CDP Late October Newsletter: Mass Ballot Questions & the Housing Crisis

Save the Connecticut River!

Deny a Water Quality Certificate!

On October 10, community members, armed with handmade signs and crafts drawing attention to endangered shortnose sturgeon, packed the Shea Theater to protest the Mass Dept. of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s potential issuing of a water quality certificate (WQC) to FirstLight, which operates the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station (and extended its canal drawdown). See MassDEP’s public session and download its presentation.

FirstLight needs a state-issued WQC by April 2025 to obtain a 50-year federal license renewal for its operations. MassDEP will hold a third and final public comment period in January 2025.

Journalist Karl Meyer recently discussed the Connecticut River’s health on GCTV’s “Local Bias” and with Joe Graveline of the Nolumbeka Project. See Connecticut River Defenders for more background.

Massachusetts Ballot Questions

First things first . . . Make sure you’re registered to vote!

VOTING RESOURCES

KEY DATES

Early voting opens in Franklin County: October 19
Voter registration deadline: October 26
Vote-by-mail deadline: October 29
Election Day: November 5

STATEWIDE BALLOT QUESTIONS

Question 1:State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

A YES Vote:
- Authorizes the state auditor to audit the accounts, programs, activities, and functions of all areas under the purview of the state legislature. Campaign led by Committee for Transparent Democracy.
A NO Vote:
- Opposes this initiative. Ballotpedia cannot locate an opposing campaign.

Question 2:Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement

A YES Vote:
- Repeals the requirement that students must meet a certain competency level on the MCAS to graduate. Campaign led by Committee for High Standards Not High Stakes and the Massachusetts Teachers Union.
A NO Vote:
- Opposes this initiative. Campaign led by Protect Our Kids’ Future: Vote No on 2.

Question 3:Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers

A YES Vote:
- Permits unionizing and collective bargaining for transportation network drivers. Campaign led by Yes on 3 Mass.
A NO Vote:
- Opposes this initiative. Ballotpedia cannot locate an opposing campaign.

Question 4:Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances

A YES Vote:
- Allows possession of and regulates the licensed distribution of certain natural psychedelic substances. Campaign led by Massachusetts for Mental Health Options.
A NO Vote:
- Opposes this initiative. Campaign led by the Coalition for Safe Communities.

Question 5:$15 Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

A YES Vote:
- Gradually increases the hourly wage of tipped employees to meet the $15 state minimum by 2029. Campaign led by One Fair Wage Plus Tips MA.
A NO Vote:
- Opposes this initiative. Campaigns led by Committee to Protect Tips and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

BONUS: ABOLISHING THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

Under the Electoral College, the 2024 presidential election will favor votes in 7 states. A new poll by Pew Research Center shows 63% of American voters would prefer a presidential candidate be elected by national popular vote. The National Popular Vote Bill has been passed in 18 jurisdictions. Add your name to the conversation about the Electoral College.

Spotlight on the Housing Crisis

The housing crisis is well-entrenched in Western Massachusetts. Proposed rent hikes in Orange, Ludlow, and other nearby areas could leave some residents without homes. Recently, houseless Northampton residents were evicted from their outdoor camp. In Greenfield, houselessness remains a hotly contested topic among public officials, a new affordable housing project is underway, and the city council is set to vote on a cluster development zoning ordinance. Several towns in Franklin County have voiced support for a federal grant to help advance affordable housing projects.

With Governor Maura Healey’s signing of the Affordable Homes Act in August, a local conversation is shaping around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). There are concerns about accessibility in ADUs, and in late September, Greenfield residents filed a petition seeking tighter regulations on ADUs.

See Traprock E-News for Resources and Events on Gaza

Regional Roundup

New artifacts have been discovered by an archaeology firm researching the 1676 Great Falls Massacre. (limited paywall)
Ashfield nonprofit Regenerative Farms received two federal grants to implement climate-resiliency training programs for farmers. (limited paywall)
Warwick Community School is now using an electric-powered van. (limited paywall)
Northfield residents continue to express displeasure over a solar project expansion. Ashfield is planning its own solar project. (limited paywall)
A conservation agent has been hired to serve the needs of five Western Mass towns. (limited paywall)
Karuna Center for Peacebuilding is celebrating 30 years.
Vijay Prashad joined the podcast Trippin’ on a Shoestringto discuss the link between local and politics and foreign policy.
“America’s Best Restaurants” stopped at Mesa Verde in Greenfield.

The Attack on Honest History

Tuesday, October 22 · 6 p.m. · Zoom Webinar

Critical thought in public education is under attack. This panel of historians and educators will situate the current assault in the broader history of attacks on critical thinking and discuss how educators, students, and communities are fighting back. Learn more about the webinar and register below.