North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction

The North Atlantic right whales have long lived off the coast of Massachusetts, but now they’re dangerously close to extinction. To avoid this, we can lose only one right whale per year and this year we’ve already lost five as a result of human activities. One of the main causes of right whale deaths is vessel strikes. Climate change has altered where right whale food sources are and they have changed their migration patterns meaning safeguards to prevent vessel strikes aren’t doing as much as they could be to protect where they live now.

Luckily, we can save the right whale. The Biden administration is considering a new rule that would slow down boats and give the whales a safe passage down our coastline. We need people who love whales and oceans to step up and call their local representatives to encourage Biden to sign this common sense solution and to save the North Atlantic Right Whale. At UMass Lowell we have already collected hundreds of signatures of support as well as many personal stories from students who want the right whale to be a part of their future.

— Sarah Eazzetta

— Lowell, MA

Support Sen. John Cronin on Election Day

I am writing to encourage the residents of Worcester and Middlesex counties to vote for the election of John Cronin as our state Senator.

I have come to know John well over the last four years, and find him to be honest, direct and reliable. John has proven himself able and willing to work with members of both parties, and able to place the interests of the people of this area first.

I am especially respectful of John’s service to this country in the Army, and his willingness to serve as a combat officer in Afghanistan following his graduation from West Point. Politicians today rarely, if ever, accept such risks or responsibilities.

John lives the values of our parents and grandparents who served in our country’s most difficult times. I strongly urge support for John Cronin as our state Senator.

— Bob Antonioni

— Former state senator

— Leominster, MA

Margaret Scarsdale for Lunenburg’s state rep.

After a number of meetings with state Rep. Margaret Scarsdale; both Jane and I have concluded: Margaret is the Real Deal. She is a retired teacher who is warm hearted, intelligent, focused and driven with the desire to do “Good Things” for people. As a first term State Representative for our district; she has delivered an impressive array of accomplishments with a “boat load” of additional projects in the que. She diligently and cooperatively works with a coalition of our local legislators and town governments. The results of her efforts have delivered significant funds for our Town and District. Her first round of accomplishments included funds for Schools, Seniors, Housing, Library and one of our favorites is help with the Town Food pantry.

Margaret has been endorsed twice by the Environmental League of Mass, and has sponsored or cosponsored more than 100 pieces of legislation aimed at protecting our environment. She is “knee deep” in the Health Care/ Nashoba Hospital fight, and is dedicated to our local health care. She sits on the Joint Committee for Community Development and Small Business.

Perhaps even more heartwarming is her dedication to helping people directly. She has been a volunteer with the “meals-on-wheels Program” for approximately 15 years…. Yes, she continues to personally deliver food and assistance to those in need while still working as our representative in the State House. She is an extraordinary person who deserves the opportunity to continue working for our Lunenburg community and the First Middlesex District. Please give her your vote!

— Jack and Jane Rabbitt

— Lunenburg, MA

Vote ‘yes’ on Question 2

The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) became a graduation requirement in Massachusetts in 2003. We have had over 21 years and clearly it is not working. Some would say things have gotten even worse since the MCAS requirement was instituted. The concerns that lowering standards would impair our ability to properly prepare our future workforce does not hold water. History bores that out.

Eliminating the MCAS passing requirement would give teachers more flexibility, creativity, and time in the classroom instead of spending so much time getting the students to pass that one test. Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and many other highly successful people never had to pass an MCAS test to graduate high school. Reallocating our limited resources to focus on preparing our children to succeed in the real world is a far better option. I am not against testing, testing is a useful tool that should be part of the overall education plan, not a sole requirement to pass.

— Henry Gagnon

— Tyngsborough, MA

Elect Nick Pirro, Lynne Archambault in November

It is time for a housecleaning on Beacon Hill. We observe problems such as nepotism at the top of the state house, refusal to allow the legislature’s books to be audited, and a dysfunctional transit system to name a few. Lunenburg taxpayers deserve new leadership.

We are now represented by a phantom of a state representative who has yet to speak on the floor of the chamber and a senator who may be mimicking the financial adventures alleged of his predecessor.

Voters, it’s time to elect Nick Pirro to the state senate and Lynne Archambault to the house. Bring your brooms to the poles for a clean sweep!

— John B. Tata

— Lunenburg, MA

Reelect state Rep. Margaret Scarsdale

I’m asking for your vote to reelect Margaret Scarsdale as state rep. for the First Middlesex District, which includes Townsend, Ashby, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Groton, and Dunstable.

We need a representative who won’t give up when faced with complex issues, and instead finds solutions through collaboration. I‘ve known Margaret for 8 years; her work ethic and tenacity are unmatched. She is a proven, experienced leader who listens to different perspectives to find answers that best suit all our needs.

Rep. Scarsdale gets results. In her first term, she brought in over $7 million in state funds supporting various needs of all six towns. She also brought together community leaders to work on veterans’ issues, affordable housing and economic development.

Rep. Scarsdale digs into complex issues, like working to solve school state funding formulas. She spearheaded uniting 200-plus “minimum aid” districts to collaborate on solutions to benefit schools and student transportation. Further, her reputation for tenacity earned her a gubernatorial appointment to the Nashoba Valley Working Group, which is working toward the continuity of health care services following the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center.

I vote for candidates that reflect my values and beliefs, and who have the best interests of all the residents at heart, regardless of party lines. I urge the voters of the First Middlesex District to please give Rep. Margaret Scarsdale your vote to continue the good work she has started. You can find details about these accomplishments, ongoing work, and more @MargaretScarsdale.com.

— Deborah Fountain,

— Pepperell, MA