Middleboro Review 2: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Acting the part

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Acting the part

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PROGRAMMING NOTE: It’s that time of year: Massachusetts Playbook is taking its annual end-of-summer hiatus starting Monday, Aug. 26. We’ll be back Tuesday, Sept. 3. In the meantime, get your tips, scoops, birthdays and transitions in to: kgarrity@politico.com

POWER PLAYS — So it’s Acting Governor Bill Galvin this week afterall.

After a moment where it looked like the line of gubernatorial succession might reach state Auditor Diana DiZoglio, the secretary of state returned to Massachusetts Tuesday afternoon to take the reins from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll before she headed for Chicago.

DiZoglio, who was expected to briefly take charge Tuesday morning, attributed the mix up “misunderstanding or an error made with another schedule.” Galvin, asked by NBC10 Boston if he was heading back because leaders “didn’t want to give [the role] to the auditor,” replied: “I have nothing to do with that.”

“It’s not about any personalities, it’s about the responsibilities we have,” he added, describing the handoff as a “relay race.”

But if the hope was to keep the auditor from making a mark while they were away, the state’s top leaders were too late. DiZoglio unveiled an executive order Tuesday that would prevent many state settlement agreements from including nondisclosure agreements — similar to reforms she long pushed for as a state legislator. Though the draft included a line for an “[Acting] Governor” to sign, DiZoglio said she wouldn’t have tried to enact it had she ended up holding the title.

“I do not feel that that would have been a way to make meaningful and positive change, positioning the administration to come home to a signed executive order,” she told reporters Tuesday morning. She still hopes to get Gov. Maura Healey’s buy-in on the order, she said.

A spokesperson for Healey didn’t directly address whether it’s something the governor would support, but said in a statement that the office is cooperating with the ongoing audit of nondisclosure agreements “and will continue to discuss this issue with the auditor."

GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . DiZoglio isn’t the only one calling for action while Healey is out of town.

BOSTON HERALD RAG published a slip shod post from MASS GOP - to be expected! It conveniently ignores the HATE & HARASSMENT of Domestic Terrorists....just when you think the RAG can't get worse, you're proven wrong!

BLOVIATOR HOWIE CARR posted a hack job - also to be expected....ignoring Convicted Felon tRump's conspicuous DEMENTIA, slurred speech, endless rambling, mindless rants like the fictitious HANNIBAL LECTER, electric boats and a WEIRD Running Mate focused on CHILDLESS CAT LADIES....Howie's drinking too much KOOL AID again!

The state’s Republican party is publicly urging Galvin (who’s holding down the fort as acting governor through Friday) to disclose details that have been withheld according to a Boston Globe report last week, about payments for and conditions within the state’s emergency shelter system.

And the MassGOP is rallying Republicans to keep the pressure on.

“We urge you to join us in calling on Acting Governor, Secretary Bill Galvin, to take action,” an email sent out Tuesday by the MassGOP read. “Secretary Galvin is the longest-serving executive in Massachusetts and at times has had an independent voice. Now, he has the opportunity to uphold his commitment to the people of the Commonwealth by releasing the unredacted information on vendor payments and the serious incidents within state shelters.”

The message directed readers to an email and phone number for Galvin’s office, asking people to contact the long-serving Democrat to “ask him to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.”

The state does provide reports every two weeks detailing how much money has been spent on services and how much the state expects to spend for the fiscal year, but the reports don’t include a breakdown of how much money various vendors are receiving.

A message from Uber:

Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will now earn at least $32.50 while working on the app, making them some of the highest paid drivers in the country. This new rate sets a high standard for driver pay across the nation. Go deeper.

CONVENTION ZONE

SPOTTED — by my colleague Lisa Kashinsky at Gov. Maura Healey 's reception at the Chicago Winery on Tuesday: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, state Sen. Marc Pacheco, former state Sen. Eric Lesser, state Reps. Adrian Madaro, Tram Nguyen and Kate Donaghue, Boston City Councilors Sharon Durkan and Enrique Pepén, Revere City Councilor Juan Jaramillo, MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan, former MassDems Chair Phil Johnston, event planner Bryan Rafanelli and Joe Caiazzo.

Democrats may be riding a wave of momentum for Kamala Harris in Chicago, but Healey cautioned them to “play like we’re 10 points behind, because while things have improved, we’ve got a long way to go,” Lisa writes in.

“We have got to do everything, every day, to just bury them,” Healey continued. “And I don’t use those terms lightly. But I really mean it in this instance, because we know what we’re up against. We know what’s on the line.”

ALSO SPOTTED — State Rep. Ruth Balser lending a hand to the nearby North Dakota delegation, holding the notes for their speech to announce their votes during Tuesday night’s roll call.

ALSO ALSO SPOTTED — House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi at Democratic Whip Katherine Clark 's event Tuesday night.

Members of the Massachusetts delegation cheer during the ceremonial roll call Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO

WHERE ARE THEY TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey : joining her fellow Democratic women governors for a panel with actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus

— Rep. Ayanna Pressley : speaking at the Alabama delegation’s breakfast and later at the Color of Change panel on Black Economic Futures

— Boston Mayor Michelle Wu , Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark : speaking at speaking at this morning’s MassDems breakfast, along with Viginia Sen. Tim Kaine (who was rescheduled from Tuesday), and Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch; Wu also attends a celebration of women mayors and leaders hosted by EMILYs List and Emerge

— Rep. Lori Trahan : heading home today so she can watch Harris’ historic speech with her daughters

More convention reads:

— “‘It can be quite heartbreaking:’ Michelle Wu shares new details about her pregnancy as she makes the case for Harris-Walz,” by Emma Platoff, The Boston Globe: “Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who is expecting her third child in January, made a strikingly personal case on Tuesday for the Democratic presidential ticket, using her own family planning challenges to highlight the stakes of this year’s election, when reproductive rights are in flux across the country. … Wu said there has been a long gap since her first two children, sons ages 7 and 9, “not because we weren’t trying and hoping and looking to expand our family, but because, as with so many of us, family planning can be quite complicated.”

— “Democrats just can’t quit Donald Trump,” by POLITICO staff: “For the first time in a long time, Democrats have a presidential nominee in Kamala Harris they are excited about. But they can’t quit Donald Trump. The party’s muscle memory and strategic imperative for bashing him are too strong. And so, in the opening days of the Democratic National Convention here, this celebration of Harris has turned into a bludgeoning of the former president.”

DOWN THE BALLOT — “In Chicago, Democrats Are Newly Hopeful They Can Win the Fight for Congress,” by Catie Edmondson and Carl Hulse, The New York Times.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

— “State's shelter system projected to run out of money by January,” by Katie Lannan, GBH News.

— “Healey sued by anti-abortion crisis centers,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “A group of pregnancy crisis centers have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Maura Healey and women's reproductive health groups, claiming they violated the constitutional rights of the anti-abortion counseling groups. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in U.S. District Court in Boston by the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center on behalf of Your Options Medical Center and others, names Healey and Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of the group Reproductive Equity Now. It alleges that the state has violated the businesses' First and 14th Amendment rights with a ‘campaign of harassment, suppression, and threats’ against the Revere-based facility and other pregnancy crisis centers.”

*****STEWARD*****

— “State’s Steward exit plan is no sure thing, as landowners, creditors push back,” by Robert Weisman, The Boston Globe: “The Healey administration’s plan to steer six Steward Health Care hospitals into the hands of new owners just got more complicated. Administration officials expect Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm that controls the St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center property in Brighton, to contest the state’s move to seize the land and buildings by eminent domain, setting up a trial that could last up to two years. In bankruptcy court filings, meanwhile, disputes between bankrupt Steward and some of its top creditors over how to divvy up proceeds from the Massachusetts hospital sales threw up new roadblocks to the transactions, which were on track to be finalized Thursday.”

FROM THE HUB

— “Plan to convert three downtown Boston office buildings into housing moves forward,” by Emily Sweeney, The Boston Globe: “A plan to convert three office buildings in downtown Boston into housing is moving forward. The city’s zoning board of appeal last week unanimously approved a proposal by KS Partners to convert three adjoining buildings on Washington and Devonshire streets into one building with 95 rental apartments, officials said. The $36 million project would create 29 studio apartments, 54 one-bedroom units, and 12 two-bedroom units, according to documents posted on the city’s website.”

— “‘We deserve to feel safe’: Caribbean cultural organizations condemn shooting at Dominican Festival,” by Dan Glaun and Auzzy Byrdsell, The Boston Globe: “Leaders of Caribbean cultural organizations in Boston are condemning Sunday’s shooting at a Dominican festival, expressing frustration at what they say is a pattern of violence that has endangered community members and marred parades intended to be celebrations of heritage and history. The calls come days ahead of this year’s Caribbean Carnival, which draws thousands of revelers to parade through Roxbury to Franklin Park in Dorchester.”

A message from Uber:

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— “Milton makes interesting case on MBTA Communities Act,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon: “Milton is not putting all of its eggs in one basket as it tries to convince the Supreme Judicial Court that the town doesn’t have to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, but it’s coming pretty close. The town continues to argue that the rezoning regulations were enacted improperly and that the rundown Mattapan trolley line that runs above ground through part of Milton doesn’t qualify as subway rapid transit, a designation that subjects Milton to higher rezoning requirements than most other communities in eastern Massachusetts. Those arguments still show up in the legal brief Milton filed on Monday, but they take a backseat to the idea that the only punishment available under the MBTA Communities Act for municipalities that don’t comply with the law is the withholding of certain state grant funds.”

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Sen. Joan Lovely has endorsed Tom Driscoll in his campaign for Essex County Clerk of Courts.

— “Montigny faces rare primary challenge for state Senate,” by Grace Ferguson, The New Bedford Light: “For the first time since 2008, South Coast voters will get to choose who represents them in the state Senate. First-time candidate Molly Kivi is challenging incumbent Mark Montigny in the Sept. 3 Democratic primary for the 2nd Bristol and Plymouth state Senate seat. With no Republican candidate for the seat, the Democratic primary will decide the race. Kivi, an accountant who until recently worked for the City of New Bedford, said she decided to run because she believes competition is good for democracy.”

BARRY SANDERS is short-sighted, with limited comprehension of government function, very disappointing as a candidate! Please make an informed vote that will serve us well!

excerpt:

Pacheco emphasizes his knowledge of fiscal affairs gained in 17 years of local budget-making. He said he gained understanding of state government working for four years as a legislative aide to State Rep. David Flynn, and five years with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

“A rookie legislator can spend a term or more learning the legislative process,” Pacheco said, arguing that he’ll be prepared from the start to be an effective senator.

— “Two Democrats compete to replace Marc Pacheco in state Senate,” by Arthur Hirsch, The New Bedford Light: “If the Democratic primary for the open state Senate seat in the Third Bristol and Plymouth District turns on name recognition, it may not be much of a contest. Taunton City Councilor Barry Sanders’ name is surely well known on his home ground, as he’s served on the council since 2008. But in the Democratic primary on Sept. 3, he’s facing Raynham Selectman Joe Pacheco, whose namesake, Sen. Marc Pacheco — to whom he is not a blood relation — has held the Senate seat since President Bill Clinton took office.”

— “State primary coming up soon; what to know in Attleboro area,” by George W. Rhodes, The Sun Chronicle.

FROM THE 413

— “Former counselor sues Amherst-Pelham school district, adding to complaints in wake of Title IX investigations,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A federal lawsuit brought against the Amherst-Pelham Regional school district, as well as several current and former staff members, by a former middle school counselor contends that she and other counselors were targeted by colleagues and administrators due to their Christian beliefs.”

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THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “WPI remains silent as concern grows over its plan to purchase 2 Worcester hotels,” by Henry Schwan, Telegram & Gazette: “Worcester Polytechnic Institute has still not publicly commented on outrage expressed by some critics of the college's plan to buy two local hotels. There is fear the move will severely damage the city's financial position. WPI didn’t respond to two interview requests this week from the Telegram and Gazette after Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Manager Eric D. Batista and others scolded WPI for its plan to convert the hotels into student housing.”

— “Head of state commission critical of Worcester's 'inertia' in picking police chief,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette: “The chair of the state Civil Service Commission told representatives of the City of Worcester Tuesday that it was unlikely the commission would come to a conclusion in favor of ‘inertia’ in the hiring of a permanent police chief after three deputy chiefs petitioned for the commission to investigate whether the city was in violation of state law. Civil Service Chair Christopher Bowman asked the city to put forward a ‘Plan B’ for filling the chief's position permanently while a home rule petition to exempt the job from the civil service exam remains stuck on Beacon Hill.”

A message from Uber:

Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will soon receive comprehensive benefits alongside their new pay rate. Benefits include health insurance stipends for those working over 15 hours a week, paid sick leave, and occupational accident insurance. These enhancements provide vital support and security for drivers, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare and financial protection. These new benefits mark a significant improvement in the quality of life for rideshare drivers.

Go deeper.

MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND

— “With top state officials at DNC, who is running Rhode Island?,” by Ian Donnis, The Public's Radio.

*****STEWARD*****

— “AG Neronha cautiously optimistic about Lifespan deal to buy St. Anne’s, Morton,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday his office plans to scrutinize Lifespan’s proposed takeover of two troubled Massachusetts hospitals in order to ensure the transaction won’t harm patient care in Rhode Island. On Friday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced tentative agreements to sell the remaining hospitals in the state owned by bankrupt Steward Health Care, including a deal for Lifespan to acquire St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton.”

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING

NEW HAMPSHIRE residents clog Massachusetts roads for better JOBS due to lack of economic opportunities in New Hampshire....New Hampshire funds PUBLIC EDUCATION with real estate taxes with predictable results - it shows!
Proudly eschews income taxes to equalize funding.

That New Hampshire chose to address this issue defines their short sighted bigoted agenda.

— “‘We knew we had to get out’: This family fled N.H. over legislation that would restrict their transgender daughter,” by Amanda Gokee, The Boston Globe.

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former MIT president Rafael Reif, WBUR’s Darryl C. Murphy, Brian Kleckner, legislative director for Rep. Jim O'Day; Kelley Ryan Vickery, Jules Clark, Cheryl Chen, Brendan Kennedy, Sara Seinberg, GBH alum and Bloomberg’s Joe Mathieu, Jana Winter, Amy Dow, director of public relations and government affairs at New Balance; and David A. Heifetz.

Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com .

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