Murray to Resign June 2; Patrick Calls Him 'Outstanding Partner'

Outgoing lieutenant governor said recent controversies had nothing to do with decision to resign.

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Tim Murray said none of the controversies that have dogged him during his tenure on Beacon Hill contributed to his decision to announce his resignation. In a press conference at the State House Wednesday, Murray said his final day on the job will be June 2. The next day he will take over as president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce where his salary will reportedly be around $200,000. In January, Murray said he had no intention of running for governor when Gov. Deval Patrick's term expires in January 2015. "This has been a very difficult but empowering decision," Murray said. "It has been an honor to serve as lieutenant governor." Patrick called Murray an "outstanding partner" during his time in …

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When Are Memorial Day Ceremonies in Peabody?

Memorial Day is May 27 this year and the city will be holding its annual services to commemorate fallen American soldiers.

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When Are Memorial Day Ceremonies in Peabody?

Memorial Day is May 27 this year and the city will be holding its annual services to commemorate fallen American soldiers.

Peabody will be remembering fallen veterans this coming weekend during the city's annual Memorial Day ceremonies. The host for this year's services is the North Shore Chapter Yankee Division Association commanded by John Stepenuck. On Sunday, a special Mass service will be held at St. Adelaide's Church at 8:30 a.m. And on Memorial Day itself, a service is scheduled at 9 a.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery. The parade is then scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of Washington and Hourihan streets. Concluding ceremonies will be held in front of City Hall from 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Peabody Police Department will also be focusing extra efforts through the weekend on enforcing seat belt safety, so buckle up. All three branches of the …

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State House News Service Weekly Roundup: Three's Company

Recap and analysis of the week in state government.

Like pieces of a puzzle that don't quite fit together yet, the Big Three may have been separated at birth, but with each incremental step their destinies seem to grow more intertwined. No, we're not talking about those Big Three - Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and Speaker Robert DeLeo - though they play major character roles in this thickening plot.  Instead, three bills have come to define the early months of the 2013 legislative agenda and resolutions on tax hikes, local road funding and the annual state budget continue to be elusive and dependent on one another. Patrick spent the early part of his week welcoming British Prime Minister David Cameron to Boston for a few quick meetings and a visit to the Copley …

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Cole to Sit on Joint Committees for Health Care Financing, Elder Affairs

Peabody's new state representative will sit on two committees dealing with healthcare issues and the elderly.

Freshman Republican state Rep. Leah Cole of Peabody says she has been assigned to sit on the joint committees for Health Care Financing and Elder Affairs. The former committee deals with direct funding of healthcare programs, Medicaid, MassHealth, the Uncompensated Care Pool, fiscal issues of healthcare policy and other public health assistance. Elder Affairs deals with the elderly, disabled seniors, nursing facilities, prescription drugs and reverse mortages. “I am delighted to bring my experiences as a health care provider in long term care settings, such as nursing homes, to these committees,” said Cole, who works as a Licensed Practical Nurse. “It is exciting to be able to be such a direct advocate for patients and providers alike on …

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Markey Leads Gomez in New Suffolk/WHDH Poll

Congressman leads Gabriel Gomez by 17 points.

A new Suffolk University/7NEWS (WHDH) poll shows a strong lead for Democratic U.S. Congressman Edward Markey over Republican businessman and former U.S. Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez in the race for the U.S. Senate special election. The poll of 500 likely voters has Markey at 52 percent and Gomez at 35 percent. Eleven percent of voters in the poll were undecided. A third-party candidate, Richard Heos of the Twelve Visions Party, got 1 percent and another 1 percent refused to respond. David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston, said along with the announcement of the poll that Markey has "a large lead over his Republican opponent who voters are unsure about." Indeed, 32 percent of those polled said …

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Municipal Cabinet Tour Stops in Peabody Today to Talk Resources, Investments

Peabody is the third stop on a tour by Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and other state officials to highlight new developments in state and local government and promote ways to support and invest in cities and towns.

The public is invited to join Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and other city and state officials Tuesday morning to talk resources and investments for Peabody. In March, Murray and other state officials embarked on a tour of a handful of Massachusetts communities with the purpose of highlighting new and innovative developments in state and local government and promote resources and investments in those cities and towns. Peabody is the third stop for the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet meetings. The public meeting was rescheduled from April 23 to May 7 at 10 a.m. “The Patrick-Murray Administration’s ongoing focus on economic growth at the state and local level continues to pay dividends for Peabody. I look forward to a …

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