There are only a handful of legislative races with general elections this year in the Pioneer Valley. There are so few it hardly feels unfortunate that we were unable cobble together our election guide for the general. Most of what races there are feel uncompetitive
MONSON—Every seat in the stuffy auditorium near the center of town was filled. A few crowded along the walls or near the open side door bringing in some welcome cool air. Angry and concerned residents were there to learn what they could about their defective
NORTHAMPTON—Amid an upheaval in Boston legislative seats, a new delegation took shape here and points north. All three of the Hampshire County-based seats were vacant due to retirements or death. The adjacent 1st Franklin, also picked a new rep along as did the region’s state
For all the anxiety of the present time, the United States had been through heart-wrenching change before. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the economy was changing. Industrial powerhouses withered, and farms began to fail. It was a real fear to people in Eric Nakajima’s family.
AMHERST—Two years ago, Ellen Story’s retirement from the 3rd Hampshire House district seat, let loose a flood of candidates. Mindy Domb, the Director of the Amherst Survival Center, a nonprofit here that caters to people’s food, clothing and healthcare needs, was not among them. The
To Be (1st) Franklin is a series on the open race for the 1st Franklin House District. WILLIAMSBURG—The departure of Stephen Kulik from the 1st Franklin District has prompted a mad dash of contenders. Given the subtle differences and stark similarities among the 19 towns
To Be (1st) Franklin is a series on the open race for the 1st Franklin House District. HUNTINGTON—Retirements, resignations and deaths are ushering in a political shift in the 413 from the Vermont border to here in the foothills of the Berkshires. For the 1st
UPDATED 5/1/18 2:12PM: To issue a correction and for accuracy. This article inaccurately stated non-Democrats could not join the House Dem caucus. It is, in fact, possible. AMHERST—Two years ago, Ellen Story uncorked 25 years of pent-up Democratic ambition. Hampshire County’s largest community and the
The death of 1st Hampshire Representative Peter Kocot has become the latest upheaval in the Upper Pioneer Valley’s legislative delegation. Kocot, 61, died last week of an undisclosed illness. His death has hit state and local pols to a degree that matches or exceeds the
UPDATED 8:21PM: For an update about the race for Kulik’s seat and to reflect a correction. A previous version of this post listed the wrong days Kulik and Scibak announced their plans. A pair of retirements in the northern Pioneer Valley are certain to enliven