End of legislative session brings mixed bag of new laws
The end of the legislative session on Beacon Hill always results in a variety of new laws, and the just-completed 2011-2012 session is no exception. In addition to bills signed…
Gunplay
In the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shootings last month, it appears political leaders at all levels are going to get serious about gun control. President Barack Obama said…
Voter ID laws: sensible regulation or attempts at voter suppression?
Thirty-three states, most with Republican controlled legislatures and governorships, passed strict voter identification laws in 2011 and 2012, purportedly aiming to stop voter fraud. Most of these laws tighten up…
The Hear! Hear! and Humbug! Awards
In honor of the season and the end of a tumultuous political year, the Spotlight hereby announces its coveted “Hear! Hear!” and dreaded “Humbug!” candidate awards for 2012. The Hear!…
Ben Downing: dark horse and underdog
Political junkies who can’t get enough of elections may get one more. As widely reported, Senator John Kerry will likely be appointed to fill the secretary of state position soon…
Corruption or business as usual?
Two corruption cases have been the talk at the State House in recent weeks, but some veterans of Massachusetts politics think it’s much ado about nothing. At this writing, former…
Legislator per diems: pricey perks or legitimate expenses?
In Massachusetts, where thousands of bills are filed in the Legislature annually, the end of the legislative session is when large numbers of unsuccessful bills are sent into oblivion. The…
The changing face of regional government
The article in last week’s Beacon should come as no surprise to anyone who follows how government works these days. Eight Berkshire County school districts, with the guidance of the…
Pastor Lively doesn’t have a prayer
Now that the general election has passed, it’s no surprise candidates are making noises about running in the next general election in 2014. That year all the Massachusetts constitutional and legislative…
Massachusetts Republicans dig even deeper hole
Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly for the re-election of President Barack Obama last week, but that’s just a glimpse of the ever-growing Democratic influence in the Bay State. Elizabeth Warren defeated incumbent…