News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN MANAGER OUT — New CLIMATE LAW tough to implement

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN MANAGER OUT — New CLIMATE LAW tough to implement — NORTHEASTERN requires VAX this fall

Apr 07, 2021

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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.

SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN MANAGER RESIGNS — State Rep. Jon Santiago, a candidate for mayor of Boston, is without a campaign manager this morning.

Campaign manager Victoria Williams resigned yesterday to pursue other opportunities, Santiago's campaign said in a statement to POLITICO. The news was first reported by the Boston Herald late last night.

"Thanks to her leadership, our organization has grown tremendously since launch day and is building citywide, neighborhood by neighborhood. We're grateful for all that Victoria has done to lead us to this point," the campaign said in a statement. Neither the campaign nor Williams would elaborate on the departure.

Williams had been on Santiago's campaign since it launched at the end of February, just over a month ago. She previously worked in New Hampshire as state director for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign, and before that worked for New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan.

It's not so unusual for campaigns to have a staff shakeup early in an election cycle -- Boston's preliminary election isn't until September. Sen. Ed Markey had several staffers depart early in his reelection campaign, for example.

But with a half-dozen candidates running in the high-stakes contest, the competition for experienced campaign staff is likely to be fierce in the coming months. Santiago has just over half a million dollars in his war chest and was the field's top fundraiser the month he entered the race. Santiago raised $181,000 in March, according to finance reports released this week.

Williams' departure comes as the mayoral race is shifting gears in a big way. Acting Mayor Kim Janey shook up the contest when she launched her campaign yesterday, and will enjoy the advantages of being the incumbent mayor in a crowded field.

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

TODAY — Rep. Stephen Lynch is a guest on WBUR. Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey holds a press briefing with Boston Chief of Economic Development Midori Morikawa on "new supplier diversity initiatives to address equity in city contracting." Rep. Ayanna Pressley visits the Randolph Intergenerational Community Center. Rep. Jake Auchincloss promotes the American Rescue Plan in Newton at H.C. Starck Solutions and Environmental Health & Engineering. Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, candidate for mayor, greets commuters at Ruggles Station.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts reports a slight dip in active COVID cases as hospitalizations, percent positivity rise," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "Active COVID infections in Massachusetts dipped slightly to 34,652 on Tuesday, down from 35,167 reported on Monday after the state missed a day of reporting due to the Easter holiday, according to the latest data from the Department of Public Health."

– RELATED: "Nearly half of new COVID cases in Massachusetts tied to U.K. variant," by Anne-Gerard Flynn, Springfield Republican.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "After passing a landmark climate law, Mass. officials now face the hard part: how to wean the state off fossil fuels," by David Abel, Boston Globe: "Over the coming decades, the state's largest utilities have plans to spend billions of dollars upgrading a vast network of aging pipes and mains that distribute natural gas, after billions they've already spent in recent years. But much of those plans clash with a landmark bill that Governor Charlie Baker signed last month that requires the state to effectively eliminate its carbon emissions by 2050."

– "David Almond's death overshadows DCF budget hearing," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Legislative budget hearings are typically dry discussions of line items and government programs. On Tuesday, however, lawmakers were reminded in stark terms of the life-or-death decisions involved in determining how state dollars are spent and how individual agencies function."

– "Former FEC chairman warns campaign finance overhaul would limit free speech," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: A former Federal Elections Commission chairman is sounding the alarm on a 'misguided' bill that aims to overhaul the nation's campaign finance system to limit the influence of wealthy donors and 'dark money,' warning it would instead limit free speech."

– "Baker joins Lamont to push drug pricing proposal," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker teamed up with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday to advocate for a policy both have proposed that would curb the growth in prescription drug prices. The two governors said the plan would provide some predictability for individuals and the health care system in the prices of common pharmaceuticals and rejected criticism that the plan would stifle innovation without significantly benefiting consumers ."

– "Beacon Hill weighs post-pandemic policies," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "The pandemic has caused major changes in employment, transportation, childcare and myriad other areas. On Beacon Hill, policymakers are trying to decide how the state should prepare for a post-pandemic world. On Tuesday, members of the Senate's newly created Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency huddled for the first time -- virtually -- to discuss how the state government can respond to the profound changes."

– "Republicans, Democrats out-fundraise 'anemic' Charlie Baker in race for governor," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "With the books closed on fundraising in the first quarter of 2021, Gov. Charlie Baker continues to lag behind Republican and Democratic contenders — raking in what one political group referred to as an 'anemic' March haul."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Now Eligible, Baker Receives First Vaccine Shot," by Mike Deehan, GBH News: "Gov. Charlie Baker received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday and said the state's pre-registration system worked as it should to book his appointment at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston."

FROM THE HUB

– "Janey unveils 'Hope' campaign to boost confidence in COVID-19 vaccine," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Acting Mayor Kim Janey on Tuesday unveiled a new ad campaign dubbed 'Hope' to encourage Boston residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine when their turn comes to book an appointment for a coveted dose."

– "Mass. officials urge schools to skip prom this spring," by Mark Gartsbeyn, Boston.com: "State officials are urging schools in Massachusetts to skip prom for the second spring in a row because of ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Updated guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education last week describes the end-of-year dance as 'an inherently high-risk activity, as it is a social gathering that involves dancing and singing (both of which are activities with increased respiration).'"

– "Northeastern says students must get vaccinated against COVID-19 to come back in the fall," by Travis Andersen and Brian Amaral, Boston Globe: "Northeastern and Brown universities said Tuesday that students must be immunized against COVID-19 before they can return to campus in the fall, joining a growing number of colleges who are requiring the vaccine."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "As Janey Enters The Fray, Boston's Other Mayoral Candidates Respond — To A Point," by Adam Reilly, GBH News: "For anyone who's been watching the 2021 Boston mayoral race closely, Kim Janey's announcement that she's joining the contest was no surprise. Ever since Janey became acting mayor on March 22— as city-council president, she automatically took over when former Mayor Marty Walsh resigned — she's sent strong signals that she wants to run the city on a permanent basis."

– "Boston mayoral race draws $1.2 million in fundraising in March," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Fundraising for Boston's mayoral race reached a fever pitch in March as donors hurled more than $1.17 million dollars at the various candidates — as Annissa Essaibi-George led the way for the month and Andrea Campbell kept her hold on the overall money lead. All of the six major candidates in the race to replace now-former Mayor Martin Walsh raised more than $175,000 a piece."

DAY IN COURT

– "Boston Is Ready To Admit Exam School Students. First, A Federal Judge Must Weigh In." by Max Larkin, WBUR: "The federal judge reviewing Boston's plan to reform its exam-school admissions policy for evidence of discrimination said he hopes to arrive at a decision in the coming weeks. During a hearing Tuesday morning, Judge William Young acknowledged a 'time constraint' — that Boston Public Schools has yet to inform applicants whether they've been admitted to one of the city's three selective high schools."

– "Justice Department weighs in against Boston on police discrimination suit," by Adrian Walker, Boston Globe: "Years ago — too many years ago — a group of Black Boston police officers sued the city, claiming that the promotional exam that serves as a gateway to the department's top leadership positions discriminated against Black candidates. They won, but the city kept fighting. They were awarded damages, and the Walsh administration appealed. Last week, the US Justice Department weighed in on the case — and came down firmly against the City of Boston, and, by implication, the new labor secretary."

– "ACLU, lawyers call for SJC to probe Springfield police misconduct, Hampden DA complicity," by Daily Hampshire Gazette: "The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Massachusetts, along with the Committee for Public Counsel Services, have filed suit with the Supreme Judicial Court seeking an investigation into Springfield police violence and misconduct, as well as the Hampden County district attorney's office's failures to investigate and disclose that misconduct."

MARKEYCHUSETTS

– "As New Bedford lags Mass., Sen. Markey visits city to push vaccines," by Ted Nesi, WPRI: "U.S. Sen. Ed Markey on Tuesday exhorted New Bedford residents to get immunized against COVID-19, as the city's vaccination rate remains well below the statewide average. Home from Washington due to the Senate recess, Markey stopped in New Bedford to tour a federally funded vaccination clinic at the McCoy Recreation Center in the West End."

FROM THE DELEGATION

– "U.S. Rep Jim McGovern calls on Tenet Healthcare to resume talks with nurses at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester," by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: "One of the first things U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern did Tuesday morning was speak with Tenet Healthcare in an attempt to nudge the Dallas-based parent company of Saint Vincent Hospital to return to the negotiating table with the nurses who are striking in Worcester."

– "Legislators tour homes with crumbling foundations in Wales," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: "U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal saw firsthand Tuesday the slow but unstoppable cracking that plagues home foundations in Massachusetts and Connecticut built decades ago with pyrrhotite in the concrete, an issue he's addressed for years in Washington."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Weymouth Compressor Reports Another 'Unplanned' Gas Release. Third Time In 8 Months," by Miriam Wasser, WBUR: "On Tuesday morning, the Weymouth Natural Gas Compressor Station released a large quantity of gas into the air above the facility. The cause of the unplanned release remains unclear, but the company that owns and operates the facility, Enbridge, said it's "continuing to gather information."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "POLL POSITION," — Globe: "On the Cape, a summer of hope and worry," "Suit calls entrance policy race based."

FROM THE 413

– "In effort to stop pipeline from 'puppy mills,' Springfield City Council bans retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "The City Council voted unanimously on Monday to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits, saying the new law is needed to protect animals and consumers. The so-called 'puppy mill' ordinance is slated to take effect in 90 days, after receiving strong public support, but also opposition from the operators of The Puppy Place at 1400 Boston Road."

– "Holyoke City Councilors vie for acting mayor job, Home Rule Petition awaits governor's signature," by Dennis Hohenberger, Springfield Republican: "City Councilors Peter Tallman and Terence Murphy will vie for the acting mayor role once the governor signs a home rule petition. State Rep. Patricia Duffy (D-Holyoke) said the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Holyoke's Home Rule Petition on Monday. The document awaits Gov. Charlie Baker's signature, a final step in the process."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "On Cape Cod, business owners are getting ready for a season of record crowds and worker shortages," by Katie Johnston, Boston Globe: "All signs are pointing to a record summer on the Cape and Islands, a welcome burst of business after a year of pandemic dreariness. There's just one problem: Hotels and restaurants are having trouble finding enough employees to handle the surge."

– "'This is systemic': City leaders, former officer highlight racism within Worcester Police Department while union president denies its existence," by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: "Worcester residents logged onto Zoom and dialed into the virtual Board of Health meeting Monday night to discuss institutional racism, police reform and public health. Not long into the 90-minute conversation, which began within the Board of Health last June following the death of George Floyd, the idea of fact versus interpretation emerged."

– "Methuen council, mayor trade barbs over contract," by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: "A debate over funding for the new, interim police chief got a little chippy Monday night as Mayor Neil Perry accused City Councilors of overstepping their authority regarding employee contracts. Councilors said they wanted to see the contract Perry has signed that will bring retired Westford police Chief Thomas McEnaney to the city for three months at a cost of $45,000 — an expenditure that has to be approved by the council. He starts next week."

– "State orders Tyngsboro to release records on animal control officer's racially insensitive posts," by Robert Mills, The Lowell Sun: "The Public Records Division of the Secretary of State's Office ordered the Town of Tyngsboro to release previously withheld records regarding racially-charged Facebook posts made by Animal Control Officer Dave Robson, whose son is running for re-election as a selectman in June."

TRANSITIONS – Heather M. Gamache, attorney at Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, was elected president of the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to POLITICO's Daniel Lippman, NGP VAN's Jeremiah Thompson, and Joe Nigro.

NEW EPISODE: CLEARING THE AIR – On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela speak with WBUR's Ally Jarmanning about a new report that found not prosecuting low-level crimes can lead to less crime, and Tim Cronin of Climate XChange breaks down the new climate law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud.

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 Uber Driver Stories:

When Olivia was diagnosed with MS in 2017, it became clear to her that having a regular job would no longer be possible.

"I drive with Uber because I love to drive," she says. "It just puts the MS far out of my head. There's no way I could work a regular 9-5."

With Uber, Olivia can choose when, where, and how long she wants to drive. This flexibility lets Olivia be there for her daughter and for her own health needs.

If she's not feeling well, or her daughter needs her, she doesn't have to worry about asking her boss or requesting time off—she can take the time she needs to focus on herself and her family.

To see more stories like Olivia's, click here.

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