You Can Make a Difference

I hate to hear people say they cannot not make a difference when something in their community needs fixing. Recently I have been a part of two grassroots movements that have turned out to be successful. I am so proud of the time and effort everyone put in to bring these important issues to a close.

The first is a huge win for the entire East Bay as well as all communities along Narragansett Bay. The LNG terminal is dead in the water, so to speak. Because of the concerted efforts of many, including our legislators, Save the Bay, Kickemuit River Council, all of the Bristol County town councils, and communities on Narragansett Bay, HESS has decided not to pursue the LNG terminal, offshore or otherwise.

We were fortunate that there were several groups that took the lead, got others involved, and fought this battle to a victory. I could not be happier. When I look at the cooling towers in Somerset, though I know why they are there, I dreaded the next eyesore and environmental problem to come along. We may never know why HESS made an about-face, but I would like to think that it is because people, communities and groups came together to fight for quality of life.

The second big win is for business over the big banks. Many people do not realize the amount of money spent on so called “swipe fees,” also known as “processing” or “transaction” fees. Any time a consumer uses a debit card, there is a fee charged to the business owner – a fee that is not allowed to be passed on to the consumer. This fee is not regulated.

For many retailers, it is the highest expense behind payroll and healthcare. These fees are set by credit card companies, such as VISA and MasterCard, and the banks that issue their cards. Some charge more than 40 cents. It costs them no more than 6 cents to process the transaction. Businesses are not asking to eliminate the fee, just for it to be reasonable.

Senator Richard Durban, in an amendment to the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, acted to reform these fees. Credit card companies and banks tried to strip the amendment from the legislation. Despite the lack of lobbyists, small businesses and large retailers alike were able to convince enough legislators to keep the amendment in place. Happily, July 21, 2011, one month from today, the ruling goes into effect.

On a similar note, Warren had the adjourned town meeting, which is a chance to vote on whether to spend money on budget items presented by the Town Council. Only about 140 people came out to vote in a town where there are more than 7,000 registered voters. By nine votes, a rescue truck was approved. By two votes, a recycle truck was approved. Money to correct drainage problems around town was a tie vote, which means it does not get done.

Open space will have limited ability to borrow in coming years (lost by 40 votes), the police department will not get any new vehicles (lost by 43 votes), and infrastructure took a hit (that means there will be many roads left not replaced and unrepaired (lost by 26 votes), as did the sewer department's ability to borrow in case the Locust Terrace pump station fails (lost by4 votes).  

Still think your vote does not matter?  Think again.