POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SPAM’s body cams – CHANDLER’s uncertain term – East Bridgewater's POT battle
SPAM’s body cams – CHANDLER’s uncertain term – East Bridgewater's POT battle
04/03/2018 07:25 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
CHARLIE BAKER WANTS BODY CAMS, NEGLECTS TO TELL UNION!
BAKER OFFERS UP BODY CAMS TO SPAM - Massachusetts could be the latest state to have a statewide body camera program thanks to new reforms coming to the Massachusetts State Police - but there's a big if: it depends on the OK of the State Police's union SPAM.
Beginning a study of a new body camera program was one of a series of changes to the embattled law enforcement agency announced yesterday.
Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters he'd like to see something "by the end of the calendar year," but SPAM says they haven't been involved in any body camera-related discussion, and the union says it hasn't seriously looked into any sort of body camera program for years.
The addition of body cameras to the series of reforms rolled out yesterday was a surprise to some at SPAM, who have seen the technology proposed in response to issues related to violence - while the scandals roiling the Staties have been related to behind-the-scenes issues around management and leadership.
Advocates have concerns around such a proposal too. "In order to make this accountability and transparency a reality, it is critical that the currently incomplete policy guiding the use of this technology reflect the ideas and address the concerns of the community," writes Segun Idowu, co-founder of the Boston Police Camera Action Team. He's also primarying Hyde Park Rep. Angelo Scaccia this fall.
If the program ultimately goes through, Massachusetts could join at least five other states with statewide laws related to body cameras.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY - Gov. Charlie Baker, Health and Human Services Sec. Marylou Sudders, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Rep. Michael Capuano, state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, state Rep. Liz Malia, other elected officials and local advocates for community health attend the Dimock Center's ribbon cutting ceremony for the Dr. Lucy Sewall Center for Acute Treatment Services in Boston. Later, Baker announces the Home Energy Scorecard bill filing at the State House with EEA Sec. Matt Beaton - AG Maura Healey is in Atlanta for the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin summit - Local, state, and federal officials hold a press conference discuss public safety planning for the 122nd Boston Marathon.
DATELINE BEACON HILL -
- "Hariette Chandler's hold on Senate presidency is uncertain," by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe: "The leadership position of Massachusetts Senate President Harriette L. Chandler is so tenuous she is unsure whether she will still be the chamber's leader by next week. Chandler is facing internal pressure to step aside from Senator Karen E. Spilka, a fellow Democrat who has claimed the votes to be the next Senate president."
- "Ethics investigation into Sen. Stan Rosenberg expected to be wrapped up in matter of weeks," by State House News Service: "Senate President Harriette Chandler will "probably" step down as the chamber's top Democrat before December and expects the ethics investigation into her predecessor to wrap up within a matter of weeks, she said during an interview televised over the weekend. Chandler appeared to warm to the idea of stepping down from the presidency before the year's end, telling [Janet Wu on WCVB's "On the Record" Sunday] that after July - when the fiscal 2019 budget will likely be in place and formal sessions have wrapped up for 2018 - 'would be a great time for transition.'"
- "Sudbury, Weston state senator home after six-week cancer treatment," by Heather Beasley Doyle, MetroWest Daily News: "When state Sen. Mike Barrett left Massachusetts General Hospital on March 28, six weeks after being admitted, he knew exactly what topped his to-do list. Now, it's onto a seven-month outpatient treatment and legislative business as usual, with a little more experience and wisdom in on particular sector."
- "Senator charged with OUI could face action in chamber - after court case plays out," by Andy Metzger, State House News Service: "Facing potential criminal repercussions for allegedly driving drunk, Sen. Mike Brady could also eventually face consequences in the legislative chamber he joined three years ago. Senators should discuss possible action, according to Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and Senate President Harriette Chandler said this week a decision over whether to take action in the Senate would follow adjudication of Brady's case in the courts."
** A message from Bay State Wind - the Clear Choice for Massachusetts: Only Bay State Wind has the experience, expertise and record it takes to launch the American offshore wind industry here in the Commonwealth. We are the clear choice for highly complex projects, bringing jobs and cost-effective offshore wind to Massachusetts. More at baystatewind.com. **
THE TSONGAS ARENA -
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - "Senate President Endorses Barbara L'Italien for Congress," from the Barbara L'Italien campaign: "Today Senate President Harriette Chandler (D-Worcester) endorsed Senator Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover) in the race for Congress in the 3rd District, where Chandler represents parts of Clinton and formerly represented Berlin."
ALSO FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - AFSCME Local 1705 endorses Koh for Congress," from the Koh campaign: "Local 1705 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) today endorsed Dan Koh in the 3rd District congressional race. Local 1705 represents over 230 employees in the City of Lowell and is the eleventh union to endorse Koh so far."
WOOD WAR - Herald: "ALL HEART." - Globe: "Baker eliminates troubled troop unit," "YOU CAN'T DO THAT IN POLITICS (SHE JUST DID)," "Walsh seeks car alternatives, boosts parking fines," "Judge urged not to oust Joyce lawyer," "As they age, more boomers request replacement parts."
THE LOCAL ANGLE -
- "Lawyers alarmed by efforts to remove Joyce's attorney from case," by Maria Cramer, Boston Globe: "Seventy-one lawyers called on a federal judge Monday to reject an attempt by prosecutors to disqualify the attorney for former state senator Brian A. Joyce, contending the unusual move infringes on Joyce's right to a strong defense and sets a dangerous legal precedent."
NEW THIS MORNING - "East Bridgewater residents seek ethics, campaign finance investigations into selectmen action on cannabis ban ballot measure," from the Yes on 4's Jim Borghesani : "A group of East Bridgewater residents are calling for state investigations of two selectmen over their alleged roles in ordering town employees and volunteers to distribute anti-cannabis campaign literature in Town Hall and other public buildings. The literature, which encouraged residents to vote for the cannabis retail ban measure appearing on the April 7 annual town election ballot, was produced by EB HOPES, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Numerous residents reported receiving the literature from volunteer greeters in East Bridgewater Town Hall. ... When asked why they were distributing campaign literature in a public building, the greeters informed the residents that they had been ordered to do so by Selectman David Sheedy." Read the rest of the release from Yes on 4.
- "Three Fall River medical marijuana businesses say they will seek recreational permit," by Kevin P. O'Connor, the Herald News: "All three companies building dispensaries for medical marijuana will apply to sell marijuana recreationally as well. CannaTech Medicinals; Hope, Heal, Health; and Northeast Alternatives will all be in the running for licenses to grow and sell marijuana for the recreational market. Recreational sales are scheduled to start July 1."
- "Turbine parts to be made in MA, Bay State Wind says," by Jennette Barnes, SouthCoast Today: "Bay State Wind has inked a deal with a European manufacturer to build wind turbine components in Massachusetts. Bay State Wind is a joint venture between Danish renewable energy company Ørsted and the power company Eversource."
- "Lawrence Mayor, Police Chief Push For City Surveillance Cameras," by David Robichaud, WBZ CBS 4 Boston: "Mayor Dan Rivera and Police Chief Roy Vasque have asked the city council to approve $150,000 to install 84 security cameras around the city. The cameras would be situated in high crime areas and would be used to deter crime and collect videotape evidence."
- "City Manager-elect Donoghue apparently wants a contract," by Rick Sobey, Lowell Sun: "City councilors were pleased when Kevin Murphy led the city without a contract for four years. That could change under Sen. Eileen Donoghue, who apparently wants a contract. Mayor William Samaras and City Solicitor Christine O'Connor begin negotiations with Donoghue Monday."
LUNATIC ALEX JONES OFF HIS MEDS AGAIN
ALWAYS A MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTION - "Falsely Accused Parkland School Shooter Sues Alex Jones' InfoWars for Defamation," by Betsy Woodruff, The Daily Beast: "Marcel Fontaine, who was falsely declared a suspect in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting by conspiracy-theorist website InfoWars, is now suing Alex Jones for more than a million dollars. Fontaine, a young man from Massachusetts, filed suit in the district court of Travis County, Texas on Monday against InfoWars head Alex Jones; InfoWars reporter Kit Daniels; InfoWars LLC; and Free Speech Systems, LLC, InfoWars' parent company. "
- "The Russo's Market singer who captivated the Internet was accepted to Berklee College of Music," by Steve Annear, Boston Globe: "The food-service employee from Russo's Market in Watertown who gained online fame around Christmas after videos of his operatic singing were posted to the company's Facebook page is one step closer to achieving his dream of a career in music. Guilherme Assuncao said he found out this weekend that he was accepted to Berklee College of Music's undergraduate program, just months after school officials gave him a shot at a live audition so he could secure a spot as a member of the class of 2022."
TRANSITIONS - Mara Dolan has left the office of embattled state Sen. Stan Rosenberg to join the Bob Massie gubernatorial campaign as communications director and strategic advisor.
TRANSITIONS CONT'D - Former Deval Patrick spokesman Alex Goldstein and his firm 90 West have signed on with the Ayanna Pressley congressional campaign.
MAZEL! - to Kathryn Alexander, new communications director for Rep. Katherine Clark. Alexander was born in Sherborn and spent the last two years at Solomon McCown & Company.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY -- to Frontier Security Strategies President Ed Cash, the city of Boston's 311 director Niall Murphy, Juan Jaramillo legislative aide to state Sen. Joe Boncore, Greg Honan, research assistant for David Gergen, and Molly Thomas, student at Harvard Kennedy School.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY -- to Astead Herndon, national political reporter for the Boston Globe, who celebrated Saturday and Ryan Erickson, Worcester native and policy adviser for Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, who celebrated Monday.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Red Sox beat the Marlins 7-3.
ICYMI - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: We're answering your questions on ballots and questions on ballot questions this week on The Horse Race First Pam Wilmot, head of Common Cause Massachusetts, explains Automatic Voter Registration and why it's a big deal. Then political reporter Shira Schoenberg joins us for an update on the final version of the criminal justice reform bill. Finally, Steve and Lauren look at the impending decisions on three big revenue issues: the minimum wage, the "millionaire's tax" and the sales tax ballot questions. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud
OUTTA THIS WORLD - POLITICO Space is our new, free weekly briefing on the policies and personalities shaping the second space age in Washington and beyond. Sign-up today to start receiving the newsletter right at launch on April 6th. Presented by Boeing.
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** A message from Bay State Wind: Massachusetts has the ambition it takes to bring green, reliable offshore wind to New England. Bay State Wind is the clear choice to match that ambition. Only Bay State Wind pairs global offshore wind leadership with a deep understanding of New England's electrical grid. Building a massive, complex project in harsh ocean environments takes the kind of skill that only comes from experience. Only Bay State Wind has the background of building 23 offshore wind farms, with 1,000+ wind turbines around the world. Bay State Wind is the only project ready to build utility scale offshore wind that brings $1 billion of direct investment to the Commonwealth, offering value to customers and making Massachusetts a hub for American offshore wind. And only this partnership can do it on a credible timeline and budget. Bay State Wind is the clear choice for Massachusetts. More at baystatewind.com **
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