POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Mayoral mayhem

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by CITY HALL CALLING — Former mayors making plays for their old jobs. Incumbents facing crowded fields. Open-seat races that will shape city leadership for years to come. These are the dynamics at play across the state today as voters cast their ballots in the biggest slate of preliminary municipal elections this fall. Only two candidates will advance to November in hotly contested mayor’s races from Revere to Fall River to Pittsfield. Here’s what we’re watching: — COMEBACK KIDS: Dan Rizzo and Sam Sutter want their old jobs back in Revere and Fall River, respectively. Rizzo got the boot in Revere back in 2015, when Brian Arrigo beat him in a recount, and lost to him again in 2019. But the seat is wide open after Arrigo left earlier this year to take over DCR. Rizzo, now a city councilor, is facing three of his colleagues for two tickets to November: Gerry Visconti, Steven Morabito and Patrick Keefe, who took over as acting mayor when Arrigo left. Keefe has raised more money than the rest of the field and has big-name endorsers like Rep. Joe Kennedy III , but he’s also clashed with a local union backing Rizzo . Sutter is looking for a full term in Fall River, where he won a special mayoral election in late 2014 but was ousted the next year by the now-jailed Jasiel Correia II . Sutter is running against Michael Vandal and incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan , a Democrat who has the backing of GOP former Gov. Charlie Baker and former Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito in this nonpartisan race — and who recently made headlines for yelling at a panhandler . — THE HEALEY-DRISCOLL EFFECT: Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are throwing their considerable political weight behind several of the incumbent mayors on the ballot today, including Greg Verga in Gloucester and Kassandra Gove in Amesbury. Both have drawn three challengers each. It’s another clout test for the state’s top two politicians, who helped usher in Driscoll’s former chief of staff, Dominick Pangallo , as her successor in the Salem mayor’s office earlier this year. The pair are playing in other mayor’s races this November. — INCUMBENT UPON THEM: The power of incumbency is also being put to the test today in Brockton, where Mayor Robert Sullivan has drawn four opponents — though the residency of one of his rivals, former GOP congressional candidate Hamilton Rodrigues , was recently called into question . — OPEN SEASON: Voters in Melrose and Pittsfield will get to weigh on the future leadership of their cities for the first time since their respective mayors, Paul Brodeur and Linda Tyer , decided not to seek reelection. In Melrose, voters will whittle to two a field that includes City Councilor Jennifer Grigoraitis , former city councilor Monica Medeiros Solano and Sam Hammar . In Pittsfield , it’s City Council President Peter Marchetti versus council colleague Karen Kalinowsky versus former councilor John Krol. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Healey, Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano will huddle for their first leadership meeting since June at 2 p.m. at the State House. With tax relief gathering cobwebs behind closed doors, more money for the state's emergency shelter system on the table, dueling gun bills taking shape and possible overrides of the governor's budget vetoes percolating, they'll surely have a lot to talk about. TODAY — Healey and Driscoll attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center at 11:30 a.m. in Cambridge and mark National Recovery Month at 1 p.m. at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting at 9 a.m. in Malden, announces the return of women’s professional soccer to Boston at 2 p.m. and celebrates LatinX Heritage Month at 4 p.m., both on City Hall Plaza. Rep. Jake Auchincloss holds a press conference on decarbonizing transportation at noon at the House Triangle in D.C. AG Andrea Campbell testifies on legislation to prevent wage theft at 1 p.m. at the State House. Auditor Diana DiZoglio attends a New England Legal Foundation event at 5 p.m. in Boston. Tips? Scoops? Heading to “Kenway” Park on Friday? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .   A message from Choose Who You Use: Last winter, customers of Massachusetts utility companies saw the largest electric rate increases in recent memory. If those customers had contracted with a retail electric provider instead, they would have saved nearly a billion dollars. Now is not the time to give the utilities a bigger monopoly in Massachusetts. Join the Choose Who You Use coalition to protect electricity choice and give Massachusetts ratepayers the ability to choose the most affordable, renewable options for them.   DATELINE BEACON HILL — SINGING A DIFFERENT TUNE: Diana DiZoglio is hoping her latest pitch to audit the Legislature will strike a different chord. The auditor recorded a piano ballad that she premiered on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” yesterday , complete with lyrics like “we have a chance to change some of the crazy ways people have been oppressed” and “open every closed door, let the sun shine like never before” as she tries to convince her party’s leaders — and potentially, voters — to go along with her quest. DiZoglio is pursuing two paths for auditing the Legislature. One is attempting to sue noncompliant legislative leaders into cracking open their books (she’s waiting on the attorney general to say whether she can proceed with that). The other is a ballot question that would clarify her authority to audit her former colleagues. She’ll now get to talk about both at this weekend’s state Democratic Party convention, after initially being left off the list of speakers that included every other statewide elected official. — "Mass. has a huge waitlist for state-funded housing. So why are 2,300 units vacant?" by Todd Wallack and Christine Willmsen, WBUR: "[A] WBUR and ProPublica investigation found that nobody is living in nearly 2,300 state-funded apartments, with most sitting empty for months or years. ... [T]he vacant apartments translate into millions of Massachusetts taxpayer dollars wasted due to delays and disorder fostered by state and local mismanagement." — "In Mass. police discipline database, small number of racial-bias complaints raises concerns with activists," by Sean Cotter, Boston Globe: "The current version of the police watchdog agency’s database, which contains about 3,400 sustained complaints against still-active officers going back to the 1980s, only features 13 complaints of racial or ethnic bias, involving 11 officers."   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     FROM THE HUB — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Sen. Liz Miranda and state Reps. Brandy Fluker Oakley and Samantha Montaño are endorsing Henry Santana in the at-large Boston City Council race, his campaign said. Montaño has also endorsed Ben Weber in District 6, according to his campaign. Montaño previously backed Kendra Lara , who voters last week denied a shot at a second term. — “Boston firefighters ratify contract that includes pay, detail increases,” by Sean Cotter, Boston Globe: “The Boston firefighters union ratified a three-year contract that results in a pay hike of about 10.6 percent and ends lengthy and contentious negotiations with the mayor’s office, authorities said Monday." — “Flaherty slams Boston City Council for rejecting police intel funds amid latest shooting,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Hours after the latest mass shooting in Boston, City Councilor Michael Flaherty took another swipe at his colleagues, who voted down $2.5 million in state grants for the investigative arm of the city’s police department. Mayor Michelle Wu has refiled the three $850,000 grants, for fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, that were rejected by the City Council, via a 7-5 vote, last Wednesday, and filed an additional $850,000 grant from FY20.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL — UPHEAVAL IN HAVERHILL: Scott Wood is dropping out of the Haverhill mayor’s race just as the “divisive” contest was heading to a recount, the Eagle-Tribune’s Mike LaBella reports. The embattled Haverhill School Committee member finished second in last week’s preliminary election — but only by 10 votes, leading third-place finisher Guy Cooper to file for a recount. Cooper is now on track to be the one facing off against the top vote-getter, City Councilor Melinda Barrett , in November.   A message from Choose Who You Use:     MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS — “‘An endless stream of scandals’: As chairless cannabis board meets, lawmakers push for oversight hearing,” by Thomas Lee and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “At a tense meeting of the Cannabis Control Commission Monday — the first since state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg suspended agency chair Shannon O’Brien — commissioners bickered over who, or even whether, they should appoint someone to temporarily replace O’Brien ahead of a November deadline to overhaul rules outlining who can work in the industry and the fees marijuana companies must pay to municipalities. ... [A] bipartisan group of state lawmakers on Monday called for a legislative oversight hearing to examine the agency, arguing it has been an opaque and ill-functioning entity since its creation six years ago.” IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “Healey: State agencies to stop buying plastic bottles,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Maura Healey said she plans to issue an executive order later this week barring state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles, a move that gives new life to a long-simmering debate on Beacon Hill about the best ways to reduce and recycle waste materials. At a conference in New York on Monday hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative, Healey delivered a short speech in which she said Massachusetts would become the first state to adopt a procurement ban for single-use plastic bottles.” — “Markey, Ocasio-Cortez ask Biden to create Civilian Climate Corps by executive order,” by Zack Budryk, The Hill: “The CCC had been a key element in early versions of the Build Back Better Act, the sweeping environmental and infrastructure bill. It was not ultimately included in the slimmed-down Inflation Reduction Act.”   Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here .     FROM THE 413 — “Holyoke mayor voices support for office of tenant protection,” by Dennis Hohenberger, Springfield Republican: “The renter’s advocate would work closely with the community, ensuring tenant concerns are addressed in real time. However, the mayor cautioned that the process might take longer than many hoped.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Despite mayor's plea, UMass won't delay closing maternity center in flood-hit Leominster,” by Henry Schwan, Telegram & Gazette: “Mayor Dean Mazzarella called on UMass Memorial Health not to move ahead with Saturday's permanent shutdown of its maternity unit in Leominster as the city faces massive damage from last week's flooding. But in a statement issued Monday evening, UMass said Saturday's shutdown will happen, and it is offering medical support to Leominster as it deals with the fallout from the flooding.” — “Sports wagering rebounds to $314M in August,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “Massachusetts’ sports wagering industry took more than $314 million in bets last month following a summer slump.”   A message from Choose Who You Use: Last winter, customers of Massachusetts utility companies saw the largest electric rate increases in recent memory. If those customers had contracted with a retail electric provider instead, they would have saved close to a billion dollars. Competition means more choices for consumers. Now is not the moment to give the utility companies a bigger monopoly. Join the Choose Who You Use coalition to protect electricity choice and give Massachusetts ratepayers the ability to choose the most affordable, renewable options for them.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Cody Case is now senior public affairs associate at Rasky Partners. He was staff director for the Joint Committee on Public Service and a legislative aide to state Rep. Ken Gordon. — Aaron Moser has been promoted to be senior manager for M&A and Strategy at FirstLight Power in Boston. — Leedya Senbetta has been named the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation’s inaugural Policy Start fellow. — Davis Malm has added Anthony T. Panebianco as an associate to the firm's Business, Real Estate & Environmental, and Employment Litigation practice areas. — DJ Napolitano has joined Smith, Costello & Crawford Public Policy Group as a senior policy adviser. He is a State House alum and longtime political adviser to Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll who previously worked at Dewey Square Group. — Rosalin Acosta, Katherine Adam, Keith Fairey, Grace Lee and Elizabeth Mahoney have joined the MassINC Board of Directors. Eileen O’Connor is board chair. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Dorey Scheimer, Rachel McNeill, Joe Kennedy III alum Brian Phillips, John Hawthorne, Maddie Miller and Sophie Hansen. Happy belated to Steven Pinker and Joshua Angrist , who celebrated Monday. 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 many mayoral races of Massachusetts

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY , SOPHIE GARDNER AND KELLY GARRITY LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF MAYORALTY — In a state regularly ragged on for its lack of electoral competition, this year’s mayoral contests are shaping up to be an exception. Five of the 35 mayors up for reelection this year are stepping down or have already left, opening up corner offices for the first time in years — if not decades — from Pittsfield to Marlborough to Haverhill. And more could follow as mayors from Methuen to New Bedford mull their options. The competition isn't limited to open seats. At least eight mayors have already drawn challengers, putting incumbents on defense from Brockton to Springfield. Covid-19 fatigue contributed to nearly a fifth of the state’s mayors leaving office in 2021. This year's departures are different. Jim Fiorentini , the mayor of Haverhill since 2004, told supporters that at 76, he wants to “leave with enough health left to enjoy some life.” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur , who’s been in public office since 2002, plans to fill his soon-to-be free time with family and friends. After 12 years as mayor and 18 on the City Council, Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant said he wants to see more of his five grandkids. And Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer wants to travel and spend more time with her aging parents. “There's always a moment in time when new leadership could be really beneficial to the community, and I feel like that's where we are right now,” Tyer told Playbook. Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo had already decided not to seek a third term when he stepped down last month to run the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Four city councilors are now vying to succeed him, a contest that could end with former Mayor Dan Rizzo returning to the job Arrigo knocked him out of eight years ago. Another particularly fraught race is shaping up in Springfield, where two city councilors and a state representative are among those lining up to take on the city’s longest-serving mayor: Domenic Sarno . Sarno is no stranger to drawing and dispatching opponents — he toppled an incumbent to win the seat in the first place. And his challengers, long critical of his handling of police oversight in the city, have reasons to want him gone. But it’s still unusual for an incumbent — particularly one as politically formidable as Sarno — to have not one but three prominent challengers. In this case, state Rep. Orlando Ramos and City Councilors Justin Hurst and Jesse Lederman , who are all ostensibly coming at the more centrist Democrat from the left. Sarno plans to launch his reelection campaign on May 17, according to an event invitation reviewed by Playbook. He dropped $19,000 last month on yard signs and bumper stickers in preparation, per his latest campaign finance filing. Challengers have also put incumbents on notice in cities including Braintree, Greenfield , Malden, Medford, Woburn and Waltham . And in Brockton, Mayor Robert Sullivan is running against youth mentor John C. Williams and former GOP congressional candidate Hamilton Rodrigues . "It would probably be easy for me to say 'nope, I'm gonna call it a day.’ You know, I came in, and then six weeks later we were dealing with a pandemic,” Sullivan told Playbook. “I have a lot of friends that I've met, mayors, they've served and then they've decided to go in a different direction.” But Sullivan isn’t ready to call it quits. “To be able to make a difference in people’s lives is why I run,” he said. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Here are two things to watch as mayor’s races continue taking shape: — The mayors who haven’t said anything yet. Quincy’s Thomas Koch and Taunton’s Shaunna O’Connell , for instance, both plan on running again but haven’t made it official, per two people familiar with their plans. But Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund hasn't decided yet, his chief of staff said. And New Bedford’s Jon Mitchell , who’s been floated for higher office before, has been playing curiously coy . — The Healey-Driscoll factor. When the state’s governing team includes a former mayor, it’s a safe bet that the two top executives will play in some municipal races. They’re already starting to — backing Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn for reelection and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’ s former chief of staff, Dominick Pangallo , in the upcoming special election for Salem mayor. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Driscoll participate in the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at 2:30 p.m. at the State House. Driscoll administers the oath of office to Framingham State University’s new president at 10 a.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a Roxbury coffee hour at 9:30 a.m. AG Andrea Campbell is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 1 p.m. and speaks at the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association’s gala at 6:30 p.m. in Boston. THIS WEEKEND — Driscoll, Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Auditor Diana DiZoglio attend the 3T & 2C annual Democratic Breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nicholson Hall in Newburyport. Former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh receives an honorary degree from Dean College at 11 a.m. Saturday. SUNDAY SHOWS — MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Healey is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Running for mayor? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com , sgardner@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   DON’T MISS THE POLITICO ENERGY SUMMIT: A new world energy order is emerging and America’s place in it is at a critical juncture. Join POLITICO on Thursday, May 18 for our first-ever energy summit to explore how the U.S. is positioning itself in a complicated energy future. We’ll explore progress on infrastructure and climate funding dedicated to building a renewable energy economy, Biden’s environmental justice proposals, and so much more. REGISTER HERE .     DATELINE BEACON HILL — MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Senate will roll out its budget proposal on Tuesday, per the State House News Service . The timeline for a tax-relief package, however, remains unclear. Speaking of that … — LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN: The coalition that worked to pass the so-called millionaires tax is continuing to pressure senators to keep cuts to the short-term capital gains tax rate and other controversial measures out of their tax-relief plan. Raise Up Massachusetts sent a letter to the entire Senate yesterday doubling down on its argument that April’s revenue shortfall, combined with the feds hiking interest rates and the threat of defaulting on the national debt, present “significant” fiscal risk for the state. The group is urging senators to reject not only lowering the short-term capital gains tax rate, but also the plans on the table to raise the estate-tax threshold and tinker with the single sales factor apportionment. — “Healey brings more women into governor’s office,” by Colman M. Herman, CommonWealth Magazine: “According to the state’s diversity dashboard, [Gov. Maura] Healey has 52 people working in her office at the State House – 36, or 69 percent, are women, and 16, or nearly 31 percent, are men.” — “Minority-owned firms see big jump in Massachusetts state contracts,” by Paul Singer, GBH News: “Minority-owned businesses won contracts worth $217 million from Massachusetts state agencies last year, a jump of more than $50 million from the year before, according to new data from the state’s Supplier Diversity Office.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Massachusetts COVID cases drop 14%, Boston shutting down some vaccination and testing sites,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 897 virus cases over the last week. The daily average of 128 COVID cases from the last week was a 14% decrease from the daily rate of 148 virus infections during the previous week.” — “Most major health care and hospital systems in Mass. will lift mask requirements next week,” by Kay Lazar and Jessica Bartlett, Boston Globe. FROM THE HUB — “Mayor Wu announces $16.5 million in federal funds to help homeless people,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Mayor Michelle Wu announced the city is receiving a $16.5 million grant from the federal government for housing and supportive services for homeless people. … As part of the breakdown of funds, Wu’s office said Eliot Community Services will receive $6.2 million over three years to house 105 homeless people from Mass. and Cass or ‘other high-risk settings.’” — “Advocates request halt to low-income housing,” by Leah Samuel, Bay State Banner. — “Michelle Wu indicates support for rat czar hire in Boston,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald. — “Amid writers’ strike, Boston University is facing heat for picking Warner Bros. CEO as commencement speaker,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Family of woman killed by Commuter Rail sues MBTA for crash records,” by Dan Atkinson, Dig Boston: “Last January, a 68-year-old woman driving through Wilmington died when a Commuter Rail train slammed into her car as she was going over the railroad tracks. The crossing arm failed to come down, which MBTA officials quickly blamed on 'human error.' A worker for Commuter Rail managers Keolis was placed on leave. But for more than a year, the T has not released further information about the crash and its subsequent investigation.” — “Man files lawsuit stemming from MBTA escalator accident at Back Bay Station in 2021,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe.   GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGSITER HERE .     DAY IN COURT — “Elizabeth Warren Likely to Beat RFK Jr. Suit Over Anti-Vax Book,” by Peter Hayes, Bloomberg Law: “Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) won’t be required to immediately retract, apologize for, or remove a letter from her website requesting that Amazon not direct consumers to an anti-vaccine book by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because Kennedy’s underlying suit isn’t likely to succeed on the merits, a federal appeals court said Thursday." — “National investigation shows Massachusetts lags in compensation for wrongfully convicted,” by Mike Beaudet, WCVB: “Massachusetts’ wrongful convictions statute has a cap of $1 million on damages. … ‘I'm absolutely for lifting that cap,’ [AG Andrea] Campbell said. But any reforms would have to be signed into law by Gov. [Maura] Healey, who, despite serving as attorney general for eight years and whose office handled these cases, would not weigh in on whether the law should be changed.” — “Fall River City Councilor admits in court to harassing wife of an ex-lover last year,” by Jo C. Goode, Herald News. IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “With new report, AG Campbell calls for more public participation in key energy decisions,” by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: “Decisions about where to site energy infrastructure have long left out those who end up suffering the worst consequences of those decisions — the environmental justice communities that are often home to facilities that can pollute the air and water, according to a new report issued early Tuesday by Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office.” — “Markey introduces bipartisan bill to improve climate-related mental health services,” by Zack Budryk, The Hill: “The legislation, the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act, would establish a $36 million pilot program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mental health care specifically for communities on the frontlines of climate change.” WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING — “Mass resignations leave just one member on Uxbridge School Committee,” by Jeff A. Chamer, Telegram & Gazette: “In a letter to families on Thursday, Superintendent Michael Baldassare said the district will investigate the events that led to the recent resignations of six out of the seven members of the Uxbridge School Committee this week. The letter said the district would commission a third-party review and make its findings public.” — “State gets "C-" for lead in school drinking water,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “That's up from the ‘D’ grade the state received in a 2019 report, but advocates say it's not enough.” — "'Uniting for Ukraine' federal program helps refugees start new life in Massachusetts," by Brandon Truitt, WBZ. — “At sit-in, Simon's Rock students allege that the early college has a pattern of mishandling or covering up sexual assault complaints,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle. — “Exploitation, Abuse, and Death: The Dark Side of Working in the Weed Industry,” by Dusty Christensen, The Nation. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Alexi Nowokunski has joined Benchmark Strategies as a public affairs associate. She previously was senior information manager for former Gov. Charlie Baker. — Amy Metet and Kate Bueker have joined Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ board of directors. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Endpoints’ Nicole DeFeudis, Nicole Serrano, Brian Fry and Jedd Ari Fisch. Happy belated to GWU’s Todd Belt. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Paul Clark, Daniel Jick, David Rogers, Lori Lefkowitz, Meg McIntyre and Amanda Drane , who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Emma Riley, Nancy White, Chris Lindahl, M.J. Tidwell, Nicholas Harrer and Brian Dunn. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: ONE-HORSE STATE — Hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky dig into why so many elections are uncontested in Massachusetts, what BPS parents are worrying about and the bills on Beacon Hill that would boost supports for immigrants. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud . 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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