Rules gag free speech between voters and elected officials.
According to a December 12th memo by the House Franking Commission, congressmen in the House of Representatives are not allowed to wish voters a "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year" in mail or e-mail.
Congressmen use their franking privileges (using taxpayer dollars to pay for postage) to send mail or e-mail to voters throughout the year. However, the Franking Commission, the six-member bipartisan group officially known as the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, told legislators that "Merry Christmas" is strickly prohibited.
In addition, the memo also noted that congressmen can't use their official social media pages to wish constituents "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year." It cited the Rules of Practice which also states congressmen cannot use "colors that give the impression of a holiday greeting."
A Franking Commission spokesman confirmed to The Washington Examiner that members of Congress indeed cannot wish constituents "Merry Christmas" in any official mailing. "Currently, incidental use of the phrase Happy Holidays is permisible but Merry Christmas is not," said Salley Wood. Curiously, these rules do not apply to Senators.
In a communication to the Winchester GOP, Republican State Committeeman Bernie Green of Medford urged all members of the Winchester Republican Town Committee to call or e-mail Congressman Ed Markey and Speaker John Boehner urging them to reverse the franking rules to allow Christmas and other holiday greetings in mailings to voters.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
October 13th set for Important Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Winchester Republican Town Committee will be held downstairs in the Waterfield Room at Winchester Town Hall , 71 Mount Vernon Street, Winchester Massachusetts, on Thursday October 13th. The meeting will convene at 7:00PM.
RTC Secretary Eric VanGemeren intends to complete the process of having all who wish to be elected as members of the Winchester Republican Town Committee and have their name appear on the March 6, 2012 Presidential Preference Ballot sign the Nomination Papers he intends to submit for certification and filing as required by State law. Nominees and Nominators must sign the form as appropriate and as directed.
VanGeneren asks that the members and anyone else interested in learning more about the committee and the nomination process attend the meeting.
Winchester RTC member Marie Barratta is expected to attend and provide a report on the September 16th Cocktail Party and Fundraiser.
RTC Secretary Eric VanGemeren intends to complete the process of having all who wish to be elected as members of the Winchester Republican Town Committee and have their name appear on the March 6, 2012 Presidential Preference Ballot sign the Nomination Papers he intends to submit for certification and filing as required by State law. Nominees and Nominators must sign the form as appropriate and as directed.
VanGeneren asks that the members and anyone else interested in learning more about the committee and the nomination process attend the meeting.
Winchester RTC member Marie Barratta is expected to attend and provide a report on the September 16th Cocktail Party and Fundraiser.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Winchester Republican Town Committee to meet September 13th
The next meeting of the Winchester Republican Town Committee will be held in the Waterfield Room at Winchester Town Hall, 71 Mount Vernon Street, Winchester, Massachusetts on Tuesday September 13th. The meeting will convene at 7:00PM.
Preparation and signing of the Nominating Sheets will be an important part of the evenings business. All persons wishing to be nominated and have their name appear on the ballot in the March 6, 2012 Republican Presidential Primary who are seeking to be elected as a member of the Winchester Republican Town Committee should attend the meeting. Nominees and Nominators must sign the form, as appropriate and directed.
The Committee intends to complete the process in time to meet local certification and state filing requirements as indicated in the Guide provided by the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office.
Preparation and signing of the Nominating Sheets will be an important part of the evenings business. All persons wishing to be nominated and have their name appear on the ballot in the March 6, 2012 Republican Presidential Primary who are seeking to be elected as a member of the Winchester Republican Town Committee should attend the meeting. Nominees and Nominators must sign the form, as appropriate and directed.
The Committee intends to complete the process in time to meet local certification and state filing requirements as indicated in the Guide provided by the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser Set
The Women's Republican Club of Winchester and the Winchester Republican Town Committee will again co-sponsor their annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser which will be held on Friday September 16,2011. The social scheduled to begin at 6:30PM will offer an assortment of tasty morsels and snacks, some of which are home-made, for the enjoyment of the members and guests attending the event.
Several candidates, office-seekers and elected officials have been invited and are expected to offer remarks. The evenings featured speaker will be Shanna O'Connell, State Representative for the 3rd Bristol District. Mary Z. Connaughton, former Candidate for State Auditor, and now Director of Finance and Administration at the Beacon Hill Institute, an independant non-partisian, privately-funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts, will be a special invited guest.
Other candidates for local office are expected to attend. The cost per person is $35.00 paid in advance - or - $40.00 if paid at the door. Those wishing to attend are requested to reply by September 8, 2011 to Marie Baratta at (781) 729-8313.
Several candidates, office-seekers and elected officials have been invited and are expected to offer remarks. The evenings featured speaker will be Shanna O'Connell, State Representative for the 3rd Bristol District. Mary Z. Connaughton, former Candidate for State Auditor, and now Director of Finance and Administration at the Beacon Hill Institute, an independant non-partisian, privately-funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts, will be a special invited guest.
Other candidates for local office are expected to attend. The cost per person is $35.00 paid in advance - or - $40.00 if paid at the door. Those wishing to attend are requested to reply by September 8, 2011 to Marie Baratta at (781) 729-8313.
FCC Formally Erases Fairness Doctrine
The Fairness Doctrine, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented in 1949 to require broadcasters to present both sides of controversial issues, became less relevent as cable TV exploded in the 1980's. So the FCC dropped the rule in 1987, but it never erased the language implementing it - until August 22nd of this year, that is.
The agency formally dumped more than 80 media industry regulations. Other rules the FCC tossed include the "broadcast flag" digital copy protection rule that courts overturned and those pertaining to the cable programming service tier rate.
Monday's action constituted part of the commission's response to an executive order from President Barack Obama implementing a "government-wide review of regulations already on the books" to strike unnessary rules.
The agency formally dumped more than 80 media industry regulations. Other rules the FCC tossed include the "broadcast flag" digital copy protection rule that courts overturned and those pertaining to the cable programming service tier rate.
Monday's action constituted part of the commission's response to an executive order from President Barack Obama implementing a "government-wide review of regulations already on the books" to strike unnessary rules.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Town Day Committee offers Thanks
Once again members of the Winchester Republican Town Committee and the Women's Republican Club of Winchester have teamed up to provide representatives to greet the public passing by the Republican booth on Main Street during the annual Town Day Celebration held on Saturday June 4th.
The members provided information about the GOP and Committee during the daytime exhibition hours and passed out pamphlets custom designed for the occasion. Eric van Gemeron Secretary of the Winchester Republican Town Committee offered thanks to all who volunteered time to keep the booth fully staffed throughut the day.
Among those participating were Phyliss Johansen, Eric van Gemeron and Bill O'Leary who set up the booth in the morning and cleaned up the site at the end of the day; State Committeeman Bernie Green, his wife Peggy and Mary Robinson who were there in the morning; Dot Neri, Judy Myrha, Maureen McCarthy, Harry Shuris and Ann Paladino who were there during the day; a special thank you to Marie Baratta who manned the booth for the entire day and to George Geogountzas, running again for State Representative, who greeted townies for a while.
The members provided information about the GOP and Committee during the daytime exhibition hours and passed out pamphlets custom designed for the occasion. Eric van Gemeron Secretary of the Winchester Republican Town Committee offered thanks to all who volunteered time to keep the booth fully staffed throughut the day.
Among those participating were Phyliss Johansen, Eric van Gemeron and Bill O'Leary who set up the booth in the morning and cleaned up the site at the end of the day; State Committeeman Bernie Green, his wife Peggy and Mary Robinson who were there in the morning; Dot Neri, Judy Myrha, Maureen McCarthy, Harry Shuris and Ann Paladino who were there during the day; a special thank you to Marie Baratta who manned the booth for the entire day and to George Geogountzas, running again for State Representative, who greeted townies for a while.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Here is the Point: Stumbling in the Darkness of Zero Tolerance
By Rick Greeley
Republican State Committeeman (2nd Plymouth and Bristol District)
When is enough, enough? Every week it seems that another story surfaces surrounding the lunacy of yet another "zero tolerance" policy gaffe. Government agencies, most notably public school districts, often employ so-called zero tolerance policies in order to deal with a particular issue. The purpose of those policies is to appear to lay down the law, as if to say this particular behavior will not be tolerated at all, no ifs, ands or buts about it. And we will deal with those who break these rules in such a harsh and impartial manner that it will deter all others from doing the same.
Click here to read the full story.
Republican State Committeeman (2nd Plymouth and Bristol District)
When is enough, enough? Every week it seems that another story surfaces surrounding the lunacy of yet another "zero tolerance" policy gaffe. Government agencies, most notably public school districts, often employ so-called zero tolerance policies in order to deal with a particular issue. The purpose of those policies is to appear to lay down the law, as if to say this particular behavior will not be tolerated at all, no ifs, ands or buts about it. And we will deal with those who break these rules in such a harsh and impartial manner that it will deter all others from doing the same.
Click here to read the full story.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WRTC to Participate in Town Day
Members of the Winchester Republican Town Committee plan to man a booth under a tent on Main Street from 9:00AM to 4:00PM during the Town Day Celebration which will take place on Saturday June 4th. The Committee will provide pamphlets and information about the GOP and the Committee to visitors to the booth.
This year marks the 30th annual celebration of Town Day in Winchester which will begin at 9:00AM. Over 200 exibitors will fill the downtown streets including Main and Mt. Vernon Streets. Kids events on the common, trolley tours, a community supper and much more activities lead up to a fireworks display at dusk.
Eric van Gemeron Secretary of the Winchester Republican Committee asks the members of the Committee to volunteer and help man the booth during the day. If you think you can, he would appreciate a call in order to keep the booth fully manned throughout the day.
This year marks the 30th annual celebration of Town Day in Winchester which will begin at 9:00AM. Over 200 exibitors will fill the downtown streets including Main and Mt. Vernon Streets. Kids events on the common, trolley tours, a community supper and much more activities lead up to a fireworks display at dusk.
Eric van Gemeron Secretary of the Winchester Republican Committee asks the members of the Committee to volunteer and help man the booth during the day. If you think you can, he would appreciate a call in order to keep the booth fully manned throughout the day.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Next Meeting June 2nd
The next meeting of the Winchester Republican Town Committee will be held at Winchester Town Hall, 71 Mount Vernon Street, Winchester Massachusetts on Thursday June 2nd. The meeting will convene in the 'Winchester Room' on the first floor at 7:00PM.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tufts to build new Sports and Finess Center
Tufts University will break ground for the Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. The 42,000 square-foot center located on College Avenue in Medford, will feature a dramatic new central plaza leading into the heart of the new facilities, which will adjoin the existing Gancher Center and Cousins Gymnasium.
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to read the full story.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Medford GOP to Host Presidents Day Celebration
The Medford Republican City Committee will hold a Presidents Day Celebration at Post 45 American Legion Hall 321 Winthrop Street in Medford on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
The event is scheduled to start with a Reception at 11:00AM. A western-style family-friendly Barbeque Lunch catered by 'Redbones' of Somerville will be served at 1200 noon. The meal will include Barbequed Chicken, Sliced Smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, Cole Slaw or Green Salad, Cornbread, Sandwich Rolls and an assortment of individual sauces.
A speaking program recalling notable Presidents and celebrating the 100th birthday anniversary of former President Ronald Reagan will begin after the luncheon with a keynote speech by former Boston Herald editorial writer and syndicated columnist Don Feder. Among the other featured speakers will be Mary Z. Connaughton former Turnpike board member and recent candidate for State Auditor; Christy Mihos businessman and former gubernatorial candidate; and Holly Robichaud a Boston Herald columnist and a successful political consultant who served on the Massachusetts State Committee for 16 years.
'Presidents Day Committee' co-chairs Susan Lance and Barry Greenspan in addition to soliciting Medford members, are also reaching out to city and town committee members from neighboring communities. Several recent candidates for public office are among those who have expressed an interest in attending.
Medford GOP chairman Bernie Green encourages friends of the committee to attend and enjoy the luncheon and speaking program. Persons seeking further information or seeking to make reservations may go on-line at MedfordGOP.blogspot.com, by e-mail at MedfordGOP@gmail.com or calling Mark Crowley at (781) 391-3691.
Tickets are available at $22.00 per adult and $18.00 for chilren under 12 years of age. Checks may be mailed to: Mark Crowley at 59 Boynton Road Medford, MA 02155.
The event is scheduled to start with a Reception at 11:00AM. A western-style family-friendly Barbeque Lunch catered by 'Redbones' of Somerville will be served at 1200 noon. The meal will include Barbequed Chicken, Sliced Smoked Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, Cole Slaw or Green Salad, Cornbread, Sandwich Rolls and an assortment of individual sauces.
A speaking program recalling notable Presidents and celebrating the 100th birthday anniversary of former President Ronald Reagan will begin after the luncheon with a keynote speech by former Boston Herald editorial writer and syndicated columnist Don Feder. Among the other featured speakers will be Mary Z. Connaughton former Turnpike board member and recent candidate for State Auditor; Christy Mihos businessman and former gubernatorial candidate; and Holly Robichaud a Boston Herald columnist and a successful political consultant who served on the Massachusetts State Committee for 16 years.
'Presidents Day Committee' co-chairs Susan Lance and Barry Greenspan in addition to soliciting Medford members, are also reaching out to city and town committee members from neighboring communities. Several recent candidates for public office are among those who have expressed an interest in attending.
Medford GOP chairman Bernie Green encourages friends of the committee to attend and enjoy the luncheon and speaking program. Persons seeking further information or seeking to make reservations may go on-line at MedfordGOP.blogspot.com, by e-mail at MedfordGOP@gmail.com or calling Mark Crowley at (781) 391-3691.
Tickets are available at $22.00 per adult and $18.00 for chilren under 12 years of age. Checks may be mailed to: Mark Crowley at 59 Boynton Road Medford, MA 02155.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Nassour Re-Elected Chairman of Mass GOP
Massachusetts Republican Chairman Jennifer A. Nassour running for her second term won re-election over State Committeeman Bill McCarthy of Worcester by a substantial margin at the State Committee meeting held at the Newton Marriott Hotel on Wednesday January 6th.
State Committeeman Bill McCarthy, together with others inside and outside of the Party had called for a change in the Party's leadership and direction. McCarthy, who is incensed by the state GOP wipeout in the November election, stated on numerous occasions that she hadn't done enough to boost local candidates and focused most of the Party's resources on the gubernatorial race. Specifically all of the Republican statewide Constitutional Officers and US Representatives in Congress failed in their bids to get elected. Supporters point out that since becoming chair of the State Party, Nassour has been able to pay-off the debts that had accrued in the previous two-year cycle by instituting a sound fiscal plan while enhancing the staff and work output.
In campaigning for re-election Nassour outlined her priorities for 2011 and 2012. Namely, assisting with the re-election of Republican incumbents and recruiting more challengers to state legislative and congressional districts; conducting robust and strategic fundraising efforts that benefit all GOP candidates; changing the concept of campaign-driven GOTV efforts to a coordinated, statewide effort and building the infrastructure and recruiting the expertise to implement it; increasing the number of registered Republican voters with the aid of re-built city and town committees and allied organizations; and updating the decades-old technology and outdated equipment to allow the MRP central office to function more efficiently and productively for the benefit of the candidates.
The Republican State Committee elects a new chairman every two years during the January meeting following a presidential or gubernatorial election. There are 80 seats on the Republican State Committee, a man and woman elected every four years from the 40 state senate districts.
State Committeeman Bill McCarthy, together with others inside and outside of the Party had called for a change in the Party's leadership and direction. McCarthy, who is incensed by the state GOP wipeout in the November election, stated on numerous occasions that she hadn't done enough to boost local candidates and focused most of the Party's resources on the gubernatorial race. Specifically all of the Republican statewide Constitutional Officers and US Representatives in Congress failed in their bids to get elected. Supporters point out that since becoming chair of the State Party, Nassour has been able to pay-off the debts that had accrued in the previous two-year cycle by instituting a sound fiscal plan while enhancing the staff and work output.
In campaigning for re-election Nassour outlined her priorities for 2011 and 2012. Namely, assisting with the re-election of Republican incumbents and recruiting more challengers to state legislative and congressional districts; conducting robust and strategic fundraising efforts that benefit all GOP candidates; changing the concept of campaign-driven GOTV efforts to a coordinated, statewide effort and building the infrastructure and recruiting the expertise to implement it; increasing the number of registered Republican voters with the aid of re-built city and town committees and allied organizations; and updating the decades-old technology and outdated equipment to allow the MRP central office to function more efficiently and productively for the benefit of the candidates.
The Republican State Committee elects a new chairman every two years during the January meeting following a presidential or gubernatorial election. There are 80 seats on the Republican State Committee, a man and woman elected every four years from the 40 state senate districts.
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