Politics
Politics
Sentencing bill negotiators still 'close,' urged to keep flexible schedules
Jul. 16, 2012
The lead House negotiator on an anti-crime and sentencing reform bill said on Monday that changes to mandatory minimum sentencing laws for drug offenders remain one of the last unresolved issues between the branches.
Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty, a Chelsea Democrat and co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said after a brief conference committee meeting Monday that the House and Senate were close to reaching a final agreement on the bill that would eliminate parole for certain three-time felons. Read more
NNN reports: Rally for BPS chief Carol Johnson in Roxbury
Jul. 16, 2012
Neighborhood Network News (BNN-TV) filed this report today on Saturday's rally at Bethel AME Church in support of Boston Public Schools superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson, who has been under severe criticism in recent days. Johnson— who has led the BPS system for five years— has admitted that she should have taken more immediate and decisive action when she learned of domestic violence allegations lodged against a high school headmaster. Read more
Supporters of Superintendent Johnson to rally on Saturday in JP
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Backers of Superintendent Carol Johnson will gather on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel AME Church in Jamaica Plain to show support for her. Johnson went into damage control mode this week after the Boston Globe reported that she did not discipline a headmaster after he was accused of a domestic assault charge.
The church, run by Rev. Ray Hammond, is located at 40 Walk Hill. Read more
Pressley statement on preventing domestic violence
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City Councillor At-Large Ayanna Pressley issued a statement Friday, days after an elected official and the Boston Public Schools superintendent became enmeshed in controversies stemming from bad judgment and domestic violence issues. In her statement, Pressley alluded to the incidents, but sought to focus on domestic violence prevention.
The statement is available below in full. Read more
More details emerge in allegations against Rep. Henriquez
Jul. 13, 2012
The alleged domestic assault and battery that led to the arrest of Rep. Carlos Henriquez (D-Dorchester) on Sunday began in the backseat of a car on a quiet street in Arlington Heights, according to a new, more detailed police report.
Henriquez will face three counts of assault and battery, as well as charges of kidnapping, witness intimidation and larceny in Cambridge District Court. On Monday he pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic kidnapping, witness intimidation and larceny. Henriquez is scheduled to be arraigned at the court, which is in Medford, on July 31, the last day for formal legislative sessions and likely a busy one for the Massachusetts House. Read more
Hunt, Dot native, stepping down as Menino's environment chief
Jul. 12, 2012
Jim Hunt IIIJames W. Hunt III, Mayor Thomas Menino’s chief of environment and energy, is stepping down at the end of July. The Dorchester native, who first took the job in 2005 and is expected to remain a personal adviser to Menino, will be looking at private sector opportunities.
“Jim Hunt helped chart the course for making our city a model 21st Century sustainable city,” Menino said in a statement. “He helped build greener buildings and better neighborhoods, attract new companies and create good green jobs, and has simply improved people’s lives. While his leadership will be missed in city government, I know he will continue to do great things for the City of Boston.” Read more
Statement from alleged Henriquez victim, who stands by charges
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The statement, read aloud by Katherine Gonzalves at the law offices of Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, LLP, is available below in its entirety and as prepared for delivery. She was joined by her mother and two of her attorneys.
Statement of Katherine Gonzalves Read more
Alleged victim speaks out about Henriquez incident
Jul. 11, 2012
Alleged Victim of State Representative Speaks from Chris Lovett on Vimeo.
Neighborhood Network News on BNN-TV aired this report tonight about a press conference held by Katherine Gonzalves, the 23 year-old woman who alleged that Rep. Carlos Henriquez assaulted her and held her against her will during a car ride early on Sunday morning.
Her full statement is available here.
Analysis: Assessing the political damage done so far
Earlier: Rep Henriquez: Assault, kidnap allegations are "completely untrue" Read more
Meetinghouse Hill Democrat weighing run against Henriquez
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Meetinghouse Hill resident Nanci Conklin Lawton is considering a run against embattled state Rep. Carlos Henriquez.
The Democrat has worked at the city’s Department of Neighborhood Development for the last 13 years. She has also worked as a State House aide and served as a past president of Meetinghouse Hill Civic Association.
“It’s not the time to have a legislator have a mug shot,” Conklin Lawton said. Read more
Rep. Henriquez responds to allegations through emailed statement
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The statement, released through an email from a Democratic campaign consultant is available below in its entirety. Read more
