Energizer candidate Tom Sheff didn’t send a press release to Village 14, but Newton Patch reports that he is forming an exploratory committee to consider a challenge to fellow Democrat Marilyn Devaney on the Governor’s Council.
“I am exploring a potential candidacy for Governor’s Council because it is time to bring a common sense approach to the important work that needs to be done on behalf of our district and the Commonwealth,” Sheff said. “Through my experience as a businessman and activist, I intend to do just that.”
Hi Greg,
I sent a press release to the patch, globe west, the Tab and since I couldn’t find an email for you or village 14 (sorry) I sent my release to Sean Roche in hopes he’d post it. Greg, please send me an email I can reach you, the last one I had from you was at your previous employers’ Here is my press release I always appreciate any feedback (even negative):
Committee to Elect Tom Sheff
454 Dudley Rd
Newton, Ma 02459
617-795-7076
[email protected]
@Tom – When I saw the announcement, I wondered what the Governor’s Council did. I did a quick search and it mentioned “advice and consent with respect to nominations of judicial officers, notaries public, justices of the peace, issuance of pardons and commutations, AND PAYMENT OF MONIES FROM THE TREASURY.
That last phrase caught my eye. The other responsibilities are very narrow but the last one is a mile wide. What’s that all about? Does the Council have a say in all state expenditures?
Jerry,
AND PAYMENT OF MONIES FROM THE TREASURY.. This means the GC gives advice and consent to the Governor (he doesn’t have to accept the advice). This advice is modified by statutory law.
Jerry, what do you think would happen if the GC came along, after all the work was done by the legislature, etc. and changed everything. It would be chaotic. It’s only advice and consent.
@Tom: How you confident are you with that explanation? Did you research this, or are you just ad-libbing?
@Tom – Thanks. Yes, that’s why I was asking.
Good luck
tom sheff — Has the GC in fact given advice on spending? Will that be part of what you hope to do with your business background? Got any examples?
Hoss, thanks for the question. I expect the advice and consent regarding the spending is very minimal. If you youtube the General Council and in particular my opponent (Marilyn Devaney) you’d see how divisive and chaotic the GC has become. What I want to do is to bring some cohesiveness into the institution, make it tranparent (there’s that word, again) and help form an agency that will be taken seriously (right now, many people think they are a joke). Some of the most knowledgeable people on politics in the city dont know who or what the GC does…I’d like to have a chance on changing that.
Jerry, thanks again.
tom sheff — I’ve been curious as to how hard it is to challenge an incumbent in our party. If there some democratic pope in Mass that you ask permission — or can you do it on your own?
By the way, as a campaigner, Marilyn Delaney is a force to be reckoned with and she will spend money. This won’t be like taking on Mitch Fischman, and even that wasn’t easy.
Greg, if you are referring to my explanation to Jerry regarding monies from the treasury I did make some calls. I saw the same passage on wikipedia as Jerry saw and got an explanation from them. It made sense to me, so I left it alone.
Hoss, it’s extremely difficult to challenge incumbents…thats why when a seat opens up you’ll often see five people run for the seat and while the incumbent is in office you might see one or two challengers. There’s no real leader statewide except John Walsh. I dont know John. I’m on my own and can use as much help as possible. The 3rd District for the GC position is comprised of roughly 35 cities and towns, bu some cities dont really come out to vote. If people just vote for Marilyn because shes the incumbent I’ll obviously be in trouble, but the more I tyalk to people the more I hear that they know her, but they all feel she has no peopl’s skills and have negative feelings for her. Thats not to say they wont vote for her, though.
Greg, I know shes a campaigner, I am looking forward to the challenge.
Not to take over the thread but if Tom is willing to answer — Are you part of a local Democrat Committee and do you have any concern about your membership running against an incumbent? (Meaning do these committees control our choices) Thanks for your willingness to answer questions.
How so Hoss? I’ve yet to be accompanied by a committee member when I go to vote.
Greg — Just looking for some insider knowledge since Tom is willing. There was a case in Brockton where the local committee wanted to bar members who refused to endorse certain individuals nominated by the party. (I believe one individual was charged with domestic violence after being nominated) Just wondering if there’s any blackballing going on locally. I have idea what influence a local committee has in general
Hoss,
To my knowledge there’s nothing like that going on in Newton. But, people do have long memories and I still feel some people harbor resentment for me due to me running against Mayor cohen 6 years ago.