Politics - Marblehead Current

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…

24 Nov

News in brief: Nov. 24

Saoirse StallingsEnvironment, Local News, Politics, Public safety

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Moulton unveils legislation to prevent war with Venezuela On Nov. 21, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., joined by Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass.; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.; and Eugene Vindman, D-Va., announced new legislation called the No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act during a press conference on the House steps in Washington, D.C. The bill prohibits the executive branch from spending federal funds on any military action inside Venezuela or against…

28 Oct

Moulton’s longtime aide hits campaign trail for 6th District seat

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

Rick Jakious of Swampscott, longtime chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, has announced a run for Moulton’s seat representing the Massachusetts 6th District. Moulton announced earlier this month that he is running for U.S. Senate. Jakious’ wife, Rachel Smullin, is a teacher at the Veterans School in Marblehead. Jakious said he will kick off his campaign with a “39 in 30” barnstorming tour, visiting all 39 cities and towns in the 6th District within 30 days. He said the goal is to meet…

18 Oct

‘No Kings’ rally draws hundreds in Marblehead

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories

About 800 people came out for a “No Kings” rally in Marblehead Saturday afternoon — many carrying signs and others dressing up in costumes. “We all have to work together to get rid of this tyrant,” said Andrea Utne, referring to President Donald Trump. Utne was dressed in an inflatable lobster costume, in a nod to the frog outfits at Portland, Oregon, protests. Eleanor McMahon and friend Alison Juves, both of Marblehead, held signs together and waved at honking cars passing by. “The (political) pendulum…