Happening Today
Harvard inauguration, Go Sox! and more
— Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito gives opening remarks at the 22nd annual Women in Public Finance national conference, with Treasurer Deborah Goldberg later participating in a panel about women serving on corporate boards at 10:30 a.m. and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh officially welcoming participants at 11:30 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston, 9 a.m.
— Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and other lawmakers are scheduled to participate in an Italian flag-raising ceremony on City Hall Plaza, City Hall Plaza, Boston, 12 p.m.
— Gov. Charlie Baker attends Harvard University’s inauguration of Lawrence Bacow, the former president of Tufts University, as its 29th president, with Harvard president emeritus Lawrence Summers and Harvard president emerita Drew Gilpin Faust also attending, Tercentenary Theatre, Harvard Yard, Cambridge, 2 p.m.
— The Boston Red Sox host the New York Yankees in game one of the American League Division Series, Fenway Park, 7:30 p.m.
For more calendar listings, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall – free trial subscriptions available) and MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.
Today’s Stories
State’s top environmental cop suspended amid allegation he was fixing tickets for pals
In another police-related embarrassment for Gov. Charlie Baker, Colonel James McGinn, Baker’s former campaign driver and the state’s top environmental cop, has been suspended without pay pending the “completion of an internal review of operational issues,” the Baker administration’s Executive Office of Environmental Affairs announced yesterday. The Globe’s Matt Rocheleau reports officials are looking at whether McGinn “fixed citations for friends, according to a person with direct knowledge of the probe.” The Herald’s Joe Battenfeld, citing sources, reports that McGinn was “asked to resign but he refused, and subsequently was put on unpaid suspension.”
McGinn is no stranger to controversy. Two years ago, WCVB-TV reported that some officers under McGinn’s command spent parts of the day working from home — and that the department removed GPS tracking devices from patrol vehicles after being asked to do so by the police officers’ union, as WCVB reminds us.
Baker: I don’t control the flow of information on my son’s groping allegations
Speaking of the governor and investigations: Amid calls by pundits and Democrats for the release of more information on the groping allegations against Gov. Charlie Baker’s 24-year-old son, the Republican governor yesterday said that it’s the U.S. attorney’s office, not his administration, that’s looking into the allegations, reports SHNS’s Katie Lannan at the Salem News. What Baker says about the feds is true – but the feds aren’t talking. So what the pundits and Dems are asking for is that Baker inform the public what he knows about the allegations when the feds finish their probe. Michael Jonas at CommonWealth had a good summary of l’affaire A.J. yesterday.
Rep. Bud Williams: Is Charlie Baker the second coming of Bill Belichick or Tom Brady?
Poor Jay Gonzalez. With the exception of Barack Obama, Democrats continue to heap praise on Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, the latest being Rep. Bud Williams, a Springfield Democrat who can’t make up his mind whether Baker is the super-star equivalent of Bill Belichick or Tom Brady, reports SHNS’s Matt Murphy (pay wall). Meanwhile, Peter Lucas at the Herald is having a hard time distinguishing the differences between Gonzalez and Baker.
Warren calls Kavanaugh process a ‘complete sham’ while Markey shouts ‘cover up’
It’s showdown day, as U.S. Senate Republicans plan to push for a vote today to proceed with the controversial nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, the NYT reports. But U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is blasting the entire process as a “compete sham” and questioning the thoroughness of the FBI’s investigation into sexual-misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh, reports Shannon Young at MassLive. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey says the FBI review is nothing more than a “cover up,” reports Dialynn Dwyer at Boston.com.
But forget about shams and cover-ups. Think of the damage the entire process is having on marriages. The Globe’s Beth Teitell reports the Kavanaugh furor is now “spilling into marital spats” far and wide across the commonwealth and nation.
Damage control: Kavanaugh admits he ‘might have been too emotional’ in his testimony
Embattled U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh only now seems to appreciate that his angry Senate testimony last week may have done more harm than good when it comes to his nomination. In the Wall Street Journal, Kavanaugh pens a border-line groveling op-ed in which he admits he “might have been too emotional at times” during his testimony. Previously, Harvard law professors Laurence Tribe (NYT) and Nancy Gertner (Globe) were among those who argued that Kavanaugh had seriously damaged his nomination prospects with his partisan attacks against Democrats.
Ex-ACLU leader blasts civil rights group for pandering to donors with ‘shoddy’ attack on Kavanaugh
Writing at WGBH, Wendy Kaminer, a lawyer and former member of the boards of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the national American Civil Liberties Union, is harshly criticizing the civil rights group for openly admitting it was trying to impress donors by launching a TV attack ad on U.S. Supreme nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Kaminer says the ACLU is now acting less like a civil rights group and more like a dime-a-dozen partisan organization.
U.S. Attorney: ‘Unfortunately, Lawrence is a clearing house for illegal drugs pouring into New Hampshire and Maine’
Somewhere up north, Governors Chris Sununu of N.H. and Paul LePage of Maine, must feel a little vindicated after catching flak for previously saying the city of Lawrence was the source of much of their states’ illegal-opioids problems, for now Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, in announcing a major drug and weapons bust yesterday, has pronounced: “Unfortunately, Lawrence is a clearing house for illegal drugs pouring into New Hampshire and Maine.” Of course, LePage still deserves criticism for having laced his Lawrence comments with, to put it mildly, racial insensitivity.
Warren and Markey to Columbia Gas: About those pipeline policy changes you implemented …
When politicians write open letters to other officials, there’s usually more than a little grandstanding involved – and there’s definitely some grandstanding involved in this letter-writing case. But there’s also substance involved, as U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey demand to know in a letter to Columbia Gas why it implemented pipeline policy changes only after gas-line explosions and fires ripped through the Merrimack Valley. The Boston Globe has the details.
In related gas-line news: The Northampton city council has passed a resolution opposing gas pipeline expansions and asking Columbia Gas for more information on future work in the city, reports Bera Denau at the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Massachusetts public colleges ranked tops in black student access and success
You won’t be seeing this in a SNL skit because it doesn’t fit the narrative. From Bruce Mohl at CommonWealth magazine: “A new study indicates Massachusetts schools lead the nation in terms of black student access and success at four-year public universities and colleges. The report, written by two researchers at the USC Race and Equity Center and funded by the Ford Foundation, found that Massachusetts schools as a group ranked highest on a series of metrics, including black share of enrollment, black graduation rates, and black-student-to-black-faculty ratios.”
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts scored particularly well, as did Fitchburg State, Framingham State and UMass Boston.
More layoffs: ‘Goodbye Boston Herald’
Jack Sullivan at CommonWealth magazine reports on the latest layoffs at the incredibly shrinking Boston Herald, including long-time Herald photographer Mark Garfinkel, who signed off on Twitter yesterday “Goodbye Boston Herald.” The Globe’s Jon Chesto reports that the Herald, after the latest layoffs round, will be down to about 100 employees, down from 240 since the new owner, Digital First Media, took over earlier this year. The new owners are just squeezing the paper for every last penny at this point.
The ghost of John Adams: Is Harvard protected from taxation by the Massachusetts Constitution?
Michael Jonas at CommonWealth magazine has an interesting piece about whether Harvard University, thanks to the long-ago handiwork of John Adam when he helped write the Massachusetts Constitution, can be taxed, as current Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez has proposed. It all comes down to the interpretation of the word “immunities” and other clauses in the ye-olde document.
In lieu of flowers: Sen. Joyce’s obituary asks for donation to ‘Innocence Project’
The family of former state Sen. Brian Joyce, who was facing federal corruption charges when he was found dead in his Westport home last week, is asking in his obitiuary for donations to the Innocence Project, which works to clear the names of those wrongly prosecuted for crimes, Shira Schoenberg reports at MassLive. Public calling hours will be held for Joyce on Saturday afternoon followed by a private memorial service.
Dude, they did it: Commission approves state’s first retail pot licenses
It may be a few more weeks, if not longer, before the first pot shops officially open in Massachusetts. But the Cannabis Control Commission did, finally, approve the state’s first-ever retail marijuana licenses yesterday, one in Leicester and the other in Northampton, reports Gintautas Dumcius at MassLive.
Meanwhile, the BBJ’s Jessica Bartlett (pay wall) reports that one commissioner, Shaleen Title, abstained from votes, saying the commission should have first reviewed controversial local contracts signed between towns and marijuana businesses. Btw: Gov. Charlie Baker is defending the commission’s somewhat slow pace of approving pot-shop licenses, saying it’s better to be safe than sorry when developing new regulations, reports SHNS’s Colin Young (pay wall).
Progressive activists hit the non-state roads in search of causes and midterm impact
Patrick Lovett of the Daily Hampshire Gazette tracks the campaign efforts of progressive volunteers in the Pioneer Valley and finds that, with few closely contested races here in the Bay State, many are focusing their energies on out-of-state races in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey.
Baker says he will oppose vehicles-miles-traveled tax
He’s already drawing second-term lines in the sand. From Shira Schoenberrg at MassLive: “Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday took his strongest stance yet against imposing a tax on vehicle miles traveled. ‘If I’m fortunate enough to have a second term, I’m going to be very aggressive about resisting things like a vehicle miles traveled tax,’ Baker said in a meeting with editors and reporters of The Republican and MassLive. Baker said a tax on the number of miles a car drives is unfair to people who live in rural areas.”
Why is Qatar funding teacher-training in Newton?
We told you the battle over teaching Middle Eastern history in Newton wasn’t over. The latest salvo comes from Ilya Feoktistov at the Federalist, who writes that a public school history teacher in Newton attended a teacher training program partially paid for by a foundation backed by the anti-Israeli rulers of Qatar. Feoktistov says it’s just the latest evidence of anti-Israeli bias in school classes.
Agreement will pay Barnstable $16M for hosting Vineyard Wind cable route
Barnstable has agreed to host the cables that will deliver power from the proposed Vineyard Wind offshore wind farm — and it stands to reap $16 million in payments if a state agency endorses the proposed route, Mary Ann Bragg reports in the Cape Cod Times.
Sunday public affairs TV
Keller at Large, WBZ-TV Channel 4, 8:30 a.m. This week’s guest: Lori Trahan, Democratic nominee for the Third Congressional District, who talks with host Jon Keller about the aftermath of the Merrimack Valley gas-line explosions, the future of bipartisanship and economic development.
This Week in Business, NECN, 10 a.m. A look at the Kavanaugh confirmation process with Boston Bar Association president Jon Albano and BBA president-elect Christine Netski; and the Boston Globe’s Jon Chesto reviews the General Electric leadership change, JP Morgan Chase chasing Boston business, recreational pot licenses and the historic hotel strike in Boston.
CEO Corner, NECN 10:30 a.m. Menswear icon Joseph Abboud on his New Bedford company, the difference between style and fashion, the Kors/Versace deal, what he thinks about ties and more.
On The Record, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 11 a.m. This week’s guest: Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, who talks with anchor Ed Harding and co-anchor Janet Wu.
This is New England, NBC Boston Channel 10, 11: 30 a.m. With host Latoyia Edwards, this week’s main topics: Local reporter stories in the community and the Reebok Boston 10K For Women.
CityLine, WCVB-TV Channel 5, 12 p.m. With host Karen Holmes Ward, this week’s guest: Actor Russell Hornsby from the new movie ‘The Hate U Give.’
HUBweek 2018 Panel Discussion: The Future of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a major issue in Greater Boston. This panel will address how to make sure more people have access to affordable housing and use it as a springboard to economic mobility.
Demystifying Lobbying
Join Civic Series for this special HUBWeek event to better understand lobbying and how you can be more effective communicating to your elected officials. You’ll hear what it’s like to be on the other side of the lobbying and learn how to effectively communicate to elected officials and become a reliable advocate for your issues. This session includes plenty of time for your questions.
A Reception in Support of Jay Gonzalez for Governor
Please join Former Treasurer Steve Grossman; Former Mayor Setti Warren; Senator Cindy Creem; Representatives Ruth Balser, Kay Khan; Councilors Vicki Danberg, Josh Krintzman, Rick Lipof; Newton DCC Chair Shawn Fitzgibbons, DSC Member Martina Jackson; Hosts Dennis Kanin, Mike Offner for a reception in support of Jay Gonzalez for Governor.
Jay Gonzalez: Democrat for Governor
Coffee With Colleagues
Jump start your day with this popular, fun and informal networking event at the offices of TIAA. Welcome remarks will be made by Sam Flood, Director of Corporate Real Estate at TIAA. This is an ideal opportunity to develop or rekindle business relationships while enjoying a continental breakfast. Move past business cards and make real connections at Coffee with Colleagues!
Get in the Know
Boston School Finder’s “Get in the Know” event will break down recent education data from a variety of sources, taking these insights from ideation to action by enlisting the help of parents and families. The goal is to equip parents and families with the information necessary to advocate for changes within schools and to work toward equitable opportunities for all students in Boston.
Book Release: “The Fight for the Best Charter Public Schools in the Nation”
Join us for a lively discussion of Pioneer Institute’s new book, “The Fight for the Best Charter Public Schools in the Nation.”
11th Annual Public Performance Conference
Please join us for the 11th Annual Public Performance Conference. The goal of the conference is to examine and discuss performance management research and models for the adoption and implementation of compelling practices in the public sector.
Divest to Invest: Divesting from the Prison Industry to Invest in Our Communities
Please join New Leaders Council Boston and community organizers, including the Corrections Accountability Project and College Bound Dorchester, on Thursday, October 18th to discuss a Boston-wide campaign to divest public and private funds from the prison industrial complex.
Negotiating Skills: Art, Science or Luck?
Learn how to identify the appropriate tactics and counter tactics employed for any type of negotiators to reach a more leveraged position (even when you think you’re at a disadvantage).
Fight Night Boston: Demetrius Andrade vs Billy-Joe Saunders
Matchroom Boxing USA and Murphys Boxing Promotions announce a major world championship boxing event to be held at Boston’s TD Garden on October 20, 2018.
Matchroom Boxing USA and Murphys Boxing Promotions
Boston Trade Compliance and Policy Seminar
International trade regulations change constantly—old rules are updated and new regulations are added every day. Attend one of the full-day seminars in a location close to you to stay up to date on the latest information. Learn about changing international trade regulations with industry experts—C.H. Robinson’s Kevin Doucette —who is passionate about this subject.
We The People’s For Creators, By Creators
We The People, the world’s only multi-channel crowdfunding retail chain and community, is hosting a kick-off crowdfunding event where local entrepreneurs from companies such as Rocketbook, Think Board and allocacoc will provide tips on how to leverage crowdfunding to launch products. They will also discuss how to create crowdfunding campaigns and some lessons learned.
Real Estate Finance Fundamentals Onsite Course
This is a two part course that will be held on October 26, 2018 and November 2, 2018. This 2-day course will focus on debt and equity financing of income-producing real property. The course will look at both the private debt and equity markets for real estate finance, and the commercial mortgage-backed securities market for debt financing.
Back from the Brink: A Call to Prevent Nuclear War (Gonson Lecture)
Experts say we are closer to accidental or intentional nuclear war than at any time since the 1950s – and yet, at the same time, also closer than ever to an international ban to dismantle all of these immoral weapons. Come hear about the race for human survival, and what citizens can do to help.
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
Today’s Headlines
Metro
Boston School Committee endorses super search team – Boston Herald
New GE CEO’s pay package has heavy emphasis on boosting stock price – Boston Business Journal
Massachusetts
Braintree sued for lack of access for disabled – Patriot Ledger
Opposite sides of transgender law ballot question launch ads – Boston Globe
Mayor wants Attleboro Redevelopment Authority money for cleanup – Sun Chronicle
Nation
Senate Republicans express confidence ahead of key vote on Kavanaugh confirmation – Washington Post
Tronc to change name back to Tribune Publishing – The Hill
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