Massachusetts has become a place where a woman cannot even feel safe in a State Police barracks.
HAMILTON, Mass. — Mike Minogue, candidate for governor, renounced Maura Healey’s record on public safety, arguing that a series of troubling cases involving state facilities, state-funded programs, and members of the governor’s own administration raises serious questions about oversight, accountability, and leadership.
When confronted with concerns, Healey’s response was: “Sometimes things happen.”
For Minogue, that response captures the problem with Beacon Hill under Healey: when serious incidents occur, Massachusetts families deserve answers, not excuses.
“‘Sometimes things happen’ is not an acceptable response from the Governor of Massachusetts,” said Minogue. “A woman should be able to feel safe in a State Police facility. Children should be protected in state-funded programs. Taxpayers deserve to know that the people entrusted with public responsibilities have been properly vetted. These are not political talking points. They are basic responsibilities of the government. And when something goes wrong, the governor owes the public answers.”
The Oak Bluffs Case: A Woman Should Be Safe in a State Police Facility
A young woman was allegedly raped in temporary housing used by State Police in Oak Bluffs. State Police subsequently suspended Troopers Ryan Costello and Robert Branca with pay in connection with criminal investigations and an internal affairs probe. A man who was visiting a trooper has been charged and has pleaded not guilty.
The case has raised serious questions about oversight and accountability at a facility associated with the state’s own law enforcement agency.
“Massachusetts has reached a point where a woman can’t even feel safe in a State Police barracks,” said Minogue. “Instead of dismissing concerns, the governor should be demanding answers, transparency, and accountability. The people of this Commonwealth deserve to know what happened, what safeguards were in place, and what will be done to prevent similar incidents.”
The LaMar Cook Case: Serious Questions About Vetting and Oversight
Healey appointed LaMar Cook as deputy director of her Western Massachusetts office. Authorities allege that nearly 18 pounds of cocaine were delivered to the Springfield State Office Building where he worked. Federal prosecutors have also charged Cook with SNAP and wire fraud, alleging that he claimed to have no income while out on bail. Cook has pleaded not guilty to the state charges and is presumed innocent of the federal allegations unless proven guilty.
The allegations have prompted questions about the screening, supervision, and oversight of people serving in the governor’s administration.
“When someone is appointed to a position of public trust, the people of Massachusetts have every right to expect a thorough vetting process,” said Minogue. “The public deserves clear answers.”
The Rockland Shelter Case: Protecting Vulnerable Children Must Come First
A 26-year-old man housed at the Rockland Comfort Inn, which the state was using to shelter migrants, was indicted in connection with the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl with disabilities. He has pleaded not guilty. Healey said he had been vetted, while prosecutors told the court that the state could provide little background information about the program or the people in it.
The case has intensified concerns about the state’s oversight of its shelter system and its responsibility to protect vulnerable residents.
“Every child deserves to be safe, especially children who are vulnerable and depend on adults and institutions to protect them,” said Minogue. “Saying someone was vetted is not enough if the public cannot get clear answers about the process. Massachusetts needs meaningful oversight, transparency, and leadership that takes responsibility.”
Minogue: Public Safety Is a Duty, Not a Talking Point
Minogue said his administration would put public safety first, support law enforcement, and demand accountability from every state agency. His priorities include:
- Uphold the law. Enforce the law consistently and ensure that state policies support public safety and cooperation among law enforcement agencies within the law.
- Crack down on violent crime. Coordinate local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts to protect Massachusetts residents and the officers who serve them.
- Reform the shelter system. Demand greater transparency, meaningful vetting, and clear accountability for state-funded programs responsible for housing vulnerable people.
- Protect taxpayer dollars. Strengthen oversight of state hiring, appointments, and publicly funded programs to help ensure that public resources are used responsibly.
- Protect girls’ safety, fairness, and privacy. Support policies that protect girls’ safety, fairness in sports, and the right to privacy.
“The primary role of the governor is public safety,” said Minogue. “Massachusetts families deserve a governor who puts their safety ahead of party politics. As governor, I will uphold the law and keep communities safe.”
From the press office of Mike Minogue.