Sen. Marian Walsh Will Take Position at HEFA
March 12, 2009
If the Election season wasn’t exciting enough, Sen Marian Walsh seems poised to vacate her Senate Seat for a position with The Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority. Senator Walsh has held that seat since 1993. This will definitely get the talk going about who will be her successor.
From the State House Press Office:
MARCH 12, 2009…..The Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority is poised to offer a $175,000 assistant executive director position today to state Sen. Marian Walsh.
Walsh, a West Roxbury Democrat, would take a job that has gone unfilled for several years, and at a time when the state is mired in a deep fiscal crisis, with heavy layoffs in state and local government.
The authority, known as HEFA, helps non-profit institutions obtain tax-exempt financing for capital projects. Its board is planning to vote on Walsh’s appointment at a 1 pm meeting, officials said.
Officials said Walsh, recently demoted by Senate President Therese Murray, was selected because of her experience in the Legislature.
“There were a number of candidates that were looked at and Sen. Walsh filled the qualifications of a legislative background,” said HEFA spokesman Liam Sullivan.
Walsh’s departure would likely touch off a fierce contest for the Senate seat she has held since 1993. Her West Roxbury home is at the epicenter of one of the most politically active districts in the state.
Last year, when Walsh was in the running for a judgeship, several officeholders lined up for the prospective opening. Walsh later said she had withdrawn her name.
The move would bring a significant boost in salary for Walsh. Base pay for legislators is $61,440, with those in leadership positions earning more.
Sullivan said the agency had spoken with an outside consultant in determining the compensation, which he said was comparable to salaries for similar positions at other state agencies and public authorities.
HEFA said Walsh’s appointment comes as the agency plans to form a panel that would find ways to integrate operations with MassDevelopment.
“In light of creating that committee, the assistant executive director position will be filling the role of reaching out to these other agencies and coordinating with these other agencies, which is why it was critical to have someone who is familiar with the legislative and state process,” Sullivan said.
“It’s a position that’s been unfilled for a number of years,” Sullivan said.
An aide said Walsh was not available early Thursday afternoon because she was attending the funeral service for former Speaker George Keverian.
In response to News Service questions, Walsh’s office released a statement from the senator, in which she described herself as “very excited” to join HEFA.
“I want to foremost thank my constituents for their support and friendship through my years of elected public service,” Walsh said. “I am eternally grateful to them.”
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8 Responses to “Sen. Marian Walsh Will Take Position at HEFA”
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It’s about time. She checked out a long time ago. I just hope we get someone new to run for Senate instead of some career politician that feels entitled to the seat.
“It’s a position that’s been unfilled for a number of years,” Sullivan said.
As if having her in the position is going to make it less unfilled. That’s quite a score for Ms. Walsh – she goes from ~$65K for doing nothing to $175K for doing nothing. The beauty of a 1 party state.
A job that has not been filled in 12 years? And it pays 175k? This is why people hate politics and politicians.
When’s the special election? I can picture all the rats scrambling now.
USELESS.. Another pension chasing politician… How important can that position be if it has been vacant for 12 years? All those normal people losing their jobs and all the governor and Sen, Walsh care about is finding a $175K spot so that she can retire comfortably on State tax dollars…What a WASTE.
JM, irrespective of anything else, several articles have stated the the new position will not affect her state pension.
Rob,
Still a complete WASTE of Taxpayer dollars. Was commenting on this one article. Personally, I could care less about their elaborate pension perks which I’m sure we will read about such topic in some future article about city/state fiscal waste.
I’m sure there are lots of articles somewhere about why this position is mission critical as well..
It’s about time Walsh is going! Term Limits. She was useless and will continue to be useless. Is there any Republican or Independent out there to run? One good thing is that we won’t be seeing her mug shot on house signs every two years. Good bye and good riddance!