Hodgson maintains a high profile on immigration issues, but critics say that’s not the role for a county sheriff some 2,400 miles from America’s southwest border.
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Posted inEducation
School paraprofessionals say staff shortage is leading to illegal conditions for special needs students
“There are students throughout the city whose IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) are in violation right now.” — Jillian Zangao, president of the paraprofessional union
Posted inJack Spillane column
Opinion: Some questions for Sheriff Tom Hodgson
Is it possible that these high Bristol County suicide numbers are related to your “tough love” philosophy and practices? Is it worth re-examing whether your procedures are the latest best practices in prevention, given the worrisome suicide numbers?
Posted inInPerson
Election commissioner DeBrito mentoring youth as a way to spark voter turnout
“I think that there’s an opportunity for them to just come in and make a change in society and the way that we’re headed. I think the future is obviously in their hands and we’re going to need them to step up.” — Manuel DeBrito
Posted inThe Chat with Jack Spillane
Watch The Chat: Should the undocumented immigrants driver’s license law be repealed?
The Chat examines the effort to repeal the law that grants driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Posted inElection 2022
10th Bristol District race: Straus touts track record, Swift says new blood needed
Straus, the incumbent Democrat, is campaigning on his years of experience. Swift, his opponent, wants to flip the seat Republican and “bring back the concept of a citizen legislator.”
Posted inThe Light on radio
The Light on Radio: Joining the MBTA, driver’s licenses for the undocumented and a downtown methadone clinic
Watch Jack Spillane discuss the latest news in New Bedford, including whether the city should join the MBTA, the ballot question on whether undocumented immigrants should get driver’s licenses, a […]
Posted inElection 2022
Driver’s licenses for immigrants? The state Legislature said yes, but now voters will decide
This direct appeal to voters, known as a referendum petition, will reach a binding outcome, meaning whatever the voters decide becomes law.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Opinion: The real issue with recidivism rate is the absence of statistics
After 25 years, an ever increasing budget, and an expanding staff that numbers in the hundreds, Hodgson should have been measuring the re-offending rate of those incarcerated in his facilities.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Opinion: English Language Learners deserve inclusion, more teachers educated with latest methods
It’s time to stop using methods and ideas from the 20th century and join the 21st. It’s time to start adopting research-based language acquisition methods and face the new realities. New Bedford deserves it.