Regrading my last letter on 3A Zoning
Dear Editor,
Looking back on my letter to the editor of Aug. 22, 2024, it was inappropriate for me to attribute the denial of MVP and specifically flood grants to the “No on 3A” residents, as no real 3A compliance plan has yet been developed that would have impacted any flood grant eligibility. There is no Winthrop developed 3A plan to be against. The Town has until 12-31-24 to submit such a plan to the state.
The Planning Board and the Council continue to work, however, on a plan that satisfies the 3A law of 2021 that seeks to develop much needed housing in metropolitan transportation and work areas of the state. Once a 3A plan IS developed, however, state grants are noted to be influenced by each city’s and town’s 3A compliance.
I find it particularly unprofessional, however, for our Town Council President and our State Representative to say “No” before a plan compliant with the state law is formulated for the Council to vote on. “No on 3A” and all of us need to be mindful that other communities are formulating plans compliant with the state 3A law, and compliance will affect grant allocation down the road.
Basically, we need to do our fair share of housing development while documenting how our heavily populated community’s past, current, and prospective housing development, along with housing development zoning changes, have positively helped to satisfy Winthrop’s 3A obligations. The 06-27-24 visit from Housing Secretary Augustus seemed to bear out a kind of “paper compliance” for Winthrop.
Compliance with 3A should insure Winthrop’s eligibility for state grants when need is effectively documented and grant funds are available. I’d personally hate to see noncompliance with 3A invite state legal action and impede our Town’s ability to access all necessary state grants.
Donna Segreti Reilly
Attorney Allison Cartwright for Clerk of the SJC
Dear Editor,
This year, there is only one seriously contested race in the Democratic Primary on September 3 in Winthrop, but it is an especially important one, nevertheless. It is the race to determine who will succeed Maura Doyle as Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court. Attorney Doyle, who is originally from Winthrop, has served with distinction in that position since 1996, and she is not seeking re-election this year.
The Clerk of the SJC is responsible for the management of the court’s single justice caseload, which is comprised of petitions seeking relief of lower court rulings under the SJC’s superintendency power and various rules of court; bail reviews; appeals from State registration boards and agencies; and all matters concerning the admission of attorneys to the Massachusetts Bar, as well as attorney discipline.
Of the two candidates for the Clerk position, Allison Cartwright is the only attorney in the race to serve our state’s highest court. She is a graduate of Boston College Law School. Allison has handled over 3,000 legal cases in her more than 30-year career as a public defender, court appointed attorney, and in private practice. She has been an advocate, manager, community leader, and now a first-time political candidate. Allison is a professional, who will safeguard the independence and efficacy of our courts, ensure that our judicial system is fair, open, and equitable, and preserve our fundamental constitutional rights.
In Suffolk County, Allison Cartwright has been endorsed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune; Chelsea State Representative Judith Garcia and City Councilor at Large Roberto Jimenez Rivera; Revere City Councilors at Large Marc Silvestri and Juan Jaramillo; Winthrop Town Council Vice-President Hannah Belcher, and Town Councilors Joseph Aiello and John DaRos, as well as Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins and State Senator Lydia Edwards. In addition, she has been endorsed by the Boston Teachers Union and AFSCME 93. For more information, go to her website at https://www.cartwrightforclerk.org.
Please cast your vote for Attorney Allison Cartwright for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in the Democratic Primary on September 3rd.
Bill Schmidt
Writers Support Cartwright for Clerk of the SJC
Dear Editor,
As the election for the Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court approaches, it is crucial that we consider the qualifications necessary for this key role in our State. The Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court is not just a ceremonial position; it involves managing court records, ensuring legal procedures are properly followed, and overseeing the administration of justice. This requires a deep understanding of the law and legal processes.
As a lawyer of over 30 years, Allison Cartwright has been trained in the many intricacies of the law, making her uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of the court system. As the only lawyer running for this position, Cartwright’s experience with courtroom procedures and proven understanding of legal code make her the most suitable candidate by far.
The efficiency and fairness of our local court system depend on having a qualified and competent individual in this role. Electing someone without a legal background could lead to mismanagement and mistakes that could negatively impact the community. A community without an impartial, well-trained, and well-run court system is one doomed to do a disservice to its residents.
I urge my fellow citizens to carefully consider the qualifications of the candidates. Let’s ensure that the Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court is someone with the expertise necessary to uphold the integrity of our legal system. That person is Allison Cartwright.
The state primary election is on September 3rd, the Tuesday immediately after Labor Day.
Please cast your vote for Allison Cartwright on September 3rd.
Tracey Honan, Precinct 5
Lisa Alberghini, Precinct 6
Peter Roche, Precinct 6
Joseph Aiello, Precinct 5 Town Councilor
John DaRos, Precinct 6 Town Councilor
Hannah Belcher, Precinct 3 Town Councilor
Vote John Powers Sept. 3
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you in support of my dear friend and former-colleague, John Powers. John Powers presently serves as the Clerk of Court For Civil Business at the Suffolk Superior Court, in Boston. He was appointed to this position by Chief Justice of the Superior Court in 2023 to fill the unexpired term of his predecessor, Michael Donovan. I enthusiastically ask that you vote for John Powers in the upcoming State Primary on Tuesday, September 3rd to retain this important position.
I had the pleasure to work with John at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, several years ago. John and I served as Assistant District Attorneys prosecuting a variety of felony criminal cases. From my own personal observations of John’s work, I find John to be a person of high moral character and integrity. He gets things done! He was a very effective prosecutor for the people of Suffolk County. And, John Powers continues to demonstrate great work ethic and professionalism in his current role as Clerk of Court For Civil Business.
The responsibilities of the Clerk of Court For Civil Business are many. But, let me just say that the effective management and efficient administration of justice in the Civil Division of the Suffolk Superior Court begins and ends with the Clerk of Court.
Please vote for John Powers Clerk of Court For Civil Business!
Thank you for your consideration.
Attorney Sean F. Donahue
Erin Murphy
For SJC Clerk
Dear Editor,
“I am Erin Murphy, and I am humbly seeking your support in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, September 3rd. Over the past three years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the vibrant and diverse communities of our great City as your At-Large City Councilor. I want to share with you why I am the best choice for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County.
A Record of Results: During my time as a legislator on the Boston City Council, I have been dedicated to delivering tangible results for our neighborhoods. I have consistently lifted the voices of my neighbors and championed important causes that directly impact our community: advocating better schools, senior and veterans’ services, safer streets, lower housing costs, and constituent services. I have demonstrated my commitment to improving the quality of life for all Bostonians.
Proven Leadership and Integrity: My career in public service and education underscores my leadership abilities and commitment to ethical standards. These qualities are crucial for a role that demands impartiality, transparency, and reliability. The Clerk’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of the court system by managing documents, scheduling, and ensuring procedural compliance. This is a neutral, administrative function that does not require legal interpretation. Combining these factors, I offer a blend of practical experience, a deep understanding of public service, and a personal commitment to fairness and community.
Extensive Public Service Experience: My tenure as a Boston City Councilor, my decades as a public-school educator, and my lifelong community advocacy demonstrates my expertise and capability to handle complex administrative tasks, manage substantial amounts of information, and interact with a diverse range of people. This experience, combined with my strong work ethic, shows that I am more than capable of managing complex responsibilities and advocating effectively for the community.
Education Expertise: My 24 years as a Boston Public School teacher and special education coordinator highlight my deep understanding of education and administrative processes.
Managing over 150 IEPs each year reflects my organizational skills and experience managing extensive records and coordinating services. These skills are transferable and valuable in the administrative role of Clerk for the Supreme Judicial Court.
Local Knowledge and Network: As a citywide elected official, I have a comprehensive understanding of Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea and Revere, which will be beneficial in a role that requires close interaction with the public and various legal stakeholders. My existing relationships and network in the community will help facilitate smoother operations and improved communication.
Single Parent Perspective: My experience as a single mom adds a unique and empathetic perspective. It demonstrates my resilience, ability to balance multiple responsibilities, and commitment to making decisions that positively impact families and individuals.
Bostonian Through and Through: I love our city and am deeply committed to its future. As a lifelong Bostonian, Boston Public Schools teacher, former BPS student, BPS parent, and a single mom who raised four children here, I understand our unique challenges and opportunities, and I will continue to be dedicated to making not just Boston, but all of Suffolk County a better place for all of us!
I ask for your vote for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday, September 3rd. I believe you; the people of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere deserve an elected official who is committed to providing access to justice and will bring transparency and accountability to the role. When you vote for me, you know exactly what you are getting. I will bring the same work ethic and integrity that marked my time in the classroom as a Boston Public School teacher, and as a legislator on the Boston City Council. Together, we can achieve remarkable things for Suffolk County. Thank you for your trust and support.
Erin J. Murphy