of the Patrick/Murray Transition Teams
December 27, 2006
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
Being skeptical of all of the campaign promises made by Deval Patrick, I was intrigued by the creation of fifteen groups. Click this link here - www.patrickmurraytransition.org - for more on the specific working groups. The available information includes early reports, meeting transcripts, on-line notes and final reports.
Now that the final reports are available from the many groups, I have read through a few already. There are a few key issues that are present across the board.
(1) Accountability and responsibility. A realization that government needs to be for the people. Effort, work and money must all be spent in efforts to improve life for the citizens of the State. Projects should not exist and be funded based solely on one criteria, but based on a larger 'vision' to create something better.
(2) Technology in and of itself does not make the State and its residents better. Computers, telephones, and other forms of electronics that are being developed by a technologically-advanced Commonwealth, can improve life in Massachusetts - especially given the strong talent-pool from the colleges and universities. However to be successful, the use of technology will require State, Department, Division and City/Town leaders to work to better understand the potential and big picture. Buying new computers every few years is not the answer. Improvement will come when there are clear plans to improve process (and community experience) by designing systems and purchasing the needed new computers.
(3) MONEY. Up and down the line, there are concerns about funds. All entities - state agencies, local aid, education (Chapter 70) funds, counties, higher education, etc... - have desire and plans to demonstrate the need for more money.
I am hopeful that Deval Patrick and Tim Murray will have some strong proposals to bring forward next month as they take office. There are many serious issues in our State, and as the new leaders I expect them to lead. Just hopefully, we will not improve society by raising taxes to fund every conceivable plan. Leaders must choose proposals and plans that they believe are the most critical; and that means some ideas may not be funded immediately.
