If 2023 in Springfield was defined by its election, there is ample irony that transitions would define 2024. They just would not be transitions in municipal elective office. The pieces had been moving below deck for some time.
After two years in office, Governor Maura Healey has made a mark on the judiciary. Governors can effectively choose whomever they wish to sit on the bench, subject to Governor’s Council confirmation. To that end, advocates have been pressing Healey to pick someone from Hampden County to join the Appeals Court.
SPRINGFIELD—The City Council wrapped up 2024 with a brief two-item agenda and its usual caucus to select the body’s officers for next year. With so little to consider there were few surprises. Free street parking for veterans achieved final passage. Council President Michael Fenton will have another year leading the body, though there will be a new Vice President.
After House Republicans tanked a year-end deal at the orders of Donald Trump and his ostensible boss, Elon Musk, Democrats took the floor to blast GOP subservience. Among those excoriating the other side was Congressman Richard Neal, who emphasized that a bipartisan agreement fell apart because of social media posts.
Elon Musk didn’t like that.
PALMER—Nearly a year ago, it was wine and roses as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) formally began studying restoration of train service here. Hopes have been growing ever since East-West rail transitioned from Western Mass political shibboleth to inevitability. However, a new obstacle has
Tragedy and the march of time itself undermined two ordinances before the City Council on Monday. Before the body was a proposal to automate electeds’ raises and another to double the time new hires have to move into the city. A majority of councilors present
The Springfield City Council is wading once more into the fraught waters of their own salaries. A bill appearing on Monday’s agenda would raise the annual salary for councilors, the mayor and members of the School Committee. However, the increase would not be immediate.
Ninety-one miles away from Springfield Union Station, officials celebrated a milestone that, on the surface, has little to do with the 413. On November 25, Governor Maura Healey, Newton Congressman Jake Auchincloss, the city’s present and future legislative delegation and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s General Manager Phil Eng celebrated planned upgrades at the Newtonville station.