Valley small businesses ar running into the same snag. A Valley business recently applied for a state grant and met the criteria to assist in their growth to bring in two more employees but was rejected because they are not located in a gateway city. It is absurd! View Comment

As far as the EBT issue goes, I do not know any represtentative or senator who is not working to get that gap closed. That is already in the works, so Simonian can't really take credit for that issue. Senator Moore is one of the hardest working legislators for the people and the businesses in our area. He is always representing his districts, but more importantly he LISTENS to those in his district and takes action to solve the problems presented to him. Why would you want to change unless you are just a one party individual which to me is just foolish. View Comment

Hard to believe women would rally for a candidate who does not even support equal pay for women. If you want to talk lies, listen to Brown's professing that he supports equality for women and then check his voting record. View Comment

So pleased to see this historic property go to someone who values it, will restore it and hopefully create a much need function facility for the Blackstone Valley. Thank you Jim. View Comment

Why would you fire an individual so dedicated to his constituents and one that does his job so well? Senator Mike Moore is one of the most devoted public servants I have ever had the pleasure to call upon to help with individuals and businesses alike. He works tirelessly, 7 days a week and is a rare breed that actually does what he says he going to do, and if he does not have the answer, he finds out who does and makes a personal reference. Many small business owners in the Blackstone Valley have Senator Moore to thank for opening doors to help them do better business, and to keep watch that the laws created are favorable to business. Senator Mike has the courage and initiative to speak up when changes needed to be made, as well as the follow through to see that any injustice is corrected (the unjust fines made to small business owners relating to health insurance were corrected because Senator Moore spoke up for this correction-just one example of many) And it is not just business. Individuals have related to me that they have contacted Senator Moore and within an hour their call is returned and he truly listened and found a solution to their problem. So I ask, isn't this what a public servant is supposed to do? So many look from the sidelines and think that another's positon is so glamourous and they can do better. It would take an extremely dedicated and caring individual to try to fill Senator Moore's shoes. And honestly, I just don't see it in Steve Simonian. View Comment

It is hard to believe that this can happen today. That practice is certainly not God's law! But putting this in a business perspective, what a loss for the Blackstone Valley! There is such a lack of function facilities in our region. The plans these two entrepreneurs had for this wonderful space would add so much to the area, especially in light that the the very area we are talking about is to be designated a National Park. I encourage these two gentlemen to pursue their plans and do whatever they can to reverse this ridiculous act. No one, not even the RC Church, should be allowed to practice such blatant discrimination. View Comment

It appears to have been clearly established that Senator Michael Moore suports small business in Massachusetts and that he works tirelessly for the cause. Mr. Simonian is wasting the public's time with his continuous fruitless attacks and negative comments. To coin a phrase, "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Senator Moore is doing a stellar job for the people in his district. There is no need to make a change. View Comment

Sen. Moore is a real advocate for business in the Commonwealth. Just one example: He was instumental in working diligently and bi-partisanly to close the loophole in the fair share initiative that had created a burden to small business, costing thousands of dollars and putting them in real jeopardy. To say he does not have small business top of mind is ridiculous. View Comment

It has been my experience as not only a resident but also a small business director that Senator Michael Moore is one of the most accessable of our legislators in the region. He is always available for questions, attends community and local legislative events and has worked to assist small business growth. In addition, he holds regular office hours in and around the area. I find Mr. Simonian's comments completely unfounded. View Comment

Unfortunatley, this is another example of big business crushing small business. The community at large must think small and support local businesses. They are the foundation upon which community is built. When big only gets bigger and your neighborhood services become extinct, we all lose. You will not feel it immediately, but when your school or some other community entity needs support and big feels no need as it will not effect the bottom line, or you receive the application for approval by the home office in another part of the country, then you will realize just how much of an asset small business really is to a community. View Comment

As an animal rights activist, I feel that it is imperative that these animal cruelty charges be added. When a human willfully murders a defenseless animal companion it is truly taking the life of a valued family member. The MSPCA is a wonderful organization that has a governmental affairs department whose members will advocate to legislators on behalf of your beloved companion animal. Contact the Attorney General's office as well. Your local legislators should also be notified. Remember a society is judged by the way their animals are treated. View Comment

So sad that the Friendly's location at White City has closed. That restaruant has been a Shrewsbury landmark location to meet friends and family for decades. It will be sorely missed. My elderly mother is heartbroken. It is a shame an agreement could not be reached between the coporation and the new landlord of the plaza. Another victim of the economic downturn that effects the community at large. View Comment

The Pet Rock Festival, in it's 14th year is the only non-profit that donates all of our profits to local and diverse animal welfare organizations. From an emergency fund to assist private citizens who are unable to pay for urgent care for their companion anaimals, to funding elementary schools programs through American Humane Society Youth to educate and make fun learning about the importance of kindness to animals and how these nurturing skills build better adults. In these challenging times many are unable to afford to care for their best friends who are such an important part of the family unit. Pet Rock is honored to assist in these crisis circumstances, but our funds are dwindling and we need contributions to continue this good work. Remember, they can't talk-so we will! View Comment