POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: MASS FISCAL’s day in court — HEFFERNAN’s hire questioned — Election day in ATTLEBORO and LYNN
MASS FISCAL’s day in court — HEFFERNAN’s hire questioned — Election day in ATTLEBORO and LYNN
03/06/2018 06:55 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
MASS FISCAL GETS ITS DAY IN COURT - The right-leaning fiscal watchdog Mass Fiscal Alliance gets its first hearing in front of the state's highest court today over the so-called union loophole that allows unions to donate upwards of $15,000 to a single candidate while individuals can only donate $1,000.
Mass Fiscal has been fighting this measure in the state's campaign finance law for years on multiple fronts - but this is the first time a case related to it will be heard in front of the Supreme Judicial Court.
The group has specifically cited the infusion of cash seen in the 2013 Boston mayoral race when unions bundled hundreds of thousands of dollars to now-Mayor Marty Walsh in a tight election. Mass Fiscal has also weighed in on local legislative races like last year's Bristol and Norfolk special state Senate election, which saw upwards of $5,000 in union spending in support of the Democratic candidate.
The progressive Common Cause Massachusetts even weighed in against the donation rule in an amicus brief to the court, citing the dangers of corporate spending in elections. Common Cause also notes its support for transparency in political fundraising - something Mass Fiscal has pushed back against as it fights to keep its donors private.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY - The Cannabis Control Commission meets to vote on their final package of regulations for the state's nascent marijuana industry - Public defenders across the state plan to "walk-in" in rallies outside of district courthouses in Boston, Fall River, and Northampton this morning to demand equal collective bargaining rights as other state employees - It's primary election day in the Attleboro special state rep race to replace now mayor Paul Heroux. Voters also head to the polls in the Third Essex state Senate district where Rep. Brendan Creighton faces no challengers in his bid to replace now-Lynn Mayor Tom McGee.
DATELINE BEACON HILL -
- "Top Revenue aide hired for 'technology rollouts' had no experience in data security," by Frank Phillips, Boston Globe: "In September 2016, then Massachusetts Tax Commissioner Michael J. Heffernan persuaded Governor Charlie Baker's budget office to authorize a new $121,000-a-year job, despite a government hiring freeze. His agency was anticipating two major technology rollouts, he said, and they were concerned about security threats. ... But the woman Heffernan hired - a Wellesley neighbor, friend, and donor to his 2014 campaign for treasurer - had no discernible experience in data security or technology, according to documents obtained by the Globe."
- "Massachusetts conservation department pays $1.6 million for retaliating against clerk who filed sexual harassment complaint," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation last year paid more than $1.6 million to a former clerk for retaliating against her after she complained of sexual harassment. The money was paid as the result of a court judgment a decade after DCR clerk Jeannie Kelley first filed the complaint."
- "MBTA chief opposes raising fares before July 2019, but board members won't commit to that," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "The MBTA's general manager wants it to hold off raising fares early next year, but its governing board is reluctant to rule out increases because of growing fiscal concerns. The T is next able to raise fares in January, but at a board meeting Monday, Luis Ramirez, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's general manager, suggested waiting until July 2019."
- "Charlie Baker said he will seek federal aid for last week's storm," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker said Monday that he "absolutely" expects to ask the federal government for disaster aid for the Nor'easter that walloped Massachusetts last week, flooding several cities and towns, and leaving almost 50,000 customers without power as of Monday afternoon. 'With the stuff that the lieutenant governor and I saw over the weekend,' Baker said, 'and the stuff other people have sent us photos on and pictures of, yeah, definitely.'"
ON THE STUMP -
- "'I made you mayor,' Massachusetts elections chief tells Lawrence's Dan Rivera in endorsement spat," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "Secretary of State William Galvin hasn't had a primary opponent in over a decade, and it appears that Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim's challenge this year isn't sitting well with the six-term incumbent. Hours after Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera endorsed Zakim two weeks ago, Galvin called the mayor to voice his displeasure with the decision. The conversation, according to Rivera, devolved into a heated exchange during which both men cursed at one another and Galvin accused Rivera of disloyalty, suggesting that the mayor owed him his political career."
- "Diana Szynal, Kocot's district director, to run for his seat," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Szynal, 51, of Hatfield, said Sunday that she intends to get nomination forms Monday so she can seek the position and continue Kocot's legacy, promoting funding for education, affordable housing, economic development, environmental and agricultural protections and infrastructure improvements."
- "Finegold to run for state senator," by Paul Tennant, Eagle-Tribune: "Former state Sen. Barry Finegold wants to reclaim his old seat. Finegold, the Andover Democrat who served in the state Senate from 2011 through 2015, announced Monday he is running for senator from the 2nd Essex and Middlesex District, which comprises Lawrence, Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury."
- "Millionaire tax exposes partisan divide among Attleboro state rep candidates," by Jim Hand, the Sun Chronicle: "A proposed surtax on millionaires to fund education and transportation reveals a sharp difference between the Republican and Democratic candidates in Tuesday's special primary election. Attleboro candidates running to fill the seat vacated when Paul Heroux became mayor are sticking to party lines on the issue."
TSONGAS ARENA -
- VIDEO TIME: Bopha Malone, local bank executive and community activist, has put out a campaign video: "Bopha's Story." (2:05).
DATELINE DC -
- "Neal meets with Pittsfield students on how to 'turn outrage into public policy' on guns," by Jenn Smith, Berkshire Eagle: "A week ago, hundreds of city high school students walked out of Pittsfield and Taconic high schools in solidarity with a mounting national movement in response to the Feb. 14 shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, returned to the Berkshires to meet with some of the rising young activists and discuss how to 'turn the outrage into public policy.'"
THE WARREN REPORT -
- "Victory in sight for Democrats defying Warren on bank bill," by Zachary Warmbrodt, POLITICO: "Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are poised to pass a bill this week that would relax key banking regulations, steamrolling opposition from outspoken liberals like Sen. Elizabeth Warren who have built their careers calling for tougher oversight of Wall Street. A core group of moderate Democrats is brushing off an escalating opposition campaign by the Massachusetts senator and other progressives like Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, instead joining with GOP colleagues to reverse restrictions on large and small banks that were enacted in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown."
THE KENNEDY COMPOUND -
- "Rep. Joe Kennedy To Parkland Students: 'Keep Fighting'," by Tori Bedford, WGBH News: "Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass) met with students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the site of last month's deadly shooting that killed 17, speaking at the Broward Democratic Party's annual Obama Roosevelt Legacy Dinner Saturday and offering his support to student activists who are fighting for stricter gun regulations across the country. 'The fact that we still do nothing about it, and that we accept that is astounding, [and] the fact that we're forcing this burden onto kids to try to force them to try to shake our country awake is morally reprehensible.'"
- WOOD WAR - Herald: "CASES COULD GO TO POT," "PUPPY 911." - Globe: "Trump, Congress in own trade war," "Resume casts doubt on tax official's hiring," "WHEN SHADE BECOMES MENACING," "UMass leader offers plans to lower costs," "FOR COASTAL RESIDENTS, AN OMINOUS HORIZON," "Homeless, yes. Friendless, not a chance."
THE LOCAL ANGLE -
- "UMass President Marty Meehan stresses college affordability in State of UMass address," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan on Monday pledged to address college affordability through online education, partnerships with businesses and nonprofits and a new fundraising campaign. Meehan said the renewed focus on affordability is vital to keep higher education accessible to all students and let students choose their own career paths."
- "Mikey Henry, the Pope of Beacon Hill, has got his groove back," by Kevin Cullen, Boston Globe: "Mikey knows everybody, and everybody knows Mikey. He is homeless, but people who live in some of the most beautiful homes in the city consider Mikey Henry their friend. He can't wait to get back to the corner, where he can watch the crowds go by, feel the sunshine on his face and say hello to all his friends."
- "MetroWest Daily News building sold for $9.3M to biotech," by Zachary Comeau, Worcester Business Journal: "Cambridge life sciences and biotech facility development firm King Street Properties has purchased the former MetroWest Daily News building in the Framingham Technology Park. The building has been vacant since December, when the shrinking Daily News staff relocated to a smaller office on Speen Street in Framingham."
SPOTTED - On March 1: Rep. Nick Collins kicked off his campaign at Florian Hall with an introduction by and endorsement from now former Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry. - Also in the crowd: Congressman Lynch, Councilors Essiabi- George, Baker, Flynn, Flaherty, Wu, Reps Hunt, Cullinane, Driscoll, Ayers, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, former Sen. Bill Owens, former Rep. Royal Bolling Jr, Larry Ellison, Pres of MAMLEO, Rich Paris Pres of BFF Local 718, Jim O'Brien pres of the Carmen's Union local 589, former Councilor Steve Murphy, Suffolk Clerk of Courts Mike Donovan, former Rep Jim Brett, and sheriff Michael Belotti.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? - Yes! The Celtics beat the Bulls 105-89.
HAVE YOU HEARD? - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: Former State Senator Ben Downing joins us this week to explain the turmoil on Beacon Hill, its impact on senate function and the significance of state and local primary challenges. Then, Steve's got a new transportation poll with hot takes on traffic, and Lauren explains why Massachusetts' drop in the U.S. News and World Report ranking is fair game for Governor Baker's critics. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud
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