WARNING: SPEAKER PREOCCUPIED
By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.
May 17, 2008
I hope everyone had a nice Mother’s Day.
In keeping with a tradition my mom and I began years ago, we first went to church, then I took her and dad to lunch at a restaurant of her choosing, then we went to the Westfield Sportsmen’s Club to do some pistol target shooting. Not quite your typical flowers-and-a-card gift, but she enjoys it.
We’re both members of the Sportsmen’s Club. It’s a terrific facility. Mom’s a good shot, and the more she practices, the better she gets. It doesn’t matter if she’s shooting a 22 revolver or her 9mm semi-automatic pistol, she’s an inspiration.
My father is a shooter too. He and my grandfather are the reason I have an interest in firearms and in the 2nd Amendment of our Constitution to this day. They taught me to respect guns and handle firearms safely.
Incidentally, studies have shown that women are typically better at learning to handle firearms and shoot then men are. Men tend to be harder to teach. They’re too macho and they don’t listen as well. Women are good students, and generally pay close attention to their lessons. When they’re ready, they shoot well.
I’ve seen it first hand. The Westfield Sportsmen’s Club sponsors a Women on Target firearms safety training program every year and it’s always fully attended.
This week, for the second week in a row, the Speaker failed to call members into session. I only mention this because I know there is a lot for the Legislature to do before formal sessions end on July 31, and I’m afraid we’ll either run out of time before completing all of our business or the House leadership will try to rush things through at the end.
Like most things, when you try to do too much too quickly you often make mistakes, not to mention that it’s harder for legislators, the press, and the general public to be able to follow and understand the proceedings.
Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has been preoccupied lately with death threats, allegations of ethical lapses, a complaint by a female legislator that a male representative threatened her during the House budget debate, and a power play by two of his top lieutenants (Rep. Bob DeLeo and Rep. John Rogers) vying openly to succeed him despite his claims that he isn’t going anywhere.
On Wednesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released their version on the FY’09 budget. It’s a $28.04 billion spending plan. Senators had until Friday to file amendments to the document. They will debate the budget the week before Memorial Day.
One thing I’m happy to report is that the Senate version does not contain a repeal of the sales tax exemption on aircraft sales, parts, and storage. This is good news for the 38 airports in Massachusetts and all the aviation related businesses in the state, such as Air Flyte and General Dynamics up at Barnes Airport.
As Chair of the House Aviation Caucus and a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, I have taken a leadership role in this issue and other matters pertaining to the aviation industry. I’d like to thank Senator Mike Knapik for shepherding this in the Senate and Chris Willenborg for all his hard work and advocacy.
On Wednesday, the YMCA dedicated its new Goyette Family Outdoor Center at Camp Shepard. Thanks to the Goyette Family, Heritage Homes, and all the sponsors who helped make the building a reality. The center will provide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs for the children and families of Westfield for many years to come.
The Westfield Business Improvement District has re-started the downtown Farmer’s Market on the Town Green, every Thursday from 2 PM – 6 PM. It will run from May 15 to September 25. Be a local hero! Come to the Westfield Farmer’s Market.
Saturday is the Commencement ceremony for the Westfield State College Class of 2008. Congratulations to all the graduates, as well as the faculty, staff, and administration at the college. Special congratulations to Jennifer Espinosa, a member of the WSC Class of 2008, who volunteered in my Westfield office as a legislative intern this semester.
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Representative Don Humason and his legislative aide Sarah Latour may be reached at their Westfield District office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085, 568-1366.
Their Boston address is State House Room 542, Boston, MA 02133, (617) 722-2803.
Email address: Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.state.ma.us