3 Strikes Final Conference Committee Report
3 Strikes Final Conference Committee Report
Politics
Events, Focus on Urban League Convention, News, Politics
Jesse Jackson at Ayanna Pressley Woman of Power Fundraiser 7/28
Please join us for a Fundraiser Honoring National Urban League 2011 Woman of Power Awardee Ayanna Pressley. The event will be held during the historic Urban League Conference. Special Guest speaker: Rev. Jesse Jackson Date and Time: 7/28/2011, 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: City Bar 425 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210 Contact: freindsofayannapressley@ayannapressley.com Contact: Chelsea Aquino (201) 321 5358
Justice, Police, Crime, Law and Public Safety, News, Politics
Facing prison time, DiMasi fights to keep law license
Facing prison time, DiMasi fights to keep law license By Laurel J. Sweet | Monday, July 25, 2011 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Local Politics Photo by Herald file Ex-House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi wants the Office of the Bar Counsel to drop its fight this week to suspend his law license, on the grounds that his ability to earn a living could persuade a federal judge to put off sending him to prison on his felony corruption conviction. The self-proclaimed destitute Democrat — who prosecutors say they will recommend be locked up for 12 to 15 years at his Sept. 8 sentencing by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf —has a bar discipline hearing Thursday in front of Supreme Judicial Court Justice Margot Botsford. The 65-year-old DiMasi’s conviction is not considered official until he’s sentenced. In documents at the SJC, DiMasi’s attorney Thomas Kiley contends suspending his law license would be strictly “punitive” since DiMasi poses no threat to the public. “The theoretical opportunity to make a living will be a practical consideration if (Wolf) acts favorably on the post-verdict motions.” DiMasi was found guilty last month of conspiracy, extortion and fraud for taking $65,000 in bribes while in office to steer a Canadian software firm two multimillion-dollar state contracts. He is asking Wolf to grant him a new trial on the grounds he “was unfairly prejudiced by an extraordinary amount . . . of hearsay.” Prosecutors countered in opposition papers filed Friday that the evidence against DiMasi was “overwhelming.” DiMasi did not respond to requests for comment yesterday. Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1353925
News, Politics
Mass. GOP seeks ethics probe of Newton mayor Setti Warren
Mass. GOP seeks ethics probe of Newton mayor Setti Warren By Associated Press | Thursday, July 7, 2011 | http://www.bostonherald.com Photo by AP file Massachusetts Republicans are asking the state Ethics Commission to investigate whether Newton Mayor Setti Warren violated conflict-of-interest laws by awarding a city contract to a company that employs his former campaign co-chairman. The contract, worth up to $500,000, was awarded to Kleinfelder/SEA Consultants to study and evaluate dozens of municipal buildings. Howard Haywood, described by the campaign as an honorary chairman of Warren’s 2009 mayoral run, works for the company. The contract still must be signed by Warren, who is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Scott Brown. Brown is up for reelection next year. A Warren spokesman dismissed the complaint as a “baseless” attack from Brown’s Republican supporters. A spokesman for the Ethics Commission, which typically does not comment on investigations, did not immediately return a call. Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1350292
Justice, Police, Crime, Law and Public Safety, News, Politics
Lawyers who are legislators face conflicts; Some do not report potential complications
Lawyers who are legislators face conflicts Some do not report potential complications By Michael Levenson Globe Staff / July 4, 2011 One legislator served as a lawyer for construction and paving firms that had state highway contracts. At the same time, he led the committee that sets transportation policy. Another represented workers with asbestos claims while he debated workers’ compensation legislation in the House. The 52 lawyers who serve in the state Legislature juggle a briefcase full of potential conflicts as they represent individuals or companies with significant business before the state, ranging from liquor licenses to bridge repair contracts. Even within the boundaries of the law, they often perform work in their law offices that closely overlaps with their work at the State House. The recent corruption case of former House speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi cast a harsh light on the potential for abuse by legislators with law practices. FULL STORY HERE http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/04/lawyer_legislators_face_conflicts_but_dont_always_disclose_them
Events, News, Politics
Speak Out! Congress coming to Boston Wed. July 20
MassUniting.org is hosting the Progressive Members of Congress on Wednesday July 20th at Prince Hall in Grove Hall. While the congressional debate schedule will keep our Members of Congress in Washington until next week, some issues here in Boston are too important to not speak out on. That’s why we’re moving forward with a Community Speakout & Action on jobs and the economy this coming Wednesday, July 20. It’s no secret that our community is facing many challenges these days. Many people are out of work and have little hope of finding a job. Hundreds have been forced from their homes due to foreclosure. Tight budgets have closed schools and community centers, leaving our youth with few opportunities. It’s time for change, and we need to speak out and take action on these and so many other issues that harm our neighborhoods. Please join us Wednesday, July 20 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm to share your story. From there, we’re taking to the streets in support of neighbors who are facing foreclosure and eviction. Click here to RSVP: http://bit.ly/npyxNp
A Community Guide to Redistricting
A Community Guide to Redistricting Currently, we are in the process of Redistricting that happens every 10 yrs after the Census. Redistricting has the potential to help or hurt Communities of Color in terms of political power and resource distribution. Educate yourself on what redistricting is, how the process goes, and what you can do to get involved to ensure our communities get fair and equal representation. DOWNLOAD: A Community Based Redistricting Guide Book (PDF)
Features, Politics
Black/Latino Elected Officials
Governor Deval Patrick Deval Patrick has made History as the First Black Man Elected Governor of Massachusetts and only the 2nd Black Governor in US History since Gov. Douglas Wilder (VA). After re-election in 2010 he is currently serving in his 2nd term as Governor. Deval Patrick.com Massachusetts Governor Office Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Second Division Chair Byron Rushing Democrat, Boston (South End) State House Room 121 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2006 Fax: 617-722-2238 Email: Byron.Rushing@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/b_r1 Representative Gloria L. Fox Democrat, Roxbury State House Room 167 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2810 Fax: 617-722-2846 Email: Gloria.Fox@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/glf1 Representative Benjamin Swan Democrat, Springfield State House Room 127 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2680 Fax: 617-722-2846 Email:Benjamin.Swan@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/b_s1 District Office: 815 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 Phone: 413-739-8547 Fax: 413-739-8572 Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz Democrat, Boston State House Room 413-C Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1673 Email: Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/scd0 Representative Linda Dorcena Forry Democrat, Dorchester State House Room 26 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617- 722-2080 Email: Linda.DorcenaForry@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/ldf1 Representative Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera Democrat, Springfield State House Room 39 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2014 Fax: 617-722-2215 Email: Cheryl.Coakley-Rivera@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/car1 District Office: 15 Wilcox Street Springfield, MA 01105 Phone: 413-739-1503 Fax: 413-737-6616 Representative Jeffrey Sanchez Democrat, Jamaica Plain State House Room 130 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2130 Email: Jeffrey.sanchez@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/j_s1 Representative Russell Holmes Democrat, Boston State House Room 254 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2220 Fax: 617-626-0205 Email: russell.holmes@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/reh1 Representative Carlos Henriquez Democrat, Dorchester State House Room 33 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2060 Email: carlos.henriquez@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/people/profile/cth1 Representative Marcos A. Devers Democrat, Lawrence State House Room 146 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2011 Fax: 617-727-2238 Email:Marcos.Devers@mahouse.gov http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Profile/MAD1 Marvin L. Venay Executive Director State House Room 460 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: (617) 722-2688 Fax: (617) 626-0476 Email: Marvin.Venay@mahouse.gov CITY OF BOSTON LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS Ayanna Pressley At-Large, elected in 2009 1 City Hall Square, Suite 550 Boston, MA 02201-2043 Telephone: 617.635.4217 Facsimile: 617.635.4203 Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/councillors/pressley.asp E-mail: Ayanna.Pressley@cityofboston.gov Felix G. Arroyo At-Large, elected in 2009 1 City Hall Square, Suite 550 Boston, MA 02201-2043 Telephone: 617.635.4205 Facsimile: 617.635.4203 Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/councillors/arroyo.asp E-mail: Felix.Arroyo@cityofboston.gov Charles C. Yancey District 4, elected in 1983 1 City Hall Square, Suite 550Boston, MA 02201-2043 Telephone: 617.635.3131 Facsimile: 617.635.4203 Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/councillors/yancey.asp E-mail: Charles.Yancey@cityofboston.gov Tito Jackson District 7, elected in 2011 1 City Hall Square, Suite 550Boston, MA 02201-2043 Telephone: 617.635.3510 Facsimile: 617.635.4203 Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/councillors/jackson.asp E-mail: Tito.Jackson@cityofboston.gov