Last week Representative Greene and I [John Belkis] met with a representative from AARP to present information that disputes their rational for supporting opposition to the repeal. It was very apparent that they have a deaf ear to why they should not be opposed. They came prepared to counter our statement about our senior members being unhappy about AARP’s position. (They only received 14 letters.) I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t send more. How about investing 28 cents and sending a post card?
AARP Massachusetts
One Beacon Street . Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108.
Even an e-mail will do: ma@aarp.org All you need to do is include a few simple words such as:
“I’m disappointed in AARP’s position opposing repeal of 40B”.
To that, I would add the following:
“Your support of the pro-40B position has me reconsidering continuing my membership with your group. After losing many members due to your support for Obamacare to your competition, the American Seniors Association, I would think your organization would be more judicious and thoughtful on this matter. We Americans, senior citizen Americans in particular, do not like having government mandates and ineffective programs rammed down our throats. I urge you to reconsider your position, and instead, join with the Coalition for 40B repeal to stop this unfunded atrocity that is ruining town budgets, infrastructure, school systems, etc. by disregarding the needs and wishes of local communities to determine their own growth patterns and resource utilization.
These generally large 40B developments hit seniors harder than most through increased taxes by creating a need to expand infrastructure, such as schools, increased police, fire and emergency care coverage by EMTs simply to accomodate the new and dramatic increase in population; most of which are not low income beneficiaries. These also negatively impact seniors who prefer to remain in private single family homes by creating burdensome fee and rate hikes necessary to provide increased water and sewer services, due in part to limited waste water treatment plants, hydrant pressure maintenance zones and other demands that can overwhelm towns on a shoestring budget.”
[Ed Note: For the record, I did drop my AARP membership and have joined the ASA - no regrets! Let them know that you can and will hurt their pocketbook in exchange for the damage their position is doing to your's.] All you have to do is cut, paste and modify the above into an e-mail to suit your taste and then click on send. It never hurts to follow that up with a telephone call and a postcard. Jammed switchboards really get people’s attention. How’s Monday morning around 10:00 a.m. sound?
Began negotiation for sign printing prices. Contacted filer of the Question 1 petition (repeal liquor tax) seeking some mutual support association, like placement on our signs in their member’s locations. they will discuss further after consulting with the firm they are hiring to conduct their campaign.
I am still battling with the Secretary of State’s office about the opposition using the claim of 58,000 40B units in their voter information statement. I am insisting that unless it’s a validated 40B figure attested to by DHCD I will seek an injunction against the voter information publication. I have DHCD documentation from 2003 that makes their figure questionable in that they are using comprehensive permit units which may not always be true 40B.
Everything they’ve supplied to support their number comes from sources other than DHCD.
My greatest concern right now is we only have funds for about 500 or less signs, and nothing else. We have about 200 of our old signs with the repeal 40B site address. With the exhaust of funds, we no longer have any office staff though our patron has allowed continued use of the office facilities. Unless we come up with some significant fund raising, our campaign is essentially dead in the water.
It’s hard to believe that for lack of a few thousands of dollars that ten years of effort will fail because we don’t have the resources for the simplest of campaign tools like signs, palm cards, dear friend cards, and bumper stickers.
Many of you have made sizable donations and I can’t ask much more unless you really feel you can do more. For others, I hope you feel you’ve done all you can and if not please help to sustain the campaign. A check made out to:
Coalition for 40B repeal
and mailed to:
Repeal 40B
PO Box 424
Chelmsford, MA 01824,
will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to organize a local fund-raising event, I will be glad to participate and support. We have about 100 days to November 2nd!
John Belskis
Consider this statement made during the battle for government take over of health care and let them know that you have not forgotten their betrayal.
If you are going to be a bear; be a Grizzly! You can (and should) read Massachusetts AARP position on this topic here.
