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Speaker Robert DeLeo, gubernatorial candidates react to Olga Roche's resignation from the Department of Children and Families

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Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo and gubernatorial candidates reacted to Olga Roche's resignation as head of the Department of Children and Families.

BOSTON — Reaction to Olga Roche's resignation as head of the Department of Children and Families has steadily rolled in since Tuesday's press conference where Erin Deveney was announced as her interim replacement.

Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo:

"Installing new leadership at the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is only the first step.  DCF is an agency in crisis; and we must immediately undertake the difficult, but crucial, task of creating an effective structure of protection and care for our most vulnerable children. The House's ongoing efforts to heighten oversight, provide resources to lower caseload ratios and implement significant IT improvements at DCF are already proceeding.  Today, as we mark a new beginning, my deepest sympathies and prayers go out to those who knew and loved Jeremiah Oliver, Bailey Irish and Aliana Lavigne."

Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker:

"I am pleased that the Governor has accepted the commissioner's resignation today and I stand by my position that this should have happened months ago when it was clear DCF suffered from systemic failures. In order to protect the vulnerable children in the state's care, officials must now carry out an analysis, region by region as I proposed months ago to begin reforming the essential agency. The children and families impacted by DCF deserve accountability and swift reassurance that the state is taking the right steps to fix this serious problem."

Treasurer Steve Grossman, Democratic candidate for governor

"Commissioner Olga Roche's resignation gives DCF a long-overdue opportunity to rebuild its credibility based on three fundamental principles: safety, accountability, and reform."

Attorney General Maratha Coakley, Democratic candidate for governor

"I believe Governor Patrick has made the tough but right decision today as a first step to restoring the public'AAs trust in DCF. The challenges at DCF go well beyond the leadership of the Commissioner, however, and it is imperative that we implement additional reforms to better protect our children.

I have spent over two decades working to protect children, and I believe
the current structure of DCF creates an almost impossible mandate for the social workers who must balance keeping families together with the safety of the child. That's why I have proposed creating a separate Child Protection Division within DCF that will
be charged with investigating allegations of child abuse with the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of the child.

Our system of child protection will also only work when our mandated reporters, DCF, and District Attorneys' child protection units work cohesively together in real time. The recent tragedies have shed light on the fact that we need to update the process and technology for the state's mandated reporters so that there is absolutely no lag time between a report of abuse and the ability of DCF to launch an investigation. This is the kind of structural change that will help prevent children in need from falling through the cracks of a flawed system."

SEIU Local 509 Chapter President Peter MacKinnon

aThose of us on the front lines wake up each day with a sole focus on keeping at-risk kids safe a and todayas announcement presents a critical opportunity to institute the reforms and investments we need to get the job done.

aAt DCF, we face a caseload crisis that worsens each day. Policy changes and accountability measures are desperately needed. Communication barriers and outdated technology continue to slow our efforts in the field.

aWe sincerely hope Interim Commissioner Deveney will take this opportunity to work with both front-line staff and the legislature to immediately address these critical issues. With child safety at stake, the commonwealth can afford nothing less.a

This post will be updated as we receive more reactions.


This is the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII

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Director J.J. Abrams announced the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

On Tuesday, director J.J. Abrams and the team behind the new Star Wars films announced the cast of Episode VII, the first installment of the new trilogy, which is slated for a December 18, 2015 release.

Click through the gallery above to meet the announced cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

The announced cast includes young up-and-coming actors (John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson), well-known veteran actors (Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow), and the major players from the original series (Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, among others).

David Chalue Berkshire triple murder case: Live coverage of 3rd day of trial

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A Hampden Superior Court jury in February found Hall guilty of multiple charges, including the first-degree murders of the three victims. He is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

SPRINGFIELD - Today is the third day of the Berkshire triple murder trial of David Chalue.

In August 2011, weeks before he was to testify against Adam Lee Hall, David Glasser and his roommate, Edward Frampton, and their friend Robert Chadwell, all of Pittsfield, disappeared. Their dismembered bodies were found in Becket 10 days later.

Hall, 36, of Peru; Chalue, 46, of North Adams, and Caius Veiovis, 32, of Pittsfield, kidnapped the three victims from Frampton's Pittsfield home sometime in the early hours of Aug. 28, 2011, and fatally shot them, according to prosecutors.

A Hampden Superior Court jury in February found Hall guilty of multiple charges, including the first-degree murders of the three victims. He is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The cases, which are being heard separately, were moved to Hampden Superior Court by Kinder after defense lawyers said extensive publicity in Berkshire County would prevent a fair jury from being selected.

We were not able to cover the morning session live today due to staffing issues so we are picking it up at 2 p.m. for the afternoon session.

Click below for Buffy Spencer's live coverage from the courtroom. If you're on a mobile device, follow the updates here »

 

Springfield police seek public's help in finding suspect in theft of iPads from Radio Shack at Eastfield Mall

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The man entered the store and asked to purchase two tablets. When the clerk was distracted, he grabbed them and ran out the door.

SPRINGFIELD - Springfield police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of shoplifting twoiPad tablets from Radio Shack at the Eastfield Mall on Tuesday morning.

Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet, said the theft occurred just after 11 a.m.

The store manager told police a man entered the store and asked about purchasing two iPads.

The two tablets were on the counter as a clerk was inputting information into the store computer, and while the clerk was not looking the man grabbed the two iPads and ran out the door.

He was last seen running toward the north side of the Eastfield Mall.

An Apple iPad with 16 GB of memory retails for about $230 on the Radio Shack website.

Delaney said the man was described as black and with a beard, and approximately 25 to 30 years old,. He was also wearing a tan sweater, black pants, and had a purple and tan bandanna on his head.

The store provided police with surveillance footage of the suspect, which police provided to the local press.

Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call Springfield Police Detective Gifford Jenkins at (413) 787-6355.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to “CRIMES,” or “274637,” and then beginning the body of the message with the word “SOLVE.”


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Holyoke about to auction 12 properties taken for unpaid taxes, with goal of making them taxpayers again

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The auction consists of seven properties with buildings on them and five lots.

HOLYOKE -- The city Tuesday will auction 12 properties seized over the years for nonpayment of taxes at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 291 Pine St.

Registration to participate in the auction is at 6 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m.

Aaron Posnik & Co. Inc. of Springfield will conduct the auction.

Buyers are required to make payable to the city a $5,000 certified check, bank check or money order per property. In addition to the bid price, each property sale is subject to a 5 percent buyer's premium, which goes to Posnik, City Treasurer Jon D. Lumbra said.

The city likely will never recoup the $654,917 in back taxes owed on these residential, commercial and industrial properties. And prices paid at such auctions usually are a small percentage of what was owed the city in back taxes, unpaid utility bills and interest.

But the auction lets the city get some revenue from sales, returns such properties to being tax-paying entities and fixes up part of a neighbhorhood, officials have said.

Buyers who acquire the properties at the auction are not responsible for the back taxes. But if a buyer is a nonprofit organization, its officials must agree to pay 50 percent of the taxes that will be assessed on the property forever as a sale condition, Lumbra said.

Seven properties have buildings on them: 123 Pine St., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 115-119 Cabot St., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and 107 Clemente St., 2 to 4 p.m.,all of which are residential; and 433 Main St., 9 to 11 a.m.; 435 Main St., 9 to11 a.m.; 437-443 Main St., 9 to 11 a.m.; and 263 Hampden St., 2 to 4 p.m., all of which are commercial, according to auction documents online.

Also up for auction are four residential lots -- on South East Street, two on Grand View Street and 267-269 Suffolk St., and an industrial lot at 20 Worcester Place, according to auction documents on line.

The properties deemed ready for auction are among 25 the state Land Court awarded to the city in 2013, Lumbra said.

The plan is to hold the next auction in October, he said.

Springfield police: Charles Roman, 31, arrested after officer finds cocaine in vehicle, including large amount of crack tucked inside Nutter Butter package

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Police also found cocaine and a scale inside the vehicle.

charlesroman31crop.jpgCharles Roman 

SPRINGFIELD – Police, approaching a suspicious vehicle in a Sixteen Acres neighborhood parking lot Monday night, plainly saw a suspect using a scale to weigh out portions of cocaine.

Searching further, police found a Nutter Butter cookie package filled with a large amount of crack cocaine, wedged into the vehicle’s emergency brake handle, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.

Charles Roman, 31, of 28 Donbray Road, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Police Officer John Zollo became aware of the suspect after responding to complaints from business owners around Parker Street and Wilbraham Road that youths and possibly drug dealers were loitering in the parking lots there.

Zollo watched the area for several days and saw that a particular vehicle was often there, Delaney, aide to Commissioner William Fitchet, said. The officer, obtaining the vehicle owner’s name, saw that he was known to police and had a criminal record.

Zollo spotting that vehicle at about 10:15 p.m. in a parking lot on city-owned land near Breckwood Blvd. and Breckwood Circle, approached and saw Roman doing something inside.

That’s when Zollo spotted the cocaine and scale on the front seat and ultimately, the crack cocaine in the Nutter Butter package, Delaney said.

Police found more cocaine in the suspect’s pocket, along with $70 in cash, Delaney said.

Michael Albano: Name Hampden County House of Correction in Ludlow for Sheriff Michael Ashe

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Governor's Councillor Michael Albano today announced he has requested Governor Deval Patrick to file legislation naming the Hampden County House of Correction after Sheriff Michael J. Ashe.


SPRINGFIELD — Governor's Councillor Michael Albano today announced he has requested Governor Deval Patrick to file legislation naming the Hampden County House of Correction after Sheriff Michael J. Ashe, according to a press release from the state Office of the Governor's Councillor.

Sheriff Ashe has announced he will not seek re election when his term expires in 2017.

In a letter to the governor, Albano stated:

"Sheriff Ashe, who began service in 1975 and plans retirement in 2017, is well deserving of this honor given his record of achievement in this important position in state government.

Honored for his progressive correctional philosophy, Sheriff Ashe is a national model and his work would be appropriately recognized through this special designation."

Councillor Albano's relationship with Sheriff Ashe began when he supported his long shot candidacy in 1974. He began working with him in his capacity as a Probation Officer in the Westfield District Court and later as a Member of the Massachusetts Parole Board; as City Councilor and as Mayor.

For further media inquiry, contact the Office of Governor's Councillor at (413) 525-4438.

LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling banned for life by the NBA

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Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life by the NBA in response to racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation.

NEW YORK — Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life by the NBA in response to racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation.

Commissioner Adam Silver said he will try to force the controversial owner to sell his franchise. Sterling has also been fined $2.5 million, and Silver made no effort to hide his outrage over the comments.

"I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners I need to remove him," Silver said.

The rebuke, which came three days after the scandal broke, is the harshest penalty ever issued by the league and one of the stiffest punishments ever given to an owner in professional sports. Silver said a league investigation found the NBA's longest-tenured owner was in fact the person on the audiotapes that were released over the weekend.

"We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views," Silver said. "They simply have no place in the NBA."

Sterling acknowledged he was the man on the tape, Silver said.

Sterling is immediately barred from attending any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team.

He also cannot participate in any league business going forward. It's unclear how he will respond, and a lawsuit certainly seems possible.

"This league is far bigger than any one owner, any one coach and any one player," Silver said.

The fine will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and the Players Association, Silver said.

"This has all happened in three days, and so I am hopeful there will be no long-term damage to the league and to the Clippers organization," Silver said. "But as I said earlier, I'm outraged so I certainly understand other people's outrage. This will take some time and appropriate healing will be necessary."

After the announcement, the Clippers' website had a simple message: "We are one," it read.

"We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today. Now the healing process begins," the Clippers added in a statement released to the media.

Sterling's comments were released over the weekend by TMZ and Deadspin, and numerous NBA owners and players have condemned them. Even President Barack Obama weighed in on the crisis, the first of Silver's brief tenure as commissioner.

The league's investigation started Saturday and players immediately began expressing intense displeasure with the situation, even going so far as to ask Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to get involved on behalf of the players' union.

"Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!!," Miami Heat star LeBron James wrote on Twitter.

Before Silver took the podium, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted out a photo of the NBA Constitution, saying "It exists for a reason."

The announcement of the sanctions came just hours before the Clippers will play Golden State in Game 5 of a knotted-up Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Several sponsors either terminated or suspended their business dealings with the team on Monday, though individual deals that some of those companies have with Clippers stars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue and were not affected. Still, it was a clear statement that companies, like just about everyone inside the league, were outraged.

"Commissioner Silver showed great leadership in banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life," Magic Johnson, who was referenced on the taped conversation involving Sterling, tweeted shortly after the league's decision was announced.

Johnson's role on the tape stemmed from Sterling's female companion apparently posting a photo of her and the Hall of Fame player on her Instagram account. That photo has since been deleted, but raised Sterling's ire nonetheless.

"It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people. Do you have to?" Sterling asks the woman on the tape.

Silver said when he first heard the audio, he hoped it had been altered or was fake — but also said that from his 20-year relationship with Sterling, he suspected the voice was his.

The issues raised when the tapes were released over the weekend represent just another chapter in Sterling's long history of being at the center of controversy.

In the past, he's faced extensive federal charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination in his business dealings, and some of his race-related statements would be described as shocking.

He has also been sued in the past for sexual harassment by former employees, and even the woman who goes by the name "V. Stiviano" — purportedly the female voice on the tapes at the center of this scandal — describes Sterling in court documents as a man "with a big toothy grin brandishing his sexual prowess in the faces of the Paparazzi and caring less what anyone else thought, the least of which, his own wife."

Stiviano is being sued by Rochelle Sterling, who is seeking to reclaim at least $1.8 million in cash and gifts that her husband allegedly provided the woman.



UMass raises more than $23,000 in first 3 hours of 36-hour fundraising campaign

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UMass fundraising rganizers are hoping to bring in 1,863 donors, to honor the year of the university’s founding.

AMHERST – In the first three hours of the 36-hour University of Massachusetts online fundraising campaign, 542 have donated $23,720.

The UMassGives campaign began at noon Tuesday, Founders Day, and continues through midnight on Wednesday.

Last year, more than 1,500 people donated to the online-only fund-raising campaign, raising $83,947. This is part of the $300 million UMassRising campaign.

Organizers are hoping to bring in 1,863 donors, to honor the year of the university’s founding.

People can give at any time during the campaign – and keep track of the campaign progress in real time.

Donors can make a general gift or to a specified program or project including to the Krystle Campbell Scholarship fund. She was one of three people killed last year in the bombings at the Boston Marathon and a former UMass-Boston student.

Richard Neal vows to continue fighting Westover cuts; meets with secretary of U.S. Air Force

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Neal said he feels the Westover cuts are still a recommendation that has not been considered by Congress.

CHICOPEE — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal met with the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Tuesday to follow up on the announcement that Westover Air Reserve Base would be downsized, losing half of its 16-jet fleet and 334 positions at the base.

"I had a good conversation with the Secretary of the Air Force today to discuss the future force structure of Westover Air Reserve Base. As dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, I invited her to meet with the entire delegation and local, state and federal stakeholders so we can speak with one voice about Westover's importance to the region and the nation. After General Vautrain's announcement yesterday, I thought it was important to contact Secretary (Deborah Lee) James quickly and schedule a meeting to promote and protect the base in Chicopee,” Neal said in a written statement.

Brig. Gen. Steven Vautrain, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover, Monday confirmed a 2012 Air Force plan to downsize the base would go through.

The confirmation came during a visit last week from the Site Action Task Force from the Air Force Reserve Command and after a study was completed on the mobility and capability requirements of the Air Force.

The plan calls for eight of the base’s C-5B Galaxy jets to be moved to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in Texas. Those transferred planes will replace some older C-5A jets in Texas that are being retired.

In addition, 59 full-time positions will be cut. A total of 275 part-time Reservist jobs are also being eliminated. Vautrain said he is hoping to be able to avoid layoffs of full-time personnel through retirements and retraining the existing personnel so they can take other vacant positions on the base.

Reservists can also fill vacant positions from retirements or resignations. Some may transfer to other military units in Massachusetts and New England, he said.

But Neal said he does not feel the decision is final since Congress still has to approve the required budget reductions and has the final say on how they are applied.

He did acknowledge that the federal Budget Control Act requires $487 billion to be cut from the defense budget over the next eight years and the reductions are being proposed for bases across the country.

“From my perspective, the Westover announcement was merely a recommendation that has yet to be considered by Congress. I strongly believe the restructuring process remains very fluid. The House and Senate Armed Services Committee will have a significant voice in this debate and so will the entire Congress. I look forward to the delegation meeting with the Air Force Secretary so we can reaffirm our collective support for Westover and all the military bases in Massachusetts," Neal said.

He said he is planning for the meeting with James, the Air Force secretary, and the congressional delegation next month in Washington. Neal said he will also invite a number of other stakeholders in the process including a representative from the state task force that has been working to protect planned cuts from happening at the six different military installations in Massachusetts as well as Chicopee Mayor Richard J. Kos.

Westhampton man pleads innocent to drunk driving charges

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The truck hit another vehicle on Loudville Road. The operator continued on to Westhampton and Clifford was arrested when he stopped in front of 106 North Road.

NORTHAMPTON - A Westhampton man who was charged with drunken driving and other offenses after allegedly hitting a telephone pole and another car in Easthampton Saturday was arraigned Monday in Northampton District Court.

Joshua Clifford, 37, of 27 Kings Highway, pleaded innocent to second offense drunken driving, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop for police, failure to stop at stop signs and speeding.

According to police, Clifford's GMC pick-up truck was seen on the wrong side of South Street at about 6 p.m. An Easthampton police officer was able to pull the vehicle over, but the driver sped away when the officer exited his cruiser. The pickup then sped down South Street through two stop signs, police said. When it attempted to turn onto Glendale Street, the truck hit the telephone pole, shearing it in half. It then sped off, going more than 80 miles an hour in a 30 mile an hour zone.

The truck hit another vehicle on Loudville Road. The operator continued on to Westhampton and Clifford was arrested when he stopped in front of 106 North Road.

Judge W. Michael Goggins set bail at $200 and scheduled a pretrial hearing for June 3.

Protest set Wednesday at West Springfield High School after 3 Muslim sisters said they were bullied

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The case came to public attention three weeks ago when Njama, Hibo and Filsan Hussein told Westfield State students that they have been routinely taunted and harassed for their religious beliefs.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Westfield State University students and others have scheduled a protest for Wednesday to call attention to alleged anti-Islamic bullying at West Springfield High School.

Westfield State associate professor Kamal Ali said picketing will be held outside the Piper Road school from 11 a.m. to noon in support of three Muslim sisters who claim they have suffered verbal and physical abuse from other students.

“A simple, dignified information sharing … and we’re done,” Ali said, referring to the protest.

The case came to public attention three weeks ago when Najma, Hibo and Filsan Hussein told Westfield State students that they have been routinely taunted and harassed for their religious beliefs. The sisters were speaking at an event organized by
Ali, who is also vice president of the Islamic Society Western Massachusetts.

Two of the sisters are seniors at West Springfield High School, and the third, Filsan, transferred to a private school last year following a fight in the school cafeteria.

West Springfield school superintendent Russell Johnston said he cannot comment on specific cases, but said the school system has strict anti-bullying policies and multiple programs designed to prevent, investigate and resolve bullying complaints.

Court records show two of the sisters are facing charges from a fight in the school cafeteria in March, 2013. A police report stated that Najma, Hibo and Filsan Hussein attacked another female student who was laughing at them during lunch period on March 7, 2013.

The victim “stated that she felt Najma punch her in the face and scratch her around her left eye,” school resource officer Mark P. Hammond wrote, adding the sisters “have been involved in similar incidents in the cafeteria on multiple occasions.”

Najma Hussein, now 19, was charged in District Court with assault and battery and disturbing a school assembly, while Hibo Hussein, now 20, was charged with disturbing the school assembly. Charges against Filsan Hussein, 18, were dropped because she was a minor at the time.

A trial is scheduled for May 14.

Lawyers for Najma and Hibo Hussein have argued in court motions that Hammond never saw the fight, and based his description of it on one-sided witness accounts.

They said an enhanced videotape from the school cafeteria will show the other student attacked Najma first, and was one of a group of students who have targeted the girls.

Professional boxer Micky Ward throws support behind Steve Grossman for governor of Massachusetts

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The Lowell born and bred fighter, whose life story and career inspired the 2010 film "The Fighter" starring Dorchester native Mark Wahlberg, said he is backing Grossman over his competitors because of the state treasurer's pledge to level the playing field for working people in Massachusetts.

State Treasurer Steve Grossman, a Democrat aiming to become the next governor of the Bay State, announced Tuesday that his campaign has landed the support of professional boxer Micky Ward.

Micky-Ward Steve GrossmanView full sizeProfessional boxer Micky Ward is supporting Democrat Steve Grossman in his candidacy to become the next governor of Massachusetts.

The Lowell born and bred fighter, whose life story and career inspired the 2010 film "The Fighter" starring Dorchester native Mark Wahlberg, said he is backing Grossman over his competitors because of the state treasurer's pledge to level the playing field for working people in Massachusetts.

"He came up to Lowell recently, and I was proud to campaign with him and introduce him to the people of my hometown, because I know he'll fight for every person in Massachusetts the way I fought in the ring," Ward said in a statement. "Steve is ready to go the distance to make sure the families and communities in our state get what they need so we can build One Commonwealth that leaves no one behind."

Grossman is one of five Democrats, two independents and one Republican running for governor in Massachusetts. The primary is to be held on Sept. 9 with the general election coming on Nov. 4.


Chicopee, West Springfield mayors settle with state campaign finance watchdogs for missteps

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In both cases, the office concluded that it did not believe any of the city employees intended to pressure people for donations, and believed the workers simply believed they were being helpful, the letters state.

The Office of Campaign and Political Finance reached settlements with the election committees of Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan to rectify findings that city employees ran afoul of state laws prohibiting public workers from soliciting political donations.

In Chicopee, City Clerk Keith Rattell sent an email to department heads on Dec. 19 advertising Kos' inaugural and encouraging $40 donations. Agnes Czarniecki, administrative assistant to the City Council, then printed the email and put a copy in each councilor's mailbox, according to a letter sent on Tuesday by the state office. The message later was also delivered to each councilor's home by the city messenger.

In West Springfield, Sue Pettazoni, Clerk to that City Council, sent a similar email to all the members informing them of the Winter Carnival Inaugural event, and with an attachment soliciting $50 contributions for that event, according to the campaign watchdog.

In both cases, the office concluded that it did not believe any of the city employees intended to pressure people for donations and that the workers simply believed they were being helpful, the letters state.

Pettazzoni called the office herself to report the error, the letter to Sullivan states. His committee purged $550 in donations to settle the matter and Kos' repaid $2,755. Both gave the money to charity. The state office concluded no further action was warranted, but is obligated to publish the findings.

Letter from Mass. Office of Campaign & Political Finance to Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos by Patrick Johnson

Letter from Office of Campaign & Political Finance to West Springfield mayor Edward Sullivan. by Patrick Johnson


Savage Arms owner looks to split sporting, defense businesses

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ATK bought Savage Arms from local owners for $315 million in July 2013.

WESTFIELD — Alliant Techsystems Inc., also known as ATK, and the new owner of Savage Arms in Westfield, has decided to split its outdoor products company from its defense business and merge the defense business with Orbital Sciences Corp.

Both companies will be independent and publicly traded. The parent company's stock, trading under the symbol ATK, traded Tuesday at $148.97 or up $10.15 or 7.31 percent.

The sporting business includes not just Savage but Federal Premium ammunition, Bushnell scopes and other brands. The ATK Sporting Group will be based in Utah, according to a news release.

ATK bought Savage Arms from local owners for $315 million in July 2013.

Last month, ATK laid off 37 employees from the company's staff of more than 700, seeding fears that ATK planned to reduce Savage's footprint in Westfield.

Joe Mitchell, interim Westfield city advancement officer, said he spoke with Savage management following the March layoff announcement. They told him the company had hired 300 workers in the preceding 18 months and that management felt the company had grown too fast. The 37-person layoff was a reaction to that growth.

Savage sold 645,000 firearms last year, mostly bolt-action rifles. Savage represents a third of the total market for traditional firearms, the company said. Of those 700 employees, 400 work in the Westfield factory. The company has another factory in Ontario, Canada.

Mitchell didn't talk to the company following Tuesday's announcement of a split.

But Tuesday afternoon, ATK spokeswoman Amanda Covington responded to emailed questions saying the splitting transaction won't be completed until the end of 2014.

"At this time it's business as usual for most of our employees," Covington wrote in an email. "The planning process has not yet begun, so we don't have any additional information to share regarding your questions."

ATK said in its news release that it believe separating sporting into a standalone entity will facilitate growth under a leadership team focused on those markets. Over the past 10 years, ATK's Sporting Group has delivered annual sales growth of approximately 16 percent or 14 percent organic growth not counting acquisitions.

For the year ended in December, the companies of the sporting group returned revenues of $2.2 billion and earnings of $361 million, the company said.

The Savage Arms Co. was first organized in 1894 by Arthur Savage in Utica, N.Y. In 1920, the company bought Stevens Arms of Chicopee and during World War II Savage made millions of firearms for the military. After the war, Savage used its excess capacity to make a number of products, including the world’s first motorized lawnmower.

But from the 1960s through the 1980s, the company was passed from owner to owner, including a stint as part of Black & Decker. Savage declared bankruptcy in 1988 when it was losing $25 million a year.

Ronald Coburn took over that year and brought Savage out of bankruptcy by cutting costs and focusing on bolt-action rifles. In 1995, Coburn and his investors bought Savage and its subsidiaries for $33 million and it is his group that sold to ATK last year.


Report: More gunfire in Springfield's Indian Orchard section

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Two homes were struck by gunfire in the area of Centre and Main streets, according to police.

SPRINGFIELD — Things are heating up in Indian Orchard, where a sudden spike in gunfire is keeping police busy in one of the city's more far–flung neighborhoods.

Springfield police Capt. Harry Kastrinakis told 22News that two homes in the area of Centre and Main streets were struck by gunfire at about 11:45 p.m. Monday.

Shell casings were recovered at the scene, but there were no reported injuries, according to Kastrinakis. The incidents remain under investigation.

Monday night's gunfire follows a Saturday night shooting episode that resulted in the arrest of 20-year-old Justin Webber. Police say the Spruce Street resident fired a handgun in the area of Lyons and Main streets at about 9 p.m. There were no reported injuries.

Webber was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Springfield District Court on multiple felony charges, but the outcome of that hearing wasn't immediately known.

On April 3, shots rang out near the corner of Centre and Cedar streets, the same area where Monday's gunfire occurred. Much of the recent gunfire has been confined to a several-block area in the vicinity of Main, Centre and Worcester streets.

In June 2013, a man was shot dead on Montcalm Street, located within this same area.

Gun violence tends to wax and wane in the neighborhood, which, along with the Brightwood section, is among the city's most geographically isolated areas.

Arbitrator to announce ruling on surrounding community agreement between MGM Springfield and town of Longmeadow

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Sources told The Republican/MassLive.com Wednesday that the decision relating to the town of Longmeadow was expected to be handed down sometime this afternoon.

LONGMEADOW — While West Springfield's best and final offer was recently chosen by an arbitrator relating to its surrounding community agreement with MGM Resorts International for its proposed Springfield casino, Longmeadow officials Wednesday are hoping for the same victory.

Sources told The Republican/MassLive.com Wednesday that the decision relating to the town of Longmeadow was expected to be handed down sometime this afternoon.

The town of Longmeadow and West Springfield were the only two municipalities with surrounding community status which were unable to hash out a specific deal with MGM. The entertainment company previously worked out deals with six other communities, offering up specific payments and in some cases jobs to residents of a specific municipality to offset any potentially negative effect the downtown Springfield casino could have on the neighboring town or city.

Longmeadow, in its best and final offer, called for MGM to pay $850,000 up front to be followed by 13 annual payments of $275,000 after the casino opens its doors. The baseline value of the agreement is $4.425 million. The value of the counter proposal made in December by the town was $8.45 million.

MGM’s best and final offer gives Longmeadow two options. Although each comes with a $100,000 up-front payment, the first option would grant the town between $200,000 and $800,000 to make traffic improvements. The second option isn't limited to just traffic improvements and reportedly has a cumulative value, including annual payments, of $1.6 million.

The arbitrator, assigned by the Massachusetts gaming Commission, has to choose just one side's "best and final offer" to stand as the legal agreement. Both Longmeadow and MGM's best and final offers can be read in their entirety here.


This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Traffic advisory: Section of Main Street in downtown Springfield will be closed for Shriner's Circus event

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Main Street in downtown Springfield will be closed from Court Street to Boland Way.

SPRINGFIELD — The city is advising motorists that a section of Main Street in downtown Springfield will be closed to all traffic on Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a Shriner's Circus event.

Main Street will be closed from Court Street to Boland Way during those hours, according to the traffic alert. Detours will be set up for traffic.

The Shriner’s Circus will conduct its annual opening act on Main Street on Thursday.



Students from Westfield State University, Mount Holyoke College and University of Massachusetts protest alleged anti-Islamic bullying at West Springfield High School

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The three sisters, all wearing traditional Muslim headscarves, also appeared to thank their supporters.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Holding signs and umbrellas, about 50 protesters stood in the rain outside West Springfield High School today to denounce the alleged bullying of three Muslim sisters at the school.

Students from Mount Holyoke, Westfield State University and the University of Massachusetts gathered for a 45-minute rally on the traffic-splashed sidewalk about 200 yards from the Piper Road school.

“Land of the Free, Home of the Bullies,” read one sign, referring to alleged verbal and physical abuse endured by Najma, Hibo and Filsan Hussein, who have complained of routine bullying at the school.

The protest, scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon, got off to a slow start, with only two demonstrators showing up by 11:30 a.m. But several dozen students appeared just after noon, led by Westfield State professor Kamal Ali, who is also vice president of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts.

The three sisters, all wearing traditional Muslim headscarves, also appeared to thank their supporters.

“It’s really good to get this support after not getting any for four years,” said Filsan Hussein, 18, who transferred from West Springfield High School after a fight in the cafeteria in March, 2013.

Among the supporters were several Mount Holyoke students who tutored the sisters during the past four years and heard their accounts of mistreatment at the school.

“It’s just a really personal issue for us,” said Mahdiya Ahmed, a Mount Holyoke College senior.

Ten West Springfield police officers were present for the protest at the request of school officials, but no arrests were made.

As the organizer, Ali said he was pleased with the turnout and optimistic that West Springfield officials will work with Hussein family supporters to resolve the issue.

Superintendent of Schools Russell D. Johnston would not comment on the rally, but said school officials have repeatedly approached the family’s supporters to discuss the matter.

He said the school system has strict anti-bullying policies and multiple programs designed to prevent, investigate and resolve bullying complaints.



Longmeadow to receive $850K up front, 13 annual payments of $275K from MGM Springfield in surrounding community agreement

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Arbitrators assigned by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission have chosen the town of Longmeadow's "best and final offer" for its surrounding community agreement with MGM Resorts International relating to its surrounding community agreement.

This updates a story posted at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday.


LONGMEADOW — Arbitrators assigned by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission have chosen the town of Longmeadow's "best and final offer" for the surrounding community agreement with MGM Resorts International relating to the entertainment company's proposed Springfield casino.

Longmeadow, in its best and final offer, called for MGM to pay $850,000 up front to be followed by 13 annual payments of $275,000 after the casino opens its doors. The baseline value of the agreement is $4.425 million. The value of the proposal made in December by the town was $8.45 million.

MGM’s best and final offer gave Longmeadow two options. Although each came with a $100,000 up-front payment, the first option would have granted the town between $200,000 and $800,000 to make traffic improvements. The second option wasn't limited to just traffic improvements and reportedly has a cumulative value, including annual payments, of $1.6 million.

Longmeadow contended during the arbitration process that their best and final offer was fair, and meant to protect its citizens from potential negative impacts from MGM's Springfield casino proposal. In accordance with the Massachusetts gaming legislation, the arbitrators could only choose one best and final offer to stand as the surrounding community agreement.

A majority of the arbitration panel concluded that Longmeadow's best and final offer "appears more fair and reasonable in addressing the up-front needs of the Town that that of MGM, and that the proposed payments appear to be lower than the actual costs the Town will incur in responding to the likely impacts relating to traffic and public safety from the MGM project."

The full arbitration ruling is embedded below.

Longmeadow v MGM Final Arbitration Decision

Longmeadow town Manager Stephen Crane said he is pleased with the decision, as the money will help make improvements to roads, traffic flow and enhance public safety.

"The impacts to traffic and public safety have been the Town’s focus for many months and this award clearly validates that those impacts are predictable and must be addressed before the casino opens, not through an ill-conceived look back." Crane said in a statement. "The Select Board, Town Departments, and our legal and consulting team worked tirelessly to protect the interests of town residents."

An MGM spokesperson expressed disappointment with the arbitrator's decision and said that the company is looking forward to the gaming commission reviewing it.

"While MGM respects the arbitrators' and the town's hard work in this matter, we are disappointed with this latest decision. We strongly disagree that Longmeadow will be impacted any more than the other similar sized and proximate surrounding communities," said Carole Brennan, spokesperson for MGM Springfield. "The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will now make final determinations on the two outstanding negotiations, with Longmeadow and West Springfield. We have submitted objections for its consideration, and we look to the Commission's review of the terms of the arbitrators' decision for the final say on this matter."

Although the arbitration decision is binding, Elaine Driscoll, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said that several weeks ago, the commission amended its regulations to allow for each respective side to submit objections to the other's best and final offer.

"Essentially what it means is that once an arbitrator chooses a best and final offer from one of the two parties (municipality/applicant), the other side can request that the commission review the arbitrator’s findings to ensure that the agreement is consistent with all elements of the statute," Driscoll said in an email.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will hold a hearing on Friday, May 2 to consider objections to the best and final offers that were submitted by both the Town and MGM prior to the arbitration hearing which ultimately ruled in the town's favor.


Longmeadow to MGM: Best and Final Offer


The map below shows surrounding community status for the MGM Springfield project, with details about specific surrounding community agreements.

  • Orange shading shows designated surrounding communities.
  • Gray shading shows cities / towns that petitioned for surrounding community status but were denied.
  • Springfield is shown in red.
Click a city / town for additional information.


Map by Greg Saulmon / The Republican
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