Sunday, September 13, 2015

Re-Elect Mayor Bill Carpenter: Endorsed By Brockton Police Patrolmen's Association

Published on Sep 13, 2015 To the residents of the City of Brockton: It is with great pride that the Brockton Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA) endorses Mayor Bill Carpenter for a second term as Mayor of the City of Brockton. Mayor Carpenter has been an advocate for the men and women of the Brockton Police Department since the moment he was sworn in as Mayor in January, 2014. As Mayor, he supported the increase in the number of detectives in the narcotics and gang units. Subsequently in 2014, we nearly doubled the number of raids and increased drug arrests; allowing the Brockton Police Department to get dangerous criminals, drugs and guns off the streets. Mayor Carpenter has invested in technology to support Brockton police officers as he led the fight for 'Shot-Spotter' expansion, Brockton's first fingerprinting technology, and the push for more video cameras throughout the city. Each of these measures has not only enhanced the work of the Brockton Police Department but protects the officers who risk their lives on a daily basis. The results speak for themselves as there has been a major reduction in almost every major criminal category; the number of breaking and entering cases is down 25 percent, forcible rapes are down 24 percent, robberies are down 15 percent, aggravated assaults are down 11 percent. The return of the motorcycle and bicycle patrols has aided in the downward trend in each one of those categories and has allowed the Brockton Police to have a better rapport with the citizens of the City. We believe in Mayor Carpenter's leadership and commitment to the Brockton Police Department. Therefore, the Brockton Police Patrolmen's Association proudly endorses Mayor Bill Carpenter for a second term as Mayor of the City of Brockton and we hope you join us in voting for Mayor Carpenter, on Tuesday, September 22, 2015. Sincerely, William Healy, President Brockton Police Patrolmen's Association

Sunday, September 6, 2015

OPEN LETTER FROM BROCKTON CANDIDATE COUNCILOR AT LARGE CRAIG PINA

Dear neighbors and fellow citizens of Brockton,

My name is Craig Pina and I am running for Councilor at Large in our city. I am running because, as a lifelong Brocktonian, I have seen our home go through some good times, as well as some times that were not so good. I am deeply concerned about the future of Brockton and the people who live here. As your Councilor at Large, I will work to make Brockton a better place to live and a great place to do business. By working to strengthen the business community, we will
  • Attract more and better jobs to Brockton
  • Improve the safety of our streets
  • Strengthen our already outstanding school system
  • Improve the quality of senior life
  • Ensure that nobody “falls through the cracks”
All are keys to making Brockton a better place to live and raise a family.
I am looking forward to meeting as many residents as I possibly can this year and truly listening to your concerns and, when elected, work to implement your good ideas to improve Brockton and build a greater sense of community for ALL of our residents.
 
Highlights:
~ Brockton High School Graduate - 1988
~ Lifelong Brockton resident - Brockton has always been a great place to live and raise a family, Craig would like to make sure it stays that way. Craig grew up on Cary Hill, where his father, Charlie Pina, ran Brookfield Little League for much of the '80's. He lived for 10 years with his wife and two daughters in the city's east side, the family has lived in Ward 1 for the past 7 years.
~ Committed to Community Service - Craig has served on numerous boards and committees over the past two decades working with organizations such as
  • Brockton Conservation Commission
    • Commissioner 2014 - Present
  • Metro South Chamber of Commerce
    • Ambassador Committee
    • Legislative Affairs Committee
  • Rotary Club of Brockton
  • Boxer Football Alumni Association
    • 2015 Golf Tournament Chair
  • NO to New Heights Charter School - Co-Founder
  • Brockton Against Common Core - Co-Founder
  • Rabboni Lodge A.F. & A.M.
    • Past Master - 2011 to 2012
  • St. George Lodge A.F. & A.M.
  • Brockton Republican City Committee
    • Chair 2012 to 2014
  • Brockton Water Commission
    • 2006 to 2010
  • Brockton Day Nursery
    • President from 2007 to 2010)
  • Brockton Fights Back
    • Summer Solstice Festival Committee Chair
  • Old Colony YMCA
    • Former Chair Big Sister/Big Brother Program
    • Old Colony Y Services Corporation (past board member)
  • Children's Museum in Easton
    • Past board member
  • Greater Plymouth County United Way
    • Allocations Committee
  • Special Olympics Massachusetts (Area Manager from 1998 to 2004)
    • Built a first of its kind program in Brockton utilizing collaborations between City Government, Brockton Schools, and the local business community
  • Kiwanis Club of Brockton
    • Past President
    • Started B.U.G. (Bring Up Grades) Award program in 6 inner city schools
    • Joseph Strazzula Award Recipient

Saturday, September 5, 2015

GREAT ARTICLE FROM 2014 BY MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON ON THE 1 BILLION DOLLAR'S IN TAX EXEMPT PROPERTIE'S IN BROCKTON

This is an article I came across the other day and  I didn't realize that Brockton has a little over 1 billion dollars in properties that are claimed as non-profit and pay no taxes or tax exempt. They use up a lot of services such as MainSpring, High Point and many others when they have to call BPD or BFD. In lieu of that I believe that we need to assess some type of fee like surroundings towns due. If we could get 5% of that Billion we are looking at some real revenue coming in. Also look into some of the salaries of the CEO's of these non-profits and you will be amazed at how much they make but that another story. Every little bit helps and we have to really buckle down and start taking care of Brockton.