Editorial: For the Legislature

GHS
Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 12:45 AM

Question 1, the ballot initiative repealing the state income tax, isn't just a bad idea. It is a symptom of a disillusionment with state government that runs deep in the Massachusetts electorate.

This public cynicism has grown over the last several decades, fueled by a series of failures: Cost overruns on the Big Dig; the Legislature's rejection of voter-approved initiatives; rising Mass. Pike tolls; state employee pension scams. Each is a separate story, but together they have undermined confidence in state government.

Many are responsible for this problem, none more so than the state Legislature. There are some fine legislators, and the body often gets things right, but there is an entrenched culture on Beacon Hill and throughout state government that feeds negative perceptions.

The Legislature's institutional shortcomings stem in part from its domination by Democrats. There are just 19 Republicans in the 160-member House and five in the 40-member Senate. Unchecked power leads to arrogance, secrecy and cronyism. Taking care of friends and allies becomes more important than accountability and oversight.

We've seen this dysfunction in the last two years. The Legislature's Democratic leaders, with no statewide mandate of their own, have refused to even let some of the governor's top priorities come up for a vote. The House budget process played out behind closed doors, amid reports that appropriations were being used as chits in an insiders' game of who'll succeed Sal DiMasi as speaker. The result was a spending spree at a time when there were ample signs that the economy was falling and would take state revenue projections with it - followed by what will likely be the worst fiscal crisis state and local government have experienced in decades.

Fixing Beacon Hill will require, among other things, more Republicans. A vigorous opposition party can open the process, present alternatives and help ensure proposals are debated, not just gaveled through. It takes five senators to force a roll call vote, the minimum requirement for accountability, and 16 representatives. That could be lost in a Democratic sweep on Nov. 4.

These thoughts guide our endorsements in this year's legislative races. As always, we look for candidates who have experience at the state or local level, who will serve their districts, who can work effectively with MetroWest legislators of all parties on issues of importance to the region, who are committed to bringing more transparency and accountability to Beacon Hill.

There is no Democratic or Republican way to deliver constituent services. Party is secondary when it comes to serving the needs of the district. No district should be saddled with poor representation just for the sake of tipping the partisan balance in the Legislature. But between two equally qualified candidates, we put a thumb on the scale this year in favor of Republicans.

Here are our endorsements:

* State Senate, Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex: Republican SCOTT BROWN is an articulate leader of the minority party who has worked across the aisle on issues like Metco funding, environmental protection, Mass. Pike tolls and veterans issues. His 10 years experience in the House and Senate, following service as an assessor and selectman in Wrentham, trumps that of his Democratic opponent, Sara Orozco, who is seeking her first public office.

* State Senate, Middlesex and Worcester: During his three terms in the House, Democrat JAMIE ELDRIDGE, has established a reputation as an independent voice, an advocate for reform and an effective coalition-builder. His opponent, Republican Steven Levy, brings experience as an accountant and Marlborough City Council member to the race, but we believe Eldridge shows more leadership potential.

* House, 8th Middlesex: The race to succeed Republican Rep. Paul Loscocco features two attractive candidates. Democrat Carolyn Dykema, a Holliston Planning Board member, would be another fine voice in a large Democratic chorus. Our scale tips to Republican DAN HALEY, former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, who has a keen eye for how Beacon Hill works and good ideas on how a moderate Republican can serve both the district and the state.

* House, 4th Middlesex: Democrat Danielle Gregoire served ably as Rep. Steve LeDuc's aide before he resigned earlier this year and has filled in for him since, but her experience outside the State House halls is limited. Republican ARTHUR VIGEANT, a CPA who has served 15 years on the Marlborough City Council, brings an understanding of small business and municipal government that would give him a strong voice in the House.

* House, 13th Middlesex: This is a rematch from two years ago, when Democrat Tom Conroy unseated Republican SUSAN POPE. Conroy has expertise in economic development - in his other job, he's an international business consultant - he hopes will vault him into a leadership role. We're more impressed by Pope's experience as a Wayland selectman, school committee member and current finance committee member. In 10 years in the House, she always put the needs of her district and her constituents first.

* House, 4th Middlesex: Democratic activist Kate Hogan speaks passionately about economic and environmental issues, but Republican SONNY PARENTE brings four years' experience as a Hudson selectman, a commitment to helping people and a lot of creative energy.

T&G choices

Candidates must have tools to tackle fiscal challenges

In the current economic climate the Statehouse needs a mix of seasoned, fiscally responsible lawmakers and fiscally savvy newcomers who are sensitive to local needs. Also needed are lawmakers who work across party lines to build a new ethic of transparency and accountability. With that in mind, the Telegram & Gazette offers the following recommendations for legislative races in Central Massachusetts:

SENATE

Both candidates in the 2nd Worcester District are sitting selectmen with strong records of local service and community ties. Democrat Michael O. Moore’s more than 20 years as a state environmental police officer, work in criminal justice, familiarity with the political process through work on behalf of Democratic candidates, and his strong record of financial accountability and spending restraint in Millbury make him the stronger candidate.

In the Middlesex & Worcester District, Republican Steven L. Levy, a Marlboro city councilor and professional accountant who has helped guide the city to fiscal stability in recent years, offers valuable skills in fiscally troubled times. His commitment to protecting local aid, keeping budgets in check and electing “more accountants and fewer lawyers” make him a promising choice.

HOUSE

In the 7th and 8th Worcester districts, a pair of reliable incumbents — Democrat Paul Kujawski of Webster and Republican Paul K. Frost of Auburn — have earned re-election. Both men are moderate, fiscally responsible and respected legislators who understand their communities and work effectively on behalf of their constituents.

First-term Democrat Geraldo Alicea of Charlton has been an effective voice in the 6th Worcester District. He has been an advocate for the Southbridge “Cops and Kids” program, helped Southbridge obtain more than $700,000 in state reimbursement for the purchase of surplus state land, and brings his experience as a probation officer to his committee assignments on public safety and mental health.

Spencer Democrat Anne M. Gobi also has been a voice of moderation in Boston. A member of the powerful Ways and Means committee, she nonetheless has parted from the House leadership on issues of special interest to her constituents in the 5th Worcester District, including opposition to hikes in the cigarette tax and hunting license fees. She is a leader on issues such as renewable energy and the preservation of the state’s dairy farms.

Voters have interesting choices for four open House seats:

For the 3rd Middlesex District being vacated by Patricia A. Walrath, we recommend Republican Sonny Parente of Hudson. A local business owner and selectman, he has faced difficult budget choices on the local level and vows to bring that fiscal sensibility to Beacon Hill and push for greater accountability in state contracting.

Republican Arthur Vigeant’s solid record as Marlboro city councilor and fiscal acumen make him easily the right pick for the open 4th Middlesex District seat. In 15 years as councilor and council president, he has effectively promoted economic development and open-space preservation and used his skills as a certified public accountant to strengthen the city’s finances.

Voters in the 8th Middlesex District will choose between two Holliston candidates with solid credentials. We give the edge to Republican Dan Haley, who has staked out a clear position against increased taxation and pledges to bring an independent, business-friendly and fiscally responsible voice to Boston. His experiences as a campaign worker in Washington and special assistant district attorney in Middlesex County also bode well for his ability to tackle entrenched bureaucracies.

In the 37th Middlesex District, Democrat Jen Benson of Lunenburg has proved to be an effective leader. As a school committee member she has made difficult choices to contain costs, helping to develop a zero-based budgeting process and rebuilding frayed relations among town boards. She would bring a conciliatory and moderate voice on issues such as charter schools, special education funding and realistic budgeting.

The Telegram & Gazette can only make recommendations. The endorsement that truly counts is that of engaged residents who cast their votes on Nov. 4.

Beacon Hill picks

By Boston Herald Editorial Staff
Monday, October 27, 2008

Incumbency sure has its privileges and never has that been more apparent than on the state ballot in Massachusetts.

There are only nine contested races in the 40-seat Senate.

And of the 160 House seats only 42 are contested.

Sure it makes our job easier. But in the interest of a thriving democracy we certainly hope this is the low point.

The Herald is pleased to endorse Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Wrentham for re-election in the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district.

Brown is one of a tiny band of GOP senators who endeavor to hold back the majority tide - voices that take the Democratic leadership to task on spending and, in this budget cycle, the only votes to sustain many of Gov. Deval Patrick’s modest vetoes. The Senate can’t afford to lose any one of those voices of reason.

In the Second Suffolk District, the Herald supports Sonia Chang-Diaz of Jamaica Plain, who defeated Sen. Dianne Wilkerson in the Democratic primary but is fending off Wilkerson’s silly sticker campaign (and a Socialist Workers Party candidate) in the general.

While Chang-Diaz’s policy positions differ dramatically from this newspaper’s she brings fresh perspective and a clean record that will serve her constituents well.

On the House side, meanwhile, the Herald recommends Republican Dan Haley of Holliston to replace outgoing Rep. Paul Loscocco in the Eight Middlesex district. While serving as a lawyer in the Romney administration Haley, former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, drafted the anti-drunk driving bill that became Melanie’s Law. A lawyer in private practice he understands the State House better than another freshman rep might and has pledged to fight the closed-door culture that plagues Beacon Hill.

Voters in the Fourth Middlesex district should give the nod to Republican Arthur Vigeant, a longtime Marlborough city councilor who would bring a voice of fiscal sanity to the House.

While it’s true that it’s a slow year for legislative races, no contest is too small for voters to turn their attention to.

Perhaps future candidates will look at that long list of unchallenged incumbents - and find inspiration.

Governor Cellucci Hosts Vigeant Event

On Wednesday, October 1 former Governor and Ambassador A. Paul Cellucci hosted a fundraising event for Arthur at the Holiday Inn in Marlborough.

To view more photos, visit the "Photo Gallery" page on our website.

2008 Heritage Hero

Arthur was featured in last week's Main Street Journal, a local newspaper in Marlborough. He joined Heritage Festival Committee member Elizabeth Gowaski and Chamber of Commerce President Susanne Morreale Leeber at a press conference to bid farewell to the retiring Labor Day Parade Director George Whapham, who was named the 2008 Heritage Hero.

Mayor orders precautionary spending freeze

Mayor orders precautionary spending freeze
By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff
Tue Sep 30, 2008, 06:38 AM EDT


MARLBOROUGH -
Mayor Nancy Stevens has ordered a spending freeze on all noncontractual items - a precaution during unstable economic times for the state and the country.

The city is in good financial shape, but the picture at the state and federal levels remains unclear, Stevens said.

"I think it's the fiscally responsible thing to do," she said. "I think it's the right thing."

With state revenue projected to be down, Gov. Deval Patrick may make cuts in the future. In addition, the impact of the nationwide economic difficulties on the local level is unknown, Stevens said.

"It is purely a precautionary measure. We are in great shape," Stevens said of the city.

The freeze, instituted last week, was the correct move, City Council President Arthur Vigeant said.

"I think it's prudent to see what's going to happen," he said. "Locally, we're fine. If we do get some cuts from local aid, that changes things."

Stevens said she now has to approve any items that are not contractually obligated, such as repairs, maintenance work and other purchases.

Items such as necessary repairs will get done, but additional supply orders can be put off, Vigeant said.

"We're not taking anything away," he said. "There is just one extra step to the process."

Stevens said she typically institutes a spending freeze in January for about two or three weeks. At that time, departments look at how they stand halfway through the fiscal year.

Stevens did not put an end date on this freeze.

Vigeant said he expects some cuts and the city must prepare for them.

The Legislature may give Patrick the authority to make "9C" cuts. The term "9C" or Massachusetts General Laws - Chapter 29 - refers to steps the executive branch can take to ensure a balanced budget when projected revenues fall short of projections.

Vigeant said he expects that to happen after the election.

"I'm just hoping they're cuts we can sustain," Vigeant said. The city might be able to absorb smaller cuts into the budget, but it would be difficult to deal with decreases in such items as education funding, he said.

"We're just being very cautious going forward," Vigeant said.

Stevens said her work with other city offices is a collaborative process and believes the department heads trust her opinion. Stevens may call a department head meeting in the next week.

"I would not institute this if I didn't believe it was necessary," Stevens said. "I want to continue to be in the position we're in, which is a financially stable position."


(Paul Crocetti can be reached at 508-490-7453 or pcrocett@cnc.com.)

Mr. Main Street

Mr. Main Street
Arthur Vigeant, 50, president, Marlborough City Council

(BILL POLO/GLOBE STAFF)
August 16, 2007

Mayor Nancy Stevens may be the official face of Marlborough, but the image that the city has presented to the public lately has increasingly come to resemble its powerful City Council president, Arthur Vigeant.

Blunt-spoken, conservative, and pro-business, Vigeant has pushed a variety of measures that, for better or for worse, have put Marlborough at the center of public debate over issues of immigration, education, and even civic civility. And the city has followed his lead. Vigeant recently pressed for the US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to open a branch office in the city to discourage illegal immigrants from settling there. Not long after, the city's School Committee passed a measure, criticized by immigration advocates, requiring parents to show three proofs of residency before their children would be allowed into the Marlborough schools.

Former mayor Mike Hogan said Vigeant's influence stems from his stature as the city's longest-serving public official and as a consistent vote-getter come election time. Hogan also said that Vigeant's deep family roots and his local business ventures give him a home-field advantage.

"He's constantly seeing people in the post office and at local restaurants," said Hogan, who is now president and chief executive of the giant A.D. Makepeace cranberry company. "When you're always there, you have a different seat at the table."

© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.