I hope that I live long enough to see the abolition of that colonial anachronism known as the Governor’s Council. After all, the judicial systems in 48 other states seem to get along quite well without this layer of bureaucracy.
The half million dollars that we pay to run this part-time body could be better spent on many other things.
But since we must elect somebody to fill the open seat in the 8th District, which covers almost all of western Massachusetts, I’m going with Jeff Morneau.
As a political outsider, Morneau has distinguished himself as president of the Hampden County Bar Association and has dedicated his 18 years of legal experience to fighting for consumers and workers who have been victims of insurance companies and businesses that have discriminated or engaged in unfair and deceptive practices.
Next year, Gov. Charlie Baker will nominate two more candidates for vacancies on the Supreme Judicial Court. To provide regional diversity, these seats must go to jurists from the four western counties, since the three new SJC judges confirmed this year are all from the eastern part of the state.
Having Morneau as our governor’s councilor will ensure that our area has a voice on the state’s highest court.
Matt L. Barron
Chesterfield