The WGAW Hotline Radio Halloween Show
Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Steve Wendell reminded everyone to get their pumpkins at the Mason’s sale – it’s the last day, and to watch out for the kids who will be trick or treating.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson was interviewed: This coming week is Yard Waste Pickup Week November 3rd through November 5th and also November 14th through November 20th. Leaves can be put in a brown paper bag or in a barrel – unlimited barrels. Sticks can be put in a bundle. —-
Steve Wendell asked the Mayor about the CDBG projects for next year, the city is still awaiting word from the state as to what the amount of funding will be. — Question re Conservation agent, should it be a full-time position or divided into 2 part-time positions. Conservation Agent works with the Conservation Commission. Planning Agent works with the Planning Board. — The Mayor stated that the staffing shortage in the DPW shouldn’t impact plowing and there are still some openings for 3rd party contractors who want to plow for the City.
Regarding CodeRed: The Mayor stated: “Make sure you sign up for CodeRed”. You can also call a special number. Parking ban is an on-call ban determined by the Mayor on advice by the Gardner PD.
Gardner Mayor Nicholson also noted: National Grid is working on getting the correct size transformer for the work at the Rear Main Street Project – National Grid had ordered the wrong size, it was too small. —- Mill Street property sale is awaiting review by the State. —- Steve Wendell asked the Mayor about people doing illegal dumping in the city, “It’s not being a good citizen, it’s not being a good steward of the environment, and it’s an illegal act.” — The Keyes Road culvert project – a stategrant had been awarded to fully cover the project – construction will occur in the Spring. — Wendell asked the Mayor about the Halloween Stroll for kids 5 and under who came to Gardner City Hall, about 278 kids participated according to a count by Priscilla’s. — The discussion turned to politics – Tuesday, November 3rd, the polls will be open 7am to 8pm. Steve Wendell asked the Mayor about his endorsements and the Mayor went over a very, very long list.
Steve Wendell once again reiterated that he had offered a free ½ hour of time to candidates for election. Steve Wendell went over the State Ballot Questions which will appear on Tuesday’s ballot.
Mike Urban on Question 1: Subjecting Governor and Legislature to Public Records Law. – an extensive interview with State Auditor Diana Dizoglio. Mike Urban mentioned a report by Truth in Accounting on the Financial State of the States 2026. Here is a copy of that 134 page report on PDF, CLICK HERE.
Werner Poegel with a commentary on Question 8 – The Cannabis Conundrum – Question 8 would significantly scale back the legal marijuana market in Massachusetts.
State Senator Peter Durant – The interview revolved around the crumbling concrete faced by some Massachusetts homeowners, many in Central Massachusetts. The mineral pyrotite eventually causes the disintegration of concrete. The senator also spoke about the Quabbin Reservoir and the unfairness of high water bills for those towns surrounding the Quabbin.