News Clips

Government watchdogs and political figures are calling the House budget process a “charade,” a “joke” and a “scam” after the legislative body finished up four days of deliberations, conducted mostly behind closed doors.

In Massachusetts, money buys access to legislators, says Pam Wilmot, the executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, a nonpartisan democracy group. “It’s an unfortunate part of the political system where I think the public is the ultimately the loser,” Wilmot said.

“It's about limits being the same for everyone,” said Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “Public confidence is important, and everybody needs to play by the same rules.”

That the Black and Latino Caucus voluntarily identified a donor is encouraging, but the process still should have a formal mechanism for disclosure, said Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. “That should be part of the package — having strict disclosure of the source of the funds and the amount so it’s all above board and the public can weigh in if there are any other issues,” Wilmot said. “I think the good news is that the vast majority of caucuses are not going along with raising money from outside groups.”

The City Council has emerged as a progressive stronghold in the city and experts predict the body will continue trending leftward in the upcoming municipal election, as more women and candidates of color seek office.

If ever there was a case to be made for election reform, some say you need to look no further than what just happened Tuesday night in Fall River. Mayor Jasiel Correia is facing federal fraud charges, and Tuesday night, he was recalled by voters. But on that very same ballot, he was elected mayor again, essentially succeeding himself. Pam Wilmot is with Common Cause Massachusetts and advocates for electoral reform.