Healey makes first appearance in Framingham as governor, talks climate change

FRAMINGHAM — During her first visit to Framingham as governor on a cold but clear day on Wednesday, Maura Healey had plenty to say about weather.

She and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll first received a winter and emergency preparedness briefing at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency bunker on Route 9. Then, shortly after noon, they arrived at the city's Department of Public Works headquarters on Western Avenue to both thank workers and announce their intention to add to their ranks at the state level.

"We can't do this work without you, and so many people count on you," Healey said in remarks directed at DPW workers. "These are really hard jobs, one thing we know is across the state we have a shortage of workers."

Later, in an exclusive interview with the Daily News, Healey said that as governor, she will ensure that a climate-related agenda is a point of emphasis for her administration. A day after her inauguration on Jan. 5, she signed an executive order naming Melissa Hoffer the state's first "climate chief."

"Climate is an issue of economic security, of public safety, of energy, of food and housing security — it really touches all aspects of our lives," Healey said. "You really see how it is playing out with some of the weather and the consequences it has for families in our communities."

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The governor said Hoffer's job will be to "make sure we are doing everything we can do as a state to address issues of climate."

"That goes to issues of sustainability and resilience, it goes to reducing our emissions and our carbon footprint, and this person is going to be responsible that is happening, and will be reporting directly to me," Healey said.

During her press conference, Healey said she came to Framingham at the invitation of Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, and spoke about the importance of working with local communities when it comes to responding to extreme weather events.

"We were just earlier today at the bunker getting a briefing on emergency weather preparedness, and we wanted to make a point of coming here to Framingham — and we appreciate the invitation, Mr. Mayor — because we know that everything starts and ends at the local level," Healey said. "With a storm or anything else, it's the state's responsibility to be a great partner and we are here today in that spirit."

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Healey praised the cleanliness of the Framingham site and spent time introducing herself to various DPW staff members who were on hand. Other guests included state Senate President Karen Spilka and state Reps. Priscila Sousa, Jack Patrick Lewis and Kate Donaghue.

"Folks out there able to drive the plows and guide the machinery, some of the workforce issues that we have is something that we have a focus on, and for those of you who are out here doing that work, we really appreciate it," she said.

Healey also announced the appointment of Lauren Jones as secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, noting that part of her focus will be working on getting more DPW workers and plow drivers employed in Massachusetts communities.

"It's a real issue, (because) we know numbers are down at the state and we are sure they are down at local levels," Healey said. "It's one of the things we have to work on. (Jones) will be responsible for, among other things, making sure we are driving that pipeline, recruiting, training, retraining and holding onto workers and supplying extra assets to support the great workforce we have in this state."

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Gov. Maura Healey visits Framingham to talk climate, labor challenges