MASSterList 3/14/11: SUNSHINE WEEK exposes lapses in Gov’t transparency – Lawyers reject Gov’s budget – Aide’s email: Warren potentially staffing up for Senate bid – Bos. Council election tomorrow – Parole nom hearings to begin

SPECIAL:
A number of local papers are taking part in SUNSHINE WEEK, a national initiative to encourage open government and freedom of information, which kicked off yesterday:
The Springfield Republican reports that A.G. Martha Coakley is investigating the UMass board
While the T&G looks at how Coakley is handling the open meeting law.
The CC Times watches government gatekeepers
Sentinel & Enterprise reporters find cooperation from local officials
The AP sheds some light on the Legislature’s immunity from the open meeting law
The Lowell Sun investigates quasi-public agencies
The Daily News takes on public employees using taxpayer-owned cars

TOP FIVE:
Lawyers balk at Gov. Patrick’s budget proposal – Framingham, MA – The MetroWest Daily News
Email offers insight into potential timeline for Warren Senate bid | Dorchester Reporter
Tito Jackson, Cornell Mills see hope in tomorrow – BostonHerald.com
Hearings On Parole Board Nominees To Start – Politics News Story – WCVB Boston
DeLeo colors St. Patricks Day roast monologue with a few choice words – The Boston Globe

STATE HEADLINES:
Robert DeLeo reiterates importance of casino debate | Pechanga.net
While you were away … – BostonHerald.com
Gas prices not slowing consumption, state says » Local News » GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA
State holding meetings on cod zones » Local News » GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

MITT MONITOR:
Mitt has healthy odds despite RomneyCare – BostonHerald.com
Campaign dilemma for Romney – AP

2012:
Potential Senate candidacy highlights chamber’s omission – Political Intelligence
Michele Bachmann Isn’t Sure About Massachusetts — Daily Intel

THE FEDS:
Kerry, Keating push for water money | CapeCodOnline.com
NPR fallout reaches local station | CapeCodOnline.com

ENERGY:
Wind turbine foes expand clout | CapeCodOnline.com
Green energy fuels Cape holiday breakfast | CapeCodOnline.com

LOCAL NEWS:
New Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian is taking a ‘fresh look’ – Lowell Sun Online
Towns paying residents for their cost saving ideas – Fox25

BEST OF THE BLOGS/OPINION:
25 years out of office, Bellotti still a big draw – Lowell Sun Online
A tricky shift for Delahunt – The Boston Globe
Deval Patrick acting like a candidate for another office – BostonHerald.com
Red Mass Group:: Senator Kerry, here’s what’s really "ridiculous", your party’s debt addiction.
Red Mass Group:: Red Mass Group Nominated for Best Political Blog by the Boston Phoenix. Vote Now

AROUND NEW ENGLAND:
ME bot tle bill faces multiple tweaks by lawmakers | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
ME Sur vey: States failing to fulfill vows of candor | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
ME Casino decisions left up to voters | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
ME Businesses get say on tax breaks | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
VT Health care rules released – Brattleboro Reformer
CT Legalized marijuana goes to the state legislature – The Middletown Press : Serving Middletown, CT