Examine individual changes

'{{short description|Massachusetts politician}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Current person}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Use American English|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Alex Morse | image = Alex B. Morse portrait crop.jpg | order = 44th [[List of mayors of Holyoke, Massachusetts|Mayor of Holyoke]] | term_start = January 2, 2012 | term_end = | predecessor = Elaine Pluta | successor = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|1|29}} | birth_place = [[Holyoke, Massachusetts|Holyoke]], [[Massachusetts]], U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] | education = [[Brown University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]]) | website = {{url|holyoke.org/departments/mayors-office|Government website}}<br>{{url|alexmorseforcongress.com|Campaign website}} }} '''Alex B. Morse''' (born January 29, 1989) is the [[List of mayors of Holyoke, Massachusetts|44th and current mayor]] of [[Holyoke, Massachusetts]]. In November 2011, he was elected the youngest mayor of Holyoke at age 22. He has been re-elected three times, and as of 2020, serving his fourth term.<ref name="fourth term"/><ref name="CH90"/> Morse is a member of the [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic Party]], and the first incumbent mayor in the Commonwealth to endorse the legalization of [[cannabis]] during a 2016 ballot initiative, an industry he has since sought to promote in Holyoke's economy, in tandem with information technology startups.<ref name="first" /><ref name="firstML" /> In July 2019, Morse announced his run for Congress in [[Massachusetts's 1st congressional district]].<ref name="primary" /> ==Early life and education== Alex Morse was born January 29, 1989, in [[Holyoke, Massachusetts]] the youngest of three children of Tracey and Ingrid Morse (née Powell).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearlman |first1=Alex |title=Let's get political: Meet Alex Morse, Holyoke's 22-year-old mayor-elect |url=http://archive.boston.com/lifestyle/blogs/thenextgreatgeneration/2011/11/lets_get_political_meet_alex_m.html |publisher=Boston.com |date=30 November 2011}}</ref> He is Jewish. At a young age Morse took an interest in politics, joining the Holyoke Youth Commission in 2001 at the age of 12, a group which advises city leaders on issues affecting young people. A graduate of the [[Holyoke Public Schools]], Morse served two terms as [[Students' union|student representative]] for the Holyoke School Committee and three years on the [[LGBT rights in Massachusetts|Massachusetts Governor's LGBT Commission]].<ref name="Oze6O" /> He was a participant in Upward Bound, a federal program that facilitates higher education in students from low-income families.<ref name="QesHx" /> During his time at [[Holyoke High School]], Morse formed a chapter of the [[Gay-Straight Alliance]], and was the inaugural recipient of Boston's [[Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays]] Elsie Frank Award, a scholarship named in honor of the mother of [[United States House of Representatives|Congressman]] [[Barney Frank]].<ref name="yTUut" /><ref name="7uXbX" /> The following autumn Morse entered [[Brown University]], working part-time as an assistant for [[Providence, Rhode Island]] [[List of mayors of Providence, Rhode Island|Mayor]] and future Congressman [[David Cicilline]]. Morse graduated in the spring of 2011 with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] in [[Urban Studies]].<ref name="umass" /> In 2016, Morse completed [[Harvard University]]'s [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government as a [[David Bohnett]] LGBTQ Victory Institute Leadership Fellow.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bohnett Leaders Fellowship Alumni |url=https://victoryinstitute.org/programs/bohnett-leaders-fellowship/bohnett-leaders-fellowship-alumni/ |website=victoryinstitute.org |publisher=Victory Institute |accessdate=August 12, 2020}}</ref> ==Career== ===2011 mayoral election=== In January 2011 Morse announced his campaign for Mayor of Holyoke, while he was in his final semester at Brown University. During the prior summer Morse attended a three-day workshop in [[New York City]] hosted by [[Wellstone Action]], a grassroots campaign training organization for progressives, and began quietly fundraising at the end of that year.<ref name="UfhXj" /><ref name="dmXew" /><ref name="out" /> Morse's election in 2011 at the age of 22 received national coverage, as he was youngest and first openly-gay mayor of the city and, at the time, among the youngest of any in the United States.<ref name="ThLjn" /><ref name="fYmoP" /> In 2015, Holyoke's mayoral term was extended from 2 years to 4 years, effective 2017.<ref>{{cite act |type=|index= |date=September 29, 2015 |article= |article-type= |legislature=[[Massachusetts General Court]] |title=An act establishing a 4-year term for the office of Mayor of the City of Holyoke |trans-title= |page= |url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2015/Chapter91 |language= | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20180423141842/https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2015/Chapter91| archivedate = April 23, 2018}}</ref> Morse was reelected that year, and is the first Holyoke mayor to serve a four year term.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plaisance |first1=Mike |title=1st 4-year term for mayor in Holyoke history set for Mayor Alex Morse as officials to get inaugurated |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2018/01/1st_4-year_term_for_mayor_in_h.html |accessdate=August 12, 2020 |work=[[Masslive]] |publisher=[[Advance Publications]] |date=January 1, 2018}}</ref> ===Mayoral tenure=== [[File:Holyoke- Knowledge Corridor, Lt. Governor Murray, August 27, 2012 (7886819750).jpg|thumb|right|''Left to right'': Alex Morse, [[Richard Neal]], Lt. Gov. [[Timothy Murray]], Congressman [[John Olver]], and others presiding over groundbreaking in 2012 for [[Holyoke station]]; a $73 million federal grant by the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act]] (ARRA) restored rail service for the first time since 1967]] ====Cannabis industry==== On August 1, 2016, according to the [[Marijuana Policy Project]], Alex Morse became the first mayor in Massachusetts to publicly endorse the [[Cannabis in the United States|legalization of cannabis]].<ref name="first" /><ref name="firstML" /> Following legalization, Morse has encouraged investment of marijuana cultivation in the city, calling Holyoke "the Rolling Paper City", and vetoing a 2017 moratorium placed on recreational retailers by the city council.<ref name="08gvk" /> Morse has attended a number of cannabis cultivation forums as a speaker, including several on the industry which have been hosted in Holyoke.<ref name="FHQV0" /><ref name="VRbMI" /> Among the earliest projects to open in Holyoke was a $10 million dollar cultivation facility for Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries (GTI) which was operational by Summer 2018.<ref name="YH9aC" /> Several other businesses have since purchased facilities in the city, including a $3.2 million sale of a former American Thread Company mill to Trulieve, a company seeking to produce and sell retail marijuana at the site.<ref name="OfA1o" /><ref name="vdwfi" /> ====Casino==== During the initial 2011 campaign, an issue that defined the mayoral race was plans for a potential casino in the city, with then-Mayor Elaine Pluta supporting such a measure and Alex Morse opposing.<ref name="RkgDk" /> In an October 2012 editorial Morse would elaborate on his position, concluding "I oppose a casino in Holyoke because I have not given up on Holyoke".<ref name="ENa2x" /> On November 26, 2012, Morse would hold a press conference announcing reversal on this stance,<ref name="8RKOC" /> vowing to work with local businessman Eric Suher and others to build a casino on the site of [[Mountain Park (Holyoke, Massachusetts)|Mountain Park]], accepting a $25,000 payment from the developer to pay for the costs of a review process by the city. Facing backlash from supporters of his previous campaign against casinos, by December 2012 Morse had reversed course and returned the funds, citing a "resounding voice against the casinos".<ref name="aggMB" /><ref name="jBKg2" /> ====Crime==== Under the city charter, Holyoke mayors exclusively appoint the chief of police, negotiating the terms of their contracts.<ref name="maMdl" /> During Morse's administration the city has continued to see declines in crime, based on data from [[NeighborhoodScout]] from 2010 to 2018 the city has seen a 14.6% decrease in violent crime and property crime rate decline of 26.5%.<ref name="zZvHa" /><ref name="mlnec" /> Upon the retirement of Chief James Neiswanger, previously appointed by Elaine Pluta, in 2018, Morse would appoint 23-year department veteran Captain Manuel Febo following interviews with the department's four captains. Febo is the first Latino police chief in the city's history and the first in two decades to be hired from within the department upon departure of a previous chief.<ref name="YP2mS" /> ====Education==== As the chair of the Holyoke School Committee, Morse was opposed to state receivership prior to the takeover in 2015, saying "we should agree that local control matters, which is to say that a corporate takeover of our district or a charter organization running our district, is not acceptable".<ref name="yNOmH" /> Since receivership the mayor has become increasingly supportive of state implementation, as public schools have seen marked improvement, with graduation rates increasing by 20%.<ref name="I9N9l" /> The mayor has also publicly supported state expanded programs such as [[bilingual education]],<ref name="SVErf" /> and the tentative construction of two new middle schools for a reported estimate of $132 million.<ref name="bnkPC" /> ====Labor support==== In 2017, following a trial shutdown, or "brownout", of a local fire engine company, the [[International Association of Fire Fighters]] Local 1693 made a vote of no confidence for Morse, saying in a press release "Chief Pond's continued reductions to the Department and practice of operating the Department at unsafe levels, all with the support of [the] Mayor".<ref name="TtFT6" /> The Mayor has repeatedly affirmed support of the fire chief and denied the validity of these concerns, saying at a protest outside of a fundraiser that "the points that they're making just are untrue."<ref name="714sI" /><ref name="bnTdG" /> In contrast, Morse was endorsed by the [[AFL-CIO]] during his 2017 election campaign, and as well as the New England Regional Council of Carpenters Local 108.<ref name="rbHNJ" /> ====Municipal finance==== Morse was criticized by the city council in 2014 for refusing to disclose reason for providing a $45,000 exit agreement to city solicitor Heather Egan, a year after her appointment.<ref name="b0ffX" /><ref name="CO38J" /> In response to this controversy Morse would state in a [[r/IAmA|Reddit AMA]]– "I do admit that I should have briefed the City Council before executing the settlement agreement with this former employee as to avoid issues of perception. Again, when faced with the decision to potentially spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in legals costs to fight frivolous lawsuits, or to execute a settlement agreement with funds that were already allocated in the budget, I chose the latter. Separation agreements are not uncommon in both the private and public sector."<ref name="MZwhs" /> During Morse's administration the city has seen growth, with the average number of building permits issued rising by more than 20%.<ref name="aLohx" /> The city's financial ratings have also remained steady or improved, according reviews by [[Moody's]] and [[Standard and Poor's]].<ref name="wmQq5" /><ref name="TwL7e" /> Following the resignation of the city auditor in 2018, who suggested receivership and stated he did not believe the Mayor's office followed protocol, state auditor Suzanne Bump responded to a city council request stating "I do not believe the circumstances in Holyoke rise to the level of warranting a state audit". In the previous month a private audit by firm CliftonLarsonAllen found all city funds accounted for.<ref name="11XVw" /> Although Holyoke's government has a [[Mayor–council government|strong mayor–council government]], Morse has called for finance-related departments to be placed under a chief financial officer appointed by the mayor and subject to City Council confirmation. The charter currently calls for the election of city treasurers.<ref name="qpx4V" /><ref name="94km6" /> ====Sanctuary city status==== On November 19, 2014 Morse issued an executive order to the Holyoke Police Department to not enforce federal civil detainer requests for holding immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally past the point they would usually be released, codifying a practice previously implemented during his tenure. This however would not apply those who were registered as sex offenders, had previous indictments or convictions, or outstanding warrants.<ref name="TDXYo" /><ref name="sZHou" /> Following a threat by the Trump administration to defund sanctuary cities in 2017, Morse reaffirmed this practice, acknowledging he knew of no instance where local police ignored federal immigration requests and that this policy does not directly affect Holyoke's largest group of residents, the Puerto Rican community, who hold American citizenship.<ref name="WV6FX" /> ===2020 U.S. House of Representatives campaign=== On June 22, 2019, Morse announced his run for Congress against Rep. [[Richard Neal]] (D-MA), to represent Massachusetts's 1st congressional district.<ref name="primary_2t4XH" /> He was later endorsed by [[Justice Democrats]] and the [[Sunrise Movement]].<ref name="S1XLS" /><ref name="B1cfg" /><ref name="kpnJW" /> ==Electoral history== {{Election box open primary begin no change | title = Holyoke mayoral election, 2011<ref name="1lOaU" /><ref name="j5qgx" /><ref name="vWRxs" /> }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Alex Morse''' | votes = 2,023 | percentage = 39 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Elaine Pluta (incumbent)''' | votes = 2,022 | percentage = 39 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Daniel C. Boyle | votes = 806 | percentage = 16 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Daniel C. Burns | votes = 310 | percentage = 6 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 5,161 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Alex Morse | votes = 5,121 | percentage = 53 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Elaine Pluta (incumbent) | votes = 4,513 | percentage = 46 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 9,634 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box open primary begin no change | title = Holyoke mayoral election, 2013<ref name="tiVlC" /><ref name="TfnpJ" /> }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Alex Morse (incumbent)''' | votes = 2,419 | percentage = 45 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Jeff Stanek''' | votes = 2,249 | percentage = 42 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Daniel Szostkiewicz | votes = 305 | percentage = 6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Jim Santiago | votes = 197 | percentage = 4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Daniel C. Boyle | votes = 190 | percentage = 4 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 5,360 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Alex Morse (incumbent) | votes = 5,274 | percentage = 54 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Jeff Stanek | votes = 4,425 | percentage = 46 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 9,634 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box open primary begin no change | title = Holyoke mayoral election, 2015<ref name="eQuvl" /> }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Alex Morse (incumbent)''' | votes = 2,694 | percentage = 43 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Francis O'Connell''' | votes = 2,450 | percentage = 39 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Anthony Soto | votes = 1,145 | percentage = 18 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 6,289 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Alex Morse (incumbent) | votes = 5,429 | percentage = 53 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Francis O'Connell | votes = 4,855 | percentage = 47 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 10,284 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box open primary begin no change | title = Holyoke mayoral election, 2017<ref name="WuerE" /><ref name="Z6ou6" /> }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Alex Morse (incumbent)''' | votes = 1,984 | percentage = 56 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = '''Jay Ferreira''' | votes = 992 | percentage = 28 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Michael Thomas Siciliano | votes = 354 | percentage = 10 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 3,330 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Alex Morse (incumbent) | votes = 4,557 | percentage = 58 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | party = Nonpartisan | candidate = Jay Ferreira | votes = 3,316 | percentage = 42 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 7,873 | percentage = 100 }} {{Election box end}} ==Personal life== In 2012 Morse was ranked #9 in ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'' magazine's annual list of 100 most eligible bachelors, and again in 2013 ranking at #66.<ref name="FlbNX" /><ref name="XOGny" /> In response, Morse said "I'd like to thank ''Out'' magazine for their recognition. It's always positive to see Holyoke highlighted in national publications."<ref name="j98Qj" /> Following his first re-election, Morse was hired in 2014 as a [[Academic ranks in the United States|lecturer]] of [[political science]] at the [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]].<ref name="umass" /><ref name="iTm9b" /> ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine named Morse in their 2019 [[Forbes 30 Under 30|30 Under 30]] list for Law & Policy, citing his "initiatives include offering refuge to [[Puerto Ricans]] displaced by [[Hurricane Maria]], encouraging [[Cannabis in Massachusetts|legal marijuana]] businesses and restoring the city's downtown."<ref name="7UfP9" /><ref name="XUWMW" /> Morse's mother suffered from severe mental health issues and his brother struggled with drug addiction; both died during his term as mayor.<ref name="ixTrr" /> ===College Democrat allegations=== In August 2020, three college Democratic groups alleged via email that Morse had used his position of power and platform for sexual or romantic gain with young students at [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]], where he was a lecturer. The email stated that Morse matched with and contacted students, aged 18 and above, on dating apps including [[Grindr]] and [[Tinder (app)|Tinder]].<ref name="allegations-collegian"/> The email did not accuse Morse of having relations with students in his own classes, which would have been against university policy.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Christensen|first=Dusty|date=10 Aug 2020|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse: ‘I have never violated UMass policy’|url=https://www.gazettenet.com/Alex-Morse-response-to-allegations-of-sexual-relationships-with-students-35657423|publisher=Daily Hampshire Gazette|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> The groups disinvited Morse from any future events on campus.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Demirjian|first=Karoun|date=8 Aug 2020|title=University of Massachusetts investigates allegations of sexual impropriety against Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse|work=Karoun Demirjian|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/08/08/umass-investigates-allegations-sexual-impropriety-against-congressional-candidate|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> He denied misconduct, writing "I want to be clear that every relationship I've had has been consensual. However, I also recognize that I have to be cognizant of my position of power. Navigating life as both a young gay man and an elected official can be difficult, but that doesn't excuse poor judgment." UMass Amherst has stated Morse will not be invited back as lecturer at that university, and will be further investigating the allegations.<ref name="cnn-aug8-2020">{{cite news|last=Krieg|first=Gregory|date=August 8, 2020|title=Democratic House candidate in Massachusetts apologizes after being accused of inappropriate behavior|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/08/politics/massachusetts-alex-morse/index.html|accessdate=August 9, 2020}}</ref><ref name="UMass Statement">{{cite web|date=August 8, 2020|title=UMass Amherst Statement on Alex Morse|url=https://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/umass-amherst-statement-alex-morse|publisher=University of Massachusetts at Amherst}}</ref><ref name="allegations-politico" /><ref name="allegations-collegian" /> The local chapter of the [[Sunrise Movement]] voted to retract its endorsement of Morse in the 2020 house race, and the national organization announced that it would no longer campaign for him. However, some organizations supporting him - including the [[Justice Democrats]] and the [[Working Families Party]] - refrained from supporting or criticizing Morse.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DeCosta-Klipa |first1=Nik |title=Some progressive groups are distancing themselves from Alex Morse. But many aren’t. |url=https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2020/08/12/alex-morse-allegations-richard-neal-supporters |accessdate=August 13, 2020 |work=[[Boston.com]] |date=August 12, 2020}}</ref> On August 12, 2020, ''[[The Intercept]]'' published an article on chat logs shared with the publication, reporting that the accusations had been organized starting almost a year prior as part of a sting operation by UMass Amherst [[College Democrats]] in an attempt to aid incumbent Richard Neal. The released chat logs discussed looking for Morse's dating profiles and how to lead him into saying incriminating things, and their hopes of gaining internships with Neal in exchange. The Neal campaign and the college Democratic group both denied the report.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theintercept.com/2020/08/12/alex-morse-college-democrats-chats/ |title=College Democrat Chats Reveal Year-Old Plan To Engineer And Leak Alex Morse Accusations |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |last2=Boguslaw |first2=Daniel |date=13 August 2020 |website=The Intercept |access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref> Timmothy Ennis, the chief strategist and former president of the UMass Amherst College Democrats, had previously completed a class with Richard Neal and was highlighted as a driving force behind the allegations, with members of the group claiming that he saw Neal as his "in" for a political career.<ref>https://theintercept.com/2020/08/11/college-democrats-alex-morse-richard-neal/?</ref> Former members of UMass Amherst College Democrats alleged an "anti-Morse bias" within the group.<ref>https://theintercept.com/2020/08/11/college-democrats-alex-morse-richard-neal/?utm_campaign=theintercept&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social</ref> ==References== {{reflist|refs= <ref name="CH90">[https://web.archive.org/web/20180423141842/https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2015/Chapter91 An Act Establishing A 4-Year Term for the Office of Mayor of the City of Holyoke, 2015 Mass. Ch.91.]</ref> <ref name="first">{{cite news|title=Group: Holyoke's Alex Morse First Mayor To Endorse Marijuana Legalization Question|url=https://digital.nepr.net/news/2016/08/02/group-holyokes-alex-morse-first-mayor-to-endorse-marijuana-legalization-question/|work=New England Public Radio|location=Springfield, Mass.|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704162148/https://digital.nepr.net/news/2016/08/02/group-holyokes-alex-morse-first-mayor-to-endorse-marijuana-legalization-question/}}</ref> <ref name="firstML">{{cite news|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704163504/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2016/08/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_suppo.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2016/08/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_suppo.html|title=Holyoke's Alex Morse becomes 1st Massachusetts mayor to support marijuana legalization ballot question|date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> <ref name="primary">{{cite web|title=This Dem Slow-Walked Getting Trump's Taxes—Now He's Getting Primaried|work=The Daily Beast|last=Resnick|first=Gideon|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/richard-neal-slow-walked-getting-trumps-taxesnow-hes-getting-primaried?source=articles&via=rss|date=July 22, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="umass">{{cite web|title=Alex Morse|website=Department of Political Science|publisher=University of Massachusetts Amherst|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716040226/https://polsci.umass.edu/people/alex-morse|url=https://polsci.umass.edu/people/alex-morse}}</ref> <ref name="out">{{cite news|title=Iron Man|work=Out.com|author=Aaron Hicklin|url=https://www.out.com/news-commentary/2012/02/14/alex-morse-gay-mayor-holyoke-massachusetts|date=February 19, 2012}}</ref> <ref name="primary_2t4XH">{{cite web|title=This Dem Slow-Walked Getting Trump's Taxes—Now He's Getting Primaried|work=The Daily Beast|last=Resnick|first=Gideon|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/richard-neal-slow-walked-getting-trumps-taxesnow-hes-getting-primaried?source=articles&via=rss|date=July 22, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="allegations-politico">{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/college-dems-allege-alex-morse-engaged-in-inappropriate-sexual-behavior-392667|title=Justice Democrats candidate accused of inappropriate sexual behavior|website=[[Politico]]|date=August 7, 2020|first1=Alex|last1=Thompson|first2=Stephanie|last2=Murray|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808034030/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/college-dems-allege-alex-morse-engaged-in-inappropriate-sexual-behavior-392667|archive-date=August 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="allegations-collegian">{{cite web|url=https://dailycollegian.com/2020/08/college-democrats-allege-inappropriate-misconduct-between-holyoke-mayor-alex-morse-and-college-students/|title=College Democrats allege inappropriate behavior between Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and college students|author=Collegian staff|date=August 7, 2020|website=[[The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808035615/https://dailycollegian.com/2020/08/college-democrats-allege-inappropriate-misconduct-between-holyoke-mayor-alex-morse-and-college-students/|archive-date=August 8, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="fYmoP">{{cite news|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704114938/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/10/mayoral_candidate_jay_ferreira_4.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/10/mayoral_candidate_jay_ferreira_4.html|title=Jay Ferreira: 'something darker in play' with Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse campaign money? Morse: Ferreira willing to 'mislead voters'|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="Oze6O">{{cite web |title="On Being Young & "Out" in Politics" |url=https://lgbt.williams.edu/homepage/on-being-young-out-in-politics/ |website=LGBTQ Life at Williams |publisher=Williams College}}</ref> <ref name="QesHx">{{Cite web|title="On Being Young & "Out" in Politics"|url=https://lgbt.williams.edu/homepage/on-being-young-out-in-politics/|access-date=July 26, 2020|website=LGBTQ Life at Williams|language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name="yTUut">{{cite news|title=Youth leaders speak at gay-rights forum|last=Boccella|first=Kathy|work=McClatchy-Tribune Business News|location=Washington, D.C.|date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> <ref name="7uXbX">{{cite magazine|magazine=Jewish Advocate|location=Boston|last=Axelbank|first=Rachel L.|date=May 4, 2007|page=5|title=Scholarship honors Elsie Frank}}</ref> <ref name="UfhXj">{{cite magazine|title=Holyoke hope; Alex Morse, the 22-year-old openly gay new mayor of Holyoke, sold an ambitious vision for his hometown that may be just what the city needed to hear|magazine=CommonWealth|url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/002-holyoke-hope/|last=Jonas|first=Michael|date=January 11, 2012|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706184334/https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/002-holyoke-hope/}}</ref> <ref name="dmXew">{{cite magazine|title=The Hometown Mayor|date=January 2012|last=Dias|first=Sandra|magazine=Brown Alumni Magazine|url=https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2012-01-04/the-hometown-mayor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704112546/https://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/articles/2012-01-04/the-hometown-mayor|archive-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="ThLjn">{{cite news|title=At 22, his first job out of college will be Holyoke mayor|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/10/his-first-job-out-college-will-holyoke-mayor/nBMHbiGB24oCe8d0uP9eYL/story.html|last=Powers|first=Martine|date=November 10, 2011|work=Boston Globe}}</ref> <ref name="08gvk">{{cite web|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924204826/https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/holyoke-massachusetts-mayor-vetoes-recreational-marijuana-retailers/|url=https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/holyoke-massachusetts-mayor-vetoes-recreational-marijuana-retailers/|title=Holyoke, Mass. Mayor Vetoes Council's Moratorium on Approval of Recreational Marijuana Retailers|publisher=GIE Media, Inc.|date=August 16, 2017}}</ref> <ref name="FHQV0">{{cite news|archive-date=May 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524203229/https://valleyadvocate.com/2018/04/02/cannabis-industry-leaders-gather-hampshire-college-summit-widen-appeal-plant/|url=https://valleyadvocate.com/2018/04/02/cannabis-industry-leaders-gather-hampshire-college-summit-widen-appeal-plant/|title=Cannabis industry leaders gather at Hampshire College summit to widen appeal of plant|last=Bantle|first=Meg|date=April 2, 2018|work=Valley Advocate|publisher=Newspapers of New England Digital; H. S. Gere & Sons, Inc.}}</ref> <ref name="VRbMI">{{cite news|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706171523/https://businesswest.com/blog/holyoke-event-to-focus-on-equity-in-massachusetts-cannabis-industry/|url=https://businesswest.com/blog/holyoke-event-to-focus-on-equity-in-massachusetts-cannabis-industry/|title=Holyoke Event To Focus on Equity In Massachusetts Cannabis Industry|work=BusinessWest|date=April 15, 2019}} * {{cite news|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706171654/https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/03/35_companies_and_cori_help_set.html||url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/03/35_companies_and_cori_help_set.html|title=Over 35 companies and CORI help set for job fair in Holyoke|date=March 1, 2018|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|last=Plaisance|first=Mike}}</ref> <ref name="YH9aC">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/holyoke-massachusetts-is-ready-to-welcome-the-marijuana-industry-with-open-arms/|title=Holyoke, Massachusetts, is ready to welcome the marijuana industry with open arms|date=June 30, 2018|publisher=CBS News|work=CBS This Morning|last=Dokoupil|first=Tony|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701075318/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/holyoke-massachusetts-is-ready-to-welcome-the-marijuana-industry-with-open-arms/|archive-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> <ref name="OfA1o">{{cite news|title=Marijuana company Trulieve Cannabis Corp., formerly Life Essence, buys Holyoke building for $3.2M from Conklin Office Furniture|url=https://www.masslive.com/business/2019/06/marijuana-company-trulieve-cannabis-corp-formerly-life-essence-buys-holyoke-building-for-32m-from-conklin-office-furniture.html|date=June 25, 2019|last=Kinney|first=Jim|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704165648/https://www.masslive.com/business/2019/06/marijuana-company-trulieve-cannabis-corp-formerly-life-essence-buys-holyoke-building-for-32m-from-conklin-office-furniture.html|archive-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="vdwfi">[http://mhc-macris.net/Details.aspx?MhcId=HLY.6 HLY.6], MACRIS, Massachusetts Historical Commission.</ref> <ref name="RkgDk">{{cite news|title=Holyoke race presents contrast between Mayor Elaine Pluta and challenger Alex Morse on casino gambling|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704134504/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2011/10/holyoke_race_presents_contrast.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2011/10/holyoke_race_presents_contrast.html|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="ENa2x">{{cite magazine|title=No dice: A casino would hurt, not help, Holyoke's economic redevelopment efforts|magazine=CommonWealth|publisher=MassINC|archive-date=July 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704204425/http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Voices/Argument-and-Counterpoint/2012/Fall/002-No-dice.aspx|url=http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Voices/Argument-and-Counterpoint/2012/Fall/002-No-dice.aspx|url-status=dead|date=October 11, 2012|last=Morse|first=Alex B.}}</ref> <ref name="8RKOC">{{cite news|title=Holyoke Mayor Morse's casino reversal expected to spark protests|last=DeForge|first=Jeanette|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704151721/https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/11/holyoke_mayor_morses_casino_re.html|archive-date=July 4, 2019|date=November 26, 2012|location=Springfield, Mass.|work=The Republican|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/11/holyoke_mayor_morses_casino_re.html}}</ref> <ref name="aggMB">{{cite news|title=In another reversal, Holyoke mayor drops pursuit of casino|last=Arsenault|first=Mark|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/12/13/holyoke-mayor-alex-morse-another-turn-drops-pursuit-casino/Uf8SpDdH17aZTEpVFQB2kI/story.html|date=December 13, 2012|work=Boston Globe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911095039/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/12/13/holyoke-mayor-alex-morse-another-turn-drops-pursuit-casino/Uf8SpDdH17aZTEpVFQB2kI/story.html|archive-date=September 11, 2015}}</ref> <ref name="jBKg2">{{cite news|title=Mayor in Holyoke reverses casino stand, again|url=https://www.telegram.com/article/20121214/NEWS/312159996|date=December 12, 2012|author=The Associated Press|work=Telegram & Gazette|location=Worcester, Mass.Carh|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704134101/https://www.telegram.com/article/20121214/NEWS/312159996}}</ref> <ref name="maMdl">[https://library.municode.com/ma/holyoke/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH50LAEN_ARTIIPODE_S50-34CHPOEADE Holyoke Code of Ordinances], §50-34, Chief of police—Head of department.</ref> <ref name="zZvHa">{{cite web|title=Holyoke crime rates and statistics|date=April 8, 2011|website=NeighborhoodScout|url=https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/holyoke/crime|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408014616/https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/holyoke/crime|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2011}}</ref> <ref name="mlnec">{{cite web|title=Holyoke crime rates and statistics|access-date=January 30, 2019|website=NeighborhoodScout|url=https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/holyoke/crime|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130051350/http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/holyoke/crime/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="YP2mS">{{cite news|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/05/community_presence_knowing_pol.html|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706180345/https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/05/community_presence_knowing_pol.html|title='Knows policing more than just locking people up,' says Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse of Capt. Manuel Febo|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|date=May 8, 2018}}</ref> <ref name="yNOmH">{{cite news|title=Amid threat of school receivership, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse says 'local control matters'|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704144947/https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/02/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_schools.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/02/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_schools.html|last=Williams|first=Michelle|work=MassLive|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="I9N9l">{{cite news|title=Dropout and graduation rates improved for Holyoke Public Schools|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615055601/https://www.wwlp.com/news/dropout-and-graduation-rates-improved-for-holyoke-public-schools/|archive-date=June 15, 2019|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/dropout-and-graduation-rates-improved-for-holyoke-public-schools/|last=Becker|first=Sy|work=WWLP 22 News|publisher=NexStar Broadcasting, Inc.}}</ref> <ref name="SVErf">{{cite news|title=Holyoke schools expanding dual-language program|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516191429/https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/05/holyoke-schools-expanding-dual-language-program.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/05/holyoke-schools-expanding-dual-language-program.html|last=Hohenberger|first=Dennis|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=May 16, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="bnkPC">{{cite news|last=Hohenberger|first=Dennis|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/02/holyoke_school_committee_and_c.html|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320020659/https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/02/holyoke_school_committee_and_c.html|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=February 26, 2019|title=Holyoke School Committee, City Council hold joint meeting on proposed middle schools}}</ref> <ref name="TtFT6">{{cite news|title=Firefighters union issues no confidence vote in Holyoke Chief John Pond, Mayor Alex Morse|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/05/firefighters_union_issues_no_c.html|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=May 17, 2017}}</ref> <ref name="714sI">{{cite news|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706120600/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3A_df8dwMvftQJ%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwlp.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Fhampden-county%2Fholyoke-firefighter-union-say-they-have-no-confidence-in-mayor-and-fire-chief_20180314103135228%2F1043352184+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us|url-status=dead|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/holyoke-firefighter-union-say-they-have-no-confidence-in-mayor-and-fire-chief_20180314103135228/1043352184|title=Holyoke firefighter union say they have "no confidence" in Mayor and Fire Chief|last=Whitlow|first=Tashanea|work=WWLP 22 News|publisher=Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.|date=May 17, 2017|access-date=July 6, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="bnTdG">{{cite AV media | date = June 12, 2017 | title = Firefighters protest at Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse fundraiser | via = Youtube | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwrlyKCcRx0 | publisher = MassLive}}</ref> <ref name="rbHNJ">{{cite news|work=MassLive|location=Springfield, Mass.|title=AFL-CIO, carpenters endorse Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704132643/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/10/afl-cio_carpenters_endorse_hol.html|archive-date=July 4, 2019|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/10/afl-cio_carpenters_endorse_hol.html|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|date=October 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name="b0ffX">{{cite news|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse addresses Heather Egan $45,000 exit agreement, but key question -- why? -- unanswered|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706190410/https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/06/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse.html|archive-date=July 6, 2019|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/06/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse.html|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=June 3, 2014}} * {{cite news|url-status=dead|work=WWLP 22 News|publisher=NexStar Publishing, Inc.|archive-date=June 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605144152/https://www.wwlp.com/2014/06/17/mayor-morse-says-he-did-nothing-wrong/|url=https://www.wwlp.com/2014/06/17/mayor-morse-says-he-did-nothing-wrong/|last1=Walsh|first1=Ryan|last2=Cho|first2=Yoojin|date=June 17, 2014|title=Mayor Morse says he did nothing wrong}}</ref> <ref name="CO38J">{{cite news|title=Holyoke lawyer Heather Egan is Mayor Alex Morse's choice as city solicitor, subject to City Council OK|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706190705/https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/02/holyoke_lawyer_heather_egan_ma.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/02/holyoke_lawyer_heather_egan_ma.html|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=February 28, 2013}}</ref> <ref name="MZwhs">{{cite news|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706190020/https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/08/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_tells_1.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/08/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_tells_1.html|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse tells Reddit he's at peace with decision on Heather Egan issue, fields questions about numerous issues|date=August 15, 2014|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="aLohx">{{cite AV media |people=Alex B. Morse |date=July 16, 2018 |title=Summit 2018: Growing Potential - Mayor Alex Morse of Holyoke, Mass |trans-title= |medium= |language= |url= |access-date= |format= |time=21:27 |location=Brattleboro, Vermont |publisher=Brattleboro Community Television|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> <ref name="wmQq5">{{cite web|publisher=Moody's Investor Services|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706192645/https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Holyoke-City-of-MA-credit-rating-600002421|url=https://www.moodys.com/credit-ratings/Holyoke-City-of-MA-credit-rating-600002421|title=Holyoke (City of) MA [Org ID 600002421]}}</ref> <ref name="TwL7e">{{cite report|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/343248615/Standard-Poor-s-report-on-Holyoke#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=126006X1587340X31ad1b1eda80552796c1fdc1249a83bc&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate|title=Holyoke, Massachusetts; General Obligation; Non-School State Programs|last1=Marin|first1=Christina|last2=Medeiros|first2=Victor|publisher=Standard and Poor's Global; Scribd|date=February 14, 2017}}</ref> <ref name="11XVw">{{cite news|title=No state audit of Holyoke finances needed, says Massachusetts Auditor Suzanne Bump|date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706194358/https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/04/no_state_audit_of_holyoke_fina.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/04/no_state_audit_of_holyoke_fina.html|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|last=Plaisance|first=Mike}}</ref> <ref name="qpx4V">{{cite report|title=City of Holyoke Financial Management Review|date=December 2007|url=https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/nu/holyoke_0.pdf|publisher=Massachusetts Department of Revenue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721163332/https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/nu/holyoke_0.pdf|archive-date=July 21, 2018}}</ref> <ref name="94km6">{{cite news|title=Strange financial times at Holyoke City Hall: Here's what we know|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.|date=February 15, 2018|archive-date=July 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706192419/https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/02/strange_financial_times_at_hol.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/02/strange_financial_times_at_hol.html}}</ref> <ref name="TDXYo">{{cite news|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse directs police to skip enforcement of federal requests to hold immigrants past normal holding period|archive-date=July 4, 2019|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704152548/https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/11/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_direc.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/11/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_direc.html|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="sZHou">{{cite news|title='Sanctuary city' status of Holyoke a question Council wants answered after President Donald Trump order|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/02/sanctuary_city_status_of_holyo.html|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="WV6FX">{{cite news|work=New England Public Radio|location=Springfield, Mass.|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704153029/https://digital.nepr.net/news/2016/11/17/trumps-pledge-cut-funding-mean-western-mass-sanctuary-cities/|title=What Could Trump's Pledge To Cut Funding Mean For 'Sanctuary Cities' In Western Mass.?|last=Epp|first=Henry|url=https://digital.nepr.net/news/2016/11/17/trumps-pledge-cut-funding-mean-western-mass-sanctuary-cities/}}</ref> <ref name="fourth term"> *{{cite web |last1=Hilliard |first1=John |title=UMass Amherst investigating Holyoke mayor and congressional candidate Morse over allegations of inappropriate conduct - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/08/metro/umass-amherst-investigating-holyoke-mayor-congressional-candidate-morse-over-allegations-inappropriate-conduct/ |website=Boston Globe |date=August 8, 2020 |quote=...Morse, now in his fourth term as Holyoke’s mayor...}} *{{cite web |last1=McKinley Becker |first1=Kaitlin |title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse Staying in Congressional Race Amid Allegations of Sexual Misconduct |url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/holyoke-mayor-alex-morse-staying-in-congressional-race-amid-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct/2174447/ |website=NBC Boston |date=August 10, 2020 |quote=Now in his fourth term as mayor of Holyoke...}} *{{cite web |last1=Kashinsky |first1=Lisa |title=UMass Amherst reviewing allegations of ‘inappropriate behavior’ against Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/08/umass-amherst-reviewing-allegations-of-inappropriate-behavior-against-holyoke-mayor-alex-morse/ |website=Boston Herald |date=August 8, 2020 |quote=... Holyoke’s first openly gay mayor who’s now in his fourth term in office...}} *{{cite web |last1=Plaisance |first1=Mike |title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse re-elected to 4th term |url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/11/holyoke_mayor_results.html |website=masslive |date=November 8, 2017 |quote=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse re-elected to 4th term}}</ref> <ref name="S1XLS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2019/08/alex-morse-endorsed-in-congressional-bid-by-justice-democrats-which-helped-elect-ayanna-pressley-alexandria-ocasio-cortez.html|title=Alex Morse endorsed in congressional bid by Justice Democrats, which helped elect AOC, Ayanna Pressley|last=Williams|first=Michelle|date=August 7, 2019|website=masslive.com|language=en-US|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="B1cfg">{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/456502-justice-democrats-endorses-two-progressives-challenging-democratic|title=Justice Democrats endorses two progressives challenging Democratic incumbents|last=Frazin|first=Rachel|date=August 7, 2019|website=TheHill|language=en|access-date=August 22, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="kpnJW">{{cite web |title=Vote Alex Morse for Congress |url=https://www.sunrisemovement.org/morse |website=Sunrise Movement |accessdate=August 5, 2020}}</ref> <ref name="1lOaU">{{cite news|title=Holyoke mayoral battle pits newcomer Alex Morse vs. incumbent Elaine Pluta, with casino gambling and experience among the issues |url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/09/holyoke_mayoral_battle_pits_ne.html | work=The Republican}}</ref> <ref name="j5qgx">{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2011/11/alex_morse_elected_youngest_ma.html|title=Alex Morse elected youngest mayor in Holyoke's history|first=Mike|last=Plaisance|date=November 9, 2011|website=masslive.com}}</ref> <ref name="vWRxs">{{cite news|title=At 22, his first job out of college will be Holyoke mayor|last=Powers|first=Martine|date=November 10, 2011|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/11/10/his-first-job-out-college-will-holyoke-mayor/nBMHbiGB24oCe8d0uP9eYL/story.html|work=Boston Globe}}</ref> <ref name="tiVlC">{{cite news|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse to face off against Jeff Stanek in wake of preliminary election |url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/09/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_edges.html | work=The Republican}}</ref> <ref name="TfnpJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2013/11/quick_post_holyoke_mayor_alex.html|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse wins 2nd term, defeating newcomer Jeff Stanek|first=Mike|last=Plaisance|date=November 6, 2013|website=masslive.com}}</ref> <ref name="eQuvl">{{cite news|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse wins preliminary election, faces Fran O'Connell Nov. 3 |url=http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_wins.html#incart_river | work=The Republican}}</ref> <ref name="WuerE">{{cite news|title=Thousands stay away as Holyoke's preliminary election turnout fails to crack 14 percent|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/09/thousands_stayed_away_as_holyo.html | work=The Republican|author=Plaisance, Mike}}</ref> <ref name="Z6ou6">{{cite news|title=2017 Massachusetts elections: Holyoke mayor live results (Alex Morse vs. Jason Ferreira|archive-date=March 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311060109/https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/11/test_agawam_and_holyoke.html|url=https://www.masslive.com/politics/2017/11/test_agawam_and_holyoke.html|date=November 7, 2017|last=Plaisance|first=Mike|work=The Republican|location=Springfield, Mass.}}</ref> <ref name="FlbNX">{{cite web |title=100 Most Eligible Bachelors |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2012/02/22/most-eligible-gay-bachelors |website=www.out.com |publisher=Out (magazine) |language=en |date=February 22, 2012}}</ref> <ref name="XOGny">{{cite web |title=100 Most Eligible Bachelors: Third Edition |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2013/02/13/100-most-eligible-bachelors-third-edition |website=www.out.com |publisher=Out (magazine) |language=en |date=February 13, 2013}}</ref> <ref name="j98Qj">{{cite news |last1=Plaisance |first1=Mike |title=Out magazine ranks Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse 66th on list of 100 most eligible bachelors |url=https://www.masslive.com/criesandwhispers/2013/02/holyoke_mayor_alex_morse_9th_o.html |work=masslive |date=February 18, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> <ref name="iTm9b">{{cite news |last1=Christensen |first1=Dusty |title=Holyoke mayor releases tax returns as part of congressional campaign |url=https://www.gazettenet.com/Alex-Morse-releases-tax-returns-as-part-of-congressional-campaign-28741845 |publisher=Daily Hampshire Gazette |date=September 23, 2019}}</ref> <ref name="7UfP9">{{cite web |title=30 Under 30 - Law & Policy; Alex Morse |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2019/law-policy/#6ce4dc0c7f1c |publisher=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> <ref name="XUWMW">{{cite news |title=Mayor Alex Morse named "30 under 30" by Forbes magazine |website=Department of Political Science |publisher=University of Massachusetts Amherst |url=https://polsci.umass.edu/news/mayor-alex-morse-named-30-under-30-forbes-magazine |date=November 13, 2018}}</ref> <ref name="ixTrr">{{Cite web|date=February 26, 2020|title=Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse mourns death of brother who struggled with addiction|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/02/holyoke-mayors-brother-who-struggled-with-addiction-dies.html|access-date=July 26, 2020|website=masslive|language=en}}</ref> }} ==External links== {{commons category}} * [http://www.holyoke.org/departments/mayors-office/ Mayor Alex Morse] official municipal website * [http://alexmorseforcongress.com/ Alex Morse for Congress] campaign website * {{Ballotpedia}} * {{C-SPAN|alexmorse}} * {{CongLinks|votesmart=148754|fec=H0MA01081}} {{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Elaine Pluta}} {{s-ttl|title=[[List of mayors of Holyoke, Massachusetts|Mayor of Holyoke]]|years=2012–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Morse, Alex}} [[Category:1989 births]] [[Category:21st-century American politicians]] [[Category:Brown University alumni]] [[Category:Gay politicians]] [[Category:Jewish mayors of places in the United States]] [[Category:LGBT Jews]] [[Category:LGBT mayors of places in the United States]] [[Category:LGBT people from Massachusetts]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Massachusetts Democrats]] [[Category:Mayors of Holyoke, Massachusetts]] [[Category:University of Massachusetts Amherst faculty]] [[Category:Jewish American people in Massachusetts politics]] [[Category:American gun control activists]] [[Category:LGBT rights activists from the United States]]'