Tarr: How Many Audits Will It Take for Welfare Reform to Happen?

State Sen. Bruce Tarr talks about the ongoing discussion about welfare reform.

State Should 'Act Quickly and Decisively' to Allow Police to Collect DNA, Tarr Says

State Sen. Bruce Tarr explains his position on law enforcement's collection of DNA after a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Welfare Reform Should Continue, Tarr Says

There are more steps that should be taken to continue reforming the state's welfare system, according to state Sen. Bruce Tarr, who represents Hamilton and Wenham on Beacon Hill.

Tarr Will Not Seek U.S. Senate Seat

The Republican state Senator from Gloucester will not seek the open U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts.

State Sen. Bruce Tarr announced Thursday that he will not run for the open U.S. Senate seat. Tarr, a Republican from Gloucester, represents Hamilton and Wenham in the state Senate. Previously, Tarr said he was weighing a run and said he would make a decision by last Monday. The snowstorm delayed his decision, he said, and it was announced on Thursday night that he would not enter the race. Democrats Ed Markey and Stephen Lynch are in the race, as are Republicans Dan Winslow and Gabriel Gomez. Former U.S. Attorney Muchel Sullican and former Congressional candidate Sean Bielat have both said in recent days that are considering a run. The primary election is in April and the general election in June.

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Tarr Working to Overhaul Sex Offender Laws

State Senate Republican Leader Bruce Tarr plans to introduce legislation in January that would make changes to the sex offender registry in the wake of a criminal case in Wakefield.

Senate Republicans, led to state Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), expect to file comprehensive legislation during the new session aimed at reforming how information about sex offenders is shared between law enforcement and other officials. Tarr represents Hamilton and Wenham in the state Senate. The bill is a response to the ongoing case involving Wakefield resident John Burbine and some 100 counts of child sex abuse he is facing. His wife, Marian, is also facing charges in the case for running an illegal daycare and for reckless endangerment. Burbine’s original classification suggested his risk of re-offend was low, and the public would not benefit from the disclosure of his information; however, subsequent facts have proven this …

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Hamilton-Wenham Local Election Guide

A one stop place to go to get information about the candidates and issues that voters will decide in the voting booth in November.

As the November general elections gets closer, Hamilton-Wenham Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about the decisions you will make on the ballot. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates. U.S. Rep. John Tierney: The incumbent Salem Democrat and Hamilton and Wenham representative on Capitol Hill blogs on Patch and has engaged in a live chat with readers. Richard Tisei: The Republican former state Senator from Wakefield and local business owner is challenging Tierney for the 6th Congressional District and has also engaged in a live chat with readers. State Senator Bruce Tarr: The Republican from Gloucester is runing unoppossed for the Senate …

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Tea House's Liquor License Works Through 'Technical Corrections'

A previous package store license issued to the Wenham Tea House needs to be "freed up" before state legislators can approve a new pouring license.

There can’t be two liquor licenses in one place. And with that in mind, the Wenham Board of Selectmen on Tuesday OKed action by Interim Town Administrator Mark Andrews to submit “technical corrections” to pending legislation that will grant a liquor license to the Wenham Tea House. In February, 130 voters met in a Special Town Meeting to unanimously support starting the process of a home rule petition for a “pouring license” for the Tea House, which reopened under new management in late March. It is now operated by the owner’s of Henry’s Fine Foods of Beverly, whose owner John Keohane sought a pouring license as part of his takeover of the operation. The previous operator, Emma Roberts, had a package store license that allowed the Tea …

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