By Max Bowen-For the North Star Reporter
On Nov. 3, Tamisha Civil and Francis Crimmins, Jr., will once again be on the ballot for a seat on the Governor’s Council.
The two last squared off for the seat in the 2024 election, with Civil winning the seat on the council. The Massachusetts Governor’s Council, also known as the Executive Council, is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the lieutenant governor who serves ex officio, according to the state’s web site. The eight councilors are elected from their respective districts every two years. District 2 includes North Attleborough.
Crimmins has been a member of the bar since 1981 and in 1992, was appointed by then-Gov. William Weld to be an associate justice to the Stoughton District Court with assignments all over eastern Mass. He also served as first justice of the Stoughton Division District Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court from 2001 to 2010 and held a position as associate justice of the Appellate Division of the Department of the Trial Court.
In 2022, Crimmins was appointed chairman of the Massachusetts State Ballot Law Commission by then-Gov. Charlie Baker, serving in that capacity until 2024. In addition, he has worked for years in municipal government, as Stoughton Town Manager from 2010-2012 and from 2014-2018 as Avon Town Administrator.
Civil has many years of community service, having served as a Town Meeting representative in Stoughton, the Stoughton Equal Opportunity Committee and the Eastern Regional Commission on the Status of Women, among others. Civil graduated from Dover-Sherborn Regional High School and Northeastern University with a master’s degree in criminal justice and leadership.
Civil also served for 10 years with the Massachusetts Trial Court, working as an associate probation officer with the Massachusetts Probation Services, and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office as a victim witness advocate. She also cited her time working alongside judges, as one of the roles of the council is to approve nominations for judgeships.
The two candidates responded to questions from the North Star Reporter on their candidacy and priorities for the council.
Tamisha Civil
Why have you decided to run for re-election?
I have decided to run for re-election because I believe fairness, accountability and justice must remain at the heart of our judicial system. My cousin spent nearly 27 years in prison before being exonerated in 2021. That experience profoundly shaped my commitment to fighting injustice and ensuring every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. As a member of the Governor’s Council, I take seriously my responsibility to review judicial nominees and ensure those appointed to the bench demonstrate the qualifications, integrity, impartiality and commitment to due process that Massachusetts residents deserve.
I also want to continue advancing the issues that matter deeply to me, including restorative justice, reducing recidivism, supporting survivors of domestic violence, protecting reproductive rights, and addressing mental health challenges and substance use disorders. I believe these issues require compassion, effective resources and a justice system that recognizes the complex circumstances affecting individuals and families. Expanding access to appropriate treatment and support can help people rebuild their lives and strengthen our communities.
I am seeking re-election to be a voice for my constituents on the council, listen to residents and strengthen public confidence in our courts. I remain committed to serving with integrity and working toward a justice system that values fairness, compassion, accountability and equal protection under the law for everyone.
What do you see as your priorities if re-elected?
If re-elected to the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, my priorities will continue to focus on reproductive rights, restorative justice, domestic violence, and mental health, including understanding how mental health challenges and substance use disorders affect our criminal justice system. I believe reproductive rights must be protected and that judges appointed to our courts should respect the rights, dignity and constitutional protections of every individual.
I remain committed to restorative justice approaches that promote accountability, rehabilitation and safer communities. We must recognize the circumstances that contribute to criminal behavior while supporting victims and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Domestic violence is another critical priority. I will continue to support a justice system that takes these cases seriously, protects survivors and recognizes the needs of individuals and families affected by abuse.
I also believe mental health and substance use disorders deserve greater attention in our criminal justice system. We must better understand how these challenges affect individuals, families and communities while recognizing the importance of appropriate treatment, resources and rehabilitation. Addressing these issues with compassion and accountability can help reduce recidivism and create safer communities.
As Governor’s Councillor, I will continue reviewing judicial nominees with integrity, fairness and care. I am committed to supporting a judiciary that upholds justice, respects individual rights and serves all Massachusetts residents with dignity and equal protection under the law.
What would you list as your biggest accomplishments since the last election?
One of my significant accomplishments since the last election was voting to appoint Kaitlyn O’Leary, a former prosecutor from my district, to the Massachusetts Parole Board. I believe it is important for the board to include members with diverse professional experiences who understand the complexities of the criminal justice system. As a former prosecutor, O’Leary brings valuable insight into the impact of crime on victims, the importance of accountability, and the role rehabilitation and reentry can play in reducing recidivism. Her experience working with individuals navigating the parole process also provides an important perspective on the challenges and opportunities involved in successful reintegration into society.
I have consistently advocated for a balanced approach to justice that recognizes the importance of public safety, victims’ rights, rehabilitation and fairness. I believe that including individuals with different professional backgrounds strengthens the decision-making process and helps ensure that multiple perspectives are considered. My vote reflected my commitment to thoughtful appointments and ensuring that the voices of victims are represented alongside the perspectives of those who work in rehabilitation, social services and the criminal justice system. As Governor’s Councillor, I take seriously my responsibility to evaluate appointments based on the experience and perspectives nominees can bring to public service and the people of Massachusetts.
What changes or improvements would you seek for the council?
One improvement I would like to pursue as a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council is expanding opportunities for local hearings throughout the Commonwealth. I believe residents should have greater access to council proceedings and more opportunities to observe the decision-making process that affects their communities. Holding hearings in different regions would make it easier for residents who may have difficulty traveling to Boston to participate and stay informed about the council’s work. It would also provide opportunities for community members to better understand the council’s responsibilities, including the review of judicial nominations and other important matters. I believe transparency, accessibility and public engagement are essential to building trust in government. Bringing hearings closer to the communities we serve would help strengthen the connection between residents and their elected representatives while encouraging greater civic participation.
How has your experience helped you in this role as a Governor’s Councilor?
My experience as a former associate probation officer, victim witness advocate, legal advocate and a current adjunct professor, along with my personal experiences and education, has helped prepare me for my role as a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. Through my work in the criminal justice system, I have gained valuable insight into the challenges individuals and families face, the importance of accountability and the role rehabilitation, treatment and support services play in helping people move forward. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how the justice system affects victims, defendants and communities.
My professional background has reinforced my belief that public safety and fairness must go hand-in-hand. I recognize the importance of understanding how mental health challenges and substance use disorders affect individuals and their involvement in the criminal justice system. My personal experiences and education have further shaped my commitment to justice, compassion and equal treatment under the law. They have taught me to listen carefully, consider different perspectives and make informed decisions.
As a Governor’s Councillor, I draw on these experiences when reviewing judicial nominees and evaluating their qualifications, integrity, impartiality, and commitment to the law. They also inform my priorities, including reproductive rights, restorative justice, domestic violence prevention and greater public access to government. Ultimately, my background guides my commitment to serving Massachusetts with fairness, integrity and accountability.
Francis Crimmins, Jr.
Why have you decided to run for this seat?
I’m not seeking this office for a title or political recognition. I’m a husband, father of four, and grandfather of four who cares deeply about the Commonwealth we leave to future generations.
After more than 40 years practicing law, including nearly 18 years as a District Court judge, I understand how important judicial appointments are to our communities, public safety, and confidence in our courts.
The Governor’s Council has an enormous responsibility to ensure that those entrusted with administering justice possess the qualifications, integrity, temperament, and respect for the Constitution that the position demands.
I decided to run because I believe my experience on the bench, in court administration, and in public service provides a valuable perspective when evaluating those appointments.
For me, this is about service, accountability, and protecting the rule of law.
What do you see as your priorities if elected?
My priorities are judicial qualifications, public safety, constitutional protections, transparency, and accountability.
Having served nearly 18 years on the bench, I understand the tremendous responsibility entrusted to those who administer justice. Every nominee appearing before the Governor’s Council deserves a fair, thorough, and independent evaluation. I would examine professional competence, integrity, judicial temperament, problem-solving abilities, and demonstrated respect for both the Massachusetts and United States Constitutions.
I firmly believe public safety and defendants’ constitutional rights are equally essential to a fair and effective justice system. Protecting one should never require sacrificing the other.
I would impose no political or ideological litmus test. My decisions would be guided by qualifications, facts, sound judgment, and the rule of law.
I would also work to increase transparency and public participation by making Council proceedings more accessible, encouraging residents to voice their concerns, and providing regular communication about important appointments and decisions.
As a former judge, I understand that these appointments affect real people, families, and communities.
My responsibility would be to ask difficult questions, demand accountability, and exercise independent judgment. Every nominee deserves careful consideration, and every appointment must reflect the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and public trust.
You’ve run against Tamisha before. Did that experience help you in this campaign?
Absolutely. The 2024 campaign gave me a greater appreciation for how little many residents know about the Governor’s Council and how important it is to explain its responsibilities.
Traveling throughout District 2, meeting residents, and discussing the judicial appointment process reinforced my belief that voters deserve to understand the decisions being made on their behalf.
That experience also gave me a better understanding of the diverse communities within the district and the concerns residents have about public safety, fairness, and accountability.
I respect the electoral process and the voters’ decision in 2024. This campaign provides another opportunity to discuss my qualifications, explain the Council’s responsibilities, and demonstrate how my judicial and administrative experience would inform my decisions.
My focus remains on the responsibilities of the office and the standards we should expect of those appointed to serve the Commonwealth.
What changes or improvements would you seek for the council?
I believe the Governor’s Council should operate with greater transparency, consistency, and public accountability.
My first priority would be strengthening the process used to evaluate nominees. Every applicant should face thorough, substantive questioning regarding professional qualifications, integrity, temperament, constitutional responsibilities, and demonstrated judgment.
I would advocate for consistent evaluation standards without imposing political or ideological litmus tests.
I would also work to make the council more accessible to the public. Hearings are already open, but residents should have better access to nominee information, hearing schedules, Council decisions, and opportunities to express concerns.
I believe public participation strengthens accountability and confidence in government.
The Council performs an important constitutional responsibility. Its work should be conducted openly, fairly, and with the seriousness these appointments deserve.
How would your experience help you in this role as a Governor’s Councilor?
My experience provides firsthand knowledge of the responsibilities and challenges facing the individuals the Governor’s Council is charged with reviewing.
I have practiced law for more than 40 years, including nearly 18 years as a District Court judge. I served in the Appellate Division and as First Justice of the Stoughton District Court, overseeing judicial administration and daily court operations.
I have also served as Town Manager of Stoughton, Town Administrator of Avon, and an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Massasoit Community College.
Having served on the bench, I understand the importance of judicial temperament, integrity, legal knowledge, impartiality, and sound judgment.
One of my judicial mentors taught me, “The most important case you will ever hear is the one before you.”
That philosophy would guide my consideration of every nominee. Each appointment deserves careful evaluation because every decision matters.