POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Wu plays in Boston council races

BY LISA KASHINSKY With help from Kelly Garrity FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: WU BACKS SANTANA — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is endorsing Henry Santana for city councilor at-large today, giving a major boost to her former civic engagement director in a crowded citywide race. “There’s a lot at stake on the ballot this fall. And Henry’s story is Boston’s story,” the mayor told Playbook. “He grew up in an immigrant family living in public housing and going to Boston Public Schools. He became a U.S. citizen and found his calling in serving his community. And it’s been really inspiring to watch him get things done.” Wu is wading into the at-large race at a crucial moment. Veteran Councilor Michael Flaherty’s decision to withdraw his name from contention leaves three incumbents running for four citywide seats, opening the door for at least one of the five at-large challengers to win a spot on the council. Santana has sought to capitalize on the opportunity by rolling out a slew of endorsements from elected officials, including at-large Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune — who’s technically his competitor — and several state lawmakers. Santana isn’t the only newcomer that Wu is working to get elected to the council. The mayor has also endorsed Sharon Durkan, her former political fundraiser, in next week's special election for District 8 — a contest that came up because Wu tapped another ally, Kenzie Bok, to run the Boston Housing Authority. And Wu’s head of neighborhood services, Enrique Pepén, is running in District 5. Wu has yet to endorse in that race, and whether she makes a move there could be complicated by her past support of embattled Councilor Ricardo Arroyo. She’s also been helping incumbents, headlining recent fundraisers for Councilors Gabriela Coletta and Liz Breadon, per the Dorchester Reporter’s Gintautas Dumcius. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during a news conference, Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | AP Wu insists her endorsements aren’t about securing more friendly faces on a council that in its current iteration is at best dysfunctional and at worst detrimental to her agenda. She noted that the council has passed several of her biggest policy priorities, including rent control and overhauling the Boston Planning & Development Agency. But members attempted to substantially change elements of her latest budget in ways she opposed. And the mayor keeps having to answer for a council that continually courts chaos and controversy. “An endorsement isn’t about promising certain votes or needing to be wedded to specific policy positions,” Wu said. “But it is important that we are aligned when it comes to understanding what Boston needs … and a willingness to bring people together and focus on getting things done.” And in the case of Santana, Wu said he’ll be “an incredible partner for our administration because he’s aligned with the values that Boston residents put us into office to act on, but also because he knows how it works department by department.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Wu will publicly endorse Santana at 9 a.m. at the UNITE HERE New England Joint Board office along with other supporters. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll visit Flats Mentor Farm at 8:45 a.m. in Lancaster, announce Food Security Infrastructure grants at 11 a.m. at Fruit Fair in Chicopee and announce a “new relief effort” for flooded farms at 12:30 p.m. at Mountain View Farm in Easthampton. Driscoll surveys Fitchburg flood impacts at 3 p.m. Rep. Jim McGovern is on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. Wu visits Dorchester’s Ryan Playground at 11:30 a.m. Tips? Scoops? Endorsements? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .   JOIN 7/26 FOR A TALK ON THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY:  Join POLITICO's lively discussion, "Powering a Clean Energy Economy," on July 26 to explore the effectiveness of consumer-targeted policies to boost sustainability and create clean energy jobs. How are the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions faring? Which strategies truly sway consumer behavior? Hear from featured speaker, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), among other experts. Don't miss this insightful event — register today and be part of the conversation driving America's clean energy future! REGISTER NOW.     MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — THERE’S ALWAYS A MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTION: The opening battle in the war for New Hampshire’s next governor is over … Massachusetts? Republican candidate-in-waiting Kelly Ayotte fired the opening salvo, in a statement teasing the former U.S. senator’s seemingly inevitable gubernatorial campaign: “Like many Granite Staters, I fear we are one election away from turning into Massachusetts.” Minutes later, Maura Healey weighed in. The first-term Democrat made the biggest endorsement of her gubernatorial tenure thus far — by backing outgoing Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig for governor of her home state of New Hampshire. “Take it from @maura_healey,” Ayotte tweeted in response. “Joyce Craig would turn New Hampshire into Massachusetts.” That’s a bad thing? Anyway, cue Craig coming to Massachusetts — and Healey's — defense: “Governor Healey defeated Republican extremism and has delivered critical protections for reproductive freedom,” Craig told Playbook in a statement. The next 14 months are going to be interesting. But not just because of the regional jabs. Chris Sununu’s decision not to seek a record fifth term as governor prompted race raters to immediately shift New Hampshire’s corner-office contest to a toss-up. National Democrats now see the state as one of their best opportunities — if not the best opportunity — for a pickup in 2024 after winning Massachusetts, Maryland and Arizona last year. And the primary shaping up between Craig and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington will give Massachusetts Democrats facing a potentially boring cycle on this side of the border something to do. But Republicans aren’t backing down. Former state Senate President Chuck Morse jumped into the race almost immediately after Sununu stepped aside. Ayotte is likely to follow, as could Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut . “The Republican agenda works here,” Sununu told Playbook, adding that he’ll “probably” endorse in the primary. — “Sununu’s exit spells the end of a whole breed of Republican governor,” by Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: “Fiscally conservative but more socially moderate Republican governors have long defied electoral odds in blue and purple states. … Sununu’s exit threatens to grow the power vacuum that [Charlie] Baker and [Larry] Hogan created in a region that was once a stronghold for both moderate Republicans and an increasingly bygone way of bipartisan politicking.” — More: "What Sununu’s retirement means for the New Hampshire GOP presidential primary," by Charlie Mahtesian and Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO. — THE OUTTAKES: Sununu called Playbook from Logan Airport en route to Texas to meet New Hampshire National Guard soldiers deployed along the southern border. The Boston airport is usually convenient, he said. But with the Sumner Tunnel closure? “It’s a frickin disaster.” FWIW, the state highway administrator says the traffic congestion has been “manageable” so far. DATELINE BEACON HILL — OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The sub-basement electrical fire that sent carbon monoxide swirling through the State House was accidental, officials said . The building reopens today.  — “Campbell, other Dem. AGs, fire back at Republicans on diversity and equity,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: “A group of Democratic Attorneys General, including the Bay State’s Andrea Campbell, have joined together to tell the nation’s largest corporations that they can go ahead and ignore any assertions on matters of equity and diversity from their Republican counterparts. During a Zoom call with reporters Wednesday, 21 of the nation’s top law enforcement officials announced they had signed on to a letter sharply disagreeing with their conservative colleagues interpretation of a recent Supreme Court decision striking down the use of race as a consideration during college admissions.” — “Healey appoints Linehan to statewide library board,” by Cassidy McNeeley, Dorchester Reporter: “Gov. Healey has appointed Joyce Linehan, a Lower Mills resident who was a top adviser to former mayor Marty Walsh, as a member of the nine-member Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).” — “Council Approves All Seven of Healey’s Pardon Recommendations,” by Sam Drysdale, State House News Service (paywall). FROM THE HUB — “Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara pleads not guilty to multiple charges in connection with June crash,” by Danny McDonald, Vivi Smilgius and Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara was arraigned Wednesday at West Roxbury Municipal Court on nine charges in connection with a June crash where authorities allege she slammed an unregistered and uninsured car into a Jamaica Plain home while speeding with a revoked license. Lara, 33, is now facing two additional charges. ... At Wednesday’s arraignment, a not guilty plea was entered on her behalf, and the court ordered Lara not to drive without a license. She was released on personal recognizance." — “Boston Elections Commission to consider Kendra Lara residency challenge,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “The Boston Elections Commission will hold a formal hearing to consider four objections to nomination papers filed by City Councilor Kendra Lara, challenging the status of her residency in the district she represents.”   JOIN 7/27 FOR A TALK ON WOMEN LEADERS IN THE NEW WORKPLACE: In the wake of the pandemic, U.S. lawmakers saw a unique opportunity to address the current childcare system, which has become increasingly unaffordable for millions of Americans, but the initial proposals went nowhere. With the launch of the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus in May, there may be a path to make childcare more affordable. Join Women Rule on July 27 to dive into this timely topic and more with featured speakers Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Reshma Saujani, Founder & CEO of Moms First and Founder of Girls Who Code. REGISTER HERE .     PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “T officials say they have ‘reset expectations’ with rail car manufacturer,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Magazine: “Interim GM Jeff Gonneville told the MBTA Board that the Orange Line order is expected to be completed by December of this year, compared with the contractual completion date of January 2022, and the Red Line cars should be delivered by September 2026 rather than this September as contracted.” — “MassDOT board approves investment spending plan,” by Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez, WBUR. FROM THE DELEGATION — “US House Republicans deny funding for Boston's LGBTQ+ affordable housing project,” by Dominique Farrell, GBH News: “The Pryde, an affordable housing development planned for LGBTQ+ seniors in Boston's Hyde Park, hit a hurdle yesterday after House Republicans in an appropriations hearing voted to deny it federal funding. U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley had requested $850,000 in federal funding to help finance the $47 million project." BIDEN TIME — “Jill Biden Coming To Nantucket For Another Summer Fundraiser,” by Jason Graziadei, Nantucket Current: “First Lady Jill Biden will be back on Nantucket this Saturday for two separate fundraising events, a campaign source told the Current. Biden, who was on the island just last November for the family's annual Thanksgiving visit, will be attending a brunch and a reception on the island at an undisclosed location.” MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Pot at the farm stand? Mass. growers would like to sell direct to consumers,” by Kinga Borondy, Telegram & Gazette: “Picking up produce at the local farm stand may soon look different in Massachusetts if the state’s cannabis farmers are granted their request to sell their product directly to consumers, just like farmers now can sell zucchini, tomatoes or blueberries.” WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING — “Maine governor expands access to abortion later in pregnancy,” by David Sharp, The Associated Press: “Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill into law Wednesday that allows abortions at any time if deemed medically necessary by a doctor, making the law one of the nation’s least restrictive.” — "Matos signature scandal spreads across RI; AG now ‘taking the lead’ on investigation," by Eli Sherman, Tim White, Alexandra Leslie, Kate Wilkinson, WPRI: "The scandal engulfing Sabina Matos’s congressional campaign worsened on Wednesday, with the Democratic lieutenant governor now facing multiple criminal investigations into forged signatures on her nomination papers amid growing questions about election integrity in Rhode Island." — “Heroux cuts programs, adds others in first months as county sheriff,” by Audrey Cooney, Herald News. — “Town manager out of job in Foxboro,” by Jeff Peterson, The Sun Chronicle. — “Northampton names 11 residents for its new reparations commission,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former state Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty, Krista Zalatores, Mass. native and POLITICO alum David Giambusso , and Judge Patti B. Saris. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The Campbell interview

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by CAMPBELL CHARTS HER COURSE — Andrea Campbell spent her first five months as attorney general laying the groundwork to fulfill some of her signature campaign promises. Now she’s about to get the legislative sign-off she needs to bring those plans to fruition. Lawmakers are putting the finishing touches on a state budget that will help stand up Campbell’s elder justice, reproductive rights, gun violence prevention and police accountability units and pay for the directors she’s already in the process of hiring. And the sweeping firearms legislation top House Democrats introduced this week included several reforms Campbell has been advocating for to help crack down on ghost guns and illegal firearms trafficking. “There are some legislative changes that we need in order to be able to do our enforcement aggressively and to remain progressive when it comes to our gun laws,” Campbell told Playbook in an interview, adding that she’s “grateful” for lawmakers taking the first step. But as Campbell forges ahead in some areas, the federal government is stymieing her in another: enforcing the state’s automotive “right-to-repair” law that’s been tied up in court since voters passed it in 2020. Campbell got the green light this month to start requiring automakers selling cars here to give customers and independent repair shops wireless vehicle data. But the feds are now telling manufacturers to ignore the law because it could violate federal car safety legislation — and Campbell said they didn’t warn the attorney general’s office first. “I along with the team were extremely disappointed and shocked,” Campbell said. “We hope we can resolve this so that we can actually implement the will of the voters and not allow a letter to essentially preempt our state law where there was no process or input from Massachusetts residents.” Here are more excerpts from Playbook’s chat with Campbell, edited for length and clarity: Andrea Campbell | AP How is your office preparing for Supreme Court rulings that could possibly curtail affirmative action and student loan forgiveness? We are forming partnerships with the governor's administration, as well as others who are participating in [the governor’s] advisory council , so that we are prepared to always be promoting diversity when it comes to education. The same thing with student debt relief. What we’re finding is we still have a lot of work to do to make sure that folks are aware of the [existing] initiatives and the public interest loan forgiveness programs that they may be eligible for. How are you differentiating your attorney general’s office from that of your predecessor, now-Gov. Maura Healey? As we continue to build the team and establish our strategic plan, folks will see that it builds upon the work of those who came before, but also continues to establish my lane when it comes to certain types of issues, including government accountability work [and] criminal legal reform. What do you think of the indictments against former President Donald Trump? We’ve all seen enough where folks should ask the question: if you want someone to serve in an elected role, I would like them to not only be one of tremendous character, but also integrity and honesty. And that's what the constituents and public deserve. And I don't think, based on a long record of things we've seen publicly or heard firsthand, that he is one of good character. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Campbell said her office is still “actively reviewing” the referral from campaign finance regulators to investigate possible violations by GOP state Sen. Ryan Fattman and former MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons, among others. TODAY — Healey marks the anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s state visit to Ireland at 9 a.m. in Dublin. Acting Gov. Kim Driscoll tours Pryde LGBTQ Senior Housing at 10 a.m. in Boston and chairs a Governor’s Council meeting at noon at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu holds a press conference on the Sumner Tunnel Closure at 9:30 a.m. at Wonderland Station in Revere. Sen. Ed Markey tours Kennedy Community Health at 11:30 a.m. Rep. Jake Auchincloss visits Mass General Brigham’s CSPAR at 12:30 p.m. in Foxborough. Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .   A message from American Beverage Association: At America’s beverage companies, we are committed to reducing our plastic footprint. That’s why we’re carefully designing our plastic bottles to be 100% recyclable, including the caps. Our goal is for every bottle to become a new one, so they don’t end up in nature. Learn more at EveryBottleBack.org.   HEALEY WATCH — “In historic speech to Irish Senate, Healey lauds LGBTQ+ rights as bond between countries,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “In a landmark address Tuesday to the Irish Senate, or Seanad Éireann, Gov. Maura Healey lauded recent LGBTQ+ triumphs in Ireland and the United States as a unifying force and a source of political and economic strength moving forward. ‘It was not so long ago when the story of Irish American unity and the story of gay liberation would never have been told together,’ Healey said. ‘I’m here to say they are the stories of the same people — threads of the same fabric that have forever bound us and will bind us across time, and strengthen our mutual futures.’” WARREN REPORT — WHEELS IN MOTION: Sen. Elizabeth Warren fought to get federal funding for electrifying school buses. Now she wants Massachusetts cities and towns to apply for the EPA's $400 million Clean School Bus grant program by its August deadline because “electric school buses are an important investment in our children’s future.” Read the letter to the Massachusetts Municipal Association and local communities. — “Elizabeth Warren to Janet Yellen: You’re wrong on bank mergers,” by Zachary Warmbrodt, POLITICO. DATELINE BEACON HILL — “In 'historic' moment, MCI-Framingham prisoners testify live at moratorium hearing,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “A group of 20 women incarcerated at MCI-Framingham testified live on Zoom at a hearing on Monday — for the first time in legislative history. Clad in green uniforms, each woman sat in front of a camera in a white room and spoke in favor of a prison moratorium bill. The legislation would put a five-year pause on planning or building new prisons and renovating current prisons ‘beyond maintenance or building code requirements.’” — “State education board approves changes to educator licensure regulations,” by Adria Watson, Boston Globe: “In an effort to combat educator shortages in classrooms throughout Massachusetts, the state education board on Tuesday approved changes to make it easier for existing educators to teach special education and English as a second language, two fields that have long required additional licensing.” — “House Wants Fresh Numbers On Senate Tax Relief Plan,” by Alison Kuznitz, State House News Service (paywall): “House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and Rep. Mark Cusack, the House chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue, sent a letter to Department of Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder asking him to calculate the ‘fiscal impact’ of a bevy of relief measures in both branches' bills." — “DiZoglio Seeks More Leeway For MBTA Audits,” by Alison Kuznitz, State House News Service (paywall): “Bills that DiZoglio filed with Rep. Christopher Worrell and Sen. Liz Miranda (H 3132 / S 2032) would allow the auditor's office to conduct audits of the MBTA once every two years and ‘as often as the state auditor determines is necessary.’"   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING : What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today .     FROM THE HUB — “Councilor Ricardo Arroyo admits to ethics violation, pays penalty in connection with representing his brother,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo has admitted to a conflict of interest violation and paid a $3,000 penalty for continuing to represent his brother in a sexual harassment lawsuit after Arroyo became a member of the City Council, according to the State Ethics Commission.” — “‘Blindsided’: State slams BPS over O’Bryant plans,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald: “Education Commissioner Jeff Riley blasted the proposal by Boston Public Schools to move the highly rated O’Bryant School to West Roxbury, saying state officials were ‘blindsided’ by the announcement.” — “One year into school improvement plan, state official grades Boston’s progress 'incomplete',” by Max Larkin, WBUR. — “Here’s what to expect at the NAACP convention in Boston, the first in four decades,” by Tiana Woodard, Boston Globe. — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta is endorsing Sharon Durkan in the special election for District 8 city councilor.   A message from American Beverage Association:     PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Short circuit at fault in dragging death of Red Line passenger last year, NTSB finds,” by Laura Crimaldi and Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “Federal investigators on Tuesday said a short circuit was to blame for the failure of a safety system designed to prevent a Red Line train from accelerating and dragging a passenger to his death last year after his arm became stuck between car doors.” FROM THE DELEGATION — “McGovern backs constitutional amendment to strip big money from elections,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “The proposed joint resolution, known as The Free and Fair Elections Amendment, would limit the amount a person could contribute to any individual political congressional or presidential campaign to $100, and the limit the amount of total spending in an election cycle by an individual to $1,000. In addition, it would ban any corporation or related entity from spending any amount of money to influence an election.” FROM THE 413 — “Interim superintendent in Easthampton officially on board, inks $157K deal,” by Emily Thurlow, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “The School Committee’s decision to hire a temporary leader follows several tumultuous months this spring, which included the resignation of two School Committee members, in the failed permanent superintendent search.” — “Candidates in Agawam begin race for open mayoral seat,” by Aprell May Munford, Springfield Republican: “Town Council President Christopher C. Johnson said he is among the handful of candidates seeking to become the next mayor of Agawam. … Rosemary Sandlin and Cecilia P. Calabrese, who both sit on Town Council, and newcomer William Clark, a local business owner, have pulled papers with the town clerk in order to begin the process to run.”   SUBSCRIBE TO POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don’t miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY .     THE LOCAL ANGLE — “'Epitome of divisiveness': City councilor blasts Chamber letter on encampment sweeps,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette: “In an extended statement Tuesday, District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera blasted the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce for releasing a letter Friday afternoon against a proposed moratorium on clearing homeless encampments.” MAGA MORON CONFIRMS STUPIDITY! — “Truck from Conn. company hired by MassDOT displayed Confederate flag in Fitchburg,” by Darren Botelho, NBC10 Boston: “MassDOT says it prohibits these kinds of displays and it told the company it would not be allowed to do any more work until the flag was taken down.” — “Council budget cuts target fixed costs; ‘How does that make any sense?’ asks mayor,” by Arthur Hirsch, New Bedford Light. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — SPLIT SCREEN: Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis escalated their rivalry in dueling events in New Hampshire yesterday, against the backdrop of a new Saint Anselm poll showing the former president rising to 47 percent support and the Florida governor running far behind at 19 percent. — FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS : “Addressing a town hall in Hollis, DeSantis vowed to 'actually' build the U.S.-Mexico border wall that Trump tried but failed to complete as president. He also pledged to tear down Washington’s traditional power centers in ways that Trump fell short. Speaking later at a Republican women’s luncheon in Concord, Trump countered that DeSantis was being forced to settle for second place in the primary. … DeSantis took extensive audience questions — a trademark in New Hampshire politics that he eschewed during his previous visit to the state … Trump, meanwhile, offered a free-wheeling speech for more than [an] hour. He didn’t take questions in Concord.” — CHRISTIE CORNER: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , who's running a New Hampshire-focused campaign, came in third in the Saint Anselm poll with 6 percent. He also told POLITICO's Kelly Garrity that Trump is "the cheapest S.O.B. I’ve ever met" for steering donations from his presidential campaign to pay his legal fees.   A message from American Beverage Association: America’s leading beverage companies - The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo - are working together to reduce our industry’s plastic footprint through our Every Bottle Back initiative. We’re investing in efforts to get our bottles back so we can remake them into new bottles and use less new plastic.  Together, we’re:  Designing 100% recyclable plastic bottles – we’re making our bottles from PET that’s strong, lightweight and easy to recycle.    Investing in community recycling – we’re marshalling the equivalent of nearly a half-billion dollars with The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners to support community recycling programs where we can have the greatest impact.  Raising awareness – we’re adding on-pack reminders to encourage consumers to recycle our plastic bottles and caps.      Our bottles are made to be remade. Please help us get Every Bottle Back.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Mark William Bracken has been named executive director of the Massachusetts State Lottery after serving as its interim head. — The Massachusetts Dental Society has appointed Daniel DiTullio as the organization’s director, government affairs and dental practice. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Erin McPike, Moses Marx and Nick Mitchell. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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