Man About Canton: Vote on Tuesday

DID YOU KNOW …

Canton’s Annual Town Election will be this coming Tuesday, April 5, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. even though, sadly, there are no contests on the ballot. Although there are no contests, however, it is our civic duty to vote. Our unopposed incumbent office holders deserve our vote because they at least take the time and make an effort to serve us by managing our important town affairs. Many grumble about our town government and seemingly rush to criticize just about every important decision and action our incumbent leaders make, but when election time comes around, no one bothers to come forward to run for office to try to change things, which, in a democracy, is a sad state of affairs.

The fact that there are no contests on our ballot implies we are generally satisfied and approve the overall performance of our elected leaders; but for the most part, that degree of general satisfaction is probably not true. Surely there are those out there who think they can do a better job; and that being the case, they should come forward so the voters can have a choice. This year, the ballot is set; and although there are no contests, you should make it a point to vote because our incumbents deserve it, and “blanks” should not win any of our elective offices.

Going on to other things, state Representative Lou Kafka of Sharon/Stoughton has re-filed a controversial bill titled “An Act Relative to Death With Dignity,” which is the so-called Right to Die Legislation, similar to laws already on the books in Oregon and Washington.

The long-closed Jimbo’s Restaurant at Braintree Five Corners may be in line for a change. The property owner, Messina Commercial Properties, LLC., is seeking a zoning change to switch to “general business,” which will allow them to raze the restaurant building — along with some neighboring parcels that they also own — and construct a commercial property project in its place. Jimbo’s opened for business in the mid-1980s and closed two years ago. Prior to Jimbo’s, the site was the location of the Braintree Five Corners Chinese Restaurant.

Labor groups such as the AFL-CIO are seeking a change in legislation, which would gradually increase the Massachusetts minimum wage from $8 to $10 per hour, which would make it the highest in the country. The legislation is being sponsored by state Senator Matt Pacheco of Taunton and Representative Antonio Cabral of New Bedford. The labor groups claim the increase will provide gains to the economy, while opposing business groups say it will hurt the job market.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. life expectancy has hit another all-time high. Babies born in 2009 can now expect to live 78 years and 2 months.

The Canton-based Casual Male Retail Group has reported its net income rose almost 50 percent in the last quarter of 2010. The apparel retailer earned $5.3 million in the quarter, up from $3.6 million a year before.

Canton-based Dunkin’ Donuts has targeted the state of Iowa for expansion. Shops will soon be open in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles, along with officers from the Stoughton Police Department, recently held a four-hour Friday morning check of inspection stickers on Route 27, and 100 drivers were issued $50 tickets for having expired inspection stickers. The check occurred on Park Street near the Brockton line. Five thousand dollars in four hours is not a bad take for the state.

Beijing Capital International Airport is now the second busiest airport in the world, second only to Atlanta’s airport. The third busiest is the O’Hare International in Chicago. London’s Heathrow slipped to fourth.

According to the Canton School Committee, it looks like some of the serious cuts in the school budget that have been talked about and threatened for a few years are, unfortunately, going to become a reality. You will hear more of these cuts in the coming weeks and at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting.

Another thing you will be hearing about are the “Green Team’s” suggestions concerning amendments to the town’s energy policy. Their proposals are already receiving negative criticism. The Green Team is proposing Article 28 (also called the “Stretch Energy Code”) in the TM Warrant, which would establish a new construction code to meet what they term “energy efficiency for newly constructed homes, extensively rehabilitated homes, and commercial construction.” The Board of Selectmen is reportedly split on whether the town should adopt the article.

The Canton Over 30 Men’s Softball League is looking for teams to join. The games are played on Sundays and the league may implement a few Sunday evening games this year. If you or anyone you know is interested, contact Mark Grossman at mgrossy@comcast.net or Ted Lehan at TedL4233@comcast.net.

Seems like Canton Center is behind the times. The clock in front of the Newsstand at the Canton Center railroad crossing forgot to “spring ahead” a few weeks back and is still an hour behind.

Finally, MAC sends congratulations to Canton Fire Chief Charles Doody, who recently was granted accreditation from the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, making him one of only 39 fire chiefs in the state to have earned the accreditation. Well done, Chief.

Plato once said: “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.”

That is all for now folks. See you next week.

Joe DeFelice can be reached at manaboutcanton@aol.com.

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Posted by Joe DeFelice on Mar 31 2011. Filed under Featured Content, Man About Canton, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.