Podcasts

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn on the need for universal broadband access and public service

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn with Rappaport Center Communications Coordinator Austra Zubkovs

On November 8, 2011 the Rappaport Center and the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable co-hosted a conference on broadband development and access issues. The event featured a keynote address by FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, two moderated panel discussions, as well as remarks by Governor Deval Patrick.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn addressed the FCC’s commitment to accelerate broadband build-out to the 18 million Americans who live in areas with no broadband infrastructure by reforming the Universal Service Fund to aid in bringing the economic, educational, health, and consumer benefits delivered by broadband access to unserved areas. View photos and download the 3-hour recording (MP3, 182MB) to catch up with the event.

Following the Conference, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn sat down with our Communications Coordinator Austra Zubkovs to discuss the need for universal broadband access for economic development and the importance of public service. Listen to our 10-minute podcast on LegalTalk Network.
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Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez discusses priorities and challenges in policymaking

In a new Rappaport Center podcast, Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez discusses priorities and challenges in policymaking for the State Department’s Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs. An accomplished lawyer and partner in the New York office of Latham & Watkins, Mr. Fernandez was nominated as Assistant Secretary by President Obama in August 2009.  The key to success in Washington is “consensus-building,” Fernandez says.  “You have to convince your colleagues that any ideas you have are good ideas, that it will help their cause as well as your cause, and ultimately that it will help the American people.”  Listen to the podcast.

Podcast: Rappaport Center advisory board member Lyn Huckabee starts local community food swap and shares with us a spicy salsa recipe

By Austra Zubkovs.

Boston Food Swap group photo with Lyn Huckabee (middle)

Self-described as “part silent auction / part village marketplace / part fun-loving open house,” Boston Food Swap is a project co-organized by Rappaport Center Advisory Board member Lyn Huckabee to help create a stronger Boston community through trading homegrown, made and foraged food.

Listen to our 12 minute podcast on LegalTalk Network as Rappaport Center Communications Coordinator Austra Zubkovs chats with Lyn about why she started the food swap, the challenges she’s faced, and what she’s hoping it will accomplish for the community as a whole.

The next Swap is September 18th at 2pm at Space With a Soul. Spots are limited, so RSVP at http://bosswapperssept.eventbrite.com.
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Podcast: Jane Wiseman on managing cutbacks in law enforcement agencies

In a new Rappaport Center podcast, Jane Wiseman discusses her report for the U.S. Department of Justice on managing cutbacks in law enforcement agencies.  Ms. Wiseman is a management consultant and member of the Rappaport Center’s advisory board.  The study, Strategic Cutback Management: Law Enforcement Leadership for Lean Times, was published in July.  “We can use this moment to improve police performance,” says Wiseman.  “This is an opportunity to be creative and think outside the box.”

State Representative John Keenan discusses green technologies in Massachusetts

In a new Rappaport Center podcast, Representative John Keenan discusses the role of green technologies in Massachusetts’ economic development.  Keenan, a 1992 graduate of Suffolk Law, represents the 7th Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.  He is House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.  Green tech “is one of the only sectors of our economy that has been growing in the last two or three years,” says Keenan.  “If we are able to lead the way . . . it will have a very positive impact for Massachusetts.”  Listen now.

Podcast: Scott Harshbarger on the regulation of casino gambling in Massachusetts

In a new Rappaport Center podcast, Scott Harshbarger discusses a report recently released by Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts: Situation Critical: The Urgent Need for Independent Analysis, Regulation, and Oversight Before Massachusetts Legalizes Casinos.  Harshbarger, Senior Counsel in the Proskauer law firm, is a former Attorney General of Massachusetts and member of the Rappaport Center’s advisory board.  “We’re starting fresh,” says Harshbarger.  “We have nothing that enables us to even begin to regulate this massive change in the way we deal with gambling.”  Listen to the podcast.

Update: On September 13, Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts released an assessment of proposed gambling legislation, which can be read here.