Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

January 13, 2006

For Immediate release

“Mayor Fiorentini to Join Governor Romney On Thursday to Support Expedited Permitting”

Mayor James J. Fiorentini said today that he would join Governor Mitt Romney at the State House on Thursday June 16 th, at 1:30 at the State House in Boston to express support for a new State law the Governor is submitting on expedited permitting.

On Thursday, Governor Romney is expected to unveil his proposed amendments to the expedited permitting law, Massachusetts General Laws chapter 43D. Mayor Fiorentini has been invited as one of only a few Mayors in the State to attend the event.

Fiorentini said today that he would join with the Governor in supporting the expedited permitting legislation.

“We have made expedited permitting a priority here in Haverhill,” said Fiorentini. “We have sped up permitting for outdoor dining, for building permits, death certificates and food service licenses. However, there is only so far we can go as a community working on our own. This legislation takes us to the next level. This legislation allows us to amend our laws to provide for consolidated and expedited permitting hearings, consolidated appeals, and generally guarantees that permitting for new businesses in an expedited zone will he handled in an expeditious manner.

Numerous studies have shown that one of the primary barriers to new business is permitting. Businesses have told me, repeatedly, that the number one thing we can do for business is to make the permit process easier. This law provides us with the roadmap and the tools to accomplish our goals.

I am happy to join with Governor Romney in a bi-partisan effort to speed up permitting.”