Hearing Filed to Discuss Safety of Light Poles, Bridges, and Other Public Infrastructure in Boston

At the first Boston City Council Meeting this year, City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty refiled a hearing order to discuss the safety of light poles, bridges, and other public infrastructure in the City of Boston. This hearing was originally filed in September of last year, when a pedestrian crossing the Evelyn Moakley Bridge in the South Boston Waterfront was struck and injured by a falling light pole. At the time, the Public Works Department swiftly inspected all city bridges in the area and removed 23 of the light poles that were deemed not completely satisfactory, while two poles had been previously removed. However, it is critical that the city continues to ensure that our city’s public infrastructure is safe and structurally sound, and that there are routine inspections and systems in place for maintenance and repair.

“Unfortunately, this incident shed light on our aging infrastructure, light poles, and bridges- especially against the harsh New England weather, sea air and salt water.” Council President Flynn said. “Councilor Flaherty and I are refiling this hearing to receive an update from the city and our state partners on the inspection and audit of all light poles, bridges, and public infrastructure, and any relevant plans to make all necessary repairs in a timely manner. While Public Works was quick to respond to the incident last year, we must work with our bridge engineers and design consultants to prevent an incident like this from happening again.”

Councilor At-Large Flaherty said, “We, as a city, have a responsibility to make sure that we regularly inspect roads, bridges, light poles and street signs as a matter of public safety. We live in New England and our area is subject to harsh weather conditions that tend to deteriorate building materials and fixtures quicker than other places.”

Council President Flynn and Councilor Flaherty will look to schedule a hearing in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact Council President Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.

Sen. Collins Supports Pay Party For Correctional Officers Bill Would Modernize Pay Structures for County Officers Throughout the Commonwealth

Senator Collins announced today his co-sponsorship of An Act to Ensure Pay Parity for County Sheriffs’ Correction Officers and Jail Officers (SD.721), introduced by Senator Paul Feeney of the Bristol and Norfolk District. This act is additionally co-sponsored by Rep. Hannah Kane of the 11th Worcester District, with Rep. James Hawkins of the 2nd Bristol District filing the House version of the bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Donald Berthiaume of the 5th Worcester District.

This bill identifies discrepancies regarding the current pay structures for Corrections and Jail Officers working within the fourteen County Sheriff’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth. Seeking to standardize wages and guarantee pay equity for all officers tasked with ensuring safety in correctional facilities and their communities as a whole, the legislation would re-classify such officers in County Sheriff’s offices under the same titles and base pay as Officers working under the Massachusetts Department of Corrections.

“This bill coupled with appropriation will ensure those officers working for Suffolk County and all county correction officers get paid on par with their colleagues in the Commonwealth’s Department of Corrections,” said Senator Collins.

“I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure that the men and women who provide essential services at the county level across Massachusetts are treated fairly.”

“I am proud to partner with Senator Collins and to file legislation again this session to ensure pay parity for county corrections officers across the state.

Corrections officers are responsible for the care and custody of the Commonwealth’s most at-risk and vulnerable populations. Ensuring better pay for corrections officers that work in county jails will address the growing work-force shortage at Sheriffs’ Offices throughout the state. Additionally, by ensuring parity with their counterparts in the State system, this bill when passed, will help in recruiting and maintaining a skilled and professional workforce that is fairly compensated to reflect the mental and physical toll of the job. We must be cognizant of the ever-changing responsibilities and safety concerns that are present in that job, and should act swiftly to bring these officers’ compensation in line with others who perform this work in the Commonwealth. The county justice system, incarcerated individuals, officers and the families, and our communities will all benefit from this measure of fairness. I look forward to working with Senator Collins and our Senate colleagues to bring this much-needed bill to the floor for debate this session,” said State Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).

“This is a bipartisan issue and I am proud to re-file this bill with Rep. Donnie Berthiaume. As corrections officers face the daily risk of physical harm, it matters that we address any pay disparities that could lead to understaffing in any of our facilities,” said State Representative Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro)