VACCINE MANDATES MAKE FOR MAYORAL RIFT — With the coronavirus resurging, Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey is increasingly finding herself at odds with her mayoral rivals and Democratic leaders up through the president himself over how best to get people vaccinated and stop the Delta variant’s spread.

Janey faced scrutiny last week for not requiring city workers to get vaccinated or get weekly Covid-19 tests after Boston City Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley implemented such a policy for in-person council employees, and leaders in California and New York City did the same for their government workers.

Now she’s resisting requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors or work out at gyms — a policy New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday for his city — and invoking slavery and birtherism in the process.

“We know that those types of things are difficult to enforce when it comes to vaccines,” Janey told reporters Tuesday morning in comments first reported by the Boston Herald. “There’s a long history in this country of people needing to show their papers — whether we’re talking about this from the standpoint of, you know, as a way to, after, during slavery, post-slavery, as recent as, you know, what the immigrant population has to go through here.

“We heard Trump with the birth certificate nonsense,” she continued, in reference to former President Donald Trump’s repeated questioning of former President Barack Obama’s birthplace. “Here, we want to make sure that we are not doing anything that would further create a barrier for residents of Boston or disproportionately impact BIPOC communities.”

Janey’s comments raised eyebrows, and she soon tweeted that she was merely trying to point out “several hurdles facing communities of color with lower vaccination rates.”

Even after President Joe Biden expressed support later in the day for New York City’s new mandate, Janey remained a holdout.

“Requiring vaccines wherever we go, we know that will have a disproportionate impact on poor families in particular, in communities of color,” Janey, the first Black person to serve as the city’s top executive, said during an evening event.

Three of Janey’s mayoral rivals, City Councilors Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi George and Andrea Campbell, all support requiring proof of vaccination for various indoor activities and instituting a vaccine mandate for city employees. Another competitor, former city economic development chief John Barros, also supports vaccine requirements for city workers, and his campaign said a New York City-style policy is on the table if cases continue to rise.

Campbell took the strongest tone in her statement, declaring that Janey’s “rhetoric is dangerous.”

“Showing proof of vaccination is not slavery or birtherism. There is already too much misinformation directed at our residents about this pandemic, particularly Black and brown residents,” said Campbell, who is also Black. “It is incumbent upon us as leaders, particularly those of us who are Black, not to give these conspiracies any more oxygen.”

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Ballot initiatives are trickling into the state attorney general’s office ahead of today’s 5 p.m. deadline.

But getting the requisite 10 signatures for submission is the easy part. If the initiatives clear the AG office’s certification process, next comes the real heavy lifting — more signatures, potential action from the Legislature, possible legal battles and costly campaigns.

One of the biggest battles is over how to classify and provide benefits for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash drivers; the industry-backed Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work should be filing its ballot question to keep gig workers as independent contractors later today. It’s the latest chapter in the gig-worker debate, after a similar initiative in California last year, and is already being tracked by the national media as a harbinger of battles to come.

The state GOP-backed push for a voter identification law could also get swept up in the larger national battle over access to the ballot box. Keep an eye on this webpage for updates today as the rest of the ballot initiative petitions come in.

TODAY — Janey hosts the second 2021 Neighborhood Coffee Hour at 10:30 a.m., Billings Field, West Roxbury, and attends the reopening of Fóumami, an Asian-owned eatery in the Financial District, at 12:15 p.m. State Rep. Bud Williams hosts a virtual “Creating Generational Wealth: An Economic Recovery Roundtable Discussion” featuring Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, NAACP Boston Branch President Tanisha Sullivan, and Springfield Church of God in Christ Bishop Talbert W. Swan II at 12:30 p.m.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– “Despite COVID delta rise, only 0.18% of vaccinated people have tested positive in Massachusetts, data shows,” by Noah R. Bombard, MassLive.com: “Despite a rise in COVID cases in the commonwealth, spurred by the delta variant, data from the state showed today that only 0.18% of vaccinated Massachusetts residents have tested positive for the virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 833 new COVID cases on Tuesday, a level that continues to be elevated as the more highly contagious delta variant spreads. Two more deaths were reported and hospitalizations have continued to climb and are now at 226.”

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– “Official at center of 25 Investigates public records request ousted from Medical Examiner’s Office,” by Ted Daniel and Patricia Alulema, Boston 25 News: “A spokesperson for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security [EOPSS], which oversees the OCME, confirmed to 25 Investigates that Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Riccobene 'is no longer employed at OCME.' 25 Investigates requested emails related to purchases made by Riccobene on her state-issued computer as well as communications between her and a male co-worker after anonymous tips to our newsroom indicated that she was engaging in questionable and possibly ‘unethical behavior.’ The emails obtained on Friday show Riccobene made a series of luxury purchases on company time. Most of the items were gifts for male co-worker nearly 30 years younger than her.”

– “Lawmakers Seek Automatic Seal For Eviction Records,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “Boston City Councillor Lydia Edwards and dozens of lawmakers want to make it easier for Massachusetts renters to seal court records pertaining to eviction proceedings, arguing that a ‘Scarlet E’ after an eviction can prevent future leases and lead to homelessness. Proponents say a bill before the Legislature would seal eviction cases between when they are filed and when an allegation is proven against a tenant. It would also seal all eviction records after three years and make it illegal for a landlord to use a sealed court record in determining a lease. Cases that result in a judgment against the tenant or which result in actual eviction would remain publicly available.”

– “Ombudsman position at Correction Dept. still unfilled,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “As the Covid-19 pandemic spread through the prison system, lawmakers inserted an item into last year’s budget bill creating a new position of ombudsman at the Department of Correction. … Gov. Charlie Baker signed the budget in December 2020. But eight months later, the ombudsman still hasn’t been hired. When lawmakers passed language in this year’s budget to reauthorize the ombudsman for this year, Baker used his veto power to try to limit the ombudsman’s authority.”

– “Report finds LGBTQ youth face ‘significant threat’ in DCF system,” by Kate Lusignan, Boston Globe: “The state’s child welfare agency is failing to protect LGBTQ children and young adults from violence and abuse, according to a new report by the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.”

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Charlie Baker says Barack Obama’s big 60th birthday party on Martha’s Vineyard is 'not a good idea,'" by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says he didn’t get an invitation to former president Barack Obama’s celebrity-studded 60th birthday party on Martha’s Vineyard this weekend. But if he did, the Republican governor says he 'would have declined,' citing reservations about the party — which will reportedly include close to 700 guests and staff — amid concerns about the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19."

– "Baker digs in on mask-wearing in schools: 'I don’t think you can apply a national standard' to Massachusetts," by Felicia Gans, Boston Globe: "Despite persistent calls from teachers unions this week for widespread mask-wearing in schools, Governor Charlie Baker dug in Tuesday, emphasizing he wants the decision to remain in local hands. While saying the state will strongly recommend masks for unvaccinated students and staff this fall, he said school districts should decide what is best for their staff and students."

– "Map: CDC indoor mask guidance now applies to 12 Mass. counties," by Amanda Kaufman, Boston Globe.

FROM THE HUB

– "Groups Urge Janey To Withdraw Downtown Harbor Plan," by Michael Norton, State House News Service (paywall): "Cautioning against efforts to 'privatize the shoreline and forfeit opportunities for waterfront parks and open space,' seven environmental protection groups are calling on Boston Mayor Kim Janey to withdraw the city's downtown waterfront harbor plan from a state rulemaking process, saying it departs from regulations intended to protect public access and rights."

– "'We Will Watch Your Dog': Boston Landlords, Politicians Seek Ways To Lure Workers Back To City," by Callum Borchers, WBUR: "Roxana Chiu, who manages shared office space in Boston, says the prime location in Back Bay used to be enough to attract prospective tenants. But since the pandemic, Chiu found she needs to offer new enticements. That includes a bike locker, an indoor garden and a renovated kitchen. She's gone so far as letting people bring their dogs to work."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "John Barros: 'I Believe I Have [Walsh's] Vote' For Mayor," by Zoe Mathews, GBH News: “John Barros, Boston mayoral candidate and the city's former chief of economic development, called into Boston Public Radio on Tuesday to make his pitch for the top executive seat in the city. … 'I have asked [Labor Secretary Marty Walsh] for his vote. I believe I have his vote, but I'll let you ask him first,' Barros said." (Walsh said Monday he won’t be endorsing in the race, but does plan to vote.)

– "Andrea Campbell: The Boston.com interview," by Christopher Gavin, Nik DeCosta-Klipa, and Zipporah Osei, Boston.com: "The question of how twins born in Boston could have such different life outcomes propels [City Councilor Andrea] Campbell, who says her lived experience spans 'almost every inequity you can think of.' That, coupled with her track record on the council, sets her apart from the four other candidates in a diverse field, all vying to become Boston’s next mayor, she says."

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Suffolk County Register of Deeds Stephen Murphy, a former Boston City Council president, and state Rep. Adrian Madaro are endorsing Jon Spillane for Boston City Council at-large, per his campaign. "Jon understands what it is to grow up in Boston. He is a housing expert. He understands the budget. He will hit the ground running," Murphy said in a statement.

BALLOT BATTLES

– "Industry-backed group files ballot question to classify gig workers as independent contractors," by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: "The Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work, backed by gig economy apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates, are pushing voters to classify its workers as independent contractors rather than employees. … Drivers at Tuesday's press conference argued they would lose the ability to attend family gatherings or tend to loved ones if they were to become employees, while still receiving some benefits including an $18 earnings floor and mileage reimbursement for 'engaged time' … Advocates from the opposing Coalition to Protect Workers' Rights, which counts among its ranks the ACLU of Massachusetts and Massachusetts AFL-CIO, representing unions, have slammed the ballot measure as being deceptive to voters."

FEELING '22

– "PLOSS ORGANIZES RUN FOR GOVERNOR," by Tréa Lavery, Lynn Item: "Conservative internet personality and former radio host Dianna Ploss filed papers with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) Monday organizing a candidate's committee to run for governor. … Ploss lost her talk radio show on WSMN in Nashua, N.H. in July 2020 after posting a video of herself demanding that a Spanish-speaking landscaping crew speak English."

DATELINE D.C.

– "Biden extends eviction moratorium another two months, including in most of Mass.," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "Amid intense pressure from progressive members of Congress, the Biden administration on Tuesday renewed a federal ban on evictions for renters at risk of losing their housing, with most of Massachusetts covered by the new order. Citing the quick spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Tuesday announced a new 60-day federal moratorium on evictions in counties where the cases are again at elevated levels. Currently, that includes all of Massachusetts, except for Franklin and Hampshire Counties."

THE NATIONAL TAKE

– "Baker on Gov. Cuomo after AG probe: 'I don’t see how he can continue to do his job,'" by Julia Taliesin, Boston.com: "'If the news coverage, which is extraordinary, is — and I would assume that it is — an accurate representation of the report itself, then I don’t see how he can continue to do his job,' [Gov. Charlie] Baker said."

– "Biden joins barrage of new calls for Cuomo to resign," by Erin Durkin, POLITICO.

PARTY POLITICS

Massachusetts GOP Chair Jim Lyons is directing party members to investigate whether some of their peers violated the state party’s bylaws, marking the latest chapter in the Republicans' intraparty drama.

Lyons sent an email to state committee members on Monday establishing a six-person committee (which includes some of his allies) to look into whether certain party members violated bylaws relating to political activities and residency requirements.

The latter is directed at Lindsay Valanzola, a state committeewoman from Wales, who is facing questions about her residency from some of her colleagues because, she said, she frequently travels to Nashville, Tenn., for work.

"It’s disheartening someone is going to take that and call into question my residency simply for a witch hunt," Valanzola said. Others named in the letter could not be reached for comment.

Lyons said the committee is going to look into the alleged bylaw violations and "see what happens." Some state party members expressed frustration and exhaustion with the continued infighting.

DAY IN COURT

– "Worcester’s former top housing official found guilty of conspiring to steal federal funds," by Brad Petrishen, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "A federal jury Tuesday convicted Worcester's former top housing official of conspiring with a developer to steal federal funds earmarked for a Main South affordable housing project a decade ago. Jacklyn M. Sutcivni, who served as chief of staff for economic development under former City Manager Michael V. O'Brien, was convicted of all four counts she faced..."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Environmental justice designation coming under scrutiny," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Earlier this year, when the Legislature passed a sweeping climate change bill containing language defining an environmental justice, or EJ community, advocates said the measure was needed to protect areas of the state with high populations of people of color, low-income residents, and other marginalized groups that face disproportionate environmental burdens. But as the definition is being applied, the number of EJ communities is turning out to be larger than expected. According to a state analysis of Census data, close to 200 of the state’s 351 cities and towns contain some EJ neighborhoods."

THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP

– "City Councilor Colin LePage to run for mayor; preliminary election a possibility," by Mike LaBella, Eagle-Tribune: "[Haverhill] could see its first mayoral preliminary election in over a decade now that City Councilor Colin LePage has announced a run for the top office. LePage will face incumbent Mayor James Fiorentini, who is seeking a record 10th term in office, and political newcomer Guy Cooper, a Haverhill police officer."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "'Unarmed response teams' may be coming to a Massachusetts city near you, and soon," by Arianna MacNeill, Boston.com: “It’s been more than a year since George Floyd was killed while being taken into custody by police in Minnesota, and renewed calls for racial justice sparked protests across the country. And since then, some communities in Massachusetts have been having discussions around the issue, have worked toward police reform, and are considering unarmed response teams to handle non-violent calls."

– "Worcester is looking for a mental health provider to establish a mental health community crisis response model," by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: "The city of Worcester wants to establish a mental health community crisis response model to help people in the community who are in need of immediate intervention and support."

– "MNA says mediator ended talks between St. Vincent nurses and hospital," by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "Hospital and union officials traded blame for the end of negotiations Tuesday, with nurses saying the federal mediator ended negotiations after the hospital refused an offer to elevate talks, and the hospital saying the union cancelled talks. The strike remains unresolved.”

MEDIA MATTERS

– "'There's Work To Do': Diversity Data Shows GBH Has An 80% White Workforce," by Arun Rath, Matt Baskin and Hannah Reale, GBH News: "GBH's workforce is 80% white, according to data released by the organization in July. The 863 employees span departments such as TV, radio, digital news, event planning, human resources and more. Racial diversity is lower among the executive team, which is 89% white, higher among content producers and higher among advisory and fiduciary boards."

TRANSITIONS – Jonathan Carvalho will end his run as deputy chief of staff and press secretary to New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell on Friday to join Dewey Square Group as a senior associate.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to former President Barack Obama, who is 60; Dorchester Reporter founder and Boston Irish Reporter publisher Ed Forry; Jordan Maynard of Gov. Charlie Baker’s office, and Jennifer Clark. Happy belated to Melissa Doris, assistant clerk magistrate at Suffolk Superior Court, who celebrated Monday.

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