YOUR TURN: A lame duck’s opportunity to save Cape Cod

Andrew Gottlieb, guest columnist

Published Jan 11, 2022 

Now that Gov. Charlie Baker has decided to not seek re-election, it could make some hard decisions a bit easier. Doing the right thing always comes with a cost, and not having to ask for votes again frees him to do some difficult things as he leaves office.

For Cape Cod and everyone who lives or visits here, the right thing for Baker to do is terminate the National Guard’s deeply flawed plans to build a huge, heavy-caliber machine gun range at Joint Base Cape Cod.

As long as he’s in office, Baker has the power to block the firing range: The governor is commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, with direct authority over what happens on JBCC.

He also has leverage with the Environmental Management Commission — the final state regulatory hurdle JBCC must clear before it can start building the range. The EMC, composed of three state agencies that report to Baker, oversees compliance and enforcement of environmental standards on the land at JBCC where the range would go.

And he has precedent. Then-Gov. Paul Cellucci in 1998 canceled the National Guard’s plans to build five training sites on the northern half of Joint Base Cape Cod, specifically to protect the environment and groundwater there — the exact same issues at stake with the machine gun range today.

Bucking a huge, entrenched military bureaucracy is hard — even when it ignores environmental damage and clear opposition from the businesses, local governments and residents who live here. Baker has hinted at his doubts about the firing range but hasn’t committed.

There are many reasons why he needs to come off the fence. Here are four.

First: The environment and public health. The range would be built in the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve — state-designated specifically to protect the Sagamore lens, the sole-source aquifer for the Upper and Mid-Cape. The reserve was established in 2002 after past military activity seriously polluted the groundwater; mitigating past JBCC groundwater contamination has cost taxpayers more than $1 billion and counting.

The firing range also would clear-cut 170 acres of forest without any replanting and commandeer 5,000 acres as a safety zone. Woodwell (formerly Woods Hole) Climate Research Center estimates losing 170 acres of trees would release 16,895 metric tons in CO2 emissions and eliminate the capacity to remove 313 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. In the fight against climate change, this is surrender.

Second: JBCC’s fundamental dishonesty in how it maneuvered to build the Cape Cod machine gun range. JBCC’s chief justification for the range was that no nearby alternative exists for training its troops in heavy weapons use; that argument vaporized when the Army announced this summer it will build yet another new machine gun range at Fort Devens in northeastern Massachusetts. JBCC leadership knew about these plans for an alternative range but failed to disclose or account for it.

Third: JBCC’s deceitful efforts to ramrod environmental approval for the firing range with a quick internal review that blocked input from local governments and residents. After repeated legal action, we discovered why: Emails from Gen. Christopher Faux, JBCC executive director, to U.S. Rep. Bill Keating’s staff revealed that Faux admitted his gun range could not survive an independent environmental impact analysis. Even Faux knew the Guard’s fast-track internal review, claiming “no significant impact,” wouldn’t hold up to external scrutiny.

Fourth: Gen. Faux’s outrageous attempts to silence his critics. In an email to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, Faux tried to get the chamber to support the range by prohibiting his troops from patronizing Cape businesses unless local shop owners toed his line. But the chamber publicly rejected Faux’s threat and called out JBCC for failing to engage with local communities about the project.

With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Baker can rescue JBCC from the PR disaster it has made for itself, prevent the National Guard from wasting $11.5 million on a duplicate machine gun range that it can’t legitimately justify, and protect Cape Cod’s environment, drinking water and residents.

As one of his final acts, it would be a jewel in Gov. Baker’s considerable legacy if he does.

Andrew Gottlieb is executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.

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State Sen. Susan Moran on proposed gun range plan: "Start over and do it right"

Jeannette Hinkle Cape Cod Times 

Published Sep 17, 2021 

FALMOUTH — State Sen. Susan Moran, D-Falmouth, Thursday voiced quick support for the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners' vehement opposition to a  controversial machine gun range on Cape Cod.

Calling it "unacceptable and irresponsible to push this plan," Moran reacted after the executive-branch county body sent two letters to state regulators this week opposing construction of the range on a portion of Joint Base Cape Cod that is designated as a drinking water supply reserve for Upper Cape towns.

Moran, who represents Bourne, Falmouth and Sandwich, stated: "The machine gun range proposal consists of outdated information and data. It is unacceptable and irresponsible to push this plan that has questionable long-term effects on the environment and the health of residents. There must be more transparency and a thorough analysis and review.”

“The residents deserve answers and a seat at the table to consider proposals that may cause them harm,” she added. “Start over and do it right."

Rep. Steven Xiarhos, who represents Barnstable, Bourne and Sandwich, Thursday advocated for a solution that would both allow soldiers to train and satisfy "local concerns" about the environment.

"As residents and stewards of Cape Cod, it is essential that we protect our drinking water and the environment," Xiarhos wrote in a response emailed to the Times. "It is equally important, now more than ever, that the brave men and women of our military receive ongoing and realistic training to defend themselves and our great nation."

Previous coverage:What to know about Barnstable County Commissioners' opposition to the proposed gun range

Xiarhos said he's visited the site of the proposed range and attended meetings with base officials and environmental agencies.

"I've also listened to concerns voiced by neighboring residents," he added. "My hope is to find a solution that both supports our military with the training our soldiers need, and that also satisfies local concerns, including environmental issues and noise. I remain confident we can achieve a result that satisfies all needs and concerns successfully at the same time. I'm committed to working with all of those involved to come up with such a solution."

State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, has expressed skepticism about the proposal and has demanded a more thorough review of the project's environmental impacts by state and federal agencies.

"He is encouraged to see the County Commissioners now echo those concerns," Cyr's communications director Augusta Davis said by email on Thursday.

State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Woods Hole, spoke in opposition to the project in June at a "Stop the Range" rally.

County commissioners Ronald Bergstrom, Sheila Lyons and Mark Forest voted unanimously on Wednesday to send the letters to urge the Massachusetts Environmental Management Commission to reject the range proposal from the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and outlining the reasons for the commissioners' opposition.

Related: EPA to review whether Joint Base Cape Cod's proposed machine-gun range could taint drinking water

The plan has already drawn opposition from environmental groups across Cape Cod.

The Environmental Management Commission is an oversight body created in 2001 to ensure the permanent protection of the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat on the northern part of Joint Base Cape Cod, which is known as Camp Edwards.

'Sink this project':  Emails show concern of environmental review on machine-gun range

The Times also reached out Thursday to State Rep. David Vieira, R-Falmouth, but didn't receive a response.

XIARHOS babbled nonsense because he's clueless and uninformed of the statutory obligations according to the terms of the LEASE signed by Jane Swift.

His constituents should expect more from an elected officials than his comments.

No. 433: Establishing the Environmental Management Commission of the MMR

DATE:	10/05/2001
ISSUER:	Jane Swift
MASS REGISTER:	No. 933

WHEREAS, the Massachusetts Military Reservation ("MMR"), consisting of approximately 22,000 acres, was established by 1935 Mass. Acts c. 196, 1936 Mass. Acts c. 320, 1936 Mass. Acts. c. 344, 1941 Mass. Acts c. 5, 1955 Mass. Acts c. 655, and 1956 Mass. Acts c. 617 (collectively, the "Enabling Acts") for the purpose of the use and training of the military forces of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the northern approximately 15,000 acres are leased by the Commonwealth to the United States acting through the Department of the Army until the year 2026 for military uses; and

WHEREAS, the Department of the Army licensed the northern 15,000 acres of MMR to the Commonwealth, acting through the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard (the "Massachusetts National Guard") for year-round training and support of the Massachusetts National Guard; and

WHEREAS, the northern approximately 15,000 acres of MMR are environmentally sensitive lands; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act ("MEPA"), Mass. Gen. L. c. 30 §§61-62H, the Secretary of Environmental Affairs issued a certificate in April 1997 to the Massachusetts National Guard to develop, in coordination with community participants, an environmental master plan for the future use of MMR. A second MEPA certificate issued by the Secretary to The Adjutant General in May 1997 established a scope for the master plan effort and created a Community Working Group ("CWG") to advise the Secretary and develop a consensus vision for MMR, including public participation in environmental review of the forthcoming master plan, of specific proposed projects, and of those projects that may be developed through the master plan; and

WHEREAS, in September 1998, the CWG issued its Master Plan Final Report, which recommended future uses and activities at MMR. The Master Plan Final Report distinguished between the Cantonment Zone, where more intensive military and civilian activities may be anticipated, and the Water Supply Management Zone, which is co-extensive with the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR. The Master Plan Final Report described the purpose of the northern 15,000 acres as "permanent protection and coordinated management plans for water supply, wildlife habitat, and open space protection consistent with necessary and compatible military activities"; and

WHEREAS, the Final Environmental Impact Report and a subsequent informational supplement proposed a comprehensive set of Environmental Performance Standards (EPS) designed to guide all activities on the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR, and in particular training on the northern 15,000 acres, The proposed EPS received extensive review and were strengthened throughout the MEPA process. Each EPS meets or exceeds applicable regulatory standards; and

WHEREAS, on July 16, 2001, the Secretary issued a certificate finding that the Final Environmental Impact Report adequately and properly complies with MEPA; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and the United States, represented by the Department of the Army and the National Guard Bureau, have agreed in a Memorandum of Agreement dated October 4, 2001 that a cooperative partnership between the Commonwealth and the military for the long-term management of the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR is necessary in order to ensure the permanent protection of the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat, and to ensure that military and other activities are compatible with protection of the drinking water supply and the wildlife habitat;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jane Swift, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of the Environmental Management Commission

There is hereby established the Environmental Management Commission ("EMC") of MMR. The EMC shall consist of three ex officio members: the Commissioner of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement; the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Management; and the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Section 2. Purpose of the EMC

The purpose of the EMC shall be to ensure the permanent protection of the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat of the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR. The EMC shall ensure, by independent oversight, monitoring, and evaluation, that all military and other activities on the northern 15,000 acres are consistent with this purpose. The EMC shall oversee compliance with and enforcement of the Environmental Performance Standards (EPS); coordinate the actions of state environmental agencies in the enforcement of laws and regulations, as appropriate; and facilitate an open and public review of all activities on the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR.

Section 3: Advisory Councils

The EMC shall be assisted by two advisory councils:

A. Community Advisory Council ("CAC"). The CAC shall be comprised of the following members: one representative of each of the towns of Falmouth, Bourne, Sandwich and Mashpee; one family member resident of MMR; two representatives of the military; one representative of the Cape Cod Commission; one representative of the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative; one representative of the Wampanoag Tribe; and five other members. All members shall be appointed by the Governor, provided that the town representatives shall be recommended by the towns' respective Boards of Selectmen; the MMR family member resident shall be selected from among a list of five persons provided by the Commander of the Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod; the military representatives shall be recommended by the Military Division of the Commonwealth; the Cape Cod Commission representative shall be recommended by the Cape Cod Commission; the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative representative shall be recommended by the Upper Cape Regional Water Supply Cooperative; and the Wampanoag Tribe representative shall be recommended by the tribal leadership. The CAC shall assist the EMC by providing advice on issues related to the protection of the water supply and wildlife habitat on the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR

B. Science Advisory Council ("SAC"). The SAC shall be appointed by the Governor and be comprised of five (5) to nine (9) scientists and engineers who are recognized for their expertise in the areas of public health, water protection, wildlife habitat management, or land use management. The SAC shall assist the EMC by providing advice on scientific and technical issues related to the protection of the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat on the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR.

Section 4. Procedures of the EMC

The EMC shall adopt such guidelines, rules, and procedures as are appropriate for the effective performance of its duties.

Section 5. Staff of the EMC

The EMC shall designate a state employee to serve as the MMR Environmental Officer ("EO") and may designate such additional persons as may be necessary to carry out the activities of the Commission. The EO shall report to the EMC. The duties and responsibilities of the EO shall be to monitor the activities being conducted on and the uses of MMR and the impact of such activities and uses on the water supply and wildlife habitat of MMR. The EO shall also coordinate with appropriate personnel from DFWELE, DEM, and DEP to monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of activities conducted on and uses of MMR. The personnel of DFWELE, DEM, and DEP shall support and assist the EMC and cooperate with the EO. The EO shall have an office located within the Environmental Readiness Center (ERC) or other such location on MMR as may be appropriate to carry out the EO's duties.

EMC, DFWELE, DEM, and DEP personnel shall access and inspect the northern 15,000 acres of MMR in order to monitor, oversee, evaluate, and report to the EMC on the environmental impact of military training and all other activities. As determined to be necessary by the EMC, such access shall occur prior to, during, and immediately following training or other activities upon proper notice and in accordance with Camp Edwards Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), regulations, and security requirements.

Section 6. Responsibilities of the Massachusetts National Guard

The Massachusetts National Guard shall provide the EO with office space located within the Environmental Readiness Center (ERC) or other such location on MMR as may be appropriate to carry out the EO's duties. The Massachusetts National Guard shall designate an individual as its representative and liaison to the EMC.

The Massachusetts National Guard shall allow the EO, acting on behalf of the EMC, regular and unrestricted access to all data and information from the various environmental and management programs and activities operating on Camp Edwards. These programs and activities include, but are not limited to, the Integrated Training Area Management Program (ITAM); the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP); the Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP); Camp Edwards SOPs; and any other program or activity created by the Army or the Massachusetts National Guard for the purpose of managing or maintaining the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR. Access to data and information shall not include restricted or classified information, unless the EO obtains the appropriate level of security clearance. The Army and the Massachusetts National Guard shall use its best efforts to assist the EO in obtaining the appropriate level of security clearance. The Massachusetts National Guard shall also submit all draft and final Impact Area Ground Water Study Reports to the EMC for information, as soon as they become available.

The Massachusetts National Guard shall provide the EMC with an annual report describing in detail: (I) the nature and extent of military training and other activities; (2) all resource management activities; (3) the status of compliance with applicable federal and state environmental laws and regulations and the EPSs; and (4) long-term trends in the major areas of resource management and activities. The report shall be made available to the public.

The Massachusetts National Guard shall notify the EMC, in writing and within two (2) business days after discovery, of any violation of an EPS. The notification shall include the nature and extent of the violation and any corrective action that has been taken or will be taken to return to compliance. With respect to a violation of federal or state law that is reported to a federal or state agency, the Massachusetts National Guard shall provide the EMC with a copy of any notice provided to the federal or state agency.

The Massachusetts National Guard shall also notify the EMC, in writing and within two (2) business days after the discovery of any damage or threat of damage to the drinking water supply or wildlife habitat, even if the damage results, or may result from, an activity that is otherwise compliant with law, regulation, or EPS. Damage shall not include any insignificant damage to these resources.

The Massachusetts National Guard shall comply with all decisions and orders of the EMC, provided such decisions or orders do not conflict with federal or state law.

The Massachusetts National Guard, the Army, and any other user of MMR shall immediately cease or adjust any activity that, in the determination of the Massachusetts National Guard or the EMC, causes or threatens to cause imminent and substantial damage to the drinking water supply or the wildlife habitat of the northern 15,000 acres of the MMR.

In the case of an order by the EMC to abate an activity that causes or threatens to cause imminent and substantial damage to the drinking water supply or wildlife habitat, the Massachusetts National Guard shall cease the activity while any request for reconsideration is pending.

Section 7. Authority and Responsibilities of the EMC

The EMC shall evaluate all information and data regarding the activities and uses of MMR and the environmental impacts upon the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat of MMR and may take appropriate action. The EMC may consult with the SAC, CAC, or other entities in evaluating such information and in taking such action.

If the EMC determines that a user has violated or is violating an EPS, the EMC will notify the violator of the violation and may: (1) in the case of an imminent and substantial damage, order such activity to cease immediately, or require adjustments in the activity to eliminate the imminent and substantial damage or threat of damage; or (2) in all other cases, require the violator to return to compliance within a reasonable time and to notify the EMC of the corrective action taken, including steps to ensure future compliance. Repeated or willful violations of an EPS may result in sanctions up to and including cessation of activities.

If the EMC determines, based upon sound and accepted scientific analysis and evidence, that an activity that is otherwise compliant with law, regulation, or EPS, is causing or threatens to cause imminent and substantial damage to the drinking water supply or wildlife habitat of the northern 15,000 acres of MMR, the EMC may: (1) order such activity to cease immediately; or (2) require adjustments in the activity to eliminate the imminent and substantial damage or threat of damage.

After consultation with the SAC and CAC, the EMC may adjust EPS based upon sound and accepted scientific analysis, monitoring data, and other relevant information. The proponent of any adjustment shall bear the burden of justifying the proposed adjustment and demonstrating that the proposed adjustment is protective of the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat. If the EMC determines that a proposed adjustment may be warranted and does not significantly reduce the standard of environmental protection, it shall publish a notice of availability of the proposed adjustment to the EPS in the Environmental Monitor, furnish copies to all members of the CAC and SAC, and accept public comment for a period of at least 30 days following the publication date. Thereafter, the proposed EPS will become effective on a date determined by the EMC. The EMC shall not consider adjustments to the EPS prior to submission of the first State of the Reservation Report, required under paragraph 9 above and to be filed on or about 1 January 2003, unless such an adjustment is necessary to abate an imminent and substantial damage or for national security reasons.

Section 8. Administrative Process and Reconsideration Before the EMC

Prior to issuing an order or deciding an issue that does not involve an imminent and substantial damage, the EMC shall provide the military with an opportunity to be heard.

If the EMC issues an order to cease or adjust an activity to avoid imminent and substantial damage, the EMC shall provide the military an opportunity to be heard on the matter within two (2) business days after issuing the order.

The military may request reconsideration of any decision or order of the EMC by submitting its concerns in writing. The EMC will consider all such requests. The EMC shall reconsider its decision or order, in light of all relevant information, and either affirm, amend, or reverse its decision or order and so indicate in writing within 30 days, unless such time is further extended by mutual agreement of the Parties.

Section 9. Authority of other State Environmental Agencies

The state environmental agencies on the EMC retain all their respective, independent enforcement authority. In response to an enforcement action brought by one of the state environmental agencies, including DFWELE, DEM and DEP, members of the EMC shall work together to implement coordinated actions at the MMR. In order to avoid, minimize, and mitigate any negative impacts, they shall, in good faith and where appropriate, seek comment and input from one another, the military, and the public before issuing decisions or taking actions at the MMR.

Section 10. Exclusion of PAVE PAWS and Coast Guard Transmitter Sites

This Executive Order shall not in any way affect the powers, rights, duties, and liabilities of the Parties with respect to the PAVE-PAWS site or the U.S. Coast Guard Transmitter site:

a. The PAVE-PAWS site, so called, consisting of approximately 87 acres as described in permit # DACA 51-4-81-475 issued by the U.S. Department of the Army to the U.S. Department of the Air Force; said site being a portion of land owned by the Commonwealth and leased to the United States of America, represented by the Department of the Army; as described in its lease contract # DACA 51-5-77-127 and associated supplemental lease agreements;

b, The United States Coast Guard Transmitter site, so called, consisting of approximately 542 acres and shown as "Parcel P" on a plan of land titled "Compiled Plan Showing Leased Areas at Camp Edwards Military Reservation," scale 1"= 2000', dated September 30,1982, and prepared by the United States Army Corp of Engineers; said site being a portion of land owned by the Commonwealth and leased to the United States of America, represented by the Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard, as described in its lease document #34836, dated July 1, 1976.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 5th day of October in the year two thousand and one,

Jane Swift

Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

William Francis Galvin

Secretary of the Commonwealth

https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-433-establishing-the-environmental-management-commission-of-the-mmr?fbclid=IwAR1KHHLy1JKULGZEw1vGzok2PgUq6tigpX3_tKvNA12HnT97TMRspjJpTZE

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Unpacking Janey’s loss

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY BOSTON MAYOR’S RACE FALLOUT — Something felt off about Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s sparsely attended election-night gathering, which took place in the near-darkness of a poorly illuminated parking lot outside a hulking former power station. It felt like another parking-lot party that wasn’t — the one where former Rep. Joe Kennedy III conceded his primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey outside his campaign headquarters just over a year ago, with just a few dozen supporters and members of the press on hand. It was an unceremonious end to Janey’s mayoral campaign — a loss dragged out by lagging returns that evening. Now comes the next task — deciphering why and how the acting mayor, who had the advantages of incumbency, finished fourth in Boston’s preliminary mayoral election. There’s no single explanation. Janey may have been the acting mayor, but she was arguably the least experienced politician of the bunch. She’d spent the fewest number of years on the City Council compared to her competitors. And unlike City Councilors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George, the victors on Tuesday, and former city economic development chief John Barros, who ran for mayor in 2013, Janey had never run citywide before. She faced a learning curve in the campaign and on the job as acting mayor, a situation not helped by a press office decimated by the transition from former Mayor Marty Walsh. “She didn’t know how to communicate her wins and how to defend herself against fake losses,” said a source close to the campaign. Janey’s comments comparing proof-of-vaccination requirements to slavery and birtherism were a turning point that opened her up to criticism that never abated. While the remarks themselves may not have been the death knell, the drumbeat of criticism that followed, and the negative press surrounding it all, contributed to a “death by a thousand cuts,” the source said. There was talk around town of an insufficient field operation, from hiring people to collect signatures to get on the ballot to a get-out-the-vote effort that appeared to rely heavily on unions rather than campaign staff and volunteers. Janey supporters and some outsiders, however, dismiss that notion, contending that no candidate had a true GOTV machine, given that voter turnout failed to reach the level of the last open-seat mayoral preliminary in 2013. There were the candidate forums Janey skipped — about half of them — and the layups she passed on, like not attending a recent “Mayor’s Welcome Reception” for medal of honor recipients. There are also thornier conversations to be had about how no Black candidate advanced to the final, ones that go far deeper than the notion of vote-splitting. Janey hasn’t really weighed in on any of it yet. She didn’t address her supporters in person on election night, but plans to Friday evening at campaign-headquarters “celebration of all that we achieved together.” She told reporters last night that she hopes to continue to “love and lead my city in whatever capacity I can.” She isn’t sure whether she’ll endorse in the general election. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia moderates “The Powerful Link Between Activism & Mentoring ,” hosted by Big Sister Association of Greater Boston at 5:30 p.m.   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.     THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – About those delayed results: “Crush of mail-in ballots caught officials flat-footed, leading to Election Night frustration in Boston,” by Andrew Ryan, Elizabeth Koh and Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: “Election officials blame a surge of 7,000 last minute mail-in and early vote ballots from drop boxes, alternatives that have gained popularity in the pandemic. That flood of ballots — double what officials expected — must be checked by hand by election workers at City Hall to ensure no one votes more than once.” – “Boston City Council Sends Acting Mayor A Request For Pre-Paid Mail-In Ballots After Tabulation Delay,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “At their Wednesday meeting, City Councilors were reluctant to criticize the election department. … The Council also passed an ordinance that, if signed by acting Mayor Kim Janey, would provide pre-paid envelopes to voters who request to vote by mail, since postage payment was an impediment for some. Councilor Lydia Edwards estimated that it would cost at most $150,000.” – Turnout underwhelms: “Voters shrug at Boston’s ‘historic’ mayor’s race,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Just 108,000 voters cast ballots in the preliminary election that narrowed the field to two finalists — Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George. That’s about 5,000 fewer than the number who voted in the last open race for mayor eight years ago. What’s more, the city has added more than 40,000 voters since then, with more than 430,000 voters now registered in Boston.” – The takeaways: “How did Boston miss its moment to elect a Black leader?” by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: “Despite the hype and hopes for a post-racial Boston or a post-racial America, white voters did not enthusiastically embrace the Black candidates for mayor. Worse, the two Black women in the race landed only 275 votes apart, placing third and fourth, giving credence to concerns that they hurt one another’s chances.” – “The Hidden Winners And Losers Of Boston’s Preliminary Mayoral Election,” by Jon Keller, WBZ: “They take a lot of heat when they miss one, but local pollsters should take a bow for their work on this race. They were right on the money about Michelle Wu’s frontrunner status, Anissa Essaibi George’s late surge into second place, and both Andrea Campbell’s momentum and Kim Janey’s lack of it.” – From the opinion pages: “New Balance chairman Jim Davis bet $495,000 on Annissa Essaibi George. Tuesday, it paid off,” by Shirley Leung, Boston Globe. – Downballot: “Old School And New Talent Advance In Boston's At-Large Councilor Race,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “The eight candidates working to capture four at-large seats on Boston's City Council in November's general election present a cross-section of the city that reflects the racial and gender diversity of Boston's politics in 2021. The two incumbents vying to return to the Council will be joined on the Nov. 2 ballot by one former Councilor and five newcomers, including Mattapan attorney Ruthzee Louijeune, who placed third overall.” – Joining Louijeune and incumbent Councilors Michael Flaherty and Julia Mejia on the ballot in November are Erin Murphy, Carla Monteiro, David Halbert, former councilor Althea Garrison and Bridget Nee-Walsh. – In the district races, Brian Worrell and former state Rep. Evandro Carvalho will face off in District 4 for Campbell’s seat, and Kendra Hicks and Mary Tamer will compete to replace retiring City Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley in District 6. Tania Anderson and Roy Owens appear to be heading for a matchup in District 7, Janey’s seat, but Angelina “Angie” Camacho told the Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter she’s eyeing a recount. ON THE STUMP – “Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi-George ready for general election battle,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Despite the smiles and big hug that Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi-George shared Wednesday in the city council chambers after their success in the mayoral preliminary, both have wasted no time in staking out their theses for why they’re the better choice to become Boston’s next mayor.” – Boston.com’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa takes a look at four policy differences that “could drive the race” between Wu and Essaibi George: police reform, housing and development, back to school, and climate and transportation. – “After prelim, Essaibi George super PAC quickly targets Wu,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: “Twenty-four hours after polls closed and City Councillors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George emerged as the mayoral preliminary’s winners, [Bostonians for Real Progress] PAC is lacing into Wu.” FROM THE HUB – “Boston will likely get to vote this November on whether the School Committee should be elected,” by Felicia Gans, Boston Globe: “Boston residents likely will have an opportunity to vote in November on whether the members of the School Committee should be elected by the public and no longer be appointed by the mayor — the current system. … the City Council voted to add the nonbinding public opinion advisory question to the Nov. 2 ballot.” – “Lack of action at Mass and Cass has cost Greater Boston Food Bank $1M and counting, says CEO,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “A lack of action to clean up the city’s ‘Methadone Mile’ is causing ‘thousands and thousands of hungry people’ meals as nonprofits are forced to spend money on security.” THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Massachusetts coronavirus cases spike 2,716 — the highest daily count since February,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The 2,716 COVID cases is the most infections reported in one day since Feb. 7’s count of 3,004 cases.” – “Mass. reports 194 total breakthrough COVID-19 deaths, or 0.004 percent of all fully vaccinated people,” by Maria Elena Little Endara and Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: “In Massachusetts, 194 people who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have died from the virus, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Bill allowing political candidates to use campaign funds for child care would align Mass. with 17 states,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “If Massachusetts residents are seeking political office, they’re on their own to find funds for child care while they’re out knocking on doors or attending debates. Some legislators hope to change that — bringing the state’s campaign finance laws in line with those in 17 other states.” – “More Than 90 Percent of State’s ARPA Money Not Allocated,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “As of July 31, when Beacon Hill broke for the summer recess from which it is now emerging, Massachusetts had allocated a little more than $194 million of the $5.3 billion in federal money the state received in May with another $186 million planned to be implemented by January, according to a state report.” – “Hill leaves Beacon Hill after two-decade tenure,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Salem News: “As a Republican, Brad Hill didn’t come to Beacon Hill to make friends but ended up making plenty during more than two decades as a state lawmaker. Hill officially stepped down on Wednesday after 23 years representing the 4th Essex District in the state House of Representatives. The second-in-command of the House’s GOP minority was tapped to fill a seat on the state Gaming Commission by Gov. Charlie Baker and other leaders — a job he begins immediately.” – “Livestream Goes Dark On Council That Vets Judges,” by Sam Doran, State House News Service (paywall): “For nearly a year and a half, the Governor's Council has broadcast its nomination hearings and formal assemblies live on YouTube. That practice ended Wednesday with a bizarre pointing of fingers.” VAX-ACHUSETTS – “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater tracker: Descent could be ‘earliest sign’ of region heading in right direction,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The south of Boston virus samples have plummeted by more than 50% in the last couple of weeks, while the north of Boston COVID sewage samples have dropped by close to 40%.” – “Massachusetts teachers unions blast Charlie Baker over refusal on statewide teacher vaccine mandate,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “The two largest teachers unions are blasting Gov. Charlie Baker over the state’s lack of a uniform vaccine policy at schools, saying he is ‘abdicating his responsibility’ by leaving students and teachers unprotected against coronavirus variants.” – “Urgent care meeting the need for COVID testing, keeping hospitals from getting overwhelmed,” by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: “On a typical day at PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Chestnut Hill, one might mistake the facility for a coronavirus testing site. That’s how it’s been since late August at least. Coronavirus-related issues have made up the majority of patient visits, from symptomatic cases to those needing a test to be able to travel or go to school.” – “Baystate reporting most COVID hospitalizations in Massachusetts by more than double, caused by low vaccination rate in Hampden County,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.com. DAY IN COURT – “Ex-Rep. David Nangle sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on corruption charges,” by Alana Melanson, Lowell Sun: “From 2014 to 2018, former Lowell state Rep. David Nangle received $27,000 and other benefits from a Billerica business owner in exchange for shepherding legislation that provided millions of dollars in tax credits for developers seeking to develop property in Boston’s Seaport district. On Wednesday afternoon, the former House Ethics Committee chairman was in that same Seaport district at The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison on federal corruption charges related to these and numerous other fraudulent activities he undertook while in office. ” – “Maura Healey challenges Texas abortion law, joined by 23 attorneys general,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “[State Attorney General Maura] Healey led an effort among 23 other attorneys general from many of the U.S.’s blue states to sign an amicus brief in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s challenge to the Texas abortion law. The brief specifically calls for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction of the law.” – “Jan. 6 Capitol defendant from North Adams strikes plea deal with federal prosecutors,” by Amanda Burke, Berkshire Eagle: “A North Adams man arrested for entering the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6 has struck a deal with prosecutors that will have him plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense, according to his attorney and court documents.” – “Court officials, legislators leave closed-door meeting with state officials with mixed feelings over ‘sick courthouse’ crisis,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “The visit was meant to mitigate tension over the recent mold crisis and long-standing environmental concerns at the building. … the Hampden County Bar Association staged a rally outside. Protesters held signs reading ‘Mold Kills’ and ‘Bring in the wrecking ball.’” – "‘I’ll make them a sailor or something’: Recorded phone call takes spotlight at Varsity Blues college admissions trial," by Shelley Murphy, Boston Globe. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “‘Fiscal calamity’: Top watchdog warns T faces existential threat in financial shortfall,” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “The business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found that the MBTA is on track to face a shortfall as large as $400 million in its yearly budget that begins in 2023 and a $13 billion shortfall for core infrastructure improvements it plans to make over the next decade.” FROM THE DELEGATION – Another political group is targeting Rep. Richard Neal, this time for not backing President Joe Biden’s proposed tax code changes that would force the wealthy and corporations to pay more in taxes. Patriotic Millionaires, a group of millionaires that lobbies state and federal lawmakers to raise their taxes, has a new ad — with a $25,000 buy to start — that will air on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” CNN’s “American Morning,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy” and network morning shows in Neal’s district calling on him to “tax the rich.” The group also has mobile billboards outside the U.S. Capitol and Neal’s Springfield office. – “Ed Markey, Lori Trahan condemn ‘Instagram for Kids’ after report reveals Facebook knew about negative mental health impacts on youth,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.com: “U.S. Senator Ed Markey and U.S. Representative Lori Trahan sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday calling for the big tech company to abandon its plans to develop an ‘Instagram for Kids’ platform. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report suggested that Facebook knew of the connection between young users and mental health issues.” – “Warren introduces bill to honor 13 service members killed in Kabul with Congressional Gold Medals,” by Mia McCarthy, Boston.com: “‘These individuals demonstrated incredible courage throughout their careers, and we owe it to them to pass legislation to recognize their heroic service with the Congressional Gold Medal,’ [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren said in a statement.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “What to know about Barnstable County Commissioners' opposition to the proposed gun range,” by Jeannette Hinkle, Cape Cod Times: “The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to send a pair of letters to state regulators expressing forceful opposition to the Massachusetts Army National Guard's Joint Base Cape Cod machine gun range proposal. And threatening legal action if the controversial project goes forward.” NEW POD ALERT – Hold your horses, I’m joining The Horse Race! The politics, policy and elections pod rides again after a summer break producing Mass Reboot. This week, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith , and I unpack Boston’s preliminary mayoral election, from the painstaking wait for vote tallies to what the results say about the city. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Segun Idowu, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . 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