by Michael Lachenmeyer Correspondent-Intern Late last February, the 7th Hampden District’s State Rep. Thomas M. Petrolati announced that he would not be seeking reelection for the seat which he has held since 1986. Democrats have dominated the 7th Hampden District for fifty years. Yet, with
Thomas Petrolati’s retirement from the 7th Hampden district was one of three that mixed up state politics in the 413 this year. Preceding him out the door were Holyoke Rep Aaron Vega and Springfield Rep Jose Tosado. Westfield is poised to host an open rep
LUDLOW—Twelve days out from primary day, the parking lot at the Elks Lodge on Chapin Street was filling up with a long row of cars. Inside, the crowd of more than 125 were mostly in the back lining up along the refreshment table and scarfing
The opening of a seat on the Ludlow Board of Selectman offered an opportunity for Aaron Saunders, then Chief of Staff to Senator Gale Candaras, to make his own mark on the political scene. Like others elected in 2008, however, Saunders would find it not