SPRINGFIELD – The good news is the Massachusetts Democratic Convention will be conducted in Springfield later this year. The bad news is Mayor Domenic Sarno will not be allowed to speak.

A source at the state Democratic party told Reminder Publishing the governing committee voted this week not to allow the mayor to adress the convention because of his endorsment of Gov. Charlie Baker in the last election rather than support Democrat Jay Gonzalez.

Sarno even appeared in one of Baker’s TV ads.

In response, Sarno made the following statement to the press, “First of all, I am pleased that the Party selected Springfield and we will do everything in our power to aid in a successful convention. My endorsement for Gov. Baker was based on the fact that he has worked very effectively with our Democratic legislature to implement programs to the benefit of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His bipartisan approach is more of what we need in government. My administration works very hard to bring various conventions to our city, which is always good news for our hotels, restaurants, bars, businesses and tourist attractions. This will allow me to spend more time with my family and our Springfield residents at neighborhood events.”

He then sent party Chairman Gus Bickford a hand-written letter that read: “First of all, thank you for selecting Springfield for your/our Issues Convention. If I or my city team can be of any assistance to you for a successful event, please do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome back to Springfield! Wishing you and your families good health, luck and continued success in all your future endeavors. Take care and God Bless.”

The party offcials did not tell Sarno directly about their decision. Marian Sullivan, Sarno’s communications director, told Reminder Publishing, that Stephanie Murray from Politico “reached out to Chief of Staff Tom Ashe very late last night about it.”