BOSTON (WWLP) - A new Massachusetts state flag, seal, and motto are in the works, but not everyone supports the change.

After soliciting submissions from the public, the state released its top three designs, meant to replace the current imagery of a disembodied arm wielding a sword over an indigenous person's head. Gubernatorial candidates Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Kennealy have both weighed in, saying the flag reflects the commonwealth's history and should stay.

Shortsleeve said he hasn't met a single person who supports the change. Notably, a UMass Amherst poll shows that 40% of Bay Staters support the change, with just 33% opposing it. Kennealy called a flag change "an operational nightmare," coming at a time when the state has much more pressing issues to face.

Northampton Senator

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