News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SANTIAGO’s survey — Pandemic costs LAID BARE

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SANTIAGO’s survey — Pandemic costs LAID BARE — DC delegation largely SILENT on WALSH

May 19, 2021

SCOOPLET: MAYPOLL — Boston mayoral candidate Jon Santiago tested voter sentiment recently regarding himself, former Mayor Marty Walsh and Democrats in the Massachusetts legislature, a source has confirmed.

Screenshots of the survey obtained by POLITICO show respondents being asked to give their opinions of various people including other mayoral candidates and Santiago, an emergency room doctor and state representative. Another screenshot shares Santiago's backstory, from growing up in subsidized housing, to becoming a Fulbright scholar and attending Yale School of Medicine "against the odds."

Santiago lost his campaign manager in April, six weeks into his mayoral bid, the Boston Herald first reported.

He's yet to hire another one, the source said Tuesday, and Hilltop Public Solutions continues to run the campaign's day-to-day.

But Santiago's staffing up in other areas: Cory Azmon, Santiago's legislative aide at the State House, is joining the campaign as policy director; Gabi Finlayson is serving as organizing director; and Lia Kornmehl, an alum of former Rep. Joe Kennedy III's Senate bid, is chief of staff. Marty Walsh — the political consultant, not the former mayor — is consulting.

Elsewhere in the mayoral field, Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey paid $22,000 to Hart Research, which does polling, her April Office of Campaign and Political finance reports show. Her campaign offered no further details Tuesday.

Polling isn't just used to indicate where candidates rank among their competitors. It can also help shape their messaging and see what issues click with voters before campaigns shell out big bucks for advertising down the line.

Public polling of the mayoral race has yet to really ramp up. Right now, the field remains fluid as it enters a new phase now that the deadline to submit nomination papers has passed. While police issues have dominated recent news cycles, strategists expect the candidates to start talking about other key issues like education and recovery from the pandemic as they look to lock up voters before some folks tune out for the summer.

Candidates are also padding their war chests: Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu is planning a fundraiser featuring Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., at 6 p.m. Janey will be joined by Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo at 7 p.m.

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. There's a lot happening today, let's get to it.

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

TODAY — Boston city councilor and mayoral candidate Andrea Campbell joins Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins and community advocates for a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at "Mass and Cass" to address public health issues there. State Rep. Tami Gouveia joins La Colaborativa's Gladys Vega and others to speak in support of her bill establishing a "statewide Covid-19 rapid testing program to safely reopen the economy" at 10:30 a.m. Alliance for Business Leadership hosts a virtual panel discussion exploring ways Massachusetts can improve its transit system at noon. The Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a virtual hearing at 1 p.m. Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey joins the city's Office of Workforce Development for a virtual job fair at 1 p.m. and the Office of Financial Empowerment for a recovery-focused panel at 2 p.m.

Health and Human Services Sec. Marylou Sudders joins the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health at 1 p.m. for the virtual launch of its new mental health awareness campaign #JustAsk. State Sen. Bruce Tarr is a guest on Bloomberg Baystate Business at 3:12 p.m., and Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell at 5:12 p.m. Rep. Jake Auchincloss participates in a morning wreath-laying ceremony with other members of Congress at Arlington National Cemetery and hosts a virtual reception in the evening to announce the 4th District's winner of the Congressional Art Competition. President Joe Biden flies into North Kingstown, Rhode Island, en route to New London, Connecticut, where he'll deliver the commencement speech at the Coast Guard Academy graduation.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Active COVID cases continue rapid decline as more than 46% of Massachusetts is now fully vaccinated," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "Active COVID cases continued to decline in Massachusetts on Tuesday a day after the state unveiled an expedited timeline for reopening, according to the latest Department of Public Health data. Officials reported that there are now 12,701 active infections, down from 13,827 reported on Monday. State health officials also confirmed another 359 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Eye-popping cost of coronavirus pandemic laid bare in supplemental budget," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "A supplemental budget filed by Gov. Charlie Baker offers a glimpse at the eye-popping cost of the coronavirus pandemic in Massachusetts. Coronavirus spending makes up 70% of the $273 million supplemental spending plan for the current fiscal year filed on Tuesday."

– "House Plan Prevents Spike in Biz Unemployment Costs," by Chris Lisinski and Michael P. Norton, State House News Service (paywall): "The House approved a proposal Tuesday that aims to relieve employers this spring from major unexpected unemployment system costs, while punting the decision on whether to deploy one-time federal funds to address a benefits system that sagged under the weight of pandemic unemployment."

– "State, New Bedford officials and local leaders criticize state's offshore wind bid process," by Anastasia E. Lennon, The Standard-Times: "In an April comment letter sent to the Baker administration and state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) — which oversees bid procurement — New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan, state representatives, city councilors and various New Bedford business leaders said they are concerned the state's approach to procuring offshore wind energy contracts will make it 'more difficult for this region to achieve its potential.'"

– "Should state parks be funded with user fees or tax dollars?" by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A special commission is now examining DCR and looking for ways to improve the operation of the agency, including the possibility of transferring some of its assets to other agencies or municipalities. The commission has hired the Donahue Institute at UMass Boston to do a scrub of the agency."

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

– "One year after reopening against COVID-19 orders, Oxford gym owner says he wishes he had reopened earlier," by Arianna MacNeill, Boston.com: "One year after defying a state order to close his gym during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave Blondin of Prime Fitness and Nutrition in Oxford said he wishes he had reopened his business sooner, despite an ongoing court battle. "

– "Moderna's 'sweet spot': UMass Medical School seeking kids for Moderna vaccine study," by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "Researchers at UMass Medical School are seeking "the sweet spot" for giving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to kids, and they are asking kids to join the study and help."

FROM THE HUB

– "Boston hires outside lawyers to fight Dennis White case," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The city has brought on some legal assistance in the Dennis White case, paying two outside attorneys ahead of the hearing expected later this week. Boston has beefed up its legal team with Kay Hodge and John Simon, both partners at Stoneman, Chandler & Miller."

– "Landlord sues to stop affordable housing in Jamaica Plain. Again," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "Just days after settling a lawsuit against the Pine Street Inn that delayed a planned Jamaica Plain apartment building for a year, a prominent landlord in the neighborhood is suing to stop a second affordable housing development — this one for senior citizens."

– "Boston Police seize 11 dirt bikes, ATVs amid complaints of 'reckless' off-road vehicles in city parks, streets," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Boston Police seized 11 dirt bikes, mopeds and ATVs over the weekend in a crackdown to curb 'reckless' off-roading after neighbors around Franklin Park sounded the alarm."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "Amid series of scandals, police reform moves to forefront of Boston mayoral campaign," by Milton J. Valencia and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "The Boston Police Department, already in deep disarray after two high-profile scandals, has taken center stage in the mayor's race after a damning report laid bare an internal culture of secrecy and scant accountability, and raised disturbing questions about how police commissioner Dennis White landed in the top job despite a pattern of alleged domestic violence."

– "Former State Rep. Marie St. Fleur Endorses Campbell For Boston Mayor," by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: "In a move aimed at garnering support in the Haitian community, former state Rep. Marie St. Fleur Tuesday endorsed Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell's bid for mayor."

– "Michelle Wu, Boston Mayoral Candidate, on AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Stigma," by Michelle Wu, for Teen Vogue: "I'm an Asian American woman, a mom of two young kids, and an elected official. Growing up, I wouldn't have believed that combination to be possible. And I certainly couldn't have imagined that it would be my journey — from introverted daughter of immigrants to caregiver for a mom living with mental illness and candidate for mayor of Boston."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "MassDOT to spend $75m shoring up elevated Turnpike," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "The Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued an unusual press release Tuesday evening indicating the agency is preparing to spend $75 million shoring up the crumbling elevated section of the Turnpike as it runs between Boston University and the Charles River. "

DAY IN COURT

– "Milton police officer arraigned for allegedly threatening, intimidating Black teen over support for Black Lives Matter," by Laura Crimaldi, Boston Globe: "A white Milton police officer was arraigned Tuesday over allegations that she threatened her son's 14-year-old friend over his support for Black Lives Matter during an off-duty incident last September at her home in Westwood."

WARREN REPORT

– "Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Americans who are hitting one obstacle after another: 'That is why I persist,'" by KK Ottesen, Washington Post Magazine. Read the Q&A.

DATELINE D.C.

– "Washington largely silent on Walsh's role in Dennis White controversy," by Jim Puzzanghera, Boston Globe: "New revelations about Martin J. Walsh's failure to properly vet his pick for Boston Police commissioner in his final weeks as mayor before joining President Biden's Cabinet have been met largely with silence by members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, even though the controversy involves two issues — domestic violence and police accountability — that many of them have been outspoken about."

– "Deval Patrick kicks off effort to shape Biden administration's tech policy," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "While Deval Patrick fell well short in his bid for president, the former Massachusetts governor is still working to influence policy coming out of the White House."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

– "Boston zoning board votes down South Boston pot shop," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The normally highly acquiescent Boston Zoning Board of Appeals put its foot down and rejected a South Boston pot shop in the face of neighborhood opposition for a project that was due to be built by the acting mayor's cousin."

– Back on the ballot: "Methuen City Council OKs pot ballot question," by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: "The City Council voted 8-1 Monday night in favor of putting a question on the fall ballot asking voters if they would be in favor of allowing the cultivation, sale and transportation of recreational marijuana inside city limits. Currently, marijuana sales are illegal in the city after voters rejected a statewide referendum question in 2016 that would have legalized pot sales. Communities that rejected the statewide referendum are unable to allow the sale of marijuana products."

FROM THE 413

– "The fire and the fawn: Savoy firefighter rescues dehydrated baby deer," by Francesca Paris, Berkshire Eagle: "Francis Levesque was near the top of Pine Cobble, taking a break from fighting the state's largest fire in more than two decades, when he heard a bleating sound."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Mikayla Miller's death ruled a suicide by state Medical Examiner's Office," by Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News: "The state Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of Hopkinton teen Mikayla Miller as a suicide."

– "Plan to remake Harvard Square's Garage mall bows to changed retail landscape, nods to past," by Marc Levy, Cambridge Day: "The Garage, a Harvard Square destination for shoppers and diners over the past 40 years, would be remade under a proposal by owners Trinity Property Management, opening in 2024 with expanded restaurant and entertainment space below ground; street-level shops and eateries with more access from surrounding sidewalks; and offices on five stories overhead."

– "Medford is renaming the Columbus Elementary School: 18 possible names on list," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "A Medford committee to rename the Columbus Elementary School has narrowed down its list to nearly 20 possible names and is now turning to the public for input on the name change."

– Staycation: "Boston and Bar Harbor get some love on US News & World Report's annual best vacations lists," by Christopher Muther, Boston Globe: "The U.S. News & World Report's survey of the best vacation destinations for 2021-2022 is sprawling, covering top getaways across the globe. But one common denominator pops up throughout the survey, at least in the lists that focus on US destinations: New England is a favorite among travelers and editors of the publication, particularly Bar Harbor and Boston."

THE NATIONAL TAKE

– "State losses plague Democrats ahead of redistricting," by Ally Mutnick, POLITICO: "Democrats' 2020 down-ballot disappointments are already coming back to haunt them. Despite President Joe Biden carrying New Hampshire in a runaway, Republicans surged in other races to flip both chambers of the state legislature. Now, the Granite State GOP is openly plotting the ouster of Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), experimenting with new maps that pack his district with red towns and shove blue pockets into the seat next door."

– "Feds investigating alleged illegal donations to Collins' re-election bid," by Lachlan Markay, Axios: "The FBI is investigating what it describes as a massive scheme to illegally finance Sen. Susan Collins' 2020 re-election bid, Axios has learned. … A recently unsealed search warrant application shows the FBI believes a Hawaii defense contractor illegally funneled $150,000 to a pro-Collins super PAC and reimbursed donations to Collins' campaign. There's no indication that Collins or her team were aware of any of it."

– New York state investigation into Trump is now a criminal probe," by Ben Leonard, POLITICO: "The New York state attorney general's examination of the Trump Organization is now also a criminal investigation, a spokesperson for the attorney general said on Tuesday night."

MEDIA MATTERS

– "Boston Magazine parent names longtime local newspaper exec as CEO," by Don Seiffert, Boston Business Journal: "A former longtime leader of the national newspaper chain now known as Gannett Co. is taking over as CEO of the parent company of Boston Magazine. Kirk Davis, 59, who was a leading executive at GateHouse Media as well as the precursor company, Community Newspaper Co., for nearly three decades, has been named the new CEO of Metro Corp. Publishing, which is based in Philadelphia."

TRANSITIONS – Noelle Marston, deputy finance director for the Baker-Polito campaign from 2019-2021 and chief of staff to the finance chair of Baker's 2018 reelection campaign, joins Republican Jesse Brown's campaign for Congress as finance director, working alongside Baker political adviser Jim Conroy and Massachusetts GOP alum John Milligan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to NBC10/NECN's dynamic duo Alison King and Sean Colahan, and Stephanie Nigro.

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