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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF.
LIFE AFTER CONGRESS — It's not clear what the state's two outgoing members of Congress — Reps. Niki Tsongas and Mike Capuano — are going to do next. But UMass President and former Rep. Marty Meehan says life after Congress can be even more rewarding if you find the right career.
"It's figuring out what skills that you've developed , what your passion is and translating that into what you do next in your career," Meehan said. "It's difficult sometimes, for members to leave the Senate or the House, but for me it was a really good decision."
Meehan said he makes it a point to talk to former colleagues who have decided to leave Congress, or have lost their races, about their next career moves. When Meehan decided to leave, he used a firm that assessed his skills and interests over 3-and-a-half weeks and then made recommendations about what he should do next.
"They said there were two career paths you should really think about. One of them would be to run a professional sports league, like the NFL, for example," Meehan said. "The other area was higher education." Meehan resigned his House seat in 2007 to become chancellor of UMass Lowell.
It made sense, he said, with his background in education, a strong connection to Lowell and prolific fundraising skills. "Raising money for scholarships for students is a lot more rewarding," Meehan said. The key, he said, is for members to think about their post-Congress plans sooner than later.
A source close to Capuano tells me the outgoing congressman is thinking about a position at a university, a law firm or at the Massachusetts Port Authority, which owns and operates Logan International Airport, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport.
Tom Glynn stepped down as Massport CEO last month, saying after six years with the authority it was time to pass the baton to someone new. The search committee for a new Massport chief plans to post the CEO job on its website soon. "The committee is looking to attract a diverse pool of candidates," spokesperson Jacquelyn Goddard told me. Capuano worked with the authority to reduce overflight noise in his district, and even invited federal Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to a barbecue at his house last summer to show her how loud the air traffic could get.
Tsongas would be "a natural fit" for higher education, Meehan said of his 3rd District successor. "I was interested in her coming to UMass Lowell, and the chancellor at Lowell asked her if she'd be interested in a role and she isn't at this point," Meehan said.
"Congresswoman Tsongas is exploring a number of options , but does not have any immediate plans post-Congress other than spending more time with family and friends," spokesman Joe Tutino told me in an email earlier this week.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY - Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito hold a press conference with Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack,Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton and Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth Chair Steve Kadish. Sen. Ed Markey attends a press conference at the Massachusetts Health Connector office.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren delivers a commencement address at Morgan State University. Rep. Joe Kennedy III stops by Operation Christmas in Taunton. State Sen. Eric Lesser is in Belchertown for a food security roundtable. Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn rings the Salvation Army bell in Downtown Crossing. The wake for fallen Worcester firefighter Christopher Roy is held at St. John's Catholic Church in Worcester.
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 | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
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- "'He's gotten to know every slice of that agency': Who is Steve Poftak, the next GM of the MBTA?" by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "Little more than a year ago the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority celebrated the selection of a general manager with no public transit experience as the fresh set of eyes needed to bring new rigor to a massive bureaucracy. But this week that candidate, Luis Ramirez, washed out after barely 15 months. And his replacement couldn't be more different: a public policy veteran who has spent years thinking and writing about transit and public administration, serves on the T's oversight board, and even briefly ran the agency as interim GM."
- "PEER COUNSELING CONFIDENTIALITY BILL ON MOVE IN WAKE OF WORCESTER FIRE," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "A bill that aims to ensure confidentiality protections for first responders who seek mental health services from a peer counselor is on the move again on Beacon Hill, days after a Worcester firefighter died in the line of duty. Speaking in support of the bill on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Michael Moore brought up the five-alarm blaze that resulted in the death of firefighter Christopher Roy."
- "After vow to cap inauguration cash, Baker took lobbyist donation," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker last month accepted $2,500 from the firm of a registered lobbyist and longtime ally of Vice President Mike Pence toward his inaugural celebration in January, violating a self-imposed cap intended to limit lobbyists to a fraction of that amount. Baker advisers say they're now returning most of the contribution from A10 Associates, a Boston-based firm run by Jess Tocco. It was part of an initial wave of nearly $240,000 in donations that Baker's inaugural committee raked in from developers, insurers, and other deep-pocketed individuals in the weeks after his reelection victory, campaign finance records show."
- "Baker expresses regret over short tenure of outgoing MBTA boss," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday acknowledged the short tenure of outgoing MBTA general manager Luis Ramirez wasn't ideal, saying he 'certainly would have liked to have seen it last longer' than 15 months. Speaking to reporters, Baker said the decision to part ways with Ramirez, who left Tuesday, was the result of a "group discussion" and came after 'honest discussions' between Ramirez and Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack."
- "FISHING, OFFSHORE WIND COEXISTENCE "SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH," BAKER SAYS," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "Gov. Charlie Baker expressed confidence on Thursday that offshore wind developers and fishermen in the Northeast will find a way to co-exist as Rhode Island fishermen are raising objections to the state's Vineyard Wind project at the same time the federal government is auctioning off more ocean real estate. 'This is something we have to deal with on a regional basis and I believe we will,' Baker told reporters."
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| FROM THE HUB |
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- "Here's what Apple's snub says about Boston's status as a tech hub," by Andy Rosen and John Chesto, Boston Globe: "Apple announced Thursday that it would mostly bypass Boston as part of a multicity expansion, but home-grown digital retailer Wayfair continued its march through the Back Bay, where it plans to grow a workforce that could soon hit 10,000. The dual developments were a telling indicator of Greater Boston's status as a technology hub: The region seems capable of nurturing homegrown tech wunderkinds, and tech giants elsewhere see it as an ideal location for specialized, strategic outposts."
- "Bomb threats target businesses in Boston, state and nationwide," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "Emailed bomb threats flooded into dozens of Massachusetts businesses and others around the country Thursday afternoon, looking to extort the targets out of money, police say. The state police know of at least 39 apparent hoax bomb threats sent to businesses around Massachusetts, prompting state and local law enforcement to send officers and bomb squads."
- "Columbia Gas appoints new executive in Massachusetts," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "The parent company of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts announced a change in its local leadership Thursday, a day after Governor Charlie Baker declared that most of the critical construction in response to the Sept. 13 Merrimack Valley gas disasters has been completed. Indiana-based NiSource Inc. named Mark Kempic as chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, responsible for the next phase of the restoration effort in the Merrimack Valley, which includes processing claims andfollowing-up on needed repairs."
- "NEW TEACHERS UNION CAMPAIGN EYES $1.5 BILLION FOR EDUCATION," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "The Massachusetts Teachers Association is pushing lawmakers to increase state funding for public education by more than $1.5 billion a year by May 1, a campaign the union's board unanimously threw its support behind on Saturday. ... The campaign's goal is to pass by May 1 legislation that would increase state funding for public higher education by $500 million and public prekindergarten through grade 12 schools by $1 billion."
- "DA-elect Rollins prepares to take office Jan. 2," by Brooks Sutherland, Boston Herald: The incoming Suffolk District Attorney told jittery staffers not to worry about their jobs as her team gets ready for the transition. 'I just think it's really important that going into the holidays, people aren't worried about anything they don't need to worry about,' District Attorney-elect Rachael Rollins told the Herald after a meeting with staff and prosecutors at Suffolk Law School Thursday evening."
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| THE OPINION PAGES |
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- "Massachusetts is leading the way on gun safety, but we can't do it alone," by House Speaker Robert Deleo, The Hill: "In Massachusetts, we have a message to members of Congress and to my colleagues in legislatures across the country: It is possible to make progress on gun safety. It's not easy, and definitely not quick. We learned in Massachusetts that doing it right requires multiple conversations over a long period of time — and with people who might initially disagree. But it is worth it. And that message is being echoed by the Massachusetts delegation, especially by Sen. Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy."
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| DAY IN COURT |
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- "Norfolk DA looks to get a handle on expunging criminal records," by Joe DiFazio, Patriot Ledger: "Marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts, but a past conviction for possession is still part of a person's criminal record. Now it's one of the crimes the state will allow people to put behind them forever and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey is working with court and probation workers to help people clear their record."
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| WARREN REPORT |
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- "Sanders and Warren Meet and Agree: They Both Are Probably Running," by Jonathan Martin, New York Times: "Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders met Wednesday night at her condominium in Washington to discuss their political intentions but did not reach any accord about coordinating their dueling presidential ambitions, according to two Democrats briefed on their discussion. Only the two senators were present and they stated what has become abundantly clear: that they are both seriously considering seeking the Democratic nomination in 2020."
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| THE CLARK CAUCUS |
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- "Women in Democratic leadership speak out," Fox News: "Congresswomen speak out on border security and other major issues on 'The Story.'"
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| MOULTON MATTERS |
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- "Seth Moulton on Pelosi battle: 'Tough conversations make us stronger, not weaker,'" by Rep. Seth Moulton, Boston Globe: "A month ago, there was no climate change subcommittee or voting rights subcommittee. There were no deals between party leadership to ensure that progressive members are proportionally represented on committees or rule changes to allow bills to come to the floor more democratically. And there were no commitments to explore lowering the age of Medicare or legislate on gun background checks. All of that has now changed."
- "Deal means Seth Moulton-Nancy Pelosi standoff comes to a temporary end," by Liz Goodwin, Boston Globe: "Representative Seth Moulton says he buried the hatchet with the likely future House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, after she promised to limit her time in leadership to secure his and other critics' votes. The Salem Democrat became an unofficial spokesman for the opposition to Pelosi in recent weeks, attempting to recruit a challenger to run against her, gathering signatures on a letter asking her to step down, and trading barbs with her in remarks to the US Capitol press corps. But all that is in the past, Moulton says."
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| KENNEDY COMPOUND |
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- "Rep. Kennedy leads trans rights meeting as House Dems prepare for majority," by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade:"Ahead of Democrats assuming control of the U.S. House in the next Congress, the Congressional Transgender Task Force led by Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.) held a meeting on Capitol Hill on Wednesday with transgender rights supporters to outline priorities amid continuing anti-LGBT policies from the Trump administration. The meeting was closed to the public, but Kennedy and other participants held a conference call immediately after the discussion to highlight key points, including oversight of the Trump administration's anti-LGBT policies and advancement in the House of the Equality Act, legislation that would bar discrimination against LGBT people."
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| MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS |
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- "Four more recreational pot shops awarded final state licenses," by Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: "State regulators on Thursday approved final licenses for four recreational marijuana stores, paving the way for shops to open in upcoming weeks once regulators complete their reviews and issue a notice allowing operations to start. The Cannabis Control Commission issued licenses for two locations for Temescal Wellness — in Pittsfield and in Hudson — as well as for Northeast Alternatives in Fall River and Theory Wellness in Great Barrington."
- "Fall River will reduce payments it seeks from cannabis businesses," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "Bowing to pressure from the marijuana industry and state lawmakers, Fall River is preparing to reduce the size of payments it seeks from local cannabis operators in exchange for granting them permission to open in the city. Joseph Macy, Fall River's top attorney and a former judge, said in an interview Wednesday that city officials are rewriting controversial 'host community agreements' they had negotiated with local marijuana stores and cultivation facilities."
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| ABOVE THE FOLD |
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— Herald: "BOMB SCARE SCAM," — Globe: "Apple goes elsewhere, but Wayfair expands here," "Amid tragedy, another blow." |
| FROM THE 413 |
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- "Online retailer Wayfair plans Pittsfield center, creating 300 jobs," by Larry Parnass, Berkshire Eagle: " The online home furnishings retailer Wayfair said Thursday it will build a new sales and service center in Pittsfield, a move that will bring 300 jobs to the area starting in 2019. The move is a homecoming of sorts for Niraj Shad, Wayfair's co-founder, chairman and CEO. 'We are proud to continue to build our business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,' said Shah said in a statement released by Wayfair. The company also announced plans to expand its operations in Boston."
- "Analysis: Does the Springfield Council Work Hard for the Money?" by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass Politics & Insight:"For those obsessively following every whimper and groan of the Springfield City Council, the revelation that some councilors were plotting to raise their own pay was not a shock. Five years after the last hike, councilors were again linking up into a spectrum of eager yeses, hard noes, indifferent yeses, and persuadable lean noes."
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| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
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- "Port of New Bedford ranks No. 1 for 18th consecutive year," by Michael Bonner, Standard-Times: "Death, taxes and New Bedford ranked as the most valuable fishing port in the country remain certainties in life. NOAA announced its annual fish landings data on Thursday for 2017, and for the 18th consecutive year the Port of New Bedford topped all others in terms of value. The port landed $389 million in 2017, more than $200 million more than Dutch Harbor, Alaska, which landed $173 million."
- "'Revere's Angels' remembered at community vigil," by Evan Allen and Melissa Meyeres, Boston Globe: "A large crowd gathered in front of City Hall here Thursday night for a candlelight vigil remembering the two young sisters who were killed after being struck by an SUV on Sunday evening. Five-year-old Adrianna Mejia-Rivera, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Route 145. Two-month-old Natasha Nicole Mejia-Rivera, died Wednesday night at a Boston hospital."
- "Rivera, not running for office, to hold fundraiser," by Keith Eddings, Eagle Tribune: "Mayor Daniel Rivera on Thursday will hold his third campaign fundraiser since he was re-elected 13 months ago, even though he is barred from running for a third term in 2021 and said he has no plans — currently — to run for another office then. In all, Rivera has raised more than $50,000 since his last campaign ended Nov. 7, 2017, when he defeated William Lantigua's comeback bid, his financial disclosure forms show."
- MEANWHILE IN VERMONT: "In Vermont, a small-town feud leads to a big middle finger (literally)" by Dugan Arnett, Boston Globe: One day not long ago, Dayl Walther was driving down Vermont's Route 128, a pastoral stretch of rolling farmland and postcard-perfect views of snowy Mount Mansfield, when something in the distance caught her eye. A retired school teacher and longtime Vermont resident, Walther is not easily surprised. But what she saw as she approached confounded her. There, rising from a pole high above a row of cedar trees, was what appeared to be a massive fist, with a single finger — that finger — extending skyward."
SPOTTED: Massachusetts state Rep. Keiko Orrall at a White House Christmas reception yesterday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Alison Mills, comms director for Rep. Mike Capuano, State House News Service reporter Colin A. Young, andChristopher Marcisz, who is 43.
NEW: POLITICO is now accepting applications for its 2019 session of PJI, a 10-day intensive in journalism training with opportunities to publish on the POLITICO site. More than a dozen students are selected each year for this all expense-paid program, which is offered in partnership with American University and the Maynard Institute. At the conclusion of the program, two students are invited back for a full-time paid internship in the POLITICO newsroom. Apply online now!
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