The Eagle Tribune Thu Oct 28, 2010, 01:20 AM EDT

To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank state Rep. Barbara L’Italien for her outstanding leadership and support for the children and families in our communities. She has been a strong advocate and voice for the early intervention services in Massachusetts.

As the executive director of an agency which has an early intervention program with sites located in Andover and Lawrence, I have had the privilege of serving thousands of children and families over the last thirty seven years. Rep. L’Italien has served our communities well during her tenure as a representative. I am impressed with the way she balances her incredible compassion for children with the ability to craft cost-effective strategies and solutions to ensure that children and families have access to the specialized services we provide.

Rep. L’Italien has worked tirelessly in the Massachusetts House as a champion of all children’s issues. But this year, as vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, she led several initiatives that saved the early intervention system from a devastating budget shortfall. She accomplished this without significant cost increases to the state, including:

Passed first-dollar insurance coverage for early intervention services, which exempts co-payments and deductibles for these services, yielding cost savings to the state and families.

Approved supplemental funding and cost-sharing language to close the budget shortfall.

Implemented the new autism insurance law, which extends insurance coverage for all children and adults with autism.

Rep. L’Italien knows that the services we provide to children and families truly make a difference in their lives and future development. The state’s cost effective investment in early intervention services has generated long-term savings for our local school systems through reduced special education costs. Early intervention is also more cost-effective for health insurers and small businesses than rehabilitation services provided in clinical settings at much greater cost to families and insurance subscribers.

Rep. L’Italien is a true champion for our children and our future.

Veryl D. Anderson
Executive Director
The Professional Center for Child Development

To the editor:
This may come as news to many, but Massachusetts is fairing much better in these tough economic times than most of the rest of the country. Our unemployment rate is a full point lower than the national average, and our schools are tops in the country. These facts belie the cries of Republicans that we are falling behind and our leadership has been ineffective.
Massachusetts is not responsible for the worldwide economic downturn and is suffering economically along with every other government entity. Slowing of economic activity reduces revenues. Our governor has responded by making several cuts and finding creative ways of increasing revenues. Our legislative leaders have made tough choices and found ways to reduce expenditures, minimizing the need to dig deeply into the rainy day fund. Just a few years ago, some Republicans were recommending draining this fund because they claimed it amounted to over-taxing the public. Had we listened to this shortsighted and irresponsible advice we would have met with economic ruin today.
Georgetown’s two representatives in the general assembly are leaders that have helped assure we weathered the worst. Barbara L’Italien and Harriett Stanley are two of the most talented and knowledgeable people in the State House, and they have risen to two of the most powerful positions in the House. Barbara is the Vice-Chairperson of Ways & Means, and Harriet is the Chairperson of the Health Care Financing Committee. Both are extremely well-versed in the financial inner-workings of the State and have been invaluable to the successful way we have dealt with these difficult economic times.
Harriett and Barbara are being challenged by Republican novices who have provided little in the way of a plan for the future. Their campaigns are full of platitudes and short on substance. They have no plans except to make vassal promises that can’t be kept without severely cutting services and key programs that make Massachusetts tops in the country.
The days of “Taxachusetts” are over. The tax burden on our residents is about average for the country. Accordingly, it would seem we are getting a pretty good “bang for our buck.”
Let’s not regress. Let’s keep moving forward by re-electing Barbara and Harriett and keep Massachusetts one of the best places in the country to live and raise a family.

Frank Puopolo
Pond Street
Georgetown

Posted Oct 27, 2010

To the editor:

If you love the environment and live in Georgetown, Boxford or North Andover, I hope you’ll join me in voting for Barbara L’Italien as State Representative on Nov. 2.

Barbara is one of the strongest advocates at the state level for the Community Preservation Act (CPA). All three of our towns have adopted CPA, and it has enabled us to protect a combined 650 acres for open space and recreation. The list of projects is impressive, including important watershed land around North Andover’s reservoir, Lake Cochichewick, Windrush Farm therapeutic riding center in North Andover and Boxford, Anvil Farm and Cargill Fields in Boxford, and Hampshire Woods in Georgetown.

Barbara is also leading the current effort to pass legislation to strengthen CPA and provide more funding for all three of our towns through the statewide CPA trust fund. Thanks to her important position as Vice Chair of House Ways and Means, the bill is making significant progress.

We need to return Barbara to the state legislature in January so that she can continue fighting for the environment and the Community Preservation Act.

Stuart Saginor

Spofford Road

Boxford

Posted Oct 25, 2010

To the editor:

As a town selectman for Boxford, I always try to act in the town’s best interest when addressing the issues and concerns facing our town.  Barbara L’Italien, our State Representative as well as the Vice Chair of House Ways and Means, also acts in the best interest of our town.

I urge you to vote for Barbara L’Italien, State Representative.

Through the strong position she currently holds, she was a key contributor to the Boxford Salt Study approval.  She had pushed for Boxford to receive a grant to re-pave Rt. 133, a huge money-saving accomplishment for each of us, the taxpayer.

Currently, she is closely involved to improve the Community Preservation Act by working to raise the match the state gives back to the town.  Her involvement with the Boxford Council on Aging is consistent.  One day each month a staff member from her office comes to discuss any issue or concern the residents have.  She has made an effort to discuss the fuel assistance program the state offers for eligible residents.

By calling her office, all questions and/or concerns from Boxford residents are answered.

Barbara L’Italien, State Representative, represents 1 precinct in Boxford.  However, she works for all of us.  She has proven that she is committed and dedicated to the Town of Boxford.

Please join me in voting for Barbara L’Italien, State Representative.

Thank you,

Mary Anne Nay

Woodhill Lane,

Boxford

Posted Oct 25, 2010

To the Editor

Boxford should vote for Barbara L’Italien for state rep for Precinct 2.  Barbara played a crucial role in getting legislation passed requiring MassDOT to fund a study of road salt pollution of wells in Boxford along I-95.  As Vice Chair of Ways and Means she was able to get immediate funding from this year’s budget.

Her bi-partisan effort on legislation for the salt study, is just part of the story.  Ms. L’Italien has worked across the aisle on reform of pensions, streamlining bureaucracy, and dissolution of Mass Turnpike Authority.

Ms. L’Italien has impressed me with her intelligence, hard work and balanced and reasonable approach to budgeting.   We are lucky to have her representing Boxford precinct 2 as well as precincts in neighboring towns.

Louise B. Kress

Stiles Pond Road

West Boxford

Posted Oct 25, 2010

To the editor:

If I lived in Precinct 2, I would cast my vote for Representative Barbara L’Italien.  Here’s why:

As a Selectman in my first term I can tell you we have asked Representative L’Italien for assistance on numerous occasions.

Barbara was vital to a recent success in our ongoing battle with the State regarding salt contamination of private wells. The Board of Health, Selectmen and the Boxford Watershed Association developed language that requires the State to fund a water study that will finally provide a clear path to clean water for affected residents.  As Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Barbara was able to compel the State to action.

When the town approved funding for $620,000 of the Cole School Roof replacement without first applying for a reimbursement from available grants, Barbara stepped in to help us recover funding.

Representative L’Italien has worked with her colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, on the issues above. She’s also helped secure funding for very expensive road construction projects and additional funding for education.

In short, every time we ask Barbara L’Italien to deliver for the Town of Boxford she delivers.

The Town of Boxford is not as dependent on State funding as most other towns and cities, but we do send our fair share of taxes to the State coffers.  In my opinion we cannot afford to lose Representative Barbara L’Italien’s leadership in the House.

Sincerely,

Preston Galarneau

Selectman

Former Chair, Finance Committe

Posted Oct 22, 2010

To the editor:

In an era when many are skeptical about politicians, who seem to spend more time worrying about their next reelection than about the job at hand, Barbara L’Italien has proven time and again her dedication to her constituents and the neighborhoods in which we work and live.

Two years ago, our neighborhood found itself in a political quagmire with the state, a bureaucratic nightmare with the town, and the deep pocket deception of a multi-national company — a losing proposition at best. Barbara was the only local representative who answered our request for help. She came to our meetings, investigated and explained pertinent Federal and State regulations and laws, met with us off business hours, confronted senior state politicians with ulterior motives, and brought our issue to the right people within state government. Without her strength of character, positive reputation with state leaders, fearless tenacity, and dedication to a cause that would bring her no individual recognition, we would all be staring at a 125’ technologically unnecessary cell structure towering above one of the most scenic roads in Andover.

This is what a state representative should be. Someone who takes the time to understand the rights of individual citizens, one who is not afraid to tactfully confront a system that needs fixing, who understands our expectation that representation is a full time job, and one who does not make decisions or choose sides based on personal benefit or self promotion. Barbara is a politician for all of the right reasons – because she believes that one person can make a difference. She delivers this and more. She is in touch with the people she represents, attends local meetings and events in all of the towns she serves – not only sandwiching those visits around election time, but all the time. She has become a respected voice in the State House, is known for careful, independent consideration of issues, a strong work ethic, and a motivation to do what is right. I am proud to call Barbara L’Italien my representative in the State House and encourage you to vote for her.

Aileen Peters

6 Stone Post Rd

Andover

Posted Oct 20, 2010

To the Editor:
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Representative Barbara L’Italien for
sponsoring the Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA). This bill,
which will take effect 1/1/2011, will end medical discrimination against Massachusetts
individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

When you have a child with autism, you want to do everything in your power to help
them reach their full potential. I have tried numerous times to get evidence-based
therapies (OT, PT and Speech) funded through my insurance company for my son. It
was so frustrating to be told over and over again NO. Autism wasn’t a recognized
diagnosis for these types of treatments.

Luckily, Representative L’Italien listened to and acted on behalf of the over 10,000
children and many adults with ASD in Massachusetts. ARICA will enhance access to
treatments for people with ASD and produce long & short term cost savings to
Massachusetts, with minimal impact on insurance premiums. It will substantially
improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism.
On behalf of my son and family, thank you Representative L’Italien.
Jill Fitzpatrick
Methuen

To the editor:
I strongly urge fellow voters to re-elect Barbara L’Italien as representative of the 18th district. She has been a tireless worker for all citizens. Her advocacy on behalf of senior citizens to make certain they have the help and care needed are unending. Barbara initiated legislation to help seniors stay in their own homes through the Caring Homes project and has taken action to ensure funding for the Senior Circuit-Breaker tax relief program.
Barbara represents her constituents on family and quality-of-life issues. She is a champion for people of all ages with disabilities. She personally visited my elderly blind parents at their home to make certain their needs were being met.
Representative L’Italien has successfully passed legislation that promotes economic growth in each of the six communities in the 18th district. As Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, she can make a difference for each of us. Barbara is an honest legislator whose integrity is above reproach. I hope you will join me in voting for Barbara on Nov. 2.
Marilyn Fitzgerald
Washington Avenue
Andover

Dear Editor,

Jim Lyons has “had enough” and is “declaring his independence.” Okay…so what else?

Four years serving on a town board has taught me a few things about folks, and in particular those who run for office. The most productive and effective public servants are invariably those who choose to serve simply because others recognized their skills and work ethic, and asked them to run. They don’t make grand speeches, pound on tables, vaguely declare grandiose agendas, or worst of all, state that their rise to office will “fix everything.”

Before first taking office in 2003, Barbara L’Italien was a social worker, serving the elderly at Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline and West Suburban Elder Services. Others recognized her skills and dedication to others, and convinced her to run for office. Her involvement in community service, her tireless work on behalf of the elderly, special needs children, and the poor, mark her as a true public servant. She compassionately volunteers her time to countless local organizations, while effectively serving as legislator. Barbara is a leader, and contrary to the simplistic opinions of others, has worked hard to reform the Massachusetts pension system, transportation systems, and ethics laws. Her service and the subsequent awards are too lengthy to list here, but you need only to visit her website, teambarbara.com, to see the weight of her work over the past seven years.

I support Barbara L’Italien because I know her as honest, thoughtful and hardworking. We are lucky to have her and I ask that you vote for Barbara on November 2nd.

Sincerely,
Chris Allen
North Andover School Committee Member