The commissioners serving on the city’s Municipal Light Board have a compensation package unlike any other board, council or committee in the city.
Page 2
Westfield CPC awards
$200K to group home
The Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously in favor of a $200,000 grant to Berkshire County ARC for a new group home on Cabot Road for individuals with acquired brain injury.
Page 3
SOUTHWICK
Fire chief seeks new $1.1 million engine to replace aging truck
Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz announced the need for the new engine because the current one was becoming difficult to repair to find replacement parts for.
Page 4
Bishop sworn in as Westfield fire chief
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — After Eric Bish-
op was sworn in as the city’s newest fire chief in the Council Chamber of City Hall on April 21, he promised that he would use his tenure as an “opportunity to rebuild trust.”
“Today is about opportunity to lead, an opportunity to rebuild trust, and an opportunity to make sure our department members feel heard, valued and trusted,” Bishop said to a large audience made up of firefighters, elected officials, and his family and friends.
He said the department has a long history built on courage, sacrifice and trust.
“But today is not about honoring who we’ve been, but where we’re going,” Bishop said, choking up twice during his remarks.
“Taking this oath is both an honor and responsibility. It’s not something that I take lightly,” he said.
He then spoke about how he will lead the department.
“Simply, I will lead with integrity into the community we serve. We’re here, and you can count on us and continue to show up on your hardest days with professionalism and compassion. The next chapter requires effort on all of us. I have the full confidence in this team. Together we will move forward. We will build a better department that is stronger than ever,” he said to enthusiastic applause.
Fire Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey Trant, recognizing his fellow commissioners, Jeffrey Siegel and Dr. Brian P. Sutton, said the swearing-in ceremony was more than a formal transition.
“It is a reflection of the enduring dedication of the men and women of the Westfield Fire
Department. And every day, they answer the call. Whether that means rushing to the scene of an emergency, educating our residents about fire safety or standing together in support of one another,” Trant said.
He also thanked those who attended the ceremony.
“Your presence here is a testament to the respect and appreciation we hold for this noble profession and for those who dedicate themselves to its service,” Trant said.
Mayor Michael McCabe took the floor.
“It’s no secret that Eric and I have known one another for a very long time and have worked together for more than two decades. And I know we’re getting older, so I get it … right?” McCabe said, prompting a response from Bishop.
“And I got the gray hair,” Bishop said.
“And I’m proud to be a small part of his journey,” McCabe said, also recognizing Bishop’s
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff
wife, Erica. Before reading a formal proclamation of Bishop’s appointment as chief, McCabe said he looks forward to working with Bishop and his team for the rest of his tenure and wished nothing but the very best of luck in “leading the brave men and women of the city of Westfield’s Fire Department.” Bishop is replacing former Chief Patrick Egloff, who retired on April 17 after serving 30 years in the department, including seven years as chief.
Eric Bishop is sworn in as the city’s newest fire chief by Assistant City Clerk Marisa Colon in the Council Chambers of City Hall on April 21 as Fire Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey Trant (between Bishop and Colon) and Mayor Michael McCabe look on.
Clark
Municipal Light Board’s compensation package sparks debate
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — The commissioners serving on the city’s Municipal Light Board have a compensation package unlike any other board, council or committee in the city. Members who opt to take the city’s health insurance can have the full amount of the premium paid by Westfield Gas and Electric while maintaining the annual stipend of $7,500.
And while WG&E General Manager Thomas Flaherty doesn’t have an issue with the arrangement, at least one member of the Municipal Light Board does.
“There’s not a commission or board, city council, school committee … nobody gets 100% of their health insurance paid for,” said Light Board Commissioner Robert Sacco at the board’s meeting on April 1.
Flaherty, on the other hand, supports the decision the board made last September to modify its compensation package to reflect the dramatic increase in health insurance premiums over the last two years.
“It’s a benefit of the elected office,” Flaherty said.
The board’s discussion about modifying its compensation started at its meeting last July.
During that meeting, Flaherty started the discussion by announcing that health insurance
premiums had risen 28%, and that increase exceeded the $625 monthly stipend paid to the commissioners, according to the minutes of the July meeting.
He recommended allowing WG&E to cover the difference between the monthly stipend paid to commissioners and the amount they pay for coverage under the city’s health insurance plan.
Flaherty estimated it would cost WG&E $20 to $30 per board member who takes the city’s health insurance, according to the minutes of the July meeting.
As for the $7,500 annual stipend, Flaherty indicated it was “not a favorable topic” and would be left to the discretion of the board, according to the minutes from that meeting at which Sacco expressed concerns about the “potential for inequity.”
Several city employees have contacted Reminder Publishing about that issue.
“It’s just not fair,” one city employee said, asking not to be identified.
Another pointed out that every other city employee pays 20% of the health insurance premium, asking why Light Board commissioners are treated differently.
Sacco at the July meeting also questioned whether providing the commissioners with additional benefits beyond what city employees receive could result in unequal treatment, according to
the minutes.
Former Light Board Commissioner Ed Roman, who retired from the board in January, initially raised the issue but stressed at the July meeting that he was not looking for an increase in the stipend but wanted to hear the thoughts from other commissioners.
He said at the meeting that he was comfortable paying a small portion of the premium out of pocket, and if he was the only commissioner who was affected by the premium increase, he’d “drop the matter.”
Sacco suggested maintaining the status quo, but wanted the WG&E attorney to determine the legality of the proposal attorney advised the board that it had the authority to change its compensation package.
At the Light Board’s September meeting, a majority of those in attendance voted to “approve the payment by WG&E of the full cost of health and dental insurance for members of the Municipal Light Board upon their individual request dependent upon plan eligibility, to participate in the WG&E health and dental insurance program, and that the health and dental insurance benefits shall be in addition to the stipend paid to such Municipal Light Board members,” according to the minutes.
The motion, made by Roman, was approved by Ray Rive-
ra, Dawn Renaudette, Bill Parks, Robert Goyette and Roman. Opposed were Kevin Kelleher, who also retired from the board in January, and Sacco.
Those who voted to approve the motion offered their reasons for supporting it.
Roman said the issue may be more relevant for future board members, echoing Renaudette’s reasoning. She said future commissioners may have different circumstances, like someone who wants to run for the board to serve the city, but who is struggling financially and needs access to health insurance.
Rivera, who was serving as chair during the September meeting, acknowledged the amount was small, but if WG&E had the ability to offer the benefit, the board should at least consider it.
Sacco, however, continued to oppose and said that serving on the board should be for public service, not employment, and therefore should not include additional benefits.
Flaherty, who served on the board in the early 2000s, said the compensation for the Light Board has been adjusted over the years because of rising premiums.
“Each time it was raised, it was to cover the increased cost of health insurance,” he said.
He also recognized that seats on the board are elected, and he
didn’t think the additional compensation was an issue.
“They’re putting themselves out there to serve the city,” he said. As for shouldering the cost of the premium, Flaherty said the amount is so small it wouldn’t affect the city department’s bottom line. WG&E had revenues of $110 million last year.
Flaherty acknowledged that the Light Board would have a unique compensation package in the city, but he also said that any board, commission or council can adjust its compensation if they want to.
At the April 1 meeting, Sacco told his fellow board members that he had asked Flaherty to put the issue on the agenda for discussion during May’s board meeting.
“I’m not going to ask for a vote, but I want to put it back on the agenda for next month to let the new commissioners think about it and learn what they need to learn,” he said.
After Roman and Kelleher retired, Tom Fanion was elected to the Ward 1 seat, and Jason Bean was appointed to the board.
Interestingly, the compensation package had yet to be implemented, according to Annie Larkham, the city’s personnel director.
Flaherty said that after the May meeting, he expects it to be implemented and backdated to Jan. 1.
Coggin Creek Dream Team celebrates lesson horse’s 20th birthday
WESTFIELD — Members of the Coggin Creek Dream Team 4H Club of Westfield recently celebrated the 20th birthday of JJ, one of the lesson horses at Coggin Creek Stables where the club meets. The Coggin Creek Dream Team club is comprised of horse enthusiasts who meet monthly to learn all about horse care and maintenance including health, nutrition, grooming, showing and reproduction. The club is run by Deanna Coggin and Emily Elton.
The club was started in 2024 in order to help local youth learn more about the animals that they love.
“We started the Dream Team to help shape young riders into confident, responsible individuals who carry good values with them both in and out of the barn. 4H helps give them so many opportunities to learn, grow, and become their best selves,” Coggin said.
The club is always seeking new members. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Coggin Creek Dream Team, please email deanna.coggin@gmail.com
Tee off for a cause as Junior Achievement hosts 28th Annual Golf Tournament
SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts will host its 28th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 5, at the Crumpin-Fox Club in Bernardston, inviting community members and business leaders to enjoy a premier day of golf while supporting programs that empower local youth.
The event begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Held at the scenic Crumpin-Fox Golf Club, the tour-
nament offers participants a top-tier golfer package in support of JAWM’s mission to prepare young people for success in work and life.
Proceeds from the tournament directly fund JAWM learning experiences provided to students ages 5-25 throughout Western Massachusetts and beyond. These programs focus on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
“This tournament is a great way for our community to come together and make a real impact on the lives of young people,” said Amie Miarecki, president of JAWM. “Every sponsorship and registration helps ensure students have access to experiences that prepare them for their futures.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals looking to support JAWM’s mission while gaining visibility at a well-attended community event.
The Crumpin-Fox Golf Club is located at 87 Parmenter Road in Bernardston. To register or learn
SO THAT REMINDS ME
more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Amie Miarecki at amiarecki@jawm.org.
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me” regular host Tyler Garnet was put into the guest chair as hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre talked with him about the budget issues in South Hadley and the challenges covering a difficult budget season as voters shot down two potential overrides. Dennis and Ryan also give updates on some stories around the area and a quick sports minute with the NHL and NBA playoffs in full swing and baseball season getting underway. Head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform to listen.
Coggin Creek Dream Team stands with JJ, one of the lesson horses who just turned 20.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Westfield CPC awards $200K to group home
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — At its April 9 meeting, the Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously in favor of a $200,000 grant to Berkshire County ARC for a new group home on Cabot Road for individuals with acquired brain injury.
Berkshire County ARC, founded in 1954 originally as a grassroots organization, now serves more than 1,000 individuals with disabilities and brain injuries, said Chief Operating Officer Sonja Haecker in a conversation following the meeting.
They are one of the largest employers in the Berkshires, with more than 850 staff, 200 of whom are in the greater Westfield area, where they have a large office for human resources, training, nursing and support teams in the Westwood Center,
and a brain injury center on Franklin Street, one of only five in the state and the only one in Western Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ARC also runs four group homes in Westfield. “This would be the fifth one,” said Chris Melski, vice president of Residential Service, and their 14th group home overall. “We’re really excited. We’re planning on growing more in this area,” he said.
The home will be funded by the Department of Developmental Services, MassAbility, which empowers people with disabilities to live life on their own terms, ABI and other funding sources.
“The key to the agency’s success is reaching out to different funding sources,” Melski said. He said the house on Cabot Road, which will be an accessible state-of-the-art solar-powered house at a projected cost of $1.6 million, will house four
people with ABI.
The 24-hour group home will be staffed based on the needs of the people who move in, and will be a medical model, with paid services such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech, music therapists and artists that come into the home.
Melski said residents will have access to the community, use local services and support local vendors. He said Berkshire County ARC believes in giving back to the community and already holds events in Westfield, such as a large gathering in Stanley Park every year.
Brain injuries can happen to anyone, said Haecker. “At any time, someone can have a traumatic brain injury from a fall, a stroke or an accident. If you’re young, a nursing home is not ideal. People are waiting for homes like this, where they’re in the least restrictive
environment,” she said, adding, “We really like this to be immersive, creative. If they have had an interest in life, we want to foster that into this life.”
Which residents will be moving into the group home will not be the decision of Berkshire County ARC. David Singer, vice president of marketing and communications, said the state has a pretty long wait list, and the residents will be identified by the state.
“People who have been in rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. This will be a forever home, so they never have to worry about a roof over their head,” Melski said.
“We strive at Berkshire County ARC because we value the community; we want to be a good neighbor. We’ve been in business for a long time and don’t have those issues. That’s real important to me in this agency,” said Melski. He said
he also met with Ward 1 Councilor Karen Fanion, a neighbor, who confirmed that she is supportive of the plan.
At the Community Preservation Committee meeting, the vote was 6-0 in favor of the $200,000 grant. City Planner Jay Vinskey said the application still has to be approved by the City Council, which could happen at its May 7 meeting, at the earliest.
Melski said the commitment was what they needed at this time. He said if the City Council votes for it, they are 100% going forward. “We already have a septic system, contractor, architect, all local people. We’re proud to have them,” he said.
“We’re really excited about it, and I can’t express enough our appreciation to the City of Westfield for moving forward,” Melski said at the end of the meeting.
282 paddlers take on the Westfield River Wildwater Races
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — Race Director
Harry Rock said the 71st annual Westfield River Wildwater races on April 18 were a total success.
The 282 racers, hailing from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Montana, Alaska, and Montreal, Canada, started and finished with smiles on their faces, and were filled with adventures, memories and stories to share with their families and friends.
Twenty-two boats, including canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards participated in the expert race, a 5-mile race starting at 9:30 a.m. at Knightville Dam on the east branch of the Westfield River and ending at the Huntington Route 20 pulloff across from the Hilltown Community Health Center.
Fifty boats participated in the classic event, an 8-mile race starting in the center of Huntington on the west branch of the Westfield River next to the MassDOT maintenance yard and ending in the center of Woronoco Village in Russell.
The fastest times of the day were recorded in the expert race by Jeff Parker in K1-Long at 32:54, and in the classic race by Del Cummings and Kevin Chan in OC-2, male, at 58:26.
The official results are available online at tinyurl. com/2fth8z4d
This event involved two towns and multiple municipal and state agencies requiring cooperation, coordination, and communication to ensure an effective and organized outcome.
“There were no medical emergencies or other issues to have to react to as a result of months of planning and coordination with our community partners and our volunteers,” Rock said, adding that the race could not happen without the support,
help and partnership with community partners. Rock gave special thanks to the Russell Select Board, Russell Police, Russell Fire, Huntington Select Board, Huntington Police, Huntington Fire, Hilltown Community Ambulance, Hilltown Community Health Center, Westfield Police Cadets, MassDOT, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Police, State Police and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
“We could not be happier and more proud of the relationship we have with our community partners,” Rock said, speaking on behalf of the race organizers.
“The two-race event is totally dependent on the generosity of the many volunteers who cover the myriad of responsibilities that are needed to ensure the entire undertaking is safely run, organized and fun,” he said.
Sixty volunteers gave their time to help make this annual event go off smoothly, from volunteer recruitment and management, treasurer, registration site set up, break down and clean up, registration check in and merchandise sales, starting line timing, finish line timing, in-water starters, parking, Strathmore Park coordination, boat transportation and so many more.
Rock said the race would not be financially sustainable without the generous support of its sponsors. “We are grateful to each and every one of them. Special thanks goes to Westfield Bank as our lead sponsor,” he said.
“Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, community partners, supporters, and participants who made this annual event since 1954 so successful and eagerly anticipated by the families and residents of the Huntington and Russell communities,” Rock said. “Thank you very much to everyone involved because without you this historic undertaking would not happen.”
Above: Myles Greenway and Robert Bradley get splashed but avoid the rocks. Bottom row from left: Matt and Jacob Belden of team
the finish line of the Expert Race. Rob Storm and Hunter Weik complete their portage around the Russell Dam.
Reminder Publishing photos by Marc St.
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — When the Economic Development Commission met on April 15, commissioner
Craig Samuelsen had questions about the meals tax from people he talks to at his business, and many were wondering why it was needed in town.
“So, these are people inside the store asking me what’s going on with this. I mean, the buzz has apparently gotten out, right?” said Samuelsen, who is the owner of the Notch Travel Center on College Highway.
He said he was getting bombarded with questions, and he summarized four examples of those he’s been asked.
While 100% of property tax is paid by Southwick residents, the vast majority of the meals tax would fall on those same property owners.
“It’s not like Southwick is a major tourist destination. This is not so much as reducing the tax burden on residents as rearranging it,” he said.
Another was acknowledging thats the 0.75% “may seem insignificant” for any one transaction and not truly felt by customers,
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — When the town replaces the Fire Department’s Engine 1 in the next year or two — possibly much sooner than initially expected — at a cost of about $1.1 million, it will be the last time the department requests a seven-figure capital expenditure for at least 15 years.
“I also want to make it clear … we’re not going to need another fire apparatus for 15 years,” said Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz during a meeting of the town’s Finance Committee on April 21.
During a meeting of the town’s Capital Expenditure Committee in early March, Stefanowicz announced the need for the new en-
and businesses would be inclined to raise their prices by the same amount to bolster the bottom line, Samuelsen said.
He said that if adopted, the state might increase the amount from 0.75% to 1.5% or 2% in the future.
Samuelsen said the other thing residents told him was that perhaps people dine out in Southwick because it doesn’t have a meals tax. Westfield, Agawam, West Springfield, and Springfield all have the meals tax.
“It’s a perception, no matter how small it is,” he said.
Samuelsen also said that he had figured the amount of meals tax his business would bring in a year and found it was less than $3,000.
“And, so when you look at $150,000 [which is what has been estimated to be generated if the tax was implemented], that means there’s 50 other places like ours in town that equal or exceed what we’re selling,” he said.
Commission Chair Greg Deily said “there’s people out there giving false information,” later adding, “and they know better.”
He then said Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker said that in 2022, according to
gine because the current one was becoming difficult to repair or to find replacement parts for.
He also said that new fire engines now cost $1 million or more, compared to the department’s current Engine 1, which costs $288,613.
In fact, prices for fire engines have nearly doubled in the last five years because private equity funds have purchased many manufacturers and component suppliers, raising prices to increase profits, leaving municipalities that must regularly replace aging equipment with fewer companies to buy from.
Stefanowicz said Engine 1 was not going to make it for another two to three years.
“It’s just not going to do it. It’s eating up a lot of the maintenance
the state Department of Revenue, the town would have generated $160,000 in meals tax revenue.
While Deily didn’t specifically address how that amount would be generated, last month Parker provided Reminder Publishing with what the DOR collected in meals tax revenue for Southwick in 2022 — the state collects 6.25 cents in meals tax on every $100 spent in the commonwealth.
In 2022, it was $1.37 million. For the town to have generated that amount, it meant $21.54 million was spent on meals, which would have generated about $160,000 in tax revenue that year.
The state collects a 6.25% sales tax on prepared meals, which is often increased by a 0.75% local option tax, bringing the total to 7%. The tax applies to restaurants, cafes, food trucks and prepared food at grocery stores. There are exemptions like food sold by weight, deli meat or drinks in unopened containers.
Commissioner Serena Fuller then posed a question about the role of the EDC and whether it should have an opinion.
“Is this something that we are supposed to be [doing], or is it one of our responsibilities to worry about taxes as the EDC? I
budget, and it’s really starting to show its age,” he said, adding that a mechanic was scheduled to work on the engine’s lighting in the next few days.
In March, he said the department’s truck committee had been meeting to settle on one of more than a dozen engine manufacturers and did so after visiting a couple of firehouses with the manufacturer the committee was leaning toward.
“We made a final decision. We are going with a vendor called Sutphen,” he said.
Sutphen is an Ohio-based company that has been building fire apparatus for more than 100 years.
It was the manufacturer chosen for the department’s tower truck, Tower Five, which was delivered to the station in 2019.
mean, I know we want to make life better for people, businesses to come into town and all of that, but I don’t know if we want to get labeled as putting a tax on somebody,” which prompted a response from Samuelsen.
“I’m not suicidal like that … but being in business myself right now puts me in an awkward position, and I don’t like being in that position. I don’t think it’s responsible. I have people saying, ‘I’m going to stop coming’ if that’s your position. I mean, I don’t like that position. That’s not fair … and not where I want to be,” he said.
Fuller said she “hated to be blunt” but asked Deily if he had come up with the idea of having the town adopt a meals tax.
Deily said that issue came up.
“And I’ve given my clear opinion on it,” he said.
“It’s not even an opinion; it’s just a set of facts. And the example I use is if we go and eat in Westfield or West Springfield or Agawam or Springfield, we’re helping to reduce their property tax,” Deily said. Samuelsen responded.
“You have your facts, and they may be facts, but perception is what a lot of businesses run on.
And that’s why I’m careful about sitting here in a public meeting … you have to be careful,” he said.
As the discussion wound down, Deily said he hadn’t planned on asking the EDC to formally declare its position.
“Well, I won’t take a vote on this,” he said.
At the meeting, Deily handed out a fact sheet arguing the benefits of the tax to the town, including some facts that residents might want to consider when making the decision on the issue at next month’s Town Meeting.
The sheet said that since the meals tax option was adopted by the state, 267 out of the state’s 351 towns and cities have opted in.
Adding this option would not burden the town’s restaurants in any way, according to the sheet. They are not paying the tax, and it is not a competitive disadvantage for them relative to neighboring communities. Implementing it is a simple one-time change in their tax rate setting.
Since a large proportion of the meals tax revenue would come from visitors who are enjoying the benefits of the town, implementing it would result in an overall average net tax reduction for residents, the tax sheet read.
“They were the provider for our tower, and that’s turned out to be an excellent choice for us. It’s an incredible piece of equipment. It’s held up really well,” Stefanowicz said.
When deciding what engine would be best suited for the department, Stefanowicz considered buying a new truck.
The significant drawback was the amount of time it would take for it to be delivered.
Stefanowicz said it could take between 32 and 35 months.
There was another option, but a decision was needed soon, he said.
He explained that a type of diesel motor used in fire engines, an L9, was being phased out because it would no longer meet fed-
eral emission standards. The phase out begins in 2027.
New diesel engines installed after that will be X10 diesel engines, which Stefanowicz said he was wary of.
“The X10 is an unproven engine,” he said.
Because of the delay in receiving a new fire engine and being forced to use a relatively new diesel engine, he said the fire truck committee decided to opt for a stock truck, which Sutphen builds. He said a stock truck has a base price and, when customized to fit a department’s needs, would cost $1.1 million.
Significantly, it could be deliv-
The Southwick Fire Department wants to replace its aging Engine 1 with this “stock” engine built by Ohio-based Sutphen Fire Trucks. The stock truck is customizable.
Lawmakers plot ballot reform over initiatives
on the ballot.”
By Katie Castellani State House News Service
BOSTON — Used to controlling how laws get made on Beacon Hill, lawmakers are frustrated with the initiative petition process and are expressing interest in changing it in ways that may make it more arduous for citizen reformers.
“Those who are paying now for signature gatherers, those who are flooding the airways, are really kind of perverting what the process is supposed to be,” said Rep. Michael Day of Stoneham, a Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions member, referring to the 1918 law that allows voters to create laws through ballot initiatives.
Campaigns backing initiative petitions must meet signature collection requirements to move their proposal forward. The first-round requirement is equal to 3% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election; this election cycle that was 74,574, according to the Secretary of State’s office. If the Legislature takes no action on an initiative petition before the May 5 deadline, campaigns must gather another 12,429 signatures, equal to 0.5% of votes cast in the latest gubernatorial election. No more than 25% of signatures can come from the same county.
Day and other lawmakers argue that paid signature collectors undermine the intention behind the collection requirement. They say it’s meant to be a high enough threshold to show there is enough support among voters for a proposed law that circumvents the normal legislative process.
Proponents of ballot initiatives say signature gatherers are crucial to getting the signatures needed to get their issues on the ballot. Also, campaigns backing ballot initiatives say they wouldn’t be pursuing ballot questions if the Legislature took action on the issues their initiatives address.
“I guess what the bigger question for us as a Legislature is what to do with this? Because the process is no longer what it was back in 1916,” Day said during an initiative petition committee hearing on two tax-related ballot initiatives in March. “For better or worse, we’re looking at these kinds of paid drives to get out there and get on the ballot to circumvent where we are.”
In response, Jim Stergios, executive director of Pioneer Insti-
tute and proponent of the tax-related initiative petitions, requested to ask Day a question. Committee co-chair, Sen. Cindy Friedman said, “No. We ask the questions.”
Stergios shared his questions with the New Service. One of them was whether the original intention behind law establishing the ballot initiative process — to empower voters to make laws when the Legislature fails to act — still applies.
“Aren’t we seeing precisely those conditions today?”
Stergios said.
There have been rumblings on Beacon Hill surrounding reforms of the initiative petition for decades that have grown louder recently as a record number of 12 are making their way to the 2026 ballot. This is up from five in 2024 and would exceed the record of nine reached in 1972, 1976 and 1994, according to the secretary of state’s website.
Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano have made it clear they share other lawmakers’ concerns with the initiative petition process. Gov. Maura Healey has outwardly opposed specific initiative petitions and remained on the sidelines when it comes to reforming the process. When asked during a March 22 appearance on “Keller @ Large” if she shared Mariano and Spilka’s reservations with the process, Healey said it’s “there for people to exercise and to use.”
Harold Hubschman, founder and president of the prominent signature gathering firm SignatureDrive.com, said campaigns rely on paid signature gatherers because it’s extremely difficult to advance their petitions otherwise. He said very few citizens in Massachusetts could collect the required 74,574 signatures without funding.
Hubschman believes the process has worked well overall in Massachusetts, noting 90% of paid signature gatherers since 2009 worked for him. But if lawmakers want to keep money out of ballot initiative campaigns, Hubschman suggested slashing the requirement down to a quarter of what it currently is.
“People hire us not because they have money. People hire us because it’s hard to do,” Hubschman said. “If they were genuinely concerned about the process being more egalitarian and more open to the public, they need to make it easier, not harder, to get
“It’s a rescue engine as well as a fire engine. So, a rescue engine means that it has to have a little bit more storage capacity than a typical engine would,” he said.
ered in October 2027.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, trucks built before Dec. 31, 2026, can use the L9 engine.
Stefanowicz said there are three design features the department believes are important. It needs to be designed for the fire department of the future, be equipped with a safer cabin and be dual-purpose.
Stefanowicz said there were several options to purchase the truck.
He first said the money could be borrowed and amortized over 30 years, and that would be about the same annual cost of purchasing a dump truck or police cruisers using free cash.
He also floated the idea of using free cash to buy the truck outright, but recognized the town’s
The Senate approved a bill (S 2898) in January to require more public reporting on ballot question fundraising and spending. Mariano has indicated the House plans to take it up. A matching House bill (H 868) is pending in the House Ways and Means Committee.
An amendment to the bill from Sen. Barry Finegold, who is on the initiative petitions committee, prohibits ballot campaigns from offering rewards based on the number of signatures a gatherer collects, like a pay-per-signature arrangement. During the Senate session, Finegold noted the amendment is intended to prevent fraud in the signature gathering process.
Hubschman has no problem with the bill’s disclosure requirements. But he balked at the idea of banning pay-per-signature agreements, saying similar measures were deemed unconstitutional in other states.
The 26 states that allow initiative or referendum petitions have varying laws surrounding paid signature gatherers. Ten states ban pay-per-signature arrangements and Massachusetts is one of 16 states that allow them, according to Ballotpedia, a nonprofit online political encyclopedia.
Courts have offered conflicting opinions. Records show federal courts have struck down laws banning pay-per-signature arrangements in states including Washington and Ohio, finding they violate the First Amendment. Meanwhile, in 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court have upheld a law banning per-signature payments in the state, per Associated Press reporting. And in 2006, an appeals court upheld an Oregon law banning pay-per-signature collections.
Day has also suggested that the attorney general should assess whether an initiative petition is constitutional when she certifies proposals. Currently, the attorney general is charged with certifying initiative petitions based on a limited set of criteria outlined in the Constitution.
His idea comes as lawmakers and Auditor Diana DiZoglio have been feuding over a 2024 voter-approved audit law. Lawmakers have raised constitutionality concerns with the voter law while DiZoglio has argued it offers much-needed transparency. The Senate has also taken an unusual
financial difficulties and said it wasn’t a viable option.
Stefanowicz then said leasing might be the best option, even though he hadn’t initially considered it.
“It wasn’t the same as leasing a car, and there were a couple of things that just didn’t sound like it was going to be beneficial for the town,” he said before adding that it was his second option.
His first option is to use free cash to make a deposit and borrow whatever the town can afford.
“It would certainly lower the overall cost of the truck in the long
step seeking the Supreme Judicial Court’s opinion on the constitutionality of two initiative petitions that would subject the Legislature and governor’s office to public records law and overhaul how legislative stipends are structured.
Friedman said she wasn’t sure the Legislature could give the attorney general the authority to rule on the constitutionality of a proposed law.
The Arlington Democrat, who has expressed similar reservations as her colleagues with the process, remained tight-lipped about specific reforms to the process, saying lawmakers have to determine what they can do under the Constitution.
“I think we’re all going to be looking at what more we can do,” Friedman said. “Because it really is not so much the number of ballot questions – I mean, I wish there weren’t so many – but I understand that. But it’s just the way that the process is being used that is so deeply concerning.”
Massachusetts lawmakers aren’t alone in their itching to reform the ballot initiative process.
In one month at the start of the year, more than 65 bills aimed at reforming the ballot process were filed across the country, according to the Fairness Project, a group that supports initiative petitions. The group tracked 148 bills across 15 legislatures in 2025 and found the volume of legislation aimed at ballot measures has risen by 95% since 2023.
Many of the reforms are taking place in Republican states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Florida and Utah where voters are fed-up with one-party control, per the New York Times reporting. A recently enacted law in Florida, which already had some of the strictest prerequisites for ballot initiatives, added a host of new requirements, fees and penalties surrounding signature collections. As a result, all of the 22 initiative petitions proposed this year failed to qualify for the ballot.
As Bay State lawmakers are assessing whether to take action on this year’s ballot initiatives, the renewed push to reform the process alongside the sudden rise in ballot initiatives signals growing tensions between voters and their elected officials.
Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com.
run. Borrow less, pay less,” he said. In a memo he prepared for the committee, he listed some benefits of leasing: interest rates are close to the current 4%; the first payment is due within two years; and a loan can be used as a down payment.
There are no penalties for paying the lease in full before the terms, and a cash down payment qualifies for a reduction in the overall cost, typically 4% of the down payment.
Stefanowicz also said a grant could cover a large percentage of the overall cost of a fire engine, but it is very difficult to obtain.
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LACROSSE
The Westfield High Bombers girls lacrosse team lost 11-4 to the Agawam High team on April 14.
Kiera St.Peter and Samantha Sullivan fight for control of the ball.
WESTFIELD HIGH VS AGAWAM HIGH
Leena Azam defending the Westfield goal.
Westfield senior Nora Smith cuts between a pair of Agawam defenders.
The 2026 Westfield High Bombers girls lacrosse team lines up for the stick check before their April 14 game with Agawam High. Molly Boisseau duels with Olivia Govoni for the ball.
The ball is up in the air at the Westfield goal.
The team has a pre-game cheer with the coach.
Bomber senior Giara Curran gets past Agawam defenders at their April 14 game.
Agawam’s Olivia Govoni and Westfield’s Molly Boisseau at a faceoff.
Natalie LaComb looks to pass the ball out of danger.
Cali McElhiney looks to pass, assisted by Sophia Coccia.
Teachers ‘very close’ to second chance for enhanced retirement
By Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — Veteran teachers
say this could be the year the state fixes a confusing process that cut thousands of educators out of enhanced retirement benefits more than two decades ago.
In 2001, the state introduced a new retirement option for teachers, school nurses and other educators, offering increased benefits for those who complete 30 years of service in exchange for a higher contribution rate. While those hired after July 1, 2001, are automatically enrolled, existing teachers had a six-month window to opt in, during which they say they received limited information. Some say they never received enrollment forms at all.
Now, as educators reach 30 years of service, those who did not opt into Retirement Plus in 2001 must work an additional three to five years to reach their maximum pension compared to colleagues who enrolled.
“I never received a letter. I had just come back from maternity leave, and I only knew because there was talk around the water cooler,” said Brenda Mosetich, a speech pathologist and music therapist with Boston Public
Schools since 1997.
She said she called Boston Public Schools’ central offices and “was given misinformation” that she would be enrolled, even though she missed the letter and enrollment period while on leave. She did not learn until 2017 that she was not enrolled for the enhanced benefits.
“It’s just frustrating because it was literally my first child. I was 30 years old. I signed up for 403(b), and life insurance and all those things. I absolutely would have done that had I been given the correct information,” Mosetich said.
Mosetich was at the State House on April 22 with members of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts advocating for a bill (H 2932 / S 1884) that would create a one-time window for teachers hired before July 1, 2001 to opt into Retirement Plus.
Massachusetts teachers enrolled in Retirement Plus receive an enhanced retirement calculation by adding 2% for each full year of credible service beyond 24 years, up to a maximum of 80% of their pension benefit.
Those who opt in contribute 11% of their salary. One source of confusion in 2001 was that the standard contribution rate for pub-
lic employees not enrolled in Retirement Plus, known as “9+2%,” meaning 9% on total salary and 2% on earnings above $30,000.
Though often lower than the 11% flat rate, teachers said the structure led some to believe they were already contributing enough to qualify.
“I was told, ‘Oh, your paycheck says 9+2? That’s 11. You’re all set. You don’t need to do anything,” Mosetich said.
If the bill passes, about 6,000 active teachers in Massachusetts would get a second chance to enroll after missing the 2001 window, according to AFT President Jessica Tang.
“A lot of people have already missed the opportunity. A lot of people just had to retire if they were ready to retire, without being able to opt in, unfortunately. So that number, over the years, is shrinking,” Tang said.
She added, “I think what’s really heartbreaking too is people were ready to retire, and then they had this rude awakening because they thought they were in the correct retirement system, and it turns out they weren’t. And it was because their pay stub said 9+2%, which equals 11, or it actually said 11%, and they were not actually in it.”
Because these teachers contributed less over time, the bill AFT advocated for Wednesday requires a buyback payment covering the difference in contributions since 2001, plus interest.
“This is not a handout for teachers,” Tang said.
John Loosmann, a physics teacher at Belmont High School, said he was early in his Massachusetts career when the enrollment period opened and chose not to opt in, expecting he might return to New York to teach.
“I’ve had conversations with senators and they balked at first, saying, well, you made your choice. You chose. And it’s almost like they feel like we’re trying to sneak in without paying. We’re all willing to pay. And I would pay all of the money, plus the interest. That’s totally fine,” he said. “Who knows at 27 what they’re going to do for the next 30 years? I didn’t know I was going to be in Massachusetts teaching for 30 years at the time.”
The Boston Teachers Union began pushing for a fix in 2017, and the effort has since gained support from AFT Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.
Supporters argue the bill could ease pressure on local budgets even as it slightly increases the state’s long-term pension liability.
“Fiscally speaking, I’m an expensive employee. They could hire two teachers for the cost of me. I’ve been there for 32 years, I am expensive. Getting new people on the lower end with fewer years of experience, but good nonetheless, it would cost less money for them to hire them,” Boston Public Schools speech and language pathologist Jeanine Fucile said.
If the bill passes, Fucile could retire with full benefits in two years instead of six.
Districts across the state are facing tight budgets and recent cuts.
“Just in Boston alone, we’re talking about a deficit for this next school year, cutting over 560 positions. So all of those people are looking for jobs right now,” Tang said. “And that’s just one district, and I know that in other districts, it’s in the hundreds as well.”
Tang said a union poll found about 8% of newly eligible teach-
ers would retire this year if given the option. “If it passes tomorrow, it’s not like there’s a mass exodus out of the district tomorrow. It’s a slow roll over the next, three to probably 10 years of people who are able to leave,” Fucile said.
The bill does not have a direct budget line item, and the only associated increase for the state is in the liability of the pension system, Tang said.
If everyone opted in who was eligible, the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission estimates that the legislation could increase the liability by approximately $300 million, according to the union. According to PERAC, a $300 million liability would drop the MA Teachers Retirement System’s funded ratio from 60.4% to 60.15%.
“There is a liability cost in the long run. However, in the short term, it really does help the struggling districts that are having this fiscal crisis,” Tang said. She added, “It would really help, particularly, small districts where they’re cutting maybe 40 people. If you’re able to bring back six to eight positions, that’s a really big deal.”
The bill has passed the House three times, and Rep. Alice Peisch has filed it again as a budget amendment to be debated next week.
Though the Senate has not advanced the bill, Tang expressed optimism after a recent meeting with Senate President Karen Spilka.
“We got really into the weeds and the details. And two days later, her staff reached out and asked for some additional details. That is a very good sign,” she said.
Speaking at the union’s lobby day, Sen. Sal DiDomen-
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AGAWAM
Richard H. Eagan Jr. Veronica Francis
FEEDING HILLS
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
The Best Damn Panini: Krave in East Longmeadow
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW —
Having worked exclusively in East Longmeadow over the past year, I have come to appreciate the town’s many lunch stops. I am happy to report that another excellent spot recently opened its doors.
Krave Restaurant, which opened in March, offers a variety of bowls, salads and paninis. Krave offers signature bowls and paninis, like the Orchard bowl, which comes with gorgonzola, candied walnuts, tomatoes, chickpeas and cucumbers, or the Philly panini, which comes with roasted peppers, caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, shredded cheese and garlic mayo. Patrons also have the opportunity to make their own bowls or paninis, giving people the opportunity to pick from any of Krave’s ingredients.
In my many trips to Dunkin’ since Krave opened, the delicious smells from the kitchen have caught my nose as I have walked by, making me constantly say to myself “I’ll try it one day.” I am kicking myself because of how
long I waited to try something. My first experience with Krave was outstanding.
Walking up to the counter, patrons are immediately greeted with a bevy of options, going station to station, working with staff to add different ingredients to a bowl or a panini. The staff also greets you with a big smile, ready to help you put together your order. If you’re in a rush, Krave also offers online ordering.
To me, barbecue chicken is a go-to sandwich, whether it has grilled or fried chicken and whatever other toppings you want to toss in there, so when I saw Krave had a BBQ panini, I knew that was my first victim. Topped with a golden barbecue sauce and a chipotle ranch, and filled with bacon, crispy onions and shredded cheese, my mouth was watering looking at the menu. I combined those ingredients with a protein add on of blackened chicken, and it was the perfect combination of savory and sweet with the sweet taste of the golden barbecue and the subtle kick of the chicken.
Staff Writers Sarah Heinonen and Peter Tuohy can attest to the way my jaw dropped when I saw the size of my panini when I
opened the container in the newsroom. The box had two huge halves of my panini on a pressed ciabatta bread. The picture included with this review does not do the sandwich justice; it was massive.
Coincidentally we also ended up having food from Krave for a company lunch meeting, where I was able to try a bit more of the menu, while still snagging a corner piece of the BBQ panini. I tried another golden barbecue staple, Krave’s Good as Gold bowl, which in addition to what comes on the BBQ panini, comes with avocado smash, roasted peppers and cucumbers.
The versatility and options to create your own meals stand out the most to me, so while I love their BBQ panini, I am excited to be able to come up with my own concoctions on future visits, whether that is a new panini or bowl.
Just a short distance from our East Longmeadow office, Krave is going to become a staple of my lunch rotation at work, with plenty of more things for me to try.
Krave Restaurant is located at 59 Maple St. in East Longmeadow.
Provisions Picks: New wave of domestic Chardonnay hits shelves
As wine professionals we often face terrible misconceptions and slanders against our favorite grapes. We hear that cabernet sauvignon is a graceless fruit bomb (tell that to Bordeaux), that riesling is too sweet (there is a whole category of dry riesling called “trocken”), and that zinfandel is overwhelmingly heavy (not so in the hands of California’s new generation of winemakers!). However, no grape is more frequently misunderstood than our dear, beautiful chardonnay. Too often we’re told that it’s too buttery, too oaky or too sweet. It is true that there was a time when many California wineries made a name for themselves by making the biggest and boldest examples of chardonnay out there, using large percentages of new oak barrels and malolactic fermentation to maximize the butter and vanilla notes in their white wines. This, along with California’s famous sunshine and the ripeness that can result from it, led to wines that, while sometimes finely crafted, were out of balance.
This grape is famously versatile and flexible though, known in the industry as “the winemaker’s grape” because of it’s ability to express itself in so many different ways. For example, cool climate chardonnays from places
Continued from page 8
ico said there’s strong support in the Senate.
“I don’t guarantee anything in this world. But I can guarantee that it is very close to getting done,” he said.
like Santa Barbara and Chablis are generally crisp, refreshing and bone-dry white wines with ample acidity. Explore Burgundy or Oregon and you’ll find chardonnays of unparalleled complexity and balance that integrate with oak so beautifully that you’ll barely notice that it’s there. Furthermore, many chardonnays do not undergo malolactic fermentation, the conversion of malic (apple) acid to lactic (buttery) acids, at all. As you may be gathering, many of the features of the grape that some don’t care for are in fact decisions made in the winery rather than innate traits of the variety. Which leads me to three of our favorite domestic producers that are producing medium-bodied and balanced chardonnays that will change your mind about the grape.
First up we have Osmote’s Cayuga Lake Chardonnay. Osmote is the project Ben Ricardi, a Finger Lakes native who initially worked in California until returning home in 2017 to make wine in upstate New York. This is a cool climate region, one that you’d initially think would be inhospitable to wine grapes, but in the Finger Lakes the proximity to large bodies of water moderates the chill of winter slightly, allowing the grapes to reach ripeness. The Cayuga Lake chardonnay is light
Asked where things stand and if the bill would move forward this session, Spilka spokesperson Gray Milkowski said, “Our state would be nothing without our educators. Senate President Spilka is grateful to every educator for their dedication to our young people, and to those who spent part
bodied and thirst quenching with a lean angularity more reminiscent of Chablis than California. Mineral with a touch of citrus peel. This is as light an ethereal as chardonnay gets. ($21.99)
Next, we have Scar of the Sea’s Vino de Los Ranchos Chardonnay. Scar of the Sea is the project of up and coming star Mikey Guigni, a young winemaker rapidly gaining attention for a hands of winemaking style that yields supple, balanced wines that sing with food. Sourced from a pair of organic vineyards on California’s central coast, this wine is aged on the lees for a year and a half before being bottled unfiltered. Crisp but textured, this wine showcases cool climate minerali
ty with hints of golden apple and brioche. ($34.99)
Catch and Release produce their Fair Trade Chardonnay from a vineyard located between the Russian River and the north end of the Mayacamas mountain range in Mendocino County. This wine comes in at a low 11.8% alcohol, proving that California chardonnay can in fact be light on its feet. The wine undergoes a mild malolactic fermentation and aging in neutral oak barrels that impart no flavor while allowing the wine to breathe, softening the edges of the wine and adding a bit
of their school vacation week advocating on Beacon Hill. She is actively reviewing the legislation alongside her colleagues.”
Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
of mouthfeel. The result is a chardonnay that is easy-drinking and refreshing with a bright acidity
