Governor Names Director of Federal Affairs

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WASHINGTON D.C. — Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll have announced that Will Rasky will serve as Director of Federal Affairs. 
 
Rasky will be based in Washington, D.C. and serve as point person to the Biden-Harris Administration as well as Congress, working closely with the Massachusetts delegation to help advance the state's interests.  
 
"We know that having strong relationships with our federal partners is essential to our state's success," said Governor Healey. "Will Rasky brings a wide range of experience in politics, policy, and public affairs and will help build on our relationships in Washington, D.C. We are excited to welcome Will to our team with a focus on bringing people together and delivering results."  
 
As an Advisor for Governmental Affairs in the office of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rasky served as the deputy intergovernmental affairs liaison to all state and local governments nationally for the Secretary and the Department's programs and initiatives, managing relationships that have been critical as the Biden Administration secured and is now carrying out the largest infrastructure investment in modern history. A major focus of Rasky's work was helping states and localities access funding opportunities and other resources provided by the Department. 
 
"I'm grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Governor Healey's representative in Washington, D.C., working to strengthen the Commonwealth's partnerships with the federal government and nationally on behalf of the people of Massachusetts," said Rasky. "We're in the midst of a historic opportunity to engage with the Biden-Harris Administration, with Congress via our incomparable delegation, as well as with other states, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has an incredible team already in place to capitalize on this moment. We can be positioned for success together and I'm excited to get to work."  
 
As Federal Affairs Director for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Rasky will develop strategies for engaging on federal government matters that are relevant to Massachusetts, namely actions being taken by the Biden White House and cabinet agencies as well as legislation being considered by Congress. Rasky will additionally keep officials in Washington closely apprised of state actions, particularly the Massachusetts congressional delegation, he will coordinate and arrange all visits to Washington, D.C. by Massachusetts government officials up to and including Governor Healey, and he will also collaborate with other states on issues and policies that impact Massachusetts. 
 
Rasky starts work today as Governor Healey will be attending the Select USA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., the top event in the country dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment. Governor Healey will be speaking at the Workforce Development Panel: Economic Prosperity and Job Creation on May 2 and will also meet with several foreign dignitaries.  
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Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.
 
On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.
 
"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says. 
 
Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.
 
As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ. 
 
Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.
 
"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said. 
 
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