© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Massachusetts Dems To Gather In Springfield, But They Snub Mayor Sarno

Massachusetts Democrats will hold their annual convention in Springfield this fall, but the city's Democratic mayor will apparently not be at the event.

Members at the party's state committee meeting in Worcester on Monday voted to not invite Domenic Sarno to speak at the September convention. They cited, among other things, Sarno's support of Republican Governor Charlie Baker over Democrat Jay Gonzalez in last November's election.

But Michael Albano, a former Springfield mayor and member of the state committee who was not at Monday's meeting, said the vote to not invite Sarno is short-sighted.

"People aren't going to agree on every single issue all the time,," Albano said. "That's one of the reasons why the Democrats always claim that they have a big tent and there's room for all sorts of people with different opinions. So I think the Democratic state committee made a mistake. I hope they reverse themselves."

In a statement, Sarno defended his decision to endorse Baker.

"[He] has worked very effectively with our Democratic legislature to implement programs to the benefit of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Sarno said. "His bipartisan approach is more of what we need in government."

Sarno applauded the party's decision to host its convention in Springfield and said his administration would do "everything in our power" to help make it successful. And as for that missing invitation?

"This will allow me to spend more time with my family and our Springfield residents at neighborhood events," Sarno said.

Later Tuesday, Sarno's office released a handwritten note he sent to Gus Bickford, chair of the state Democratic party. It did not mention the snub.

Mayor Domenic Sarno's l... by on Scribd

Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Domenic Sarno visited Forest Park Middle School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in May 2017.
Don Treeger / The Republican / Masslive.com/photos
/
The Republican / Masslive.com/photos
Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Domenic Sarno visited Forest Park Middle School in Springfield, Massachusetts, in May 2017.

Copyright 2019 New England Public Media

Kari is a senior reporter and long-time host and producer of Jazz Safari, a musical journey through the jazz world and beyond, broadcast Saturday nights on New England Public Radio. Born in New York City, and raised in both Kenya and the U.S., Kari first arrived at NEPR as UMass Amherst student fascinated radio's ability to cross geographic and cultural boundaries. Since then, he has worked in several capacities at the station, from board operator and book-keeper, to production assistant and local host of NPR’s All Things Considered.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content