Categories: Editorials

Vote Yes on Questions 1, 3, and 4

Dear Editor,

In this year’s election there are nine (9) ballot questions on a variety of issues, and I am urging citizens to Vote Yes on Questions 1, 3, and 4.

For twenty (20) years, I served on the Board of Common Cause Massachusetts, a nonpartisan organization focused on promoting transparent, accountable government, expanding voting rights, and strengthening democracy across Massachusetts.

I believe that voting Yes on Questions 1, 3, and 4 will advance those goals.

Question 1 expands the Public Records Law by making it explicit that the State Legislature and the Governor’s Office are subject to the public records law, while exempting communications related to assisting constituents or developing policy positions. Massachusetts has one of the least transparent state governments in the country.

Virtually all other government entities – including Winthrop’s town offices and our public schools, and many offices in the state’s executive branch – are currently subject to the public records law.

Question 3 replaces our state’s existing party primary election system, in which Democrats and Republicans each have separate ballots, with a single “all-party primary,” in which all candidates appear on the same ballot together in September and the top two vote getters, regardless of party, advance to the November general election. This change could boost competition and make sure that more voters have meaningful choices.

This year, 143 of 200 seats in Massachusetts for the State Senate and State House of Representatives are uncontested in November. Only 2 of 11 races for District Attorney across the state are contested. Massachusetts has the least competitive state elections in the nation. Politicians who have no competition are less accountable.

Former Governors – Republican Charlie Baker and Democrat Deval Patrick – both support Question 3 because they believe it is a meaningful reform to improve democracy, while many existing elected officials and the state Democratic and Republican parties, not surprisingly, like the system as it currently exists.

Question 4 would allow eligible Massachusetts residents to register to vote and cast a ballot during the same trip to the polls on Election Day. These residents would need to show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or residential lease, and sign an oath that they are eligible.

The current 10-day voter registration cutoff before Election Day creates an unnecessary obstacle that disenfranchises many prospective voters. In 2024, election officials in Massachusetts rejected more than 3,300 provisional ballots cast on Election Day, and many of those could have counted if Election Day registration were in place. Question 4 would advance voting rights.

I urge anyone who has not yet voted, either by mail or by early voting, to Vote Yes on Questions 1, 3, and 4 to increase state government transparency, strengthen democracy, and expand voting rights.

Bill Schmidt

NSCS OFFERINGS ARE Relocating

Dear Editor,

I am excited to inform our North Suffolk Community Services clients, families, elected and municipal officials, neighbors and other valued community partners that effective Oct. 26, 2026, NSCS is relocating many of our programs and services – including our Community Behavioral Health Center and Mobile Crisis Intervention services – to a state-of-the art facility at 5 Winnisimmet St. in Chelsea. Our business and billing address continues to be 301 Broadway.

The new site in a refurbished warehouse building on the Chelsea waterfront represents the past, present and future of North Suffolk and our commitment to the individuals we serve and employ.

The renovations honor the past by maintaining the historic integrity of the building, which dates back to the 1900s, reflecting a continuous commitment to hard work, being a place for everyone, and growth and evolution that keeps pace with community needs – much as NSCS has evolved throughout our seven decades serving Chelsea, Revere, East Boston, Winthrop and beyond.

The expanded space allows NSCS to bring together our wide array of existing services under one roof to meet present need, creating a true integrated behavioral health network of care through increased accessibility for all. In addition to the CBHC therapy and crisis teams, the location will be home to a pharmacy, our medical team, and many community-based programs such as Community Support Program, ACCS, and Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative services. This is where our Recovery Coaches will be based, as will some administrative offices and our Training Center. Bringing these diverse employees and programs under one roof will inspire greater collaboration and connection, which will ultimately benefit the individuals and families we support.

Moving to 5 Winnisimmet also puts NSCS in a strong position for the future. This investment highlights our goals and long-term commitment to communities we have been a part of for nearly 70 years. It creates space for innovation and greater community engagement. And it is a fiscally responsible decision that allows for financial stability as we navigate a tumultuous economic climate.

From the outset of this project – the first major relocation of our services in decades – every decision we made was primarily influenced by how we can best serve our clients and best support our employees.

When we open the doors to 5 Winnisimmet on Oct. 26, we believe we are opening the doors to opportunity and possibility. We are excited to welcome you!