…And the World: We begin today in Syria, where the latest cease-fire between the government of an emboldened Bashar al-Assad and rebel groups has come into effect. The pact is one of many negotiated between the United States and Russia and many fear will be
LUDLOW—After a rollicking primary, Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Cocchi seized the Democratic nomination for Hampden County Sheriff, setting him on a path to succeed, Michael Ashe, the nationally recognized 42-year incumbent. Cocchi triumphed over Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe and Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano in a
The Hampden County Sheriff’s race is the most consequential this year. This is not true because of the office, per se, but because 42-year incumbent Michael Ashe is retiring. The next sheriff inherits not only the sprawling corrections and social service agency Ashe has built,
To hear Michael Albano remember the past and plan for the future, how he revived the city and is the most qualified sheriff candidate statewide, it almost feels believable. Even thirteen years after he left 36 Court Street, one can see how the intense ex-Springfield
Few things matter as much in elections as who is Springfield’s voice on Beacon Hill. The third largest city in the state, it has its share of reps and senators, but the quality has varied. Today, we may be experiencing a high(er) watermark of enthusiasm
Due to tight schedules and limited resources, we will have no Markup/Takedown this Week. We’ll be back with the news you need for your political week on Monday.
In Massachusetts, there exist more than a few arcane and esoteric offices. The Governor’s Council, a throwback to colonial days which confirms judges, labor relations commissioner and other posts appointed by the governor and approves pardons and notaries, is one such body. Its 8th district
UPDATED 9/6/16 8:26: For clarity and accuracy. SPRINGFIELD—For Michael Ashe, 2016 has become the omega to his alpha in 1974, when he stunned the Hampden County political world by winning the Democratic nomination—the real contest—for sheriff. The sheriff’s latest and greatest campaign, however, is also
UPDATED 11:04PM: To reflect comments from Republican executive editor Wayne Phaneuf and reflect the editorial’s posting. The Republican newspaper’s endorsement in the Hampden Sheriff’s race got out ahead of schedule, revealing the paper choice in the fiercely contested Democratic primary. Not altogether surprisingly, the editorial
By the time the Massachusetts legislature is sworn in next January, three of Springfield’s members of the House of Representatives shall have been serving for less than three years. Two new reps from the city were elected two years ago and in January a third