Governor Baker Appoints Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Board of Directors

 Governor Baker Appoints Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Board of Directors 

BOSTON — Governor Charlie Baker today appointed the seven-member Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors and designated Betsy Taylor as chair. In July, Governor Baker signed legislation that established a new, permanent board of directors for the MBTA.

“I am pleased to appoint this distinguished group that together will bring years of leadership and knowledge to serve on the MBTA Board of Directors,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The expertise and diversity of perspectives that make up this Board will allow the MBTA to continue to focus on providing safe and reliable service to riders as it invests record levels of funding across the system, and I am thankful for the Board’s willingness to serve.”

“The guidance and insight of this Board will be valuable and significant as the MBTA continues to build a resilient and robust system working with multiple communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with the Board to maintain the MBTA’s progress.”

The Administration previously proposed the Board in its Fiscal Year 2022 budget recommendation and before that, in its Fiscal Year 2021 budget recommendation, to replace the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) created by the Administration following the winter of 2015.

“The MBTA has become a safer, more reliable and equitable service provider that riders can depend on thanks in large part to the dedicated, strategic and transparent leadership provided over the last few years to address a system that had been overlooked and neglected,” said Transportation Secretary & MassDOT CEO Jamey Tesler. “As the MBTA turns this corner, and we collectively emerge from the pandemic, the General Manager and his team are well positioned to continue to address ridership and revenue challenges, while successfully building on the record capital investments and customer-focused initiatives that have improved on-time performance, safety and reliability. I look forward to working with the Directors to serve as a strategic resource, and see that the MBTA’s progress continues.”

“The MBTA looks forward to working with and receiving direction from the new Board as we continue to invest in the system and build back better, more equitable service for our current and future riders,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We’re committed to working with the new Board to continue to invest billions of dollars, not only this year, but in the coming years, to modernize MBTA infrastructure and to continue to make dependable improvements for our riders in order to provide the safest, fastest service possible.”

By statue, the MBTA Board of Directors will consist of seven members. The Secretary of Transportation will serve as an ex-officio member. The MBTA Advisory Board appoints one member who has municipal government experience in the MBTA’s service area and experience in transportation operations, transportation planning, housing policy, urban planning or public or private finance. The Governor appoints the remaining five members, including a rider and resident of an environmental justice population, and a person recommended by the President of the AFL-CIO.

About the MBTA Board of Directors:

Betsy Taylor (Chair) has served as the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee for the MassDOT Board since 2015. During this time, she inspired the creation and hiring of a department-wide Chief Compliance Officer and is a Co-chair of the Allston I-90 Financing Team. Previously, Taylor worked at the Massachusetts Port Authority from 1978 to 2015 in a variety of financial roles and continues to serve as an elected board member of the Massport Employee Retirement system. While at Massport, she established the Authority’s first Treasury Department in 2001, and secured and maintained its Aa3, AA-, and AA credit ratings. Taylor also worked for the University of Massachusetts, Boston as the Assistant Director of the Office of the Budget. A longtime resident of Massachusetts, Taylor received her Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and her MBA from Stanford University.

Robert Butler serves as the President of the Northeast Regional Council of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), a post he has held since May of this year, as well as serving as the Vice President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Previously, Butler served as the Business Manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, where he was responsible for managing over 5,000 Union members and oversaw millions of dollars in investments and Union funds. Butler spent almost 20 years as a Journeyman in Local 17, giving him a strong understanding of the needs of trade employees that he uses to advocate for worker’s rights.

Thomas “Scott” Darling is an independent consultant where he provides advice and expertise to organizations to help them improve their safety, security, environmental, and change management performance. Previously, Darling served as the Chief of Safety, Security, & Control Center Operations for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), where he directed the function and Activities of the CTA’s Safety Department. He also served as for three years as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator at the United States Department of Transportation after being confirmed by the Senate. Darling had previously served at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as the Acting Administrator and as its Chief Counsel. Darling also worked at the MBTA from 2008 to 2012 as a Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant General Counsel, as well as working for the Conservation Law Foundation from 1999 to 2005 in various capacities. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Worcester’s Clark University and later went on to receive his Master’s degree from Tufts University and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School.

Travis McCready is the Executive Director, US Life Sciences Market for JLL.  Before this, McCready most recently served as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and before that, the Vice President of Programs for The Boston Foundation (TBF). In this role he focused the TBF’s grant awards on education, health, economic development, the arts and local neighborhoods. McCready previously served as TBF’s Chief of Staff and Corporate Secretary from 2001 to 2003. From 2010 to 2013 McCready was the Executive Director of the Kendall Square Association, where he increased membership and represented the organization as a member of Governor Patrick’s Economic Development Advisory Committee. McCready also has experience working at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority in a variety of leadership roles and as Director of Community Affairs for Harvard University. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law.

Mary Beth Mello is the principal at Mello Transportation Consulting, where she helps consult with the MassDOT Rail and Transit Division on matters related to the Commonwealth’s Regional Transit Authorities. Previously, Mello worked at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from 1993 to 2010, first as a Deputy Regional Administrator and then later as the New England Regional Administrator. While there, Mello oversaw federal funding for a variety of local initiatives, including the MBTA’s Green Line Extension project and Connecticut’s Walk Bridge Railroad Bridge Replacement project. She received several awards while working at the FTA, including the USDOT Secretary’s Gold Medal and Silver Medal. Mello is a graduate of Smith College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree, and Boston University, where she received her Master’s degree.

The MBTA Advisory Board has appointed Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch as its designee.

The Collective PAC Endorses Danielle Allen

The Collective PAC Endorses Danielle Allen

The nation’s largest PAC dedicated to increasing Black political engagement endorses Danielle Allen’s candidacy for MA Governor

Boston, MA -- Today, The Collective PAC — the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation and power across all levels of government— endorsed Danielle Allen for Governor of Massachusetts. 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.

"As a nonprofit leader and policy innovator, Danielle Allen has been leading organizations for decades at all scales to tackle the pressing issues affecting our community, from COVID-19 response work leading a multi-disciplinary covid response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board to justice reform through shepherding increased investments for incarcerated people during her time with the Mellon Foundation," said Kevin Olasanoye, Collective PAC’s Political Director. "We're proud to endorse Danielle Allen in her gubernatorial campaign as her vision of knitting Massachusetts' communities back together into One Commonwealth will lay a foundation for all to stand on and thrive." 

Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen issued the following statement:

“It is an honor to earn the Collective PAC’s endorsement for my candidacy and our campaign’s mission to reimagine the future of Our Commonwealth. The work Collective PAC does on behalf of the Black community to elevate talented leaders across the country is crucial to achieving a truly equitable democracy. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Collective PAC as our campaign drives transformation.” 

麻州州長選戰遠在明年 川普趕表態支持Geoff Diehl

           (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州的州長選舉，美國前總統川普也來”參一咖”? 在一份聲明中，川普表示2022的麻州州長選舉，他將支持共和黨籍候選人Geoff Diehl。

川普在聲明中說，”Geoff Diehl會是一名傑出的麻州州長，給他我完整及全部的支持，是我的榮幸”。

Geoff Diehl曾是州議員，也是畢肯丘上最保守人士之一，2018年由共和黨提名參選聯邦參議員，但以24個百分點，輸給了聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren。

在支持聲明中，川普不忘猛烈攻擊還沒宣佈是否競選連任的查理貝克(Charlie Baker)。他稱查理貝克為”RINO (Republican in name only)”，意為名義上是共和黨人，卻未為共和黨做任何事的人。

            他還一連串的批評貝克，從對犯罪的立場，對新冠病毒疫情的回應，以及交通，氣候議題，無所不彈。

            他說，「貝克絕對不是”美國第一”，或者”讓美國再次偉大”的那種人」。「相反的，Geoff Dieh卻是真正的愛國者」。

            麻州共和黨的忠於川普者和支持查理貝克的溫和者，刻正處於嚴重分裂狀態。川普對保守的Geoff Dieh的支持，卻在這時出現。

            查理貝克是一名很受歡迎的第二任首長，避開了全國性的政治爭議，鼓吹合作，不分黨派的方法。他說她還在和家人討論是否尋求第三度連任。他有時很大聲的批評川普，曾經公開的說在2020年的總統大選中，他沒有投票給川普。

            在查理貝克為郵寄投票辯護後，2020年9月時，川普也在推特上工及查理貝克。

            川普在推特上寫道，「”RINO”的麻州州長查理貝克不成功的想要為郵遞投票辯護」，在沒有證據下聲稱郵遞投票導致大規模詐欺。

            就在Geoff Dieh宣稱「2020年的選舉被操縱了」，這川普追隨者經常重複的話之後一天，川普的支持就來了。

            Geoff Dieh本週也呼籲查理貝克拒絕允許郵寄投票成為永久性的法案，聲稱在沒有證據下，缺席投票導致了欺詐。

            Geoff Dieh最近還參加了在鱈魚角，查理貝克籌款會外面的一場抗議活動，擴大了麻州共和黨的內部分裂。麻州共和黨的現任黨主席Jim Lyons批評查理貝克，並選擇站在川普這邊，讓麻州共和黨委員會的許多人感到沮喪。

            Geoff Dieh在5日的一份聲明中表示，他和川普通電話，誓言追隨前總統的領導後，得到支持。「就像總統，我要人們覺得政府不是在和他們做對，他們可以享受我們州及國家所奠基的個人自由。

            儘管川普在麻州很難說受人歡迎，但他的支持在麻州共和黨初選中，可能證明有些微的影響力。Geoff Dieh已經一直在公及查理貝克，指控他把新冠病毒控制做得太過火，以至於損害小企業。

            目前已宣佈競選麻州州長者，包括麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang-Diaz)，前任麻州參議員Ben Downing，以及哈佛教授Danielle Allen。這幾人的知名度都遠不如查理貝克，或是另一名還為宣佈動態的潛在參選者，競選帳戶內有330萬元，在全美都有知名度的麻州總檢察長奚莉(Maura Healey)。

            查理貝克雖未宣佈他是否參選，但9月份他籌得17萬3300元，那是他近2年來籌款成績最佳的月分。

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor 

Boston, MA — Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts today announced their enthusiastic endorsement of Michelle Wu for Mayor of Boston. Wu has always been a champion for reproductive freedom. During her time on the Boston City Council, she has supported many measures to secure abortion as basic, accessible healthcare, including the ROE Act, which removed medically unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to abortion care, and ensures patients can access the care they need here in Massachusetts.

“Abortion is and will always be critical, life-saving care,” said Michelle Wu. “I’m honored to have the support of PPAF and look forward to working with them to protect access to reproductive healthcare and connect every person with the care they need.” 

“Michelle Wu is a champion of Planned Parenthood patients and all Bostonians. We need Michelle in the Mayor’s office to protect our rights, dismantle barriers to care, and to build true reproductive freedom for all,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of PPAF. "With Michelle’s bold vision and leadership, we can build a stronger, more equitable city for all.” 

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of MA advocates for reproductive rights and works to increase access to sexual and reproductive health care and comprehensive sex education for people across Massachusetts.

Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachussetts’s endorsement adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Adrian Madaro, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

麻州參議會通過永久實施提早投票法 還等眾議會議決

             (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州參議會週三(6日)以壓倒性的36比3票，通過修訂麻州提早投票法，細則包括實施選民即日登記，不須藉口的以郵寄方式投票等。這法案將交付麻州眾議會討論，一旦眾議會也通過，經麻州長簽署，麻州選舉辦法將永久改變。

             在新冠病毒大流行期間，州議員們曾頒布法令，暫時把郵寄投票，以及提早投票等作法，展延至12月15日。

            麻州參議會議長，民主黨籍的Karen Spilka表示，新冠病毒大流行帶來的少數好處之一是人們有了機會證實，許多人催促多年的投票改革是可行的，而且人們的確做到了。

             支持者如麻州婦女投票聯盟執行主任Patricia Comfort表示，法案中包括的許多辦法，協助締造了去年秋天的記錄。反對者則稱其中有些辦法可能違反麻州憲法。

             麻州參議會通過的法案將容許個別人士在提早投票期間，或是在初選的選舉日當天登記投票。支持者表示，這將讓麻州加入已20個州及哥倫比亞區的行列，實施同日登記。

             為擴大親自投票，該法案將要求凡是雙年的州級選舉，以及在同一天舉行的任何地方選舉，都實施2週，包括2個週末的提早親自投票。該法案也將容許在總統選舉，或是同日舉行的州級初選，以及任何地方市鎮選舉有一週，包括一個週末的可以提早親自投票。

             地方市鎮將可選擇在任何的地方選舉中實施提早親自投票。

             刻正競選麻州州長的陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang-Diaz)稱這法案是一大進步。(更正標題錯字)

Governor Baker Nominates Helen White as Clerk Magistrate of the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court

Governor Baker Nominates Helen White as Clerk Magistrate of the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Helen White as Clerk Magistrate of the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court.

“Helen White’s decades of experience in the Boston Municipal Court’s Dorchester Division have greatly prepared her for this office,” said Governor Charlie Baker. "I look forward to the consideration of her nomination by the Governor’s Council."

"Helen White has dedicated her career to the Trial Court, and her years of experience clearly demonstrate her commitment to public service and her community,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as Clerk Magistrate.”

The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges serving the City of Boston in 8 court divisions located in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. Besides both criminal and civil cases, the Boston Municipal Court Department also has jurisdiction to review some government agency actions, such as unemployment compensation appeals and firearms license appeals.

The Boston Municipal Court Department is devoted to the rule of law through the conscientious and expeditious resolution of disputes, with a commitment to restoring the human spirit through correction, education, respect and compassion.

For more information about the Housing Court, please visit their homepage

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

About Helen White

Helen White began her career in 1993 as a Courtroom Procedures Clerk for the Boston Municipal Court. In this role, she helped assistant clerk magistrates with session work, provided jury trial training to assistant clerks, and assisted the public, lawyers and litigants with court questions and general information. She also served from 1994 until 2000 as a Sessions Clerk, clerking court sessions and assisting judges with internal and external case information and mental health hearings. In 2000, Ms. White became an Operations Supervisor at the Boston Municipal Court, a position she held until 2014. There, she handled a wide range of matters including supervising the activities performed in all work units within the office, training staff on new procedures and troubleshooting unusual work situations. Since 2015, Ms. White has served as the Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court, reviewing police reports, criminal complaints, affidavits and warrants, as well as conducting show cause hearings and presiding over small claims trials. Ms. White is a certified official in basketball, hockey and lacrosse. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and her Masters Degree in Education from Cambridge College

Michelle Wu Celebrated HQ 2 Opening on Blue Hill Ave with Community Leaders and Supporters

Haitian Community Leaders Endorse Michelle Wu for Mayor 

 

Boston, MA - More than 20 Haitian community leaders came together to celebrate the opening of Michelle Wu’s second campaign office and announce their official endorsement of Wu. The community leaders expressed their enthusiastic support of Michelle Wu for Mayor.

“I am endorsing Michelle Wu as the next Mayor of the City of Boston, because she's a progressive candidate that will reconcile our city and mend all fences by uniting our city via equities for all. Also by setting up a table at City Hall where every community member will be a partner and be well represented on every need without any exclusion,” said Jean-Claude Sanon.

 

“I’m grateful that our diverse and broad coalition continues to grow with Haitian leaders from all over Boston. These leaders are trailblazers in their communities who have continuously worked to make Boston a more equitable and inclusive city,” said Michelle Wu. 

 

Community leaders also included Metheun Ward City Councilor Eunice Delice Zeigler, Yves Mary Jean, Kerby Roberson, Jovan Lacet, Oswald Neptune, Henry Milorin, James Reginald Colimon, Michel Denis, Richard Champagne, Duckens Petit-Maitre, Alix Cantave, Fritz Guerrier, Shango Polynice, Ernst Guerrier, Mario Archer, Leonise Desrosiers, Venette Jean Pierre, Rodney Nerestant, Panel Armand, Patrick Domercant, Nancy Chery, Ronald Dalexis, Wilson Telismo, and Arthur Almeda.

These endorsements add to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Adrian Madaro, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts; WAKANDA II; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.  (Update version)

WAKANDA II Endorses Michelle Wu For Mayor

WAKANDA II Endorses Michelle Wu For Mayor

 

Boston, MA— WAKANDA II, a community coalition based on Black empowerment, self-determination and building equity in Boston, endorsed Michelle Wu for Mayor today. Citing her bold vision for Boston and proven track record, the coalition of community leaders and activists said that Wu is the best candidate to deliver for Boston residents as the city deals with overlapping crises of racial, economic and climate justice.

 

"After an exhaustive process in which the two Boston Mayoral candidates were drilled on an array of detailed questions critically important to Black residents of Boston, WAKANDA II endorses Michelle Wu. We believe that Wu is the best choice to deliver on matters of critical importance and that she will create the best path to achieve the  Boston that we can be; a city where decisions and opportunities are grounded in equity and justice for all.  For this time, for this moment, for the promise of Boston, WAKANDA II endorses Michelle Wu to be the next Mayor of Boston and pledge to do all we can to achieve victory," said Dianne Wilkerson.

 

“I am grateful to stand with community leaders and activists who continue to push for action and accountability. From building a thriving Black business community, to boosting home ownership and educational equity, I look forward to continuing to partner with them as we work to ensure all our neighborhoods have the resources they need to be safe, supported and healthy,” said Michelle Wu.

 

WAKANDA II’s endorsement adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Adrian Madaro, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, UFCW 1445, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements. 

6 波士頓市議員公開支持Lydia Edwards當參議員

 

Lydia Edwards endorsed by Boston City Council colleagues 

BOSTON – Lydia Edwards has been endorsed by six of her Boston City Council colleagues in the special election to State Senate, including: Matt O'Malley, Council President Pro Tempore and District 6 representative; At-Large City Councilors Julia Mejia and Michael Flaherty; Ed Flynn, District 2 City Councilor; Kenzie Bok, District 8 City Councilor; and Liz Breadon, District 9 City Councilor. The endorsements took place at a press conference on City Hall Plaza Wednesday. Primary Election Day is December 14, 2021. General Election Day is January 11, 2022.

“I am honored to have the support of my colleagues. We have been in the trenches together fighting for a strong slate of progressive ideas, including housing, green space, immigrant rights and workers’ rights. I’m proud that every single one of them is standing with me to make sure the people of the First Suffolk & Middlesex District have an advocate in the State House,” said Councilor Edwards. “Primary voters in East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and Cambridgeport will go to the polls on December 14th to choose their next state senator, and I hope they will consider the work and results I have delivered as a member of the Boston City Council when they make their decision. This is a huge moment for this campaign and I am honored to have earned the trust and support of so many of my colleagues.”

“Lydia has been a trusted, valued and accomplished colleague on the Boston City Council and she will continue that great work in the senate,” said Councilor O’Malley. “She is tough and resilient and she doesn’t shy away from difficult problems. You always want her in the foxhole next to you. Lydia gets up each and every day to make this City and this Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. The fact that we are all assembled here speaks to who Lydia is as a leader, and I am so excited to endorse her today.”

Councilor Flaherty said, “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues today in support of Lydia Edwards to be the next State Senator for the First Suffolk & Middlesex District. I have always admired Lydia’s hard work and commitment. She takes the tough issues head on: Zoning reform, affordable housing, climate resilience, addressing neighborhood quality of life issues. She has been a shining star on the Boston City Council and she is the best choice to represent this district.”

“Lydia is someone who has always been on the right side when it comes to supporting frontline workers, fighting for dignity and living wages for those who are left out of these conversations,” said Councilor Mejia. “She is someone who understands the importance of making laws that make people’s lives better. Lydia has taken the time to educate people about what their rights are and what it looks like when we convene across our differences to move the city forward. I know she will bring that sense of urgency and that fire to uplift all the people that have been left out. I know that her skill, her ability, and her command of legislation is going to get us to where we need to be in this moment, and I am proud to endorse her for state senate.”

“I'm here today because I represent the largest immigrant community in the city,” said Councilor Flynn. “I know Lydia's commitment to immigrants, to persons with disabilities, to people struggling in life, our seniors, working families, and others. My strong endorsement of Lydia is based on her character and based on her hard work, her advocacy in fighting for those who need our help in government. And that's what Lydia will do in the state senate. I'm honored to work with Lydia and I'm honored to stand with my colleagues today to endorse her.”

“I am so proud to be here today to endorse Lydia Edwards to be my next state senator. I'll be casting my ballot for her on December 14 and I could not be more excited about that,” said Councilor Bok. “There are a lot of walls that stand between us and justice and progress on all of our major issues in the state, whether you're talking about transportation, climate change, or others. Where other people chip away at walls, Lydia breaks them down with her passion and her smarts. We do our work on the City Council but we need solid partners at the state, and Lydia is someone you want in your corner. I'll be so proud to have her represent Beacon Hill, where I am a City Councilor, but Lydia has the passion and drive to represent all the people of Revere, Winthrop and Cambridge.”

“Lydia has been working on really important issues and making people's lives better long before she became a city councilor. Housing stability, domestic workers rights – so many issues where she's been bringing her smarts, her commitment, her hard work to solve problems and make lives better all over the Commonwealth,” said Councilor Breadon. “Her work impacts far beyond the City of Boston. I've been honored to have her as a colleague and she's been a tremendous friend, a mentor, and an asset to the City Council. It is with absolutely no hesitation that I endorse her today for state senate.”

Lydia Edwards is a candidate for State Senate representing the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, following the departure of Senator Joseph A. Boncore. For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, visit: LydiaEdwards.org/endorsements.

Kim Janey 簽行政命令訂10月11日為原住民日

MAYOR JANEY ESTABLISHES INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY IN BOSTON Mayor Janey signed an executive order declaring the second Monday of October to be Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Boston

 

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today signed an executive order establishing Monday, October 11, 2021 and every second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Boston. As part of this effort, the City of Boston is committed to recognizing the Indigenous history, celebrating cultures, strengthening relationships, denouncing colonial past, and increasing dialogue with local tribes to foster reconciliation and support for the rights of Indigenous people. Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the history of the land where Boston sits, the traditional homeland of the Massachusett Tribe and the home of neighboring Wampanoag and Nipmuc tribes. Mayor Janey encourages local businesses, organizations, and public institutions to use this day as a moment of reflection of historic policies that actively suppressed Indigenous cultures. “Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the rich cultural legacies of our Indigenous communities while also declaring Boston is ready to work with our neighbors to create a more just future,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “With Boston’s long history comes an opportunity and obligation to acknowledge the difficult parts of our past and dedicate ourselves to fostering a more equitable City. Observing Indigenous Peoples Day is about replacing the colonial myths passed down from generation to generation with the true history of the land upon which our nation was founded.” Wednesday’s signing at Boston City Hall is a result of collaboration with the United American Indians of New England (UAINE), the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB), and members of the Massachusett Tribe - all a key part of increasing the City’s engagement with Indigenous communities in Boston. “The people of the Massachusett Tribe have been a part of what is now called Boston for over 10,000 years,” said Elizabeth Solomon of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag. “For far too long, the indigenous history of this place has been obscured, and frequently erased, by the histories, myths, and priorities of the dominant culture. We are happy to see the City of Boston take the important step of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous peoples in Boston, the Americas, and around the world. Many thanks to Mayor Janey and the many members of her administration who worked with the indigenous community to make this happen.” “As someone who was born in Boston but never felt that Indigenous people were welcomed by the city government, I am very happy about Mayor Janey’s actions today,” said Kimimilasha James, an Aquinnah Wampanoag youth leader with United American Indians of New England. “Indigenous Peoples Day brings a positive message about Indigenous survival and resilience in the face of genocidal actions directed against Indigenous peoples since 1492. It’s a day to learn about and celebrate Indigenous history and contemporary Indigenous peoples and cultures. And it is just a first step for the city to begin to build relationships with Indigenous people and begin to address the many injustices faced by Indigenous people here in Boston and elsewhere. It is time for us to stop being largely ignored and erased.” “As a First Nation Migmaw mother, I am pleased that the city of Boston is honoring Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Gloria Colon, Outreach Coordinator for the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB). “Growing up in Dorchester I experienced racism, I was targeted just for being Indigenous. While our city still has work to do to make all people safe, it is important that Indigenous children are appreciated and included.” “We have been working for several years to get Boston to properly acknowledge and be in relationship with Indigenous nations and people here,” said Mahtowin Munro (Lakota) from United American Indians of New England and the statewide Indigenous Peoples Day campaign. “We wish to thank Mayor Janey and her staff for listening to the concerns of Indigenous people in the city and for her expressed commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and racial justice for Indigenous peoples in the Boston area. She and her staff have set an example as well by thoughtfully consulting and considering future steps that need to be taken by the city. We are elated that she has declared October 11, 2021 to be Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Boston.” “I’m so proud to have a Mayor who listens to community and works to make Boston an inclusive city,” said Raquel Halsey, member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation and Executive Director of NAICOB. “As a service provider, we have heard countless stories of Indigenous people feeling unwelcome in Boston, and they have felt the lasting consequences of genocide and colonialism everyday. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day is an important step towards addressing the lived experiences of many residents and building trust between municipalities and Indigenous nations.” “We must commend the tribal leaders, Indigenous activists, and the City of Boston’s internal working group for their dedication towards the action steps to enable the health and wellness of our community members,” said Jean-Luc Pierite, member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, president of NAICOB, and member of the executive committee of the Black Mass. Coalition. “NAICOB, following our over 50 year tradition and commitment to the New England Native American community, looks forward to being a partner in ensuring improved government-to-government relationships.” Boston joins over two dozen Massachusetts cities and towns in recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day, a movement that has garnered allies within the Italian American community. “The membership of Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day is thrilled that Boston Mayor Kim Janey has listened to the voices of Indigenous people and taken this important step toward truth and justice,” said Heather Leavell, one of five co-founders of the Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day. “By establishing Indigenous Peoples Day, Boston will honor the histories, cultures, and resilience of the First Peoples of this land - those who were here long before our ancestors arrived on these shores and are still here today. We welcome the opportunities this holiday will bring us to move forward together in healing and reconciliation.” “We also call on the MA Legislature to pass bill H.3191/S.2027, ‘An Act Establishing Indigenous Peoples Day’," Leavell continued, “to officially designate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples Day across the Commonwealth. Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day believes that a holiday that celebrates the resilience of Indigenous peoples is far more truthful and uplifting than one that honors a man whose legacy is characterized by conquest, slavery, and genocide. Any association with Christopher Columbus diminishes our culture and does not honor the struggles and contributions of our ancestors or the long tradition of human rights activism in the Italian American community.” As a way to turn this new day of recognition into action, an internal working group of City employees has developed a series of proposals as the beginning of a long-term healing process, in collaboration with Indigenous community leadership. Those proposals include recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day; land acknowledgement; expanded capacity within the City to engage the Indigenous community and to support Indigenous youth and families; increased public representation of Indigenous peoples in the City; and an increased focus on housing, economic and workforce development for tribal members.

Kim Janey 為INDIGO剪綵 波士頓新添89戶可負擔住宅

MAYOR JANEY AND PARTNERS CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF INDIGO BLOCK

 

 

New development creates 89 units of affordable housing and 23,000 square feet  of commercial and office space

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - Today Mayor Janey joined the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, Boston Capital Development, Escazú Development, Newmarket community partners, and local residents for the grand opening celebration of Indigo Block, an 89-unit, mixed-use, transit-oriented affordable development on a 2.5-acre parcel located at 65 East Cottage Street in Dorchester. “The completion of the rental units at Indigo Block is the culmination of years of hard work and many productive partnerships between the community, area stakeholders, government agencies, and private investors. I am proud that together, we are guaranteeing long-term affordability by creating these new homes,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I want to thank Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, Boston Capital Development, and Escazú Development for all they have done to get the project done against all odds in the middle of a pandemic.” Indigo Block creates 80 mixed-income rental units and nine homeownership units for first-time homebuyers. Also, it creates 23,000 square feet of light industrial and office space, which will accommodate up to seven commercial tenants. Indigo Block creates affordable housing options and provides opportunities for small businesses to expand and create jobs in the community. Dorchester Bay and its partners, Boston Capital Development and Escazú Development, have developed 80 rental units that will house low- to middle-income households. Of the rental units, 44 will be available to individuals making up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or $56,400 per year, and 36 will be for individuals making between 61% and up to 90% of AMI, or $76,100 per year. “As an organization, Dorchester Bay strives to create healthy, safe, and attractive homes for our residents, and economic opportunities for the community. This project shows how a truly productive private, nonprofit, and public sector partnership can accomplish these goals. We're grateful to all of our partners for helping us to deliver Indigo Block, and we look forward to its being a community asset for years to come,” said Dorchester Bay EDC CEO Perry Newman. “We are very excited that Indigo Block is near completion. This project fills an incredible need in the community for more mixed affordable housing units as well as light industrial space that we know will provide dozens of jobs for local residents! The strength of our partnership has been key to bringing about a model development that we know will set the bar for similar projects in the future,” said Newmarket Community Partners Executive Director Susan Sullivan. Indigo Block was designed by Davis Square Architects to be energy and resource-efficient in accordance with the City of Boston’s Green Affordable Housing Program. It utilizes high-efficiency heating and cooling systems fixtures, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances. The development also employed environmentally-friendly design features throughout. The site received LEED Neighborhood Development certification. It also meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star standards.

 

 

“The Indigo Block fulfills a long-held community vision of transforming a vacant city parcel into a true neighborhood asset that delivers affordable homes and economic opportunities,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. “This new housing community resulted from a truly collaborative effort by all the development partners, and the Uphams Corner community and MassHousing were pleased to be part of completing this dynamic project for the residents now calling Indigo Block home.” This mixed-income transit-oriented development was made possible with funding from the City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development (DND), Inclusionary Development Program (IDP), HOME Program, Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Commercial Area Transit Node Housing Program (CATNHP), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) from Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC) and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Funding support for Indigo Block also includes financing from Eastern Bank, Boston Private Bank, The Life Initiative, Boston Capital, MassHousing, Property and Casualty Initiative LLC, Community Based Housing (CBH), CEDAC, and The Northern Trust Company.

摩頓市地產商偷屋主物業出售 鋃鐺入獄

MAN PLEADS GUILTY, SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR STEALING PROPERTY FROM HOMEOWNERS AND SELLING TO THIRD-PARTY BUYERS TO MAKE PROFIT

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Forgery, Larceny, and Uttering False Writings 

            WOBURN – The former co-owner of Malden real estate company Ashmex, Inc. has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to jail in connection with a scheme to steal real estate from property owners and then sell it for profit, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

            Last week, Kofi Asare, age 43, from Worcester, pleaded guilty in Middlesex Superior Court to four counts each of Forgery, Larceny over $250, and Uttering a False Writing.

After the plea was entered, Judge Patrick M. Haggan sentenced Asare to two years in the House of Correction, with six months to serve, and the balance suspended for a probationary period of two years, with the conditions that he pay restitution in the amount of $549,480, dissolve all entities he owns that engage in the acquisition and sale of real estate, and be prohibited from practicing real estate and/or being employed by any entity that buys, sells or markets real estate.

“This defendant perpetrated a real estate scheme in which he stole from homeowners and falsified documents in order to make a profit for himself,” said AG Healey. “We remain dedicated to protecting people with distressed properties from these predatory and deceptive practices.”

            The AG’s Consumer Protection Division began an investigation after receiving a referral from the AG’s Neighborhood Renewal Division. The investigation revealed that starting around 2015, Asare began stealing real estate from property owners and would sell those properties for profit.

Part of the fraudulent scheme involved creating fake deeds, whereby Asare would list the original homeowner’s name and forge their signature to transfer the property to himself or Ashmex. Once he illegally acquired ownership to these properties, he would try selling the property to third-party buyers without the victims’ knowledge, keeping all profits for himself or his business.

            The investigation also found that Asare posed as a real estate agent in order to obtain more information on the homeowners’ mortgages, including payment history, payoffs, and making requests for short sales. He then used this information to further facilitate the sale of many of these properties.  

            This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Carlos Wilder of the AG’s Consumer Protection Division, and Senior Trial Counsel Matthew Berge of the AG’s Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau, with assistance from Marlee Greer of the AG’s Civil Investigations Division, Megan Murphy of the AG’s Victim Services Division, and Assistant Attorney General Kimberly McDonald of the AG’s Consumer Protection Division.

全美亞裔總商會「亞裔中小企業政策研討高峯會」10月6-8日 線上舉行

(Boston Orange)全美亞裔總商會「亞裔中小企業政策研討高峯會」2021年10月6-8日 線上會議將與國會領袖及拜登政府內閣部長共同研討， 改善中小企業經營環境。包括資金取得，亞裔共同堅強對抗仇恨犯罪，未來企業成長方向。報名請上網 www.aapistrong.com/leg-conf。

演講嘉賓： 財政部長葉倫，美國貿易代表戴琪，中小企業局局長Isabella Guzman。

國會聯邦參議員譚美達克沃斯(Tammy Duckworth)，廣野慶子(Mazie Hirono)，Ben Cardin  ，聯邦眾議員小企業委員會主席Nydia M. Velázquez，趙美心，孟昭文，Andy Kim，金映玉 等以及少數族裔企業發展署執行署長Miguel Estién。

10月6日，星期三，東部時間 1-3PM/獲取資金研討日: 一起恢復企業

10月7日，星期四，東部時間 1-3PM/亞裔堅強日: 尋找我們的聲音

10月8日，星期五，東部時間 1-3PM/企業成長研討日: 開創向前道路，邀請 YouTube Co-Founder陳士駿 (Steve Chen) 現身説法，如何開創企業。

https://www.aapistrong.com/leg-conf

聯邦參議員Ed Marky宣佈支持吳弭選波士頓市長

Senator Ed Markey Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor 

Screen shot from twitter

Boston, MA— Senator Ed Markey today announced his strong endorsement of Michelle Wu for Mayor, citing her leadership on climate issues and her commitment to a more equitable city. With Markey’s endorsement, Wu now has the backing of both Massachusetts U.S. senators. Senator Markey is the co-author of the national Green New Deal to provide a framework to confront the intersecting crises of climate change, a public health pandemic, racial injustice, and economic inequality. Michelle Wu is the author of the first-ever city-level Green New Deal to make Boston a national leader on climate and environmental justice. 

“As mayoral candidate and as Boston city councilor, Michelle Wu has championed the Green New Deal and made transformational action on climate change central to her commitment to the City of Boston. Her proposals to expand access to free public transportation, decarbonize our economy, and invest in the basic rights of clean air and water will put Boston on a path to implement the systemic changes we need to provide our children, workers, and families a just and livable future. Michelle Wu will make Boston a Green New Deal city and position us to lead the national movement for climate action,” said Senator Markey. 

“Senator Ed Markey’s bold vision has inspired activists, young people, and so many community members to lead, and I am honored to have his support. Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast advocate for working families, environmental justice and a more equitable city, state and nation. I am excited to continue to organize together, build together and fight together for our brightest future,” said Michelle Wu. 

Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and national leader on climate, energy, environmental protection and telecommunications policy, has a prolific legislative record on major issues across the policy spectrum and a deep commitment to improving the lives of the people of Massachusetts and our country. Whether the issue is climate change, clean energy, safeguarding privacy, nuclear non-proliferation, investor protection or preserving an open internet, Senator Markey has amassed an unparalleled record of legislative achievement and progressive leadership.

Senator Markey’s endorsement adds to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, State Representative and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Senator Sonia Chang Diaz State Senator Julian Cyr, Representatives Liz Miranda, Adrian Madaro, Jay Livingstone, Tram Nguyen, Tommy Vitolo, Natalie Higgins, Vanna Howard, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas; Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr.; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; labor unions 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.