News from the Primary and General Election

September and November, 2008

Endorsement from the Lynn Item (no link available)

“In the 8^th Essex district contest for state representative, the district that includes Marblehead and Swampscott and two precincts in Lynn, we endorse incumbent Lori Ehrlich, the Marblehead Democrat who handily defeated Republican challenger John Blaisdell in the special election last March…voters should return her to the House to serve a full two-year term. Voters of Swampscott and Marblehead should re-elect Lori Ehrlich on Tuesday."

Contested Seats, Ideas Await Voters (Boston Globe, John Laider)

"It's been a profound honor to serve the district I love so much," Ehrlich said. "I hope the voters have been happy with my hard work and I hope to have their confidence to continue.

"I bring a unique skill set to this position with over 20 years as a certified public accountant and over a decade of policy advocacy. This has served the district better than I had even anticipated," she added.

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The Marblehead Reporter Endorsement!

The state of the economy threatens to present no end to the challenges on Beacon Hill in the days and weeks ahead. That the town has two residents willing to tackle those challenges by running for state representative is a credit to them both.

But when we consider which candidate is best equipped to meet those challenges — which will best protect the town’s best interests while working effectively with the rest of the Legislature — we think the choice is clear: Reelect Lori Ehrlich.

Elected as Doug Petersen’s successor in March, Ehrlich was only weeks into her service when residents seemed destined to head to Town Meeting with the unattractive choice of funding every penny of a $21 million renovation project for the Village School or rejecting the proposal and risking that the school’s dilapidated “core systems” would fail. Ehrlich worked behind the scenes to get town officials and representatives of the School Building Authority together in a room, and when the smoke cleared, the town had a commitment from the state to pay 40 percent of the project cost. Ehrlich’s “late-inning heroics” had School Committee Chairwoman Amy Drinker mentioning the state representative’s name on Town Meeting floor in the same sentence as Red Sox mythical slugger David Ortiz.

Contrary to her opponent’s assertion, Ehrlich has also shown a willingness to challenge her party’s leadership when the need arises. One prominent example is Ehrlich’s attempt to file an amendment to accelerate the five-year phase-in to address inequities in Swampscott’s education funding. Ehrlich was willing to vote opposite an overwhelming majority on a procedural vote on behalf of her constituents. Ehrlich asserts that she feels beholden only to the people who put her in the State House — the voters — and thus far her actions back up her words.

Another example of Ehrlich’s independence is her leadership on the Global Warming Solutions Act. That bill “had been written off as dead,” at least until Ehrlich organized a demonstration on the State House steps. Soon thereafter, she was making her maiden speech on the House floor, and soon after that, it was receiving the unanimous support of her colleagues.

To rally support behind the Global Warming Solutions Act (and probably, too, to secure the Village School funding), Ehrlich drew upon her considerable experience as a founding member of a pair of highly effective grassroots organizations, HealthLink and the Wenham Lake Watershed Association. But she has other skills that are in high demand on Beacon Hill as well.

Ehrlich tells the tale of a colleague plopping down the state’s corporate tax code on her desk, saying, “Explain this to me.” As the only certified public accountant in the Legislature, Ehrlich played a key role in what she says was “a long overdue” rewriting of that code, potentially saving the state millions by closing loopholes. We imagine that her colleagues would like to continue to draw upon her accounting expertise as they continue to navigate through the current economic crisis.

Ehrlich has accomplished much in her seven months in office, and we believe she will build on those successes if reelected. We urge you to give her that opportunity.

Vote Lori Ehrlich for state representative next Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The Swampscott Reporter Endorsement!

The Salem News Endorsement!

(Excerpt) Since winning the special election to fill Doug Petersen's 8th Essex House seat last March, Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, has proven an effective representative for the district.

Though her votes have pretty much mirrored that of the Democratic leadership, she has not been afraid to break with the party as happened during the budget debate last spring when she was among a handful of Democrats to join Republicans in a futile effort to allow amendments dealing with local aid.

Ehrlich spent many years as an environmental activist before deciding to run for office. It's a model — from grassroots organizer and agitator to officeholder — more Republicans might follow.

Harvard Kennedy School Insight: Women learn how to run for office in WAPPP initiative

Massachusetts State Representative Lori Ehrlich, MC/MPA ’05 and Oval Office ’05, is a member of this network. She was the keynote speaker at this year’s Oval Office welcome breakfast.

“Because of this program and programs like it, more women today are running for office and participating in political life than ever before,” said Erlich. “The Oval Office program is like a well-stocked tool box I reached into daily for my campaign for State Representative.”

Fight for 8th Essex goes 2nd Round by John Laidler, Boston Globe

Ehrlich said last week that Blaisdell's criticisms "are baseless, and he keeps throwing them out. . . . It just proves that he does not understand state budget policy. He claims on the one hand he will advocate for increased local aid but proudly shouts his support for Question 1 from the rooftops. Question 1 will dry up all our local aid funds."

Regarding her veto override votes, Ehrlich said, "I voted to fund essential and long overdue programs affecting our district and other communities. These programs went to aid at-risk citizens, the elderly and the disabled, and for public safety. Nobody could have predicted how bad this financial crisis was to become."

Economy makes Ehrlich’s reelection more urgent (Marblehead Reporter by Jill and Russell Beck)

We feel compelled to write this letter given the current economic conditions and pending state budget cuts to, among other things, our local aid. While the focus of the media, quite understandably, is centered on the federal and state economies and elections, the magnitude of the issues and the direct impact on our local landscape make it all the more important that we have effective representation in the state Legislature. The importance of having a smart, qualified, experienced leader — who is truly working for her constituents — is more important now than ever before in our lifetime.

We are fortunate to have elected Lori Ehrlich to represent us, and now must avail ourselves of the opportunity to keep her as our state representative. In her first seven months as a freshman representative, Lori has already proven her intelligence and qualifications. As the only certified public accountant in the entire House of Representatives, Lori has saved the state millions of dollars, having identified significant accounting loopholes in legislation that otherwise would likely have passed. Her recent master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government rounds out her impressive credentials.

She has also obtained significant direct results for the three communities that she represents. Here in Marblehead, for example, Lori was instrumental in securing state participation and 40 percent funding for emergency repairs to the Village School. She also secured bond funding for district infrastructure improvements, which includes $2,000,000 for the causeway repair project and fire truck equipment upgrades. She has achieved direct results for Swampscott and Lynn as well — even after the budget cuts. Not only do the districts benefit from the funds that have been allocated to them, but local individuals and businesses will benefit from the jobs created and materials needed to perform the work for which the funds will pay.

Perhaps most important of all, however, is that Lori is genuine. She has a commitment that truly comes from an old-fashioned sense of duty to do good. The substantial time and effort that she devoted to improving our environment — not only in the communities that she now represents, but in others as well — are already well known. But what may not be as well known is that she spent that time and made these extraordinary efforts always as a volunteer and out of a sense of obligation and commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the general public — not for personal gain or with any political aspirations whatsoever. She has brought to bear the same dedication, genuineness and self-sacrifice to her position in the House, obtaining — and preserving during the recent budget cuts — each of the benefits described above.

The districts that Lori represents cannot afford to lose her experience, energy, commitment and the respect that she has earned in the Legislature and governor’s office. Accordingly, we hope that people will join with us on Nov. 4 and vote to reelect Lori Ehrlich as our state representative.

A message, or just a mess? Question 1 evokes strong feelings (Marblehead Reporter, Kris Olson)

“Taking a sledge hammer to the budget at a time the state is cutting to the bone and municipal budgets are at their breaking point would only make a bad situation worse,” Ehrlich said, noting that even prominent House Republicans like Minority Leader Brad Jones of North Reading and Brad Hill of Ipswich oppose Question 1.

The governor’s cuts were already likely to impact public safety, senior services and special education, Ehrlich noted.

“Question 1 would take it so much further,” she said, calling the concept behind Question 1 “radical and reckless.” “It would have a negative impact on everyone in the state.”

Candidate Questionnaires (Marblehead and Swampscott Reporters)

Letter: Resident urges vote for Ehrlich

During her brief tenure, state Rep. Lori Ehrlich has served the 8th Essex District well. Ehrlich has secured funding for Marblehead’s Village School, naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC) senior programs, and road and infrastructure improvements here in Swampscott and on the North Shore.

She has continued her long-standing leadership on energy and environmental issues with her hard work on the Global Warming Solutions Act.

With the global financial crisis and resulting local budget crisis, we need Ehrlich’s accounting and finance skills to assist leaders on Beacon Hill in formulating budgets and legislation. Her fiscal common sense and herconcern for citizens will help mitigate the impact of budget cuts on social services and quality education, the maintenance of our infrastructure and stewardship of the environment.

Ehrlich is diligent, smart, skilled, attentive to her constituents and results-oriented. She is exactly the type of leader that these demanding and uncertain times require.

I hope that you will join me in supporting Ehrlich for re-election as our state representative.

Sierra Club endorses Ehrlich (Marblehead Reporter)

Endorsement letter Ehrlich has 'the right formula' :

To the editor:

Nowadays, it seems all together too many politicians respond to complex societal problems by characterizing them with clichés like “wasteful spending.” The avoidance of specifics belies their lack of factual knowledge. This political species is generally identified by their staccato-like utterances dripping with negativity and aimed at a small cadre of perpetually disgruntled citizens.

Fortunately, there are politicians who research and evaluate governmental problems in order to formulate fact-based positions that will most benefit their constituency. State Rep. Lori Ehrlich is one of those politicians.

Ehrlich, a practicing CPA for 20 years, has put her accounting knowledge to work on Beacon Hill assisting the House leadership in evaluating complex budgetary legislation. (Lori Ehrlich is the only CPA in the House of Representatives.)

The 8th Essex District is the beneficiary of her problem-solving approach to politics. Since her recent election, she has secured millions in reimbursements for the Village School project and much-needed road and infrastructure improvements within her district.

Ehrlich, who holds a master’s degree from the Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, has a long record of involvement in environmental and energy related programs. Her propensity to form positions by exercising political due diligence, seeking constituent input and consensus building is the right formula for effectively representing the 8th Essex District — and really, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(Question 1) Clancy gives ample notice he wants to remain mayor of Lynn by John Laidler, Boston Globe, excerpted:

Most of the candidates in contested legislative races in the region share at least one belief: Ballot Question 1, the proposal to eliminate the state income tax, should be voted down.

In interviews last week, seven of the eight candidates expressed opposition to the ballot question, while one supports it.

Ehrlich said, "We need to find ways to cut waste and redundancy in state government, but we need to do so by using a scalpel and not a hatchet."

The sole candidate voicing support for Question 1 was Marblehead Republican John Blaisdell, who is challenging Ehrlich.

"There is no other remedy to the problem of the wasteful spending that is being done up on Beacon Hill," Blaisdell said.

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Results from the primary on 9/16,

THANK YOU, to everyone who volunteered and voted! 

League of Environmental Voters endorses Ehrlich (Marblehead Reporter)

Ehrlich was also highlighted in the Scorecard’s “Honor Roll” for her hard work on the Global Warming Solutions Act. Ehrlich took a lead roll in passing the bill and gave her maiden speech in support of its passage in the House of Representatives.

“Having come to policy and politics through my volunteer work on public-health and environmental issues, the endorsement of the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters has special meaning,” said Ehrlich. “After all of these years of advocacy, I know all too well the value and importance of legislative support.”

Marblehead honors paralympic champion (by Jack Butterworth, Lynn Item)

MARBLEHEAD - Paralympic Gold Medalist Maureen McKinnon-Tucker received a heroine's welcome Saturday afternoon from her hometown.

After a parade to Ft. Sewall, a crowd of about 400 interrupted a long list of notable speakers with frequent applause and shouts of "Go Mo!" Those cheering included proclamation readers Selectmen Chairman Jackie Belf-Becker, State Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead and State Sen. Thomas M. McGee, D-Lynn, who all described her historic achievement.

State officials praise municipal utilities’ Berkshire Wind Project (Marblehead Reporter)

“This event was ‘groundbreaking,’ literally and figuratively,” Ehrlich said. “I’m so proud of this town and the Marblehead Light Department for being on the cutting edge in securing good clean energy for our town for years to come.”

Beacon Hill Roll Call: Attendance 100% (Swampscott Reporter)

Only 33 of the 158 House members have perfect roll-call attendance records, including 24 of the 139 Democrats and nine of the 19 Republicans.

'Debate-gate' ends here (Marblehead Reporter Editorial-excerpted)

If Flachbart was surprised by Sweeney’s response, we were not. The Republican Town Committee should no more get to dictate the format of any informational forums or debates than should the Democrats. Without weighing in on the merits of Sweeney’s criticisms of the “Lincoln-Douglas” format, he at least expressed an interest in sitting down to try to find an alternative, mutually acceptable solution.

That’s when things went off the rails. The RTC issued a press release charging Ehrlich with being an “elitist” (sound familiar?) who was “ducking accountability” and whose “priorities are backward.” The cynical among us might say that was the goal all along, to make an offer — conveniently shared with the press — that the sitting state rep could not help but refuse, then bask in the attention of the ensuing manufactured controversy.

Town committees locked in debate over debate (by Kris Olson, Marblehead Reporter)

“What the people of this district deserve is a representative who will not stoop to attacks but will stick to the issues,” she said.

Ehrlich touted the funding she has secured in her short tenure for “essential infrastructure, waterfront, school and nonprofit projects” across the district, as well as her willingness to engage constituents and the media to make her positions known. She insisted she is “ready and willing” to debate Blaisdell on substantive matters.

“Let’s have a debate on education, economic development, the environment, local aid and on who is the most qualified and experienced person to represent our community,” she said.

Noting that voters are crossing party lines both locally and nationally to solve issues, Ehrlich said, “Meetings in my office are not reserved for constituents who hold the same views as I do.” Ehrlich said she has made herself very accessible, but she said she did not believe either Blaisdell or Flachbart had “made an attempt to discuss issues with me in any way.”

Ehrlich called “lies” the claims that she is “ducking accountability” and that she believes she is entitled to a “permanent seat,” which Blaisdell and Flachbart would know “if they bothered to attend the office hours I have held all across the district, or just picked up the phone to call.”

“Instead, when it suits them politically, they engage me by sending out a press release peppered with insults and baseless attacks,” she said. “The residents of the 8th Essex District deserve better.”

Ehrlich, Blaisdell camp debate debate (by Debra Glidden, Lynn Item)

Quote from John Blaisdell: "If it's not a Lincoln-Douglas style debate then there will be no debate because it would lack substance."

Same cast, different script in rematch (by John Laidler, Boston Globe)

Electoral rematches are hardly uncommon, but it is rare that two candidates square off twice in the same year.

That is what is happening in the Eighth Essex District, where Democratic incumbent Lori A. Ehrlich and Republican John Blaisdell, both of Marblehead, are competing for the state representative seat Nov. 4. Ehrlich defeated Blaisdell and independent Mark Barry on March 5 in a special election in the Eighth Essex, which includes Marblehead, Swampscott, and part of Lynn.

"It certainly has a déjà vu feeling to it because it's so recent," Ehrlich said.

But for all the similarities, there are differences for her this time, she said. "My organization is built, and as an incumbent, I have a record to run on.

"The campaign process the first time around was a good introduction, and now I'm able to just remind people that I'm running again, and solidify our relationship."

Blaisdell said for him, the race feels "very different" this time, starting with the weather. During the last campaign, "We were out in the cold weather at all different times of day. Obviously, it's not a problem right now."

Like Ehrlich, Blaisdell believes his current candidacy will benefit from the effort he waged last time. "It's not like I have to wear a button and . . . introduce myself" to voters, he said. "They know who I am."

Local Dems point out differences with Palin (Lynn Item by Thor Jourgensen)

Reinstein said Palin may attract independent voters, including men, but state Rep. Lori Ehrlich said the differences between Palin's and Clinton's views are too stark to lure Clinton supporters across party lines.

"I'm always happy to see women participating in the political process but I was hoping that if McCain chose a woman she would be well-qualified and well-vetted. In regard to this choice, I'm very disappointed. I don't think she holds up well to rest of the field," Ehrlich said.

Palin, who was mayor of small town Wasilla, Alaska, and governor of her state for less than two years, disputed similar accusations prior to her speech Wednesday.

Swampscott eyes handing Kings Beach over to State (Lynn Item, Debra Glidden)

Turning the beach back over to the state is something that has been discussed at Board of Selectmen meetings several times during the last few years. In 2005, the selectmen asked former state Rep. Douglas Petersen (D-Marblehead) to check into the feasibility of filing legislation to have the beach ceded back to the state.

State Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said in the next legislative session she would be looking into the possibility of turning Kings Beach in Swampscott over to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) if that is the direction town officials want to go.

"(Town Administrator) Andrew Maylor asked if it is something I could look into," she said. "If it's something the town wants, I will do whatever I can to help facilitate the process."

State may dole out $ 1.1 million for Swampscott Improvements (Lynn Item, Debra Glidden)

SWAMPSCOTT - The town could receive more than $1 million from the state for improvements to Humphrey Street.

The transportation bond bill, which is currently sitting on Gov. Deval Patrick’s desk, includes $1.1 million for Swampscott, according to State Rep. Lori Ehrlich.

“It really is a public safety issue,” she said. “Humphrey Street is the most traveled street in town. There are so many potholes and ridges it resembles a lunar landscape. The transportation bond bill includes $750,000 to pave Humphrey Street from the Lynn line as far down Humphrey as we can go until the money runs out.”

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said he hopes the $750,000 would be enough to pave from the Lynn line down to the Fish House.

Ehrlich said the transportation bond bill also includes $350,000 for streetscape improvements along Humphrey Street.

“Kings Beach is the gateway to town,” she said. “It really looks rundown and needs a lot of work. The railings along the beach are bent and rusted. There is a noticeable contrast when crossing from Lynn into Swampscott. The Lynn side is maintained much better.”

Ehrlich pointed out Kings Beach (in Lynn) and Lynn Shore Drive are maintained by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“For consistency sake we need to get a start on the Swampscott side,” she said. “This money should help do that. Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) has been instrumental in this process and in advocating for Swampscott.”

Ehrlich added once the Governor signs the transportation bond bill, money is not available until the bonds are actually issued, which could take anywhere from a year to three years.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said he hopes this would provide momentum for the revitalization of Humphrey Street.

“It could take a couple of years for the money to come through,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to start making some of the improvements to the Humphrey Street area that we’ve been talking about for the six years I’ve been here.”

The good news is the town will be receiving $150,000 in the Governor’s line-item budget, which is slated for streetscape improvements on Humphrey Street. Ehrlich said that money is available almost immediately.

Maylor said streetscape projects often include sidewalks, trees, lighting fixtures and other improvements to the appearance of an area.

Maylor said he is impressed with how much Ehrlich has accomplished during her time in office.

“She (Ehrlich) is a freshman legislator who has only been in the state house for five months,” he said. “It’s really quite extraordinary that she has been able to bring all this about in five months.” She and Sen. Thomas McGee have both been real advocates for us.”

Maylor said he also applied for a $1.2 million in federal funding for the Humphrey Street corridor, which looks promising. Maylor said the first step in getting the funding is to receive state approval and that hurdle has already been jumped.

“It was put on the priority list,” he said. “It might take a couple of years but there is a good likelihood we will get the federal grant.”

Green, with envy (Boston Globe, Erin Ailworth)

(excerpt) Anyone at the State House for the close of the recent legislative session likely noticed the lanky guy exclaiming: "First in the nation! First in the nation!"

The excitable man wasn't a triumphant lobbyist or an exuberant politician; rather he was Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles.

"I plead guilty. You've got to be enthusiastic about your job," Bowles said of his antics. He was celebrating the passage of five "green" bills, some in the final days and hours of the session. Bowles said the legislation puts Massachusetts at the forefront of energy and environmental policy in the United States, and perhaps even ahead of California, which is known for being environmentally progressive.

"I definitely think that this [legislative] package is so far reaching in breadth that there is no other state that has done as much," Bowles said. "In clean energy, the race is on and Massachusetts has just opened up a commanding lead."

The measures - the Green Communities Act, Oceans Act, Clean Energy Biofuels Act, Global Warming Solutions Act, and Green Jobs Act - incorporate several "first-in-the-nation" policies, according to supporters. They include:

A gasoline tax exemption for cellulosic biofuel, a nonfood-based substitute for gas usually made out of plant scraps and agricultural waste.

A mandate to blend biodiesel, starting at 2 percent by volume in 2010, into home heating oil.

A "comprehensive" oceans-management plan aimed at spurring investment in and development of wind, wave, and tidal power generation, while also protecting state waters.

"This is by far the greenest session in the history of the Legislature, highlighted by nation-leading advancements for the environment and our clean energy sector, " House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, whose office crafted much of the legislation, said Wednesday in an e-mail. "We are the envy of the nation."

Many in the state's clean tech industry agree. A top official at the New England Clean Energy Council called the legislation a "tidal wave of forward-thinking" that demonstrates the state's commitment to going green.  (...)

An e-mail to the Globe from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office also summarized - in 12 pages - the environmental laws, pledges, mandates, and orders the state has put in place since at least 2004. Among them, the global warming act and what California hopes will be the nation's first green-building standards code.

"We don't think that leadership is an exclusive club. We would like to see more states doing what Massachusetts is doing," said Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board. "Having said that, I'll be happy to arm wrestle Ian Bowles over whose state has a better environmental program."

Swampscott, Humphrey Street, get good news from Rep. Ehrlich (Swampscott Reporter, George Derringer)

(excerpt) LYNN - State Sen. Thomas McGee and Massachusetts House members Robert F. Fennell, Steven M. Walsh, Mark Falzone and Lori Ehrlich are pushing for $10 million in state bond spending on local projects over the next five years.

The projects include $1,000,000 for the Lynn Heritage State Park Visitors Center; $100,000 for a study on the flooding and drainage issues at Reedy Meadow in Lynnfield and $3,000,000 for the Saugus River watershed, including marsh land in Lynn.

“The time is ripe to put these important projects out to bond,” said Ehrlich. “With our bond rating high and interest rates low I applaud my colleagues in the Legislature — especially the Lynn delegation for recognizing this opportunity.”

Patrick signs $3b bill to fix bridges (Boston Globe, Matt Viser)

Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation yesterday to fix up to 300 of the most dilapidated bridges in Massachusetts, a plan he hopes will bring the state's infrastructure up to par after years of neglect.

Standing on the Esplanade with the ailing Longfellow Bridge in the background, Patrick and several of the state's top transportation officials put into law an eight-year, $3 billion spending plan that was approved last week by the House and Senate.

As if on cue, a Red Line train passed over the bridge, traveling 10 miles per hour because of the bridge's structural problems.

Mass. Legislature passes Global Warming Solutions Act (Swampscott and Marblehead Reporter, George Derringer) article linked includes full text of Lori's "maiden speech"

“Unanimous bipartisan support of this bill highlights the need for a shift in the way all of us generate and consume energy,” said Ehrlich. “Addressing this issue properly will have positive effect on our economy by putting real people to work in rapidly growing new sectors, all while cleaning up our air and cooling off the planet. I am proud to see Massachusetts among the leaders among other leading states on this important issue.”

Global Warming Solutions Act passes legislature (Marblehead Reporter)

Marblehead -

“I was proud to stand up before my colleagues and discuss the practical and moral reasons to move this policy forward,” said Rep. Lori A. Ehrlich, D-Marblehead. “Passing this bill will go far to protect our planet, and will put us on the forefront of technology for decades to come.”

Same-sex couples applaud repeal (Boston Globe, Michael Levenson)

"I think other states will make their own judgments, and I expect them to - that's their own business," he said after signing the repeal. "All we can do is tend our own garden, and make sure that it's weeded, and I think we've weeded out a discriminatory law that we should have."

Gay rights activists said the law had racist roots in the national backlash following boxer Jack Johnson's marriage to a white woman in about 1910, when many states rushed to block interracial couples from crossing borders to marry.

But legislators acted to repeal the law this summer only after California's Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriage, raising the possibility that Massachusetts would lose lucrative same-sex weddings to the Golden State. The repeal easily cleared the House and Senate last month.

At the State House, Patrick signed the bill in a ceremony punctuated by applause from activists and legislators.

The law took effect immediately because the Legislature attached an "emergency preamble," which eliminated the customary 90-day waiting period after a bill is signed into law.

"It's a good day," he said, declaring that the repeal will "confirm a simple truth. That is, in Massachusetts, equal means equal."

Ehrlich pushes Global Warming Solutions Act (Debra Glidden, Lynn Item)

State Representative Lori A. Ehrlich, a Marblehead Democrat, who is a strong supporter of the legislation, urged the House to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act before the end of the session.

"Global warming and what we do about it will both define generations to come and be the legacy by which this generation is judged," she said. "This issue is not about party politics, as we see individuals from all parts of the political spectrum standing up to take meaningful action. This is plainly evident as we see oilman, T. Boone Pickens, and (former) Vice President Al Gore both singing the same tune."

click on link above for more about the Act. Photo is simulation of Boston Harbor with a 15 inch sea level rise during a Cat 2 storm. Simulation courtesy of The Boston Globe

Interpretive signs installed on Lynn Shore Drive (Swampscott Reporter)

"The Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach have been working on the interpretive sign project for quite some time,” said Robert F. Tucker, president of the Friends of Lynn Nahant Beach. “Through a partnership with the DCR, the Friends were granted matching funds that allowed the project to move forward and be completed. The interpretive signs will showcase and promote the historical significance of Lynn Shore Reservation.”

The Partnerships Matching Funds Program helps fund capital projects in state parks and facilities managed by DCR. Since 2004, the program has facilitated a combined investment by the Commonwealth and public and private partners of more than $7 million in the state’s environmental and recreational resources.

"These signs will allow visitors to be embraced in the history of the Lynn shoreline,” said state Rep. Lori A. Ehrlich, D-Marblehead. “From attending many of their meetings, I know how active the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach are. I commend the partnership of the Friends and DCR for bring this project to Lynn."

State Rep. Steven M. Walsh, D-Lynn, said, "For years, the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach have been enhancing the experience on our beaches, whether it is through weekly summer concerts or by helping to keep the beaches clean. Now, with this grant from DCR, they are providing educational and informative signs that will continue that tradition and allow residents and visitors to become more knowledgeable about our coastline."

Ehrlich lauds passage of energy reform package (Marblehead and Swampscott Reporters)

(excerpt) State Rep. Lori A. Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, recently joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to approve unanimously a comprehensive, best-in-the-nation energy reform bill.

The bill will reduce the state’s use of foreign oil, increase use and production of cleaner, more renewable energy sources, and help save costs at a critical time for consumers, according to Ehrlich.

The Green Communities Act, also unanimously approved by the Senate, became law Wednesday, July 2 when signed by Gov. Deval Patrick during an event at the Museum of Science.

Ehrlich, a longtime advocate for clean energy, lauded the new law.

“Energy policy is one of the most vexing policy areas we now face as a nation, and we must invest in more renewable forms of energy,” said Ehrlich. “As someone who has spent the past 10 years working on energy policy, I am proud to have had the chance to vote on and forward the vitally important energy vision of so many in this state.”

Popular vote is popular among local reps (Matthew K. Roy, Salem News)

The change isn't driven by party politics, said Rep. Lori Ehrlich, a Democrat from Marblehead.

"It's not about electing a Democratic president," Ehrlich said. "It's about electing a president democratically."

Supporters, including Ehrlich and Keenan, argue that candidates devote a disproportionate amount of time to swing states under the current system.

"All the focus and money is going to swing states," Ehrlich said. "Smaller states or states that are presumed to go one way or another (including Massachusetts) are ignored."

In the 2004 presidential election, 75 percent of the campaign money spent was directed toward two states, Ohio and Florida, Ehrlich said. Ninety-nine percent of the money was spent in 12 states, she said.

Federation obtain state funding for 'local retirement community' (Swampscott Reporter)

In this case, the “naturally occurring retirement community” is deemed to stretch from the “Diamond District” along Lynn Shore Drive in Lynn to the Vinnin Square area of Swampscott, Marblehead and Salem.

State Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, was the lead sponsor in the Senate and state Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, was the lead sponsor in the House.

“The NORC program provides vital services for many seniors in our community,” said McGee. “I am very pleased that by working together we were able to secure this important funding and continue bringing this quality program directly to the homes of many seniors who rely on it.”

"The Front Porch program is so much more than just providing in-home health and safety services for seniors," said Ehrlich. "As program participants and coordinators enthusiastically engage in joint activities like tending to a vegetable garden, cooking regional specialties and learning computer skills, it's easy to see the bonds of community take hold."

The neighborhoods covered house a predominantly elderly population, but JFS of the North Shore saw a lack of services to that population. The “Front Porch”NORC program fills the void by addressing primary causes of preventable institutionalization without duplicating existing senior services. By connecting isolated seniors with community resources, “Front Porch” fosters an environment in which residents can support one another and remain comfortably in their homes.

Energy bill could bail out Salem (Tom Dalton, Salem News)

SALEM — A bill moving through the Legislature would use money from a renewable energy trust fund to aid Salem in the likely event future payments drop from the city's largest taxpayer, the coal-and-oil-fired Salem Harbor Station power plant. (...)

The energy bill, including the aid to Salem, appears to have broad support. For example, state Rep. Lori Ehrlich of Marblehead, one of the founders of the North Shore environmental group HealthLink, is on board.

"I think it's appropriate to have the state help the host communities to help protect their tax base," she said.

Ehrlich addresses Kennedy School students (Marblehead and Swampscott Reporter)

Marblehead - Massachusetts state Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, of the 8th Essex District was the keynote speaker at the May 8 graduation ceremony for the Women and Public Policy Program yearlong, non-partisan training program, From Harvard Square to Oval Office. Ehrlich was an active member of the 2005 Oval Office cohort, while she earned her master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

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