Here's our roundup of stories from in and around Massachusetts:
Boston Police Union President Pleads Guilty to Fraud
Former BPD Union President, Thomas Nee, pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in overtime pay. Nee is the 15th officer connected with the investigation and was the predecessor to Patrick Rose, the former BPD Union President who now awaits trial on 33 counts of sexual abuse of minors. (Boston.com)
Cop Who Bragged About Hitting Protestors with SUV Returned to Active Duty; Later Suspended for 10 Days
Clifton McHale, who was previously accused of assaulting a black-out drunk woman outside of a Faneuil Hall bar, returned to active duty after a confidential, internal investigation into his conduct during the Black Lives Matter protestors during which he was recorded on camera bragging about ramming protestors with his police SUV. McHale has since been suspended for 10 days after public backlash. (Boston Globe)
Judge Denies DA Rollin's Request to Overturn Drug Convictions tied to Corrupt Drug Labs
Drug convictions handled by chemists who have since been convicted for mishandling drug evidence and sent to prison, will not be granted a new trial after a judge dismissed DA Rollins motion for a new trial. Tens of thousands of cases connected to chemists highlighted in Netflix's 'How to Fix a Drug Scandal' would potentially be dismissed depending on the judge's ruling (Boston Globe).
"12 hours at Mass. and Cass" (personal stories from people living on Mass Ave)
"The encampment of addiction and misery at the edge of the city’s South End is a travesty that only grows worse. And until something effective is done, Boston must not look away." (Boston Globe)
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75% of Boston Voters Skip Mayoral Preliminary; Only 25% Vote
Highlight story of the Week
What's Happening?
Despite this Mayor's race having the most diverse, and arguably the most impressive, pool of candidates, only 25% of registered Voters in the City of Boston voted during the preliminary election which narrowed the field from 6 candidates down to two, Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George.
This is lower than the last election year without an incumbent, 2013, when then voter turnout was 28%.
The next mayor of Boston will have the opportunity to make life changing and city shaping decisions on:
Racial justice & Equality
Housing Affordability
Climate Change
Public Safety & Police Accountability
Public Transportation*
*and many other important issues.
The future of the city of Boston will be largely shaped by this mayoral election and we had candidates from many different backgrounds, areas of expertise, and communities. It was a critical election with an incredibly impressive pool of candidates and still 75% of Bostonian voters decided that voting wasn't worth their time.
We need an informed, effective, and passionate electorate if we are to bring about change in Boston and around the country. Sitting out an election is abdicating the very civic right and responsibility we are so lucky to have, a privilege not to be forgotten.
How you can help
Vote.
Vote in your own local elections and tell your friends and family when you do.
