UPDATED 8:49PM: To include Oliveira’s formal declaration for the office. The rush to the exits of the Massachusetts House of Representatives continues. Thomas Petrolati, the influential Ludlow state representative whose rise, fall—and return to semi-respectability—rocked Beacon Hill a decade ago, will not seek reelection. The
Leadership in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate released their committee assignments for the session that began last month. With thousands of bills to consider, committees can begin parse now that they have leaders and membership. The Western Massachusetts delegation received some plum assignments.
Not quite five years ago, with then Council-President Kateri Walsh looking on, Judge William Boyle swore in at-large councilor James Ferrera, III as the city’s newest councilor. His effective predecessor, Angelo Puppolo, had resigned his seat in order to join the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
So comes again another year the wide world of Springfield. As is tradition, WMassP&I will recount the events and news that made 2010 different from 1876 in Springfield. As both a city and as one of 351 parts of Massachusetts, Springfield saw its share of ups and
Fallout from the release of a damning report on the administration of the commonwealth’s Probation Department has finally landed on the head of State Representative Thomas Petrolati. The Ludlow Democrat, whose district includes Indian Orchard in Springfield was the Speaker Pro Temp of the Massachusetts