News Brief

Downing Raises $227,712 in Eight Weeks

Former state senator, clean energy business leader, and gubernatorial candidate Ben Downing marked the end of the first quarter today by announcing that his campaign has raised $227,712 since he entered the race on February 8. The campaign highlighted over 1,100 individual donors, with 80% of all donations coming from Massachusetts and nearly three-quarters coming in under $100. Ben is not accepting any donations from lobbyists or corporate PACs.

“We’re really excited by the number of people signing up to support our fight for a fairer, stronger Massachusetts,” said Ben. “These early contributions help fortify our long-term campaign plan, allowing us to invest in the digital infrastructure, relational organizing strategies, and dynamic team that we need to win. We’re excited to put this support to work in the coming months as we share policy plans, activate a volunteer network and continue to build a 351-community campaign.”

As a state senator, Ben represented the largest district in the state, comprising 52 cities and towns. Over a decade in office he led legislative efforts to accelerate our clean energy development and respond to climate change, rebuild our urban and rural economies, reduce poverty and hunger, strengthen our state ethics laws, and expand protections for transgender individuals. 

Since 2017 he has served in a leadership role at Nexamp, a leading renewable energy company in Massachusetts. In that role, he led efforts to improve accessibility within the green economy, expand to new markets outside of the northeast, and deploy cutting-edge energy storage solutions here at home. He served on the board of the Environmental League of Massachusetts and is a leading advocate for climate action in the Commonwealth.

Ben, 39, lives in East Boston with his wife, Micaelah Morrill, and their two young sons Malcolm (3) and Eamon (11 months).

Winthrop Police Department ParticipateS in Autism Police Patch Program

Chief Terence Delehanty has announced that the Winthrop Police Department will be participating in the Autism Police Patch Program throughout the month of April.  

The custom-designed patches will help to increase autism awareness throughout the community and raise money to be donated to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The organization provides financial assistance for families caring for a loved one with autism and educates the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“We are proud to work with the Flutie Foundation and increase awareness in our community” said Chief Terence Delehanty.

Those interested can send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Winthrop Police Department with a check made out to the Flutie Foundation or can purchase patches by cash or check in the lobby of police station.   Each patch cost a $10 donation.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting the Flutie Foundation and the work they do in support of families and individuals with ASD” said Chief Terence Delehanty.

The Winthrop Police will also be selling t-shirts.   Announcement on purchasing t-shirts will be made soon .

Winthrop Police Department will also being hosting a hockey game featuring Winthrop All Stars facing off against the Winthrop Police/Fire team on Saturday, April 17 at 6:30PM.  Fan viewing is restricted due to Covid-19 protocol, so the game will also be televised on WCAT for people to watch from the safety of their own home.  Shirts and patches will be sold in drive by mode in the rink parking lot on the day of the game.   For more information, call 617-846-1212 or email Lieutenant Steve Rogers at srogers@town.winthrop.ma.us