It has been a great honor, privilege and pleasure to serve my district on the Governor’s Council, and I look forward to continuing to do this work for a long time to come. My campaign for reelection is underway, and I hope to earn my seat once again in the coming 2024 election.

Here’s an update on the work I have been busy doing both at the State House and in the district:

Gov. Maura Healey has nominated, and the Governor’s Council has confirmed, one new associate justice to the Supreme Judicial Court and 11 new associate justices to the following courts: three to Superior Court, three to Juvenile Court (one pending), three to Probate and Family Court, one to Housing Court, and one to Appeals Court. I have voted to confirm all but one, an excellent candidate in many ways, but one over whom I had concerns relating to his personal biases and how they might impact his judgment.

I have made it a priority to meet with each nominee in person, here in western Massachusetts, to conduct deep interviews into their experience, history, values and character, with discussions that involve a wide range of issues and topics, as part of my vetting process.

The Governor’s Council has confirmed two new members to the Parole Board, both diverse additions with unique backgrounds. To date, the Council has approved 13 pardons at the request of the governor, with more clemency work anticipated. Western Massachusetts has had two nominees confirmed: Tracy Duncan from Springfield, the second Black woman appointed to the Superior Court in western Mass., and Bernadette Stark, associate justice to the Probate and Family Court, who also is a historic nomination as a proud gay Latinx woman who speaks Spanish fluently.

In an effort to engage the community in the confirmation process, add transparency, and bring the State House process to western Mass., I held local hearings in Springfield and Northampton. For both candidates, their hearings were well attended, and public testimony was enthusiastically and universally supportive.

In an effort to increase the judicial applications coming from within our district, I have partnered with the bar associations in each of our four counties to hold “Pathway to the Bench” events, designed to demystify the judicial application process and inspire qualified lawyers to apply. These have been held in Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire County, and one is scheduled in Franklin County on Feb. 15.

In each case, a panel featuring the governor’s chief legal counsel, deputy legal counsel, members of the Judicial Nominating Commision, including the chairwoman, justices, both sitting and retired, members of the Joint Bar Committee and I have shared detailed information about each step of the process, the current administration’s values and mission in the nomination process, and encouraged applicants with pragmatic advice for success.

Beyond these activities, I have been busy in the district and beyond, touring state and county correctional facilities, including those managed by the Department of Youth Services in Springfield; meeting with incarcerated people and listening to their experiences in the justice system; attending Parole Board hearings; and connecting with community organizations working for justice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, labor justice, and other groups to bring in-depth knowledge of these issues into my vetting process.

I have continued my efforts to engage our youth, and I invited a school group from West Springfield to the State House for a tour and to learn about our three branches of government, including the work of the Governor’s Council. Lastly, my work as an advocate for western Mass. as a region, and for individual constituents needing assistance, has been rewarding. I diligently amplify the unique needs, differences and challenges we face here, so far away from Boston. I strive to be responsive and helpful in whatever way I can.

Governor’s councilors don’t have staff to support our work, but thankfully I have found great allies and support both in the Legislature and from the governor and her staff. I have been working hard to serve western Massachusetts on the Governor’s Council, as the work is meaningful, impactful and rewarding.

Councilor Tara Jacobs represents District 8 on the Governor’s Council. She lives in North Adams.