by Representative Carolyn Dykema
6/20/2019

Excerpts from Rep. Dykema’s Spring Newsletter Highlight Holliston

Rep. Carolyn Dykema released her Spring 2019 newsletter on Monday, much of which pertains specifically to Holliston.  We obtained consent from Rep. Dykema’s office to bring you highlights in the Holliston Reporter.    

The FY20 Budget Overview

Below is an overview of certain investments proposed in the House budget, including local aid allocations as well as some of the programs of interest in our district.

The Senate recently concluded debate on its own budget proposal, and a conference committee has been appointed to reconcile the differences between the two.

Local Aid

(Unrestricted General Government Aid & Chapter 70 education funding)

Additionally, I successfully advocated for $100,000 in funding to upgrade Holliston's emergency response communications equipment; $25,000 each for Hopkinton and Southborough for substance abuse programming; $50,000 for youth substance abuse programming impacting MetroWest communities and schools; and $50,000 to provide initial funding for a Sustainability Coordinator shared between Holliston and Sherborn.

See complete budget overview article in the newsletter:   http://Rep Dykema's Spring Newsletter

Legislature Authorizes Funding for Municipal Road and Bridge Repair

Each year, the legislature authorizes funding to reimburse cities and towns for eligible road and bridge repair projects.  

The legislature recently approved this year's funding proposal, which includes $200 million in capital funding for local transportation infrastructure maintenance. 

This year's allocation will provide the following funds to our district:

• Holliston: $511,502
• Hopkinton: $643,095
• Southborough: $435,090
• Westborough: $790,457

Rep. Dykema Tours Local Solar Projects

In April, I took a tour of some of the many solar project in the district organized by President Nick D'Arbeloff of SEBANE, an association dedicated to promoting the use of the solar in Massachusetts.

First stop on the tour was the Holliston Fire Station and its brand new 60,000 kilowatt (kW) rooftop array championed by Chief Michael Cassidy. As soon as the utility puts in the meter, the project will be ready to go, saving the Fire Dept. on its utility bill. This project was constructed by local company Solect Solar and my friend and Hopkinton Selectman Brian Herr.

Rep. Dykema's Senior Picnic:   Save the Date!

One of my favorite traditions is hosting the 8th Middlesex District's annual senior picnic each summer. I am looking forward to returning to Faith Community Church this year for another fun afternoon filled with food, music, and great conversation. Guests really liked the indoor, climate-controlled location at the Faith Community Church last year and we're grateful to the church for welcoming us to again this year.

When: Wednesday, August 21st, 12 pm - 2 pm  

Where: Faith Community Church, 146 East Main Street, Hopkinton

How to RSVP: Please call your local senior center to RSVP so that we can be sure to get an accurate headcount. 

Holliston Senior Center: 508-429-0622

Hopkinton Senior Center: 508-497-9730 

Southborough Senior Center: 508-229-4453

Westborough Senior Center: 508-366-3000 

There is plenty of parking in the Church's lot. If you need a ride, please ask your senior center about transportation. I look forward to seeing you! 

Holliston Seniors Visit State House

Last month, I was thrilled to host twelve visitors from the Holliston Senior Center for a fun day at the State House. The group kicked off their visit with an official State House tour led by an extremely knowledgeable "Doric Docent." 

After lunch, we stopped down to the State Library Special Collections department for an overview of some interesting historical documents related to Holliston, visited the House Chamber, and found Holliston's town flag in the Great Hall.

Thank you to Holliston Senior Center Director Linda Marshall and driver Ron Turcotte for helping facilitate the visit. Thanks also to David Melly in my office for organizing all the details. I'm so fortunate to have such capable and caring staff who make it all happen!

Rep. Dykema Holds Local Office Hours

Thank you to those of you who attended my April office hours! As you may know, I have held quarterly office hours in each of our communities since I was first elected, and the conversations that I have with constituents continue to be essential to the work I do to represent the interests of our district at the State House. 

My July office hours will be scheduled soon--look for the announcement on my Facebook page, website, and local news sites. I hope you'll stop by. Many of my office hours are scheduled at local eateries which is a chance to support local business!

As always, if you would like to meet with me and are unable to attend office hours, please contact my office to set up a personal appointment in the district or at the State House. 

Rep. Dykema Discusses State Issues on Just Thinking

I have been pleased to stop by Holliston resident Mary Greendale's "Just Thinking" segment on Holliston Cable Access several times over the past few months. 

In March, Mary and I had a great conversation about my legislative committee assignments, local commuting concerns, housing availability, gas infrastructure, and more. You can view our full discussion here.

I stopped by JT again last week to talk about robocalls, education, local road maintenance and the commuter rail, hands-free driving legislation, the income surtax constitutional amendment proposal, and more. Tune in to our conversation here.   

Thank you to Mary for inviting me to be a guest on the show! 

Rep. Dykema Speaks at Holliston's Memorial Day Observance

Here is a brief highlight of Representative Dykema's Memorial Day message.

". . . We began as 13 different colonies, and we are now 50 different states. But we share one flag that stands for our shared love of freedom and justice for all. When we put our hand to our heart for that flag, we remember each of those who have been lost defending it. We remember their families and their sacrifice.

The men and women we honor today died for our flag, in advancing the notion of becoming the more perfect union. Let us share with each other and with our neighbors the spirit of unity, love of country, and brother- and sisterhood that make us the United States of America. In honoring the spirit of our flag we pay tribute to our fallen. . . ."

To view Rep. Dykema’s Memorial Day message in its entirety, click here: http://Rep Dykema's Spring Newsletter