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TR-2009-5 OPPOSING GAS TAX -� �-- ■ r - ___ _ � � t J � , _ _ �' ROSEMARY SANDLIN Committees on: REPRESENTATIVE TranSpOfttiOn 3RD HAMPDEN DISTRICT Education Tourism,Arts and Culture AaAwAm. SOVTHWICK. GRANVILLE STATE House.Room 134 AND RUSSELL (617�722-2400 jOrFICE) (413)78&7600(DISTRICT) Rep,RosemerySandlin 0 ho u,state.ma.us March 25,2009 Donald M.Rheault Agawam City Council 36 Main Street Agawam,MA 01001 Dear Councilor Rheault; Thank you for your letter of request for support for the City Council's resolution opposing the Governor's gas tax increase proposal. I am also opposed to this gas tax proposal and will work to find a more equitable solution to funding the Commonwealth's Transportation budget gap. The Transportation Finance Commission study estimated that there will be a$15-$20 billion shortfall over the next twenty years. On behalf of my constituents,and as a member of the Legislature's Transportation Committee,I am very interested in this issue and in finding alternative solutions to increasing the gas tax. One solution under con'sideration is the reorganization of agencies that fund the construction and maintenance of our highways,bridges,tunnels and transportation systems. At this time,those agencies include MassHighway,the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority,the Department of Conservation and Recreation,and the Massachusetts Port Authority. Economies of scale and other advantages may be found by consolidating some of their functions in one department. That agency would have the authority to issue bonds and refinance debt. Another group of agencies that could be considered for consolidation includes the public transportation systems such as the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority(MBTA)and'the regional transit authorities. Consolidation would require reforming the benefits package for employ ees and reforming the pension plans for future retirees,bringing them under the umbrella of one new system. At this time there are many different pension plans for public employees,and consolidating the agencies would be a very complex task,involving labor contracts for wages,hours and benefits. Other ideas that are under consideration include raising the tolls on the Turnpike; reinstituting the tolls on the western Turnpike; increasing tolls on the Sumner Tunnel,the Ted Williams Tunnel and Page I the Tobin Bridge. These proposals are opposed by residents who must travel to Boston for work and by business owners who carry goods through these roads on multiple trips per day and week, Another proposal is the establishment of tolls on interstate highways such as Routes 93 and 95 for vehicles entering the Commonwealth. All of these proposals will be under consideration as the Governor and Legislature work out a viable solution. The City of Chicago has sold,or]eased-for 99 years-the rights to"The Skyway,"a major toll road and bridge in the City,for$1.8 billion to a private party who collects tolls and is responsible for maintaining the roadway. That third party expects to make a profit under the terms of the contract with the city. "Privatization of the Turnpike"in Massachusetts is another concept under consideration. Leasing the rest 4rea plazas on the Turnpike to a third party is another option. Some experts who have testified before the Transportation Committee believe that the final solution for funding this budget gap is a combination of increased gas taxes and other cost-saving measures, The Speaker of the House has indicated he would consider increasing the gas tax but has not determined the amount of the increase. The western Massachusetts delegation and many other representatives are opposed to increasing the gas tax. Funding this transportation shortfall will be one of the major issues before the Legislature this year. I look forward to the public debate on this critical problem. Sinc rely, ROSEMARYSILIN State Representative Page 2 TR-2009-5 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING GOVERNOR DEVAL L. PATRICK'S PROPOSAL TO ADD A GASOLINE TAX TO THE TAXPAYERS OF MASSACHUSETTS Sponsored by: Councilor Donald M. Rheault WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick is proposing an increase in gasoline sales tax; and WHEREAS, Governor Deval L, Patrick has suggested as an alternative to increasing gasoline sales tax to raise the toll rates on Massachusetts toll highways; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council hereby opposes the proposal of increased gasoline sates tax as it causes an undue burden to the taxpayers of Agawam-, and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council feels that it is a much fairer and more equitable proposal to increase the toll road rates for those persons who actually utilize the roads in that area; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Citizens of Agawam that the proposal to increase gasoline tax be defeated; NOW, THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby resolves to appeal to Governor Deval L. Patrick to reconsider his proposal to increase the gasoline sales tax and to seriously consider increasing the tolls if an increase is indeed deemed necessary. We feel that this is a more reasonable solution with'respect to the taxpayers of Agawam. Dated this day of Ct,kLcLu 2009. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL e e ier, Cit3rcouncil President Date APPROVED AS TQ FORM LEGALITY Christopher Johnso ity Solicitor Date AND NVr 9DOI C 0 cc- MAYORAL ACTIO Received this Z/16L dayof I9.hhjjCLAIj 2009 from Town Council Clerk. rLd I Signed by Council President this ta day of C1 , 2009. APPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agaw harter, as rove the passage of the above legislation on this day of 2009. Susan R. Dawson, Mayor DISAPPROVAL OF LEGISLATION By the powers vested in me pursuant to Article 3, Section 3-6 of the Agawam Charter, as amended, I hereby veto the passage of the above legislation on this day of 2009 for the following reason(s): Susan R. Dawson, Mayor RETURN OF LEGISLATION TO COIJNCIL CLERK Returned to Council Clerk this day of 2009. A AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASS ACHUS.ETTS 0 100 1 ED February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina Af. Letellier VICE PRESIDENT The Honorable Senator Stephen Buoniconti Cecilia P. Calabrese 150B Bridge Street Springfield, MA. 01103 COUNCYLORS George Bitzas Re: Resolution Opposing Sug&sted Increase 'in Gasoline Tax Paul C. Cavallo Jill S.Messick Dear Senator Buoniconti: Joseph Mineo DennisJ Perry During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Donald M.Rheault Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Robert E Rossi of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Jill P, Simpson Robert M Young Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Patrick that we are.opposed to the ADMINISTRATIVE addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the citizens of ASSISTANT Massachusetts. We would appreciate your support. Barbara A. Bard On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard and your continued support for the citizens of Agawam. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 F-xt. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET '01001 AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS ED February 4, 2009 FRESYDENT Gina M. Letellier VICE PRESIDENT The Honorable Senator John F. Kerry Cecilia P. Calabrese 1500 Main Street Suite 304 COUNCILORS Springfield, MA, 01101 George Bilzas Paul C Cavallo Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasohne Tax Jill S. Messick Joseph Mineo Dear Senator Kerry: DennisJ. Perry Donald M. Rheault During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Robert E. Rossi Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Jill P, Simpson of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Robert M. Young ADMINISTRATIVE Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Patrick that we are opposed to the ASSISTANT addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the citizens of Barbara A.Bard Massachusetts. We would appreciate your support. , On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard and your continued support for the citizens of Agawam. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 116 IF A AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 0 100 1 ED February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M.Lerellier VICE PRESIDENT The Honorable Senator Edward M, Kennedy Cecilia P, Calabrese 2400 JFK Building Boston, MA. 02203 COUNCYLORS George Bitzas Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested fncrease in Gasoline Tax Paul C. Cavallo Jill S. Messick Dear Senator Kennedy: Joseph Mineo Dennis J,Perry During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Donald M. Rheault Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Robert E. Rossi of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Jill P. Simpson Robert M. Young Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Patrick that we are opposed to the ADME%STRATrVE addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the citizens of ASSISTANT Massachusetts. We would appreciate your support. Barbara A. Bard On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard and your continued support for the citizens of Agawam. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext, 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MAS SACHUS.ETTS 'O 100 1 February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M Letellier VICE PRESEDENT The Honorable Richard E.Neal Cecilia P, Calabrese 1550 Main Street Suite 309 COUNCILORS Springfield, MA. 01103 George Bi�zas Paul C Cavallo Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Jill S. Messick Joseph Mineo Dear Congressman Neal: Dennis J Perry Donald M Rheault During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Robert E. Rossi Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Jill P. Simpson of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Robert U. Young ADMINISTRATIVE Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Patrick that we are opposed to the ASSISTANT addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the citizens of Barbara A. Bard Massachusetts. We would appreciate your support. - On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard and your continued support for the citizens of Agawam. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 40 AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET '0100.1 AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS TED February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M.Letellier VICE PRESIDENT Chicopee Alderman Cecilia P. Calabrese Chicopee City Hall 17 Springficid Street COUNCILORS Chicopee, MA, 01013 George Bitzas Paul C. Cavallo Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Jill S, Messick Joseph Mineo Dear Members: Dennis J Perry Donald M. Rheault During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Robert E. Rossi Jill P. Simpson Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Robert M. Young of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. ADMINISTRATIVE Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Deval L. Patrick that we are ASSISTANT opposed to the addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the Barbara A. Bard taxpayers of Massachusetts. I am writing with the hope that you will propose a similar resolution from your town. It would be more beneficial to get this message sent from the majority of the communities here in Western Massachusetts, On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard. Sincerely, Donald M. PJieault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 F A AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MAS SACHUS.ETTS 0 100 1 February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M Lelellier VICE PRESIDENT Holyoke Alderman Cecilia P. Calabrese Holyoke City Hall 53 Dwight Street COUNCILORS Holyoke, MA. 0 1040 George Bitzas Paul C Cavallo Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Jill S. Messick Joseph Mineo Dear Members: Dennis J Perry Donald M Rheault During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Robert E, Rossi Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Jill P. Simpson of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Robert M. Young ADMINISTRATIVE Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Deval L. Patrick that we are ASSISTANT opposed to the addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the Barbara A. Bard taxpayers of Massachusetts. I am writing with the hope that you will propose a similar resolution from your town. It would be more beneficial to get this message sent from the majority of the communities here in Western Massachusetts. On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET -01001 AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS February 3, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M Letellier VICE PRESIDENT West Springfield City Council Cecilia P. Calabrese 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA. 01089 COUNCILORS George Bitzas Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Paul C. Cavallo Jill S. Messick Dear Council Members: Joseph Mineo DennisJ. Perry During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Donald M, Rheault Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Robert E. Rossi of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto, Jill P. Simpson Robert Ad, Young Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Deval L. Patrick that we are ADMINISTRATIVE opposed to the addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the ASSISTANT taxpayers of Massachusetts. I am writing with the hope that you will propose a Barbara A. Bard similar resolution from your town. It would be more beneficial to get this message sent from the majority of the communities here in Western Massachusetts, On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 W . AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET AGAWAM, MASSAC14USETTS 0 100 1 February 3, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M Letellier VICE PRESIDENT Westfield City Council Cecilia P. Calabrese 59 Court Street Westfield, MA. 01085 COUNCILORS George Bitzas Re. Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Paul C Cavallo Jill S.Messick Dear Council Members: Joseph Mineo DennisJ Perry During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Donald M. Rheault Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpa*yers Robert E. Rossi of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Jill P. Simpson Robert M Young Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Deval L. Patrick that we are ADMINISTRATIVE opposed to the addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the ASSISTANT taxpayers of Massachusetts. I am writing with the hope that you will propose a Barbara A. Bard similar resolution from your town. It would be more beneficial to get this message sent from the majority of the communities here in Western Massachusetts. On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard. Sincerely, Donald M. Rbeault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 WA AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL 36 MAIN STREET '01001 AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS February 4, 2009 PRESIDENT Gina M. Letellier VICE PRESIDENT The Honorable Rosemary Sandlin Cecilia P. Calabrese 29 Southwick Street Feeding Hills, MA. 01030 COUNCILORS George Bitzas Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Paul C. Cavallo Jill S. Messick Dear Representative Sandlin.- Joseph Mineo DennisJ Perry During the February 2, 2009 meeting of the Agawam City Council, a Resolution Donald M Rheaull Opposing Governor Deval L. Patrick's proposal to add a gasoline tax to the taxpayers Robert E Rossi of Massachusetts was unanimously approved, a copy of which is attached hereto. Jill P, Simpson Robert M. Young Our intent is to send a clear message to Governor Patrick that we are opposed to the ADMINISTRATIVE addition of a gasoline tax as it is not in the best interests of the citizens of ASSISTANT Massachusetts. We would appreciate your support. Barbara A. Bard On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your time and attention in this regard and your continued support for the citizens of Agawam. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb TELEPHONE (413) 786-0400 Ext. 233 FAX (413) 786-9927 TR-2009-5 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING GOVERNOR DEVAL L. PATRICK'S PROPOSAL TO ADD A GASOLINE TAX TO THE TAXPAYERS OF MASSACHUSETTS Sponsored by: Councilor Donald M. Rheault WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick is proposing an increase in gasoline sales tax; and WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick has suggested as an alternative to increasing gasoline sales tax to raise the toll rates on Massachusetts toll highways; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council hereby opposes the proposal 'of increased gasoline sales tax as it causes an undue-burden to the taxpayers of Agawam; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council feels that it is a much fairer and more equitable proposal to increase the toll road rates for those persons who actually utilize the roads in-that area; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Citizens of Agawam that the proposal to increase gasoline tax be defeated; NOW, THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby resolves to appeal to Governor Deval L. Patrick to reconsider his proposal to increase the gasoline sales tax and to seriously consider increasing the tolls if an increase is indeed deemed necessary. We feel that this is a more reasonable solution with respect to the taxpayers of Agawam. Dated this p4 day Of , 2009. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL J-2 etellier, Cit�`Council President Date QQ_5_A"7- T- PQ3)'dtVd- APPROVED AS TQ FORM AND LEGALITY cz� /-69/-0,7 Christopher Johnsolu ity Solicitor Date February 4, 2009 The Honorable Governor Deval L. Patrick Massachusetts State House Office of the Governor Room 360 Boston, MA. 02133 Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested fncrease in Gasoline Tax Dear Govemor Patrick: Attached please find a copy of a Resolution that was unanimously approved by the Agawam City Council during their February 2, 2009 meeting taking a position in opposition of any suggested increase in gasoline tax. We have appealed to the surroundi ng commun it ies.to j oin u s and i t i s our hope t hat you will not place this financial hardship on the citizens of Massachusetts, We have finally experienced some relief from the high price of gasoline and if this increase was implemented, it would cause undue hardship to the people of this great state. On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your attention in this regard, Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb Cc: State Representative Rosemary Sandlin State Senator Stephen Buoniconti February 4, 2009 The Honorable Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray Massachusetts State House Office of the Lt. Governor Room 360 Boston, MA. 02133 Re: Resolution Opposing Suggested Increase in Gasoline Tax Dear Lt'. Governor Murray: Attached please find a copy of a Resolution that was unanimously approved by the Agawam City Council during their February 2, 2009 meeting taking a position in opposition of any suggested increase in gasoline tax. We have appealed to the surrounding communities to join us and it is our hope that you will not place this financial hardship on the citizens of Massachusetts. We have finally experienced some relief from the high price of gasoline and if this increase was implemented, it would cause undue hardship to the people of this great state. On behalf of the Agawam City Council, I thank you for your attention in this regard. Sincerely, Donald M. Rheault DMR/bb Cc: State Representative Rosemary Sandlin State Senator Stephen Buoniconti TR-2009-5 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING GOVERNOR DEVAL L. PATRICK'S PROPOSAL TO ADD A GASOLINE TAX TO THE TAXPAYERS OF MASSACHUSETTS Sponsored by: Councilor Donald M. Rheault WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick is proposing an increase in gasoline sales tax; and WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick has suggested as an alternative 'to increasing gasoline sales tax to raise the toll rates on Massachusetts toll highways; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council hereby opposes the proposal of increased gasoline sales tax as it causes an undue burden to the taxpayers of Agawam; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council feels that it Is a much fairer and inore equitable proposal to increase the toll road rates for those persons who actually utilize the roads in that area; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Citizens of Agawam that the proposal to increase gasoline tax be defeated; NOW, THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby resolves to appeal to Governor Deval L. Patrick to reconsider his proposal to increase the gasoline sales tax and to seriously consider increasing the tolls if an increase is indeed deemed necessary. We feel that this is a more reasonable solution with respect to the taxpayers of Agawam. Dated this day of 12009. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Gina M. Lctcllicr, City Council President Date APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY Christopher Johnson, City Solicitor Date January 22,2009 ACIAWAN ADVERTISER NEWS Page 7 City Council considers opposing gas tax hike By Kathy Shepard tax increase, the impact of high gasoline The Massachusetts gas tax of 23.5 been"gouged"at the pump. TurleY Publications Correspondent prices will be even greater with an cents a gallon has not changed since According to a release from the U.S. increase in gasoline taxes."Agawam resi- 1991 and some legislators have been Department of Transportation, U.S. Agawam City Councilor Donald dent Peter Mazza, graduate school visit- suggesting an increase that would more Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Rheault has proposed a resolution to be ing professor in educational law and t'han double the gas tax to 50 cents a gal- Peters announced that she and two other voted on by the Council at its Feb. 2 related constitutional issues, said, "I am lon - that with the ever-present possibili- members of a Congressional commission Council meeting to oppose Gov. Deval opposed to raising the gasoline tax. The ty of more gasoline price roller coaster will not endorse the group's call for sub- L. Patrick's proposal to increase the citizens of this state and nation have had rides in our future. Atty. Mazza pointed stantial state and federal gas tax hikes. gasoline tax for the taxpayers of to endure the high prices of fuel for much out, "Our federal and state constitutions Peters said, "Raising gas taxes won t Massachusetts. of the last year. The hardships linger. I affirm the rights of the people to voice improve traffic congestion, it will only The resolution states, "Gov. Deval have favored drilling and not much has their concerns to the elected government perpetuate our ineffective reliance on Patrick is proposing an increase in gaso- been done to relieve our dependency on officials, who are there to represent the fossil-based fuels to fund infrastructure line sales tax." Patrick has suggested as overseas sources of oil. Raising gasoline people." Citizens should e-mail or tele- and send more of Americans' hard- an alternative to increasing gasoline prices via taxes will re-introduce the phone State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin or earned money to Washington to be sales tax "to raise the toH rates on hardships and not solve the problem.The Sen. Stephen Buoniconti with their con- squandered on ea'rmarks and special Massachusetts toll highways. The reso- vafious components of our economy do cerns about an increase in gasoline taxes. interest programs," lution states that the Agawam City not operate in a vacuum but are interde- House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has The chairman's statement supported Council opposes the proposal of pendent. This is similar to our world's endorsed Patrick's idea of increasing the by the Secretary, along with increased gasoline sales tax as it causes biological-ecological system. The impact gas tax as an alternative to nearly dou- Commissioners Cino and Geddes, said an undue burden to the taxpayers of of raising gasoline prices will have a blingtolis on the Turnpike and tunnels that there are billions of dollars in pri- Agawam...and-it is a much fairer and direct deleterious impact on jobs connect- leading to Logan International Airport. vate capital available to transportation more equitable proposal to increase the ed to automobile manufacturing and The Turnpike board voted in November officials that could easily be accessed to toll road rates for those persons who sales, increase private and public trans- to nearly double most tolls, to generate finance new projects. The Agawam City actually utilize the roads in that area." portation costs, increase prices on food additional annual revenue to cover the Council will make its position known in Rheault told The Agawam Advertiser, and consumer goods, drive business from pike's debt, most of which has resulted the next few weeks, but officials urged "Enough is enough. We got some relief the state, and discourage companies from from The Big Dig. Opponents of the bill every citizen should exercise the right to finally from the high prices. If there is a relocating here." say that the average resident has already convey their opinions to their legislators. Page 8 ACIAWAN ADVERTISER NRVS January 22,2009 _EcLuca- Onn- 00000000000000000000000000cad000000000000000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Agawam Schook ' 0 0 0 A iLz 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 week � y � unch menu 0 0411. 0 0 0 0 0 AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL AGAWAM MIDDLE SCHOOL 0 0 Mon., Jan. 26: Steamed white rice, Mon., Jan. 26: Steamed white rice, 0 oriental vegetable blend, Ieriyaki oriental vegetable blend, teriyaki 0 o chicken dippers, pineapple tidbits, chicken dippers, pineapple tidbits, o 0 0 fortune cookie. fortune cookie. 0 Tues., Jan. 27: Baked mozzarella Tues., Jan. 27: Hot dog on a roll 0 0 0 o sticks w/marinara sauce, mashed w/condiments, baked waffle fries, o 0 potatoes, seasoned corn, fresh and seasoned corn, fresh and chilled fruit, 0 0 vit,Quaker snack mix. brownie. '15 0 chilled fr 0 0 Wed., Jan. 28: Half day. No lunch Wed., Jan. 28: Half day. No lunch o Turley Publications photo courtesy of FIRST LEGO League o served. served. 0 Judges visited Lightning Lego at their pit area to conduct an interview o 0 Thurs., Jan. 29: Ultra-grain stuffed Thurs., Jan. 29: Ultra-grain French and to evaluate the team for "Teamwork Award." o crust cheese pizza, salad w/lite dress- bread pizza, salad w/lite dressing, o 0 ing,fresh and chilled fruit,cookie. fresh and chilled fruit,cookie. 0 " Lightning Legal takes Roosoong Sta Ir 00 Fri., Jan. 30: Shaved ham and Fri., Jan. 30: Chicken patty sand- 00 o cheese pretzel melt, Smart Food pop- wich on a roll w/condiments, baked 0 0 ilad, 0 0 corn, chilled vegetable pasta salad, Chectos, chilled green bean s�� awaird at rohotoocs tournament 0 fresh and chilled fruit, dessert of the fresh and chilled fruit, dessert of the 00 0 day. day. 0 Granger Elementary School FIRST best teams from 29 countries around the 0 0 ­ . . I h 0 0 TR-2009-5 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING GOVERNOR DEVAL L. PATRICK'S PROPOSAL TO ADD A GASOLINE TAX TO THE TAXPAYERS OF MASSACHUSETTS Sponsored by: Councilor Donald M. Rheault WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick is proposing an increase in gasoline sales tax; and WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick has suggested as an alternative to increasing gasoline sales tax to raise the toll rates on Massachusetts toll highways; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council hereby opposes the proposal of increased gasoline sales tax as it causes an undue burden to the taxpayers of Agawam; and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council feels that it is a much fairer and more equitable proposal to increase the toll road rates for those persons who actu ally utilize the roads in that area; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Citizens of Agawam that the proposal to increase gasoline tax be defeated-, NOW, THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby resolves to appeal to Govemor Deval L. Patrick to reconsider his proposal to increase the gasoline sales tax and to seriously consider increasing the tolls if an increase is indeed deemed necessary. We feel that this is a more reasonable solution with respect to the taxpayers of Agawam, Dated this day of 2009. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Gina M. Letellier, City Council President Date APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY Christopher Johnson, City Solicitor Date TR-2009-5 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING T4+&F4U3FAASA&�9P GOVERNOR DEVAL L. PATRICI�TO ADD A GASOLINE TAX TO THE TAXPAYERS OF _?fVp$&,j. MASSACHUSETTS Sponsored by: Councilor Donald M. Rheault WHEREAS, Governor Deval L. Patrick is proposing an increase in gasoline sales tax; and WHEREAS, Governor,_Deval L. Patrick has suggested as an alternative to V, increasing gasoline sales tax ;4 increase raising the toll rates on Massachusetts toll highways-, and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council oppose�AM< proposal of increased gasoline sales tax as it causes an undue burden to the taxpayers of Massartrusetts—and WHEREAS, the Agawam City Council feels that it is a much fairer and more equitable proposal to increase the toll road rates for those persons who actually utilize the roads in that area; ()_� WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Citizens of Agawam arwrfl—as-Me— that the proposal to increase gasoline tax be defeated d; NOW, THEREFORE, THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL hereby resolves to appeal to Governor Deval L. Patrick to reconsider his proposal to 'increase the gasoline sales tax and to seriously consider increasing the tolls if an increase is indeed deerned necessary. We feel that this is a more reasonable solution with respect to the taxpayers of Dated this day of 32009. PER ORDER OF THE AGAWAM CITY COUNCIL Gina M. Letellier, City Council President Date APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY Christopher Johnson, City Solicitor Date