波士頓市府推出"尋找食物儲藏室"新計畫協助民眾年節溫飽

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS FACING FOOD INSECURITY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON The City is launching the Find Your Food Pantry campaign and increasing access to SNAP benefits

 

BOSTON - Thursday, November 10, 2022 - Today Mayor Michelle Wu announced resources that will support residents facing food insecurity during the holiday season and year-round. The City is launching the Find Your Food Pantry campaign led by the Community Engagement Cabinet in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice (OFJ). Additionally, beginning on Tuesday, November 15, residents will be able to apply and learn more about SNAP benefits using a kiosk located within Boston City Hall.  “To prioritize food justice in our City, we’re making it easier to connect residents to services they need and ways to make a difference,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re launching a campaign aimed to introduce residents to organizations that do great work in our communities not just during the holidays, but all year. Together with the new kiosk at City Hall, we’re working holistically as a city to fight food insecurity in Boston.” Through the Find Your Food Pantry campaign, residents are encouraged to reach out to their local food pantries and other community partners this holiday season and to establish connections with local food pantries and organizations to strengthen Boston’s communities year-round. Residents can find a list of local pantries via the Greater Boston Food Bank on the Office of Food Justice’s website. In FY 2022, the Greater Boston Food Bank distributed a total of 24.6 million pounds of food through their network of over 100 food distribution partners in Boston. This is a 27 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic distribution in 2019. Much of the food pantry system relies on volunteers. Contributions are critical to help food pantries provide additional food like fresh produce from Massachusetts farmers and staples that are culturally relevant to each community.  “Boston works best when we work together for our shared values, so this year we’re launching a campaign that goes beyond the holiday season,” said Chief of Community Engagement Brianna Millor. “I encourage residents to reach out to their neighborhood organizations and give back - whether that be by donating or spending time volunteering.” Residents interested in helping support food pantries can connect with their local food pantry directly to identify ways to contribute or volunteer. Needs and hours of operation will vary by organization. Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) liaisons will be visiting community partners in their respective neighborhoods during their “Field Fridays” in the months of November and December. The Office of Civic Organizing is helping organize sign ups for residents who would like assistance being connected to volunteer opportunities. Residents can sign up on the website.  Additionally, through a partnership with the state’s Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), residents will have a new access point downtown to apply for public benefits. A new City Hall kiosk allows residents to apply for SNAP and cash assistance programs, check their eligibility, check their balances, and update their information while doing other business with the City. The kiosk will be located on the mezzanine between the second and third floor at City Hall and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, November 15th.  “Closing the SNAP gap and providing resources for residents ineligible for SNAP help us ensure that Boston residents can access nutritious and culturally relevant food during chronic and acute periods of food insecurity,” said Aliza Wasserman, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice. “Food pantries are a critical component of the emergency food system. They and other community partners have kept so many families from feeling the dire consequences of food insecurity through their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic.” “Too many families in Boston continue to struggle to provide for their basic needs because of the lingering economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis coupled with the worst inflation we have seen in over 40 years,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of Greater Boston Food Bank. “With critical programs like SNAP, school meals and over 100 food distribution partners served by GBFB in the City, nobody should have to go hungry this holiday season, let alone throughout the year. The partnership with Mayor Wu, her Office of Food Justice and their intentionality in working across City Hall departments, particularly with the Community Engagement Cabinet, is the ingenuity and creativity we need to ensure we are driving awareness across every neighborhood and connecting each resident in need to the food resources available to them.” As food prices increase, SNAP and the emergency food system play pivotal roles in bridging the gap between household income and basic needs. The DTA kiosk and Find Your Food Pantry campaign are part of a multi-pronged approach to reduce barriers to accessing public benefits and food resources in a dignified and easy manner. There are three additional public DTA kiosks in the City, including 1010 Massachusetts Ave. and the Southampton Street Shelter. To find a DTA kiosk near you, click here. DTA kiosks are one approach to reducing barriers for residents to sign up for SNAP.   In 2021, OFJ provided 21 organizations with over $1 million in funding to focus on outreach around safety net resources. Through its community food access programming like Boston Double Up Food Bucks, the Farmers Market Coupon Program, and community grants, the Office of Food Justice works directly with community organizations and businesses, to build stronger community networks for food justice and access to healthy, culturally-relevant food. More on the Find Your Food Pantry campaign, including a list of food pantries and informational video from Mayor Wu can be found at www.boston.gov/find-pantries. Residents looking to apply for SNAP can do so on the Commonwealth’s website.

波士頓市政府廣場訂11月18日重新開放

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES REOPENING OF CITY HALL PLAZA

BOSTON - Thursday, November 10, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced the reopening of City Hall Plaza will take place on Friday, November 18 with a family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring tours of the newly renovated plaza, live entertainment, and a ribbon cutting. The City’s Arts and Culture Cabinet will also host an event that same day from 5 to 8 p.m. with music by DJ WhySham, a lineup of local poets emceed by Porsha Olayiwola, and a digital projection and lighting installation by Jeff Grantz/ILLUMINUS Boston featuring images by Artists for Humanity that will light up the building. The event will create public art installations that contribute to place-making and establish new opportunities for art in the public realm. The program will highlight the transformation of City Hall Plaza and usher in an opportunity to interact with the building in new ways.  The recently completed renovation transformed the Plaza into a civic space for all residents, with universal accessibility, new communal spaces, increased environmental sustainability, and critical infrastructure improvements that will ensure the plaza is safe and accessible for generations to come. "City Hall Plaza is a space to bring people together and build community," said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for the work of all our City workers and partners to transform the plaza into a welcoming, resilient, and accessible space for residents and visitors to enjoy.” The plaza design and implementation was led by global design firm Sasaki, based in Watertown, Mass. Shawmut Design and Construction was the construction manager for the project. The project was managed through the City's Operations Cabinet by the Public Facilities Department in partnership with the Property Management Department and was assisted by owners project manager Skanska USA.  “City Hall plaza is the people’s plaza, and it is now a civic front yard that ALL can access and take pleasure in,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “I’m excited to see our community enjoy our playground, event spaces, our new pavilion and the reopened north entrance to City Hall. The Public Facilities Department, project partners, and numerous City agencies did an amazing job working together, with community input, to create a signature civic space that aligns with our goals and values.” “We are proud of the bold vision the City embraced to make Boston City Hall Plaza an inviting and accessible outdoor public space,” said Fiske Crowell, Sasaki principal and architect. “A robust community engagement process helped us transform the Plaza from a harsh outdoor environment into a new green space where all are welcome. We are excited to celebrate the reopening of both the plaza and the expanded north entry to the building.” “To be tasked with the transformation of one of Boston’s most beloved and historic spaces has been a tremendous honor,” said Kevin Sullivan, executive vice president of Shawmut Design and Construction’s New England region. “Through this extensive renewal with our partners from the City of Boston and Sasaki, we’ve reinvigorated City Hall Plaza to create a more accessible, sustainable, and connected public destination at Boston's civic heart that will serve as a forward-thinking attraction for generations to come.” City Hall Plaza's redesign includes a focus on: A Welcoming Front Yard for Civic Life With Boston's renovated City Hall Plaza, this community space will become universally accessible for residents of all abilities. Opening up the Plaza for all includes re-opening the second floor of City Hall Plaza to the public, allowing easier access to the building.  "I am thrilled that City Hall Plaza is now welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities,” said Kristen McCosh, Boston’s Disability Commissioner. “City officials really listened to input from the disability community, and they made access the top priority. Before this renovation, it was extremely difficult for disabled people to navigate the expansive brick Plaza, which provides a vital connection between Congress Street and Cambridge Street. But the uneven brick and numerous stairways have been replaced with smooth unit pavers and gently sloped walkways. Now when people with disabilities ask where the accessible route across City Hall Plaza is, I can say, 'You don't understand - the whole plaza is accessible now, not just one route!'"   The renovation also includes 3,000 new welcoming spaces for residents to sit,12,000 square feet of playscapes for children and families, and 11,000 square feet of terraces for pop-up play and interactive public art. Public Art In February, the City of Boston released a Call to Artists for public art to complement the renovation of City Hall Plaza. There were two separate opportunities outlined in the call. The first was a short-term artwork for the north entrance to the building. The second was for a graphics display for the exterior of City Hall. These commissions are envisioned as the first of a series of artworks for this site that will recognize and celebrate the stories of Boston and City Hall Plaza. The City selected Rhea Vedro to create the short-term artwork, which will be a sculptural installation on the planting bed at the north entrance that will be installed for one year. Yuke Li was commissioned to create 2D graphics for the new display system on the west exterior wall of City Hall and the wall panels near the new civic pavilion, which will also be installed for one year. The graphics have been installed, and the sculpture is expected to be installed in spring 2023. “Through activating City Hall Plaza with public art and cultural events, we're cultivating a more inviting space that celebrates the communities that make up the city,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture. “We’re excited to be able to showcase Boston’s creative community while also transforming a historic civic space.” Flexible and Accommodating Event Venues The renovation of Boston City Hall Plaza expanded one of Boston's largest event spaces, and created civic event spaces that can be used by all Boston residents. The renovation included creating seven new "plug and play" locations for community groups to utilize, with space for 10,000 to 12,0000 visitors on the main plaza and room for a 20,000 to 25,000 person gathering on the entire plaza. The new design includes three smaller event and gathering places, and a new civic building on Congress Street equipped with a bathroom and other facilities to support public gatherings. A Model of Sustainability and Resilience Creating a sustainable City Hall Plaza that meets the City's environmental goals was one of the key parts of the plaza renovation, and this renovation will make City Hall Plaza one of Boston's signature civic spaces environmentally sustainable, meeting Boston's resilience standards. The renovation includes an increase in green infrastructure through an increased use of permeable surfaces that will soak up stormwater. The design also includes 100 new trees, improving the shade, scale and air quality of the plaza. Fifty lights were replaced with efficient LED technology, and 22,500 feet of granite and brick paving were reused or recycled. The Phase 1 City Hall Plaza project's main goal was to make the plaza more accessible for all while delivering updated programming capabilities, adding infrastructure and making the plaza more sustainable. This $70 million investment will connect Congress and Cambridge Streets with an accessible sloped Hanover Promenade activated by 21st century civic amenities like shady seating and gathering areas, a destination play space, public art space, and an iconic water feature. The main plaza will accommodate events of up to 12,000 people in a wide variety of potential configurations. The project also includes: Opening the North building entry Accessibility improvements to the plaza entry Enhanced speakers corner Stormwater retention improvements Flexible platform for various sized performances For additional information, visit boston.gov/cityhallplaza.

Statement from James E. Rooney, Chamber President & CEO, regarding Question 1 Outcome

 Statement from James E. Rooney, Chamber President & CEO, regarding Question 1 Outcome

 

“With the outcome of the Question 1 initiative now decided, it is time to move forward together to strengthen the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and make sure any additional resources generated are effectively deployed to improve our transportation and education systems.  Indeed, we are disappointed with the results and have concerns that this will negatively impact the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and ability to attract and retain workers and businesses.  With voters almost evenly divided on the issue, it is important that our policymakers immediately move forward with strategies that cultivate a friendly business environment to avoid the loss of jobs to other states actively competing for our employers and talented workforce.  We look forward to partnering to create a more vibrant, job creating and inclusive economy of all businesses and all people in the Commonwealth,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Driscoll將任麻州新屆政府過渡團隊主席

 Kim Driscoll to Chair Healey-Driscoll Transition Team

Launched HealeyDriscollTransition.com to collect input from people of Massachusetts

BOSTON – After a decisive victory on Tuesday night, Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll announced that Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll will serve as Chair of the transition team. They also launched a website, HealeyDriscollTransition.com, which asks the people of Massachusetts to submit their ideas for the incoming administration.

“Maura and I will be a Governor and Lieutenant-Governor for everyone, and our Administration will reflect our commitment to meeting people where they are. That’s why we want to gather input directly from all members of our community,” said Driscoll. “We encourage the people of Massachusetts to share their ideas for how we can work together to move Massachusetts forward.”

“I’m proud that Mayor Driscoll will be at the helm of our transition team. She truly comes from the ‘Get Stuff Done’ wing of government,” said Healey. “With more than two decades of experience in city government, I’m confident that Mayor Driscoll has what it takes to build a team that’s ready to hit the ground running on day one to deliver for the people of Massachusetts.”

The announcement of Driscoll as Transition Chair came after Healey and Driscoll spent Wednesday afternoon meeting with Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. Both the outgoing and incoming administrations pledged to maintain a strong, collaborative relationship to ensure a smooth transition. Healey and Driscoll then visited Girls Inc. of Lynn, where they met with elementary, middle and high school aged girls and encouraged them to never give up on their dreams.

BPDA launches South Boston Transportation Action Plan

BPDA launches South Boston Transportation Action Plan Agency will release existing conditions report this month

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - The Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) and the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) today announced the launch of the South Boston Transportation Action Plan (SBTAP), which will be completed in close partnership with the Disabilities Commission (DC) and Boston Public Works Department (PWD). The BPDA is evaluating the unique transportation challenges in the core of South Boston’s residential neighborhood, and through the South Boston Transportation Action Plan planning and engagement process, will improve transportation access, efficiency, and safety.  Building on the vision and goals in Imagine Boston 2030 and Go Boston 2030, the South Boston Transportation Action Plan will evaluate safety concerns in South Boston and focus the City’s resources on proven strategies and people-first improvements to eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes in South Boston. The plan will study key transportation connections to and within the South Boston area and recommend improvements that can be implemented immediately, within the next 15 years, and beyond. The recommendations will reflect an understanding of South Boston as it exists currently, as well as the forecasted effects of new development. This Action Plan will develop community-driven mobility improvements and conceptualize future complete streets and transit network improvements to respond to this growth, and allow the neighborhood to reach its full potential.  The BPDA and BTD will release a detailed analysis of the existing and future multi-modal network to determine the necessary sequencing of improvements to safely meet future mobility needs. Following a future conditions analysis, the South Boston Transportation Action Plan will release recommendations aimed at eliminating serious and fatal traffic crashes, simplifying intersections for all users, and improving the transportation network. The recommendations will build upon nearby recent existing planning initiatives including, but not limited to: PLAN: South Boston Dorchester Avenue, South Boston Seaport Strategic Transit Plan, and the South Boston Waterfront Sustainable Transportation Plan. In conjunction with the launch of this Action Plan, the BPDA and Boston Transportation Department (BTD) will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Monday, November 14, 2022. This meeting will include a presentation on the South Boston Transportation Action Plan and where South Boston’s transportation network stands today, and planners will be available to answer questions from the public. Transportation planners and engineers will describe recently completed and planned transportation and infrastructure improvements in and around the Study Area, and share what they have found out so far from their existing conditions report. The topics in the existing conditions report include bike network infrastructure, pedestrian conditions, travel patterns and trends, parking statistics, crash histories, and speed data. The BPDA is also collecting feedback from residents through a survey that will be open until December 15, 2022. This survey covers everything from transportation habits and preferences, to future improvements that could be implemented through the planning process.  The agency will host pop up opportunities at several locations in the neighborhood - including heavily trafficked bus stops and stores - during November and early December. This effort is intended to raise awareness of the planning process and the survey. The survey will also solicit volunteers for 60-minute focus groups which will help the project team identify key mobility challenges and opportunities. In addition to community meetings, the survey and focus groups will allow the BPDA to collect input from a wider swath of South Boston residents and receive targeted feedback.

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates MassWorks Awards to Small Towns in Russell

Part of Community One Stop for Growth Portfolio, MassWorks is Awarding $12,690,000 to 15 Small-Town Road Projects Across the Commonwealth

RUSSELL – Today, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega were joined by state and local officials in Russell to celebrate MassWorks Infrastructure Program awards that are supporting small-town road projects in Massachusetts. This year, MassWorks awarded $12,690,000 to 15 projects in small towns for key roadway safety improvements based on criteria that reserves grant funding for this type of community (also known as STRAP). Among the awards, the Town of Russell received a $1 million grant to fund infrastructure improvements to General Knox Road to eliminate sharp curves and improve safety. “Since taking office, our administration has been proud to award over $77 million in MassWorks awards to these small-town road projects,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This funding is advancing important roadway safety improvements that will make our communities better places to live, to work and to visit.” “For our small towns, these MassWorks awards represent big investments towards improving safety and stimulating economic growth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “By creating the streamlined Community One Stop for Growth application portal, we’ve enhanced the ability for our smaller communities to access MassWorks and other state economic development grant programs.” “MassWorks has been a key state resource for helping cities and towns address public infrastructure needs to support safety improvements, housing production, and private development,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “This year we’re awarding $100 million in MassWorks grants across the Commonwealth, with more than $12.6 million dedicated to small-town road projects.” “The launch of the Community One Stop for Growth application portal has resulted in a major increase in state investment to our small and rural towns over the past two years,” said Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba. “The collaborative review process ensures we can be intentional about allocating funding across 12 state programs – including MassWorks – to communities of all sizes, all across the Commonwealth.” "Investments in rural infrastructure are investments in regional equity,” said Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “I've seen firsthand how the MassWorks Infrastructure Program (STRAP) Grants have helped our communities complete critical projects that will have an impact for generations to come. Thanks to Secretary Kennealy and the Baker Administration, Monterey, Otis, Russell, and Sheffield can begin working on important projects that will strengthen the town's infrastructure and allow for major development opportunities moving forward." MassWorks, one of the state’s largest competitive grant programs, offers cities and towns flexible capital funding to support and accelerate housing production and job growth. This year, the administration is awarding 63 grants from the infrastructure program – the largest number of awards in a single round since the program’s inception in 2011 – totaling $100 million to 60 communities. Among this year’s MassWorks’ projects, 39 are reactivating underutilized sites, 31 are supporting transit-oriented developments, and 30 have a mixed-use component. Additionally, 17 communities are receiving their first ever MassWorks award. Including this year’s round, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded 391 MassWorks grants to 197 communities, investing over $709 million in public infrastructure projects throughout the state. These grants have directly supported the creation of over 26,000 new housing units and tens of thousands of construction and new permanent jobs, while also leveraging approximately $17 billion in private investment. This includes 92 MassWorks grants dedicated to 66 small towns for road improvement projects, for a total of over $77 million. The program is part of Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal that provides a streamlined, collaborative review process of 12 state grant programs that fund economic development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. Altogether, this round of the One Stop is awarding more than $143 million in grant awards to support 337 local economic development projects in 169 communities. The full list of grants can be found here. Through this round of the One Stop, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development received 523 applications from 207 communities representing every region of the Commonwealth. Of the 337 applications awarded, 31% are located in a rural or small town; 32% are located in a Gateway City; and 43% are located in a Housing Choice Community. This investment is expected to directly support the creation of 6,950 new housing units across the Commonwealth, including 5,068 new market-rate units and 1,882 new affordable units. MassWorks Awards for Small-Town Road Projects: Town of Ashburnham – $1 million This grant will fund Main Street improvements such as accessible concrete sidewalks and granite curbs on both sides of Upper Main Street from the main entrance of Cushing Academy to Pleasant and Lawrence Street. Town of Avon – $1 million This grant will support the STRAP project with improvements to undermined/failing culverts on both Rock Street and Gill Street, the reconstruction of 2,325 feet of road, and the installation of sidewalks on Gill Street. The town will also be replacing the water line on Rock Street. Town of Charlemont – $500,000 This grant will fund infrastructure improvements to the town’s bridge to better connect downtown Charlemont and neighboring towns. Town of Cheshire – $633,000 This grant will fund the resurfacing of 2.5 miles of Route 116 and the replacement of 9,120 feet of failing guardrail. This route is critical as it is a main emergency evacuation route for Adams and Cheshire residents.         Town of Clarksburg – $1 million This grant will fund infrastructure improvements including the replacement of drainage culverts and the implementation of traffic calming measures to enhance the safety of travelers.   Town of Colrain – $1 million This grant will fund the rehabilitation of Greenfield Road, a heavily trafficked road running south from Route 112 in the Colrain Village Center to the Town of Shelburne where it intersects Route 2. Town of Cummington – $882,000 This grant will support necessary improvements to replace existing deformed and undersized infrastructure for the Stage Road Culvert. Town of Hawley – $800,000 This grant will fund the preparation of bidding documents and costs associated with the construction and replacement of a failing, undersized culvert on State Route 8A with a Massachusetts Stream Crossings Standards compliant structure. Town of Hinsdale – $1 million This grant will fund the Schnopp Roads Restoration Project to repair substantial drainage issues, and the resurfacing of the road to allow Hinsdale to complete a full depth reclamation or cold in-place recycle within the same roadway footprint. Town of Leyden – $225,000 This grant will fund infrastructure improvements, including the removal of the existing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) wearing surface and membrane, chip and patch of the deck as needed, the addition of new membrane and 2 1/2-inch HMA wearing surface, and the rehabilitation of the deck joints. Town of Monterey – $1 million This grant will be used to address significant accessibility and safety issues for approximately two miles of road that connect through Beartown Mountain State Forest to the Towns of Lee and Great Barrington. Town of Otis – $650,000 This grant will be used for the construction of a composite arch bridge to replace two failing steel culverts. Project upgrades will include erosion/sediment control, earthwork, road reconstruction, guardrail improvements, channel improvements, and vegetation restoration. Town of Russell – $1 million This grant will fund infrastructure improvements to General Knox Road to eliminate sharp curves and make safer roads for the motoring public. Town of Sheffield – $1 million This grant will fund improvements to Weatogue Road, an important access route for agricultural activities and cross border mutual aid. Town of Warwick – $1 million This grant will be used for the installation of new guard rails in 10 locations deemed deficient to increase road safety.

Maura Healey 當選州長 麻州女性掌權成定局

Maura Healey (左），Kim Driscoll（右）當選麻州正副州長。 (Boston Orange　圖片）

            (Boston Orange綜合報導) 11月8日，今天，麻州締造歷史，不但民主黨全面掌權，還選出全女班團隊。Maura Healey誓言要當所有人的州長，寄語同性戀者及女生，” 你可以成為任何你想要成為的人” 。準麻州副州長Kim Driscoll點出，他們締造的不只是History，更是Herstory。

Maura Healey誓言要當所有人的州長，帶麻州做出改變。(Boston Orange　圖片）

            一如人們早在9月6日麻州初選之後就預期的，這次大選，麻州締造了許多項歷史紀錄，包括選出首名女州長，以及首名同性戀州長 (Maura Healey) ，首次州長，副州長 (Kim Driscoll) ，以及總檢察長 (Andrea Campbell)都是女性。

         在連任的麻州財政長Deb Goldberg，很可能當選麻州稽核長的Diana DiZoglio也都是女性的情況下，明年的麻州政府首長幾乎清一色的是女生。

           目前在位，競選連任的威廉蓋文 (William Galvin) 也將打破紀錄，成為麻州在位時間最長的州務卿，打破麻州首名州務卿John Avery, Jr. 從1780年1月到1806年6月的在位26年紀錄。

Maura Healey喜悅之情，溢於言表。(Boston Orange　圖片）

          8日晚上8點投票一結束，開票行動立即開始，在8點38分的開票進展Maura Healey得票率65.2%時，WBUR就已認定她將當選，在她的名字旁打了個勾。美聯社 (AP)也預告了Maura Healey將當選下任麻州州長。

Maura Healey (右），Kim Driscoll（左）當選麻州正副州長，攜手向支持者致謝。勝選派對
出席人數太多，一度暫停的不讓更多人進場。 (Boston Orange　圖片）

         大約9點，麻州州長候選人Maura Healey就在Fairmont Copley Plaza的選舉夜派對中發表當選感言了，聲言不論選民票投何人，她要當所有人的州長。她感謝那些在她競選途中花時間告訴她自己需要什麼，想要什麼的人，她將竭盡所能的和每一個人合作，為每一個人解決問題，做出改變。

          Maura Healey還說，她有特別的訊息要給每一名小女孩和每一個年輕的同性戀者。她希望這晚讓她們看到，她們可以成為任何他們想要成為的人，除了自己的想像力之外，沒有任何事或任何人可以阻擋他們。

波士頓市長吳弭(後)也是Maura Healey的支持者。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

          這場勝選派對開始得很早，結束得很快，不過人們的情緒倒是一樣高昂，喜悅之情洋溢在參選人及支持者的臉上。

          人們是從8點前後陸續入場，不到9點就有政要陸續上台講話。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ，麻州聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，聯邦眾議院副議長Katherine Clark，準副州長Kim Driscoll等人一一上台發表簡短講話。         

波士頓市長吳弭(右起)和Maura Healey，Andrea Campbell，麻州聯邦眾議員
Steven Lynch 一起爭取支持者。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

           晚上10點，Maura Healey本人發出感謝電郵給支持者，競選團隊也發佈勝選消息。在競選期間一路有Maura Healey陪同、助陣的Andrea Campbell，也在10點40分時發出電郵，感謝支持者，高興表示” 我們做到了” 。

           去年競選波士頓市長，敗在吳弭手下，如今有Maura Healey支持，當選麻州總檢察長，Andrea Campbell的經歷，似乎佐證了政治這條路的曲折迂迴。

            截至晚上11點34分，還只有48.4%的投票站回報了開票結果。州長選舉部分，Maura Healey 得 836,457票，得票率63.4%， Geoff Diehl得462,296票，得票率35%。總檢察長部分，民主黨籍的Andrea Campbell得票率62.5%，約811,014票，共和黨籍的James Mcmahon得票率37.5%，約495,304票。麻州州務卿部分，民主黨籍在位已逾20多年的William Galvin得票率67.6%，約894,070票，共和黨籍的Rayla Campbell得票率29.5%，約388,743票。 (更新版)

麻州州長候選人Maura Healey 在臉書上直播競選夜派對。(臉書截圖)

Healey Makes History as First Woman Elected Governor of Massachusetts

Pledging to move Massachusetts forward together, Healey and Driscoll will meet with Gov. Baker and LG Polito Wednesday afternoon

BOSTON –

Maura Healey visited Somerville this morning. (Photo: Boston Orange) 

Maura Healey made history tonight by becoming the first woman to be elected Governor of Massachusetts. Healey and Kim Driscoll also made history tonight by becoming one of the first all-women teams to be elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor in the United States. 

Maura Healey, Ayanna Pressley and Mayor of Somerville. (Photo: Boston Orange)

Healey also is the first openly gay person to be elected Governor of Massachusetts and the first openly gay woman to be elected Governor in the country (*Democratic candidate Tina Kotek’s race in Oregon is still yet to be called).

In a speech to supporters in Boston on Tuesday night, Healey touched on the importance of representation, saying: “Tonight, I want to say something to every little girl and every young LGBTQ person. I hope tonight shows you that you can be whatever you want to be. And nothing but your own imagination should ever get in the way. I want you to know that tonight, we made history!”

Healey also began laying out her priorities for the transition to her new administration, focusing on her commitment to bring people together and make Massachusetts more affordable. She said: 

“The people of Massachusetts have given us an historic opportunity tonight, and a mandate to act. We’ll ignore the noise and focus every day on making a difference in their lives. Our job from day one will be to make our state more affordable… It is time for us to model the kind of leadership and collaboration and, yes, the respect that we want to see elsewhere. Because in Massachusetts we lift people up. We come together. And we lead. That’s who we are.”

Her running mate, Kim Driscoll, added: “We want to bring the Get Stuff Done approach to Beacon Hill so that ALL of our hometowns have a brighter future… Today, Massachusetts voters stood proud, spoke with one, powerful, clear voice and said, ‘It’s her time.’”

Healey and Driscoll will get right to work on Wednesday, meeting with Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito to begin initial discussions about transition to a new administration. Additional details about a subsequent media availability will be available on Wednesday.