CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Candidates for Governor’s Council in the 8th District met Thursday afternoon at the 22News Broadcast Center in Chicopee for a debate. Jeff Morneau, President of the Hampden County Bar Association, and Mary Hurley, a retired judge and former Springfield mayor are running for the seat, which is being vacated by Michael Albano, who is seeking the office of Hampden County Sheriff.
In Tuesday’s debate, they addressed issues including the condition of the Hampden County Hall of Justice, the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana, and whether the Governor’s Council is even necessary in these times.
The Massachusetts Governor’s Council votes on judicial appointments, and advises the governor on pardons and commutations. The Eighth District includes all of Berkshire and Franklin County, and all of Hampden and Hampshire Counties, except for far eastern portions of those two counties. The district also includes the town of Royalston, in Worcester County.