Incumbent state senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and challenger Dean Cavaretta (R-Stow) will face off in a series of seven debates, with the first taking place tonight in Devens. The two are vying to represent the Middlesex and Worcester District, which encompasses 14 communities including Southborough. Read the full article → from Series of debates between Eldridge and Cavaretta starts tonight
Government
The week in government (10/1/12 – 10/5/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (10/1/12 – 10/5/12)
Light red? Dusty rose? Just what color is the transfer station sticker?

DPW Superintendent Karen Galligan has a sense of humor. With the hullabaloo about her choice of color for Transfer Station stickers this year – pink for those of you who don’t know – she decided to have a little fun. Read the full article → from Light red? Dusty rose? Just what color is the transfer station sticker?
MWDN: Dykema, Lamb disagree on small business

The Metrowest Daily News talked with the two candidates who will be vying for your vote in the 8th Middlesex District about their views on small business. As you might imagine in what has been a contentious race, there wasn’t much common ground. Read the full article → from MWDN: Dykema, Lamb disagree on small business
MWDN: Mark Purple and Southborough officials talk budget process
Soon-to-be Town Administrator Mark Purple doesn’t officially start work in Southborough until October 18, but he’s already gearing up for the upcoming budget season. Purple met with the Town Manager Ad Hoc Committee last week to talk about what his role will be in preparing budgets. Read the full article → from MWDN: Mark Purple and Southborough officials talk budget process
The week in government (10/1/12 – 10/5/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (10/1/12 – 10/5/12)
Voters may get a second chance to expand the Board of Selectmen
When voters considered the proposal to move to a town manager style of government at Town Meeting last spring, the reaction was decidedly mixed. When the measure ultimately failed, the proposal to expand the Board of Selectmen from three to five members failed along with it. But it looks like voters may get another chance to consider that change. Read the full article → from Voters may get a second chance to expand the Board of Selectmen
Finance director warns of another tough budget year

With less free cash on hand this year, and without some of the one-time money the town has used to fund budgets in the past, Southborough Finance Director Brian Ballantine told selectmen last week there’s little chance of avoiding a tax increase next year. Read the full article → from Finance director warns of another tough budget year
Planning Board releases zoning comparison document
In effort to help residents get a handle on extensive changes being proposed to the town’s zoning code, the Planning Board earlier this month released a document that compares the new zoning code to the existing code. It’s a document the Advisory Committee has been pressing the Planning Board to provide for several months now. Read the full article → from Planning Board releases zoning comparison document
The week in government (9/24/12 – 9/28/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (9/24/12 – 9/28/12)
Odor issue at Chestnut Hill Farm resolved

Earlier this summer, residents living near Chestnut Hill Farm complained to the Board of Health about a strong odor of manure coming from the farm. The board had little sympathy at the time, saying the odor was not a public health risk, but Public Health Director Paul Pisinski said recently the two sides have worked together to reach a compromise. Read the full article → from Odor issue at Chestnut Hill Farm resolved
Rep. Dykema to hold office hours in Southborough on Friday

State Representative Carolyn Dykema will hold office hours at Mauro’s Cafe (2 Main Street) on Friday, and she invites Southborough residents to stop by. It’s your chance to meet Dykema and discuss anything that might be on your mind. Dykema will be at Mauro’s from 8:00 to 9:00 am. Read the full article → from Rep. Dykema to hold office hours in Southborough on Friday
The beavers are back, but not for long

Above: Pipes extend from a culvert on Wood Street that is partially blocked by a beaver dam Beavers are nothing if not persistent. Last year a family of the critters built a dam inside a culvert under Wood Street. The town trapped the beavers and broke up the dam, but a new family has moved Read the full article → from The beavers are back, but not for long
Local lawmakers tour Southborough’s Chestnut Hill Farm

Lawmakers, along with state and local officials, visited Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough on Monday as part of a tour of farms in the 8th Middlesex District to discuss agricultural issues. On hand were Rep. Carolyn Dykema and Senator Jamie Eldridge, among others. Read the full article → from Local lawmakers tour Southborough’s Chestnut Hill Farm