Thursday, December 30, 2010

BABY SHOWER MURDER SUSPECT EXPECTED IN COURT TODAY

Chanel Matiyosus
BROCKTON--A 20-year-old Brockton man will be arraigned today, Thursday Dec. 30 in Brockton District Court and will be charged with the 2008 shooting that killed one teenager and wounded two others who were attending a baby shower.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said in a prepared statement issued earlier today Darryene Ware, 20, of Brockton will face murder charges in the killing of 16-year-old Chantel Matiyosus, who was shot to death April 25, 2008 outside of a house at 25 Addison Ave., where she attended a baby shower with friends and family.For full article please see The Brockton Post.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

I WAS ON INBROCKTON.COM TODAY AND COULDN'T HELP BUT POST THIS. I LAUGHED SO HARD THAT I THOUGHT MY NEIGHBORS HEARD ME, HOPE YOU ENJOY AND GO TO INBROCKTON.COM AND ALSO CHECK IT OUT AND JOIN IN ON THE DISCUSSION.
INBROCKTON.COM

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

MAYOR LIFTS STATE OF EMERGENCY, TRASH PICKUP REMINDER

BrocktonPost

BROCKTON--From the Mayor's Office:
Mayor Linda M. Balzotti has announced the snow emergency in the City of Brockton will be lifted at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday Dec. 28.
Balzotti and Department of Public Works Commissioner Michael Thoreson declared a snow emergency, Sunday, Dec. 26th at 6 p.m. in the city.
As a reminder, all residents with Monday trash pick up can put out Dec. 27th and Jan. 3rd trash for pick up on Monday, Jan. 3rd. Trash service for the remainder of the week – Tuesday, Dec. 28th through Friday, Dec. 31st will continue as scheduled.
Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and support. Please drive safely. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

POWER OUTAGES, FIRE IN WAKE OF BLIZZARD OF 2010

BrocktonPost
Photo of The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—Thousands of National Grid customers in Brockton and across the South Shore are still without electrical power and one family’s West Elm Street home was destroyed by fire during a blizzard that dropped more than two feet of heavy, wet snow throughout the region.
Mayor Linda Balzotti said National Grid was completely unprepared for the storm and as a result, 8,800 residents in Brockton and surrounding towns were still without power by mid-afternoon Monday and many had at that time gone without electricity for about 12 hours.
“They did an abysmal job,” Balzotti said. “They were completely unprepared and didn’t have nearly enough crews on to handle this storm,” she said. For full story please see The Brocton Post.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

SNOW EMERGENCY!!!!!!


City Website-Please be advised that Mayor Linda M. Balzotti and DPW Commission Michael Thoreson have declared a SNOW EMERGENCY beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26th in the City of Brockton.

There will be no parking allowed on either side of the street, on any street, throughout the city. Please park vehicle(s) in off-street locations to allow DPW crews to clear streets.

The James J. Adams Parking Garage, located at the corner of Main and Crescent streets, will be open for residents to park their cars beginning at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 26th. There will be no charge for use of the garage. Cars must be removed from the garage by 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 27th.

Trash service for Monday, Dec. 27th has been canceled. All residents with Monday trash pick up can put out Dec. 27th and Jan. 3rd trash for pick up on Monday, Jan. 3rd. Trash service for the remainder of the week – Tuesday, Dec. 28th through Friday, Dec. 31st will continue as scheduled.

Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and support. Please drive safely.

For latest weather updates please see www.weather.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS

EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

LOVE, PEACE, JOY
ROB/BB

Thursday, December 23, 2010

CODE ENFORCEMENT CORNER UPDATED TO 12/20/10

11:09 a.m. 34 Mason Street. Responded at the request of Officer ****** and the Deputy Chief. the family has been overcome by Carbon Monoxide. Out of the 5 on scene 3 have been transported by ambulance to the hospital. One party was in seizure mode and will probably go to Boston. The building was posted with "STOP WORK" and "DANGEROUS AND UNSAFE" order on November 4th. For full update please see Code Enforcement Corner.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

BROCKTON POLICE LOG

Brockton Police log has been updated to Monday, December 20, 2010. Check it out in our Brockton Police Section.

Monday, December 20, 2010

BROCKTONS DUMBEST CRIMINALS

BrocktonBeat has started a new section and will be compiled with Brocktons dumbest criminals and hard to believe 911 calls. The section will feature log entries from the Brockton Police log and stories from police and fire departments. If you are in Public Safety and have any crazy stories please feel free to email them to brocktonbeat@hotmail.com and check out our new section Dumbest Criminals.

FINANCE MEETING TONIGHT

     The Brockton City Finance Committee will meet at Brockton City hall and on the agenda will be a resolution for Danroy Henry sponsored by City Councilor-at-Large Jass Stewart. The resolution calls for the federal government to step in and take over the investigation into Danroy Henry's death. Danroy Henry a Pace University student and Easton resident has relatives that live in Brockton was fatally shot by police in a New York. The resolve was moved to the finance committee because all of the City Councilors sit on that board and not because of financial costs.
     The town of Easton  passed a similar resolution last week that calls on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the shooting. The resolutions are not binding at the state or federal level but show support for an independent probe. Whether it passes or not no body can say if it will influence the Justice Department into taking on the case. Many people in Brockton feel this is a catch-22 resolution and if the City Council vote's against it they could be seen as cold and insensitive to the family and if they vote for it then a precedent could be set in Brockton for any case that happens in the world in which people have ties to the city. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and is expected to be crowded.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

CODE ENFORCEMENT HAS NEW SECTION

BrocktonBeat is pleased to announce that we have dedicated a new section just to Brockton Code Enforcement. In our new section will be updates weekly about code enforcement entries made in the police log. City ordinances pertaining to rules and regulations and news about permits and licenses. Public pictures of Code violators and any information sent in from our readers. Our current log is updated to Monday, December 13. Please check it out and we welcome all input at BrocktonBeat@hotmail.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

ARE YOU FOR REAL

BROCKTON POLICE LOG WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010
11:19 a.m. Larceny investigation at the Bat Bus Terminal-10 Commercial St. Flagged down below station by 2 parties. #1 party is the alleged victim named Mallory and #2 party is the alleged suspect named Ervin. The suspect stated that the victim keeps following him and the victim states that he was attempting to buy "WEED" on Spring Street and the suspect and another tall male gave him a crumbled up paper with nothing in it. They then took his $20 and his cell phone and told him " YOU JUST GOT-GOT".

The victim followed the 2 suspects to the Bat Bus Terminal and the suspects split up. Ervin states it was the other guy that took Mallory's money and cell phone and he didn't know him. Ervin then changed his story and said the other guys name is "Derek" and he is around 34 and stays at the Main Spring House. Mallory just wants his cell phone back at this time. An Area Search could not locate the other suspect.

BROCKTON POLICE LOG

The Brockton Police Log has been updated in our police section to Monday, December 13, 2010.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

CITIZENS FOR A BETTER BROCKTON CALL ON GOVERNOR PATRICK

Citizens for a Better Brockton sent Governor Patrick a letter on December 14th expressing the concerns that the City and surrounding communities are not adequately protected from such a project, by either federal or state laws and that serious risks are implicated in constructing a large plant so close to homes, schools and businesses. The letter also addresses flaws in present state and federal policies associated with the approval process for a gas-fired powered plant. Also addressed are concerns about how these types of projects seemed to get targeted in low income communities and also how there is a lack of oversight associated with the construction process and day to day operations of gas-fired power plants and that this must be addressed immediately. For the full letter and attachments please see our City Politics Section.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

WELCOME HOME


picuture courtesy of The Brockton Post

The BrocktonPost

BROCKTON—Sgt. Richard Joseph arrived at the Brockton Armory and as he made his way toward his family he encountered numerous obstacles—-loving land mines of comrades in arms and complete strangers who gave him hugs, hand shakes and hearty congratulations for his return.
“It’s so good to be home,” Joseph (Pictured above with wife Julene) said as he separated from a jubilant kiss and hug from his wife Julene. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

FIGHT WATER WITH WATER

    First it was the calls to the newspapers and the interviews from the local TV stations. Then came the Brockton Water Party and now the group Brockton United Voices headed by Ayana Cato and Bob Ford are pushing forward with legal action because of the mounting interests on their bills and still no co-operation from the Water Department. Last night at the City Council meeting they unanimously approved the money for the water audit which is expected to begin in Febuary but the group isn't waiting any longer.
     "We have a group of people who are meeting with a lawyer this Wednesday night to discuss potential litigation based on bills that we have kept as a group from residents of the water rally as well as inter-department memos that show a steady rate of failure within their own system" says Ford. Among the information that Mr.Ford has collected were consumption reports and emails sent to him by people and one with connections to the department saying "the solution will expose the ineptitude of those individuals running the show".
     Many people in the group were disappointed that within the audit scope it didn't include specific writing that called for a group of citizens with water billing issues to be updated and also be interviewed and involved in the audit process and in many peoples minds the auditors could be biased by the water department opinion of the job they are doing and by still putting blame on the residents. "I don't trust the water department or the audit now because of the time span" said Ayana Cato. The group is still getting calls from people with water billing issues and 2 new people showed up at the meeting last night. Mr.Ford was armed with his black book and when asked what else he has in it he said "Everything that has been said by the department since this all started, every newspaper article, emails, erroneous bills, consumption reports and numbers of people with billing issues". So having seen the bills and consumption reports, one that sticks out that was shown was for an A read that was for the first quarter of this year and for a single family home with 2 people living in it. The bill was for 210 gallons of water and that was for a 90 day period. So armed with this type of information and his black book, Mr. Ford is going to fight water with water. Anyone interesting in attending the free consultation with the Lawyer Wednesday night and for more information can call Mr.Ford at 508-584-7757 or go to their website at Brocktonunitedvoices.blogspot.com
    The meeting that Mr. Thoreson was called before the City Council he said if people have a problem to call him. I asked Mr.Ford would he sit down with him and he said "I would sit down with Mr.Thoreson and ask my son who is a Brockton Firefighter, BrocktonBeat, The Brockton Post and Amy Littlefield from the Enterprise to come with me and please explain once and for all how I used over 1,000,000 gallons of water". Mr. Fords case has been out there for awhile and for the sake of a man who has had open heart surgery and has probably paid 100 times more in taxes than in what he owes to the water department($12,000) please sit with us and show us how the water department can justify these figures. I think this is a fair and reasonable request and if you cant sit down with this man face to face and talk to him with witnesses at least in good faith take a look at his bill and please explain it to him. The next Water Commission meeting is Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 9a.m. at 39 Montauk Road.

    EXAMPLE OF ERRONEOUS BILLS

DOUBLE CLICK TO ENLARGE
















                        The following is just one example of a bill that is an Actual read, this is not an estimated bill. Double click on it and it should go to full size. The first quarter was billed for just 28 cubic feet or roughly 210 gallons of water for 90 days. This is for a single family house with 2 adults living in it. That means the house was billed for using less than 4 gallons of water a day. the average use per person per day is 100 gallons of water. Taking a shower you use about 30 gallons of water. When you flush your toilet you use about 1-3 gallons of water. Washing your hand you use about 1 gallon of water. The second bill is slightly higher at 897 cubic feet or about 6727 gallons of water over 90 days or 75 gallons of water a day. Again same house and 2 adults. Now these are actual reads and if you look at the first bill the water in 28 cubic feet is billed at $22.43 but the water out is only 82 cents. The second bill is slighly higher but still off. Now in good faith Mr. Creedon was called and told about this bill and he said " I cant explain why its so low, did you go to Florida for the winter". If a bill that is an ACTUAL READ CAN BE WRONG AND WE KNOW MORE WATER IS USED WHY CANT MR.FORDS BILL BE WRONG AND LOOKED INTO AND TAKEN CARE OF. IT WORKS BOTH WAYS AND THIS IS WHAT THE GROUP HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO. SO WHEN THEY SAY THEY HAVE A BOX OF THESE TYPES OF BILLS AND THE FIRST PERSON THAT GETS THEM IS THE AUDITOR THAT STEPS THRU THE FRONT DOOR OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT THEN IS THE GROUP GOING TO GET ANSWERS. PEOPLE LOOK AT THIS FIRST BILL, IT IS AN ACTUAL BILL AND IT CAME FROM THE SAME WATER COMPANY THAT IS OVERBILLING PEOPLE BUT IN THE CASE UNDERBILLED AND THE HOMEOWNER WANTED TO DO RIGHT BUT WAS TOLD WAIT FOR THE NEW METERS. IF THIS BILL IS SUPPOSEDLY RIGHT AND WE KNOW IT WRONG THEN I PROPOSE THAT MR.FORDS AND AYANA CATO'S BILL FIT INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS THIS BILL.

RESOLVE FOR D.J. HENRY POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT WEEK

     A resolve that was filed by Councilor-at-Large Jass Stewart to have the City Council request that the United States Department of Justice take over the investigation to ensure that an independent and neutral investigation occurs and that all information uncovered be reported impartially and without prejudice and be it further was postponed . The Council Chambers were filled to capacity and at least 2 dozen supporters including friends and family some of whom live in Brockton stood up when Mr. Stewart asked to show the council who came in for support of this.
     The resolve was placed forward first and the Councilor Jass Stewart asked to have it be look at next Monday night at the finance meeting in order for the rest of the nights busy agenda be forwarded including the annual public Tax rate hearing and the water audit. Speculation was that more time was needed to discuss the resolve and tonights meeting was not the best time to do it. The supporters of the resolve were allowed to leave when they called a 2 minute break before continuing with the meeting.
    

Monday, December 13, 2010

RACE CHARGE UNTRUE SAYS BROCKTON CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

By Lisa E. Crowley
The BrocktonPost
  













The release of a report by City Councilor-at-large Jass Stewart and a working group formed to help solve city problems that claims code enforcement activities have unfairly targeted and harassed Cape Verdean auto sales and repair shops has come under much criticism from code enforcement officials who say eyesores, trash and junk heaps and illegal operations are the target and not race.
“It’s about blight—not people,” said Officer Scott D. Uhlman, a Brockton police officer who along with a team of inspectors in other city departments is responsible for ensuring city ordinances and permit restrictions are met.
“It’s not about race. It’s not what he thinks. He’s sticking his neck out for people who are violating the law and thumbing their noses at the city,” Uhlman said. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

FULL AGENDA FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT

Brockton City Council will meet tonight at 8p.m. at City Hall and will have on its agenda the annual tax-classification, approving $97,000 for an independent water audit and Councilor-at-Large Jass Stewart is presenting a resolution in the Danroy Henry case to have the United States Justice Department take over the investigation into the death of D.J. Henry. Below you can read the proposed resolution that will be presented tonight at the meeting.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

CODE ENFORCEMENT CORNER

In addition to providing the Brockton Police Log weekly, BrocktonBeat is pleased to present the Code Enforcement Corner. Each Month we will compile from the police log entries made by our Code Enforcement Team. BrocktonBeat is proud to honor this team for their effort in helping to keep our City safe and enforcing laws and ordinances that help maintain the Integrity and standards that built this City and will not allow it to descend into a huge junkyard. BrocktonBeat and our readers thank you. Please see Code Enforcement Corner in our police section.

Friday, December 10, 2010

JASS STEWARTS WORKING GROUP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RELEASED

     This week Councilor at Large Jass Stewart released the working group executive summary report. The full report and more information can be found in our City Politics section.

BROCKTON POLICE LOG UPDATED TO DECEMBER 6TH, 2010

The Brockton Police log has been updated to December 6th, 2010. All parties are innocent until proven otherwise.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

3 MOTOR STOPS OVER THE WEEKEND RESULT IN DRUG CHARGES

3 motor stops over the weekend in Brockton resulted in 3 separate drug arrests. All persons are innocent until proven otherwise. According to the Brockton Police Log the following took place Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

6:29 p.m. Motor vehicle stop at 48 Torrey Street & 429 West Street. Lamar Webster, 27, of Taunton was charged with Possession of a Class B Drug, speeding, failure to stop for police, disorderly conduct disturbing the peace and operating a MV with licensed revoked.

10:55 p.m. Motor vehicle stop at the Country Inn-50 Christy's Drive. Victor Manuel Guerra, 35, of Brockton was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession to distribute a Class B drug, Failure to stop/yield, MV violation of lights and operating a MV with license suspended.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

11 p.m. Motor vehicle stop at 86 Hobson Street & 132 Benham Street. David Gomes Mendes, 20, of Brockton was charged with Possession to distribute a Class B Drug and Drug violation near a school or park.

Monday, December 6, 2010

TOM MONAHANS WARD 2 MEETING THIS THURSDAY

City Councilor Tom Monahan will be holding his Ward meeting this Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Messiah Baptist Church and BIC along with Ward 2 City Councilor Tom Monahan and School Committee member Richard Bath will host a ward meeting on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Messiah Baptist Church on Legion Parkway at 7 p.m. The guest speakers will be: Police Chief William Conlon, Brockton 21st Century Corporation Executive Director Mary Waldron; and Police Officer William Healy from nieghborhood watch. City Councilors at-large Todd Petti,Bob Sullivan,Jass Stewart and Tom Brophy will also be present to answer questions. Come and let us know of your concerns in the ward and the city. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Tom Monahan at ( 508 ) 942 - 0385.
Messiah Baptist Church - Legion Parkway
Contact Information:
Tom Monahan
( 508 ) 942 - 0385

Friday, December 3, 2010

BROCKTON MAN NETTED IN DORCHESTER COCAINE RING BUST

The BrocktonPost BOSTON--A Brockton man and Quincy woman were among 18 other people charged in U.S. District Court in Boston today after a year-long investigation into an alleged nearly two-decades old family run Dorchester cocaine and crack trafficking ring in a Greenwood Street neighborhood.
Ryan Morris, 44, of Brockton and Nicole Willis, 35, of Quincy were charged along with 18 others from Dorchester and Jamaica Plain with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 280 grams of cocaine base, according to a statement issued today by U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz's office. For more please see The Brockton Post.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

BHS HOLIDAY CONCERT DEC 14TH & 15TH

The sounds of the season will delight audiences once again when the highly regarded Brockton High School Holiday Concert is held December 14th and 15th in the Nelson Auditorium. The school’s award-winning musicians in the Concert Band, Advanced Concert Band, Repertory Chorus and Concert Choir will perform traditional tunes and funky holiday fare during the shows, which are sure to sell out. Tickets cost $5 with proceeds helping to fund the purchase of new band uniforms. For full press release please see our Community Section.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

BROCKTON POLICE LOG UPDATED

The Brockton Police log has been updated to Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Please check it out in our Police section.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

FREE PUPPET SHOW ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH

Brockton parents and children are invited to celebrate Family Literacy Month by attending a free puppet show presented by the Pumpernickel Puppets, a nationally recognized puppet troupe. The puppet show will be held Tuesday, November 30th at 6 p.m. at the Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Resource Center on Crescent Street.
Children of all ages are invited to see the renowned puppeteers present “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Lion and the Mouse.”
“November is Family Literacy Month, a time for us to support children of all ages in out-of-school learning, engage parents in supporting their children’s education, and engage community partners in supporting and celebrating lifelong learning and family well-being,” said Lela Spekin, Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Specialist. For more information please see our Community Section.

Friday, November 26, 2010

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT WITH CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN LYNCH

     This Monday Congressman Stephen F. Lynch will host a forum on Medicare Open Enrollment on Monday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. at the Dorn Davies Senior Center at the Campello High Rise, 1380 Main Street. Changes to Medicare Part D make this year’s open enrollment particularly important. Representatives from Social Security, CMS Medicare and SHINE will be available answer questions and assist with the open enrollment process.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

4 MOTOR STOPS OVER THE WEEKEND RESULT IN DRUG CHARGES

     In light of the recent drug bust last week in Brockton and the surrounding area, the business of busting dealers and people who have drugs continues full force with the Brockton PD. Over the weekend in 4 separate Motor Vehicle Stops by the Police. 4 people where charged with various drug charges. All persons are innocent until proven other wise in a court of law. According to the Brockton Police Log the following incidents happened over the weekend.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010
6:43 p.m. Motor Vehicle Stop at
800 block of Main Street
Nyles Houston, 19, of Brockton was charged with
Possession to distribute Class D Drug
Possession to distribute Class B Drug
Speeding
Operating a motor vehicle unlicensed

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2010
2:57 a.m. Motor Vehicle Stop at
57 North Main Street
Katrina Tucker, 19, of Brockton was charged with
Possession to distribute Class B Drug
Possession to distribute Class E Drug
Possession to distribute Class C Drug
2 counts of default on warrants.

9:42 p.m. Motor Vehicle Stop at
104 Main Street and School Street
Akeem Baptiste, 21, of Dorchester was charged with
Possession to distribute Class A Drug
Drug violation near School/Park
Operating MV with license suspended
Resisting Arrest
Speeding
Fail to Signal

10:05 p.m. Motor Vehicle Stop at
330 Spring Street and 82 Belmont Avenue
Ivon Peraclise Almeida, 23, of Brockton was charged with
Trafficking in Heroin/Morphine/Opium
Drug violation near School/Park.

Monday, November 22, 2010

BROCKTON TAKES BACK SANTA HAT TITLE


photo courtesy of the BROCKTONPOST.COM
 The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—A sea of red hats filled a portion of Brockton’s downtown Sunday after more than 800 people gathered to reclaim the world record for the most people wearing Santa Claus hats at one time and in one place. For full story and more great photos please see THE BROCKTON POST.

Friday, November 19, 2010

HATS ON TO BROCKTON

    This weekend on Sunday, November 21 at 12pm Brockton is going to try and break the world record for the most people gathered in one place wearing Santa Claus hats. The event will be at the corner of Main Street and Crescent street by the Parking Garage or where you see the large group of people wearing Santa Claus hats. The sign in will begin about 12pm so arrive early and the official count will be at 1pm. The event is being sponsored by the Downtown Business Association and Santa hats have already been given out to about 10,000 students in Brockton and hats are expected to be sold at the event for about $2, if you need one click here for locations to buy them. Participants who enter are automatically entered into a raffle to win a Kindle. See Our Community section for full story.

POLITICS AND HUMOR


STATE REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL BRADY


Thursday, November 18, 2010

ROBERT FORD FOR THE WATER COMMISSION


ROBERT FORD ON RIGHT FOR WATER COMMISSION
    Today at the monthly Water Commission meeting, Chairperson Bruce Malcolm announced that Jody Hickey, who was not in attendance at the meeting gave her letter of resignation to the commission. In an interview with Patrick Quinn Water Commission member, he was aware that Jody Hickey gave her resignation and indicated that it was for reasons due to scheduling conflicts and not being able to make the meetings. Ms.Hickey was appointed by Mayor Balzotti earlier this year and the process of appointing a new member is expected to begin soon.    
     BrocktonBeat is recommending Brockton City resident and recipient of a $17,000 water bill for the empty seat. We believe that transparency and admist the ongoing water billing issues that he would make an excellent candidate for the position. All readers are encourage to contact the Mayors office and endorse Robert Ford for the Water Commission. When asked what would he do if he was appointed on the commission Mr.Ford said "Free water for everybody in Brockton and a chicken in every pot." Mayor Balzotti were waiting.

WATER COMMISSION RESIGNATION

    Jody Hickey has resigned from the Water Commission. BrocktonBeat is at the meeting and will have more after the meeting.

EXCEPTIONAL MENTOR AWARD NOMINATION

      The Exceptional Mentor of the Year Award which is given out by Brockton's Promise will be held on January 27, 2011. The award is given to an adult by the Caring Adults team of Brocktons Promise to individuals in the our community that are recognized for their work that they do with our Citys youth. The nominees are sponsored by youths ages 24 and under by them submitting the nomination form distributed by Brocktons Promise.
    The forms need to be filled out by the youths and returned no later than November 17, 2010 and sent to:
    Amanda Trask
    Plymouth County DA's Office
    32 Belmont Street
    Brockton, Ma 02301
    amanda.trask@state.ma.us
    Fax: 508-586-3578

     You can contact Amanda Task at Brockton's Promise at 508-894-2516 if you have any question or you have trouble downloading copies of the form at BrocktonBeats Records. This is a great program and if you know any adults that work with our city youths give the youths the forms to fill out and help support this great program.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

BROCKTON HIGH SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTS 12

The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The Brockton High School Athletics Hall of Fame will induct 12 new members during a ceremony at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton during a special celebration Saturday Nov. 20 that will highlight the 25th year of the Hall of Fame honor.
The Class of 2010 inductees include nine athletes, two residents and one coach.
High School Athletic Director Thomas Kenney said in a prepared statement the 12 new inductees embody not only the athletic spirit, but also the educational. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

Monday, November 15, 2010

THE ARNONE SCHOOL GREEN TEAM WON!!

November 15, 2010 - On America Recycles Day, we are pleased to announce that the Arnone School's Green Team has won the America Recycle's Day contest, sponsored by Abitibi Paper Retriever! The team of students and advisors wrote, directed and produced a short video encouraging people to recycle, and their entry garnered the most votes in a national voting drive. Thanks to your support, the Arnone School Green Team has won a $5,500 donation to their school! For full press release and to watch the video please go to BrocktonBeats Community Section.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

BROCKTON POLICE LOG UPDATED TO MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010

     The Brockton Police Log is updated to Monday, November 8, 2010 and can be found at the Brockton Police Section. We will be publishing the log each week and expect to have the prior week available every Friday.

ARE YOU FOR REAL

This happened Friday, November 5th, 2010. Great Job Brockton Police:

2:49 p.m. Bank of America-683 Belmont Street. Parking Violation. 2 vehicles parked in the fire lane. Police used the air horn and 1st vehicle moved. 2nd vehicle given air horn and did not move. Police got out with ticket book and walked up to driver who was in vehicle and stated he would move it now. Police informed that he was being cited and he stated he was busy talking on cell phone and didn’t hear him. A female walked out of store taking the blame that he was parked there. Party cited and parking violation given.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY

     The Finance Committee will meet this Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber to consider several resolves. You can find the agenda in our Finance meeting section. For for more on story please see our City Politics Section.

Friday, November 12, 2010

BHS STORY TO AIR ON CBS NEWS SUNDAY

Press release-Brockton High School’s continued success will be the topic of a CBS Weekend News segment slated to air on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 6 p.m. A CBS producer spent two days at BHS in October, speaking with Principal Dr. Susan Szachowicz, faculty and students about how the region’s largest high school has defied its demographics to lead urban high schools in academic achievements. As with any story, the piece could be bumped for breaking news, but we invite you to tune in and celebrate the high school’s achievements.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

SGT. JOHN CHAN AND SGT. TOM MONAHAN
    Brocktonians came out today in force to show our support and honor to those who have served and are in service today that protect our right to live in a great country and let us live in freedom and to pursue our dreams and happiness. We have downloaded the whole Brocktons Annual Veterans Day Parade to watch in the Community Section and are downloading a special section for all the pictures that will be available later today.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

DRIVE SLOWER IN THE MORNING AND WATCH OUT

     The Traffic Commission voted tonight in a special meeting in response to a student that was hit in a school crossing last month on Pearl Street in front of the Hancock Elementary School to extend the yellow flashing lights in all school zones. The matter was brought up after the student was hit in the crosswalk when the lights where off. In that accident, speed was not a factor but operator error. For full story please go to our City Politics section.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

ARE YOU FOR REAL

This happened Thursday November 4, 2010

10:42 a.m. Disturbance by a drunk at the Family Dollar Store-190 Oak Street. Drunk male is out front and drinking Listerine. He is also harassing people and riding the kids ride out front. Police and ambulance respond and party taken to Good Samaritan without incident.

BROCKTON POLICE LOG UPDATED TO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010

     The Brockton Police log has been updated to Thursday, November 4, 2010. The rest of the log will be updated by the end of the week. A new feature we will be offering is ARE YOU FOR REAL. We take the Brockton Police log seriously but at times some of the calls that our police go to they have to scratch their heads and say I cant believe what I am seeing. We will feature log entries that are not violent nor poke fun at individuals by names but show the residents of  Brockton that our police at times they deal with some funny characters and situations and we all need humor these days. As they say laughter is the best medicine.

Monday, November 8, 2010

BROCKTONS ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE

     The City of Brockton will hold the annual Veteran's Day Parade this Thursday, November 11, at 10 a.m.The start of the parade will be the Brockton Fairgrounds at the Belmont Street entrance and will go down Belmont Street and take a left onto Main Street. The Parade will pause on Main Street at School Street for the Brockton Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums Band Strand Theater Tribute. After the pause the parade will continue down Main Street and take a left on Legion Parkway for a ceremony at the monument to honor all the Veterans. For more information about the City of Brocktons Veterans Day Parade contact Veterans Services at 508-580-7850.

Friday, November 5, 2010

.380 AUTOMATIC KEL-TAC GUN VIDEO

     The Brockton Police officer accused of waiving his gun at resteraunt employee's and then denying it but later the Newport police found a round or bullet on the ground happens in only one way with a gun. In order for a bullet to leave the gun it would have to be fired and he did not shoot his gun you would have the casing and a bullet some where but they found the whole bullet and the only way that happens is by what the victims described. He cocked the gun back with a bullet already in the chamber and the bullet ejected from it. This video is the gun that is allegedly used by the Brockton police officer and if you watch the video at 1 minute and 23 seconds you will see the guy cock the gun and a bullet will eject. The police officer did not shoot his gun as some are saying he cocked his gun and the bullet ejected.

BROCKTON PD OFFICER FACES DISCIPLINE AFTER NEWPORT NIGHT GONE BAD

photo courtesy of The Brockton Post

The BrocktonPost BROCKTON—A suspended Brockton Police officer faces two counts of felony assault and one felony count of carrying a weapon while intoxicated in criminal court and was expected for a disciplinary hearing today with Brockton city officials that could result in his termination from the department following a Saturday night Halloween celebration in Newport, Rhode Island that ended in the officer’s arrest for allegedly waving a gun at two restaurant employees. For complete story and more information go to The Brockton Post.


EFSB BEGINS BROCKTON POWER PLANT HEARINGS TUESDAY

The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The Energy Facilities Siting Board will begin hearings Tuesday, Nov. 9 to decide changes to plans for the proposed construction of a controversial 350-megawatt natural gas power plant expected to be built on the Brockton-West Bridgewater border.
A spokesman for the EFSB said the first hearing for the board to consider changes submitted by Brockton Clean Energy will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.
The hearing will be held at 1 South Station. The meeting room is on the second floor.
Hearings will also be held Monday, Nov. 15 and Thursday Dec. 2.
All hearings will be held at 10 a.m. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

BROCKTON POLICE LOG UPDATED TO NOVEMBER 1ST

     This week the log was delayed in being updated due to the election coverage. It is now up to date to November 1st and will be updated again next Tuesday as usual. Thank you for your patience.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

THE ARNONE SCHOOL NEEDS YOU

     The Arnone School's Green Team has a favor to ask: they entered the America Recycle's Day contest, sponsored by Abitibi Paper Retriever. The team of students and advisors wrote, directed and produced a short video encouraging people to recycle, and their entry was chosen among submissions from across the country as a finalist in the contest. The winning entry will receive a $5,500 donation to their school, so the Arnone Green Team is asking for your vote!
GO TO   http://www.paperretriever.com/infostore/creativityvoting.asp?mode=view&artcat=video  and watch the Arnone School video, which is listed under Dominic S/Arnone’s Green Team/Boston on the video page. Voters can only vote once per email address and voting ends on November 12th!
The Arnone Green Team is a great representative of the Brockton Public Schools and its creativity is apparent in the facts the student included in the message, which they set to a fantastic student-sung rap.
     The Arnone Green Team was founded during the 2009-2010 school year as part of the Smart Start Extended Day Program. The Green Team is made up of Arnone School 2nd and 3rd graders who meet after school to discuss the importance of preserving the environment. Under the direction of Extended Day Site Coordinators Dominic Santo, Sheilah Calhoun and Pam Brown, the team looks for ways kids can get involved in conserving our natural resources for the benefit of all.
      This year, the second and third graders in the project are collecting and recycling paper, cardboard, bottles and cans, Capri Sun Juice Pouches, Chip Bags, and Cookie Wrappers.
To date, the Team has recycled:
· 3.69 tons of paper
· 12,316 Capri Sun Juice Pouches
· 2,071 Chip Bags
278 Cookie Wrappers (Our newest initiative)
     The Arnone School is located on Belmont Street in Brockton and you can view the video by clicking on the above link and choosing the DominicS/Arnone School and vote for them. Get the word out, twitter and facebook everyone you know. We can win this, the kids have done a great job and they deserve the attention and the support of us.

DEMOCRATS HOLD THEIR POWER

REPRESENTATIVE CREEDON
    In an election year when many people said that the republicans are responding and acting like the democrats of 2 decades ago and that the democratic party is out of touch with the people in the United States. Massachusetts seemed to go against the rest of the Nation and choose to stay with their elected officials who have been in office and still voted primarily democratic in the Brockton Area. Many residents thought this would be the year that everything changed from people switching parties to candidates being elected who never had any type of political experience and started to shake things up for the 2 parties. Here are the election breakdown for Brockton and as predicted by the Magic 8-Ball.

Governor                              Deval Patrick
Secretary of State                 William Galvin
Attorney General                   Martha Coakley
Treasurer                              Steve Grossman
Auditor                                  Suzanne Bump 
Congressman                        Stephen Lynch 
State Senator                        Thomas Kennedy
9th Rep                                 Michael Brady
10th Rep                               Christine Canavan
11th Rep                               Geraldine Creedon
Plymouth DA                         Timothy Cruz
Plymouth Sheriff                     Joseph McDonald
Plymouth Commissioner         Timothy McMullen

Question 1- Exempt alcohol from state sales tax              YES
Question 2 -Repeal housing comprehensive permit law    NO
Question 3- Reduce sales tax to 3%                                NO
Rep.Canavan
Congressman Lynch










Rep.Brady


DA Cruz


Senator Kennedy

Sheriff McDonald




Tuesday, November 2, 2010

SHIP-JUMPING, BITTER BATTLES MARK 2010 ELECTION CYCLE

The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—When polls close at 8 tonight, it will mark the end of an election cycle that has been one for the record books—possibly in voter turnout and surely for the testy nature of several of the races and the ship-jumping that likely sunk former State Treasurer Timothy Cahill’s run for governor.
Brockton City Councilor-at-Large Jass Stewart, a Democrat, said the election cycle has been interesting—battles he hopes will end once ballots are cast today.
“There used to be a time when the idea was to destroy each other, and that’s what we’re seeing. It’s an election, but there used to be a time when that campaign came to an end when the election was over,” Stewart said. For full story please see The Brockton Post.

DOES ONE VOTE COUNT

     Every time elections come I use to ask myself does my one vote really count. The knowledge I have now and what I had seen in the 2000 Presidential election is yes. I was living in Florida at the time in Broward County, that was one of the contested hot spots for voting recounts. I came up to Massachusetts to visit my family and I was watching the election that night with my brother-in-law and we were talking and saying figures it boils down to a state that I lived in.
     He asked me if I put in an absentee ballot and I am ashamed to say that I didn't. I didn't think it mattered, my one vote. I went to sleep that night and I remember they declared Gore the winner in Florida and when I woke up I was shocked to hear that Bush won Florida.
     It came down that President George Bush won the state of Florida by only 537 votes and I was one of those votes because I normally vote democratic. I will never forget that and it finally answered my question, does my one vote count and yes it does. So I am off to my precinct to vote and I know my vote matters.

Monday, November 1, 2010

HAVING A PET ADDS YEARS ON YOUR LIFE

      In Brockton we all see them on the streets, the kittens that run away from us as soon as we go near them. They are all over this city and the Animal Protection Center does its best to provide homes to these cats and kittens when they are brought to them. Each week in BrocktonBeats Community section we will feature pets that are up for adoption at the Animal Protection Center. These are just some of the animals that they have for adoption and you can go to their website and find out more information on the adoption process and what type of services that they offer. The Center has cats, dogs and even birds up for adoption. So even if you cant adopt a pet, you can help in other ways by donating money or even donating animal food. Call them up first to see what they need. By the way studies have shown that people who have pets live longer.

BROCKTONBEAT SHAKES THE MAGIC 8-BALL

     BrocktonBeat has shaken its Magic 8-ball and here are the answers the Magic 8-ball gave. We took the ball and asked if the candidate would win or not and we took the first answer it gave. This is for real and  here are the answers.               

CANDIDATE                     ANSWER
GOVERNOR
Deval Patrick                   Outlook not so good
Charlie Baker                   Ask again later
Tim Cahill                         Better not tell you now
Jill Stein                            Very Doubtful

ATTORNEY GENERAL
Martha Coakley                Signs point to yes
Guy Carbone                    Don't count on it
Jim McKenna                    My sources say no

SECRETARY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Bill Galvin                          Without a doubt
Bill Campbell                     Reply hazy,try again
Jim Henderson                   My reply is no

STATE TREASURER
Steve Grossman                 Signs point to yes
Karyn Polito                        Very doubtful

STATE AUDITOR
Suzanne Bump                    It is certain
Mary Connaughton             Cannot predict now
Nat Fortune                        My reply is no

FEDERAL DISTRICT 9
Stephen Lynch                   Yes
Vernon Harrison                 Don't count on it
Phil Dunkelbarger               My reply is no

STATE 10TH PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
Christine Canavan              Without a doubt
John Cruz                            My reply is no

STATE 11TH PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
Kristine Abrams                   My reply is no
Geraldine Creedon              Without a doubt

PLYMOUTH COUNTY DA
Timothy Cruz                       Yes
John Shea                           Outlook not so good

PLYMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF
Joseph D McDonald            Without a doubt
Thomas Chambers              Outlook not so good

PLYMOUTH COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Timothy J. McMullen            Cannot predict now
Sandra M. Wright                Cannot predict now

          

Thursday, October 28, 2010

GOVERNOR DEVAL IN BROCKTON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2010

Photo Courtesty of The Brockton Post
     Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to come to Brockton Friday the 29th. The Governor will  be at Brockton High School at 9:30am making a presentation. As most of America knows Brockton High School has made incredible strides for a large High School breaking the rule "Small is Better" by out scoring over 90% of the High Schools in Massachusetts in Reading.
     With election day just  a couple of  days away, the Governor will be heading over to the Democratic re-election campaign headquarters in Brockton and supporting the "Get Out the Vote" bus. The bus will be touring dozens of communites before election day all along the southeastern part of Massachusetts.

BROCKTON SCHOOL LUNCH ACCOUNTS GO ONLINE

The BrocktonPost

BROCKTON--Brockton Public Schools will now offer parents an online account for student lunches that allows parents to prepay balances, review purchases and keep an eye on what their kids are eating to ensure students are making healthy choices.
In a prepared statement, school officials said the new program is a partnership with Mealpayplus, an online prepayment system that offers parents a safe, easy and convenient way to prepay for their children's school meals. For full article please see todays Brockton Post.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

FIRE SAFETY CONTEST BRINGS CHANCE AT $10,000 FOR BROCKTON FD

The BrocktonPost

BROCKTON--The Brockton Fire Department is asking residents for help--before Oct. 31.
They're not asking for money or increased taxes, just head to Liberty Mutual Insurance's website www.befiresmart.com and help the department win a contest for a $10,000 grant toward programs and services.
"We encourage all residents and their families to take this time to learn and become more safety conscious in their daily lives," said Fire Lt. Joseph DePasquale in an email. "This grant will be used to help the Fire Department continue its efforts to make Brockton a safer place to live," he said.
The contest ends Sunday Oct. 31.
All residents have to do is go to www.befiresmart.com and take a simple 10-question quiz.
We at BrocktonPost took the quiz and we finished in less than 2 minutes. Questions were multiple choice or true and false. Answers offer fire safety basics and facts.
Don't wait--visit www.befiresmart.com
(Photo courtesy Liberty Mutual Insurance)
This story was used with the permission of The Brockton Post.
We also at BrocktonBeat took the quiz and finished in less than 2 minutes.