The Stoneham Blog

What do you think of Sarah Palin?

Posted on September 5, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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Gov. Patrick’s proposal to deploy civilian flaggers

Posted on August 18, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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Beijing Olympics, how do you feel?

Posted on August 11, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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How do you feel about our participation in the Beijing Olympics?
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Will you change your cell phone habits?

Posted on August 6, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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Contaminated gas damaging cars

Posted on July 29, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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A story came to my attention in the past month (see A ‘gastly’ problem) about contaminated gas destroying catalytic converters and oxygen sensors in the Boston area. Within my immediate family, two members have experienced this problem and received the same responses from their dealerships: There’s nothing we can do, try Exxon or Shell gas stations, instead of Sunoco. Some dealerships have even stopped covering warranty customers for converter and sensor repairs. This is obviously incredibly frustrating and has burned a whole in many motorists’ pockets. Catalytic converters can cost anywhere from $500-1,000.
The contaminated gas, which contains higher than 10 percent of ethanol and another “mystery substance,” is causing oxygen sensors to give off unreadable codes that are baffling mechanics around the state and leaving motorists motionless.
Paying $4 a gallon for gas — only to have it damage our cars — has made driving an expense luxury.
I wonder, how many people have been experiencing this problem?

Dogs at work?

Posted on July 28, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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Cell towers pose health risk?

Posted on June 10, 2008 by Amy Saltzman
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Although there’s been no proof that the radiofrequency energy given off by cell towers is harmful, why do you suppose people all across America seem to instinctively object to the construction of these towers?

To many people, it would seem unsafe to be exposed to low levels of this radiation for a prolonged period of time. How do you feel?

During the Board of Appeals meeting on May 29, the public was told to avoid discussing these fears, since federal law does not allow towns to reject cell tower plans based on health concerns (see “Tough Cells”). Is this a violation of the Freedom of Speech?

The Food and Drug Administration is in charge of “protecting the public from harmful radiation emissions” from electronics such as microwave ovens, television sets and computer monitors, according to its Web site.

While the Federal Communications Commission is in charge of routinely monitoring these emissions within its jurisdiction. But the FCC cannot monitor all transmitters. So upon request the commission will provide towns with the necessary tools to measure RF energy. So concerned residents and/or town workers may ask the FCC for these tools to monitor the cell tower emissions on their own.

Is this something that would interest the public?

Banning trans fats?

Posted on March 13, 2008 by admin
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The city of Boston is considering banning all foods containing trans fat at area restaurants, schools and hospitals.

The city’s public health commission is voting on the ban later today.

Brookline is the only city in the state has successfully adopted such a ban, but New York City has as well.

What do Stoneham residents think about this? Do you think a decision like this should be in the hands of elected officials or is up to individuals to decide what they want to eat?

A good move or a step over the line?

Posted on February 21, 2008 by admin
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With Selectman Paul Rotondi leading the charge, the board vowed not to even consider continuing the trash fee until the unions agree to opt into the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Tuesday night. The measure was approved 4-1, with Chairman George Seibold as the dissenting vote. At the meeting, several in the audience questioned this move and some even went as far to say it was against the law. Town Administrator David Ragucci assured the people that the selectmen were well within their legal right to pass such a motion.

Even though the move was totally legal, the question of whether or not it’s moral still remains. Do you think that the selectmen did the right thing Tuesday night or did they go over the line on this one?

Give us your thoughts.

Cracking down on cell phones behind the wheel

Posted on January 31, 2008 by admin
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As I was driving back from an appointment in Stoneham to my office in Medford Square this morning I realized something. I was on my cell phone and thought to myself, the days of talking and driving may soon be numbered.

The state Legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit motorists from using hand held cell phones while driving. Supporters of the bill maintain that driving and talking is a dangerous action that puts the driver and others on the road at serious risk.

I can see this point of view, but at the same time realize that I am someone that spends a lot of time in my car and often use that time to make a couple of calls.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the Legislature is stepping on people’s toes by taking this bill on, or do you think it’s an action that’s long overdue?

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