Sharon Water Committee Recommends Lower Rates for Heavy Water Users

The following letter was submitted to Sharon Patch by resident Paul Lauenstein.

The Sharon Water Management Advisory Committee voted on Feb. 28 to recommend leveling Sharon’s conservation-oriented, ascending-block water rates. If adopted by the Sharon Board of Selectmen, the new rate structure would reduce the rate paid by the town’s heaviest users, such as those with expansive lawn irrigation systems, while increasing rates for households that use less water. Water committee members cited a need to be fair to large families, pointing out that the current rate structure tends to hit them harder than households with fewer occupants. However, the leveled rate structure they recommended would increase water bills for conserving households of all sizes, including a majority of large households that use water efficiently. …

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Letter to the Editor: Sen. Timilty Thanks Sharon Residents

The following Letter-to-the-Editor was submitted by Senator Jim Timilty.

An Open Letter to the Residents of Sharon, It is with great humility and gratitude that I write to thank the residents of Sharon for the privilege and honor to serve you in the Massachusetts Senate for another two years. Over the past decade of knocking on doors and crisscrossing the district, I have enjoyed the opportunity to hear the voices of many parents, small business owners and concerned citizens. Since I was first sworn in to the Massachusetts Senate in January of 2005, I have been working hard to implement change to address those concerns to improve our schools, invest in our economy and reduce wasteful spending and over regulation. I think my record shows that these have not been campaign promises but a proven record of action, …

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Letter to the Editor: Support Sharon's Conservation Water Rates

Sharon resident Paul Lauenstein weighs in Sharon's water rates an asks for support from fellow residents.

Letter to the Editor: Healthy Living

A Sharon parent discusses ways to create a healthy environment in the home.

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Sharon resident and parent Judy Heap.  As a parent, I have tried to learn about creating a healthy environment in my home. I use an air-popper instead of the more convenient microwave popcorn. I used low-VOC paint in my son’s room and green cleaning products. I don’t use k-cups due to the environmental impact. I have a small organic garden, and got more organic vegetables from the moose hill CSA all summer. I pack my son’s lunch in small stainless steel containers, avoiding plastics, disposable containers and juice boxes. I have signed petitions to label GMOs and donated to environmental causes. I wrote to the school committee on Aug. 15, 2012 proposing a ban on staff and student use of perfume…

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Laura Henze Russell

8:26 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Judy, Well said! I'd like to connect on my Hidden River One Challenge campaign to promote health and vitality by recognizing our bodies, ourselves, our environment, and our futures are far better when we let us thrive in an environment closer to the one in which we were created, which evolved slowly and intelligently over time. I would love to get your ideas and energy in this effort!   more ›

Letter to the Editor: Support Sharon's Conservation Water Rates

One local resident weighs in Sharon's water rates an asks for support from fellow residents.

Editor's Note: the following was submitted to Sharon Patch by local resident Paul Lauenstein. Sharon's award-winning water conservation program is saving approximately 100 million gallons per year (about 20 percent), which is also saving about $30,000 per year worth of electricity to pump the wells (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), $40,000 per year worth of water treatment chemicals, and millions of dollars in avoided costs of importing MWRA water. Less well pumping also improves our drinking water quality, and spares more water for local brooks and wetlands. Sharon is demonstrating the great potential for efficient use of resources like water and energy, which helps our economy, our health, and our environment, and creates a brighter …

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Sean Bielat: The Clear Choice For the Middle Class

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Letter to the editor Sean Slater.

I watched Sean Bielat interact with people on the Franklin common during the 4th of July celebration.  The feedback I heard from other residents that day was that this guy actually listens and doesn’t talk over you,  doesn’t come across as somebody who wants to be a career politician, wants to limit government involvement in our lives and overall a genuinely nice guy.   I was also reminded that nice guys with personal integrity don’t always survive elections in Massachusetts.  For those that don’t know Sean, it is worth noting that his priorities are consistent with those of the middle class and small business owners.    Sean worked his way through school with the help of scholarships and the GI Bill.  He is a U.S. Marine whose courage and…

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Letter to the Editor: Conservation Water Rates

One local resident weighs in Sharon's water rates.

Editor's Note: the following was submitted to Sharon Patch by local resident Paul Lauenstein. Sharon's conservation-oriented water rates have helped improve the town's water use efficiency by 20 percent, saving over 100 million gallons per year compared to the 1990's, despite a 7-percent increase in population. Higher rates for higher usage encourage conservation year round, while higher summer rates provide additional incentive to conserve water when demand is highest and local water resources are most stressed. A modest fixed quarterly fee of $15 covers the cost of servicing each account without unduly penalizing those who conserve. Unfortunately, the current rate structure is under fire from those who would prefer a single water rate …

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greg Chick

12:15 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012

This article makes very clear sense. The task is clear, the resolve is clear, "it's a no brainer". Well said Paul. Greg Chick, 35+ yr. veteran in water industry.   more ›

Letter to the Editor: Sharon Boy Scouts Seek Help With Eagle Project

They're raising awareness of dumping into storm drains.

To the Editor: Have you been wondering what those safety vested kids and adults were doing out in the Sharon Woods area or North Main Street or Brook Road area this past weekend? Well, they are all part of Sully Gassmann’s Eagle Scout project. Sully and the BSA Troop 95 scouts and parents, are working fast and furiously to protect our watershed by raising awareness of the perils of dumping into our 2,500 storm drains. Storm drain runoff is full of contaminants and poses a very serious threat to the quality of our water. Sully and team have already stenciled more than 300 storm drains with the urgent message: No Dumping/Drains to Stream. They plan on stenciling another 900 before the summer is over. So, want to make a difference? Volunteers…

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Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Riding in Safety Seat Reduces Child's Risk During Crashes

State law requires children to ride in such seats.

To the Editor: Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for young children. A minor crash or even a sudden stop can seriously injure a child who is not riding in the right type of child safety seat. You can reduce the risk by having your child always ride in a safety seat. The Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law requires children to ride as passengers in motor vehicles in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old or over 57” tall. Also, follow vehicle manufacturer's warnings about seating children near airbags. It is recommended that children 12 and under always ride in the back seat to avoid sitting in front of an airbag. For more information on…

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Letter to the Editor: Video Shows Sharon's Beauty

Enjoy the town's natural wonders, he says

To the Editor: Sharon's motto is "a better place to live because it's naturally beautiful." Sharon's natural beauty enhances our quality of life, and supports our property values. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aygc3eTroVo.  Get out and enjoy our natural surroundings this summer. Explore Sharon's network of walking trails. A trail map can be found at: http://sharonfoc.org/maps.html. Take along a camera in case you encounter interesting wildlife or wildflowers, and share your best shots at: http://sharonfoc.org/sightings.html. Paul Lauenstein Sharon

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