Representative Don Humason



SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER By State Representative Don Humason, Jr. March 14, 2009 Everybody knows that the law requires them to pull over to the right side of the road when they see an ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser, or other emergency vehicle approaching. Unfortunately, many state troopers, local police, and others are injured or killed every year while responding to roadside emergencies because they are struck by motorists driving too fast or too close to the breakdown lane. A new Slow Down, Move Over law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor goes into effect on March 22nd. The law aims to make police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals safer on the job. It requires motorists to give wide clearance to roadside workers and to reduce their speeds to a reasonable and safe level when lights are flashing on emergency vehicles pulled over on the sides of roads and highways. Massachusetts becomes the 44th state in the nation to put this common-sense language on the books. As the proud son of a Westfield firefighter, I’d personally appreciate it if everyone would follow the new law. Last week I wrote about the first public hearing of the Joint Committee on Transportation on the Governor’s transportation reform package. This week the Transportation Committee held two more hearings – one in Methuen, the other at the State House – to give more citizens a chance to weigh in on the Governor’s proposals. Chairmen Wagner and Baddour indicated the committee will likely move expeditiously to release the committee’s version of a transportation reform bill heavy on reforms and light on gas taxes. Then the bill will go to the floor of the House and Senate for debate and a vote before going back to Governor Patrick. Monday was the Massachusetts Boys and Girls Clubs Alliance 7th annual legislative day at the State House. Westfield’s own Boys and Girls Club was well represented. Bill Parks, Bo Sullivan, Jim and Kelly Brown, Mayor Mike Boulanger, DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan, Peter Miller, Paul Nunez, Chief John Camerota and I were all in attendance. Westfield’s Darryl Roberts, 2008 Youth of the Year, addressed the entire assembly in the Great Hall and did an inspirational job. A memorial service was held in the House of Representatives Chamber Wednesday to remember former House Speaker George Keverian, Democrat of Everett, who died at the age of 77. He served as Speaker in the late 1980s. His body lay in state in Memorial Hall all day. His funeral was held on Thursday. Westfield citizens are invited and urged to participate in a community-wide survey that will help the city and Westfield’s Downtown Plan Advisory Committee develop a long-range plan for the downtown. To take the survey online go to www.westfielddowntownplan.com. I did, and it only took me about 15 minutes. Be a part of planning for the future of Westfield! Here are a few things to put in your calendar: Sunday, March 15 from 3 – 5 PM is “Al Ferst Day Open House” at the Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad Street, Westfield. This is a community celebration honoring Al Ferst. All are welcome. The Westfield Theatre Group is presenting the beloved musical “Oliver” at the Westfield Women’s Club starting Friday March 20 and running for three weekends. Call 572-6838 for ticket information and show times. Senator Mike Knapik, Representative Todd Smola, and I are hosting a local Hardship Listening Tour public hearing on Tuesday, March 24, from 6 – 7:30 PM, at the Westfield Athenaeum. The Westfield River Watershed Association is holding its annual free River Symposium in Scanlon Hall at Westfield State College on Saturday, March 28, at 8 AM. Come and learn about hiking, fishing, paddling, and nature watching in the Westfield River Watershed. It’s a fun, interesting, and educational event. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! * * * Representative Humason and his Legislative Aide Jonelle Gingrich may be reached at his State House office, Room 542. Boston, MA 02133. (617) 722-2803. Representative Humason and his Chief of Staff Sarah Latour may be reached at his Westfield district office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085. (413) 568-1366. Representative Don Humason’s website is www.DonHumason.org
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SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER

By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

March 14, 2009

Everybody knows that the law requires them to pull over to the right side of the road when they see an ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser, or other emergency vehicle approaching.

Unfortunately, many state troopers, local police, and others are injured or killed every year while responding to roadside emergencies because they are struck by motorists driving too fast or too close to the breakdown lane.

A new Slow Down, Move Over law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor goes into effect on March 22nd. The law aims to make police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals safer on the job. It requires motorists to give wide clearance to roadside workers and to reduce their speeds to a reasonable and safe level when lights are flashing on emergency vehicles pulled over on the sides of roads and highways.

Massachusetts becomes the 44th state in the nation to put this common-sense language on the books. As the proud son of a Westfield firefighter, I’d personally appreciate it if everyone would follow the new law.

Last week I wrote about the first public hearing of the Joint Committee on Transportation on the Governor’s transportation reform package. This week the Transportation Committee held two more hearings – one in Methuen, the other at the State House – to give more citizens a chance to weigh in on the Governor’s proposals.

Chairmen Wagner and Baddour indicated the committee will likely move expeditiously to release the committee’s version of a transportation reform bill heavy on reforms and light on gas taxes. Then the bill will go to the floor of the House and Senate for debate and a vote before going back to Governor Patrick.

Monday was the Massachusetts Boys and Girls Clubs Alliance 7th annual legislative day at the State House. Westfield’s own Boys and Girls Club was well represented. Bill Parks, Bo Sullivan, Jim and Kelly Brown, Mayor Mike Boulanger, DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan, Peter Miller, Paul Nunez, Chief John Camerota and I were all in attendance. Westfield’s Darryl Roberts, 2008 Youth of the Year, addressed the entire assembly in the Great Hall and did an inspirational job.

A memorial service was held in the House of Representatives Chamber Wednesday to remember former House Speaker George Keverian, Democrat of Everett, who died at the age of 77. He served as Speaker in the late 1980s. His body lay in state in Memorial Hall all day. His funeral was held on Thursday.

Westfield citizens are invited and urged to participate in a community-wide survey that will help the city and Westfield’s Downtown Plan Advisory Committee develop a long-range plan for the downtown.

To take the survey online go to www.westfielddowntownplan.com. I did, and it only took me about 15 minutes. Be a part of planning for the future of Westfield!

Here are a few things to put in your calendar:

Sunday, March 15 from 3 – 5 PM is “Al Ferst Day Open House” at the Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad Street, Westfield. This is a community celebration honoring Al Ferst. All are welcome.

The Westfield Theatre Group is presenting the beloved musical “Oliver” at the Westfield Women’s Club starting Friday March 20 and running for three weekends. Call 572-6838 for ticket information and show times.

Senator Mike Knapik, Representative Todd Smola, and I are hosting a local Hardship Listening Tour public hearing on Tuesday, March 24, from 6 – 7:30 PM, at the Westfield Athenaeum.

The Westfield River Watershed Association is holding its annual free River Symposium in Scanlon Hall at Westfield State College on Saturday, March 28, at 8 AM. Come and learn about hiking, fishing, paddling, and nature watching in the Westfield River Watershed. It’s a fun, interesting, and educational event.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

* * *

Representative Humason and his Legislative Aide Jonelle Gingrich may be reached at his State House office, Room 542. Boston, MA 02133. (617) 722-2803.
Representative Humason and his Chief of Staff Sarah Latour may be reached at his Westfield district office, 64 Noble Street, Westfield, MA 01085. (413) 568-1366.
Representative Don Humason’s website is www.DonHumason.org