The $6.32 billion in collections for April, which yields the largest haul each year because taxes are due this month, zoomed $1.03 billion over benchmarks. It surpassed last April’s take by over one and a half billion dollars. Despite the ruddy complexion of the economy, both nationally and in the commonwealth, Governor Maura Healey has had to contend with wild gyrations in state revenue. The post April Revenue May Be the Last Sharp Turn for Healey in FY2024’s Wild Ride… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

The intrigue and protest that has consumed the selection process for the Superintendent of Schools in Springfield reached a new level Wednesday with an outside call to restart the process from the group Lawyers for Civil Rights. The post Civil Rights Group Calls on Springfield to Hit Reset Button on Schools Chief Search… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

SPRINGFIELD—Ward 4 City Councilor Malo Brown kicked off his bid for State Senate Thursday with a low-key gathering downtown with supporters. However, he said little about how he would differentiate himself from the incumbent he is challenging, Senator Adam Gomez.  The post Brown Senate Challenge Officially Launches as Gomez Readies His Troops… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

Another name familiar to the Valley has also filed for a race this month—but not in Massachusetts. Former Springfield City Councilor Amaad Rivera has entered the race for an open State Assembly seat in Wisconsin. Rivera last ran for office in Massachusetts in the 2018 Democratic primary for the Hampden Senate District.  The post Briefings: Amaad Rivera Returns to the Ballot…as a Cheesehead… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

A little over three months ago, freshly relieved of his duties as a city councilor in Holyoke, Wilmer Puello-Mota was preparing for trial or a plea. Until he wasn’t. The state of Rhode Island was prosecuting him for possession of child pornography. Two days before he was to appear in court, his lawyer would much later confirm, Puello-Mota skipped town.   The post Do Svidaniya, Holyoke: Stitching Together Puello-Mota’s Russian New Year… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

few of the region’s incumbents face much risk in the general election. But now, one of the region’s true swing seats, anchored in Westfield, a swing community itself, will have a contest.  City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane, a Democrat, will run against Republican Rep Kelly Pease. The post Westfield Councilor Files in Western Mass Swing District, Taking on Incumbent GOP… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

Weeks after reports appeared that MGM Resorts International is considering selling MGM Springfield, another blow has come to a city economic anchor. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportations Authority, or SEPTA, has cancelled a contract with CRRC. The post Briefings: Philly Transit Agency Drops CRRC As Future Railcar Work Dwindles… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

The Springfield City Council digested a simple agenda quickly on Monday. The only scent of discord arose from a split vote to transfer funds over a lawsuit. However, that conversation took place in executive session. The public highlights involved revised handicap parking and revival of The post Take My Council, Please: Atoning for the Acts of Omission… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

UPDATED Another major staffing change has hit Springfield City Hall with the exit of City Solicitor John Payne. Mayor Domenic Sarno has chosen former legislator and onetime district attorney candidate Stephen Buoniconti to replace Payne. Given his late-career return to City Hall, Payne’s exit should not be a shock. The post Sarno Imports Familiar Name from across the River for Next City Solicitor… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & Insight ..read more

EASTHAMPTON—Despite years of involvement with Democratic politics, it is no secret that the 2016 election was a turning point for Nicole LaChapelle. Two reelections later, LaChapelle will not seek reelection as mayor here next year, although there is another presidential election before that.  “I was out at the Brass Cat and one of the bartenders is like, ‘Hey, Trump can be president again. Does that mean you're gonna run again?’” LaChapelle recalled. The post A LaChapelle Mayoralty & a Mayors Presidency…or What Happens When Making Plans… appeared first on Western Mass Politics & ..read more