Dear Friends,
I wanted to share with you a recent comment from a constituent regarding our recent experience working together. This comment lead me to thinking about the role of state and local government. At first, our purpose was to provide clear, factual information to help people stay safe, despite all of the noise. As this pandemic has worn on, we’ve pivoted to providing support during these “dark and trying times.” Turn on cable TV and it’s easy to believe that government has contributed to these dark times. But that doesn’t have to be the case, and here in our communities, it is not the case.
Good government matters. We are in the business of hope and empowerment. I represent 40,00 individuals- and I serve every constituent, from every background and political belief. The people in our communities and serving in our government give me hope and strength.
“Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves the architects of the future.” – Jom Kenyatta
Yours in Service,
Denise
Local Updates
- In Needham, the Superintendent of Needham Public Schools has shared how they will be contacting families regarding cases of COVID-19 during the academic year. The district is prepared to follow a contact tracing protocol if a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19. To learn more, click here.
- In Dover, the Recycling Committee has announced the Fall special recycling weekend for Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. Due to COVID-19 they will not be accepting mattresses and box springs. To learn more, click here.
- In Medfield, the Town Clerk’s office is beginning to receive Vote by Mail ballots from the State. If you do not receive your Vote by Mail ballot by Friday, October 16 please contact Assistant Town Clerk Marion Bonoldi at mbonoldi@medfield.net. For more information on the upcoming election, click here.
Statewide Updates
- Attorney General Maura Healey announced major initiatives to ensure election integrity leading up to the November 3 election. The Attorney General has established an Election Protection Task Force, launched a website with resources for voters, and is distributing information on voter protection across the Commonwealth. To learn more, click here.
- The Department of Public Health has issued tips for a safe and healthy Halloween for both trick or treaters and those passing out candy. To read the tips, click here.
- The Department of Public Utilities issued an order approving a settlement agreement related to Columbia Gas’s Role in the Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions. Columbia Gas will pay $56 million got its role in the explosions, leave Massachusetts, and transfer its assets to Eversource.
- The Department of Public Health is monitoring the presence of mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Currently, Massachusetts has found positive mosquito samples of WNV and EEE and there are 5 known human cases of EEE and 8 known human cases of WNV. To learn more, click here.
Reopening Updates – Phase 3: Vigilant
- This week, lower-risk communities (gray, green, and yellow risk levels) can move into the second step of phase 3 of Reopening Massachusetts. This step includes opening indoor and outdoor recreational activities including roller rinks, laser tag, and obstacle courses, and increasing capacity at gyms, museums, and libraries. To learn more, click here.
- The State is currently in Phase 3 of Massachusetts Reopening. If you have questions, input, or comments regarding the Reopening Massachusetts plan, you can submit comments online. These comments can be used by the Administration to support efforts to methodically reopen the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the form.
Resources
- If you need resources, information, or support, please visit my website for a list of resources. Additionally, our local boards of health, the Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control are continuing to maintain websites with the most updated information regarding COVID-19 that you can access here:
- Needham Health Department Updates
- Medfield Updates
- Dover Updates
- Department of Public Health: Click here or Call 2-1-1.
- Reopening Massachusetts
- COVID-19 Travel Order
- Centers for Disease Control
Please remember social distancing and wearing a mask is the most effective tool to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to these updates, my office is still accessible so please continue to reach out and we will get back to you.
Email: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Phone: 617-722-2380