Point: There’s more good than bad to casino gambling

As printed in the Eagle Tribune March 23, 2008

The extremes in the casino debate have hijacked the reality of the debate itself. Those in the opposing camp predict economic devastation predicated by catastrophic social costs. Those in the camp favoring casinos point to them as a panacea for all of the commonwealth’s current fiscal difficulties - the solution to local aid and the myriad other costs currently crippling communities and families. Putting aside these polarizing views, neither of which is likely to happen, let’s take a look at the facts.

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Throughout his tenure, Senator Baddour has made education a foremost priority, winning millions of dollars to support public schools, community colleges, and adult basic education centers across the district. Steve’s work as a legislator is part of a longstanding commitment to advocacy and community service. As an Assistant Attorney General, he established a reputation for fighting to protect working people that he continues to foster as a Senator.

Senator Baddour gears his work not only toward reform, but toward practical changes that can improve the lives of the people he represents. In 2003, he co-authored the toughest environmental protection bill passed in decades and, when the Senate sought to eliminate tax loopholes for companies benefiting from clever accounting, Steve fought for that too.

Senator Baddour notes that his proudest moment was the passage of Melanie’s Law, a piece of legislation he authored designed to protect our families from repeat drunk drivers. The bill, named for Melanie Powell, a young girl struck and killed by a drunk driver, won praise for instituting what are arguably the toughest drunk driving laws in the United States.

In serving as an advocate for his constituents, Senator Baddour’s approach has always been to encourage individuals to take an active role in improving their communities and providing input on the state level. He frequently organizes community forums and hearings to address issues as wide ranging as economic development and small business advocacy, public safety, veterans’ issues, health care and public education. He also continues to join Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) in hosting their local cable access program “Across the Aisle” to address current affairs and present them to their constituents.

Senator Baddour continues to serve as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transportation and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. He also serves as a member of the Joint Committees on Ways and Means, Children & Families, Post Audit & Oversight, and Election Laws. Locally, Steve is an active member of the Northeastern Legislative Caucus.

Senator Baddour’s passionate advocacy stems from longstanding personal ties to the community. A life-long resident of Methuen, Steve attended Methuen public schools and received his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts and his J.D. from the Massachusetts School of Law. He lives with his wife, Ann, and two young daughters, Isabella and Victoria, in Methuen.

Sponsors cite a recent attack

By Erin Ailworth, Globe Staff | February 8, 2008

A group of lawmakers filed legislation yesterday to give prosecutors power to demand that juries decide whether offenders nearing the end of their prison terms should be placed in a state treatment facility.

The proposal was filed a week after convicted Level 3 sex offender Corey Saunders was arrested on charges he raped a 6-year-old boy in a New Bedford library. Level 3 is the most dangerous category and is considered likely to reoffend.

The lawmakers, along with community activists and Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone Jr., said the legislation would give more power to prosecutors and community members to decide which sex offenders are released. (more…)

By Katie Farrell
Staff writer
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MERRIMAC — Some elderly residents had to wait so long they missed their doctor appointments. Others say they found drivers inconsiderate and impatient. And there were others who waited for buses that never arrived.

For more than two hours yesterday, area Council on Aging directors took turns telling Beacon Hill lawmakers about the problems bus passengers face when taking public transportation with the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority and urging legislators to fix it.

The meeting, held in a crowded room at the Merrimac Senior Center, was chaired by Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, co-chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation. (more…)