Baker’s cover-up at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home

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Our goal with the MassDems Wire is to give you the tools to boost Democrats and take on Governor Baker and his Republican allies. Use this information on social media, as the basis for a letter to the editor of your local paper, in emails to your personal network, or in conversation with your friends and neighbors.
Dear Activist,

After 76 veterans tragically died of COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, Charlie Baker claimed he had no role in the selection of the home’s person-in-charge. That’s when the cover-up began.

Bombshell reporting ([link removed]) revealed that Baker played a key role in hiring the unqualified but well-connected superintendent of the Soldiers’ Home, a calculated move that put Baker’s own political ambitions over the health and safety of veterans.

Caught in a web of lies, Baker refuses to answer for his role in the events that led to the outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home. But we are demanding an explanation, it’s what the families of those lost in the tragedy are owed. Add your name now. ([link removed])

Before the pandemic began, employees at the Home sounded the alarm on the superintendent, citing concerns that he wasn’t up to the job. Top Baker administration officials knew what was happening at the home, and how serious the consequences of his actions could be.

After the outbreak last spring, journalists and advocates pressed Baker: How could this happen on your watch? Baker and top administration officials lied to the media, to activists, and to Massachusetts, falsely claiming they had no role in the interview process for the home’s top-job and were not involved in the oversight of the facility.

Will you sign this petition demanding an explanation and accountability from Baker and top administration officials? CLICK HERE to add your name now. ([link removed])

Keep scrolling for three headlines you may have missed on the abject failure of leadership at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and Baker’s attempt to sweep it under the rug.

Best,

Allison Mitchell
Communications Director
Massachusetts Democratic Party
massdems.org | @massdems

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1. Failure of command: The inside story of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home outbreak. ([link removed])

The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team broke the story about Baker’s role in the events leading up to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. This devastating report refutes Baker’s claims he and top administration officials had no role in hiring and oversight at the home. Journalists found that Baker in fact interviewed the unqualified applicant and Secretary Sudders played an active role in his supervision. After the outbreak, Baker and Sudders pinned the blame on lower administration officials and are still refusing to answer questions about their part in the tragedy. Read the story here. ([link removed])

2. Charlie Baker back in hot seat over Holyoke Soldiers’ Home coronavirus outbreak ([link removed])

Days after the Spotlight Report, legislators released a 186-page report from a joint oversight committee, concluding that Baker’s appointee for superintendent was unqualified for the position, contributing to the outbreak that killed 76 veterans. With key errors and omissions in the investigation into the home commissioned by Baker, Democrats are demanding answers on the extent of the administration's involvement in the events leading up to the outbreak. Read the story here. ([link removed])

3. Charlie Baker needs to take personal responsibility for Holyoke tragedy — and fix the system ([link removed])

In this opinion piece, Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi calls on Baker to take personal responsibility for the tragedy at the home. The same breakdown of communication that led to the outbreak allows Baker to scapegoat other officials and deflect blame for what happened on his watch. It’s a strategy right out of the Baker playbook, and it’s past time Baker is held accountable for his failures. Read the column here. ([link removed])
We encourage you to share these talking points with your networks online and offline. Questions about the information outlined above and about the MassDems Wire program may be directed at our Communications Director, Allison Mitchell. (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Wednesday%20Wire)

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