We don’t sell out for sandwiches

Dec. 30, 2019 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Many thoughts are bouncing around my noggin. Here goes:

What happened last week was a reminder of how things can work in Congress. Richard Neal exercised his considerable influence and clout to assure the continued operation of the CRRC- MA.

Thank you.

CRRC-MA is not just a manufacturing facility with nearly 200 local jobs. It is a company that is buying 60 percent of its components from American companies. A closure of the plant would have significant negative effects.

Thanks to Neal’s efforts, the factory will be allowed to continue to provide important opportunities for area residents and rail cars for a number of mass transit systems.

 It’s on the level

So apparently a feature we have been doing for a long time – “The Best Damn Sandwich” – offended one of our readers. He or she – since the reader decided to make comments behind a shield of anonymity – objected to the series of stories about the sandwiches at Posto, a new restaurant in Longmeadow.

I attempted to address his or her concerns in a series of emails but to no avail. Let me underline here what I said to the reader: we pay for our sandwiches. They are not comped. We do not announce to restaurant owners who we are or what we are doing. We do not recommend what we don’t like.

We took the same approach to our pieces on pumpkin pies, chicken wings and cider donuts.

If this readers want to believe we’ve compromised our integrity over a free sandwich, then there is nothing I can do. I’m sure the conspiracy theory gives that person some twisted comfort.

 Sports betting is a wager we should take

The news about Massachusetts casinos not performing at expected levels should be the motivation for the Legislature to get off its backside and do what is necessary for the establishment of sports betting in the Commonwealth.

For the love of all that is holy, why can’t we simply see what other states have done, take their best practices and write a bill?

Please explain this to me. There will be jobs created by this legislation as well as additional tax revenue.

This legislation is moving at a glacial pace.

And I do think sports betting should be available not only at our three casinos, bust also in other locations as well. Spread the earning power, folks.

 Choice is good for voters

State Rep. John Velis now has an opponent for the special election to fill the Senate seat recently vacated by Don Humason, who will, as you know, be serving as the new mayor of Westfield.

John Cain has decided to switch from being the sacrificial lamb on the altar of the Congressional race to representing the Republican Party in the state senate race.

I was wondering if anyone would run against Velis, who is well liked and who has been preparing himself for this race.

Cain will have to work hard to catch up to Velis in terms of organization and funding.

Both men strike me as sincere and I’m glad the district will have a choice. I hope we can participate in a debate between the two.

Sincere thanks

We don’t sell out for sandwichesI want to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued interest and support for these newspapers. This next year will be an eventful one and I hope you all stay with us for the ride.

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