Politics - Marblehead Current

03 Mar

Marblehead Dems to caucus Saturday, March 7

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Politics

All Marblehead Democrats are invited to attend a caucus Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. to elect 14 delegates and four alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The caucus will be held at Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St. Those who wish to attend via Zoom must register in advance at marbleheaddems.org/programs. Doors open at 10 a.m. for registration, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Everyone who arrives by 10:45 a.m. will be admitted. Participants will have an opportunity to meet some of…

03 Mar

DOLLARS & SENSE: Delayed budget talk set for Wednesday

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

After the blizzard postponed last week’s meeting, the Select Board is set to hear from Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer Wednesday night, March 4. Kezer will present his balanced budget and scenarios for possible overrides. At his State of the Town address in January, Kezer projected an $8.6 million deficit for fiscal 2027 requiring more than 50 layoffs. Marblehead Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer III's $195,000 contract expires June 5, Select Board Chair Erin Noonan confirms he's interested in renewal. CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD The…

02 Mar

Seven Dems clash over health care, immigration and Iran in race to replace Moulton

Monica SagerPolitics, Top Stories

This article is shared with permission from the Swampscott Tides. The Bedford and Billerica Democratic town committees hosted the seven candidates for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District on Saturday, where contenders shared their ideas on health care, senior support, child care, bipartisanship and the attack on Iran. The 6th District’s congressional seat is up for grabs after Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) announced he would challenge Sen. Edward Markey in the Democratic primary ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Markey, 79, would be among the oldest members of Congress if he were…

20 Feb

Moulton files legislation to protect elections

Leigh BlanderPolitics

Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the Defend Elections from Trump Act, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to deploy federal law enforcement, intelligence personnel or the military to polling locations without explicit authorization from Congress. The introduction of this bill comes in response to Donald Trump’s recent calls for the federalization of elections. “Election security is vitally important,” said Moulton. “But Donald Trump wants to undermine democracy itself. Voters must be able to cast their ballots without intimidation, without threats, and without…

20 Feb

Marblehead immigration attorney running for Governor’s Council

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Politics

Marblehead immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis is running for Governor’s Council in Massachusetts’ 6th District. Slavit Baylis took out nomination papers this week from the Secretary of State’s Office and plans to collect nomination signatures throughout the district. The Governor’s Council is an elected body in Massachusetts that provides advice and consent on the Governor’s judicial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury. The Council also plays a role in the certification of statewide election results. Diann Slavit Baylis is running for…

10 Feb

Calling Marblehead Dems: Caucus March 7 for state convention delegates

Submitted ContentLocal News, Politics

All Marblehead Democrats are invited to attend a caucus on Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. to elect 14 delegates and four alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The location is Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St. If attending on zoom, registration in advance is required by filling out the form found on marbleheaddems.org/programs Doors will open at 10 a.m. or registration and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Everyone who arrives by 10:45 a.m. will be admitted. Meet some of this year’s candidates…

28 Jan

Congressman Moulton’s office to host constituent services fair

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Politics

More than 30 agencies and nonprofits will be on-site to help constituents with a wide variety of issues The office of Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) invites constituents to attend the 6th District Constituent Services Fair from 4:30-6:30pm on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Salem Community Life Center, located at 401 Bridge St. in Salem. The Constituent Services Fair is an opportunity for 6th Congressional District residents to speak directly with agency and organization experts about services and benefits including IRS issues, veterans' services, legal resources, passports and…

22 Jan

LETTER: Why I protest

Leigh BlanderLETTERS, Politics

To the editor: I came of age in 1967-1968 in a working-class world shaped by the draft and the Vietnam War. In my community, Vietnam wasn’t a headline — it was a phone call you dreaded and a name you might see in the paper. And for young women, the consequences of being labeled “fast” were real: reputations, opportunities, futures. I also remember a time when women had far fewer choices and protections than we do now. I remember “homes for unwed mothers,” and the…

20 Jan

Marblehead demonstrators call for fairness, due process

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

About 75 people, bundled against frigid winds, rallied Tuesday afternoon at Tent’s Corner across from Marblehead High School to protest President Donald Trump’s policies. The local demonstration was part of a national Free America event. In Marblehead, participants waved small American flags and held signs reading “Resist Fascism,” “Protect Immigrants’ Rights” and “Make America Ethical Again.” Demonstrators stand in snow banks to protest President Donald Trump's policies. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER Jane Casler (left) and Margo Shea carry signs at Tuesday's standout at Tent's…

07 Jan

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: Slip sliding into 2026

Leigh BlanderColumns, Municipal Matters, Opinion, Politics, Public safety, Recreation, Viewpoints

As the town slides into 2026, many of the issues facing the town government in 2025 have slipped into 2026 with a lot of talk but no action, no resolution. These issues include 3A; our fiscal crisis; school district dysfunction, performance and student exodus; social hosting; personal transport vehicles; alleged antisemitism in the schools; the future of the Coffin school property; and the Reynolds playground rink. We need to put many of our existing issues behind us. There will be others that arise. Tedesco Country…