation should pass. Doesn't this present a conflict of interest for Representative Andrews?

For the record, the bill has been acted on since she accepted the position with Novartis in September 2011, though by her own admission she was approached by the company last summer. Here's the record of actions taken on the legislation.

Actions for Bill H.594

Date	Branch	Action
1/24/2011	House	Referred to the committee on Public Health
1/24/2011	Senate	Senate concurred
10/20/2011	Joint	Hearing scheduled for 10/25/2011 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1
12/27/2011	House	Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
2/23/2012	House	Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting a bill with the same title (H3959)
2/23/2012	House	Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling with the amendment pending