Colby’s Legislation
On June 15, 2024, a fearless and loving 14-year-old boy named Colby Lippincott was killed in a motocross accident at a leisure monitor in Wareham. Tragically, it had additionally been the location of one other little one’s demise just some years prior.
That little one was Ava Pioppi, a younger lady from Carver. Two youngsters. Two households perpetually shattered. And nonetheless, no significant protections have been put in place to forestall the subsequent tragedy.
This isn’t only a native situation — it’s a evident hole in public security throughout Massachusetts.
We at the moment are working with State Representatives Steven Xiarhos and Dylan Fernandes to introduce Colby’s Legislation, which might mandate legal responsibility insurance coverage and primary security necessities at leisure tracks statewide. This laws is painfully overdue, and it shouldn’t take one other preventable demise to make it a precedence.
In Colby’s honor, we’re internet hosting the 2nd Annual Colby Lippincott Memorial Wiffle Ball Event on Aug. 9 in Sandwich, the place tons of of individuals will collect to rejoice his life and lift funds for scholarships by way of The Cape Cod Basis.
We’re calling on Governor Maura Healey, our state lawmakers, and the folks of Massachusetts to affix us in demanding motion. Assist Colby’s Legislation. Stand with grieving households. And assist us be certain that what occurred to Colby and Ava by no means occurs once more.
Jackie Densmore, on behalf of the Colby Lippincott Memorial Fund
Bourne
Road Markings
As an Italian American and longtime transportation official, I used to be deeply disheartened by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s determination to unilaterally take away the Italian flag-colored avenue markings on Adams Road in Nonantum — simply weeks earlier than the St. Mary of Carmen Competition.
This was greater than only a technical highway change — it was an erasure of custom and id. The declare that these markings wanted to get replaced with yellow strains for security lacks advantage. That stretch of highway has operated safely for many years with the crimson, white, and inexperienced markings.
If the mayor had real security considerations, there have been quite a few options — equivalent to portray festive crosswalks or wrapping poles within the tricolors. As a substitute, she acted with out neighborhood enter or transparency, stripping away a cultural image in the dark.
These markings had been by no means about politics; they had been about honoring the historical past of a proud Italian American neighborhood. To take away them with out warning, simply earlier than a cherished annual celebration, confirmed a profound lack of respect.
I urge the Metropolis of Newton to revive the markings — not as a facet function, however in full and in place. Streets ought to mirror the spirit of the individuals who dwell alongside them.
Gina Fiandaca
Former Secretary and CEO, MassDOT
Former Commissioner of Transportation, Metropolis of Boston
