Civility has fallen by the wayside, according to Attorney General-elect Maura Healey, and she plans on using the AG’s office to restore it.
On Boston Herald Radio yesterday, Healey said, “I have no tolerance for people’s thoughtlessness.”
Healey said she has her eye on people who abuse handicapped placards, park in front of fire hydrants and clog up traffic intersections. Expect her to prosecute these violators using the full extent of the law. Healey said, “Part of it is a public campaign and using the bully pulpit of the office.”
She will also take into account public opinion on issues when making tough legal decisions. If Westminster tries to move forward with the tobacco ban, Healey’s office will have to decide if it’s constitutional, she said on Herald Radio’s “Morning Meeting” show.
Westminster’s fiery meeting last week will be in the back of her mind, she said, if and when she needs to make the ultimate call for the central Mass. town. Business owners and residents feel it is an overreach of government to ban cigarettes. “I think you always need to be operating mindful of how people are feeling and how it will impact their life,” Healey said.
“My job will be to make judgments and decisions based on the facts and the law but understanding the consequences of those decisions and how they will impact people’s lives,” she said.
Interpretation of the law doesn’t necessarily stop at the AG’s office. Over the last year we have seen the courts intervene on AG Martha Coakley’s decisions to reject the casino ballot question and allow the Partners HealthCare merger agreement. Public opinion was not on her side in either case.
People were furious Coakley fought to block voters from having the last say on casino gambling. The SJC overruled her decision. Health-care advocates have been sounding the alarms regarding the merger of Partners HealthCare and other area hospitals that Coakley approved. Now a superior court judge will get the final say.
Critics have accused Coakley of not considering the public when making tough legal judgments. Her successor wants to change that criticism, which if done effectively will help her climb up the political ladder in no time. Charlie Baker — keep an eye on Healey.
Jaclyn Cashman is co-host of the “Morning Meeting” show on Herald Radio.
Copyright © 2024 Jaclyn Cashman.
