July 18, 2007 GAC Update
State Senator Anthony W. Petruccelli was sworn into the Senate last Wednesday. The Council’s Ordinance Committee met last Thursday. The full Council will next meet in a special summer session on July 30.
The Chamber is interested in input from members on proposed changes to the federal immigration laws. E-mail your comment to tsmith@cambridgechamber.org.
The Cambridge Energy Alliance is still looking for office space. See the notice below if you have some to offer.
Upcoming GAC Events
The 2007 Government Affairs program is sponsored by Genzyme.
Fall events will be announced soon.
Welcome Senator Anthony Petruccelli
State Senator Anthony Petruccelli was sworn into office last Wednesday to represent the First Suffolk Middlesex District in the Senate, a district that includes Beacon Hill, part of Cambridge, East Boston, the North End, Revere and Winthrop. Cambridge neighborhoods in the district include East Cambridge, Kendall Square, Area 4, Cambridgeport, and Riverside.
Senator Petruccelli is a native of East Boston and previously served in the State House of Representatives. He was elected in a special election called following the resignation of former State Senate President Robert Travaglini. The Chamber looks forward to working with Cambridge’s newest representative at the State House.
Ordinance Committee Hearings
The Council’s Ordinance Committee met on three issues last Thursday; a change in the fence ordinance, a proposed Hotel Worker Retention Ordinance, and a proposed Leaf Blower ordinance.
The only issue the Chamber commented on was the Proposed Hotel Worker Retention Ordinance. Chamber Director of Government Affairs Terrence Smith entered comments into the record expressing the Chamber’s concern that this action would negatively impact strong relationships built over the years between the business community, residents, institutions and the City and would have a negative impact on the overall business climate. This matter remains in the Ordinance Committee and will be the subject of a future hearing.
Cambridge Energy Alliance Seeks Office Space
The Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA), a new nonprofit organization affiliated with the City, is searching for approximately 1,500-2,000 sq. feet of office space available by fall that will meet the needs of the small, but growing, staff. The organization is approaching businesses and institutions with Cambridge real estate holdings or available leased office space to consider making space available for CEA at a pro bono or discounted rate. Please contact Deborah Donovan at (617) 349-4674 or Amy Panek at (617) 951-2525 if you can provide suitable space. CEA has been created to implement a massive energy efficiency program in Cambridge. More Information on CEA is available at www.CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org.
