View from the Hill: September '06

Congratulations to everyone who took the trouble to go out and vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary election two weeks ago. The turnout was better than expected, and now the chosen candidates, myself included, can focus their energies on the November 7 general election and the many issues involved at both the district and state levels.

Since the Legislature concluded its formal sessions for this year on July 31, the activity level has been quite subdued, but several meaningful bills have managed to gain unanimous approval at informal sittings and be signed by the Governor. One of these is an act increasing the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against children, which was the subject of a recent press release from my office. Prosecutors now have unlimited time to file charges against people accused of rape, abuse, and other crimes, provided that they submit independent evidence to corroborate a victim's accusations if charges are brought more than 27 years after the event.  Other sections of the bill increase the number of sex offenders who are required to be monitored by GPS systems, and tighten classification and registration requirements. On the important issue of senior housing, Chapter 151B of the General Laws has been amended to eliminate the minimum lot size of five acres for dwelling units constructed after January 1, 2007. Finally, a bill facilitating speedier permitting of certain projects in mainly urban areas became law. Included in it was a section that I submitted at the request of the Devens Disposition Board allowing a "nonbinding question relative to the permanent government structure for the ongoing operation and administration of the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone to be placed on the official ballots to be used in the towns of Ayer, Harvard and Shirley at the state general election. " The wording of the question was required to be agreed upon by the Boards of Selectman of the three communities, and reflects the so-called Option 2B put forward by the Disposition Board that envisions creating a new municipality out of the central portion of the Devens Enterprise zone and returning the outlying areas to the control of the towns.

I was most honored to present a House resolution on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission at the State House last week. This worthy organization has worked tirelessly to broaden opportunities for people with disabilities, offering comprehensive services that improve quality of life and economic self-sufficiency while facilitating social independence. Congratulations on a job well done!

Kudos to Townsend Habitat for Humanity for a very successful fundraising event, and congratulations also to the Townsend businesses that have been recognized by the 275th Anniversary Committee for being active in town for at least 50 years: Anderson and Son Funeral Home, Brookside Farm, Churchville Medical Practice, Country Auto, Hirsch Lumber, Kao Real Estate, King Farm, Lorden Oil, McNabb Pharmacy, Nashoba Publishing, Pete's Barber Shop, Rossbach Farm, Shepard Sales and Service, The Settle Shop, Townsend Ford, and Johnson's Excavating. Congratulations to the Pepperell Woman's Club on the upcoming celebration of its 100th birthday on October 22, and to the Pepperell Department of Public Works upon receiving notice of the advertisement by MassHighway of bid solicitations for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Covered Bridge on Groton Street.

For readers who may be interested in a compendium of press releases, View From The Hill columns, and personal background information, I refer them to the website www.repbobhargraves.org. I also want to make note of the Annual Hargraves Hoedown to be held from 7-10pm on October 27 at the Pepperell VFW.