LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEXINGTON ...lwvlexington.org/files/LWVLBulletin_NovDec08.pdfThe library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway. For more information

League of Women Voters, Lexington, MA

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS "What a glorious morning for America”

Vol. 60, No. 3 A Publication by and for the Members of the League of Women Voters of Lexington

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 23 (Thurs) Affordable Housing Forum NOVEMBER 1 (Sat) Flu Shots 3 (Mon) LWVL Board Meeting 4 (Tues) Presidential Election 7 (Fri) First Friday 8 (Sat) Medical Waste Disposal DECEMBER 1 (Monday) LWVL Board Meeting 5 (Fri)) First Friday

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS ON THE FIRST MONDAYOF THE MONTH OR ALTERNATE DATE AS LISTED IN THE CALENDAR

______________________________________________________________________________LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEXINGTONBox 233 Lexington, MA 02420-0003 781-861-0123 www.lwvlexington.org PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

January Bulletin Deadline

November/December

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS "What a glorious morning for America”

BULLETIN November/December 2008

Publication by and for the Members of the League of Women Voters of Lexington November /December

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Affordable Housing Forum Estabrook Hall, Cary Hall 7-9 PM

Cary Hall 0:30 AM-12:30 PM LWVL Board Meeting Meeting Room, Cary Library 7:30 PM

Precinct Voting 7:00 AM-8:00 PM Estabrook Hall at Cary Hall 9:30 AM

Medical Waste Disposal behind Town Hall 9:00 AM -Noon

LWVL Board Meeting Meeting Room, Cary Library 7:30 Meeting Room, Cary Library 9:30 AM

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS ON THE FIRST MONDAYMONTH OR ALTERNATE DATE AS LISTED IN THE CALENDAR

______________________________________________________________________________

OF LEXINGTON President Deborah Mauger Vice-Pres. Melodee Wagen

Vice-Pres. Peg Bradley Vice-Pres. Marjorie Daggett Bulletin Editor Judy Otto

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Deadline Friday, December 12

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November/December 2008

November /December 2008

Meeting Room, Cary Library 7:30 PM

9:30 AM

Meeting Room, Cary Library 7:30 PM Meeting Room, Cary Library 9:30 AM

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS ON THE FIRST MONDAY

______________________________________________________________________________ Deborah Mauger Melodee Wagen Peg Bradley Marjorie Daggett Judy Otto

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League of Women Voters, Lexington, MA November/December 2008

CONTENTS PAGE LOCAL & REGIONAL

President’s Letter 3 First Fridays 5 Medical News 6 Affordable Housing 7-8 Election Day 9 Green Bulletin 11 Water Conservation 12 Fall Conference 13-14 New Member 15 Ultimate Green Home 16 Observer Corps 17-19 Treasurer’s Report 20-21 New Town Website 23 New Member form 24

STATE

…from the Massachusetts League 24 …from the National League …Open Letter 25-26

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots political organization open to all citizens of vot-ing age. Formed in 1920 and dedicated to the principles of self-government established by the Constitution of the United States, the League works to promote political responsibility through informed and active par-ticipation of citizens in government.

All members receive the Lexington League Bulletin, which is published nine times during the year, Sep-tember through June, with a combined November-December issue. They also receive The Massachusetts Voter from the LWV of Massachusetts, and The National Voter from the LWV of the U.S.

Ride to Polls If you or anyone you know needs a ride to the polls for the November Election, please call 781-862-6498. To volunteer to drive people to the polls, please call 781-862-6498 and say that you will be a Volunteer Driver.

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President’s Letter by Deb Mauger, LWVL President

Dear League Member:

As we all know, the State Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For information on where to vote, you can contact the Town Clerk at (781) 862-0500 x 270, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit a web site at the Elections Division of the Secretary of State: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php We will be voting for candidates for the offices of: President and Vice President of the United States; Senator in Congress; Representative in Congress (7th District); Councilor (3rd and 6th Districts); Senator in General Court (3rd and 4th Middlesex Districts); Representative in General Court (9th and 15th Middlesex Districts) and Register of Probate (Middlesex County). Also, we will be voting on several laws proposed by initiative petition:

• Question 1: State Personal Income Tax This proposed law would abolish the state personal income tax effective January 1, 2010. A “yes” vote would abolish the state personal income tax: a “no” vote would make no change in the state’s income tax laws. The League of Women Voters of Lexington is strongly advocating for a “no” vote on Question 1. We believe this proposal is reckless and all citizens at risk for a loss of essential public services. For additional information, please visit the following web sites: http://lwvma.org/ (Click on right-hand top of screen under Action Alert, vote “no” on Question 1.) http://votenoquestion1.com/facts.html

http://www.masstaxpayers.org/ (There is a wealth of information at this web site).

• Question 2: Possession of Marijuana This proposed law would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties. A “yes” vote would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and a “no” vote would make no change in state criminal laws.

• Question 3: Dog Racing This proposed law would prohibit any dog racing where any form of betting or wagering occurs. A “yes” vote would prohibit dog races on which betting or watering occurs effective January 1, 201 and a “no” vote would make no change in the laws governing dog racing.

• Question 4: This is a non-binding question for citizens in the 9th and 15th Middlesex Representative Dis-tricts. Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that: (1) reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts by 80% by 2020; and (2) phases out tax incentives for energy-intensive projects, while expanding job creation programs for lo-cally owned businesses and cooperatives involved in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

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First Friday Nov. 7 Forum on Disabilities

The League of Women Voters of Lexington’s November 7 First Friday Forum will host Victoria Buckley, Chair of Lexington’s Commission on Disability, to discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what constitutes a disability, what “reasonable accommodations” are, and the role of the Commission. Along with chairing the Commission, Victoria Buckley is a psychiatric occupational therapist working at Tewksbury Hospital as the Department of Mental Health liaison to Arts and Healing Programs and as a senior diversity trainer. A 20-year Lexington resident with four adopted children, Ms. Buckley is a tireless advocate for individuals living with all types of disabilities, due to her own personal experience and professional training. This is the second in a series of 2008-2009 First Friday Forums hosted by the League of Women Voters of Lexington to promote awareness and understanding of public policy issues. Although usually held at Cary Memorial Library, this forum will be held in Estabrook Hall on the lower level of Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue. Estabrook Hall is accessible by elevator from the Cary lobby. Refreshments will be available at 9:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:45 a.m. Cary Hall is easily accessible by Lex-press and from the Minuteman Bikeway. For more information or to carpool, contact the League at 781-861-0123. All League forums are open to the public at no charge.

First Friday Dec. 5: Unexpected emergency situations

Gerard Cody, Lexington’s director of health, and Liisa Jackson, Director of the Region 4A Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) in Massachusetts, will discuss “Emergency Safety at Home: Be Prepared, Plan Ahead” at the League of Wom-

en Voters’ First Friday December 5 in the Community Room, lower level of Cary Memorial Library. Refreshments will be available at 9:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9:45. The speakers will cover steps for preparing for unexpected emergency situations, from establishing a family communication plan and what supplies to have on hand. The Medical Reserve Corps will also be explained. MRC brings together volunteers who want to help out their local community during a natural disaster, infectious disease emergency or other catastrophic event that threatens to overwhelm the public health system. Medical and non-medical jobs are included in a Medical Reserve Corps.

Cody became health director in January after working as the chief environmental health officer in Wa-tertown for six and one-half years. He is currently vice president of the Massachusetts Environmental Health Association. The library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway. For more information or to carpool, contact the League at 781-861-0123. All League forums are open to the public at no charge.

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From The Minuteman

Free flu shots offered by town

On Saturday, Nov. 1, all residents ages four and older are invited to a free flu clinic sponsored by the Office of Community Development, Health Division, and the Board of Health. The clinic will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Cary Hall Auditorium, 1605 Massachusetts Ave.

Residents ages 65 and older must provide their health insurance card (Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan). This clinic is a free service. Medicare does not charge the individual participating in this clinic for this service. Medicare can reimburse the Town of Lexington in order to support community health pro-grams.

The flowing vaccines will be available:· Flu vaccine will be available to ages four and up.· Pneumococ-cal vaccine will be available to ages 65 and older, those immunocompromised or chronically ill, or those people 65 and older who received the vaccine before 65 and five years has since elapsed.· Tetanus vac-cine will be available for people seven years and older who have never been vaccinated with a tetanus-containing vaccine, or those who have been vaccinated with a tetanus-containing vaccine greater than 10 years prior.

For those with mobility issues or homebound, contact the Health Division at 781-862-0500, Ext. 237 for alternative means to obtain a flu vaccine, including but not limited to drive-up service at the event.

A free Lexpress bus will be available to shuttle citizens from the Countryside, Vynebrooke, Greeley and Avalon complexes to the Cary Hall clinic and back. A shuttle schedule will be developed in the next few weeks.

For more information, contact Gerard Cody, Health Director, Office of Community Development, Health Division at 781-862-0500, Ext. 237. http://www.wickedlocal.com/lexington/news/news_calendar/x453215925

Medical Waste Disposal Nov. 8 The Lexington Health Division will hold a Medical Waste Disposal opportunity from 9 AM to noon Saturday November 8 in the parking lot behind Town Hall. This is for expired medicine and sharps, needles and syringes stored in capped sturdy containers. Medicines should never be disposed of in the trash nor flushed down the toilet, as they are pollutants that can reappear in drinking water. This disposal is for Lexington residents only and identification such as driver’s license will be required. For more information, call 781-862-0500 x237.

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Affordable Housing by Betsy Weiss, LWVL Board

October First Friday Program Lexington’s affordable housing organizations were the focus of the Lexington League’s October 3 First Friday. The Town Planning Department joined the Housing Authority, LexHAB, and the Housing Part-nership to explain the Town’s role in affordable housing. Ann C. Whitney, Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority, presented an overview of the various subsidized housing programs the authority administers in Lexington. The federal programs in-clude units at Countryside Village, the Federal Family Housing Program (17 single family homes scat-tered throughout town), and the Housing Choice Vouchers program. The state subsidized housing units are located at Greeley Village, Vynebrook Village and other sites in town, including one four-bedroom unit for a family. Vynebrook Village and Greeley Village have 148 units for low-income elderly or han-dicapped residents. The housing authority owns seven two-bedroom apartments for moderate-income families at Parker Manor and a two family house on Bedford Street. The Lexington Housing Authority also administers Housing Choice Vouchers, formerly known as Section 8. The authority has 68 vouchers and participates in the statewide-centralized waiting list. The project-based Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) maintains units at the Franklin School, Pine Grove Village and on Garfield Street. Applicants for housing must meet federal or state income guidelines for either low- or moderate-income. There is a waiting list for all programs. Preference is given to Lexington residents or applicants who work in the town. The Housing Authority Board has five members; four are elected and one is appointed by the Gover-nor. Bill Hays, Chair of LexHAB, explained LexHAB’s role. It was established in 1983 by a Town Meeting vote as the first local municipal organization to provide rental units to low- and moderate-income fami-lies in Massachusetts. One of Town Meeting’s requirements was that LexHAB must determine, if all considerations are equal, whether or not a prospective tenant has a Lexington connection. The Board of Selectmen appoints LexHab’s seven-member board. Lex HAB has created 57 units of rental housing that provides housing for about 137 people. The organi-zation provides housing to residents who make up to 80% of the Area Median Income, which is set by the federal government. In addition, LexHAB can never charge more than 30% of a family’s income for housing. Bob Bicknell, Chair of the Housing Partnership, stated that his organization advocates for affordable housing in Lexington. The Board of Selectmen selects its 18-member board, and members include Real-tors, the Council on Aging, Bankers, Planning Consultants, and representatives of various Town Boards. Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page October First Friday Program

The Housing Partnership’s first effort helped pass, at the 2003 Town Meeting, the Met State Hospital Development. Today, Avalon at Lexington Hills has 97 affordable rental units of which 22 were set aside for those with a Lexington connection. Because there was no steady source of funding for affordable housing needs, the Partnership set up a charitable foundation and is now a member of the West/Metro HOME consortium, which provides a source of federal funds. The Partnership also led the campaign to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which raises funds through local taxes and then receives state matching funds for affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation. The Housing Partnership has also supported by-law changes that promote affordable housing. Currently the Housing Partnership and LexHAB are developing a first time homebuyer assistance program for Lexington. Aaron Henry, Senior Planner in the Town Planning Department spoke about the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), which is used to measure a community’s stock of low- and moderate-income housing units for purposes of Chapter 40B, the Comprehensive Permit Law. In addition to this housing, there are many other ways to qualify housing units toward a community’s affordable housing stock. Although Lexington is presently over the state-mandated 10% mark, it is a fluid number because new market rate houses are continuously being built. The State recalculates the denominator after every Federal Census. The Housing Strategy (draft) and other Housing-related documents are on the Planning Department’s website, www.lexingtonma.gov/planning/documents.cfm. If one needs affordable housing, these are the contacts: 1. Lexington Housing Authority, 781-861-0900, www.lexingtonhousingauthority.org. 2. LexHAB, 781-863-5362. 3. Housing Partnership website- www.lexingtonhousingpartnership.org- Click on Available Housing. 4. Town Planning Dept. 781-862-0500 ext. 246- Aaron Henry, Senior Planner. Affordable Housing Forum Oct. 23 Please come to an open discussion on renting versus purchasing a home in Lexington. The Town of Lex-ington Planning Department and the Housing Partnership Board will host the forum. It is scheduled for October 23, 7 – 9 PM in Estabrook Hall at Cary Hall. For years, Lexington has been on the forefront of rental affordable housing. LexHab has done a remark-able job, creating over 50 affordable housing rental units. The Housing Authority manages an additional 230 units of affordable rental housing. However, Lexington only has affordable home ownership condominiums and no single-family afforda-ble homes. Many of our Town documents cite the goal of affordable home ownership: the 2002 Com-prehensive Plan, the 2007 Draft Housing Strategy and the FY2006-2010 Lexington Consolidated Hous-ing Strategy and Plan. A homebuyer assistance program would also help preserve small homes. Many families who rent in town are interested in home ownership. We hope to hear from many residents at upcoming forum. Several members of town boards and committees will be present at this meeting.

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Schedule wisely Nov. 4

The Town Clerk, Donna M. Hooper reminds us that a very high voter turnout is expected at the polls on Tuesday, November 4. Parents of schoolchildren, and voters accessing the polls at all locations, may experience some delay on Election Day and are requested to plan accordingly. Ms. Hooper asks us to carpool or walk to schools and voting. She expects a line at 7:00 a.m. for those hurrying to get to work, noontime, 3:00 p.m. when school is dismissed, and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for the late voters

The polls are open in Lexington on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for all elections. Regis-tered voters in Lexington's nine precincts vote at the following polling places

PRECINCT LOCATION ADDRESS

Precinct One Cary Memorial Building 1605 Massachusetts Ave

Precinct Two Bowman School 9 Philip Road

Precinct Three Clarke Middle School 7 Stedman Road

Precinct Four Bridge School 55 Middleby Road

Precinct Five Cary Memorial Building 1605 Massachusetts Ave

Precinct Six Diamond Middle School 99 Hancock Street

Precinct Seven Estabrook School 117 Grove Street

Precinct Eight Central Fire Station 45 Bedford Street

Precinct Nine Maria Hastings School 2618 Massachusetts Ave

Phonathon Callers Many thanks to the Leaguers who signed up to call in this year’s LWVMA Phonathon that was held on October 22 and 29:

Jan Aldrich Peg Bradley Margaret Coppe Pat Costello Marge Daggett

Liz Haines Gloria Holland Susan Solomon Martha Wood

The Lexington League will receive $20 for each of the callers and 10% of the amount donated by Lexington league members. This is an impor-tant fundraiser for our League. The evening they dedicated to the Phonathon is much appreciated.

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The Bulletin is going green! Part III

by Deb Mauger, LWVL President and Judy Otto, Bulletin editor Our electronic October Bulletin arrived in members’ email inboxes quickly, but the paper Bulletin, unfortunately, was held up in the bulk mail bins at the Post Office. We never know exactly when this will happen or why. Usually the mail delivery is timely and we appreciate that, but can’t depend on it. Among the favorable comments we’ve heard about the electronic Bulletin are these:

1. from Setha Olsen: “The (electronic) Bulletin is so pretty!” 2. from Sandy Shaw: “It looks beautiful....so enjoyed reading it on my computer!!!!! Thanks

again for the ‘geek help!’" 3. from a Newton reader: “Your newsletter is excellent, so much work and so much great info.” 4. from a Michigan reader: “Love the images all over the newsletter: Fall leaves, houses, woman

on the phone, etc.” 5. several Lexington officials have requested our emailed Bulletin

You may have noticed: • colors and graphics to add interest and visual appeal • one column vs. two columns, for the most part. This makes for easier reading on a computer,

i.e. less scrolling • links to relevant websites • the same solid content for which our former editor, Marge Daggett, was known

Our website is becoming more popular, too. Webmistress Gretchen Reiseg reports that in August 2008, www.lwvlexington.org had more hits (2485) than any other month since the website’s incep-tion in January 2006. September had 1952 hits. Since March 2008, viewing of the website has notably increased. We've had over 200 hits on our Bulletin, and 57 hits on our water conservation articles. Special thanks go to Pat Costello for her eagle-eyed proofreading of the Bulletin, and to Lora Lee Buchta, who has volunteered to help with distribution of the paper Bulletin. We welcome your feedback and ideas for distributing, design, and content at 781-861-7697 or [email protected] or [email protected]

CRICKET’S FLORIST BENEFITS LEAGUE Through their Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, Cricket’s Florist at 229 Massachusetts Avenue will donate $5.00

to the League whenever they receive an order where the customer mentions the program and the League. Cricket’s has been a long-time supporter of the League through their ads in the bulletin and this goes even fur-

ther in their effort to give back to the community.

Please patronize our sponsors. The revenue from Bulletin ads helps to pay for printing and mailing costs. Our sponsors need to know

that their ads are seen and bring in business. Please stop in and tell them you saw their ads in the League Bulletin.

League of Women Voters, Lexington, MA

Water Conservation

Unintended consequences

In the current issue of tended consequences in an article called “Catch 22to consider both energy and water issues as one, and suggests a single governmental overseer of water and integrated water and energy policy making. Some examples of the need are:

“Although alternative vehicles use less petroleum…pter…Pumping biofuel into a car can consume 20 or more times as much water for every mile traveled than the production of gasoline… To travel 100 miles, sevengasoline powered car, 24 gallons by a hybrid, 42 gallons by a hydrogen fuel cell car, and 130gallons by an ethanol vehicle.” In producing electricity, gas/steam combined cycle power plants use 7,400produce one-megawatt hour of electricity; coal 25,000-60,000. http://www.sciam.com/earth3/images/SciAm_Earth3_0.pdf

Virtual Water In last month’s Bulletin article on Water Conservation, we introduced the notion of vitual water. Here’s the actual definition: the volume of water required to produce a commodity or service. (The content.) E.g., it takes 1861 gallons water to produce one pound of boneless beef. In addition to its drinking water needs, a cow consumes huge amounts of grains and roughages over its three years of fattening before being slaughtered. Compare that to the 130 gallons of water required to produce or one pound of barley.

http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/home

Water scarcity, even in Massachusetts

A Christian Science Monitor May 29, 2008 story by details Brockton’s needs for fresh water and its solution:desalination plant will supply four million gallons ofday to the city of Brockton 16 miles away. Using a reverseprocess, it will filter salt and other impurities from brackish water flowing up the river from the ocean during high tide.”

Even after Brockton had plugged the leaks in idemand from around 11 million gallons per day to about nine million, it still needed a steady supply of fresh water to ensure economic growth. http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/wp

November/December

Water Conservation by Judy Otto

nintended consequences

In the current issue of Scientific American, Michael Weber detailed unitended consequences in an article called “Catch 22- water vs. Energy”. The author says that we need to consider both energy and water issues as one, and suggests a single governmental overseer of water and integrated water and energy policy making. Some examples of the need are:

“Although alternative vehicles use less petroleum…producing their fuel guzzles more wa-ter…Pumping biofuel into a car can consume 20 or more times as much water for every mile traveled than the production of gasoline… To travel 100 miles, seven-14 gallons of water are depleted by a

gallons by a hybrid, 42 gallons by a hydrogen fuel cell car, and 130

In producing electricity, gas/steam combined cycle power plants use 7,400-20,000 gallons of water to megawatt hour of electricity; coal and oil plants, 21,000-50,000; and nuclear plants,

http://www.sciam.com/earth3/images/SciAm_Earth3_0.pdf

article on Water Conservation, we introduced the notion of vitual water. Here’s the actual definition: the volume of water required to produce a commodity or service. (The water footprint of a product is the same as its virtual water

takes 1861 gallons water to produce one pound of boneless beef. In addition to its drinking water needs, a cow consumes huge amounts of grains and roughages over its three years of fattening before being slaughtered. Compare that to

r required to produce or one pound of barley. http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/home

Water scarcity, even in Massachusetts

May 29, 2008 story by Mark Clayton details Brockton’s needs for fresh water and its solution: “the Aquaria desalination plant will supply four million gallons of fresh water each day to the city of Brockton 16 miles away. Using a reverse-osmosis process, it will filter salt and other impurities from brackish water flowing up the river from the ocean during high tide.”

Even after Brockton had plugged the leaks in its pipes, cutting water demand from around 11 million gallons per day to about nine million,

a steady supply of fresh water to ensure economic growth. http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/wp-content/assets/2/226/picture1.jpg

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November/December 2008

, Michael Weber detailed unin-author says that we need

to consider both energy and water issues as one, and suggests a single governmental overseer of water

a-ter…Pumping biofuel into a car can consume 20 or more times as much water for every mile traveled

14 gallons of water are depleted by a gallons by a hybrid, 42 gallons by a hydrogen fuel cell car, and 130-6,200

20,000 gallons of water to 50,000; and nuclear plants,

article on Water Conservation, we introduced the notion of vir-tual water. Here’s the actual definition: the volume of water required to produce a

of a product is the same as its virtual water takes 1861 gallons water to produce one pound of boneless beef. In

addition to its drinking water needs, a cow consumes huge amounts of grains and roughages over its three years of fattening before being slaughtered. Compare that to

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Finding the Common Wealth Fall Conference 2008 by Marge Daggett The LWVMA Fall Conference opened with greetings from LWVMA President Dianne Jeffery and Konstantina Lukes, the mayor of Worcester, welcomed attendees.

State Senator Stephen Brewer from western Massachusetts, the morning Keynote Speaker, first com-mended the League for his first, fair, and well-run debate years ago. He alluded to the founding Pil-grim and Puritan fathers of Massachusetts with their emphasis on community, “the common wealth”. Now the state is faced again with the seeming challenge between the common and the personal wealth as exemplified through taxes. Noting the difference between progressive (income) and regressive (property) taxes with the examples of Winchendon, MA and Rindge, NH where the property taxes are three times greater, he claimed that a balance is needed. Sen. Brewer stated that Massachusetts is now in the middle of all the states as to their taxes; it is no longer “Taxachusetts”. Question 1, if passed would eliminate about $12 billion from a $28 billion budget that had depended heavily on the capital gains taxes, now gone. The cuts will be drastic, to say the least, though the state does have a rainy day fund and a reserve for unemployment compensation outlay. In closing, Sen. Brewer called for intergenerational responsibility, as espoused by Paul Tsongas, and asked us to remember Lucy Stone’s dying words, “make the world better”. Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray gave a special address on state funding. He was a City Councilor and Mayor of Worcester for three terms and is now the governor’s liaison to the cities and towns. Current-ly, the state found itself $223 million short in first quarter revenue; this led to the very recent $1.4 bil-lion in cuts that the governor has made. In June Gov. Patrick instituted spending controls and contin-gency planning of cuts. No cuts were made in veterans’ services or in programs to combat domestic violence, and only minimal cuts were made in local aid and Chapter 70, the state aid to each city or town specifically earmarked for education. Since the governor had not been given authority to make cuts in their budgets, the judiciary and legislature volunteered to make cuts. The administration is ask-ing for shared responsibility by calling on charitable organizations to help where cuts have had to be made. Lt. Gov. Murray said that the last 18 months had been the “blocking and tackling” of state government by the administration, especially focusing on fundamentals. They laid out a five year capital plan aimed at putting people to work; this led to seven bond bills: 1) transportation (roads and bridges), 2) housing, 3) environmental (parks and campgrounds important for tourism), 4) life sciences and bio-tech (fund research), 5) broadband internet access, especially for western Massachusetts, 6) higher education (libraries, labs, and garages), and 7) general government (libraries). During the Q and A, the Lt. Governor revealed that the state has put a moratorium on foreclosures, has no plans now on casinos, and is reaching out to work collaboratively with various groups to address Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page such social problems as homelessness, domestic violence, rape, and abuse. LWVMA honored Senator Edward Augustus with the gift of a Revere bowl for his advocacy of a set of League-sponsored bills related to voting rights and election laws. He was the chair of the Election Laws Committee in the Senate. Peter Meade, Chair of the Coalition for Our Communities, was the luncheon speaker. He spoke of the varied organizations that are opposed to Question 1, the devastating effects of its potential passage, and urged us all to work against its passage. Leslie Nicholson, of the Lexington League and State Director of Stand for Children, led an excellent workshop on Question 1. It addressed the contents of the ballot question, the myths around the ques-tion, and what can be done to counteract those myths. Even though none of the morning speakers could or would give any indication of how the legislature might deal afterwards if Question 1 passed, the workshop leaders pointed out that legislators feel vul-nerable after the passage of a ballot initiative. For example, Proposition 2 ½ has never been revoked.

Please support our sponsors

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New Member by Martha Crosier Wood, Board, LWVL Sandra Gasbarro moved to Lexington three years ago to be near her granddaughter; that was fortunate for Lexington as she brings professionalism to a myriad of volunteer activities. Having lived in Providence, RI most of her life, she felt she wanted to live near enough to her daugh-ter Manya Chait and granddaughter Talia Chait, to participate closely in her now six-year-old grand-daughter’s life. Sandra is an every daughter’s dream, a frequent evening sitter and every granddaugh-ter’s dream – someone to bake cookies and cake with. Shortly after she moved to Lexington she was featured in a Christian Science Monitor article about grandparents who move to be near grandchil-dren. She spends two days a week volunteering at Lahey Clinic: Tuesday in the oncology clinic, a friendly support for patients during chemotherapy sessions, and Wednesdays in the operating room’s family waiting room. (To help her remember patient and family members’ names she makes seating charts, an assist she learned as an elementary teacher.) She first became a hospital volunteer when she was 16. Summer jobs were hard to come by and her father, a surgeon, suggested that rather than compete for a paid position that might be much more needed by someone else, she volunteer at the hospital. Hospital volunteering became a lifelong commitment. Sandra is equally committed to the Lexington Symphony and heads its fund raising program. She says it is a major asset to Lexington and, of course, she never misses a concert. In fact, she is enthusiastic about living and participating in Lexington. “There is so much going on,” she says. She loves the Cary Lecture series and the programs at the library, especially the series on opera. As part of her giving back to the Town, she is an election poll worker. She belongs to two book groups and the local Red Hat Society. When she moved here she knew everything there was to know about Rhode Island history, but she felt she had to get up to speed on Lexington so she took two courses taught by local historian Richard Kollen. She is a passionate traveler, especially to Italy. (She is half-Italian and half Lithuanian.) Sandra and her late husband dated as teens and married when they were in their 40s. A lawyer by training, he in-herited his family’s wine business and the couple traveled extensively especially to wine producing area such as France, Italy and California. But they also spent time in Canada, Denmark, England, and many other nations. And she loves sunshine and gardening. She spent two years at what is now Colby Sawyer College, graduating with a degree in education from Wheelock. She served on the board of the Rhode Island American Red Cross and as president of the Lincoln School Alumni Association. And like many League members has worked in political campaigns in Rhode Island and Virginia where she lived briefly. Sandra joined the League because friends told her she should check out the organization. She looked into the activities of the Lexington LWV and agreed it was an organization for her. (Obviously, we all should be spreading the word to consider joining!)

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Ultimate Green Home & Lawn by Martha C. Wood

We can all reduce global warming with changes that invisibly blend into our households and our lives. Jackson Madnick and Bart Berkowitz showed the audience how to do this at a September program on the Ultimate Green Home & Lawn sponsored by the Water Division of the Lexington Department of Public Works.

To keep toxic substances from your home make sure your dry cleaner is using environmentally friend-ly methods; don’t use toxic cleaning products (those containing ammonia, bleach and tile scrubbers), and take your shoes off at the door. Berkowitz noted that bottled water is 90% tap water and urged listeners who were concerned about tap water to add a filter rather than buying bottled water. For a greener home, he urged keeping the humidity high, which in turn would allow you to lower the heat without feeling colder. Hot water heaters should be set at 125 degrees except when washing dish-es that require 145 degrees, but most new dishwashers heat the water to that temperature automatical-ly. Other suggestions included:

• Cook in small pots to use less energy, and use your microwave or toaster oven rather than your stove, especially the oven.

• Run your washer, drier, and dishwasher only on full loads, he urged. • Line dry your laundry. • Install a programmable thermostat. • Use compact fluorescent bulbs. • Clean your filters on your heating and air conditioning units. • Wrap your water heater and insulate your pipes. • Trim shrubs away from windows so the natural heating can reach

your home. • Use plants such as areca palm, English ivy, and Boston fern to clean the air in your home. • Avoid crystalline silica cat litter. • Test for radon in your basement.

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not essential for an attractive lawn, Madnick said. Use a hardy grass seed that is drought tolerant and native to New England. When you mow, make sure it is cut at least three inches high. This height actually allows the grass to produce oxygen. Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as fertilizer and to retain moisture in the soil. Water only when the soil is dry sic inches down. Spread ¼ inch of natural local compost over your grass in the fall. (Compost is available at the Lexington transfer station.) Using chemical fertilizers has been found to cause cancer in pets as well as humans. According to ve-terinary expert Dr. Margo Roman, 50 years ago only 5% of dogs got cancer. Today over 46% of dogs get cancer and there is evidence suggesting this is caused by the wide spread use of lawn care fertiliz-ers, herbicides and pesticides. Chemical lawn fertilizers also can cause Parkinson’s disease; birth de-fects, autism, and behavioral disorders in children, Madnick warned. The May 2008 issue of Health Magazine had a story about the 12 most toxic things in your home en-vironment. Your chemical front lawn is the number one most toxic thing inside or outside your home environment. http://living.health.com/2008/04/22/the-most-toxic-places-in-your-home/

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Observer Corps The LWVL would like to cover the Board of Selectmen (meeting alternate Mondays), the School Committee, the Planning Board (meeting Wednes-days), and the Conservation Commission (meeting Tuesdays). If you happen to be attending a meeting of one of these boards, please contact Marge Daggett at 781-862-1651 or [email protected] to be an observer for a day.

School Committee by Anne Frymer, Observer

http://ci.lexington.ma.us/schools.htm 10/14/08: Present Supt Paul Ash, SC members Helen Cohen, Margaret Coppe, Rod Cole, Tom Diaz, Ravi Sakhuja, Stud. Rep. Gloria Park, Location: Cary Hall, 7:30 p.m. During Public Comment 10 mothers representing the Estabrook School district asked that a Half Day Kindergarten (HDK) class be established at Estabrook for the next school year. Currently there is only one HDK, at Bowman School. Chair Helen Cohen responded that the School Committee will consider their request. Dr. Ash gave out three Academic Excellence Awards from the MA Association of School Superinten-dents (M.A.S.S.) to three Lexington High School seniors who each use their leadership skills to help their peers and the community in various ways: Ryan Casey, Nathaniel Finch and Emily Sillari. Asst. Supt. Carol Pilarski gave a special recognition to Ms. Robin Tartaglia, Director of Community Education for the last 10 years. Ms. Tartaglia has provided outstanding executive and creative skills to provide the Lexington community with a wide-ranging choice of educational opportunities, including languages, arts and crafts and technology classes, plus “L’Exporation," a summer school program for elementary school children. Ms. Tartaglia will depart in November. Asst. Supt. Mary Ellen Dunn announced that the schools’ food vendor, Chartwells, has received an award for excellence from their parent company. Ms. Dunn advised that Chartwells has worked hard to develop sound nutritional programs for each school level, working alongside the schools’ Healthy Food Task Force. Parents may check on the daily lunch menu for their child’s school on the Chartwells’ web site. http://www.chartwellsschooldining.com/lpsma//content/home.asp Dr. Ash introduced the nine school principals to update the School Committee on their respective School Improvement Plans. Each school’s improvement plan must coordinate with the superintendent’s master plan for school improvements, plus develop individual improvement strands as appropriate. For the six elementary schools, Bowman School principal Dr. Mary Anton-Oldenburg spoke to the common goal of literacy improvement. The other five principals spoke of their schools' individual SMART goals Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

(specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) in math, executive functions, professional learning communities, traffic and neighborhood safety, and staff collegiality. Diamond principal Joanne Hennessy and Clark principal Steven Flynn presented the middle schools’ improvement plans. Both schools have encouraged their teachers to shift classroom emphasis from what is taught to what is learned. Lexington high school Principal Natalie Cohen, new this year, has been following the well-designed school improvement plans she inherited from the prior principal.

Planning Board by Judy Otto, Observer

http://ci.lexington.ma.us/Planning/PlanningDept.htm

9/24/08 Present: Board Charles Hornig, Greg Zurlo, Wendy Manz, Richard Canale, Anthony Galaitsis. Staff: Maryann McCall Taylor, Aaron Henry, Lori Kaufmann In a continued public hearing, the owner of 63 Paul Revere Rd., Steve Genova, returned with changes to his request to add an additional house on his lot. Engineer Fred Russell presented changes that included a raised base to accommodate a garage under, and native plantings. The Planning Board set conditions for approval, including limiting the building height of 33.5 feet and establishing a covenant on the drai-nage systems. At the second continued public hearing, Mr. Rick Waitt of Meridien Associates returned with revised plans for 341 Marrett Road, Preliminary Balanced Housing Development (BHD). The property is now owned by Mr. Ron Lopez of Woburn. http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=341+Marrett+Rd.&zipcode=02421 Changes included the drive relocated to the left in order to preserve mature trees, and adding white pines below units #4-5 and 6-8, and above 1-3 for screening. The Board questioned the small amount of visi-tor parking, snow storage, and an historic preservation document for the buildings currently on the prop-erty. Neighbors protested the density of the 10 units on 2.4 acres with frontage on Wachusett Drive and Marrett Road and the failure of the developers to meet with neighbors. Some were critical of the Plan-ning board and vehement about protecting the character of their neighborhood. Ms. Manz explained how the developers have worked over the months to comply with the new by-law and had, in fact, come in on the lower end of size limits. She cited the adequacy of the buffer zones and preservation of the site and historical buildings. When polled, it seemed that a majority of Board mem-bers were not inclined to approve the plan. Mr. Hornig summarized their feedback: obtain an historic preservation document, center the units on the site, and increase the screening for abutters. He favored the lower size units and the mix of units.

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Continued from previous page 10/15/08 Present: Board C. Hornig, G. Zurlo, W. Manz, R. Canale. Staff: M. McCall Taylor, A. Henry, L. Kaufmann Lexington’s Design Advisory Committee presented its recommendations on rezoning the commercial area of Hartwell Ave. Committee members and Board members discussed LEED*, FAR (floor area ra-tio), parking, bikeways, frontage, and building height. The goal is to have zoning change recommenda-tions for spring Town Meeting. Concurring with the Committee, Mr. Zurlo would prefer consulting as-sistance, especially on LEED standards. Ms. Manz said that the November Town Meeting might fund some further studies. Mr. Rick Waitt of Meridien Associates returned with revised sketch plans for 341 Marrett Road, Prelim-inary Balanced Housing Development (BHD). The owner/applicant, Mr. Ron Lopez of Woburn, Atty. Dan Harrington, and staff from North Shore Construction and Development also attended to withdraw the previous plan (see above meeting) and present new options. These included reducing the number of units from 10 to nine, siting some units closer to the center of the site, and exteriors more closely resem-bling the historic house already on the site. Also since the last meeting, the principals had met with a committee of abutters and obtained an Historic Commission Covenant for the existing large house and carriage house. Abutters continued to ask for changes, including further reduction to a total of eight units. The principals will return with further revisions for a public hearing. *“The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ en-courages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.” http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222

LexMedia wants Lex League The LWVL would like to broadcast First Fridays, and some of our other interesting programs, on community access television, but we need cam-era operators. We will assist you with your training, provided via our Community Member status with LexMedia. Classes at LexMedia will be-gin soon. If you would like to help us reach a broader audience, or you are even a little bit curious about what’s involved, please contact the League’s LexMedia Liaison, Mary Ann Stewart: [email protected] or 617/894-9602.

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Treasurer’s Report by Setha G. Olson, Treasurer

League of Women Voters of Lexington Treasurer's Report September 30, 2008

EXPENDITURES Budget 08-09 09/30/08 Year-to-date 1. General Supplies 175.00 72.76 72.76 2. Telephone 350.00 28.76 28.76 3. Tax fees; 990T 75.00 0.00 4. Miscellaneous 25.00 0.00 Total Operation Costs 625.00 1. Secretary 25.00 0.00 2. Treasurer 50.00 0.00 3. Membership 150.00 243.19 243.19 4. Finance Drive 75.00 0.00 5. Other Board Expns (inc. Pres, PR) 25.00 0.00 Total Board Expenses 325.00 1. State Convention/Council 300.00 0.00 2. National Convention 1,000.00 0.00 3. Annual Meeting 100.00 0.00 4. First Friday & Other Meetings 225.00 268.69 268.69 Total Meetings 1,625.00 1. State PMP (Note 2) 3,200.00 0.00 2. National PMP (Note 1) 3,700.00 0.00 3. Gifts 100.00 0.00 Total Financial Support 7,000.00 1. Printing 2,200.00 239.76 239.76 2. Supplies 50.00 0.00 3. Bulletin Ads 25.00 0.00 4. Postage/Permit 600.00 0.00 Total Bulletin 2,875.00 1. Publications a. Production 0.00 0.00 b. Web site fees 175.00 0.00 c. LexMedia 200.00 0.00 2. Study Committees 80.00 0.00 3. Voter Service 0.00 a. Candidates Night 250.00 0.00 b. Other (Mock Tn. Mtg.,Mitzi Fennel) 200.00 0.00 Total Educational Activities 905.00 Action and lobbying 0.00 0.00 Total Action Activities 0.00 0.00 Grand Total Expenditures 13,355.00 853.16 853.16 To reserves Total outlay from checking account 853.16 853.16

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INCOME Budget 08-09 09/30/08 Year-to-date 1. Regular Members 1,485.00 1,485.00 2. Household Members 215.00 215.00 3. Over 65 1,920.00 1,920.00 Total Dues 6,855.00 3,620.00 1. Member 1,600.00 675.00 675.00 2. Non-member 1,900.00 0.00 3. Other 0.00 Total Contributions 3,500.00 1. General 0.00 0.00 2. Lexington, USA (Know Your Town) 0.00 0.00 Total Publications 0.00 1. Bank Interest 0.00 0.00 2. Phonothon 600.00 0.00 3. Annual Meeting 0.00 0.00 4. Bulletin Ads 2,000.00 225.00 225.00 5. Other 0.00 20.00 20.00

Total Other Sources 2,600.00 0.00 Grand Totals 12,955.00 4,540.00 4,540.00 Interest on reserves 400.00 26.70 26.70 From reserves Total Receipts 13,355.00 4,566.70 4,566.70

Account Balances Total Checking Reserves

account DWS Scudder Banknorth Opening Balance 19,191.65 1,792.31 15,005.41 2,393.93 Income 4,566.70 4,540.00 26.70 Expenditures 853.16 853.16 Transfer from Reserves to Checking 0.00 Transfer from Checking to Reserves 0.00 Closing Balance 22,905.19 5,479.15 15,032.11 2,393.93

Opening balance, 7/1/07 19,852.55 Income to date 4,566.70 Expenses to date (853.16)

Balance 9/30/08 25,272.41

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Town's new official website Lexington has a spiffy new website. It contains all the information pre-viously available and more, but it’s much easier to use and more visually appealing. http://www.lexingtonma.gov/ You can also subscribe to Town emails on any or all of the following:

Bill Notices & Reminders - notification of critical property tax re-lated dates

Board of Selectmen Meeting Agenda - notification when agenda is published on website

Election Reminders & Results - reminder of election dates, notification when results are availa-ble

Library Book News - sign up to receive newsletters that match your interests via email or RSS feeds

Recreation Program & Facility Information - schedule updates or program changes, facility clos-ings

Recycling, Trash & Hazardous Waste - recycling & "green" tips, special event reminders

Seasonal Health & Safety Information - health & safety alerts, changing seasonal conditions, etc.

Senior Center Newsletter - notification that newsletter is available on Town's website�

Street Closings - notice of traffic redirection or delays due to paving & utility projects

Town Celebrations & Tourism Events - notification of information on major Town holiday events

Town Meeting - notification of Town meeting schedule, debate & action http://www.egovlink.com/lexington/subscriptions/subscribe_new.asp

Also on the website: Lexington's Geographic Information System is an interactive tool providing access to town maps and geographically refe-renced property information. http://host.appgeo.com/LexingtonMA/.

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…from the Massachusetts League

LWV of Newton and Boston

Governor Kunin, Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, and others to discuss how to encourage more women to vote

The League of Women Voters of Boston and Newton invite you to hear Governor Madeleine Kunin, State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem and other women engaged in local, state, and national politics in a discussion about how to encourage more women to run for public office.

Pearls, Politics and Power: Women Can Win and Lead

Date: November 16,

Time: 11 AM - Noon a discussion and book signing: Former Governor Madeleine Kunin's recent book,

Pearls, Politics and Power: Women Can Win and Lead,

Noon to 1:30 PM discussion about "Women running for office"

Place: Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center,

333 Nahanton Street, Newton, (617) 558-6522.

Please join us for both events.

For more information, contact the Newton League at 617-964-0014 or [email protected]

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…from the National LWV http://www.lwv.org Open Letter to the Next President of the U.S.

by Mary G. Wilson President, League of Women Voters of the United States Excerpt on Health Care Issues. Read the entire letter at http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Current_Issue&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=12131 What We Must Do: America is facing a health care crisis caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and an insurance system that leaves 47 million of us without any coverage. We must make quality, affordable health care available to all U.S. residents. All Americans should have access to a basic level of care that includes the prevention of disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute care, long-term care and mental health care. At the same time, the federal government needs to take action to reduce the costs of health care for individuals, businesses, and communities. Why It’s Important: As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Over the last three decades, increases in the amount we spend on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. If nothing is done to control costs, we could be spending $3 trillion for health care by 2011 and $4.2 trillion by 2016. That’s 20 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). If the true measure of a country’s health care system is the health and well-being of the people it serves, then Americans are getting a raw deal. Women and children suffer the most under the current U.S. system. More than one in five pregnant women in the United States does not receive timely prenatal care starting in the first trimester. Among the results: the wealthiest nation in the world regularly ranks near the bottom among developed countries in infant mortality and low birth weight rates. Today, 47 million Americans have no health insurance at all, up from less than 40 million in 2000. The uninsured include more than 9 million children. And, if you think this is a problem that mostly affects the poor and unemployed, think again: 70 percent of the uninsured are in families with at least one full-time worker. In addition, critics charge that the U.S. health care system is geared too much to treatment of problems and not enough to prevention, which costs less in the long run and results in a healthier America. Today, 75 cents of every health care dollar spent in the United States is spent on treating chronic diseases, many of which are completely preventable. Part of the reason our system focuses on treatment over prevention is shrinking access to needed health insurance and services. Most uninsured Americans can’t afford check-ups and preventive care, so they don’t go to the doctor or the hospital until it’s an emergency. What’s in It for Us: Providing quality, affordable health care coverage will reap rewards for all Americans: Health care for all. A comprehensive federal health care system will guarantee health care coverage for all Americans as a matter of public policy. In recent polls, a majority of people support universal health care coverage for all Americans. Reduced costs. The average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance was more than $12,000 per family in 2007; the average worker’s share was about $3,300. For individuals and families without employ-er- Sponsored plans, the costs can be much higher. Every year, health insurance is becoming less and less afford-able for families and businesses. Part of the problem is “cost shifting”—i.e., insured Americans continue to foot

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Continued on next page

Continued from previous page the bill for expensive emergency care for the uninsured. Experts recommend two key steps for reducing costs for everybody: 1) an increased focus on prevention for all Americans and 2) the expansion of health insurance cover-age to the uninsured. Any health care reforms must reduce or eliminate cost-shifting and excessive administration costs. A stronger U.S. economy. Other industrialized countries are getting a lot more bang for their health care buck. The United States spends nearly 16 percent of GDP on health care, while the average for all industrialized coun-tries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is roughly half that number: 8.9 percent. Most of the other developed countries also spend far less on health care than the United States on a per capita ba-sis. Are the people of these countries less healthy than Americans? For the most part, no. The United States will have trouble competing in a global economy if it can’t keep health care costs under con-trol. It’s been widely reported, for example, that the price tag for every car produced by U.S. auto manufacturers includes as much as $1,500 for health care that their competitors in Japan and other nations do not have to pay. The annual bill for chronic diseases alone threatens to reach $6 trillion by the middle of the century—money that could be put to more productive uses in the economy. Where We Are Now: Over the past eight years, the President and Congress have done little to reduce health care costs or expand cover-age for care, while costs have climbed and the numbers of uninsured have grown. President Bush’s main reform was the expansion of Medicare to cover a portion of the cost of outpatient prescription drugs. Another change enacted under President Bush was the creation of health savings accounts (HSAs), which are touted as a way for consumers to save for future health expenses using tax-free dollars. Studies have shown, however, that HSAs, which require consumers to enroll in health plans with higher-than-normal deductibles, are primarily, an option for “healthy and wealthy” Americans. Furthermore HSAs may actually encourage consumers to skip necessary health care services because they have to pay more money out of pocket. Another health care reform topic that was the focus of Washington debate in recent years was the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insur-ance Program (SCHIP). In the decade since Congress passed SCHIP in 1997, the program has provided health care coverage to 6 million for Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program that primarily serves the poor. SCHIP has proven the most successful in a generation, reducing the percentage of low-income children without coverage by one-third. Based on the program’s success, both houses of Congress passed a bipartisan measure in 2007 to reauthorize SCHIP, but President Bush vetoed the bill. The bill called for an increase in the program’s budget in order to expand coverage to 4 million more children. A House vote to override the presidential veto failed, prompting Congress to pass a short-term extension of the program. Looking ahead, the next President and Congress face a renewed effort to reauthorize SCHIP. However, an even bigger debate looms over plans for more comprehensive reform of the U.S. health care system. Agenda for the New President: America’s health care status quo is endangering our economy and our health. The new President must advance reforms with two principal objectives in mind: • Guarantee that a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost is availa-ble to all U.S. residents. • Work toward containing out-of-control health care costs so that health care dol-lars go to caring for people rather than cost-shifting or excess administration

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www.lwvlexington.org

The League of Women Voters is where community work leads to civic improvement.

New Member 2008-09 Name __________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ City, State__________________________________Zip Code ______________ Phone Number_____________________ Alternate Phone _______________ E-mail address____________________________________________________ (for receiving the “Bulletin” and LWVL announcements and invitations) ********************************************************************************************************* Membership dues: One member $55.00 _____________ Over 65 35.00 _____________ Additional in household 25.00 each _____________ Additional contribution _____________ TOTAL _____________ Please make checks payable to League of Women Voters of Lexington and return to: Box 233 Lexington, MA 02420-0003 **********************************************************************************************************

Become involved! Please indicate if you are interested in one-time events: _____ Candidates Nights _____ Rides to the Polls _____ Voter Registration _____ Mock Town Meeting _____ Calls for Phonothon _____ First Friday’s _____ “Conversations” events _____ “Bulletin” articles Join the Observer Corps! Please indicate if you are interesting in observing local meetings for the League: _________

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�

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OCTOBER 23

Affordable Housing Forum NOVEMBER 4 National Election 7 First Friday DECEMBER

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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEXINGTON ...lwvlexington.org/files/LWVLBulletin_NovDec08.pdfThe library is easily accessible by Lexpress and from the Minuteman Bikeway. For more information