Archaic laws should be repealed
The title of the law alone is enough to make you pause. The heading reads “Crimes Against Chastity, Morality, Decency and Good Order,” and it covers scores of crimes. Penalties…
The Markey-Gomez race by the numbers
It’s a week after Cong. Edward M. Markey defeated businessman Gabriel E. Gomez to succeed former Sen. John F. Kerry and a good time to examine the pre-election polls and…
State party platforms a study in contrasts
The Massachusetts Democratic Party will hold its issues convention in a couple of weeks, and now’s a good opportunity to compare its platform with the platform currently endorsed by state…
Recalling former Gov. Paul Cellucci
Massachusetts lost a decent and respected public servant last week with the passing of former Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci. He was 65 and had been suffering from A.L.S., better known as…
Scandals may influence U.S. Senate race
Sometimes important national events overtake more parochial affairs in state elections, and this may be happening in the Massachusetts U.S. Senate special election. The race between Democratic Cong. Edward Markey…
Welfare for the dead
Some unusual fireworks erupted at the State House last week that are guaranteed to keep popping this week and beyond. State Auditor Suzanne Bump said her office discovered 1,164 cases…
Town meeting prayer case goes to court
The U.S. Supreme Court last week agreed to hear a case involving prayers at town meetings. The ultimate decision has the potential to clarify a longstanding question about the separation…
Arts funding on the line
The state Senate begins its budget deliberations this week and a proposed line item increase should be of particular interest to Berkshire County. Sen. Ben Downing (D-Pittsfield) and others are…
Constitutional Convention meets briefly, delays action on amendments
In a session lasting exactly one minute last week, a Constitutional Convention of the Massachusetts Legislature decided to defer action on a batch of new amendments to the state Constitution…
None of the above
Ever wish you could vote for “none of the above?” If State Rep. Theodore C. Speliotis has his way, you will. For the second consecutive session of the Legislature, Rep.…