Brookline held its own MBTA meeting last night with a crowd of about 80 people signed in, a stenographer, a long table of legislators, town officials and T representatives, and one sing-along of “The MTA Song.”.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, nomination papers for state elected positions were released and state Rep. Ed Coppinger pulled his papers, announcing his plans to seek re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Suffolk District. His campaign hit the ground running last weekend, hosting a signature drive throughout West Roxbury and gathered more than 500 signatures.

On Jan. 3, 2012, the MBTA announced two different proposals to raise fares and cut service to combat a looming $161 million budget gap. Both proposals that the MBTA outlined would severely impact MBTA service around the state, but the Parkway, in particular, would be hit especially hard. While we understand that fares may need to be raised and that some service cuts may be necessary, the MBTA should reconsider its plans to shutter the 37, 38, 40, 51 and 52 bus lines and cut commuter rail service in West Roxbury.

State Rep. Ed Coppinger, State Sen. Mike Rush and Boston City Councilor At-Large John Connolly met for breakfast at Rox Diner on Centre Street in West Roxbury on Monday to discuss various issues facing West Roxbury and the Parkway. With Rush only recently returning from Iraq, it was the first time the three elected officials from West Roxbury were able to meet formally and talk about the past year and their plans for 2012.

On Jan. 3, the MBTA announced two different proposals to raise fares and cut service to combat a $161 million budget gap. Both proposals that the MBTA outlined would severely impact MBTA service around the state, but Brookline, and particularly South Brookline, would be hit especially hard. While I understand that fares may need to be raised and that some service cuts may be necessary, the MBTA should reconsider its plans to shutter the 51 and 60 buses.

State Rep. Ed Coppinger and Leader Bank donated 90 wreaths to decorate the West Roxbury business district.

When West Roxbury’s Keith Barry, an IBEW Local 103 electrician, saw that no Christmas wreaths had been put up along Centre Street in West Roxbury this year, he decided to take action last week. Calling his longtime friend state Rep. Ed Coppinger to complain about the situation, Coppinger acknowledged that he had heard from others upset about the lack of decorations.

State Representatives Carlos Henriquez and Edward Coppinger co-sponsored legislation to raise the dropout age in Boston from 16 to 18.

The night was a throwback to the 1980s when there were Harry Truman Society Election Eve Rallies every year, a tradition that West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O’Malley and state Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, have promised to start up again..