They Just Don't Get it (Again)

I cannot say that I’m surprised by Governor Patrick’s decision to support the state sales tax increase. It was another poor decision in a long line of missteps by a leader who had enormous potential and opportunity when he became our State Executive in 2006. I’m fairly certain Governor Patrick’s decision to side with the House and Senate will result in a referendum against him should he choose to run for reelection next year. That is of course if we have some viable candidates (irregardless of party affiliation) who have the political will to stand up and serve.

I had hope that Governor Patrick would fight the good fight for you and me on this one. It would have gone a long way towards reconciling a weakened base of supporters who just a few years ago believed Patrick would also deliver the real transformation his close friend in Washington has made so famous. It makes you wonder if the folks on Beacon Hill will ever hear the shouts for change and the cries for help through the thick concrete and brick-laden walls of the State House.

As I mentioned in my entry (http://www.vineyardtoday.com/blog/jake/they-just-dont-get-it) back in early May, I believe the rate hike to be shortsighted from an economic perspective. It has been noted that this hike (and others) are aimed to help plug the budgetary leak and that a portion of this added revenue will likely filter down to the transportation system, holding off any pending toll hike on the Turnpike. Let us not be shocked if this pause only lasts as long as our next election cycle in 2010. Soon thereafter we may see a bill appear on the floor to raise the tolls. It is how the broken system duct-tapes itself back together again.