News: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: BOSTON’S ELECTION FIASCO — STATE of the COMMONWEALTH tonight — CLARK pushes for CHILDCARE relief

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: BOSTON’S ELECTION FIASCO — STATE of the COMMONWEALTH tonight — CLARK pushes for CHILDCARE relief —Last-minute LAWMAKERS gave BAKER an edge

Jan 26, 2021

Presented by the American Heart Association

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.

SPECIAL ELECTION FIREWORKS — The Boston City Council is in a tizzy over what to do if outgoing Boston Mayor Marty Walsh triggers a special election when he becomes Labor Secretary.

Here's the problem. Walsh's resignation from City Hall is expected to come right before an important March 5 deadline. If the mayor leaves before that date, it will trigger a special election in the late spring or early summer.

But the city's regularly-scheduled election would still go forward in the fall. Boston would have four elections in a matter of months, since both cycles would have preliminary and general contests. The city has the potential to have four mayors in a year.

City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo filed a home rule petition, up for a hearing today , to throw out the special election. Arroyo cited the pandemic, the cost, and the potential to drive down turnout. If approved by the council and the mayor, the legislature would have to pass the proposal and send it to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. The change seems likely to move on Beacon Hill, though some in City Hall remain skeptical.

But there's a catch. Members of the council who are running for mayor, or will assume the post, might not be able to vote on the petition next week. The council's lawyer reviewed whether the councilors would have a conflict of interest, according to the Boston Herald. The attorney found that Council President Kim Janey, soon to be the acting mayor, should not vote, and neither should candidates Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell. But Arroyo pushed back on that opinion, citing his own communication with the state ethics commission.

This is an example of a bigger theme. How will the council, already scrambled by Covid, function when its members are competing? Janey is considering a run, and it's almost a sure bet that Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George will jump in the race. Councilor Michael Flaherty has also considered a campaign. That's up to five members of the 13-member council who could soon become political opponents. A similar number of councilors ran in the 2013 open mayoral race.

As for the election hearing today, Wu does not plan to speak, while Janey is seeking advice from the ethics commission and will follow their guidance. Campbell's campaign did not share her plans. Essaibi-George told GBH News she does not plan to vote on the measure next week. City Councilor Lydia Edwards, who is chairing the hearing, told me she's blocked off five hours of her schedule to hear testimony.

EXCLUSIVE: CLARK SAYS MAKE CHILDCARE A PRIORITY — Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark is calling on President Joe Biden to prioritize childcare in his administration's Covid-19 relief efforts.

Clark has been an outspoken advocate for childcare relief throughout the pandemic. Proposals Clark supports, including the Child Care Is Essential Act and the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, could have a better chance of becoming law now that the White House, Senate and House are controlled by Democrats. Plus, after being elected assistant speaker, Clark has some new congressional clout.

Clark wrote a letter to the president with Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a fellow Democrat. The lawmakers praised the $40 billion in childcare funding that Biden has proposed in his American Rescue Plan, and pointed out that women have borne the brunt of the childcare crisis.

"Child care is one of the most pressing and stressful issues facing our families during this pandemic and stabilizing the sector will be a key factor in safely reopening our economy," the letter reads. "We strongly encourage you to make child care a priority in any future COVID-19 relief efforts and throughout your administration."

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.

TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker delivers his State of the Commonwealth address. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh gives a Covid-19 update at City Hall.

A message from the American Heart Association:

The facts on sugary drinks are simple. They pose a real health risk. Kids especially are drinking too many of them. All those sweet drinks contribute to major health problems, like diabetes and heart disease. And with Massachusetts already spending nearly $2 billion per year treating obesity-related diseases, we need to address the problem. Massachusetts should take a page from a growing number of places across the country and adopt a tax on sugary drinks. Learn more here.

TRACK THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: A new president occupies the White House and he is already making changes. What are some of the key moments from Biden's first week in office? Find out in Transition Playbook, our scoop-filled newsletter tracking the appointments, people, and emerging power centers of the first 100 days of the new administration. Subscribe today.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts reports 3,477 new COVID cases, 45 deaths as officials announce start of Phase 2 of vaccine effort," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "State health officials confirmed another 3,477 cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the active number of statewide cases to 92,035. Monday's new caseload is based on 78,650 molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "As legislators scrambled, Baker gained an edge in what became law," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Last summer, Democratic lawmakers and advocates celebrated when a wide-ranging police accountability bill easily cleared the Massachusetts House. But the 93-66 margin worried some activists, who immediately saw something else: Not enough votes to override a potential veto from Governor Charlie Baker."

– "State slow to improve criminal justice data collection," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "A well-known management maxim warns, if you can't measure it, you can't improve it. By that reckoning, those trying to better the state's criminal justice system are often flying blind. How long, for example, does the average probationer in Massachusetts stay on probation? Or how many people last year had their probation revoked?"

– "State announces $12.9 million in funding for anti-gang, anti-domestic violence programs," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "State officials on Monday announced nearly $13 million in grant funding to communities and agencies across Massachusetts to prevent domestic and gang violence. Gov. Charlie Baker's administration said the money would be awarded under two programs ."

– "Massachusetts National Guard to return to DC during Trump impeachment trial," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Massachusetts National Guard members will again deploy to Washington, D.C., where they will provide extra security around the U.S. Capitol during former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial next month."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Baker says adults 75 and over are eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19 starting Feb. 1; people 65 and over will be moved up," by Robert Weisman and Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker and his team said Monday that people aged 75 and over will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting Feb. 1, and that there'll be 165 vaccination sites statewide by mid-February."

– "Dr. Anthony Fauci On Massachusetts Vaccine Rollout, National Pandemic," WBUR. Link.

– "Top Massachusetts official warns that COVID-19 vaccine supply may be limited through February," by Kay Lazar and Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "A top state public health official warned Massachusetts cities and towns last night that their shipments of COVID-19 vaccine doses will be 'capped going forward through February' because the federal government is not making enough doses available."

FROM THE HUB

– "As cities struggle under budget pressure brought on by the pandemic, calls are mounting for greater support from nonprofit colleges and universities," by Hilary Burns, Boston Business Journal: "Cities and towns, facing unprecedented budget pressure due to the pandemic, are expected to increasingly turn their attention toward a huge and controversial source of wealth that has long remained off their tax rolls: deep-pocketed colleges and universities."

– "Business leaders hopeful for relief, wary of taxes," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "President Joe Biden has pledged to provide more support for small businesses hammered by the financial impact of coronavirus pandemic, and while the state's business leaders say they're optimistic that more aid will be coming, they're also worried some of the new administration's policies may hurt them."

– "Advocates push to make Boston Fire Department more diverse," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Advocates, lawmakers, and a local group of firefighters of color pushed several measures on Monday to help diversify the Boston Fire Department, which has come under fire in recent years for being dominated by white men. The aim of the advocacy is to make sure a new cadet program realizes its goal of diversifying the department."

– "Harvard Applications Surge as Students Flock to Top Names," by Janet Lorin, Bloomberg: "Applications to Harvard University's undergraduate college for regular decision surged more than 42% for the 2021-22 academic year. Harvard fielded a record of more than 57,000 applications from high school students seeking admission for the fall semester."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "Councilor Wu wants a COVID-19 vaccination site in every Boston zip code," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu is calling for at least one COVID-19 vaccination site in each of the city's residential zip codes, in an effort aimed at combating the stark disparities in vaccine access for the region's Black and Latino residents. The measure, which is expected to be discussed at this Wednesday's council meeting, calls for city officials to work with local hospitals, health care providers, and pharmacies to make that happen."

– "Boston could soon have an acting mayor. What will that mean?" by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "It is one paragraph featuring three complete sentences of just under 190 words. But the interpretation of those few phrases could determine the limits of City Council president Kim Janey's power when Mayor Martin J. Walsh of Boston departs to become the nation's next labor secretary and Janey steps into the role of acting mayor."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "In farewell, Pollack says she'll consider all transportation modes in federal highway role," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "Once a fierce advocate for public transit who rose to prominence fighting to offset pollution from the Big Dig, Stephanie Pollack might seem a surprising choice to become the nation's deputy highway administrator. But on Monday, in her first public remarks since announcing her departure for the Biden administration, the state's outgoing transportation secretary said she would keep all modes of transportation in mind in her new role helping to oversee US roadways."

– "Harvard raises concerns on 'no-build' Allston option," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A top official at Harvard University sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack last week raising concerns about the state's growing interest in just patching the crumbling elevated section of the Massachusetts Turnpike between Boston University and the Charles River and putting off action on the broader I-90 Allston interchange project."

DAY IN COURT

– "Massachusetts man accused of killing Black man in 'road rage' incident in Belmont now facing murder charge; Suspect yelled racial slurs at victim, officials say," by Jackson Cote, MassLive.com: "The Massachusetts man accused of yelling racial slurs at a Black man during what authorities called a 'road rage' incident in Belmont is now facing a murder charge after authorities say he fatally struck the victim with his truck during the incident."

– "Two weeks into a test run, Mass. jury trials go on pause," by Tonya Alanez, Boston Globe: "After conducting five jury trials over the last two weeks, Massachusetts trial courts have opted to put the proceedings on hold from Tuesday until Feb. 12, court officials said. 'During the pause, the courts will review and analyze the trials conducted so far,' said Jennifer Donahue, trial court spokeswoman."

– "Bookkeeper stole more than $1 million from small businesses across Massachusetts, federal prosecutors say," by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: "Patricia Lindau, whose firm provided payroll and payroll tax services to small businesses from Maine to Cape Cod, has agreed to plead guilty to charges she pocketed money set aside by her clients for payroll taxes, according to documents filed Monday in US District Court."

– "Ex-Tribal Chairman Seeks Dismissal In Casino Bribery Case," The Associated Press: "The former chairman of a Massachusetts tribe is seeking to dismiss some of the federal bribery and extortion charges he's facing over the tribe's long planned casino project. Cedric Cromwell, former chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoags, filed a motion last week to dismiss three bribery counts."

– "Judge: Destroy massage parlor video of Patriots owner Robert Kraft," The Associated Press: "A federal judge in Florida has ordered the destruction of video that allegedly shows New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft paying for massage parlor sex, according to court documents."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

– "Following backlash, cannabis dispensary association drops lawsuit," by Jessica Bartlett, Boston Business Journal: "The lobbying group representing cannabis dispensaries that had sued state regulators over recent equity exclusivity rules for new delivery licenses has dropped its lawsuit after protests from its own members."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "HONOR SYSTEM," "SICK AS A DOG," — Globe: "Governor quickens vaccine rollout, adds sites," "Amazon expands again," "As legislators scrambled, Baker gained edge on laws."

FROM THE 413

– "City Emails Offer Look Inside Pittsfield's Unrealized Plan To Oust Unhoused From Public Parks," by Josh Landes, WAMC: "Emails obtained by WAMC News using the Freedom of Information Act show how the city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts developed a strategy to remove unhoused people from public parks in fall 2020 – and why the unfinished plan was scrapped just before it was set to go into effect."

– "'I think people are a little frustrated': Springfield officials praise President Biden's COVID plan, but urge faster local vaccine distribution," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "City officials and hospital representatives on Monday praised President Joe Biden's COVID-19 response plan but urged an accelerated, larger local vaccination effort as doses are depleted. The combination of praise and pleas came just prior to the announcement of three new mass vaccination sites in Massachusetts by Gov. Charlie Baker, including a site at the Eastfield Mall scheduled to open Jan. 29."

– "Report: Challenging economic times remain in Amherst due to COVID's impact," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Even if the University of Massachusetts can function normally in the fall following the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic, Amherst's economy may not bounce back right away, according to a Pioneer Valley Planning Commission analyst."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Mayor Thomas Koch talks COVID, development, diversity in Q&A," by Mary Whitfill, The Patriot Ledger: "Mayor Thomas Koch has already had quite the 2021. He returned to city hall this week after a bout with COVID-19, kicked off a major redevelopment effort for Wollaston Center and is looking ahead to a year he says will bring more changes downtown, economic recovery and — hopefully — a sense of normalcy."

– "'Slow decline' in patient numbers at DCU Center Field Hospital," by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: "There's some cause for optimism at the DCU Center Field Hospital, as patient numbers are on 'a slow decline,' similar to the trend in numbers statewide."

TRANSITIONS – Mike Cusher, previously legislative director for Mass Audubon, joins Rep. Chuy Garcia's office as legislative director.

– Emma Platoff joins the Boston Globe as a political reporter. Platoff is leaving her role at the Texas Tribune. Tweet.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to state Sen. John Velis.

Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.

A message from the American Heart Association:

HAPPENING TODAY - DRAWING THE ETHICAL LINE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: As AI becomes increasingly ingrained in our everyday lives, there are concerns about biases in these systems and ethical standards to guide their fair use. Without an international framework or set of principles governing AI, the ethical guidelines for its use vary across countries and cities and sometimes even come down to individual policymakers, elected leaders, the private sector, and grassroots advocates' work. Join POLITICO for a conversation to explore the pace of global AI innovation and development and what it means for the future of ethical standards in this space. The virtual program features an executive conversation between POLITICO CEO Patrick Steel and Workday EVP of corporate affairs Jim Shaughnessy. REGISTER HERE.