It is my pleasure to announce the program for my 2002 Hampshire & Franklin Municipal Conference on Saturday, April 13th, at The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center (formerly The Inn at Northampton). Several leaders from the Legislature and the Administration have agreed to attend and I hope that you will be able to join us for a day of lively discussion, a sandwich buffet lunch and a keynote speech from Senate President Thomas Birmingham.

Please take a minute to review the lineup of this year's conference. If you have any questions, or to RSVP, call my district office at 413-587-6289, or send an e-mail to Tom in my district office at tumitch@sprynet.com.

I'm looking forward to seeing you April 13th!

Elder Affairs

The state's priorities in meeting seniors' healthcare needs will be addressed in this session.

Panelists:

Sen. Richard Moore Rep. Harriett Stanley Chairs, Health Care Rep. Antonio Cabral Chair, Elder Affairs

Wildlife Management

This session will focus on wildlife management issues, especially those concerning bears and beavers.

Panelists:

Jonathan Healy Commissioner, Dept. Food/Ag. Rob Deblinger Asst. Director, Div. Of Fish/Wildlife Joe Larson Board Member, Div. Of Fish/Wildlife Secretary Robert Durand Exec. Office, Enviro. Affairs (Invited)

Education Financing

Topics will include School Building Assistance, SPED Circuit Breaker, Chpt. 70.

Panelists:

Rep. Peter Larkin Chair, Education David Driscoll Education Commissioner

Transportation & Construction

Topics will include Chpt. 90, rural roads standards, county roads, etc.

Panelists:

Local and State Representatives from MassHighway

Second Session Panels
10:45 am-12:15 pm (choose one)

Public Safety/Anti-Terrorism

The new Anti-Terrorism bill and local preparedness plans will be discussed in this session.

Panelists:

Secretary James Jajuga Exec. Office, Public Safety Rep. Timothy Toomey Chair, Public Safety Stephen McGrail Director, MEMA John Pappas Regional Director, MEMA Sen. Richard Moore

Housing & Community Development

Topics will include affordable housing, elder housing, grant programs, Executive Order #418.

Panelists:

Rep. Michael Cahill Chair, Housing Rob Ebersole Deputy Director, Dept.of Housing & Community Development Paul Douglas Exec. Director, Franklin County Housing & Re-Development Authority Don Bianchi Housing Director, Hilltown Community Development Corp. Jim Durkin Legislative Director, Sen. Panagiotakos, Chair, Housing Committee

Bi-Lingual Education

This panel will focus on the Bi-Lingual Education Ballot Questions.

Panelists:

Rep. Peter Larkin Chair, Education David Driscoll Education Commissioner Rep. Ellen Story Rep. Antonio Cabral

Community Preservation Act Update

Panelists:

Sen. Stephen Brewer Chair, Natural Resources Jonathan Healy Commissioner, Dept. Food/Ag. Sen. Marc Pacheco Secretary Robert Durand Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (invited)

Registration Form
(Please register by April 10th)

If you want to register on-line, please fill out the form below. Don't forget to tell us which panels you want to attend!

See you in April.

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