A short week's beginnings

Some real interesting stuff in The Standard Times today on casinos in Massachusetts.  Yo know the ones that are suppose to be coming.  The ones that may not come at all.  Read the paper.  

Anyway, seems the biggest benefactor of the Massachusetts casino standard remains the out of state gaming industry.  It would be a hoot if the New Bedford proposal by the private group remains the last one standing, and first one built.  Certainly would give an added push for the need for commuter rail to the area.

If you are one of those who buy into the sales pitch everything is going along the right track, take a look at the story about world economies on page A7.  

In another matter that has the real interest of some, seems our "senior" senator is being touted as the main competition for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 bid for the Democratic nomination.  Seriously.  It will be interesting to see the staying power for that story line.

Very locally, a few meetings in town scheduled today.  Most notable, the planning board meets and has listed some discussion points on the proposed by-law for medicinal marijuana. Selectmen meet at Noon time for interviews for a clerk's position. 

Last week I tried asking what you would be willing to give up or see take a cut that you liked, wanted or felt was need.  No real takers, but plenty of chatter about what you didn't like wanted or felt was needed.

So let's go along with that, with some conditions mind you.  What do you feel should be eliminated or cut, but with specifics as to why.  Just a note or two on the comments.  Jumping on the bandwagon isn't going to necessarily get you comment posted, i.e. not every "I agree" with that cut will be posted. Simple cut this or that will likely not get posted (there maybe a budget item I haven't heard a proposed cut for, but I can't think of it off hand). 

Keep in mind no matter what your proposal, assume the tax levy is more likely than not to be maxed out.  So giving people a tax break shouldn't be your reasoning.  Might be an interesting exercise another day, however let's all assume for today your cut does not result in a tax break, just a shift in spending. After saying that, save the rants for "the why not" for another day too.

Okay, it has started to rain, temperatures has started the drop and it is time to get moving.

Be safe, especially if driving this morning.