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Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, November 1, 2019 MassFiscal applauds Senate’s reasonable approach to Campaign Finance Bill No tricks in bill despite Halloween release T he Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance released the following statement in response to the State Senate’s removal of controversial elements from a campaign finance bill passed by House lawmakers several weeks ago. The House version of the bill included a provision that sought to strip the Republican party of their voice in the selection of the director of the Office of Campaign & Political Finance. The House legislation sought to replace the current bipartisan committee that makes the selection with one dominated by Democratic politicians and their appointees. “Common sense and bipartisanship prevailed in the State Senate, which is in stark contrast to the approach taken by the Speaker. On both sides of the aisle, the Senators who worked on the bill should be applauded,” said Paul D. Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. The controversial provision seeks to replace a system in place since 1973, wherein the director of OCPF is selected by the Chair of the Republican Party, Chair of the Democratic Party, and appointees of both the Secretary of State and the Governor. A unanimous vote is currently required for appointment, guaranteeing the selection of a consensus candidate acceptable to all parties. “If the House proposal were to be enacted, the agency’s integrity would be questioned. When the House took the vote to move the controversial provision forward, they voted to transform the Office of Campaign and Political Finance into the ‘Democratic’ Office of Campaign and Political Finance,” said Craney. The proposed change concentrated much of the power in the selection process into the hands of the Secretary of State and Attorney General. Those offices have been occupied by Democrats since 1949 and 1969, respectively, and would have the power to consistently outvote the Governor on all matters. Election of the director would also no longer require a unanimous decision, with that threshold being lowered to four-fifths. “Campaign finance law should be fair and clear. Fair for all parties and clear so that everyone can follow the law. House Democrats sought to make our campaign finance laws fundamentally unfair. The Senate deserves credit for undoing that wrong and we sincerely hope that they insist on their wording when the bill inevitably goes to conference,” said Craney. Middlesex Sheriff’s Office alerts residents of subpoena scam T Start Your Weekend at the Marina Dance Party! BILLY PEZZULO Friday, November 1 at 9 PM Dance to the Hits of... DJ BIG RICK Saturday, November 2 at 9 PM Musician & Singer 2 Week MONDAY'S SHUCK! $1.00 Oysters SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET Only $19.95 / 11am-2pm Featuring Al Whitney Jazz Band BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US * GIFT CARDS AMPLE FREE www.marinaatthewharf.com 543 North Shore Rd. Revere 781-629-3798 PARKING AMAZING WATER VIEWS Night Class Nov. 18 1 Week Day Class Dec. 23 (school vacation week) CALL - ENROLL or Register Online 617-387-9121 HENRYSAUTOSCHOOL.COM EVERETT AUTO SCHOOL “Successful Key To Driving” Since 1938 Gift Certificates Available he Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a new twist on a previously reported scam. On Wednesday, October 23, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) received a call from a local resident reporting she had Our 80th Year EDUCATION Next Classes DRIVER been contacted by an individual identifying himself as a member of the MSO. The man – using the name of a retired Middlesex County, New Jersey officer – said he was seeking to collect bond money for her alleged failure to respond to a subpoena. Recognizing the call was a scam, the woman hung up. The man then called back a second time, with “Middlesex Sheriff’s Office” showing on the woman’s caller ID. In previous scams, individuals have used spoofing technology to display telephone numbers associated with legitimate law enforcement agencies. This scam is similar to previously reported ones in which callers pose as members of law enforcement, the IRS or the courts, claiming warrants have been issued for residents’ failure to pay taxes or perform jury duty. The imposters will tell those they have called that they can avoid arrest if they pay an immediate fine. “As these scams evolve and spread, it’s critical that residents be aware of the underlying similarities so that they can protect themselves and their hard-earned money,” said Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. “In this case, the intended victim immediately recognized this was a scam and notified us, allowing us to alert the public.” Casino night to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research W AKEFIELD–A Casino Night to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research will be held on Wednesday, November 6 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Subaru of Wakefield, 618 North Ave. in Wakefield. The Angel Fund for ALS Research is an independent nonprofit organization that benefits ALS research Research at UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA. More commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease. The event is hosted by Subaru of Wakefield and will include charity gambling featuring roulette, craps, blackjack, three card poker, let it ride and Texas hold’em, as well as hors d’oeuvres, raffles, prizes and VIP chip vouchers. The cost is $50 per person. Table sponsorship opportuniCASINO | SEE PAGE 13

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