OPEN SEASON — Everyone, it seems, is running for court clerk. OK, OK, not everyone . But with a number of elected court officials stepping away from the seats they’ve held for decades, multiple Beacon Hill lawmakers are foregoing reelection in pursuit of lower-profile legal roles. So, too, is a recently reelected Boston city councilor — though she won’t have to give up her seat to do it. Democratic state Rep. Dan Carey is chasing an open Hampshire Superior Court clerk position after three terms in the House. Another Democrat, state Sen. Susan Moran, is running for Barnstable County Superior Court clerk, opening up a competitive legislative seat. And, after more than two decades in the Legislature, Democratic state Sen. Walter Timilty III is now vying for the Norfolk Superior Court clerk post his father is giving up after holding it since 2001. Then there’s Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy, who took the city’s chattering class by surprise last week when she announced her bid for Suffolk County Supreme Judicial Court clerk. It may seem odd for a politician to covet a behind-the-scenes role that affords them no spotlight nor soapbox. But they have their reasons. And they appear to be about more than just the higher pay. “I look at that as an extension of public service — people that are into public service, it can take many forms,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, a former state representative who forewent reelection in 2022 to run for DA (which is a more public-facing role than clerk). “Oftentimes, I think people go where they can feel they can make a difference.” Plus, Tucker said, people are paying more attention to the courts . That’s not lost on this year’s crop of clerk candidates. “It’s a really important position right now,” Carey told Playbook. “We're seeing attacks on our institutions of democracy across the country.” Murphy, too, noted the importance of the courts given “this perilous moment for our democracy.” Moran, meanwhile, cited the “exciting resurgence” of county government in Barnstable County. And Timilty said he believes the position will provide him “with a greater platform in which to help people of Norfolk County.” These lower-profile posts do have some perks . The pay for these positions is higher than what each of these lawmakers currently earns in their capacity as elected officials. And though the $174,532 Superior Court clerks made in 2023 and $189,325 salary Suffolk County Supreme Judicial Court clerk Maura Doyle earned last year is not near the level some private sector jobs would offer, it’s hardly chump change for a public servant. And once you’re in, you’re likely in for a looong time. No more running for reelection every two years — court clerks are six-year gigs. And the people who win these deep-down-the-ballot contests tend to hold onto their seats. Barnstable County Superior Court Clerk Scott Nickerson has served since 2000, running unopposed every election since (He decided to forgo reelection when Moran announced her challenge .) Hampshire Superior Court Clerk Harry Jekanowski Jr. hasn’t had a challenger since he was elected in 1994 . (He's not seeking reelection .) Doyle, currently Dorchester’s longest-serving elected official , has faced one opponent since 1998 . (She's also not running again .). It's the same with Walter Timilty Jr., who first won in Norfolk County in 2000. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Speaking of the younger Timilty… FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Rep. Bill Driscoll Jr. is planning to run for Timilty’s Senate seat. The Milton Democrat intends to file the requisite paperwork with campaign finance regulators today, according to a person familiar with his plans and granted anonymity to discuss them. He’s already got at least one opponent. Randolph Democrat Kathleen Crogan-Camara has launched a repeat bid for the seat. And others are eyeing it. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll host a regional Cabinet meeting before announcing a new grant program to support converting office space into housing at 12:45 p.m. in Worcester. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks during the Evacuation Day historical exercises hosted by the South Boston Citizens’ Association at 10:15 a.m. and attends several St. Patrick’s Day events. SUNDAY — is St. Patrick's Day. Sláinte! The Boston St. Patrick’s Day political breakfast returns to the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall in Southie at 9:30 a.m.; state Sen. Nick Collins hosts. Rep. Jake Auchincloss is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. and NBC10 Boston’s “At Issue” at 11:30 a.m. Tips? Scoops? Running for something? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com .
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.