A federal appeals court has ruled that former Acting-Governor Jane Swift may not be protected from paying damages to a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
The ruling from the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacates an earlier decision from a United States district judge that Swift had qualified immunity against monetary damages in a lawsuit filed by former Turnpike Authority member Christy Mihos.
In his lawsuit, Mihos claimed that swift violated his 1st amendment rights when she fired him from the board after he and fellow board member Jordan Levy voted to postpone a planned toll hike.
Swift, who lives in Williamstown, says she fired the 2 men because the vote was fiscally irresponsible and damaged the Turnpike's financial stability.
A spokesman for Attorney General Tom Reilly, whose office represented Swift, declined to comment on the ruling.
This report was compiled by WUHN/WUPE Radio, Pittsfield
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Senior Golf Series Returns in September
Community submission
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Berkshire County Fall Senior Golf series returns in September with events on five consecutive Wednesdays starting Sept. 18.
It is the 22nd year of the series, which is a fund-raiser for junior golf in the county, and it is open to players aged 50 and up.
The series will feature two divisions for each event based on the combined ages of the playing partners.
Golfers play from the white tees (or equivalent) with participants 70 and over or who have a handicap of more than 9 able to play from the forward tees.
Gross and net prices will be available in each division.
The cost is $55 per event and includes a round of golf, food and prizes. Carts are available for an additional fee.
Golfers should call the pro shop at the course for that week's event no sooner than two weeks before the event to register.
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