For many Massachusetts voters, any race for state auditor (one of just six officials elected statewide) can be a snoozer. But not in 2022. This down-ballot post is fundamentally about making sure that our tax dollars are spent well, that government is serving the public interest. Retiring Auditor Suzanne Bump has been there 11 years. …
Continue reading Chris Dempsey: the Real Deal for State Auditor
Two women stand out in the crowded race to fill Joe Kennedy's 4th district seat in Congess- Jesse Mermell and Becky Grossman. Mermell, from Brookline, has paid her dues in politics and public affairs for 20 years. Grossman, from Newton, is a relative newcomer to elected office. Mermell headed the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus and …
Continue reading “Women’s issues” front and center with Mermell, Grossman in 4th CD race
There is no better campaigner than Deval Patrick. He's charismatic, warm, visionary and inspirational. He appeals to our better sides, and has the kind of personality that really could help to heal the searing wounds of division. That he is African-American indicates his potential appeal to a constituency whose enthusiasm is essential to a Democratic …
Continue reading Deval Patrick: too little, too late or a ray of sunshine?
When two-term Massachusetts Senator Ed Brooke woke at 3:30 in the morning on November 7, 1978 the election was already over. And just after 8 p.m. that evening, as the first votes trickled in, his long-time aide Roger Woodworth knew that the sad outcome was confirmed. "I'm afraid it's not going to work tonight, kids," he …
Former State Senate President Billy Bulger used to joke that, when he died, he wanted to be buried at St. Augustine's because he could still remain politically active. Now, thanks to State Auditor Suzanne Bump and Tuesday's report on fraud and abuse in the state's welfare system, we know that there are other forms of life after …
Continue reading Welfare audit feeds anti-government hostility
Governor Patrick's hopes for Massachusetts, delivered in his state-of-the-state address in January were big-picture, visionary, limitless in their possibilities - especially in transportation, education and tax reform. They were so big, in fact, they took your breath away. His proposals focused on increasing income and gas taxes to pay for transportation improvements, more early childhood education and extended middle school hours, all the while …
Continue reading Grossman, DeLeo speak reality to Patrick’s dreams
Governor Patrick is said to be planning a visit to Newton this Saturday. His campaign will be giving out bumper stickers and signing up supporters. Here’s what I hope he talks about: the cost of health insurance to cover city workers. It’s a case study in what ails local communities these days.Newton faces an $11 …
Continue reading Governor Patrick: Lead Communities to Health Insurance Savings
Marjorie Arons-Barron 