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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Just Saying

9:24 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2013

The H1b could probably write coherently and spell.   more ›

Patrick Says He Won't Leave Governorship for Washington

Rumor has it that Gov. Deval Patrick could be asked to be the next U.S. attorney general.

Governor Deval Patrick said he will not resign from his job even if President Obama asks him to become the next U.S. attorney general.  “I like what I do, and I have more that I want to accomplish in the next two years,” Patrick said, according to a Boston Globe article. “And then I promised [my wife] Diane that I’d go back into the private sector, and I’m going to keep that promise.” This means that Patrick will remain governor until his term expires, in January 2015.  Rumors have been swirling about Patrick's possible departure after Obama won re-election and a few nights later Patrick was among the few to attend what was called a "social dinner" at the White House. Patrick said there was no talk at the dinner about him joining the …

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Gov. Patrick: No Damage, Injuries in Mass. After Maine Earthquake

No damage or injuries have been reported following a 4.0-magnitude earthquake felt in Massachusetts Tuesday evening, according to a press statement issued by Gov. Deval Patrick's Office.

No damage or injuries have been reported following a 4.0-magnitude Maine earthquake Tuesday evening that sent tremors through parts of Massachusetts, according to a press statement issued by Gov. Deval Patrick's Office. "Many Massachusetts residents felt the effects of an earthquake tonight. According to MEMA, which is monitoring events and has briefed me, the quake was centered some 30 miles outside of Portland, Maine," Patrick said in the statement issued at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday. "So far, we have no reports of injury or damage in Massachusetts. MEMA will continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents should use caution if they encounter any damage and take a minute to check in on neighbors, family and friends." United States …

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PATCH CHAT: Governor Pledges to 'Do Right By Each of Those Folks' Who Had Evidence Against Them Tainted by 'Rogue Chemist'

In a live chat on Patch Thursday, Gov. Deval Patrick said he approves of the extraordinary step of allowing release to defense attorneys of State Police interviews with alleged "rogue chemist" Annie Dookhan.

Gov. Deval Patrick took part in a live chat on Patch Thursday afternoon. In it, he spoke about the scandal engulfing the State Drug Lab in Jamaica Plain. That's where so-called "rogue chemist" Annie Dookhan is alleged to have tainted the evidence in as many as 34,000 cases. Thousands of drug dealers behind bars could go free (and some have already been released.) Asked by Patch for a progress report on the mammoth task of dealing with the fallout, here's what the governor typed: The criminal investigation is ongoing. Yesterday, in a very unusual move, prosecutors gave defense attorneys all the notes of State Police interviews of witnesses to date, including the notes of the interview of Annie Dookhan, the chemist at the center of this. …

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Read the Transcript of Our Live Chat with Gov. Deval Patrick

Check out the complete chat from Thursday below.

Gov. Patrick, State Officials Visit Robin Hood Elementary School

On Wednesday Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation to help close achievement gaps in reading and get all students to proficiency by the third grade.

Governor Deval Patrick joined state education, legislative and advocacy organization leaders Wednesday at the Robin Hood Elementary School in Stoneham to sign H. 4243, "An Act Relative to Third Grade Reading Proficiency," which seeks to strengthen and streamline literacy initiatives in the Commonwealth, according to a press statement from his office. The Patrick-Murray Administration has set a goal of reading proficiency by the third grade for every child in Massachusetts and this bill will advance efforts to provide students with high quality literacy opportunities starting in their earliest years, read the statement. "We know that a child who can read by third grade has a better chance to succeed in his or her adult life," said Patrick …

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Gov. Patrick to Visit A Stoneham Elementary School

Governor Deval Patrick is expected to visit Robin Hood Elementary School Wednesday morning.

Governor Deval Patrick is expected to visit a Stoneham elementary school Wednesday morning, according to a press statement from his office. The Governor is scheduled to visit Robin Hood Elementary School, 70 Oak St., at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. "Governor Patrick joins students and educators to sign H.4243, an act relative to third grade reading proficiency," according to the statement. Patrick will meet with staff and students on the third floor in the library.

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What Did You Think of Patrick's DNC Speech?

The Massachusetts governor had delegates on their feet Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, but did his speech resonate with you? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick came out firing Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, attacking his predecessor Mitt Romney's record in the Bay State. "Mitt Romney talkes a lot about all the things he's fixed," he said. "I can tell you that Massachusetts wasn't one of them. He's a fine fellow and a great salesman, but as governor he was more interested in having the job than doing it." By the end of his speech, which touched on President Barack Obama's first-term accomplishments, the economy, role of government and the American Dream, Patrick had the packed crowd of delegates on their feet and in a frenzy, but we want to know: How did Patrick's speech play here in Stoneham? Were you a fan of the governor's …

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Transportation Bill Earmarks Upgrades for Two Traffic Signals in Stoneham

The $1.5 billion bill helps build infrastructure that strengthens the state’s economy over the long term, governor says.

Gov. Deval Patrick called the $1.5 billion transportation bond bill he signed Thursday what the state needs to strengthen its economy and "quality of life for the long term.” According to the bill, Stoneham is in line to receive $600,000 to upgrade two traffic signals in town, including: “Our transportation infrastructure had suffered from years of neglect, so this administration started rebuilding roads, rails and bridges in every corner of our state and creating thousands of jobs," Patrick said after he enacted the bill, which enjoyed the strong support of the Legislature, passing the House by a vote of 150-2 on July 31, the last day of the session. The bond bill ensures funding for many projects already under way and allots money for …

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