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Carolyn Dykema

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Dykema One of Few Legislators to Not Claim Travel Costs

More than two-thirds of Massachusetts Lawmakers get reimbursement for travel to work.

For Massachusetts lawmakers per diem travel reimbursements can add up to thousands of dollars per year, but some senators and representatives including Rep. Dykema decline to collect. According to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette legislators can get paid for travel expenses for every day they commute in to Boston. Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, was reimbursed the largest amount of money at $9,360.  Dykema is one of the 45 state representatives out of 160 who did not take per diems in 2011. "Representing the 8th Middlesex is a job I take seriously 7 days a week—traveling to Ways and Means hearings across the state to learn about the state of our Commonwealth’s budget, meeting with constituents throughout the 4 towns I represent and …

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Sean O'Donnell

5:14 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013

Yes, for this story I did see the T&G article and decided to reach out to Rep. Dykema for a comment. Any posts that come directly from her officer have the line 'Submitted by Caroyln Dykema's Office' at the beginning and do not include myself or anyone else as an author.   more ›

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rep. Dykema Votes to Protect $9 Million in Local Aid

A press release from the Representative's office outlines how she was able to combine with legislators to protect the community assistance.

Submitted by Rep. Dykema's office Representative Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving a $115 million supplemental budget that blocks a proposal to take 1% from the $899 million unrestricted general government aid account, thus preserving $9 million. "Particularly during these tough economic times, I am proud that I was able to stand up for our communities and preserve funding for essential programs supported by local aid," Dykema said. "This funding supports our local police and fire departments, our schools and so many other vital services that keep our communities growing.  Maintaining this funding is a top priority as we move into the next fiscal year budget …

Don Folkes

3:17 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Ms. Dykema continues the smoke and mirrors. The supplementary budget did not include the 1% local aid cuts proposed by the governor. She is trying to claim credit for something she had no part in, and she had nothing to do with what was in the supplementary budget. DeLeo packaged this in a way so they could falsely claim they protected communities, when it's totally baseless and just a charade. …   more ›

Friday, February 1, 2013

Letter To The Editor

Letter: Dykema's Voting Record Bill is Misleading

The writer said he believes Dykema's vote against the online vote record amendment was a party-line decision.

Dear Editor, I am writing to respond Rep. Dykema’s letter explaining her vote against putting committee votes online. The day after her vote in the House, the Senate voted to put these votes online. Our representative is being misleading at best. Let me further remind everyone that last year when questioned about putting these votes online, she said the technology was now there and she would “absolutely” vote for it. Her filing a bill is nothing more than giving herself cover. During the rules debate was the appropriate time to consider the matter. Finally, it is clear that if the GOP has a good idea she refuses to support it, because she always votes with the Speaker. Amendments should be considered on merit, not party lines. I’m sorry, …

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Iron Mike

3:26 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

TY Michael. I believe that deleted comment ended with the question ''...is this going to go on for another two years?' The answer to that question depends entirely on Mz. Dykema. Will she continue to vote as directed by Speaker Deleo? Will she continue to break campaign promises? Will she continue to treat voters with arrogance and disdain? If she continues to behave and vote like an elitist left…   more ›

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Dykema To Introduce Legislative Transparency Bill

After voting down an amendment to post legislative votes online, Rep. Dykema said she supports the intent.

Submitted by Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston. Last Thursday, the state Republican Party publicly questioned a vote I cast last week against an amendment  to post legislative committee votes online, a concept that I had supported during a pre-election debate. As your legislator, it is my responsibility to explain any vote I cast on your behalf and I appreciate this opportunity to respond. While I fully support the intent of the amendment to increase transparency, passing this type of proposal without understanding the practical resource requirements is not something I could support. Unlike roll call votes, which are currently posted online and number in the hundreds each legislative session, there are approximately 6,000-8,000 committee …

Monday, January 28, 2013

LETTER: Dykema Reverses Online Vote Promise

One reader says Rep. Dykema has started her term going back on her promises.

Dear Editor, It seems that Rep. Dykema’s start of her third term is off to a very bad start. First, she takes an overseas junket and doesn’t state who paid for it. Hey, it was on water quality so it is ok. Has she not heard of skype? Dykema files legislation to charge everyone for school transportation. She never looks for a savings, just more of our money. On her third vote of the session, she goes back on her promise to put committee votes online. Then, she lies about the technology not being available to put them on line when she said in October it was there. As we all know, any 18 year old could put them online. Next, she votes with the Speaker 100% of the time during the first 26 votes. She never looked at the merit of the issues. …

Darlene Hayes

7:48 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Dykema's response below: NOT a few votes it is 6000-8000! She/we all want this done right, accurately w/sop's, infrastructure, accountabilty, timely & maintained, From Rep. Dykema: 1/24, state Republican Pty publicly questioned a vote I cast against an amendment to post legislative committee votes online, a concept that I had supported at a pre-election debate. Its my responsibility to explain …   more ›

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dykema Wins Re-Election

The three-time state representative will be representing Holliston and Hopkinton, along with parts of Southborough and Westborough.

Democrat state Rep. Carolyn Dykema has won the 8th Middlesex District Rep. seat over Republican challenger Marty Lamb. Both candidates from Holliston faced off in a battle in which Dykema won, taking home 792 votes in Westborough, 3,169 in Southborough, 5,209 in Holliston and 4926 in Hopkinton. Lamb won 500 votes in Westborough, 2,315 in Southborough, 2,771 in Holliston and 3296 in Hopkinton. Numbers for Southborough were taken from reports on the Boston Globe's election website. Lamb conceded the race to Dykema earlier tonight telling the Worcester Telegram that he was proud of the campaign that he ran. "'I just want to thank all of my campaign volunteers from the bottom of my heart. We ran a good campaign and they were the best …

Rob F

6:54 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Who cares what any of the percentages were? A candidate won. The election is over. Move on. Supporters for both are representing their candidates in bad form on this page. Are any of youhelping your candidate? or party?   more ›

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: No One More Dedicated than Dykema

One Holliston resident says Rep. Dykema understands the real needs of the district.

Submitted by Warren Chamberlain I have known Carolyn Dykema for more than ten years and have had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving with her in a variety of civic functions and community services.  I have never met an elected pubic servant that is more dedicated to her district and all the different constituents that reside in our district.  She is a full time legislator that has the time and takes the time to visit all her constituents.  She has done her home work and knows and understands the real needs of business owners, agriculturalists, community planners and how we need to proceed in providing the necessary infrastructure for economic growth in our district and the general Metro West region, while preserving and protecting …

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Anne Babcock

3:26 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

I agree with Kelly Roney's Nov. 4 comment. I actually live in a town represented by Carolyn and am very happy with her representation. I have personally witnessed her tireless advocacy for education and business interests in my community. She is an experienced legislator who has demonstrated integrity, commitment, and availability. She also gives a voice to women, who are substantially under-…   more ›

Friday, November 2, 2012

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Dykema's Campaign Mislead Voters

Dykema's return of the SEUI donation was not done properly according to one patch reader.

Dear Editor, It is Rep. Dykema who is attempting to mislead voters.  Miraculously yesterday she comes up with back dated letter saying she returned it.  The problem with that is that the SEIU never reported the return check until guess when?  Yesterday.  How convenient! The other problem is that the proper procedure for returning a donation is to deposit and then refund.  If you look at the Representative’s previous reports, that’s how she has done it in the past.  During the debate, she said the SEIU has never helped her campaign.  Don’t believe me read the Milford Daily News article.  http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x185285772/New-legislators-received-thousands-in-PAC-union-donations.  Is the newspaper now lying as well? 100% of the…

Darlene Hayes

2:25 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I trashed no one and the two of us are in a good place. Seems like something you heard third party isn't accurate.   more ›

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Dykema Cares About the Community

Hopkinton resident Darlene Hayes supports Rep. Dykema's re-election bid.

Editor, In support of Carolyn Dykema for re-election for state rep. of the 8th district. To me Carolyn Dykema is the definition of “good people”. She is a tireless advocate who cares about our community. Carolyn Dykema is a good neighbor who reaches out to the concerns and needs in the 8th district. I am reaching out to you to show Carolyn Dykema your support on November 6th with your vote so she may continue to reach out and support our community. Thank you, Darlene Hayes Hopkinton, MA 

Darlene Hayes

11:04 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012

I would rather pay an extra $1.25 per hundred I spend in sales tax than an increase to tolls to cover the Big Dig that would have been over $40per week!   more ›

Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Dykema For State Representative

Holliston resident Steve Apesos supports the incumbent.

Editor, I just wanted to send a note of endorsement for Carolyn Dykema as our State Representative. Carolyn is a loud an clear voice for our community on Beacon Hill. As a career woman and mom, she best represents the voice of our suburban communities. Her legistative leadership on the environment, women's issues, and support for infrastructure in our communities, particular commuter rail service, is indicative that she is tuned into the needs of her constituents and that is why I am voting to re-elect her on Tuesday. Sincerely, Steve Apesos Holliston Resident

Darlene Hayes

12:08 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012

Again, check woth Ann Ckick in the Hopkinton Town Clerk. When asked to be on the Hopkinton DTC i needed to enroll D. Check with Dick Duggan, he will tell you I am rather new to the committee.I don't even think it has been two years. Steadily I would also assume would include 2012, this election....seems like you need to check a few facts. At some point prior I think its been a long time I even …   more ›

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