Government Affairs: The Rights of Former Felons
Councilor Israel Rivera spoke up for former felons, like himself, to spotlight that this group of people face challenges and are sometimes treated as if they were the same person who broke the [...]
Government Affairs: Deep Dive into Police Department, Councilor McGee Announces He’s Stepping Down
Last week City Councilors addressed exceptionally major issues, including an audit by the consulting firm Municipal Resources Inc. on the functioning of the Police Department and the announcement [...]
This Week in Government Affairs: Feb. 27, 2023 Speeding drivers and lowering taxes
At the Finance Committee, a member of the Community Preservation Act Committee presented facts and figures about the purpose of the preservation committee. It was established to [...]
This Week in Government Affairs Feb. 19: Heated Debate on Employees Benefits
At a combined total of about four hours of debate over the course of two City Council meetings that included points about the city's wavering financial situation, burdening taxpayers, over-reach [...]
This Week in Government Affairs Feb. 13, 2023: $1 Million From Cannabis Industry For Public Works Improvements
he Finance Committee transferred almost $1m from the city's Cannabis Stabilization Fund to several public works projects throughout the lower wards.
$22M For Holyoke Organizations and Projects
The City of Holyoke is positioned to distribute an additional $22 million it has received from the American Rescue Plan Act -Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Why Does Holyoke Pay The IRS Late Penalty Fees?
City Treasurer Rory Casey explains why Holyoke pays the IRS penalty fees.
This Week in Government Affairs Feb. 6, 2023
The Holyoke City Council spent two hours in a spirited discussion about fair pay, sick and vacation days for city employees last Tuesday, with Council President Todd McGee making sure that [...]
This Week in Government Affairs Jan. 30, 2023
This week the Finance Committee and the Development and Government Relations Committee met. Let’s start with the Finance Committee. Mayor Joshua García appeared before the committee to [...]
This Week in Government Affairs Week of Jan. 23, 2023
This week the Ordinance Committee met and most items on the agenda were related to securing permits for three additional marijuana businesses. Members are Councilor Linda Vacon, the chair, […]