Sumner 隧道訂6月起暫封 麻州參議員 Lydia Edwards 爭取百萬元經費擴充船運

Sen. Lydia Edwards secures $1 Million for Regional Mitigation Ferry

Photo from Senator Edwards' website

Senator fulfills her promise to invest in water-based transportation after the Senate approves a $1 million regional ferry. 

MASSACHUSETTS – Spearheaded by Senator Lydia Edwards the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $1 million amendment for the operation of a water ferry connecting Winthrop, Lynn, Quincy, East Boston and the North End. This ferry will mitigate transportation as the 88-year-old Sumner Tunnel that runs a mile under the Boston Harbor is being renovated starting June 10. 

 “I was proud to work with my colleagues in the legislature to secure the funds for the necessary mitigation. The closing of the Sumner Tunnel impacts the entire region. The funds will be used to subsidize and expand ferry service within the MBTA ”

 This funding will be used next year when Sumner Tunnel is shut down for several months. Currently the Sumner Tunnel is one of three main arteries into Boston from the North Shore. The other two include the Ted Williams and the Tobin Bridge.

 “The people of Winthrop will be dramatically affected by the Sumner Tunnel renovation project.  For this reason, Senator Edwards and I have worked hard in this budget process to make $1,000,000.00 available to cover the cost of both a more regional, expanded and sustainable scope of the Winthrop Ferry," said Rep. Jeffrey Turco. 

 “I applaud Senator Edwards for her work on this important amendment that would provide much relief for our constituents who will be impacted by the Sumner Tunnel closures,”  said Sen. Brendan Crighton. “With traffic already at pre pandemic levels, we must do more to invest in our water transportation system and this amendment is a big step in the right direction. “  

 “Though we may travel through different parts of our state, Massachusetts residents all share the common experience known as the commute. As we strive toward making this experience as convenient as possible for everyone, we have to be open to new solutions like additional ferry service," said Sen. John F. Keenan.

 Sen. Edwards has also secured $50,000 for the Friends of Belle Isle to continue their preservation program’s at the marsh. Salt marshes like Belle Isle offer various environmental and economic benefits, as our region is increasingly threatened by a rising sea level & temperatures. 

 Additionally, Edwards secured:  $50,000 to combat substance abuse and homlesness in Revere, $75,000 for Revere’s Sand Sculpting Festival’s public safety support, $10,000 for Revere police department’s community outreach and programming,  $30,000 for CASA, a youth  organization in Winthrop, $50,000 for  STEAM and youth guidance programing at East Boston High School, $20,000 for Pine St. Inn’s for safe housing for women with mental health issues and $35,000 for Cambridge non profits including NAACP- Cambridge, HEART, Popportunity, and Cambridge Housing Authority's The Workforce training program.

波士頓移民辦公室主任調任市長副幕僚長

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES YUSUFI VALI AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

file photo BOSTON - Thursday, May 26, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the appointment of Yusufi Vali as her Deputy Chief of Staff. Vali will transition from his current position as the Director of the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) into his new role on May 31.  Vali will support Mayor Wu and Chief of Staff Tiffany Chu in leading the Mayor’s Cabinet and implementing Mayor Wu’s transformative vision of a Boston that works for all residents. Vali will play a key role in advancing Mayor Wu’s priorities, strengthening City government to be responsive to residents’ needs and voices, and ensuring strong collaboration among City departments, local organizations outside City Hall, and other levels of government to effectively deliver programs and services.  “Yusufi leads with compassion and years of experience building alongside residents in our local communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m excited for Yusufi’s experience and leadership to continue connecting all our departments and communities to City services, and grateful for his service.” “Yusufi brings a strong vision for ensuring City Hall connects with residents across all of Boston’s neighborhoods to deliver change,” said Chief of Staff Tiffany Chu. “As Deputy Chief of Staff, Yusufi will draw upon his well-known community work and leadership to drive key programs forward, and I am thrilled to work together to move the city forward”. As Director, Vali leads the MOIA team to advance stability, economic empowerment, civic ownership, and social integration for immigrants in Boston. Since Vali's appointment in 2019, MOIA has launched critical programs to ensure equity, build wealth for immigrant families, and connect immigrants in Boston with more support including Immigrants Lead Boston, the Dreamers Fellowship, and the Immigrant Professionals Fellowship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MOIA has provided crucial support with basic needs assistance to our most vulnerable immigrant residents.  “I am very excited for what Mayor Wu’s leadership and vision means for our great city at this important moment,” said Yusufi Vali. “I am honored to be part of her team focused on transforming city government to work effectively for each and every resident.“  Vali has also supported the Mayor’s legislative agenda on immigration and worked to strengthen legal infrastructure for pathways to status. In line with ensuring Boston is a city for everyone, MOIA is a fierce advocate for Boston's immigrant residents, leading the nation in supporting Haitian arrivals. Following Vali’s departure, MOIA’s interim director will be Agnes Chang, the current MOIA Chief of Staff. Prior to joining the city, Vali served as the Executive Director of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, a mosque and community center that serves over 1,500 congregants of various ethnicities, the majority of which with an immigrant background. Before joining the ISBCC in 2012, Vali was a community organizer with the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, where he advocated for better education and access to health care for low-income families.  Vali is an immigrant from Nagpur, India, and a proud resident of Roslindale.

AG HEALEY SUES MANUFACTURERS OF TOXIC ‘FOREVER’ CHEMICALS FOR CONTAMINATING MASSACHUSETTS DRINKING WATER AND DAMAGING NATURAL RESOURCES

 AG HEALEY SUES MANUFACTURERS OF TOXIC ‘FOREVER’ CHEMICALS FOR CONTAMINATING MASSACHUSETTS DRINKING WATER AND DAMAGING NATURAL RESOURCES

Exposure to PFAS Poses Serious Risks to Public Health; Complaint Seeks Payment for Contaminated Water Supplies and Damages to Natural Resources Caused by PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam

 

photo by Chutze Chou

            BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today sued 13 manufacturers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) “forever” chemicals used in firefighting foam for causing millions of dollars in damages to communities across Massachusetts by knowingly contaminating drinking water sources, groundwater, and other natural resources with highly toxic PFAS chemicals that pose a serious threat to public health and the environment. The suit also names two companies that shielded assets that should be available to remedy the damages caused by PFAS contamination.

 

The AG’s complaint, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, alleges the manufacturers repeatedly violated state and federal laws protecting drinking water and prohibiting consumer deception by marketing, manufacturing, and selling PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to government entities, counties, municipalities, local fire departments, businesses and residents in Massachusetts while knowing of the serious dangers the chemicals posed.

 

“For decades, these manufacturers knew about the serious risks highly toxic PFAS chemicals pose to public health, the environment, and our drinking water—yet they did nothing about it,” AG Healey said. “As a result of this deception, our municipalities are spending millions of dollars to provide safe drinking water to their residents. I am suing today to hold these manufacturers accountable, require them to pay the growing costs these communities are shouldering, and repair our state’s precious natural resources that have been damaged by these illegal actions.”

“Since taking office, our Administration has provided over $110 million in funding to address PFAS contamination, including establishing strict standards for PFAS in drinking water and awarding funding to public water suppliers to help address PFAS contamination,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We appreciate Attorney General Healey for her partnership in this matter and appreciate everyone’s collective work to protect Massachusetts’ drinking water sources.”

“The Commonwealth continues to take a proactive approach in identifying sources of PFAS in order to protect drinking water supplies and our natural resources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration has worked directly with local communities to address the challenges associated with PFAS in our environment. The AG’s suit against these companies is another momentous step forward in safeguarding our drinking water sources and protecting public health.”

 

“PFAS contamination has affected a number of communities in Massachusetts, requiring costly immediate and long-term actions,” said Commissioner Martin Suuberg of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). “With this legal action, the Commonwealth is taking an important step to help us and those communities that are currently bearing the burden of addressing this pollution.”

 

According to the AG’s lawsuit, the manufacturers’ illegal actions led to the contamination of countless water supplies in Massachusetts, including more than 126 public drinking water systems in 86 communities with serious levels of PFAS contamination such as in Chicopee, Weymouth, Abington, Rockland, Cape Cod and Stow. The contamination has required massive efforts by these and other municipalities and the expenditure of millions of dollars to address the threat to the public health and the environment.

 

The 15 companies named in the lawsuit—part of multidistrict litigation that consists of hundreds of lawsuits brought by state attorneys general, municipalities, and private and public water districts—are 3M Company; AGC Chemical Americas, Inc; Archroma U.S. Inc.; Arkema, Inc.; Buckeye Fire Equipment; Chemguard Inc; Clarinet Corporation; Dynax Corporation; E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Kidde-Fenwal Inc.; National Foam Inc; The Chemours Company; Tyco Fire Products LP; Corteva Inc.; and DuPont de Nemours Inc.

 

According to the AG’s lawsuit, each of these manufacturers at varying times engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing, and/or selling of PFAS-containing AFFF used in Massachusetts. AFFF has been used in the U.S. since the 1960s by the military, airports, industrial facilities, and local fire departments to suppress flammable liquid fires, including aviation and jet fuel fires, and to help train firefighters and test firefighting equipment. AFFF products can cause hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of foamy water laced with PFAS to enter the environment in a variety of ways including through soils, sediment, surface water, and groundwater.

 

The AG’s complaint alleges that the manufacturers sold and produced PFAS-products and deceptively advertised them as safe without human health or environmental risk, when in fact they knew the chemicals were highly toxic and dangerous for the environment. The AG further alleges that the manufacturers also never warned the state or other buyers about the dangers of the PFAS-containing AFFF, even as they belatedly transitioned to other formulas or phased out production.

 

As alleged in the complaint, to hide negative information about the toxicity of these products, manufacturers submitted false information to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and tried to prevent workers from discussing the risks associated with the chemicals.  The complaint further alleges that some defendants then unlawfully engaged in corporate transactions in order to avoid their liability for their products. Today’s lawsuit asserts claims under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, and the Massachusetts Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, among others.

Exposure to various PFAS, including through contaminated water supplies, can lead to serious health issues, including decreased antibody responses to vaccines, increased risk of childhood infections, developmental issues for children, decreased birthweight, testicular and kidney cancers, ulcerative colitis, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

 

The AG’s complaint also alleges that the manufacturers’ PFAS-containing AFFF products have and continue to cause serious contamination to the state’s natural resources, including the state’s lakes, streams, and rivers like the Shawsheen River, a tributary of the Merrimack River; coastal zones, including Cape Cod, Cape Ann, Martha’s Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands and their estuaries which provide critical habitat for marine life; sediments, soils and submerged lands that are critical resources for a healthy ecosystem; and thousands of plant species and diverse wildlife.

 

Today’s lawsuit is seeking costs to clean up and remove, restore, treat, and monitor PFAS contamination and an order requiring the manufacturers to reimburse the state for the damages its products caused. The complaint also demands that the manufacturers remediate and restore the state’s natural resources and pay investigation fees and costs.

 

AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division has prioritized combatting the growing public health risks associated with PFAS. Since 2019, AG Healey has repeatedly urged Congress and EPA to enact strong regulatory, reporting and monitoring standards for PFAS and to assist states and communities with the costs of drinking water treatment and other clean-up measures. AG Healey’s Office was a member of the Legislature’s PFAS Interagency Task Force that focused on addressing the state’s multifaceted ongoing PFAS-related challenges.

 

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Goldberg, Lou Dundin, and Jillian Riley, as well as Division Chief Betsy Harper, all of AG Healey’s Environmental Protection Division and Special Assistant Attorneys General John D.S. Gilmour and William Jackson with assistance from MassDEP Deputy Commissioners Gary Moran and Paul Locke, General Counsel Benjamin Ericson, Jeffrey Mickelson, Lucas Rogers and Karen Crocker of the Office of General Counsel, Senior Officials Kathy Baskin, Elizabeth Callahan, Ann Lowery and Mark Smith, and Regional Office Directors Mike Gorski, MaryJude Pigsley, Eric Worrall and Millie Garcia Serrano.

 

Statements of support:

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland)

“Safe drinking water is a critical resource, and today's actions by Attorney General Maura Healey are a powerful defense of this resource. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been shown to increase the risks of cancer and infertility, as well as developmental delays in children. In 2020 the legislature created a task force to investigate PFAS contamination in our ground and our water supply, and this litigation takes further vital steps to protect our residents and the environment. I thank the Attorney General for her work to ensure that our Commonwealth’s laws and environmental protections are upheld, and I look forward to studying future developments on this issue.”

 

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy)

“The safety of our drinking water is of paramount importance, which is why I’m proud to support the Attorney General in the effort to hold the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals accountable. In response to the ongoing work done by Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and the PFAS Commission, the legislature allocated significant funding to support cities and towns as they work to guarantee that the Commonwealth’s public drinking water is safe for everyone. The House looks forward to engaging on this issue in the future as we learn more about the devastating impacts of PFAS chemicals on public health and our environment.”

 

State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow), co-chair of the Legislature’s PFAS Interagency Task Force

“For far too long, manufacturers have eluded responsibility for damages to public health and the environment caused by PFAS in firefighting foam. As a result of their decision to put profits ahead of people, our drinking water is contaminated with PFAS, our residents face health risks from exposure to these chemicals, and our communities are spending millions of dollars on remediation projects. The PFAS Interagency Task Force heard powerful testimony from the firefighting community on the devastating effects of PFAS in firefighting foam and turnout gear. I applaud Attorney General Maura Healey for taking this pivotal step to hold manufacturers accountable and to provide relief to impacted communities. Massachusetts is sending a clear message that the state will not tolerate endangerment of our residents and natural resources.”

 

Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), co-chair of the Legislature’s PFAS Interagency Task Force

“The widespread use of PFAS since the mid-20th century has resulted in contamination of our waters and environment and poses a risk to human health. There is an urgent need to move swiftly to phase out PFAS usage and attenuate a myriad of environmental and public health impacts. I am grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Maura Healey in holding those accountable for the PFAS contamination we see in our drinking water and environment. I am encouraged to have the Attorney General’s vision and partnership as we work together to ensure Massachusetts leads the way in tackling PFAS.”

 

Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director & CEO Geoff Beckwith

“On behalf of cities and towns in every corner of our state, we applaud Attorney General Maura Healey's leadership and resolve to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for years of harm to our environment, public health and worker safety. Municipalities and local taxpayers have been unfairly burdened with the expensive and complex task of removing toxic PFAS chemicals from our groundwater, lakes and streams, and from our public safety workplaces. Attorney General Healey’s legal intervention rightly seeks to place that burden squarely on the manufacturers who have caused this harmful pollution and exposure. Municipal leaders across Massachusetts are deeply grateful to have the Attorney General as a true partner, standing with our cities and towns in the fight to protect our environment and essential workers.” 

 

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) President Rich MacKinnon, Jr.

“The PFFM stands with and supports our Attorney General Maura Healey in filing this lawsuit,” said the. We value our partnership with the AG in our ongoing battle against occupational cancer that plagues the firefighter profession. Large quantities of PFAS exist in the firefighting foam we use every day, and exposure to these forever chemicals has been linked to many forms of cancer. The public we took an oath to protect is not immune to this problem either, as many of these forever chemicals have made their way into the public water systems. We will continue to work closely with our AG to improve the health and safety of firefighters and the public we serve.”

 

Shrewsbury Fire Chief James Vuona, President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts

“On behalf of the Fire Chiefs Association of MA, we fully support the Attorney General's Office and AG Maura Healey in the filing of this action. As firefighters and fire officers we accept the inherent dangers of our chosen professions, we know the risks going in. But the undisclosed, added risk of wearing our protective clothing or using fire suppressing foam should never have factored in as potential life-threatening risk for any member of the fire service.”

 

Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG Legislative Director

“For too long, our brave firefighters have had their health ironically endangered by the products they use to protect the rest of us. The Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used to fight certain fires contains toxic PFAS, appropriately nicknamed ‘forever chemicals.’ MASSPIRG thanks Attorney General Maura Healey for suing the manufacturers of this dangerous product. Holding companies responsible for any damage their product causes is a bedrock principle of fairness, accountability and restitution. AG Healey’s action today will hold the polluters accountable and leverage the resources necessary to clean up the toxic waste left behind by this foam.”

 

Dr. Julia Brody, Executive Director and Senior Scientist at Silent Spring Institute

“We’re glad the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office is taking steps to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for the financial burden that communities are facing as they try to provide their residents with safe drinking water. It’s concerning that these highly persistent and toxic chemicals are so pervasive in drinking water given what we know about their health impacts, even at low levels, and especially among children whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposures.”

 

Laura Spark, Senior Policy Advocate for Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund

“Clean Water Action thanks the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for its decision to join the PFAS multi-district litigation. Firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a major source of contamination of drinking water in Massachusetts communities near military installations and airports. These foams also contribute to the toxic body burden experienced by firefighters, many of whom have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. Firefighters also have higher rates of cancer than the general population, including cancers caused by PFAS. We thank the AG’s Office for its vision and leadership in stepping forward to become part of this lawsuit.”

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney William J. Galvin as Circuit Justice of the District Court.

 

"Attorney Galvin’s many years of legal experience make him well-suited for this appointment," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am glad to submit his nomination to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"If confirmed, this distinguished nominee would bring significant trial experience to his new role,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that he will serve as a fair and thoughtful member of the judiciary.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, 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 William J. Galvin

 

William J. Galvin began his legal career in 1995 as a legal intern at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. He then joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, first as an investigator with the Senior Trial Unit, where he assisted with trial preparation and testified before grand juries and at trials until 2001.  He became an Assistant District Attorney in the Office and prosecuted cases in both District Court and Superior Court.  He also supervised prosecution teams in both the Central and Dorchester Divisions in the Boston Municipal Court. In 2008, Attorney Galvin opened his own solo practice, the Law Office of William J. Galvin, until 2011, where he worked as a litigation attorney for criminal and civil matters. Since 2011, Attorney Galvin has worked as a partner at Eisenstadt, Krippendorf and Galvin, LLP. An active member of his community, Attorney Galvin has volunteered as a coach of multiple youth sports in Norwood and as a participant of Bike MS, a charity based around multiple sclerosis. Galvin received his bachelor’s degree from Iona College in 1995 and his Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 2001. 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY INITIATIVES FOR A SAFE, HEALTHY SUMMER

 

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY INITIATIVES FOR A SAFE, HEALTHY SUMMER

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 25, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the City of Boston’s comprehensive plan for a safe and healthy summer for all Boston residents, communities, and neighborhoods. Mayor Wu announced several violence prevention and intervention initiatives, including the Community Ambassadors Program, “Adopt a Block” initiative, Operation Homefront, and new employment and job training opportunities. These programs fill critical gaps in service delivery, build new possibilities for Boston, and ensure the City fully supports our communities most directly impacted by violence with the safety, trust, and accessibility that residents deserve.  This new, intensive approach addresses public safety through a lens of public health, equity, economic opportunity, and community trust. The initiatives announced today will also organize the wide variety of preexisting programs from the Mayor’s Office, Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), the Human Services Cabinet, and the Boston Police Department (BPD) into a coordinated network of services to support Boston residents this summer. “Too many people in our communities live with the fear and threat of violence. As a mom to two boys, as a neighbor, and as someone that cherishes the friends, family, and neighborhoods we have in Boston, I will move with urgency to make sure our communities are safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We have been reimagining public safety through the lens of health, equity, and community trust. We are taking a wraparound approach to create new violence intervention and prevention initiatives and expand and improve existing programs.” In an effort to better connect with residents and strengthen violence intervention efforts in Boston’s neighborhoods, the Mayor’s Office is launching a Community Ambassadors Program, a new initiative that will work to engage, inform, and support residents who are most vulnerable to gun and gang violence. This program will expand City services in supporting residents' transition from high risk activity to resourced and engaged community work that improves neighborhood conditions. The ambassadors, residents of Boston neighborhoods with close community ties and a shared commitment to anti-violence programming, will work in two-person teams (with a total of ten teams) through the summer months and into the first quarter of the school year, a pivotal time for reaching residents most impacted by violence. Teams will each be assigned to historically underserved and under-resourced areas and neighborhoods throughout Boston to ensure our most vulnerable residents are connected to the resources they need and deserve. The Community Ambassadors will report directly to Rufus Faulk, the Mayor’s Senior Policy Advisor for Public Safety, and partner with the Boston Housing Authority, Boston Public Health Commission, and the Human Services Cabinet. This program will further drive the City’s work to create more pathways and support systems for residents, currently seen with BCYF’s SOAR Boston program and BPHC Neighborhood Trauma Team Network (NTT) outreach and crisis on-site response work. “The Community Ambassadors Program will lean on the social capital, knowledge, and experience of our local community leaders to better connect our neighborhoods and families  who have been disproportionately impacted by community violence with City services and resources,” said Dr. Rufus Faulk, Senior Advisor for Public Safety. “This program will drive more place based initiatives and intentional engagement with underserved individuals, families and communities. These Community Ambassadors will have the lived experience to serve as tangible examples of success to our neighborhoods and community leaders in our pursuit of a more equitable Boston for all.” Through vetted referral groups in their assigned area or neighborhood, ambassadors will engage key populations identified as disproportionately impacted by violence. Ambassadors will connect these populations with resources and services that fit their unique needs.Those populations have been identified as follows: Individuals and families within the BHA footprint and communities who have been disproportionately impacted by gun violence (for example, Humboldt Ave corridor). Juvenile/young adult populations within BPS, DYS, and the Suffolk County DA’s Office department of juvenile diversion under the age of 21.  Gang members who are driving violence between the ages of 21-24.  Individuals aged 25+ looking to transition fully from active gang involvement. Operation Homefront In an intentional effort to address this issue within our school communities, Boston Public Schools is reinstating Operation Homefront, a nationally acclaimed collaboration with the Boston Police Department, that centers around community-building and family relationships in violence prevention and intervention. Following a referral, the Operation Homefront team – consisting of law enforcement officers, Boston Public Schools staff, service providers, and clergy members – will conduct home visits to inform parents or guardians about their child’s behavior and provide resources. This effort is key to provide wraparound services to both students and families heading into summer months. “The past two years have been incredibly challenging for our children, and they need all the support they can get, not just from Boston Public Schools but from the entire City of Boston,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “When City partners, community advocates and local businesses come together to lift them up and expand their options, anything is possible. These youth jobs and programs not only offer students valuable work experience and adult mentoring that enhances their academic endeavors, they also help keep them safe, engaged and out of harm's way during the summer.”   “Operation Homefront has been a tremendous tool for years for identifying and assisting at-risk students and getting them the services and supports they need,” said Superintendent-in--Chief Greg Long. “The Boston Police Department is thrilled that Operation Homefront is being reinstated and look forward to continuing our partnerships with clergy and the Boston Public Schools.  Undoubtedly this will lead to more young people getting the interventions they need to divert them from delinquency, gang involvement or criminal behavior.”   Adopt a Block Building on the Mayor’s commitment to address the root causes of violence, the City is also revamping the “Adopt A Block” Initiative, a partnership between the City of Boston and various faith communities to serve residents and families in neighborhoods that have historically experienced an increase in violence during the summer months. Starting on June 1, this initiative will utilize a public health, wraparound approach to identify impacted families, effectively address quality of life needs, and better connect families with crucial city services and resources. Recognizing the critical role that faith-based organizations play in delivering crucial programs and services, particularly to underserved Black and Brown communities, the “Adopt a Block'' Initiative will support faith institutions’ efforts to connect and support residents' safety and health. Additionally, the faith organizations will partner with the City to host summer community events, food distribution events, homlessness prevention services and neighborhood cleanups. This initiative will be piloted in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. The following faith leaders and institutions will serve as partnering point of contacts with the City for the immediate areas surrounding their institution and the aforementioned neighborhoods: Roxbury: Reverend Dr. Willie Bodrick, II; Twelfth Baptist Church (160 Warren St, Roxbury, MA 02119) Dorchester (especially Codman Square/Four Corners): Reverend John Marshall -  Mt. Calvary Holy Assembly (297 Talbot Ave. Boston, MA 02124).  Mattapan: Bishop Nicolas Homicil - Voice of the Gospel Tabernacle (47 Edgewater Drive, Mattapan, MA 02126)  This initiative aims to build trust between the city and residents, strengthen relationships between the City and critical faith organizations, provide opportunities for community engagement and improve delivery of City services to families most impacted by violence.  “As a faith leader in this city, I believe that it is important to prioritize our youth and provide opportunities to ensure that we have a safe summer,” said Rev. Dr. Willie Bodrick, II, Senior Pastor, Twelfth Baptist Church. “We must engage families and provide wrap-around services and programs to ensure that they have the resources needed as we work to curtail violence. Our youth are important and I look forward to partnering with the City of Boston and other organizations to meet our City’s needs and keep our communities safe.” The BPHC offers many violence intervention and prevention programs, including the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI). SSYI works with teens and young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 who have been impacted by community gun violence to connect them with mental health services, educational opportunities, and workforce programs. By providing more intensive support and services to those individuals more regularly impacted by or engaged in violence, this is a program designed to address entrenched issues at the root of violence. SSYI is an ongoing program that will continue throughout the summer. Youth and Summer Job Programs In addition to scaling up existing programs and launching new efforts to address the root causes of violence, Mayor Wu remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to access and pursue meaningful support networks and longer term, valuable career pathways.  The Green Jobs Initiative, led by newly appointed director Davo Jefferson, provides exciting opportunities for younger people to not only gain access to meaningful work experience, but also help make Boston a more equitable and resilient City. Inspired by the PowerCorpsPHL model, the Green Jobs Initiative connects primarily unemployed or underemployed young people and returning citizens with careers in industries addressing pressing environmental challenges. Members go through tailored training phases that provide sector-specific on-the-job training. They will also be able to get relevant credentials in a field of their choosing. The “earn and learn” model ensures that members are set up to succeed in career pathways. The Green Jobs Initiative will be supported by the Mayor’s historic $1 million investment in green jobs in the FY2022 budget. As part of Mayor Wu’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth, the City is now accepting applications and has expanded the 2022 Boston SuccessLink Summer Youth Jobs program to include 6,000 job opportunities,which is 1,000 more jobs than last year. Boston youth ages 14 to 18 (14-year-olds must turn 15 by September 1, 2022) can now apply for a summer job. Youth will have the opportunity to get connected to thousands of summer jobs that aim to promote skill building and networking through the City of Boston’s Department of Youth Engagement and Employment’s (DYEE) SuccessLink Employment Program. The Department will grant up to $3.8 million to local nonprofits for summer 2022. Boston Centers for Youth & Families provides many summer programs and activities for youth and teens including summer day programs, girls-only activities, teen employment, sports leagues and many aquatics offerings. BCYF also makes their space available to youth and families across Boston as the host site for special events and activities organized by partnering agencies. On July 5th, BCYF community centers will begin their extended summer hours. Additionally, the BCYF centers are available to extend hours as needed for special situations to ensure that City programming can effectively engage youth and families impacted by violence. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to transforming the structures of public safety and health to build safe, healthy communities, including yesterday’s announcement of the City’s Warm Weather Plan to address the ongoing challenges centered at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard and the recent historic investment in the Office of Returning Citizens. Additionally, Mayor Wu has worked to expand programming and employment for all Boston residents, including recent expansions of Early College and Innovation Pathways programming and the Summer Youth Jobs program. In January, Mayor Wu also took steps to build up public safety infrastructure, fully staffing OPAT’s Civilian Review Board and Internal Affairs Oversight Panel.

Governor Baker Nominates Colette M. Santa as a Member of the Parole Board

 Governor Baker Nominates Colette M. Santa as a Member of the Parole Board

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Colette M. Santa for a new term as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board. Santa has served as a member of the Parole Board since 2018.

 

“Colette Santa’s experience as a Parole Board member and prior service to the Commonwealth have prepared her well for continued service on the Board,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this nomination to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

“Colette Santa’s knowledge of the Parole Board and experience serving the Commonwealth will bring valuable insight to the Parole Board and those appearing before it,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

 

The Massachusetts Parole Board resides within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and is authorized to grant paroles and supervise parolees. The seven members of the Parole Board are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Board members serve on a full-time basis. The Governor designates one member of the Board as the Chairman, who acts as the executive and administrative head of the Board.

 

Learn more about the Parole Board.

 

About Collette M. Santa

 

Colette M. Santa has served as a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board since January 2018, after being nominated by Governor Baker in October 2017. Before she was appointed as a member of the Board, Santa served as the Chief of Transitional Services for the Parole Board, where she was responsible for Institutional Parole Officers assigned to 34 state and county facilities. In that role, she also ensured that Parole Board members were provided with accurate information for inmates’ parole hearings. She was instrumental in guiding the agency through the accreditation process by the American Correctional Association for the first time in the agency’s history.

 

Prior to her work at the Parole Board, Santa’s work included various positions with the Department of Correction, including as the Deputy Superintendent for the North Eastern Correctional Center and at the Bay State Correctional Center. She also served as Deputy for Reentry at MCI-Framingham. In Puerto Rico, Santa worked with the Department of Correction as a Regional Director and Field Inspector where her responsibilities varied from conducting quality control audits and monitoring operational processes to the direct supervision of the operations, administrative services, and construction for the West Region of the Administration of Correction (7,000 inmates and 4,000 staff). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Management from Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law and her Master’s in Public Administration from Framingham State University. She lives in Milford with her family.