McCarthy fails to get appointment
It seems when the cards are in favor of a court appointee, as in the case of the Pittsfield District Court Clerk Christopher N. Speranzo, the cries of the public that it was an inside political appointment don’t matter.
Neither Gov. Deval L. Patrick nor the governor’s counsel choose to hear the public on what seemed to be then-Mayor James M. Roberto’s nominee to the post. Mr. Speranzo was a state representative from Pittsfield.
Then comes Pittsfield Attorney Michael J. McCarthy for a judgeship and, well, the pubic chorus was in favor of the lawyer for an opening in Southern Berkshire District Court in Great Barrington, with the approval by the governor.
Now it appears the governor’s council is the bad guy?
Apparently Atty. McCarthy did not interview well, or did not have the tenacity for the appointment and thus the vote was five to three against.
On the surface, Atty. McCarthy is a partner in the firm of George, DeGregorio, Massimiano and McCarthy in Pittsfield, has served as city solicitor and was an assistant district attorney in Berkshire County.
Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano of Longmeadow, a former Springfield mayor who represents Western Massachusetts District 8, reportedly endorsed McCarthy.
The council sometimes agrees with the governor and other times, for a variety of reasons, including acting as a check and balance point for the governor’s nominee, it disagrees.
The Governor’s Council has a role to play and it serves as a final check of a nominee of a judges, clerk-magistrates, public administrators, members of the Parole Board, Appellate Tax Board, Industrial Accident Board and Industrial Accident Reviewing Board, notaries and justices of the peace. Also, the council meets weekly to record advice and consent on warrants for the state treasury, pardons and commutations.
Posted by George C. Jordan III
on February 21, 2013. Filed under Editorials,Opinion.
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