Current Editorials - Marblehead Current

13 Sep

Editorial: Optimism on local news funding, with a caveat

The Current Editorial Board1 CommentCurrent Editorials, Viewpoints

Far be it from us to suggest that recent headlines that portend an infusion of investment in local journalism is anything but a good thing for America. However, in terms of what it means for the Current, forgive us if our optimism is a bit more guarded. The big news was the launch on Sept. 7 of a nationwide initiative known as Press Forward, which plans to award more than $500 million to revitalize local news, beginning in 2024. Press Forward is a coalition of…

12 Sep

EDITORIAL: Enough is enough

The Current Editorial Board1 CommentCurrent Editorials, Opinion

It is time for the town to fish or cut bait in the case of Officer Christopher Gallo. The veteran police officer has been on administrative leave but collecting a town paycheck since June of 2021. Since that date, Marblehead taxpayers have been footing the bill to the tune of almost $220,000. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer conducted a fact-finding hearing in May at which Police Chief Dennis King recommended that Gallo be fired for conduct unbecoming an officer and dereliction of duty. The charges stem…

30 Aug

EDITORIAL: Charging forward

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Uncategorized

As electric vehicles (EVs) transition from a futuristic notion to an everyday reality, Marblehead is grappling with a challenge: how to adapt its aging electrical grid to accommodate the inevitable rise of EVs. Of nearly 20,000 registered vehicles in Marblehead, around 460 are electric. That number is expected to increase significantly in the years to come. But already — even with 2.3% of its vehicles electric ones — Marblehead is ahead of the curve in being “early adopters” of the technology. Statewide, there are about…

23 Aug

EDITORIAL: Shining a light on solutions

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion, Uncategorized

What’s going right. At its most fundamental, is it a journalist’s main role to expose wrongdoing and serve as a watchdog of institutions and leaders? Or is there more to the job description these days, particularly at small community newspapers like this one? We ask because we see our role as broader than reporting on problems and challenges. We want to shine a light on solutions, too. Don’t get us wrong, we take our responsibility to objectively report the conduct of town business seriously, as our…

16 Aug

EDITORIAL: Marblehead summer, the last word

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

“You live in Marblehead? You’re so lucky.” How often have we heard those sentiments from folks who live someplace else? More times than we care to count, probably. Those numbers rise noticeably in summertime, the sweet spot between Memorial Day and Labor Day when our picturesque seaside town shakes off winter’s chill, hoists its sails, slathers on the sunscreen and embraces the lobster-and-corn season with open arms (plus a side of melted butter). Each of us no doubt has a favorite ritual or two when…

09 Aug

EDITORIAL: Time for a change

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Views & Reviews

At its first meeting after this year’s town election, the Select Board and its new majority broke with long-standing tradition and voted to postpone its annual process of making appointments to the various town boards, committees and commissions that fall under its jurisdiction. Until now, such appointments, which for the most part constitute reappointments of volunteer citizens, have been made immediately after the annual town election. Whether or not that is the optimum time to take such action, it nonetheless has been that way for…

30 Jul

EDITORIAL: Sunlight and the superintendent

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion

Let’s start at the beginning. Does the Marblehead School Committee have a right to end the tenure of our town’s school superintendent, John Buckey, two years early? Yes, when a previous board voted in July 2021 to extend what initially had been a three-year contract until 2025, it negotiated the right to terminate the contract by giving Buckey 100 days’ notice and a payment of $94,350. But — as a matter of good governance rather than legality — should the board exercise that right without…

12 Jul

EDITORIAL: Setting the bar higher

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials

Before Chair Sarah Fox opened the public comment period of the School Committee’s July 6 meeting, she offered a word of caution. In light of what had happened at the board’s June 30 meeting, a concerned parent had come to Fox, fearful that her child would be subject to further bullying if the public comment period was used to breach the confidentiality of their dealings with the district, she explained. Fox asked all who might speak during the public comment period to be cognizant of…

05 Jul

EDITORIAL: The Spirit of Marblehead

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Reflecting on the echoes of laughter that filled the streets of Marblehead or scenes of people peering over art across town, we're left with a deep sense of pride. The recently concluded 57th annual Marblehead Festival of Arts, one of the cornerstones of our Fourth of July celebrations, served as a shining testament to our community's spirit, dedication and hard work. One cannot overlook the tireless planning and meticulous execution that went into this event. Our tranquil seaside town became a buzzing epicenter of activity…

28 Jun

EDITORIAL: Pride, not prejudice

The Current Editorial Board0 CommentsCurrent Editorials, Opinion, Views & Reviews

As Pride Month draws to a close, we have much to celebrate, but we also recognize the need to avoid complacency. Early this month, ’Headers came together at Abbot Hall to welcome in the month with speeches, comradery and the now annual raising of the pride flag. As we previously reported, one of the featured speakers recounted her need to flee Marblehead decades ago as an openly gay and young adult who was finding herself shamed and ridiculed in public, only to return 39 years…