Jack Spillane
Columnist covering all things New Bedford
Hovan takes advantage of closed hearing and connected lawyers
People who live here would want to know why Keith Hovan has chosen to accumulate all these guns and ammunition in a town that is more and more like a suburb than a rural community.
The Light on radio: Spillane talks Keith Hovan case, City Council inauguration
New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane talks with WBSM’s Jim Phillips about the latest hot topics in New Bedford, including Keith Hovan, city councilors riding limos to inauguration, the council presidency, the sheriff’s race, the state of Covid testing in New Bedford and more.
The Light on radio: Spillane discusses The New Bedford Light’s mission
New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane joins Jim Phillips to discuss the nonprofit news organization’s mission, as well as offering up insight on the major local news stories such as the New Bedford municipal election and the charges against Ward 3 Councilor Hugh Dunn.
Progressive Democrats line up to challenge conservative Sheriff Hodgson
For his part, Hodgson, after being appointed a temporary sheriff by former Republican Gov. Bill Weld in 1997, has gone on to easily win re-election four times — in 1998, 2004, 2010 and 2016.
When it comes to inaugural ceremonies, New Bedford likes to do it big
What’s wrong with City Council members being sworn in right in their own chambers, where they do the people’s business? What’s wrong with the new School Committee members taking the oath of office in the school auditorium?
If COVID doesn’t get us, then COVID stress will
How much longer can we all keep gazing at these COVID numbers? How much longer can we worry about whether this place is safe or that place is not? Do I have the right mask? How can I possibly get more tests?
While Mitchell eyes the AG race, two councilors see quick route to mayor’s job
The word around City Hall is that councilors Ian Abreu and Brian Gomes are locked in a battle to become the next council president, with both well aware of the possibility that an accidental mayorship is looming.
New Ward 6 councilor will focus on ‘constituent services’
“If you’re able to solve someone’s problem, they’re going to vote for you,” said former Ward 5 Councilor Jane Gonsalves, who spent 20 years on the council between 1994 and 2014.
Afghan refugee fights for her family’s new life in New Bedford
“I’m so grateful to the American people,” Farkhanda Ehssan said, explaining that she will no longer have to worry about Taliban attacks or bombings or someone dragging children away to fight.
Ralph Tavares and his brothers always made New Bedford proud
Tavares has always held a deservedly special place in New Bedford’s heart, and the unexpected passing of Ralph Tavares this week — just days before his 80th birthday — reminds us of just how special they were.
New Bedford group presses for immigrant driver’s licenses
Proponents say it will allow police to positively identify those they stop on roadways. They’ve also cited the value when undocumented immigrants drive uninsured because they don’t have licenses.
New Bedford and Fall River immigrants come of age politically
This year will be remembered for the creation of a majority-minority state legislative district in New Bedford and a second legally recognized minority-influenced district in the South Coast.
Can ‘10 and Eighth Street’ help ease New Bedford’s housing crisis?
“We’re going to provide safe and affordable housing for the people in New Bedford.” — Attorney Chris Saunders, representing developer Duane Jackson.
New Bedford event honors transgender victims lost to violence
“We’re in the freest country in the world, yet these individuals didn’t get to live their lives freely. And so I hope this is a start to a change.”
Why no New Bedford-Fall River district? Because SouthCoast politicians can’t work together
Parochial interests rose to the top, back-bench politicians lost their nerve, and a key local lawmaker kept his mouth closed until the deal was done.
Shane Burgo brings powerful new voice to City Council
“I don’t want to be a city councilor just approving a budget … pushing paper. I want to be able to be lifting up my community and showing our youth especially, that we have power in numbers.”
Rising meter fees … maybe that’s just life in the city
“OK, I confess. I’ve lived in New Bedford for 22 years, been a user of the downtown meters for all of that time, and I still don’t understand how the damn things work.”
Some in Fall River stand firm against a SouthCoast district
It is a little strange that these officials see Fall River as having such a pre-eminent role in the new district, given that the incumbent congressman, freshman Jake Auchincloss, lives in Newton.
Newcomers bring political skills, energy to New Bedford government
With Shane Burgo’s election, five of 11 city councilors in New Bedford are now persons of color. That’s something the city can take pride in. And it illustrates the changing nature of our city.
Facebook ‘comments’ foment anger in New Bedford and afar
All the algorithms that govern what Facebook distributes to us every day are created to reward controversy and division, and conversely, to penalize harmony and consensus.
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