Bill Galvin has always been something of an enigma in Massachusetts politics. A former Brighton state rep who has served as the Commonwealth’s secretary of state for 15 years, Galvin cuts a profile better fitted to an undertaker than a glad-handing pol, favoring dark suits and a dour mien. His reputation for stealthily operating in the shadows and being pegged as a source for some reporters of unflattering news (about others) has earned him the unflattering sobriquet “The Prince of Darkness.”
Galvin sometimes seems to more than earn his reputation for secrecy and an aversion to government transparency. As the state’s chief election official, he has been slow to make election results easily available online, and, as CommonWealth has reported, he has been less than forthcoming about criteria he uses to manage the state’s historic tax credit program, which his office administers.
Then, there is the other Galvin, the crusading public watchdog who is not afraid to take on powerful forces on behalf of the little guy. That Galvin, whose earlier such exploits were chronicled in this CommonWealth profile, is the one making news right now.
Today, it is news of a bill to be filed on Galvin’s behalf by his old House colleague, Angelo Scaccia, which would require court approval of any home foreclosure in the state. Real estate industry interests say the move would unnecessarily bog down the market’s recovery. But Galvin and advocacy groups say it would allow more time for homeowners to work out a plan to keep their home and will ensure that the foreclosing party has clear title to the property, something that is not always well established under current procedures.
In yesterday’s Globe, Galvin’s cause was a call for the Legislature to hand over the upcoming Congressional redistrictingduties to an independent commission. Redistricting of state legislative and US House districts occurs every 10 years, following the decennial US Census. This year’s exercise might prove especially tricky, since national population shifts could lead to the loss of one of the state’s 10 US House seats. The idea of enlisting an independent body to help draw district lines makes eminent sense, and is being done by 21 other states. There is something entirely backwards about having lawmakers redraw their own districts, effectively letting them choose their voters, when it’s supposed to be the other way around.
Which may be why lawmakers are showing no interest in Galvin’s idea. Senate President Therese Murray said the Legislature has already put a committee in place to handle redistricting; House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s office simply declined to comment. One could legitimately ask (or fume, as leaders in the Legislature no doubt are privately doing) why Galvin didn’t speak out on the issue earlier. Was this more of a play for a quick headline than a serious policy proposal?
Whatever the back story, it does give some added oompf to a sensible idea that has trouble getting off the ground in Massachusetts, where recent efforts to amend the redistricting process through an amendment to the state Constitution have fallen flat.
–MICHAEL JONAS
CRIME/PUBLIC SAFETY
The Globe’s Peter Schworm reports today that, given the tough economic times, everyone is baffled at the steep decline injuvenile court cases Massachusetts is experiencing.
The murky circumstances surrounding the police shooting death of Pace football player – and Massachusetts native — Danroy Henry, Jr., get reviewed in today’s New York Times.
The state chiefs of police association hits the Bristol and Middlesex County sheriffs’ departments for engaging in law enforcement efforts.
STATE FINANCES
Yesterday’s New York Times reports that mounting debts among state governments has experts worried about a looming crisis.
PROBATION
While judges long fumed about the appointment of politically-connected people to jobs in the Probation Department over more qualified candidates, they largely failed to blow the whistle on the rampant patronage practices, the Globe reported yesterday.
Taylor Armerding, in a column in the Eagle-Tribune, says legislators shouldn’t be recommending people for jobs.
Local pols defend their role in writing recommendations for constituents for public employment and other openings, tellingThe Enterprise it’s a responsibility that comes with the job.
WASHINGTON
A deal swapping tax cuts for unemployment benefits is within reach.
House Republicans are warily eyeing state’s ballooning pension fund liabilities, and they’re making it clear those liabilities won’t be closed using federal funds. Meanwhile, the New York Times surveys the wreckage amid skyrocketing state and municipal debt.
EDUCATION
New Yorkers are still steamed up about the choice of publishing executive Cathleen Black to lead the city’s schools. But aWashington Post essayist argues that she can figure it out.
A Berkshire Eagle editorial looks at how the Probation Department patronage scandal torpedoed Marty Meehan’s chance to head up the University of Massachusetts system.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
The Globe continued its editorial series on Gateway Cities yesterday with a focus on transportation issues.
At least 176 cities and towns have adopted the local option hike in hotels tax but the added levy has done nothing to curb bookings, as occupancy rates around the state are up over last year, the Patriot Ledger reports.
The Item carries a rambling yet quite revealing story about the downturn in Lynn. As one former resident said to his brother during a return visit, “My God, Paul, what has happened to this city?”
A Springfield Republican editorial says the city can’t afford to dump a $50 trash fee set to expire in June 2011. The state-appointed Finance Control Board that cleaned up the city’ finances instituted the fee three years ago.
A Barnstable vote against new sewer systems for several villages heralds the problems of regional funding for infrastructure projects.
In tony Westwood, which, with neighboring Dover, forms a patch of horsey country in Boston’s southwest suburbs, neighbors have called out all the stops to prevent an influx of horses.
ENVIRONMENT
A Cape Cod Times editorial faults departing Energy and Environment Secretary Ian Bowles for not sticking around to oversee the implementation of the state’s ambitious wind energy initiatives.
Portions of Plum Island’s beach, recently restored by a $3 million dredging project, are already beginning to erode.
Like Massachusetts, Vermont is facing challenges over biomass; a proposed plant near the western Bay State border has sparked concerns about emissions.
Lenox residents are now eligible for sums up to $2000 to install private solar installations.
Gloucester is preparing to appeal an EPA order requiring a $40 million upgrade of its sewer system, the Times reports.
HEALTH CARE
Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini is threatening to withhold money from the school district unless more schools workers join the city’s new health plan. Critics say his action will only penalized students, the Eagle-Tribune reports.
SOCIAL TRENDS
The working class is giving up on the notion of marriage, according to WBUR.
TRANSPORTATION
State’s transportation consolidation means Turnpike advertising – and the dollars it brings in – has to go, according to NECN.Nationwide, corporate sponsorship of public property is on the rise, the Wall Street Journal reports.
PUBLIC RECORDS
A Somerville blogger lays out the 18-months of hoops city officials made him jump through for records he requested while supplying the New England Center for Investigative Reporting the same documents in 60 days. Via Universal Hub.
CORRUPTION
Jon Keller ponders what has many of us scratching our head: Why do politicians caught up in scandals retain voter support?
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