Election Day brings a regular swig of direct democracy here in Massachusetts. Four ballot questions are on the statewide ballot with an additional question in cities like Holyoke and Springfield. Below, we offer our view on a few of the referenda this year. Question 1:
It is arguably the most competitive election in the Pioneer Valley, but it has not been like the national election. Apocalyptic, dark ads are not carpet-bombing television. Debates are not soaked in tension and wrath and indeed, are a bit dry. The 1st Hampden &
There are, on our regional ballots this year a number of competitive races. Not all are created equally. Some of these races include candidates of third parties and in still-quite Democratic Hampden County others are not such that fuller, separate explanations of our opinions are
America. What does it mean? For all the hullabaloo about a “change” election, the 2016 presidential contest is really question of what exactly this country is. Ultimately, this is what at stake between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Democrat, and real estate tycoon
Springfield has long suffered from a staggering small “d” democratic deficit. Turnout is hopelessly low, especially so in municipal elections. Many things, socioeconomics to name one, are responsible, but one way out is better engaging the public. The process to replace Calvin McFadden, who resigned
The Hampden County Sheriff’s race is the most consequential this year. This is not true because of the office, per se, but because 42-year incumbent Michael Ashe is retiring. The next sheriff inherits not only the sprawling corrections and social service agency Ashe has built,
Few things matter as much in elections as who is Springfield’s voice on Beacon Hill. The third largest city in the state, it has its share of reps and senators, but the quality has varied. Today, we may be experiencing a high(er) watermark of enthusiasm
In Massachusetts, there exist more than a few arcane and esoteric offices. The Governor’s Council, a throwback to colonial days which confirms judges, labor relations commissioner and other posts appointed by the governor and approves pardons and notaries, is one such body. Its 8th district
This week Masslive reported bus line magnate Peter Picknelly had emailed Governor Charlie Baker shortly before the governor effectively vetoed a study on developing and implementing reliable rail service between Boston and Springfield. The study’s fate, a priority of Longmeadow Senator Eric Lesser, remains in
In only a few days’ time, across the country, the streets of the United States run with blood. In Baton Rouge and near the Twin Cities, two young black men were killed by law enforcement. In Dallas, five police officers, who only moments before were