Closed-Door Deval

For a guy who said he was against slogans and gimmicks, Deval Patrick is getting awfully close to becoming synonymous with the words “close-door.” Heck, even a holiday reception for lawmakers being held today is closed-door. As the governor-elect continues to appoint already-insiders to his team of advisers, there is growing concern that the he is already in bed with the legislature.

Patrick yesterday tapped DiMasi’s State House spokesman, Kyle Sullivan, to join his team of press aides. The team will be led by Nancy Fernandez Mills, 59, a former national correspondent for NBC News who will serve as Patrick’s communications director and deputy chief of staff.

“He’s going to try to buy off the Legislature,” GOP Strategist Holly Robichaud said yesterday. “It’s a major sign that he hired someone right out of Sal DiMasi’s office. This is not a new way of doing things.”

Members of Deval’s team brushed off any criticism about the closed-door meeting today.

Patrick transition officials say the closed-door meeting with lawmakers Thursday is part of an effort to establish a rapport with each member of the Legislature.

“He needs to make a statement that he’s willing to work with an equal branch of government,” said Steven Crosby, dean of the McCormick Graduate School of Policy at University of Massachusetts. “For the most part, I think he will find a willing audience.”

Is Mr. Patrick unable to establish a rapport with doors open, or he just wants to keep his deals with legislators secret?

Aaron Margolis is a life long resident of the Bay State, and works at an architectural firm north of Boston. Aaron has a Master of Architecture Degree from Boston Architectural College and is currently in the process of becoming of a Registered Architect.