The Wonk – March 2016

What happens with the Chamber visits the judge's chamber?  It turns out, a lot of very interesting and potentially productive connections are made.  And no bail money was needed!

The Public Policy Committee sat with Ayer District Court's Presiding Justice, Elizabeth Cremens, for 90 minutes in the judge's chambers on March 1.  The meeting struck upon opportunities for partnerships between chamber members and the court in tackling some of society's toughest issues.

Presiding Justice Elizabeth Cremens briefed the committee on the inner workings of the court, with a special attention to its mediation and drug-offender programs.  Judge Cremens showed particular interest in hearing from health care providers about drug-treatment programs and providing assistance to probationers struggling to find jobs.

Action items from the meeting:

• The court is promoting the Chamber's Job Fair to probationers looking for employment and asks employers to give consideration to hiring skilled individuals who are in recovery.

• Public Policy Committee members will follow up on the judge's suggestion that they speak to probation officers and probationers about how someone with a criminal record should best present that information in the hiring process and what the job applicant can do to address the understandable concerns of the employer.

• Public Policy Committee members in the health care and higher education fields were able to make specific connections and opportunities to follow up and provide assistance to the court, helping to fulfill the mission of all involved.