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GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR POTENTIAL IMPACT OF HURRICANE SANDY

Governor Patrick joins Lieutenant Governor Murray and cabinet members to hold a press availability to discuss storm preparations at the State House.

(Photo Credit: Eric Haynes / Governor’s Office)

BOSTON – Friday, October 26, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick today met with Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and his cabinet secretaries to discuss preparations for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy on Massachusetts and announced several steps the state has already taken in anticipation of the storm.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is actively monitoring the storm, coordinating with local public safety officials and conducting pre-incident planning with select Emergency Support Functions. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has been in frequent communication with the utility companies, and the Governor reported this morning that each utility company has submitted an emergency response plan and the DPU is reviewing these plans to make sure they are consistent with the expectations laid out by the Administration.

“We have been in close contact with the national weather service, and are coordinating with MEMA, all of our state agencies and the utility companies to make sure we are ready for Hurricane Sandy’s potential impact here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick.

Following last year’s storms, DPU met with the utilities and relayed clear expectations for the companies regarding emergency events, specifically, that the companies (1) be adequately and sufficiently prepared to restore service, and (2) restore service to customers in a safe and reasonably prompt manner during an emergency event. These two broad requirements include making sure that enough crews are activated, tree removal plans to allow downed wires to be fixed are in place, that a vigorous communications plan is in place between the company and its customers, and municipal and safety officials is activated, and that estimated times of restoration are accurately reported. In response to the meetings, the companies made a number of enhancements to their storm preparation processes and emergency response plans.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway maintenance crews are clearing catch basins, maintaining chain saws, preparing vehicles and reaching out to contractors on emergency contracts including fuel distributors, catch basin repair contractors and tree contractors.
The MBTA is preparing for the arrival of adverse conditions on Monday with plans to deploy extra personnel and equipment throughout the system. The MBTA will make every effort to prevent any disruptions in service; however, public safety will be paramount when making these decisions. Work crews will begin mobilizing on Sunday evening, as preparations are made for any storm-related issues that may emerge. For MBTA service updates or alerts, customers are urged to visit MBTA.com or follow the MBTA on Twitter @mbtaGM.

MEMA is encouraging residents to take the following steps in preparation for the storm:
·         Make sure you have a well-stocked Family Disaster Kit in the event you lose power or are isolated for a number of days.
·         Trim back trees and shrubbery around your home. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.
·         Clear clogged rain gutters. This storm brings the potential for torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.
·         Bring in outdoor items such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.
·         Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
·         Elevate articles in your basement that could be damaged from even minor flooding.
·         Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.
·         Keep you vehicles fully fuelled.
·         Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
·         Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video.
·         Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online.
·         Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.
·         Lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.
·         Boat owners, who plan on taking their vessel out of the water soon, should consider doing so this weekend.
·         Think about and plan for pets’ needs as well.
·         Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available atwww.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
 
For the latest updates, visit www.mass.gov or call 211.

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America is on the verge of the largest tax increase in 19 years. Virtually all Taxpayers will be affected in one or more ways. What will this mean to you when taxes soar in 2013? It may be very important for you to understand how the changes scheduled to take effect in 2013 could directly affect your wallet and what you can do to prepare for these broader and higher taxes.

Absent bipartisan action by the US Congress and the President before year-end, taxes will automatically increase on the middle class. For example, payroll taxes will increase by 2% as the social security tax holiday ends; the child care tax credit will be cut in half; the lowest current tax bracket of 10% will be eliminated and replaced at a higher 15% rate; single and married taxpayers with taxable income of $35,350-$85,650 and $70,700-$142,700, respectively, will move from the 25% to the 28% bracket; the favorable 15% tax rate on qualified dividends will end; many in the middle class will now be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax since it will kick in for singles with $33,750 and joint filers with $45,000 in taxable income; and all Taxpayers will pay 5% more in taxes on long-term capital gains from mutual funds and other investments.

Those in higher tax brackets or with moderate to considerable wealth will also feel the sting. For example, the 28% bracket rises to 31%, the 33% bracket to 36%, and the 35% bracket to 39.6%. Wages above $200,000 if single, $250,000 if married, will be subject to an additional 2.35% Medicare tax. Those with Modified Adjusted Gross Incomes above $200,000 if single, $250,000 if married, will pay an extra 3.8% investment excise tax. This would result in a 43.4% tax on investment income.

The threshold for federal estate (death) tax liability, currently at $5.120 million with an initial 35% tax rate, will drop to $1 million with an increased 55% initial rate. Since the gross taxable estate includes real estate, life insurance death benefits, retirement accounts, cash and other investments, starting in 2013 estate taxes will affect many middle class and wealthy families who have saved a “nest egg” and created a legacy for their children.

My office is reaching out to current and new clients and offering one hour year-end planning and strategy meetings to discuss what action could be taken before January 1, 2013. If you would like to schedule an appointment, we urge you to call us at 508-478-2600 as soon as possible to secure a time slot.

For additional information, click HERE to open a PDF .      And visit our website at: www.DaviesWealthMS.com/ 
Thank you.
Wayne R. Davies
B.S., J.D., LLM Tax, CFP®, ChFC®, CFS®
288 Main Street, Milford, MA 01757-2521

DISCLOSURE: The above information has been obtained or derived from sources considered reliable, but its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed, and are for general information purposes only. Wayne R. Davies and Davies Wealth Management Strategies LLC do not undertake to advise of any change in such information should legislation be adopted or otherwise. Readers should not rely solely on the above information but should first consult with competent and professional tax and investment advisors and legal counsel before taking any action.

HPTA Notice:

Due to low rsvp’s, the HPTA sponsored Meet the Superintendent Forum, scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, October 24^th, has been canceled.  If we receive new interest, we will reschedule.  Please do join us on November 14^th at 7:30 for an HPTA General Meeting and Elementary School Principals Forum.  Principals Greg Martineau, David Ljungberg and Chris Kennedy will make a presentation and lead a discussion on the “Whole Child”.  Please rsvp to secretary@hptaonline.com.

Gigantic, Garish Gate Gone*

Editor:

A crew from MacDowell Company has just removed the mammoth gate that had been erected on the access road to the new Alprilla well. The crew doesn't yet know where it's to be relocated, but thinks further down the road around the bend.

Bruce Clark (on behalf of Alprilla Farm Neighbors)

13 Alprilla Farm Road

October 24, 2012

* In accordance with an agreement with the Town of Hopkinton, Legacy Farms (Baystone Development, MacDowells)  Legacy Farms has drilled and developed a water well to serve their project of 940 living units and 450,000 square feet of commercial development. Last week an access road to the well was blocked by a bright and shiny galvanized swinging gate, according to specifications, but something that galvanized the neighbors against it.

Jimmy Fund Walk

picture 1 (l-r) Samantha Riley, Yvonne Riley, Julianna Kramer, Sue Wheeler (Christian's mom), Ethan Kramer, Christian Wheeler, Nick Wheeler, Ben Wheeler, Laurie Sullivan and Kevin Sullivan.