Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-binns-report Host, George Binns, interviews and discusses important topics around Beverly, MA © 2025 George Binns b6d890da-cd2c-5469-84a0-3086fc9e689b no en Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:30:09 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:15:24 -0800 https://img.transistor.fm/hfBsi5StODtxBHPCpA0QCptt7lTtmdZppgR8-1SAWaY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wZjBk/NTY1OWIzZGE1ZjE4/YjFjZmQ3OGU4NzVh/ZDk5OC5wbmc.jpg episodic George Binns Host, George Binns, interviews and discusses important topics around Beverly, MA Host, George Binns, interviews and discusses important topics around Beverly, MA . George Binns No No 134 134 Brendan Sweeney (Candidate for Mayor) full 6f0dcd90-0f60-4a20-9cd6-87999cbc0e60 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1bc9222 Brendan Sweeney discussed how his background as assistant town manager in Boxford and as a two term Beverly City Councilor At Large from the point of view of hitting the ground running as well as recognizing the challenges Beverly is facing now and in the foreseeable future.  He is further reinforcing his Plan For Beverly with input he gets from Beverly resident while out & about knocking on doors.
Another discussion is planed on a few weeks to help us understand the impact of the next budget and the implications for subsequent expenditures.

]]> Brendan Sweeney discussed how his background as assistant town manager in Boxford and as a two term Beverly City Councilor At Large from the point of view of hitting the ground running as well as recognizing the challenges Beverly is facing now and in the foreseeable future.  He is further reinforcing his Plan For Beverly with input he gets from Beverly resident while out & about knocking on doors.
Another discussion is planed on a few weeks to help us understand the impact of the next budget and the implications for subsequent expenditures.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:21:37 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1830 Brendan Sweeney discussed how his background as assistant town manager in Boxford and as a two term Beverly City Councilor At Large from the point of view of hitting the ground running as well as recognizing the challenges Beverly is facing now and in the foreseeable future.  He is further reinforcing his Plan For Beverly with input he gets from Beverly resident while out & about knocking on doors.
Another discussion is planed on a few weeks to help us understand the impact of the next budget and the implications for subsequent expenditures.

]]> No 133 133 Kevin O'Reilly full 955d4fb3-55a4-4fba-9a25-ba4e5bd528d0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/51dcd1c3 A little over 2 years ago we had a discussion with Kevin O'Reilly on Critical Thinking as applied to teaching History.  (Kevin is a retired history teacher and author of numerous books of social studies lessons plans that supplement the typical history course.)
This discussion expanded applying Critical Thinking  to the responses  from inquiries in Social Media & AI.  The focus is not limited to HS students but is necessary for all of us trying to get the straight skinny on the deluge of "information" that floods the internet & traditional media.

]]> A little over 2 years ago we had a discussion with Kevin O'Reilly on Critical Thinking as applied to teaching History.  (Kevin is a retired history teacher and author of numerous books of social studies lessons plans that supplement the typical history course.)
This discussion expanded applying Critical Thinking  to the responses  from inquiries in Social Media & AI.  The focus is not limited to HS students but is necessary for all of us trying to get the straight skinny on the deluge of "information" that floods the internet & traditional media.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:20:53 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1779 A little over 2 years ago we had a discussion with Kevin O'Reilly on Critical Thinking as applied to teaching History.  (Kevin is a retired history teacher and author of numerous books of social studies lessons plans that supplement the typical history course.)
This discussion expanded applying Critical Thinking  to the responses  from inquiries in Social Media & AI.  The focus is not limited to HS students but is necessary for all of us trying to get the straight skinny on the deluge of "information" that floods the internet & traditional media.

]]> No 132 132 John E. Taylor (Candidate for SC Ward 6) full d5572bbb-a156-47c2-a891-61f8afd59003 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6621e532 John E. Taylor is Bevely resident of ward 6 who is running for School Committee from Ward 6.  He see the challenge ahead to work with all the factions BTA Administrators, New Superintendent, City Council & the Mayor to smooth out relations to avoid another year like the last one.

]]> John E. Taylor is Bevely resident of ward 6 who is running for School Committee from Ward 6.  He see the challenge ahead to work with all the factions BTA Administrators, New Superintendent, City Council & the Mayor to smooth out relations to avoid another year like the last one.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:20:04 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1668 John E. Taylor is Bevely resident of ward 6 who is running for School Committee from Ward 6.  He see the challenge ahead to work with all the factions BTA Administrators, New Superintendent, City Council & the Mayor to smooth out relations to avoid another year like the last one.

]]> No 131 131 Lorinda K. Visnick [Part 2] full 8d44a70e-a9a9-40d5-9282-898a010bdddd https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad5e9a20 A follow up discussion with Lorinda Visnick candidate for School Committee At Large (Wards 4, 5 & 6). Starting with her current academic goals (PhD in Public Policy), she got into the  education opportunities that are not necessarily leading toward college.  Especially the need to address the needs of students that are more hands on learning than classical.  She discussed  what the roll of SC members with respect to personal issues or constituent concerns.

]]> A follow up discussion with Lorinda Visnick candidate for School Committee At Large (Wards 4, 5 & 6). Starting with her current academic goals (PhD in Public Policy), she got into the  education opportunities that are not necessarily leading toward college.  Especially the need to address the needs of students that are more hands on learning than classical.  She discussed  what the roll of SC members with respect to personal issues or constituent concerns.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:18:47 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1626 A follow up discussion with Lorinda Visnick candidate for School Committee At Large (Wards 4, 5 & 6). Starting with her current academic goals (PhD in Public Policy), she got into the  education opportunities that are not necessarily leading toward college.  Especially the need to address the needs of students that are more hands on learning than classical.  She discussed  what the roll of SC members with respect to personal issues or constituent concerns.

]]> No 130 130 Lorinda K. Visnick (Candidate for School Committee At Large) [Part 1] full fbb30c93-16fc-46cc-b468-50b8f5f774c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9c14f2a The updated City Charter added two more At Large positions to the School Committee.  One represents Wards 1, 2 & 3.   The other represents Wards 4, 5 & 6.  This is the one that Lorinda Visnick is campaigning for.  The discussion got to be very wide ranging from healing the effects from the strike; to how will the new superintendent fit in; to what's the impact on the budget/taxes.

]]> The updated City Charter added two more At Large positions to the School Committee.  One represents Wards 1, 2 & 3.   The other represents Wards 4, 5 & 6.  This is the one that Lorinda Visnick is campaigning for.  The discussion got to be very wide ranging from healing the effects from the strike; to how will the new superintendent fit in; to what's the impact on the budget/taxes.

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:02:12 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1719 The updated City Charter added two more At Large positions to the School Committee.  One represents Wards 1, 2 & 3.   The other represents Wards 4, 5 & 6.  This is the one that Lorinda Visnick is campaigning for.  The discussion got to be very wide ranging from healing the effects from the strike; to how will the new superintendent fit in; to what's the impact on the budget/taxes.

]]> No 129 129 Dr. Kenann McKenzie DeFranza (Candidate for City Councilor At Large) full 8140972a-3669-48d4-8f57-e6e61081966a https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ffebe5d Kenann McKenzie DeFranza, (PhD -- both teaching and policy research in Education -- currently representing Ward 2 on the School Committee) is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on her experience on the SC she developed a better understand of issues at the city level that impacts the schools/students.  
Her previous experience as a RE Agent enlarged her perspective upon how cities work.
As a CC At Large she would be very forthcoming explaining how and why things are happening or not happening to develop public confidence in city government and speak to larger issues.  She expects to continue her successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue. She believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> Kenann McKenzie DeFranza, (PhD -- both teaching and policy research in Education -- currently representing Ward 2 on the School Committee) is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on her experience on the SC she developed a better understand of issues at the city level that impacts the schools/students.  
Her previous experience as a RE Agent enlarged her perspective upon how cities work.
As a CC At Large she would be very forthcoming explaining how and why things are happening or not happening to develop public confidence in city government and speak to larger issues.  She expects to continue her successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue. She believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> Wed, 28 May 2025 09:35:44 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1767 Kenann McKenzie DeFranza, (PhD -- both teaching and policy research in Education -- currently representing Ward 2 on the School Committee) is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on her experience on the SC she developed a better understand of issues at the city level that impacts the schools/students.  
Her previous experience as a RE Agent enlarged her perspective upon how cities work.
As a CC At Large she would be very forthcoming explaining how and why things are happening or not happening to develop public confidence in city government and speak to larger issues.  She expects to continue her successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue. She believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> No 128 128 Keith Sonia (Candidate for City Councilor At Large) full a40178a1-64a4-4793-b8f4-406c573b33ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/5d4e3733 Keith Sonia is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on his broad background of working on both sides for both a wide range government levels & commercial entities reacting with governments, he expects to continue his successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue.  He believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> Keith Sonia is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on his broad background of working on both sides for both a wide range government levels & commercial entities reacting with governments, he expects to continue his successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue.  He believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 09:08:10 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1719 Keith Sonia is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large.  Based on his broad background of working on both sides for both a wide range government levels & commercial entities reacting with governments, he expects to continue his successful approach of listening to all sides on all concerns & helping everyone understand all aspects of the issue.  He believes this way of reaching a workable resolution with either CC action or by working with the administration will be the most effective for Beverly.

]]> No 127 127 Sen. Joan Lovely full 2e24199a-48c6-4742-ae8d-2bce285d08a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4692413a A periodic up date of what going on down town from our State Senator Joan Lovely.  She covers & explains things we don't get from the MSM like:-
Although the "Millionaires Tax" raised more that expected ($2.2B Vs $1.B expected) the legislature must spend it all & are limited to Public Education & Public Transportation by Constitution.  Also, the state has really been impacted by the machinations in DC that has affected School Lunch and Food Pantry Programs.  Also the Legislature has been briefed by Canadian officials on the impacts of the tariffs!

]]> A periodic up date of what going on down town from our State Senator Joan Lovely.  She covers & explains things we don't get from the MSM like:-
Although the "Millionaires Tax" raised more that expected ($2.2B Vs $1.B expected) the legislature must spend it all & are limited to Public Education & Public Transportation by Constitution.  Also, the state has really been impacted by the machinations in DC that has affected School Lunch and Food Pantry Programs.  Also the Legislature has been briefed by Canadian officials on the impacts of the tariffs!

]]> Mon, 05 May 2025 10:57:18 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1777 A periodic up date of what going on down town from our State Senator Joan Lovely.  She covers & explains things we don't get from the MSM like:-
Although the "Millionaires Tax" raised more that expected ($2.2B Vs $1.B expected) the legislature must spend it all & are limited to Public Education & Public Transportation by Constitution.  Also, the state has really been impacted by the machinations in DC that has affected School Lunch and Food Pantry Programs.  Also the Legislature has been briefed by Canadian officials on the impacts of the tariffs!

]]> No 126 126 Julie Flowers (Current Council President/Candidate for CC At Large) full d2e72bdc-c670-4981-bb05-ffe21ae67f2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5017fa3 Julie Flowers, the current President of the Beverly City Council, discussed her campaign forward re-election as one of the three City Councilors At Large. She also described the changes in the relationship between the CC & the administration in terms of frequent update of pending programs the city is contemplating.  The makes the CC members better able to explain to their constituents what's happening and why.

]]> Julie Flowers, the current President of the Beverly City Council, discussed her campaign forward re-election as one of the three City Councilors At Large. She also described the changes in the relationship between the CC & the administration in terms of frequent update of pending programs the city is contemplating.  The makes the CC members better able to explain to their constituents what's happening and why.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 11:22:08 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1736 Julie Flowers, the current President of the Beverly City Council, discussed her campaign forward re-election as one of the three City Councilors At Large. She also described the changes in the relationship between the CC & the administration in terms of frequent update of pending programs the city is contemplating.  The makes the CC members better able to explain to their constituents what's happening and why.

]]> No 125 125 Kyle Retallack (Candidate for City Councilor At Large) full 5ad629b6-ddc0-41a4-b8a9-b082b9d80f10 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c2fc696 Beverly native and current Chair of the Airport Commission, Kyle Retallack, is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large. He expects to continue the successful approach of listening to citizens concerns & helping to resolve issues with either CC action or by working with the administration.

]]> Beverly native and current Chair of the Airport Commission, Kyle Retallack, is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large. He expects to continue the successful approach of listening to citizens concerns & helping to resolve issues with either CC action or by working with the administration.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 11:20:24 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1395 Beverly native and current Chair of the Airport Commission, Kyle Retallack, is campaigning for one of the 3 positions of Beverly City Councilor At Large. He expects to continue the successful approach of listening to citizens concerns & helping to resolve issues with either CC action or by working with the administration.

]]> No 124 124 John Mullady (Candidate for City Councilor At Large) full 887d72e8-11a9-4e7d-82c5-a6aeca8c79eb https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6250768 Now that it is election season, the position of  City Councilors At Large is being contested by 5 candidates for 3 slots.  Join J Mullady, a resident of Ward 4, expressed his views on Beverly both its good points and the areas that need work such housing that is affordable and especially more resources for the school system.  He also ventured some thought upon how to increase the cities revenue and what his priorities would be.

]]> Now that it is election season, the position of  City Councilors At Large is being contested by 5 candidates for 3 slots.  Join J Mullady, a resident of Ward 4, expressed his views on Beverly both its good points and the areas that need work such housing that is affordable and especially more resources for the school system.  He also ventured some thought upon how to increase the cities revenue and what his priorities would be.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 11:16:17 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1670 Now that it is election season, the position of  City Councilors At Large is being contested by 5 candidates for 3 slots.  Join J Mullady, a resident of Ward 4, expressed his views on Beverly both its good points and the areas that need work such housing that is affordable and especially more resources for the school system.  He also ventured some thought upon how to increase the cities revenue and what his priorities would be.

]]> No 123 123 Margo Jones (continue) full 85124b38-1199-470c-8cdb-9ecdf984e665 https://share.transistor.fm/s/28958ed5 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:37:55 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1798 No 122 122 Margo Jones full 3d01b429-b91b-49a2-8a2e-8f1ac296d6db https://share.transistor.fm/s/2ed3e718 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1802 No 121 121 Matthew C. Ferreira full fc476818-19ba-4c29-84fc-1612d675e3d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7c65b0f Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1759 No 120 120 Andrew DeFranza & Rosa Orda full 4ab9ab17-6da7-4efe-b3df-b5ef3bc5416a https://share.transistor.fm/s/dff50dbf Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:34:48 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1744 No 119 119 Sen. Joan Lovely full 489ffffb-2fc1-48c1-8c55-a076e4221e2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a336092 Once again State Senator Joan Lovely explains & update us on what's going on down town with respect to the Governors tax proposal, the increase in energy cost (both Gas & Electricity), the Right to Shelter law & it's application/cost.

]]> Once again State Senator Joan Lovely explains & update us on what's going on down town with respect to the Governors tax proposal, the increase in energy cost (both Gas & Electricity), the Right to Shelter law & it's application/cost.

]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1719 Once again State Senator Joan Lovely explains & update us on what's going on down town with respect to the Governors tax proposal, the increase in energy cost (both Gas & Electricity), the Right to Shelter law & it's application/cost.

]]> No 118 118 Brendan Sweeney full d276d950-a47d-4787-ab35-1c13b23f6851 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05aabe87 As Brendan sees it, the city (government & tax payers) need a better plan for the multitude of proposed projects & operating expenses to ensure that we don't break the bank nor have to forgo needed services.  The city is limited to a 2 1/2% increase in tax rate plus Real Estate appreciation & "New Growth".  Definitely not an unlimited budget!  
He outlined his approach based on his experience on the Beverly City Council & his day job as the Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director, Town of Boxford.

]]> As Brendan sees it, the city (government & tax payers) need a better plan for the multitude of proposed projects & operating expenses to ensure that we don't break the bank nor have to forgo needed services.  The city is limited to a 2 1/2% increase in tax rate plus Real Estate appreciation & "New Growth".  Definitely not an unlimited budget!  
He outlined his approach based on his experience on the Beverly City Council & his day job as the Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director, Town of Boxford.

]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:30:54 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1775 As Brendan sees it, the city (government & tax payers) need a better plan for the multitude of proposed projects & operating expenses to ensure that we don't break the bank nor have to forgo needed services.  The city is limited to a 2 1/2% increase in tax rate plus Real Estate appreciation & "New Growth".  Definitely not an unlimited budget!  
He outlined his approach based on his experience on the Beverly City Council & his day job as the Assistant Town Administrator/Finance Director, Town of Boxford.

]]> No 117 117 City Councilor At-Large Julie Flowers full a245672c-f051-4721-92a8-a7a9ddbe18a9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/77dccf2e With the annual budget review cycle started, a far reaching discussion about the impact of the Teachers Strike/Settlement, other union settlements, Capital projects and lots more with the President of the Beverly City Council Julie Flowers.  Also got into the election seasons with the Special Election for a new State Representative as well as all the municipal offices from Mayor to School Committee.  Then there the accommodations (beach erosion & storm surges) brought about by changes in the climate.

]]> With the annual budget review cycle started, a far reaching discussion about the impact of the Teachers Strike/Settlement, other union settlements, Capital projects and lots more with the President of the Beverly City Council Julie Flowers.  Also got into the election seasons with the Special Election for a new State Representative as well as all the municipal offices from Mayor to School Committee.  Then there the accommodations (beach erosion & storm surges) brought about by changes in the climate.

]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:47:17 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1800 With the annual budget review cycle started, a far reaching discussion about the impact of the Teachers Strike/Settlement, other union settlements, Capital projects and lots more with the President of the Beverly City Council Julie Flowers.  Also got into the election seasons with the Special Election for a new State Representative as well as all the municipal offices from Mayor to School Committee.  Then there the accommodations (beach erosion & storm surges) brought about by changes in the climate.

]]> No 116 116 Sen. Joan Lovely full af99d853-4350-4253-8333-96b2588decbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/768416cb With Massachusetts starting a new year with the Governor's budget with a 7% increase and the Senate contemplating s 2.5% increase there's much to discuss.  Added to the challenge is the new president hitting the road running so to speak, there is uncertainty and change to be factored in. And then there is Beverly's 13 year bridge challenge!

]]> With Massachusetts starting a new year with the Governor's budget with a 7% increase and the Senate contemplating s 2.5% increase there's much to discuss.  Added to the challenge is the new president hitting the road running so to speak, there is uncertainty and change to be factored in. And then there is Beverly's 13 year bridge challenge!

]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:46:14 -0700 George Binns George Binns 1732 With Massachusetts starting a new year with the Governor's budget with a 7% increase and the Senate contemplating s 2.5% increase there's much to discuss.  Added to the challenge is the new president hitting the road running so to speak, there is uncertainty and change to be factored in. And then there is Beverly's 13 year bridge challenge!

]]> No