INTRO TEXT fiscal watchdog groups have long railed against agreements guaranteeing union-only workers on major construction projects. But with public budgets under stress, even some usual labor allies are questioning whether the labor agreements are always the way to go. Last year, Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, a Democrat with long ties to organized labor, […]
Shaun Sutner
Posted inEducation
In tight times, universal preschool gets held back
INTRO TEXT while massachusetts has invested heavily in public K-12 education in recent years, grand plans to extend that reach to the preschool years are bumping up against harsh fiscal realities and skepticism about making universal early childhood education a top priority for state government. The idea to extend free preschool to all families started […]
Posted inPolitics
Millionaires Ball
After the Clean Elections fiasco, campaign finance laws leave politics to the rich and the long in office Summer 2006 gentlemen (and women), check your wallets. On your marks. Get set. Go. It’s off to the races, with a stable of millionaires dominating the 2006 campaign for governor and pouring an unprecedented amount of their […]
Posted inEconomy
Urban ReRenewal
Growth & Development Extra 2006 New and restored streets will reattach the landmark Union Station with downtown Worcester. At night, Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street is alive with restaurant-goers and revelers, frequently including residents of a former biscuit factory that has been transformed into upscale lofts with 12-foot ceilings, exposed ductwork, and refurbished red brick walls. […]