Westport in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Monday, February 29, 2016
photos/EverythingWestport.com except as
noted
Westport ROMEOs to host BOH
candidate, Phil Weinberg on Thursday, March 3rd.
Eyes On Owls: A Live Owl Show.
Voter
anger reflected in Westport republican voter turnout.
Slade, Cole and Buck at the Paskamansett Bird Club
Meeting on Wednesday, March 9th.
Westport’s Cukie Macomber shares some thoughts on guns, name-calling!
Westport River Watershed Alliance to Hold Annual
Meeting on March 13th.
Richard Spirlet announces third run for Westport
Selectman.
Philip
Weinberg Announces for Seat on Westport Board of Health.
|
Westport ROMEOs to host
BOH candidate, Phil Weinberg on Thursday, March 3rd. EverythingWestport.com Monday, February 29, 2016 The Westport
ROMEOS will hold their Thursday noontime luncheon on Thursday, March 3rd at White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport in the
Priscilla Room. Their
featured speaker will be Phil Weinberg, most recently the Director of the
Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, and
currently a candidate for the Westport Board of Health. Phil
is interested in the future of Westport's Board of Health and would like to
share his ideas with the "town elders". Who among us would not benefit by learning
more about the role that the Mass. DEP plays in the future of our
community? This is a great opportunity
for us all to share where we should be headed. From
2012 to last year, Phil Weinberg was the Director of the Mass. Department of
Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional office that oversaw permitting,
compliance and enforcement, emergency response and hazardous waste site
remediation for the 84 communities in the region. He also served as Assistant
Commissioner for Operations and Compliance at DEP where he managed
environmental impact and permit reviews for major economic development,
energy and transportation infrastructure projects statewide. Before that, as
Director of the DEP's Solid Waste Management Division he led the initiatives
that closed polluting landfills and built the foundations for recycling and
composting. An
attorney and graduate of the Boston University Law School, Phil also served
as a Presiding Officer adjudicating administrative appeals of MASSDEP’s permits,
enforcement orders and penalties from 2004 to 2011, and served two years as
general counsel for the Commonwealth’s Bureau of Solid Waste Management. From
1971 to 1985, he was a partner in a private law practice he co-founded. In
addition to his law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in business
management from American University. Eyes
On Owls: A Live Owl Show. EverythingWestport.com Monday,
February 29, 2016 Photos | EverythingWestport.com Who's
watching you? Find
out on Saturday, March 19th, when Eyes On Owls, a Live Owl Show is presented
by the Westport Land Conservation Trust at the Westport High School
Auditorium. All who attend are in for some fun with educational close-up
views of these secretive birds of prey. Naturalists Mark and Marcia Wilson
will present "Who's Watching You? Owls of the World." Two shows will be offered this
year at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The
Wilsons introduce the audience to owls found in New England and other parts
of the world. A slide show begins the program by showcasing colorful wildlife
photos by her husband Mark Wilson. Marcia imitates the owls' calls herself,
paying special attention to the more common owls that we might encounter in
our area. After
a hooting lesson and much audience anticipation, Marcia brings out the live
owls one at a time. With each owl perched securely on her gloved hand, she
walks out among the audience. There's plenty of time for close-up views,
photos and questions. Each
owl presented has a permanent disability which prevents him or her from
surviving on their own in the wild. These non-releasable owls serve as
captivating ambassadors from the world of wildlife. All the owls are legally
permitted by state and federal agencies for use in environmental educational
programs.
Which
owl eats skunks? Can a little detective work reveal where owls live near you?
What do pellets tell us about an owl's diet, the food chain and the web of life?
How can we protect owls and their habitats? Wilson explores these questions
and more during this fun, interactive program. Tickets
are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under (not recommended for
children under age 5) and available for purchase by clicking here. Tickets
will also be sold at the door on the day of the event. This
program is supported in part by a grant from the Westport Cultural Council, a
local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a
state agency.
Voter anger reflected in Westport republican voter
turnout. Sanders,
Trump win big in Westport. Exit polls point to voters wanting an
outsider to run for president. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday,
March 2, 2016 Interesting
statistics emerged during Super Tuesday’s primaries which are mirrored
throughout Massachusetts and here in Westport - votes in the Bay State’s
republican presidential nominee are up 23 percent from 2008, those for
democrats are down 7 percent. Republicans
continued to shatter turnout records in the 2016 primaries and caucuses on
Tuesday, while Democrats lagged behind in what analysts said was a clear
indication of an enthusiasm gap heading into the general election. Westport
reflected this trend with similar results.
Precinct B, the Town Hall Annex had the
largest turnout with 45.76% or 1096 ballots cast, choosing social democrat Bernie
Sanders (55.66%) and republican businessman Donald Trump (51.01%.) Precinct D, the Briggs Road Fire
Station, had the lowest participation with 781 ballots cast (37.95%). The five Westport precincts voted for
Sanders over former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton by a total of 6
points, and Trump crushed nearest rival Floridian Senator Marco Rubio by a
total of almost 40 points. Inset: The lone sign
holder, Jackie Merman supporting Mary Lou Daxland
for State Committee Woman. Photo | EverythingWestport.com In the 2012 presidential primary,
Westport turnout was 10.02 percent of registered voters. In the race for Representative for State
Committee Woman, Mary Lou Daxland took the lion’s
share of Westport votes at 791 (55.94%) over fellow Westporter,
Nancy Stanton-Cross at 621 (43.92%). Norman J. Orrall
with 659 (48.71%) was outgunned by David Steinhof
with 693 (51.22%) for the State Committee Man. Polling
Precincts
Click on each ballot to enlarge image. Republican Primary Presidential
Preference
Democrat Primary Presidential Preference
Table A - Westport registered voter
affiliations as of February 29, 2016.
D –
Registered democrats R –
Registered republicans U –
Unenrolled (independent) Voter anger reflected in
republican voter turnout. An interesting statistic emerged during Super Tuesday’s primaries which is mirrored in Massachusetts and here in
Westport - votes in the Bay State’s republican presidential nominee are up 23
percent from 2008; those for democrats are down 7 percent. Republicans
continued to shatter turnout records in the 2016 primaries and caucuses on
Tuesday, while Democrats lagged behind in what analysts said was a clear
indication of an enthusiasm gap heading into the general election. Shifting demographics Westport
Registrars reported last month that a large number of registered democrat voters
shifted their party affiliation to either republican or independent; they
couldn’t remember any republicans doing so. Looking
at the number of registered republicans (1365) and registered democrats
(4087) in Table A, and then looking at the number of unenrolled
(5719), one can conjecture that more of the unenrolled voted on republican
ballots than a democrat ones, or that far fewer
democrats turned out to vote whereas many more republicans went to the polls. Either
way, the Westport turnout of 42.05 percent provided a large enough number to
spotlight a changing voter preference than in past years. Some
may say “what difference does it make,” while others will say it’s
YUUUUUUUUGH!
Above: Voters lined up for most of
the day at the Town Hall Annex to exercise their right to vote. Heavy turnout
occurred after 10:00 a.m. poll workers said. Photos | EverythingWestport.com Slade,
Cole and Buck at the Paskamansett Bird Club Meeting on Wednesday, March 9th. The program will feature two long-time members taking
different photographs from very different perspectives – far away and close
to home. EverythingWestport.com Thursday,
March 3, 2016 Pictures from Far and Near
Betty
Slade and David Cole have been enthusiastic birders ever since they took
their first birding course with Fred Thurber at the Lloyd Center in Dartmouth
in 1994. They have traveled to many Central and South American countries and
Antarctica as well as to Southern Africa and Southeast Asia, seeking birds. They
will present an assortment of their best pictures from these memorable
adventures. But Betty and David are not just birding tourists: prior to their
retirement, they were economists who worked in Turkey, South Korea and
Indonesia and other countries. They served on the economics faculties at
several universities, including Harvard, Vanderbilt, University
of the Philippines, Middle East Technical University and the University of
Houston. Norman
Buck has also traveled widely to see birds, and entranced the club last year
with his African photos. This year, however, he has devoted himself to
photographing truly local birds. His pictures in this display have all been
taken from inside his house in Westport, through his windows. He will show
the results of this different way of birding, and will challenge his viewers
with the chance to practice their skills of identification. Since retiring and moving to Westport 15 years ago, Norm has enjoyed
creating art as well as photography. He and his son developed a building in
New Bedford for live/work spaces for artists. Recent travel has taken him to Vieques Puerto Rico and to Southern Africa where he
bungee-jumped from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Those passing his home have
enjoyed seeing the giant pumpkins in his yard – he promises to grow more this
summer! The meeting is free, open to the public, and handicap accessible. Westport’s Cukie Macomber
shares some thoughts on guns, name-calling! EverythingWestport.com Thursday,
March 3, 2016 I have
two subjects to write about. The first is Smith’s Hill where I and other
neighborhood kids sledded all winter during the The
Smith family owned that steep field for about 100 years. The Smith
brothers, Bill, John and Stuart were hard working successful farmers.
They were also well known in town government. John was a selectman and
moderator for years. Those Smiths really enjoyed watching many young
people and some adults sledding. Inset: Sledding at Smith Hill! Photo
| EverythingWestport.com Since
the early 1900’s that area was known as Smith’s Hill but now someone has
described it as potato hill. I consider that to be an insult to the
name Smith. No potatoes were ever grown on that steep slope. Any
vegetable planted there would be washed to the valley bottom during a rain
storm. I hope the person who came up with that name would contact me so
I could hear the reason for that name. The
second subject is the Constitution’s Second Amendment. When that was
written the only arms available were muzzle loading pistols, muzzle loading
rifles and muzzle loading cannon. Automatic guns were unknown.
Guns then were used for hunting or protecting human life. Those guns
probably took one half minute to load. I am
not against any responsible person owning a gun. When I was age 13, my
father bought me a Mossberg 22 rifle which I used on a range he
built. But do we need automatic firing guns for hunting, target
practice, life protection or for shooting clay pigeons? Police
need pistols that fire every time the trigger is pulled but why not require
civilian rifle bolts to be pulled before each firing of a rifle. I cannot
believe that the Second Amendment says it is okay to own an AK7 (I hope that
is the proper designation of the well-known rifle.) Carlton
“Cukie” Macomber Westport Westport River Watershed
Alliance to Hold Annual Meeting on March 13th. WRWA's is celebrating their 40th Anniversary year. EverythingWestport.com Friday,
March 4, 2016 The
Westport River Watershed Alliance will be holding its Annual Meeting on
Sunday, March 13th, at the Bittersweet Farm, Main Road, Westport. There will
be a $20 Brunch offered at 11:30 a.m. The
meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and is free of charge. WRWA
will be presenting the annual Environmental and Volunteer Awards, as well as
nominating new members to the Board of Directors. RSVP
to outreach@wrwa.com, or call
508.636.3016. The $20 brunch can be paid on-line at www.westportwatershed.org or
at the door the day of the meeting. But RSVP is requested for head count for
brunch preparation. Questions on nitrogen level reduction for planned septic field
prompt further analysis investigation by the Trust. Hearing will continue to Tuesday, March 8th. EverythingWestport.com Friday,
March 4, 2016 The
Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) has been working with the Trust, other town
officials, and the community for the past four years to plan for the
construction of 50 units of new mixed-income rental family housing at
Noquochoke Village, said Leonardi Aray, Housing Specialist for the Westport Affordable Housing
Trust,
The
proposed six buildings and community center will be located on the eight-acre
Perry parcel, with about 22 acres near the river to remain as open space for
passive recreation. The Town acquired the Perry parcel in 2006 and the Quinn
parcel, the open space land, in 2005. The
proposed apartment units will be affordable for individuals and families
across a wide range of income levels. The need for such housing in Westport
has been demonstrated in the town's 2012 Housing Production Plan. The
estimated total development costs are close to $17,000,000 or approximately
$350,000 per unit. The Town has secured close to $1,030,000 in CPA funds, which
includes land acquisition costs and last year’s appropriation to support a
few moderate income housing units. The brownfield in the Quinn parcel is
being remediated with a $226,050 MassDevelopment
loan, which will be paid for by TCB. Site work represents close to 25% of the
construction costs. The work involves installing a wastewater system that
will reduce by 65% nitrogen discharge to the environment as compared with a
conventional system. The Planning Board, centering its opinion on Town’s
studies and reports, expressed the need for installing a system that reduces
the level of nitrogen discharge by over 95%. TCB is taking that request into
consideration and noted that it would add $100,000 to the project costs. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
funds. The
Perry parcel was acquired with CPA funds, thus, its use is restricted for
Community Housing. Community Housing is defined as low and moderate income
housing for individuals and families, including low or moderate income senior
housing. A low moderate income household earns no more than 80% of the
Area Median Income (AMI), while a moderate income household has income up to
100% of the AMI. Rental Housing, All 50
units will be eligible for inclusion in the Town’s Subsidized Housing
Inventory or SHI, currently at 3.5% of total year round housing stock. The
state legislation allows rental developments like Noquochoke Village to
include all of its units in the SHI, even if a few units are not available to
low-income households. Current
Affordable rental opportunities in Westport are available only to senior and
individuals with disabilities: Edgewater Apartments, Westport Housing
Authority, Westport Village Apartments and a couple of Group Homes sponsored
by the Department of Developmental Services. None of these developments
provide rental opportunities for low and moderate income individuals and
families.
By comparison,
the affordable purchase price for a home of an individual earning $40,000 a
year, close to the 80% AMI, would be about $149,000; while the affordable
purchase price for a family home of four with an income of $70,000, close to
100% AMI would be around $250,000. These affordable sale prices are much
below the projected total development costs at Noquochoke Village and
subsidies to bridge such gap are not currently available for homeownership. The
concerns and comments about the proposed development raised
at the February 9 public hearing will be carefully reviewed by the Trust and
The Community Builders. Further input from residents and town officials will
be welcomed at the continuation of that hearing, scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 8 by the Planning Board. Please
don't hesitate to contact Housing Specialist, Leonardi
Aray at 617.270.3912
or at leonardi@larayarchitects.com.
He is available to answer questions about the proposal and affordable housing
at the Housing Assistance Office, on the second floor at Westport Town Hall,
every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Richard
Spirlet announces third run for Westport Selectman. EverythingWestport.com Friday,
March 4, 2016
I am
pleased to announce that I am running for a third-term as Selectman for the Town
of Westport. I believe I have made considerable contributions to the Board
and to our Town during these past two terms, and I believe I can continue to
make a positive difference; because I want to do more. As
your Selectman, I will continue my promise to utilize my abilities to develop
and nurture alliances to honor and acknowledge the many concerns our resident
have about issues and challenges which we encounter. I am available and
approachable and I will always make time to listen to the citizens of
Westport, as I represent their collective voices to move forward the desired
initiatives which will always have Westport’s best interest at heart. I
remain vigilant to maintain an open and transparent government, with accountability
for all actions. I support strategic planning with long-term vision, which
inspires and motivates members of our community. I strive to establish
benchmarks and timelines to accomplish goals in an acceptable and reasonable
manner. Westport residents need and want innovative leadership, with
experience in fiscal responsibility and knowledge in town government.
Westport has special character, natural beauty, and a rich heritage that I
will continue to protect, preserve, and maintain through local controls. I have
lived in Westport with my wife, Lois for more than thirty years. We have
raised three children - Susan, Troy and Tara who have grown both ‘roots and
wings’ in our community. I am
proud to say I have served on the Conservation Commission, Community
Preservation Committee, and have served on the Board of Selectman since
2010. I have been involved with a
multitude of organizations, groups and agencies that have provided me the
knowledge and ability to work well with people and get things done. I am a
retired Police Captain with 36 years of service, as well as a retired Veteran
with 32 years of service from the US Coast Guard Reserves, where I served as
a Special Agent for Coast Guard Intelligence. If you
believe that commitment, communication, and collaboration, coupled with
experience, knowledge, and proven leadership is what you want in your
Selectman; then I would be honored to have your support and your vote on
April 12th. Thank you, and thank you
for your continued support. Sincerely, Richard
Spirlet, Westport Selectman Email:
rspirlet@gmail.com Philip Weinberg Announces for Seat on Westport Board of
Health. Retired Regional Director of
state Department of Environmental Protection brings experience, professionalism
and collegiality. EverythingWestport.com Saturday,
March 5, 2016 Philip
Weinberg, who retired last year as the director of the Southeast Regional
Office of the Massachusetts Department of The
Board of Health has a broad set of responsibilities that directly impact the
health and quality of life in the community including, for example,
effectively managing solid waste recycling and disposal, protecting wells and
waterways from contamination, ensuring food safety at restaurants and public
events and planning for and responding to public health related emergencies.
Inset: Phil Weinberg speaks with the Westport ROMEOs on March 3rd. photo |
EverythingWestport.com “”I
will bring to the Board of Health an open mind and a problem solving approach,
informed by over 25 years’ experience in environmental protection management
and regulation, in addressing the variety of issues that come before the
Board.” My history of public service demonstrates my commitment to
collaborate with other members of town government and with residents in
meeting the Board’s responsibilities.” Weinberg said. “The
ever-growing complexity of health and environmental laws and regulations
calls for the kind of professional response and experience I can bring to the
Board,” Weinberg added. From
2012 to last year, Weinberg led the staff at MASSDEP’s Southeast Regional
office that oversaw permitting, compliance and enforcement, and hazardous
waste response and remediation for the 84 communities in the region. He also
served as assistant commissioner for operations and compliance at MASSDEP
where he managed environmental impact and permit reviews for major
development and infrastructure projects statewide and, before that, as
director of the Solid Waste Management Division at MASSDEP. An
attorney and graduate of the Boston University Law School, Weinberg
adjudicated appeals of MASSDEP’s permits, enforcement orders and penalties
from 2004 to 2011, and served two years as general counsel for the
Commonwealth’s Bureau of Solid Waste Management. From 1971 to 1985, he was in
private law practice. In
addition to his law degree, he has an undergraduate degree in business
management from American University. He and
his wife, Deborah Weaver, are avid kayakers, cyclists and hikers. He lives at
1702B Drift Road and can be reached via email at: philwforhealthboard@gmail.com. I am running to bring Common Sense Not Agenda Driven Solutions
to the Westport Board of Health. My experience with and presently Chair of
the Westport Water Resource Management Committee (WWRMC) has given me some of
the much needed background that could serve Westport residents. I have been a proponent in adopting a revolving fund to assist
homeowners with failed septic systems. This program has led to the repair or
replacement of failed systems with a low interest loan. I also have been
involved in numerous storm water projects designed to reduce contaminates
from our roads to the rivers and streams in town. Our WWRMC is presently
working with the DEP on a plan to reduce the nutrient loading of our
waterways. Much of the work that we do in the WWRMC dovetails with some of the
work of the Westport Board of Health. When a position on the BOH opened it
became clear that we needed someone in this position that would not be
influenced by special interests in regulating drinking water/septic, systems,
town food services, the transfer station, animal welfare, and most
importantly public health emergencies. I am the most suitable person for this
position based on my common sense approach to what the board of health
oversees and the effect that the wrong decisions could have on the taxpayers
and the character of the Westport. © 2016 Community Events of Westport. All
rights reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
