Morneau launches campaign for Governor’s Council

April 1, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW – There will be a Democratic primary for the position of Governor’s Councilor in the 8th District as another Democrat has entered the race.

Attorney Jeffrey Morneau, an East Longmeadow resident, explained to Reminder Publications that he has been involved as Hampden County Bar Association president in bringing hearings on judicial candidates to Western Massachusetts.

It was through those local hearings that Morneau “learned how important the position was and got interested in it.”

With the seat being vacated by Michael Albano, who is running for Hampden County sheriff, Morneau decided to run. Former Judge Mary Hurley is the only other announced candidate.

This is Morneau’s first run for office.

A partner in Connor, Morneau & Olin, LLP, a law firm dedicated to representing employees, labor organizations, and consumers, Morneau earned his undergraduate degree from Providence College, his law degree, cum laude, from Western New England College School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University.

Prior to forming his present firm in 2011, Morneau had a practice in Holyoke. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Hampden County Lawyers for Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal representation to indigent defendants.

Morneau explained he is not interested in any other public office and if elected would not use the role of Governor’s Councilor as a platform for other issues. He called the councilors, who affirm the governor’s appointments to the judiciary, as “an important part” of the government.

He added, “Justice in the legal community starts with the appointment of excellent judges.”

He believes an attorney with his experience would take the politics out of the selection process.

Responding to the on-going criticism the Governors Council should be eliminated and the Legislature should confirm appointments of judges, Morneau said legislators already have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities.

He said of the job, “It’s a very defined role. It’s a professional position, not a political position. It’s not a platform fore making statements.”

Morneau noted there are expected to be five vacancies in the Supreme Judicial Court within the next several years, so the composition of the Governor’s Council is “extremely important.”

Morneau will host a kick-off of his campaign at a fundraiser on April 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield.

For more information on his candidacy, go to www.jeffmorneau.com or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Elect-Jeff-Morneau-436311576571251.

Got a comment about this story? Go to http://speakout.thereminder.com and let us know.

Share this: