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News & Press Releases
Sandwich Republicans Hold Monthly Meeting at Riverview School with Rob Willington as Guest Speaker SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) will hold their Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The Committee will hear from guest speaker Robert Willington of RebuildtheParty.org. Mr. Willington will discuss efforts to reenergize the Massachusetts Republican Party and offer his outlook for the 2010 Election. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and will be held at the Riverview School, which is located on Route 6A in East Sandwich. Due to the construction in the area, people may use to use the Hammond Road entrance and the lower parking lot. A door prize will also be awarded to one lucky attendee. The Sandwich Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. Sandwich Republican of the Year Announced The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) is pleased to announce that the 2009 honor of Sandwich Republican of the Year has been awarded to David Leary of East Sandwich. David was recognized at the recent SRTC’s Annual Patriots’ Day Celebration held at the American Legion on April 24, 2009. After the ceremony, outgoing Chairman of the SRTC, Dennis Fonseca, stated, “David Leary is one of those unsung heroes who works behind the scenes to support the ideals of the true Republican Party, such as, smaller government, support for our military, and lower taxes. Moreover, David is a wonderful human being who supports many philanthropic causes and worthwhile endeavors for the good of Sandwich and society in general. You might see him involved in a charitable foundation one day and walking along 6A picking up the litter next. I hope everyone will join me in congratulating David on this honor. ” Previous honorees include:
The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. April 7, 2009 Sandwich Republicans Hold Annual Meeting at Bee Hive SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) will host their Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and will be held at the Bee Hive Restaurant located on Route 6A in East Sandwich. In addition to the regular business meeting, they will discuss the upcoming Patriots’ Day event scheduled for April 24, 2009 and annual yard sale slated for June. The Sandwich Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. For more information about the meeting, please call Chairman Dennis Fonseca at 508-362-9283. Sandwich Republicans Announce Monthly Meeting Sandwich Republicans Announce Monthly Meeting SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) will host their Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and will be held at the Riverview School which is located on Route 6A in East Sandwich. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org. For more information about the meeting, please call Chairman Dennis Fonseca at 508-362-9283. GOP Selects Delegates to National Convention Plymouth – On Saturday, April 5, 2008 a group of approximately 100 Republicans from across the 10th Congressional District met to caucus and elect delegates to the GOP National Convention being held in Minneapolis in September. Based on the March Massachusetts GOP Primary, the district was allotted two delegates for former Governor Mitt Romney and one for the GOP front runner, John McCain. In total three delegates and three alternates were chosen by ballot from the district, an area that stretches from Quincy to Provincetown. The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) was very well represented at the event, and came away from the caucus sending three members, one as an active delegate and two as alternates. The first of the two active Romney delegate slots went to 5th Barnstable District representative Jeffrey Davis Perry. Mr. Perry was the highest vote getter of all individuals who sought the honor. SRTC Chairman, Dennis Fonseca, noted, "Jeff continues to display an unparalleled base of support. Though this base has historically crossed political parties, it is now crossing geographic regions of our state. I attribute that to his willingness to stand strong for common sense principles that set him apart from the overwhelming sea of left-wing liberals on Beacon Hill." In addition to Mr. Perry, Representative Daniel Webster of Pembroke was elected to fill the second of the two delegates' openings attributed to Romney. The third individual, selected as a McCain delegate, was Plymouth House of Corrections Attorney, Pat Lee. Two of the three alternates elected were also members of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee: John Harris, a Romney delegate, and Doug Dexter, a McCain delegate. The third slot went to State Representative Vinne DeMacedo of Plymouth, a Romney supporter. Sandwich Republican of the Year Announced The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) is pleased to announce that the 2008 honor of Sandwich Republican of the Year has been awarded to Jennifer White. Jennifer was recognized at the SRTC’s Annual Presidents’ Day Extravaganza event on Saturday, February 9th at the American Legion. After the ceremony, Chairman of the SRTC, Dennis Fonseca, stated, “The foundation of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is in the selfless volunteers who give of their time and resources because they have a heartfelt belief that Republican principles are in the best interest of our great Country. Jenn White exemplifies this commitment in the highest regard. We are grateful and proud to have her in what has become more than a group a volunteers, but a family of friends.” Following the event, Jennifer White said, “I know the previous recipients well and I am honored to be counted among them. I work hard with this great group of people because we all believe in furthering republican principles. It is a little overwhelming to be recognized for my efforts, when I know so many of us devote our time and talents every chance we can.” The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. Photo is of Chairman Dennis Fonseca and Republican of the Year Jennifer White of East Sandwich Photo by Mike Merolla
Sandwich Republicans host Presidents’ Day Extravaganza! SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) will host their annual Presidents’ Day Extravaganza on Saturday, February 9, 2008. The event will begin at 6:30 pm and will be held at the American Legion in Sandwich. The requested donation is $25.00 per person. Each year the Sandwich Republican Town Committee hosts this comedy based event which draws hundreds of Republicans from all over Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. This year’s event includes a Mock Democrat Primary Debate, Republican Straw Poll for Vice-President, a Silent Auction, a Tribute to our Troops, special surprise Entertainment along with an array of appetizers, desserts and cash bar. The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. For more information about the event, please call Chairman Dennis Fonseca at 508-362-9283. If you have an item you would like to donate to the Silent Auction, please call Lisa Perry at 508-888-3094. Sandwich Republicans announce meeting & yard sale SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) will hold its monthly Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, starting at 7:00pm at the Riverview School, which is located on Route 6A in East Sandwich. The Republican group will also host its annual yard sale fundraiser on Saturday, June 23, 2007, starting at 9:00am. This year’s yard sale will once again be held across from the Sandwich Fish Hatchery on Rte 6A. The Committee is currently accepting donations of items to sell. For more information or to make a donation, please contact Dennis Fonseca 508-362-9283, or Lisa Perry 508-888-3094. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party, at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality, and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. All Sandwich Republicans are invited to the monthly meetings which are normally held the second Tuesday of each month starting at 7:00pm. Mitt Romney wins Presidential Straw Poll SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) hosted its Annual President’s Day Extravaganza on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at the American Legion. Over 150 people attended this 5th Annual Fundraiser. Along with the other festivities at the event, the Committee conducted a straw poll for the Republican candidates who are likely to seek the Office of President in 2008. All attendees were provided with a secret ballot to cast their vote. The results were as follows:
“I am thrilled that Mitt Romney overwhelmingly won the straw poll. Over the past four years, I have come to know Mitt very well and consider him to be not only a friend, but a sincere and honest person. I believe he has the character, experience and personality to lead our Nation” said Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich). As in past years, the main event was a simulated game show. This year’s show was Who Wants to be a Millionaire, hosted by Kevin Flannigan. The show tested contestant’s knowledge of Presidential trivia. Doug Dexter was awarded the Sandwich Republican of the Year for his service on the Board of Selectmen. Chairman of the SRTC, Dennis Fonseca, stated, "Being Republican of the Year reflects one's success in being an ambassador for Republican principles. Doug Dexter has shown he has the political courage to take on the difficult issues, stand firm, and remain true to our core Republican principles.” Cadets from Norwich University provided musical entertainment, and there was a clean joke contest where ten local Republicans told their funniest family safe joke. The contest winner was Bud Godfrey. The Republican Town Committee encourages residents to visit their website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. Presidential Straw Poll to be conducted Saturday SANDWICH – The Sandwich Republican Town Committee is once again hosting its Annual Presidents Day Extravaganza, which will he held on Saturday, February 24, 2007, starting at 6:30pm and will take place at the American Legion which is on Rte 130/Main Street in Sandwich. The requested donation is $25.00 per person. Along with the other festivities at the event, the Committee will conduct a straw poll for the Republican candidates who are likely to seek the Office of President in 2008. All attendees will be provided with a secret ballot to cast their vote. Results will be tabulated and announced during the event. As in past years, a simulated game show will test contestants knowledge of Presidential trivia, Cadets from Norwich University will provide musical entertainment, there will be a clean joke contest, a silent auction, and the Sandwich Republican of the Year will be announced. All this and complimentary food items and a cash bar! Come out and join us for a great evening of fun. The Republican Town Committee also encourages residents to visit our website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. REPRESENTATIVE PERRY CONDEMNS GOVERNOR FOR SNUBBING MEMORY OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN BOSTON – According to a State House News Service report ( February 11, 2007), “Governor Deval Patrick decided not to sign a proclamation recognizing February 6th as “Ronald Reagan Day.” The proclamation was cosponsored in the House by Representative Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich). “I can hardly believe that our new Governor would snub one of the greatest Presidents of our time. It is truly disappointing that Governor Patrick would refuse to sign a tribute to a former President who won the popular vote in Massachusetts. While I certainly do not know his motivations, based on other proclamations he has signed and statements he has made, his decisions seem to be partisan. As Deval Patrick is the Governor for all the people of the Commonwealth, I believe he owes us an explanation.” Thirty-three Governors – 20 Republicans and 13 Democrats inked the agreement to recognize Ronald Reagan’s birthday in their respective states. “It’s the difference between a little more sophisticated guy who’s governor and a guy who’s still playing partisan politics after a campaign,” said Grover Norquist, founder and chairman of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project. At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism." “Ronald Reagan did so much for our Nation during his political career, it certainly does not seem to be asking too much to recognize him with a proclamation in his honor” said Representative Perry. Sandwich Republicans to Meet Next Week The next meeting of The Sandwich Republican Town Committee will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Several guest speakers are expected to attend, including Bill Doherty who is seeking reelection as a The Republican Town Committee also encourages residents to visit our website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. All Sandwich Republicans are invited to the monthly meetings which are held the second Tuesday of each month starting at 7:00pm. Meetings are held at the July 1, 2006 Sandwich targets businesses hiring illegal aliens
Just days shy of the Fourth of July, selectmen declared the town's independence saying Sandwich is ''not a sanctuary for illegal aliens.'' The action launches them headfirst into the hot-button issue. The five-member board approved a bylaw that includes a $1,000 fine for businesses hiring undocumented workers and revokes the licenses and permits of businesses found to be repeat offenders. ''It is very clear that our country is now in the midst of one of the greatest threats to its existence in our history,'' Selectman Douglas Dexter said in proposing the bylaw. ''There are millions of criminal aliens invading our cities and towns and destroying the social services and legal systems of our communities.'' Even among the board members who unanimously supported the proposal Thursday night, there were questions about whether the measure is legal. Town Administrator George ''Bud'' Dunham sent Dexter's proposal to the town's attorneys, but they did not have time to fully review it before Thursday's meeting, he said. The town had still not received a response from its attorneys as of yesterday, assistant Town Administrator Douglas Lapp said. A spokesman for the state Attorney General Thomas O'Reilly said he could not comment on the legality because town bylaws are reviewed by his office. ''The Attorney General believes the flow of illegal immigrants into our country and the failure of the Bush administration to enforce our immigration laws is a significant national problem that requires a broad national solution. This problem shouldn't be solved state by state, city by city or town by town,'' spokesman Terence Burke said yesterday. Calls were not returned by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, but a federal law on unlawful employment of aliens preempts ''any state or local law imposing civil or criminal sanctions'' against businesses. The federal form used to document citizenship, called an I-9 form, specifically mentions that employers must make the I-9 available for inspection by federal authorities. Immigration is an issue that's never far from the headlines. In recent weeks, Gov. Mitt Romney asked for authority to have the state police stop and detain illegal immigrants and, earlier this week, talks broke down in Congress over an immigration reform bill. The proposed Sandwich bylaw requires a vote by town meeting, which most likely will be held this fall. Sandwich selectmen rejected part of Dexter's proposal that would have declared English the official language of Sandwich. That might turn off some of the town's foreign visitors, Selectman Frank Pannorfi said. The proposed bylaw isn't generated from specific concerns in town, Dexter said, but frustration with the failure of federal officials to deal with the issue and enforce existing laws. ''We have politicians who have turned to mush,'' he said. Sandwich is a town of 23,000, has a median family income of $74,000 and is 97 percent white, according to 2000 U.S. Census data. Of its more than 14,000 registered voters, 3,531 are Democrats and 3,138 are Republicans. All five members of the board of selectmen are registered Republicans. Enforcement of the bylaw was questioned by Chairman Randal Hunt. ''I don't intend to go hunting for illegal aliens,'' Dexter replied yesterday, ''but we need to take a stand.'' He said he doesn't expect the police department to do inspections either. ''Most good laws act as a deterrent, rather than a punishment,'' he said. The town could piggyback on federal investigations of undocumented workers, Selectman Thomas Keyes said. ''It appears to be more symbolic than practical,'' said Jose Vazquez, a Falmouth attorney who specializes in immigration law. Several board members pointed out that local police don't have the manpower, even if they had the authority, to conduct inspections of town businesses. ''That could be a slippery slope,'' Vazquez said, and lead to racial profiling. ''There can be a two- to three-month lag while someone waits for a working permit,'' he said. ''Is that business going to be fined?'' Dr. Jacqueline Fields, the Sandwich representative to the county's Human Rights Commission, was unaware of the bylaw, but questioned what she called the unfortunate use of language by Dexter and the board. ''We need to use language that is less inflammatory and less derogatory.'' Dexter makes no apologies. ''What part of illegal don't they understand? When they come over the border they are illegal.'' Immigrants, many working on temporary visas, are a vital part of the Cape's tourist economy, Wendy Northcross, president of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, said. The Cape's workforce expands from 100,000 to 125,000 in the summer months and there just aren't enough locals to fill the jobs. ''The whole reason the country is involved in this debate is because immigrants are doing the jobs that Americans don't want to do,'' Northcross said. John Zartarian, owner of the Aqua Grille restaurant in Sandwich, said he has to recruit workers to come here on work visas to staff his kitchen. ''We used to have people line up at the back door of The Paddock (the family's Hyannis restaurant) for kitchen jobs; that doesn't happen anymore,'' he said. Documented workers, here on temporary visas, are essential to keeping the restaurant open. Those aren't the people the bylaw targets, Dexter said. ''I said legal immigrants are welcome - l-e-g-a-l with a capital L,'' he said. The issue isn't likely to go by unchallenged, Fields said. It will provide an opportunity to inform the public on the types of visas offered to immigrants. ''I'm sorry to hear it, but it does provide an opportunity for education.'' George Brennan can be reached at gbrennan@capecodonline.com. Sandwich Republican of the Year The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) is pleased to announce that the 2006 honor of Sandwich Republican of the Year has been awarded to State Representative Jeffrey Perry. Representative Perry was recognized at a recent committee event attended by 100+ supporters. Inscribed on the award plaque were the following words, "In recognition and gratitude for your outstanding achievement of winning two terms as State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District, for the tremendous work ethic you display daily on behalf of your constituents, for your unwavering dedication to consistently stand by your moral principles, and for your selfless commitment to strengthening both the Republican Party and the Sandwich Republican Town Committee." Representative Perry who has consistently attained a 100% voting record at the State House noted that the award was totally unexpected. "I am deeply humbled by the show of support and appreciation for my efforts and for the kind words people have shared," Mr. Perry continued, "It has been my pleasure to serve all the residents of my district. I am grateful both for the opportunity to help others and for the lasting friendships I have made during my two terms in office." After the ceremony, Chairman of the SRTC, Dennis Fonseca, stated, "Being Republican of the Year simply reflects one's success in being an ambassador for Republican principles such as fiscal responsibility, personal accountability, and common sense. Representative Perry supporters hail from a broad spectrum of political parties and ideologies, and they all recognize Jeff's consistency in his financial astuteness, his dedication to high moral principles, and how very hard he works for his district." Perry becomes point man for core GOP issues By KEVIN DENNEHY BOSTON - As the vote on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants approached this week, state Rep. Jeffrey Perry figured his side didn't have the votes. Which, of course, isn't unusual for Perry, a Sandwich Republican and opponent of the bill. As one of just 20 GOP members in a House of Representatives with 140 Democrats, he's used to being outnumbered. So Perry, 42, one of a circle of emerging Republican leaders on Beacon Hill, decided to take his message to a more receptive audience - talk radio fans. For days, he slammed the tuition bill as unfair and illegal on radio shows statewide. And by Wednesday morning, lawmakers across the state were being bombarded with calls and e-mails from constituents. By 4 p.m., even those who said they would support the bill - perhaps mindful of the election year - began to shift. By 7 p.m. the bill failed, 96 to 57. For Perry, a second-term representative who had carried the conservative flag on the airwaves and the House floor, it was a huge political victory. ''I can't control how people vote in here,'' he said minutes after speaking on the House floor Wednesday afternoon. ''What I can do is let people know what they're voting on. You take the message to the people and see if you can engage them. ''If you can, it's amazing what a small number of sophomore legislators can do.'' Of course, for Republicans in this Legislature, it's not just a matter of what they can do. It's what they must do. As a group, they're outnumbered badly - 7 to 1. So while Democratic newcomers to the Legislature can become lost in the crowd, Republicans are recruited into lead roles early. And Perry, a former Wareham police officer who has photos of President Reagan in his Boston office, has increasingly become one of their more outspoken members. In recent months, he has been front and center on tax and public safety bills - core Republican issues. SANDWICH REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE The next meeting of The Sandwich Republican Town Committee will take place on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Riverview School located at 551 Route 6A in East Sandwich. At this month’s meeting, the Committee members are expected to discuss the annual budget and upcoming fundraising efforts, including the annual upcoming President’s Day Event on February 11, 2006. The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party, at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality, and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. All Sandwich Republicans are invited to attend. Come join like-minded individuals as we discuss local, regional, and national issues. For additional information, please contact Chairman Dennis Fonseca at (508) 362-9283. SANDWICH REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE The next meeting of The Sandwich Republican Town Committee will take place on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Riverview School located at 551 Route 6A in East Sandwich. This Sandwich Republican Town Committee meeting will also serve as a collection point for the Sandwich Food Pantry. All members and guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items. The collections will be delivered to the Sandwich Food Pantry. The Republican Town Committee also encourages residents to visit our website at www.sandwichrepublicans.org where recent press releases are available. The mission statement, core beliefs, and Republican history are stated as well as information about upcoming events. The website also contains information about meetings and how to sign up to help Republican candidates both locally and nationally. The Mission of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee is to support the work of the Republican Party, at all levels of government, and to promote the principles of freedom, equality, and justice as intended by the founders of the Constitution of the United States. All Sandwich Republicans are invited to attend. Come join like-minded individuals as we discuss local, regional, and national issues. For additional information, please contact Chairman Dennis Fonseca at (508) 362-9283. Way to Go, Joe By GEORGE BRENNAN SANDWICH - Joe Vaudo may be tougher to crack than the shells of the lobsters he sells from his canalside fish market. But the owner of Joe's Lobster Mart was touched by the recognition he received last week at a Republican Town Committee meeting and, specifically, from state Rep. Jeffrey Perry, R-Sandwich. Vaudo, who has operated Joe's for more than 32 years near the Cape Cod Canal, was honored Nov. 8 for his commitment to the community during an event that included a visit by Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey. He was also recognized for his perseverance by Perry who watched Vaudo fight back against the federal government - and win. ''It was a nice gesture and kind of shocking,'' Vaudo said. It's been a tough five months for the seafood retailer and wholesaler. In June he was notified by the Army Corps of Engineers that the lot where his 5,000-square-foot warehouse is located was being put out to competitive bid. The initial lease application included a stipulation that would have put Joe's Lobster Mart out of business in five years, even if he was the successful bidder. The Army Corps agreed to rewrite the bid specifications in late June, but continued with the process of seeking bids for the 19,000-square-foot lot where Vaudo has done business since 1985. That made for some agonizing moments over the course of the summer, which is the busy season for Joe's Lobster Mart. Vaudo was already dealing with a slumping fishing industry and the region's early summer bout with red tide, an algae bloom that produces potentially deadly saxotoxins in shellfish. ''I was trying to concentrate on doing business and couldn't help worrying about what was going on (with the lease),'' he said. In September, Vaudo learned that his bid of $62,500 per year was the high bid and was awarded another five-year lease. He signed it on Halloween. ''This was a battle that ended up in a war and now the war has come to an end,'' Vaudo said. ''It's a sense of satisfaction that it's over.'' His dedication to the community and his 32 years in business - employing hundreds of people and providing an outlet for local fishermen to sell their catch - would have been enough reason for recognition, but Perry said he also admires Vaudo's willingness to take on a tough opponent. ''He stood up to the federal government and won,'' Perry said, ''and that doesn't happen too often.'' Sandwich Republican Town Committee For more information contact: The Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) is taking action to help save Otis Air National Guard Base from closure. The SRTC is building a “Save Otis” float that will be entered in the annual July 4th parade in Sandwich. They are also purchasing several hundred “Save Otis” signs in conjunction with State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry. The signs will also be carried by SRTC members and other concerned citizens who wish to march in the July 4th parade with us to show their support. Subsequently, these signs will be offered to individuals throughout Sandwich and surrounding towns. If you are interested in volunteering to help the cause, and would like to march with a sign or display one in your yard, please contact Dennis Fonseca at 508-362-9283. My View In the April 21st edition of "My View" authored by the chairman of the Sandwich Democrat Town Committee, a proposal was made to shift to a program of eliminating property taxes by increasing our income tax to 5.9 percent. The plan would culminate by having the state redirect the increase directly to our towns. As I pondered this, I began cataloging a litany of issues that I would offer to the readers to consider. First of all, let's use a bit of ballpark math and an example of a household with an accumulated taxable income of $56,000 and a home worth $350,000 in Sandwich. Estimated property tax revenues in this example come to around $3500. On the other hand, an increase of .7% in the income tax rate would equate to only $392 in revenue. So, based on replacing our property tax with an increase in income tax as recommended by the article in question, Sandwich would be in for some lean times indeed. Secondly, what would we do about all the people who own property in Sandwich that do not work in Massachusetts? This plan seems to give them all a free ride. Thirdly, in the scenario as explained, the state would be responsible for redirecting the increased income tax dollars to the towns. Since when has the state apportioned anything fairly to Sandwich? Haven't we learned our lesson from the Chapter 70 funding formula? Next, even if we voted for such a change, who says the will of the voters matters in this state? In 2000 the voters of Massachusetts clearly spoke when they voted to reduce the state income tax to 5%. In Sandwich alone, 68% voted Yes, 29% voted No, and 3% were blank. It was one of several voter mandates that the Democrat-dominated and controlled legislature brazenly overruled and that the April 21st article overlooked. For legislators to argue that the voters are just uniformed or that this is for our own good is simply arrogant. Remember, they are supposed to represent us not reign over us. One of the highlights of the April 21st opinion piece described our need for "creative thinking." Unfortunately, for decades our Democrat-dominated and controlled legislature has translated creative thinking into a single question, "who or what do we tax next?" As an alternative, how about considering some conservative creative thinking:
In conclusion, I want to thank the Cape Cod Times for allowing me to share my thoughts with the readers, and, as strange as it might seem, I would like to say that I agree with my Sandwich counterpart that we need creative thinking. But, rather than finding another way to tax the people let's take the "t" out of tax and start by "axing" the waste, fraud, and duplication of services in government. At the same time, let's give control of government back to the citizens of Massachusetts. Sincerely, REPUBLICAN OF THE YEAR AWARD & CITIZEN SOLDIER RECOGNIZED
Highlighting the event, the SRTC awarded its 2005 Republican of the Year. This year the award was presented to David Neal in recognition of his tireless guidance and assistance to all Republican candidates, his years of selfless commitment to the building of the Sandwich Republican Town Committee, and his long-time dedication to the principles of the Republican Party. Mr. Neal has worked for candidates at all levels of government, including President George H.W. Bush, Sheriff Cummings, Senator Doane, and Representative Perry. Last year, the Sandwich Republican Town Committee started this program and provided Mary Wagner of East Sandwich with the 2004 Republican of the Year Award. Toward the end of the evening, Representative Jeff Perry presented a Massachusetts Legislative Citation to Kevin Sullivan in recognition of Kevin’s recent tour of duty in Egypt. Representative Perry presented the award to Sergeant Sullivan by asking all the Veterans in attendance to join him at the podium. "I stand here with fellow service members from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War to welcome home one of our own, a modern day American hero" said Representative Perry. Rounding out the evening, the SRTC raised $114 to aid the Sandwich Food Pantry and collected various food and household items for the organization. "I was pleased to see the amount of people who brought a donation for the Food Pantry and I am proud we were able to do our small part to help this worthy cause" said Selectman Frank Pannorfi who attended the event. Dennis Fonseca Receives “Volunteer Leader” Award
Dennis Fonseca of East Sandwich was recognized for his political achievement with the Republican Party when Amos Eaton, Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee Recognition Committee presented Mr. Fonseca with the “Volunteer Leader” award. The presentation was made at Representative Jeff Perry’s June 12th Flag Day event at Peter’s Pond Campground. The award reads, “In recognition of tireless efforts to rebuild the Republican Party and your work on behalf of numerous Republicans seeking office to all levels of government. Despite obstacles you have succeeded in building effective Republican organizations. We will forever be grateful for your accomplishments.” Among Mr. Fonseca’s many accomplishments are:
Mr. Fonseca accepted the award only after asking his wife Carol to join him on the stage, Mr. Fonseca stated, “I accept this award on behalf of myself and my wife Carol as we are a team and I thank her for sharing me with the Republican Party.” "Dennis has done more for the Republican Party on the Upper Cape than anyone I know. He is a selfless person who does not seek recognition, but I am very pleased the State Party took notice of all Dennis has done for so many.” said Representative Perry after Dennis accepted the award. “This is a great honor that has been bestowed upon a tireless worker for our party. Dennis is most deserving of this award for all of his efforts to keep the two- party system alive in this State.” said State Committee Woman Barbara McCoy of Bourne who was in attendance at Representative Perry’s Flag Day event. |
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On Saturday, February 19, the Sandwich Republican Town Committee (SRTC) held its third annual Presidents’ Day Extravaganza. The event was attended by a myriad of individuals crossing all party lines who came together for an exciting evening of fun. The program featured a men’s quartet from Norwich University, presidential impressions, a joke contest, and a parody rendition of the Newlywed Game entitled the "Oldywed Game." The game show host and creator was Selectman Randy Hunt and organized by Town Committee Chairman Dennis Fonseca. Selectman Bill Diedering added the sound effects.
Massachusetts Republican State Committee recognizes Sandwich man for years of hard work.
Paid for by the Sandwich Republican Town Committee
© 2005-2010 www.SandwichRepublicans.org
