Special Projects Fall 2006
Final Projects
Higher Education: State Supports Falls Behind the Nation
Massachusetts - a state synonymous with higher education - is bedeviled by a growing irony. Although its knowledge-driven economy needs a highly educated workforce, the public colleges and universities that provide that training are pricing potential students out of the market.
Hunger: News Each Holiday Season
BOSTON - Hunger becomes big news with each holiday season. On television and radio, in newspapers and on the web there is annual rite of hunger reporting from church basements, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. The news has been consistent for a decade: More people are seeking food assistance this year than the last.
Hypodermic Needles: A Dilemma in the Trash
A new law permitting drug users to buy hypodermic needles without prescription has called attention to a growing health problem. The at-home use of needles by legal and non-legal users has increased, putting more needles into the trash. But the Department of Public Health has yet to establish any new programs on how to safely dispose them.
Massachusetts Republican: Resolutions for a New Year
The New Year inspires many to reevaluate their past choices and opt for future change. Massachusetts Republicans are no different. After losing the governor’s office and three more legislative seats in November, the state party and lawmakers are regrouping -together and separately- to define the GOP’s direction.
Gay Marriage: The Debate Shifts
The religious and social issues of gay marriage have galvanized supporters and opponents for three years. Now, as the current Legislature faces a final chance to put the question to the voters, the debate centers on another question: Are lawmakers obliged to let citizens make direct decisions about civil rights issues?
Money Can’t Buy You Love. Or Can It?
Deval Patrick didn’t just touch the hearts of Massachusetts voters this fall. He also touched their wallets. While his opponents spent record sums of their own money to run for governor, Patrick won a more important category: the most number of donors to a campaign.
New MCAS: A New Test for Schools, Students
The Massachusetts Board of Education decision to raise MCAS exam standards for graduation has educators and students grappling with concerns over the abruptness of the changes, the vagueness of requirements, and claims of unfairness to minority students.
CORI: One Strike and You're Out?
When Truesee Allah went looking for a job he had more than a tough labor market to contend with. He had a criminal record. Potential employers who checked the state’s Criminal Offender Record Information found he served time for his role in a gang-related shooting.
New Commuter Line: Plenty of Obstacles Despite Patrick Support
Supporters of a New Bedford-Fall River commuter rail line hope the election of Deval Patrick will be the green light for the long-stalled project. Patrick vowed to release a construction plan for the rail line within 90 days of taking office. But there are still obstacles to resuming rail service to the South Coast. Residents along the northern section of the route remain opposed on aesthetic, environmental and public safety grounds. And then there’s the question of money.
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Alternate Candidates
GRACE ROSS
Making an impression
“Hiya! Do you vote in Massachusetts?” she said, taking hesitation as a signal to continue with an outstretched hand. “I’m Grace Ross and I’m running for governor.” And so, Grace runs. Without the resources for advertising. Without a highly organized campaign machine. Without, until recently, any significant recognition by voters. Still, the community activist has had an impressive impact on the race, particularly through her performance in several debates.
MARTINA ROBINSON
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Martina Robinson was trapped on the hydraulic lift on a bus she had taken to a campaign appearance. “It happens a lot,” said Robinson, who has cerebral palsy. Robinson has some arm impairment, but she can use a computer. She feels her legs, but cannot walk. But her disability has not kept her down. She earned a B.A. in anthropology and has traveled to Japan and India as an advocate for the disabled. Now she is running for lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
A longshot tradition
Independent candidates for Massachusetts governor are not a new phenomena. Past elections saw bids by members of the Libertarian, Green and Independent parties. All were hindered by limited funding and lack of name recognition. But a candidate such as Christy Mihos does have something going for him beyond his own healthy bank account and statewide celebrity. As one political scientist suggests, Mihos and Grace Ross tap into the American attraction to the outsider who promises to represent no on but the voters.