Governing Paradise is an occasional series on impending change in Northampton government. Even before the pandemic, an open seat for mayor of Northampton would have likely attracted a spirited contest. The onset of the COVID-19 only accentuated many of the problems in the city. With
Executive Privilege is an occasional series on gubernatorial elections in Massachusetts Nearly two years ago a former state senator and a mayor met at a street corner in East Boston. What brought Ben Downing and then-Mayor Marty Walsh to this intersection was the naming of
Barely three days after the Holyoke mayoral contest expanded to four, the race appears to have grown again. Blandford Town Administrator Joshua Garcia has pulled papers to run for the city’s top job. His intentions became public Thursday, though as of posting time he has
UPDATED: 4/20/21 1:30PM: To include responses from candidates on Glidden. HOLYOKE—After months of a silent campaign that had included a lead in the fundraising race, William Glidden is formally in. At COVID-compliant backyard gathering here, Glidden former Alex Morse aide, declared his campaign for mayor.
A Mayor Called Sue(d) is an occasional series on litigation over the Springfield Police Commission and executive power in the city. UPDATED 4/17/21 11:50AM: To note Sarno told other media he intends to appeal. A Hampden Superior Court judge dealt a massive blow to Springfield
Come next Congress, the leadership of the Ways & Means Committee will be changing. No, there is no hint yet that Springfield Congressman Richard Neal is leaving. However, his Republican counterpart, Kevin Brady, will not be among the committee’s minority or its majority if the
Last week, Beacon Hill approved a new procedure to allow Holyoke to select an acting mayor other than the Council President. On Monday, the City Council made their choice. Ward 2 City Councilor Terence Murphy shall serve as acting mayor through November. Murphy’s appointment was
SPRINGFIELD—The City Council considered and passed a plethora of legislation at its Monday meeting this week. Action commenced on a pair of historic districts—each were at different stages of passage. The ordinance banning the sale of non-shelter animals at pet stores also passed the Council.
SPRINGFIELD—City Councilors, state legislators, community activists and a United States Senator took a victory lap at City Hall after the state cut off the air for the ever-lingering biomass project. On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection pulled the air quality permit Palmer Renewable
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection may have driven a stake through the heart of the nigh-undead biomass power plant proposed for Springfield. In a five-page decision dated April 2, the department said it pulled the air quality permit amid growing public pressure and heightened