The Monmouth still set to sell even after Building Setbacks

MANASQUAN – Realty and sales in southern New Jersey may be struggling due to the current state of the economy, but that is not going to stop PRC Homes from building on to the “penthouse” style apartments at The Monmouth condominiums near Point Pleasant, NJ, according to Vice President of Sales and Marketing Greg Lentine.

The Monmouth, a luxurious condominium complex that caters to the 55-plus community, has listings of apartments ranging from $800,000 to $1.5 million. There are six residences in each of the eight buildings, each approximately 4,000 square feet with a private elevator, fine hardwood floors, marble and tile kitchens, and broad private terraces and bedrooms. There is a community club house that offers many utilities for residents, including two private pools, a gym, a billiard room, and an outdoor 18-hole golf course.

“Our product is so original and unique, that it can only fit to satisfy a small group of people,” said Lentine, whose construction firm, PRC Homes, owns The Monmouth. “It caters primarily to an older, upper class society with people who typically don’t live at the apartments year round.”

Many setbacks have delayed the final construction of The Monmouth since its initial development in 2001, which should grow to include over 10 condominiums. Although the present economic crisis constitutes for a large part of these troubles, some smaller, more personal events have also curbed profits.

“One of the big economic problems that our community at Monmouth faces now is that the community went bankrupt,” said Lentine. “Our original building constructor died after construction began, and now it’s hard to find the right people to fit our market place in the state of the economy.”

Although people nationwide are cutting back on expenses in order to cope with the recession, Levine does not believe this will affect The Monmouth’s overall production and sales.

“It’s like a triangle,” said Levine. “Only a small percent of rich people who wish to own a home in that area [the Jersey Shore] are at the top. We just have to find those people. The original building plans are still in progress and there should eventually be over 10 building complexes.”

PRC Homes is implementing some changes in future construction, however, to offer a number of residences at more affordable prices. At least three more buildings will join The Monmouth in the upcoming months, and the apartments will be 2,000 square feet instead of 4,000. These apartments will be placed on the market at prices lower than The Monmouth’s original median selling price of $1 million.

“It really just depends on the situation though,” said Levine. “We just had a man buy out three complexes for over $3 million. He plans to put in a personal dance floor and bar.”

Many of the finished complexes at The Monmouth are already off the market, and according to Levine, offers and interests are still coming in.

“As the saying goes, ‘if you want to sell pink elephants at 10 cents apiece, you need the pink elephants, and you need the people interested in them to have 10 cents,’” said Levine. “What I need to find are those few people interested in my ‘pink elephant’ who are still able to afford it during this financially difficult time.”

Favorite Christmas Classics Countdown

It’s every holiday-enthusiasts’ favorite time of year. Houses are lit up in multi-colored lights and store windows are full of cardboard-boxed wrapped presents and decorated Christmas trees. Turn on the television, and every-other channel is sure to be playing its 20th rerun of the movie Elf or Home Alone. One of the best things about Christmas is the classic films, from the heartwarming tales of A Christmas Carol and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas to the more humorous stories of Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation and Christmas with the Cranks. Here is a list of the some of the must-sees this holiday season, and others that aren’t worth skipping an extra day of present shopping over.

Elf – Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, this is a more recent holiday movie that definitely makes the cut for a cute Christmas tale that people of all ages can enjoy. If Ferrell hopping around the streets of New York in a tight green and yellow elf suit isn’t funny enough, his one-liners and childlike enthusiasm over Christmas and Santa Clause will have even the biggest Scrooge chuckling. Appearances by Bob Newhart as Papa Elf and Zooey Deschanel as Buddy’s love interest add an extra dose of good entertainment.

A Christmas Carol – Even after tons of remakes, the 1951 British version of Charles Dickens’ novel is the only one really worth watching. (Okay, maybe the 1981 made-for-television movie starring George C. Scott isn’t so bad either). First released as Scrooge and later rereleased in the U.S. as A Christmas Carol, the film follows a grumpy old man Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Alastair Sim) as he is visited by three Christmas spirits over the course of one night to help him realize the true joys of family, friends, and Christmas. In the end, when Scrooge runs ecstatic throughout the streets and buys a huge Christmas feast for Tiny Tim and his poor family, it makes one realize the importance of Christmas doesn’t lie within lavish and expensive gifts and knickknacks.

Surviving Christmas – This isn’t one that usually makes list, but Surviving Christmas, starring Ben Affleck and Christina Applegate, is a great comedy-mixed-holiday film. Drew Latham (Affleck), a wealthy New York advertising executive, hires a middle-class family for $250,000 to take him in for the holidays when he realizes that he is doomed to spend Christmas alone. Latham drags the already struggling Valco family through Hell as he attempts to live his fantasized childhood Christmas through hired actors and expensive excursions. In the end, like any other holiday classic, Latham learns a valuable life lesson of love and family, just as the Valco family comes together and learns the same.

What not to watch this holiday season is any Lifetime or Hallmark Channel original movie. Not to be mean, I’ve given these movies many, many tries, they just simply aren’t very good. Maybe they are nice to have on in the background as the family is decorating the tree while simultaneously listening to Christmas music, but other than that they just don’t make the cut. What’s the word, not trying to be harsh, but corny? That probably sums up every one of these films in a single word. Just stick with ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas countdown, that is the best way to catch some of your favorite Christmas classics all this December.

Glory Daze not much of an Animal House

Previews for TBS’ new sitcom Glory Daze gave viewers hope that entertainment focused on the crazy, disgusting yet wildly hilarious frat boy lifestyle has not entirely burnt out since the successful 1978 comedy Animal House staring John Belushi. Unfortunately, Glory Daze, which premiered on TBS November 16, does not quite provide the same laughs reminiscent of the whiskey shooting, junk food devouring Belushi.

Yes, Molly Ringwald classics of the 1980’s like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink make for great movie nights. A 21st century sitcom that attempts to follow the comedic journeys of five horny college freshmen that want to pledge a fraternity in 1986, not so much. With the poofy hair, awful clothes, and one-hit wonders playing in the background, Glory Daze does provide for a good one hour walk down memory lane for those that went to school in the 80s. The biggest problem is, the plotline seems too unoriginal to make for anything worthwhile. Five college guys in hormonal overdrive, trying to make a name for themselves among the upperclassmen frat boys and any members of the opposite sex, tends to wear out after a few prime episodes.

The acting proves superior – self-proclaimed jock Brian (played by Hartley Sawyer) with his rather odd “intimate” issues dealing with his girlfriend and sports idols along with a cameo by Brad Garrett make for some good smirks.

Glory Daze hits the spot when it comes to the overall fraternity stereotype of embarrassing initiations and outrageous situations dealing with the “awkward freshmen.” So far, that is the only thing it has going for it.

Not all hope is lost. Glory Daze does provide a few good laughs and a fun look at college years past. But if producers hope to increase ratings and secure a second season, the nonstop comedy should intermingle with some actual drama and “real life” in the storyline to supply a reason for viewers to keep watching.

Weezer’s self-debut album made a name for Nerdy Rockstars

Before they were seen partying with the Jackass crew in their video for their newest single “Memories” and before they gained access to the Playboy Mansion to film scenes for their popular hit “Beverly Hills,” Weezer was a 1990’s rock band comprised of four awkward guys in their 20s who were quietly making a name for themselves among the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.

Although their 2006 album Make Believe is what really threw them to the forefront of MTV’s definition of “alternative rock,” hits like “Buddy Holly” and “Undone – The Sweater Song” that were released on 1994 debut album Weezer have and always will personify the talent and unique brilliance that is Weezer.

In the early 1990s Weezer gained most recognition for their awesome music videos that accompanied “Undone” and “Buddy Holly.” For their first single “Undone,” Weezer, headed by vocalist and guitarist Rivers Cuomo, combined a number of amusing scenarios while performing on a simple sound stage, the most popular scene having a pack of dogs bombard the set while the band continues playing. The “Buddy Holly” video features the band imbued in footage of Arnold’s Drive-In Diner, a popular setting from the 1970’s sitcom Happy Days. Rivers Cuomo and crew are seen playing onstage in 50s attire, while girls in poodle skirts prance around. The video ends with a stunt double meant to represent the popular character Fonzie to dance to the closing lines. The video was voted Breakthrough Video and Best Alternative Music Video at the MTV Video Music Awards that year.

Follow-up albums including Pinkerton and The Green Album went on to release other hit singles, among them being one of Weezer’s greatest successes “Island in the Sun.” Cuomo’s vocals on this single provides such a laid-back, feel-good vibe, many people still throw it on the stereo when they need a moment to relax and unwind.

What makes Weezer such a great band is their dedication to the music and staying true to who they are not only as musicians, but as individuals. Even with growing renown and fame, Cuomo sticks to his quirky behaviors and odd fashion sense, making the thick-glasses look popular among the alternative rock scene.

Weezer hit it big on MTV with hits from their self-debut album Weezer, and are still as strong a rock band as ever with releasing two albums in 2010 alone, Raditude and Hurley and Death to False Metal.

Boston Commons Annual Tree Lighting welcomes The Rocketts this Year

BOSTON – The Boston Commons welcomed in the holidays with its 69th annual Christmas tree lighting Thursday night, with food and entertainment for all those bracing the cold to see the first festive lightings of the season.

The event, which lasted from 6-8 p.m., included appearances by the Radio City Rockettes dancers, the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, and Grammy award-winning R&B artist Patti Austin among others. The Province of Nova Scotia worked with the city of Boston to supply the sponsors, entertainment, and over 80 decorated trees throughout the park, in addition to the main tree lighting. The event, which took place throughout the Boston Commons and the Public Garden, was free to all individuals.

“This is my fourth year coming to the tree lighting,” said 22-year-old Brandilee Panebianco, a former broadcast journalism student who lives in Boston. “I’m a huge sucker for holiday stuff. I’ll watch the tree lighting, go home, and watch the movie Elf.”

At approximately 7 p.m., JC Monahan of Newscenter Channel 5 broadcasted live while Mayor Thomas Menino flipped the switch alongside Santa Clause to light up the main tree, a 50-foot, 50-year-old white spruce. The tree was donated by Gary and Roseann Meisner of Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.

“We’re actually from Maine and my husband had to come down to Boston this weekend for a work conference,” said Jana Markow, 40. “We saw the stage set up and decided to check it out. It’s crowded, but at least we got a good spot where we can see.”

Markow and her two kids Lila and Jackson, along with her husband David, were standing on a bench on a hill just right of the main stage. The Varsity Girls, a singing group that was nominated for Best Pop/R&B Artist at the 2010 Boston Music Awards, were performing a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You,” a popular, modern R&B Christmas hit.

Markow is most excited to catch the performance of the Radio City Rockettes.

“I lived in Boston 12 years and never made it to the tree lighting,” said David Markow. “I’m glad I’m able to catch it this year with my family.”

The night ended with a pyrotechnic light display synchronized with a performance organized by the Boston Pops Gospel Choir.

Little Fockers set to Release Christmas Weekend

Most films that go on over two movies do not turn out to be that great, but Little Fockers, the third installment after Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers, looks very promising. Starring the original cast including Ben Stiller, Roberto Di Nero, and Barbara Streisand, the hilarious family quarrels of the Focker-Byrnes plans to include two new characters this time around; little twin Fockers Samantha and Henry.

2000’s Meet the Parents drew in audiences with its hilarious plot driven by the petty arguments and slight competition between Gaylord “Greg” Focker and his fiancé’s father Jack Byrnes. Focker spray paints a cat’s tail and Byrnes revives his former CIA training all to impress the fiancé and daughter Pam Byrnes. In the end, Byrnes rescues Focker from a pending terrorist accusation and gives his blessings to Focker and Pam. Now, 10 years and two kids later, Focker is going through a midlife crisis which is not lightened by the intrusion of his hippie-like parents and overbearing father-in-law. Byrnes’ suspicions of Focker resurface, and Little Fockers promises another major showdown between the two.

In the film’s previews, we already see Focker getting himself into some sticky but nonetheless hilarious situations when he cuts his finger at a family dinner and causes a bloody hysteria after he finds out that his parents have purchased a home right down the street. The onscreen chemistry between Stiller and Di Nero was entertainingly apparent in the first two films, and looks to hopefully carry on into the third.

Little Fockers opens nationwide Wednesday, December 22.

Old Dominion Reunion at Monmouh University

MONMOUTH – Saturday afternoon’s Monmouth University football game in West Long Branch, NJ was host to the annual reunion of old friends and fellow “Big Blues,” as four Old Dominion University 1986 alumni took to tailgating in the parking lot and reminiscing about college days several hours prior to the game.

46-year-old Craig Strauss from Westchester, NY is the main organizer of the ODU reunion, and tries to get everyone together at least once a year.
For Strauss and friends, life isn’t how it used to be back in 1986, with family life and careers taking up most of their time nowadays. They try to find the time in everyone’s hectic schedules – between kids’ soccer practices and PTA meetings – to get together for a few beers and to look back on the more simple times.

The four individuals that make up this tight group of originally eight alumni all met freshman year at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA in 1982. They lived on the same floor in Gresham Hall and have kept in close touch over the years. Along with Strauss, there were tailgaters Mark Bellini, Jeanne Kinneally and Denise Iaffery, along with their wives, husbands, and children.

“It’s great to see how they all have kept in touch over the years,” said 46-year-old Patricia Bellini, Mark’s wife and a cashier at Cracker Barrel in Clinton, NJ. “Mark only went to school one year at Old Dominion, so the fact he considers Craig and everyone else still such great friends really means something.”

Although this quartet usually meets in New York City in mid-October to enjoy some
drinks and dancing, Strauss suggested that they all try to make it to an Old Dominion football game, since this is the first year that ODU has a team.

Not everyone was too excited over the idea of taking a trip down to Virginia, so when we Strauss saw that they were playing Monmouth, he figured it was the next best thing since they all live close enough to the area.

The game started at 1 p.m. and Strauss and crew arrived and began to set up a tailgate at around 11 a.m. The day was hot and humid, so Strauss and Mark Bellini managed to save a few parking spots under a cluster of trees.

Strauss started up a mini grill and the kids, most under the age of 13, began a game of touch football. The afternoon consisted of old friends sitting around a blacktop, sipping beers and laughing over the innocent trouble they caused in college.

Strauss remembers the good times he used to have with Dominoes delivery back at ODU.
Whenever someone in the dorm building ordered Dominos pizza, he and friends would wait for the driver to get out for his delivery, and then if he left the doors to the car unlocked, they would snake attack and go in to take all the food still left unarmed in the car.

The gang headed into the game a few minutes past the first quarter. Old Dominion, also known as the “Big Blue,” defeated Monmouth 35-21. Some fellow ODU alumni recognized the Gresham crew, and managed to set up a decent size fan base in the stands.

The afternoon ended with plans for the night to continue with dinner and more drinks at Kinneally’s home in Manasquan, NJ.

Strauss and Kinneally hope to rally most of the gang together and catch a train down to Norfolk when Old Dominion plays the Virginia Military Institute on home turf November 13.

32 Photographs brought into Court as Evidence against Defendants in "Drug Ring" Case

(A follow-up article on the Ramsden/King case, focused on the evidence presented in court)

BOSTON – In U.S. District Court in Boston on Monday, Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration Eugene DiFiore provided key witness arguments against the case of a two-year Crystal Methamphetamine and GHB trafficking scandal between Scott Ramsden and Robert King.

DiFiore headed the investigation that utilized surveillance and wiretaps in order to track the purchasing and distributing of Crystal Meth and GHB between Scott Ramsden, 49, and Robert King, 42.

Crystal Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as Crystal Meth, is a psychoactive stimulant approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid, GHB, a depressive drug, is strictly regulated for medical purposes within the U.S and commonly referred to by its street name, the date-rape drug.

Through wiretaps, DiFiore discovered that much of the communication between Ramsden and King took place through text messaging services on their cell phones. Drug price and amount were discussed through text messages, and in most cases King would request a supply provided by Ramsden. Green Dot Corporation, an issuer of prepaid credit cards, allowed money transfers to flow easily between Ramsden and King.

Assistant U.S Attorneys of Ortiz’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Mendell and Foley used DiFiore as their only witness in the case, and provided 32 images in court as evidence. The photographs were taken at the residences of Ramsden and King, following the attainment of search warrants.

The first 21 photos were of Ramsden’s apartment on Boylston Street in Boston. Many of the pictures included images of glass cylinders, jars and pipes, many filled with “a clear liquid substance, that we believe through our investigation to be GHB,” said DiFiore. These objects seized from Ramsden’s residence are currently being tested by the DEA. In Exhibits 8 and 9 (photographs), there were images of a safe and its interior, including glass jars filled with a clear substance, documents, cash, money bands to hold and separate bills, and a black zippered bag containing more cash. Also found were a money counting machine and a number of small, plastic bags containing a white substance thought to be Crystal Meth. A total of $45,300 was recovered in cash.

Photographs 22-32 taken from a search of King’s residence were very similar to those taken at Ramsden’s apartment, with many images of glass devices typically used to smoke narcotics, documents, plastic bags containing a white substance thought to be Crystal Meth, and two safes. Exhibit 26 featured a one gallon bottle holding the chemical analog used to manufacture GHB, and beside this bottle was a smaller jug containing a clear liquid substance.

Both resident searches were conducted by Boston Trooper and DiFiore’s partner in the case Robert Sara.

The prosecution used the physical evidence provided and supported by DiFiore in court to help support claims that along with possession, Ramsden and King gained profit by distributing Crystal Meth and GHB. Both Ramsden and King pled not guilty, and Judge M.J. Boal scheduled a future hearing for November 16.

Two Leaders of a Boston Drug Ring Busted

(Another article, part one of two, based on court)

BOSTON – Two conspirators in a Massachusetts drug ring who were the focus of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation since 2008 pled Not Guilty to charges of possession with conspiracy to distribute in U.S District Court in Boston last Monday.

Scott Ramsden, 49, of Boston and Robert King, 42, of Waltham were arrested this month after a two-year investigation found them involved in a criminal drug enterprise specialized in the distribution of Crystal Meth and GHB (the date rape drug). Ramsden was indicted and arrested for supposedly leading the drug organization in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Attorneys Jason L. Watkins and George F. Gormley offered arguments in court Monday to lessen the sentences. Watkins, representing Ramsden, argued that many of the statements made by the prosecution’s single witness, DEA Special Agent Eugene DiFiore, were hearsay because he was not physically present at the time of the search of Ramsden’s residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Foley and Mendell of Ortiz’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force presented 22 photographs taken at the search of Ramsden’s apartment for the prosecution. Many objects used to consume narcotics were found at Ramsden’s home, along with a clear liquid substance thought to be GHB and a white substance separated into small plastic bags though to be Crystal Meth. A total of $45,300 was seized from his home.

Gormley attempted to drop the charge against King of “conspiracy to distribute Crystal Meth and GHB,” stating that the drugs found during a search of King’s home were of an amount to satisfy personal use. Gormley also argued that an analog chemical typically used to cultivate GHB found at King’s home is not an illegal substance to own.

In their closing arguments, Mendell and Foley focused on the fact that both men were unemployed, but still able to afford their homes and everyday necessities. According to Mendell, Ramsden lived in a lavish apartment, owned a nice car, and had many hi-tech gadgets.

“These were all paid for by drug transactions,” stated Mendell. “It’s something [Ramsden] did every day, all the time.”

The prosecution also reminded the court of the search of both men’s homes, and how all the evidence collected showed signs of a drug dealer.

“These are two people who have used drugs up until five days ago, and who sell methamphetamine, a very abusive drug. They are a danger to the community and students of crime,” said Mendell in his closing argument.

In Watkins’ closing statement, he called for a $100,000 bail, stating that Ramsden has a long history of substance abuse but is willing to enter treatment. He offered an emotional defense, stating Ramsden has a close connection to his mother, has lived in Boston for a long time, and graduated with a degree from Boston College. Ramsden has no history of violence and shows no signs of returning to drug dealing. Watkins stated Ramsden should be released to his Boylston Street apartment under electronic monitoring before entering rehabilitation.

King entered a voluntary order of detention.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine.
Judge scheduled a hearing for November 16, and the two men were brought back into custody.

Former Winner of Big Brother Charged with Drug Possession

(Here is a piece on court coverage)

BOSTON – Adam Jasinski, the winner of the CBS reality television show Big Brother Season 9, pled guilty to charges of drug possession with the intent to distribute and failure to file tax returns in U.S District Court in Boston this past Monday.

Jasinski, 32, from Delray Beach, FL was arrested last October when over 2,000 blue pills of oxycodone were found in his possession. Oxycodone is an active ingredient in the drug OxyContin.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Ricci presented evidence for the prosecution, stating that a government witness picked Jasinski up at Boston’s Logan International Airport after a flight from Florida on Oct. 17, 2009. When they got into the witness’ car, Jasinski pulled two small bags containing the 30 mg oxycodone pills from a white sock he had hidden in his pants. He was then arrested.

Jasinski, who won a $500,000 grand prize on the reality television show Big Brother in April 2008, also failed to file an income tax return and pay additional taxes owed on the prize money, according to Ricci. Big Brother is a reality show that features 16 contestants confined in a house under surveillance 24/7. There are competitions and house evictions each week, and the last house member left standing receives the $500,000 prize.

In Jasinski’s defense, lawyer Valerie Carter stated Jasinski should be released on bail under extraordinary circumstances. She claimed Jasinski entered a Massachusetts drug treatment facility for four months and is currently in nonresidential treatment in New Jersey where his parents reside. He is being treated for substance abuse and for bipolar disorder. Carter claimed Jasinski passed all drug tests while in treatment, and recommended a sentence of strict house arrest so Jasinski could continue nonresidential treatment uninterrupted.

Judge William Young denied Carter’s request, stating that although Jasinski’s circumstances were admirable they were not exceptional, and in order to be so, “It has got to be more than personal circumstance.”

After his guilty plea, Jasinski was handcuffed and taken into custody. His sentencing is scheduled for January 11 at 2 p.m.

MA General Election has greater turn out than State Primaries

(Another follow-up on the MA General Elections)

BOSTON – The Cummington Street voting site had a larger voter turnout for this week’s Massachusetts General Election than it did for the State Primary Election back in September.

“We’ve already had 63 people come to vote,” said Mark D. Trachtenberg, the warden in charge of the 111 Cummington Street polling location. “I think we’ll get over 100 by the end of the day.”

The voting lounge at 111 Cummington Street, which holds offices for Boston University’s Computer Science Department, only had six voters come out by 5 p.m. on September 14. This past Tuesday, over 60 people already came to vote by 4 p.m., with a line beginning to form again around 4:30 p.m.

“We’ve had a bigger voter turnout this month which is good, but along with that, there’s been a Hell of a lot of paperwork,” said Trachtenberg, expressing one of his personal disagreements with the current voting process.

An individual is considered an inactive voter if he or she does not return an address confirmation card to the registrar of voters. In order to become active, individuals must confirm their address with the local registrar before the election. This process can be tedious in a city with a high percentage of student voters.

“It’s a customer service atrocity and an unnecessary inconvenience,” said Trachtenberg.

Although the inactive voter’s right to vote is not jeopardized in the general election unless a candidate calls for a ballot recount, extra paperwork is involved in the process in order to uphold the city census.

“I hoped someone in the government’s office would complain, but every year the process remains the same,” said Trachtenberg.

Citizens who come in to vote and find themselves inactive must fill out an additional three pages of paperwork in order to link voter outcome to the city census. According to Trachtenberg, this discriminates mostly against college students.

“Most people are very patient with the process, and maybe they shouldn’t be,” he said.

The fact that students and other individuals are still willing to vote even with the excess paperwork is a positive sign for the overall general election voter outcome.

“It’s still great to see more young people out voting. Your city council can do more for you than the president,” said Trachtenberg. “The local candidates deserve the recognition, and they are worth listening to and voting for.”

"No Sales Tax for Alcohol" big debate in MA General Election

(Here is a follow-up article on the Massachusetts General Election)

BOSTON – For those voting in this week’s Massachusetts General Election on November 2, Question 1 on the ballot seems to draw more attention and interest than of issues surrounding the running candidates.

“Honestly, this is my first year voting, and the main reason is because of the extra tax on alcohol,” said 24-year-old Shawn Benson, a security guard for the Apple software company. “The mindset of it sort of sucks; when you’re in the moment [of buying alcohol] you don’t think about it, but then you realize that it all adds up.”

The “No Sales Tax for Alcohol” initiative, which will appear as Question 1 on this year’s ballot, is an indirect initiated state statute. The measure will allow voters to decide whether or not to repeal the Massachusetts sales tax on all alcohol sales.

“I think this year’s election is intense. For those people that don’t usually vote, I think they’re starting to realize that there are big consequences. That’s probably one of the biggest factors for voters,” said Democrat Chris Gibes, 34, an advertising consultant at The Boston Phoenix.

Individuals seem more aware of the three initiatives presented on the 2010 ballot – concerning the extended sales tax on alcohol, permits for affordable housing, and state sales tax rates – because many believe the candidates are not presenting themselves in an honorable way.

“I don’t like the way the candidates are going about it,” said 36-year-old bicyclist Gabriel Polonsky, a Republican. “They are not looking to solve anything. That’s the main reason I’m going to pass on voting this year.”

“Candidates’ ads all seem to be focused on bashing someone else. There is no sense of trying to do good or change,” said Gibes.

“I recently talked about the election with some of my friends over a few drinks, and it looks like maybe half of us are going to vote,” said Benson. “I don’t know if I’m going to vote for any specific candidates, because I don’t know much about them.”

The main concern in this election for Massachusetts voters chiefly involves money. Gibes put it metaphorically this way: “The problem is that people can deal with a 95 tax, but then when they ask for 96, we just can’t do it anymore.”

The Massachusetts General Election is held on Tuesday, November 2.

A small number of voters show up for Massachusetts State Primaries

(Here is a piece I wrote for my news and reporting class on the Massachusetts State Primaries)

BOSTON – The Cummington Street voting site for the 2010 Massachusetts State Primaries had a low outcome of voters this year, with only six people coming out to vote by 5 p.m. this past Tuesday.

“It’s always a disappointment when not many people show up to vote, but it’s not such a big surprise,” said Mark D. Trachtenberg, the warden in charge of the 111 Cummington Street polling location.

“It’s a rather oddball scenario this year given that there is no contest on the Democratic side,” stated Trachtenberg.

111 Cummington was turned into a voting hall on Tuesday, September 14, with two tables each separated into four smaller sections designated as voting booths.

“I think some people miss the concept of pulling a lever when voting, especially when there was a curtain for privacy and everything. But after the whole recount in Florida that took place in the 2000 presidential election, the process we now have just proves a lot more efficient,” said Trachtenberg.

After filling out their ballot, voters must enter it through a portal that mechanically counts the number of votes filed for each candidate.

“I don’t think the voting process has anything to do with today’s low turnout,” said Trachtenberg. “There’s always a drop-off between the local elections and the state elections in November. Last year we had about 600 voters come out in November.”

Trachtenberg, who has been a warden since 2000, started off working the polls at the
Alexander Hamilton School in Brighton, MA. He voted at the Copley Library prior to his shift at Cummington, and recalled there were less people coming out to vote than in years past.

There were five people on call Tuesday at the Cummington location from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. when the polls closed. Along with Warden Trachtenberg there was a clerk, two inspectors, and one police officer to make sure all operations ran smoothly.

“It’s of course been pretty quite here, but I’ll read or flip through the newspaper to keep myself busy,” said Trachtenberg.

No voters showed up between the hours of 3-5 p.m., and before this time only six people passed through 111 Cummington to place their votes.