3 of 8 Governor’s Council Seats Open

March 15, 2010 in Governor's Council by Massachusetts Election 2010 | View Comments

Governor's Council Districts

This first question most people have is – what exactly is the Governor’s Council? Its most important function is to confirm judges. It’s really the only place where the public has a voice in the process. Some people argue that it’s an outdated institution that should be abolished. We disagree. The people should have a say in these lifetime appointments.

Sadly the Governor’s Council is a rubber stamp for the governor. Out of 23 nominations, all 23 were appointed. Only a few Incumbent Councillors are independent – Marilyn Devaney and Mary Ellen Manning.

This is going to be an interesting year for Governor’s Council because this year we have three Councillors retiring: Carole Fiola, Michael J. Callahan and Thomas J. Foley. Governor’s Council is an obscure position, it doesn’t pay much, $26,000, and it’s nearly impossible to unseat an incumbent Councillor.

There are only 8 districts, each being much larger than even a Senate district. So, running a campaign is notoriously hard. Last year 7 of 8 districts had challengers and all 8 incumbents were re-elected, including Kelly A. Timilty, who was accused of forging an endorsement from Gov. Deval L. Patrick on the eve of the primary. Because the districts are so large, either you have to have name recognition already, or you have to spend a fortune on advertising. Of the current 8 Councillors, three are from politically connected families with strong name recognition ( Timilty, Iannella, and Fiola ).

Here is a list of the incumbents, and candidates I know about. If the incumbent is not running, I list the seat as “open”:

1st District

Carole A. Fiola, a ten term incumbent and wife of Kenneth Fiola Jr., executive vice president of the Fall River Office of Economic Development, has decided not to seek re-election. The first District has a huge number of candidates and the race is quite complex.

Joe Ureneck

Republicans

There are two Republican candidates. Cipollini and Ureneck. Cipollini got into the race late. It is a little confusing as he is the brother of one of the leading Democratic candidates, the other Oliver Cipollini. We wonder if he is a legitimate Republican candidate. If both Cipollini’s win, we wonder if the Republican brother won’t withdraw and simply hand over the Governor’s Council seat to the Democratic brother.

Joe Ureneck is something of an expert on Governor’s Council. He has been going to Governor’s Council meetings for years, taping them and commenting online about their deliberations. He has been instrumental in helping to make Governor’s Council more accountable and not just a rubber stamp for the Governor. We strongly recommend Ureneck for the Republican primary. He have an interview with Ureneck.

Democrats

There are five Democractic candidates for the office, Cipollini, Moniz, Gregory, Mosca, and Hallahan.

Cipollini ran against Fiola last term and lost 63% to 37%. He’s a retired clerk magistrate and a systems manager. He’s got a new updated web site which presents him much better, and his message is right on target, calling out his opposition to being just a “rubber stamp” and willingness to be available to constituents. Last time he managed to get almost 40% of the vote, which is no small feat with a district this large. He has the added benefit of coming into the race with some name recognition.

Walter Moniz is a New Bedford businessman and aide to former New Bedford Mayor, Frederick J. Kalisz Jr. He’s pretty well integrated into the Azorean Portuguese community down in the Fall River area and has a lot of support from them. His campaign looks pretty slick.

Jeffrey Gregory is a 22-year veteran of the Fall River police department and touts his experience in law enforcement to inform his decisions.

Patricia Mosca is  a retired probation officer and a member of the Cape and Islands Democratic Council. She says her experience dealing with judges as a probation officer as helps her to understand what makes a good judge. She has written us a detailed letter about her background and her reasons for running.

Tom Hallahan is an associate professor at Salem State University teaching social justice and inclusive education and a member of the Dukes County Commission, the 7 person legislative body of Martha’s Vineyard.  He has been involved with a number of non-profit boards both locally and nationally, particularly those concerned with issues of equity and fairness, in regards to education and health care.

I wasn’t able to find any information  John McCaul.

Paul Viveiros has run unsuccessfully for Fall River City Council and Mayor, and for Governor’s Council in the past. He’s known down in Fall River for creating a controversial display out of toilets as a protest.

As of right now the two leading candidates seem to be Cipollini and Moniz.

Neither has reported having much campaign money – at $1000 each as of last month. Cipollini has more name recognition – so it’s going to be up to Moniz to make up the difference. The other candidates are yet to file.

2nd District

Kelly Timilty's forged endorsement

Kelly A Timilty is a multi term incumbent and a public disgrace. Unfortunately it looks like she will run again – over the strong public objections by her own party. There is even a petition for her not to run.

She has never taken the position seriously. During the last election she actually forged Deval Patrick’s name on a fraudulent endorsement and was fined $8000. She was fined $1000 more dollars for not filing campaign finance forms.

Councillors get paid $26,000 for working one morning a week – but Timilty usually doesn’t do even that. I’ve personally been to several of these meetings. She’s usually not there. Lawyers Weekly has called her attendance record “embarassing.”

Why does she even have this job? Simple – she’s Senator James E. Timilty’s sister and daughter of Joseph Timilty, a former state senator and Boston City Councilor. Her cousin Walter Timilty is a State Representative. She got in on name recognition and political connections.

There is however a guy who really wants the job, attorney Robert Jubinville. He ran against Timilty last time losing by a margin of 2-1. He reportedly spent about $100,000 of his own money to do it – buying a lot of advertising. He’s back to try again.

I’ve heard good things about Jubinville. He takes the position seriously and supports efforts to reform the governor’s council.

There is also a Republican running, Steven Glovsky.

He spoke recently at a Republican Committee meeting in Holliston and said he doesn’t plan on spending much money in the campaign. With a district so large, and with no money its going to be nearly impossible to get much exposure. It doesn’t seem like a serious candidacy.

One thing is for sure – Timilty has got to go.

3rd District

Robert Jubinville

The 3rd District is represented by Marilyn M Petito Devaney. I don’t know of anyone running against her. She’s a Watertown City Councillor and apparently pretty entertaining. There is a You Tube gallery of her outbursts against various public officials. There is also the “curling iron incident“.

She’s known as one of the more outspoken members of the Governor’s Council and one of the few who is not a rubber stamp for the governor. She also has a pretty good attendance record.

Two other candidates have registered, Nick Ianuzzi and George Berbeco, but I can’t find any more information on them.

4th District

Represented by Christopher Iannella Jr., the son of the late Christopher Iannella, a longtime Boston City Councilor and a State Representative. His brother, Richard, is Suffolk County Register of Probate and a former Boston City Councilor. He’s an ambulance chaser – err – personal injury attorney. He’s generally a rubber stamp for the governor.

Stephen Flynn and Jacquolyn Payne Thompson have both run for Governor’s Council before. I can find no information on Ross.

5th District

Mary-Ellen Manning

Mary Ellen Manning represents the 5th District. She’s one of the better members. There have been a number of shady appointments over the years where she has been the only voice against them.

Sometimes it seems that Governors give judgeships to loyal elected officials as a reward for loyalty. A judgeship has a high salary, and an elected official can retire with a very fat pension if they sit on the bench for a few years.

Howie Carr has a pretty funny piece on the appointment of James Barretto:

Barretto got his Brookline District Court judgeship last week the old-fashioned way – over the past three years he gave $9,550 to politicians.

The only one to vote against Barretto was Manning. In another case, Sen. Cheryl Jacques was rewarded 6 year term to the Industrial Accidents Board. It carries an annual salary of $107,000, putting Jacque past the 20 years of state service necessary to collect a full pension. Manning was the only one to object.

“There are lawyers with twenty years of experience in this field who got passed over,” Manning said.

Manning is a practicing divorce lawyer by trade. Her web site has a number of public rants about the shenanigans that happen in the GC. Definitely juicy reading.

Running against her is Jason A. Panos. He has been working to reform the Governor’s Council. He helped draft S1457 currently before the legislature. This bill would make the Governor’s Council more accountable to the people by requiring that the council keep a web site where they post their votes and their findings. It would additionally require that the council make a public annual report about their proceedings. Its the kind of openness legislation which would help avoid the worst excesses we’ve seen in judicial appointments over recent years.

I wish he were running against someone other than Manning. She has been one of the few responsible and independent  voices on the council – especially when some of the other members are so bad.

Neither Manning or Panos has much campaign cash. These districts are very hard to take away from an incumbent and generally require a lot of cash. It will be difficult for Panos to unseat Manning.

Without knowing more about the two of them its hard to know who I like better – but at least in this seat there appear to be two good candidates.

6th District

Michael J Callahan represents the 6th, and has decided not to seek re-election. Winchester lawyer John Gosselin has announced he will run. He’s serious about claiming this seat, having put in $100,000 of his own money into the campaign. He seems committed to reforming Governor’s council:

Atty Jubinville and I have discussed how we might work together to improve the professionalism and public access to this position.

This is the right message. I look forward to hearing exactly what kinds of reforms they propose.

If no one else enters the race –  it’s his for the taking – and in all likelihood, if he wants, he stays for life. The 6th District starts in liberal Arlington, but rises quickly to northern districts that went heavily for Brown. I think it’s likely we will see some Republican or independent entrants in the coming weeks.

7th District

Jen Caissie

Thomas J. Foley has decided to run for Worcester County Sheriff, leaving this seat open.

Francis Ford, a lawyer, announced last year that he will run. He has got endorsements from Martha Coakley and the rest of the political establishment. He has an interview here.

Also running is an attorney from Southbridge and a long time selectwoman from Oxford.  She’s running as a reform candidate. She calls out on her web site that she won’t allow any “pay to play politics”, an that she would move to have the meetings recorded and made available on the internet.

This would be a great improvement over what we have now, and would cut down on some of the unethical stories we hear currently. It will be interesting to see if Ford comes out with a similar reform message.

8th District

Thomas Merrigan

Geographically this is the largest district, and the hardest one to unseat an incumbent.

Former Judge Thomas Merrigan is running for re-election. He’s another one of the rubber stamps.

Mike Franco, an activist for judicial reform, is running again this year. Franco is a 23 year military veteran.

In 2008 Franco lost against Merrigan 30% to 70%. It’s a tough job, but maybe Franco will do better this year.

Updated: Rewrote the part about Cipollini, he’s got a new web site which focuses his message much better.

Updated: Jason Panos web site link, and more commentary about Panos.

Updated: More candidates, more information from Gosselin

Updated: More information from Patricia Mosca

Updated: More infomration from Jacquolyn Payne Thompson

 
Share

Related Articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • http://www.mediaradar.org AndrewEss

    Most of the candidates worth any salt are slowly seeing the exposure of daylight on some very serious financial issues about to hit the state concerning the political operations of the judiciary. This is one council group that needs to go, mainly because it is a part time well paid position and more importantly it’s full of attorneys. Talk about foxes gardening the hen house !, this is one key position that ensures the long arm of the judiciary has been able to secure and nurture it’s faithful. It does bring into question separation of powers, when the very people who maintain control are the supposed separate and independent judiciary. Instead we have a judicial state and that only means one thing !

  • http://www.mediaradar.org AndrewEss

    Most of the candidates worth any salt are slowly seeing the exposure of daylight on some very serious financial issues about to hit the state concerning the political operations of the judiciary. This is one council group that needs to go, mainly because it is a part time well paid position and more importantly it’s full of attorneys. Talk about foxes gardening the hen house !, this is one key position that ensures the long arm of the judiciary has been able to secure and nurture it’s faithful. It does bring into question separation of powers, when the very people who maintain control are the supposed separate and independent judiciary. Instead we have a judicial state and that only means one thing !

  • http://www.mediaradar.org AndrewEss

    I believe anyone who truly represents the public interest has a fine shot at these positions as long as they are willing to stay in daylight. Once the rest of the incumbent bloodsuckers are allowed to get you into their lair out of view, I am sure they will make it clear who runs the show on that money bus. I would still advise anyone who can run to do so, it is going to be a hell of a lot of work, walking, talking and handshaking. Nobody should fear running for this position, it will let the incumbents know at the very least that soon business as usual needs to end.

  • http://www.mediaradar.org AndrewEss

    I believe anyone who truly represents the public interest has a fine shot at these positions as long as they are willing to stay in daylight. Once the rest of the incumbent bloodsuckers are allowed to get you into their lair out of view, I am sure they will make it clear who runs the show on that money bus. I would still advise anyone who can run to do so, it is going to be a hell of a lot of work, walking, talking and handshaking. Nobody should fear running for this position, it will let the incumbents know at the very least that soon business as usual needs to end.

  • http://nicolecommawoo.wordpress.com Nicole

    Regarding the 7th District: Jen Caissie (R) is also running for that seat. I’m hoping to get an interview with her as well.

  • http://nicolecommawoo.wordpress.com Nicole

    Regarding the 7th District: Jen Caissie (R) is also running for that seat. I’m hoping to get an interview with her as well.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    Thanks I updated it. Please share any information you find out.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    Thanks I updated it. Please share any information you find out.

  • http://www.olivercipollini.com Oliver Cipollini

    Governor’s Council candidate for District 1, Oliver Cipollini has a new campaign Web Site, http://www.olivercipollini.com. Cipollini has this site in addition to his social networking page on Oliver Cipollini Facebook. A simpler mission website statement remains on http://www.cippici.com.

    Cipollini announces that the new website is a work in progress and will evolve with the needs of the campaign and as the election season progresses. Opportunities to help Oliver get his word out and volunteer
    as well as press releases and events can be found on his new site.

    Oliver Cipollini
    Your Candidate for Governor’s Council ~ District 1

  • http://www.olivercipollini.com Oliver Cipollini

    Governor’s Council candidate for District 1, Oliver Cipollini has a new campaign Web Site, http://www.olivercipollini.com. Cipollini has this site in addition to his social networking page on Oliver Cipollini Facebook. A simpler mission website statement remains on http://www.cippici.com.

    Cipollini announces that the new website is a work in progress and will evolve with the needs of the campaign and as the election season progresses. Opportunities to help Oliver get his word out and volunteer
    as well as press releases and events can be found on his new site.

    Oliver Cipollini
    Your Candidate for Governor’s Council ~ District 1

  • http://www.jasonpanos.com Jason Panos

    Hi, I am Jason Panos, candidate for Governor’s Councillor representing the Fifth Councillor District and I want to make the Governor’s Council accountable to all citizens. I have more than an “idea of improving it”, I authored reform legislation currently pending on Beacon Hill (Senate Bill No. 1457) and in doing so, I worked with a bi-partisan coalition of legislators to bring these ideas forward. These reforms can be found on my website at http://www.jasonpanos.com.

    In fact, I am the only candidate mentioned above who has ever sought to change, and not abolish, the Governor’s Council in a manner that creates a reliable, tangible law that will make the GC accountable to all citizens in the spirit of openness and transparency. This will be accomplished by 1) making the Governor’s Council subject to the Commonwealth’s Open Meeting Law will all of its notice requirements ; 2) Requiring the GC to use the internet to make available to all citizens the same information the GC uses in judicial confirmations; and 3) requiring annual reporting from the GC to the legislature and the Governor so that all branches of elected government are on the same page.

    These reforms, the first of their kind, are designed to create a platform to elevate the voice of all citizens rather than maintain a system which only elevates the interests of the privileged and entrenched 8.

    We are building a grass roots coalition of citizens throughout the 39 communities of the Fifth District who are tired of business as usual. It’s time to make our government accountable and that’s why I am running. Log onto to http://www.jasonpanos.com to learn more.

  • http://www.jasonpanos.com Jason Panos

    Hi, I am Jason Panos, candidate for Governor’s Councillor representing the Fifth Councillor District and I want to make the Governor’s Council accountable to all citizens. I have more than an “idea of improving it”, I authored reform legislation currently pending on Beacon Hill (Senate Bill No. 1457) and in doing so, I worked with a bi-partisan coalition of legislators to bring these ideas forward. These reforms can be found on my website at http://www.jasonpanos.com.

    In fact, I am the only candidate mentioned above who has ever sought to change, and not abolish, the Governor’s Council in a manner that creates a reliable, tangible law that will make the GC accountable to all citizens in the spirit of openness and transparency. This will be accomplished by 1) making the Governor’s Council subject to the Commonwealth’s Open Meeting Law will all of its notice requirements ; 2) Requiring the GC to use the internet to make available to all citizens the same information the GC uses in judicial confirmations; and 3) requiring annual reporting from the GC to the legislature and the Governor so that all branches of elected government are on the same page.

    These reforms, the first of their kind, are designed to create a platform to elevate the voice of all citizens rather than maintain a system which only elevates the interests of the privileged and entrenched 8.

    We are building a grass roots coalition of citizens throughout the 39 communities of the Fifth District who are tired of business as usual. It’s time to make our government accountable and that’s why I am running. Log onto to http://www.jasonpanos.com to learn more.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    Jason, thanks for updating me about your candidacy. You seem like a pretty outstanding candidate. Your legislation would really help make the council much more accountable.

    I wonder if we could not get more of the candidates to help you promote it. Maybe we could make a statewide issue of it.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    Jason, thanks for updating me about your candidacy. You seem like a pretty outstanding candidate. Your legislation would really help make the council much more accountable.

    I wonder if we could not get more of the candidates to help you promote it. Maybe we could make a statewide issue of it.

  • http://www.VoteGosselin.org John Gosselin

    I am John Gosselin, candidate for Governor’s Council for the 6th District.

    First, I want to clarify the record that I have indeed over $100,000 committed to my campaign, this link will verify the deposit of $100,000 of my own funds on March 1, 2010: http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=108438&schedule=DisplayScheduleA

    Second, I am encouraged by your full reporting of the Governor’s Council races, it is a great service to the public for this little known, yet potentially powerful, body. As an attorney, I am familiar with its constitutional role, but the Governor’s Council has not been characterized by transparency, accountability or professionalism in recent years. I agree with Atty. Panos’ legislative intent behind opening up the Governor’s Council to the appropriate scrutiny. Atty Jubinville and I have discussed how we might work together to improve the professionalism and public access to this position. The incumbents are on notice that there are some real candidates in these races this year. Candidates who are not motivated by political gain, but by service to their constituents.

    Third, I have already received the endorsements of both Senator Brian A. Joyce and Representative Barry R. Finegold for my candidacy. These are notable endorsements not only because they come from seasoned public figures, but more so because these are the very sponsors of prior efforts to abolish the Governor’s Council due its wasting of state resources, lack of public access and inefficiency. I take their endorsements as a mandate to improve the all aspects of the Governor’s Council.

    Last, the hallmark of my candidacy is to bring professionalism to the Governor’s Council and to use this position to better communicate with the people of the District on matters of judicial appointments.

    I am not looking for a job for life, but rather to make a solemn commitment to the people of the District that I will faithfully serve their interests with due consideration for all political viewpoints so that the Commonwealth continues to enjoy its reputation for a highly ethical and experienced judiciary.

    I welcome any other candidate to join this race – but they join with the foreknowledge that I intend to run a robust and meaningful campaign at every turn. And I mean to win.

    Best regards,

    John Gosselin
    Candidate for Governor’s Council for the 6th District.

  • http://www.VoteGosselin.org John Gosselin

    I am John Gosselin, candidate for Governor’s Council for the 6th District.

    First, I want to clarify the record that I have indeed over $100,000 committed to my campaign, this link will verify the deposit of $100,000 of my own funds on March 1, 2010: http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=108438&schedule=DisplayScheduleA

    Second, I am encouraged by your full reporting of the Governor’s Council races, it is a great service to the public for this little known, yet potentially powerful, body. As an attorney, I am familiar with its constitutional role, but the Governor’s Council has not been characterized by transparency, accountability or professionalism in recent years. I agree with Atty. Panos’ legislative intent behind opening up the Governor’s Council to the appropriate scrutiny. Atty Jubinville and I have discussed how we might work together to improve the professionalism and public access to this position. The incumbents are on notice that there are some real candidates in these races this year. Candidates who are not motivated by political gain, but by service to their constituents.

    Third, I have already received the endorsements of both Senator Brian A. Joyce and Representative Barry R. Finegold for my candidacy. These are notable endorsements not only because they come from seasoned public figures, but more so because these are the very sponsors of prior efforts to abolish the Governor’s Council due its wasting of state resources, lack of public access and inefficiency. I take their endorsements as a mandate to improve the all aspects of the Governor’s Council.

    Last, the hallmark of my candidacy is to bring professionalism to the Governor’s Council and to use this position to better communicate with the people of the District on matters of judicial appointments.

    I am not looking for a job for life, but rather to make a solemn commitment to the people of the District that I will faithfully serve their interests with due consideration for all political viewpoints so that the Commonwealth continues to enjoy its reputation for a highly ethical and experienced judiciary.

    I welcome any other candidate to join this race – but they join with the foreknowledge that I intend to run a robust and meaningful campaign at every turn. And I mean to win.

    Best regards,

    John Gosselin
    Candidate for Governor’s Council for the 6th District.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    John,

    Thanks for updating me on this information. I’ll update the article. I think it might be a good idea to gather together which candidates are in support of S1457 and are generally in favor of the reforms we need to make Governor’s Council a functioning institution again.

    I know there are a bunch more candidates I didn’t find out about till recently. I’m going to update this whole article with that information.

    I’d like to put together a list of reform candidates, which I’m sure would include you, Jubinville and Panos. Let’s see who else is on top of these issues and make a list I can post so voters know who the serious reform candidates are.

    Would it be a good idea to can get as many candidates for reform as we can to write a joint letter in support of S1457. I think a statewide message with a slate of reform candidates would be a powerful message to voters.

  • http://masspolitics.wordpress.com masspolitics

    John,

    Thanks for updating me on this information. I’ll update the article. I think it might be a good idea to gather together which candidates are in support of S1457 and are generally in favor of the reforms we need to make Governor’s Council a functioning institution again.

    I know there are a bunch more candidates I didn’t find out about till recently. I’m going to update this whole article with that information.

    I’d like to put together a list of reform candidates, which I’m sure would include you, Jubinville and Panos. Let’s see who else is on top of these issues and make a list I can post so voters know who the serious reform candidates are.

    Would it be a good idea to can get as many candidates for reform as we can to write a joint letter in support of S1457. I think a statewide message with a slate of reform candidates would be a powerful message to voters.

  • Tom Hallahan

    I wanted to introduce myself to your readers, since you were unable to find any information on me. My name is Tom Hallahan and I live in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. On the island, I have the honor of serving as a member of the Dukes County Commission (http://www.dukescounty.org/Pages/DukesCountyMA_Commissioners/index). I have been involved with a number of non-profit and not-for-profit boards both locally and nationally, particularly those concerned with issues of equity and fairness, in regards to education and health care. I am an associate professor (http://www.salemstate.edu/academics/schools/2684.php?id=341) teaching courses in social justice and inclusive education. Presently, I sit on a national board in DC, serving in the role of VP for Government Relations and Public Policy. Most of my work there has focused on access to educational and health care services. I have ongoing consulting roles with both the MA Department of Public Health and MassHealth. Over the past fifteen years, I have provided health care services to inmates within the state’s Department of Corrections through my work at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. I am a single dad of a ten year old son, Kiric.

    I would be more than happy to sit down with you to discuss my personal and professional background, as well as my intentions for running for the First District seat of the Governor’s Council.
    Thanks,
    Tom

  • Tom Hallahan

    I wanted to introduce myself to your readers, since you were unable to find any information on me. My name is Tom Hallahan and I live in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. On the island, I have the honor of serving as a member of the Dukes County Commission (http://www.dukescounty.org/Pages/DukesCountyMA_Commissioners/index). I have been involved with a number of non-profit and not-for-profit boards both locally and nationally, particularly those concerned with issues of equity and fairness, in regards to education and health care. I am an associate professor (http://www.salemstate.edu/academics/schools/2684.php?id=341) teaching courses in social justice and inclusive education. Presently, I sit on a national board in DC, serving in the role of VP for Government Relations and Public Policy. Most of my work there has focused on access to educational and health care services. I have ongoing consulting roles with both the MA Department of Public Health and MassHealth. Over the past fifteen years, I have provided health care services to inmates within the state’s Department of Corrections through my work at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. I am a single dad of a ten year old son, Kiric.

    I would be more than happy to sit down with you to discuss my personal and professional background, as well as my intentions for running for the First District seat of the Governor’s Council.
    Thanks,
    Tom

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com massachusettselection2010

    Thanks for reaching out to me, and giving people more information about you.

    I’d like to put together a comprehensive resource for voters about all the Governor’s Council candidates, and this really helps. I’ll update the article with some of the information you have added.

    I’ve seen some significant search traffic about you to this article.

    I’ll email you offline with some questions and maybe we can put an article together about you. I’ll be interested to know what some of your priorities are for Governor’s Council and if there are any reforms you think are needed.

    There are several candidates who think Governor’s Council needs more transparency – like a web site listing Governor’s Council votes.

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com massachusettselection2010

    Thanks for reaching out to me, and giving people more information about you.

    I’d like to put together a comprehensive resource for voters about all the Governor’s Council candidates, and this really helps. I’ll update the article with some of the information you have added.

    I’ve seen some significant search traffic about you to this article.

    I’ll email you offline with some questions and maybe we can put an article together about you. I’ll be interested to know what some of your priorities are for Governor’s Council and if there are any reforms you think are needed.

    There are several candidates who think Governor’s Council needs more transparency – like a web site listing Governor’s Council votes.

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com massachusettselection2010

    Please email me at masspoliticsblog@gmail.com

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com massachusettselection2010

    Please email me at masspoliticsblog@gmail.com

  • http://nicolecommawoo.wordpress.com/ Nicole

    My interview with Jen Caissie is now posted.

  • http://nicolecommawoo.wordpress.com/ Nicole

    My interview with Jen Caissie is now posted.

  • John Gosselin

    I regret to announce that due to pressing business matters that I will no longer be able to pursue my campaign for the Governor’s Council.

    I have met with and I am most pleased to offer my support to Terry Kennedy. He is a solid candidate with an impressive background that will serve the Commonwealth well.

    My return to political life will hopefully be very soon, but I am not able to commit to the level of attendance and participation that is owed to the people of the Commonwealth at this time and I feel it would be counterproductive to pursue things at this time.

    Please join me in supporting Terry Kennedy!

  • John Gosselin

    I regret to announce that due to pressing business matters that I will no longer be able to pursue my campaign for the Governor’s Council.

    I have met with and I am most pleased to offer my support to Terry Kennedy. He is a solid candidate with an impressive background that will serve the Commonwealth well.

    My return to political life will hopefully be very soon, but I am not able to commit to the level of attendance and participation that is owed to the people of the Commonwealth at this time and I feel it would be counterproductive to pursue things at this time.

    Please join me in supporting Terry Kennedy!

  • Thaddeus

    Kelly Timilty owned up to her mistake, but you “hear good things” about Bob Jubenville? I don’t read good things about him when I search his name, see for yourself. Is this the type of lawyer we want helping to choose our judges? What’s his perspective on keeping our communities safe? Do we want someone who defends convicted child rapists/killers (Charles Jaynes), from weighing in on pardons for them? Not me.

  • Thaddeus

    Kelly Timilty owned up to her mistake, but you “hear good things” about Bob Jubenville? I don’t read good things about him when I search his name, see for yourself. Is this the type of lawyer we want helping to choose our judges? What’s his perspective on keeping our communities safe? Do we want someone who defends convicted child rapists/killers (Charles Jaynes), from weighing in on pardons for them? Not me.

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com Massachusetts Election 2010

    There are other people running against Timilty – like Richard Mitchell. Kelly Timilty has been in the Governor’s Council for years now. She approves everyone who gets nominated. She doesn’t show up to meetings – and still doesn’t. The approved Cheryl Jacques, James Barretto and Maureen Monks. Monks is now a Judge in Cambridge – even though she lied to the Governor’s Council.

    Kelly Timilty has had enough chances. We need a serious Councillor there – someone who actually shows up to meetings.

    But if you have any specific information about Timilty owning up to mistakes or about Jubinville, please let us know. We want everyone to be as well informed about Governor’s Council as we can. Post it back to this thread, or email it to the blog at masspoliticsblog@gmail.com

  • http://massachusetts-election-2010.com Massachusetts Election 2010

    There are other people running against Timilty – like Richard Mitchell. Kelly Timilty has been in the Governor’s Council for years now. She approves everyone who gets nominated. She doesn’t show up to meetings – and still doesn’t. The approved Cheryl Jacques, James Barretto and Maureen Monks. Monks is now a Judge in Cambridge – even though she lied to the Governor’s Council.

    Kelly Timilty has had enough chances. We need a serious Councillor there – someone who actually shows up to meetings.

    But if you have any specific information about Timilty owning up to mistakes or about Jubinville, please let us know. We want everyone to be as well informed about Governor’s Council as we can. Post it back to this thread, or email it to the blog at masspoliticsblog@gmail.com

  • http://payne-thompsoncommittee Jacquolyn Payne-Thompson

    Hello all:

    Just for the record my name is spelled Jacquolyn Payne Thompson. I am a Independent Candidate for the Governor’s Council 4th District seat.

    Quiet as it has been kept throughout the years, the Massachusetts Governors Council is over 240 years old. The Governor Councillors are to advocate for the people while they serve in any district across the state of Massachusetts. All 8 councillors must be present during the decision making process especially when the appointment for judgeship is at hand. The Governor has his own legal council. You do not have to be a lawyer to serve on the council. In past and present there are councillors that held other positions such as a nurse, in real estate, etc. The open meeting law must be respected as well as, visual TV council sessions viewed by the public, and a Annual report provided. The council is a paid part-time but very important position that needs fair, strong, effect leadership. Accountability and transparency is a must. My experience, education, and professional background qualifies me for these important position.

    Thank you
    Jacquolyn Payne-Thompson Independent Candidate G.C. 4th District

  • Jptvision
  • Anonymous

    Mary Ellen Manning has been a tireless and vocal voice of reason on this hack infested council. She has the guts to take on the type of patronage and pay to play garbage that goes on in this one party state. She has earned the job of representing honest working people.

  • bogey251

    Mary Ellen Manning has been a tireless and vocal voice of reason on this hack infested council. She has the guts to take on the type of patronage and pay to play garbage that goes on in this one party state. She has earned the job of representing honest working people.

  • Papertiger

    Where is Joe Ureneck’s name? It is my understanding that he is also running for the Governor’s Council in the First District.

  • http://twitter.com/NBjar Nuno Bojar

    Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney is a disgrace. I don’t know why anyone voted for her. I’m talking to you, Newtonites. I voted today specifically to cast a vote for her opponent.

blog comments powered by Disqus