Lawrence Under Water

Yesterday’s Ways and Means hearing failed to produce a consensus on what to do with Governor Patrick’s proposed $35 million bailout bill for the City Of Lawrence. But one thing’s for certain: when the bill does come up for a vote, it must include stronger safeguards to protect the state’s taxpayers, including the immediate assignment of a finance control board with full veto powers to oversee the city’s budget.

Under Patrick’s proposal, the city would be allowed to borrow up to $35 million, while the newly-elected mayor and city council would work hand in hand with an appointed state overseer to try to close the budget shortfall. If they are unable to correct the problem by January 31, 2011, then a finance control board would step in and assume full control of the budget.

The financial obstacles facing Lawrence are considerable: In addition to a $10 million operating deficit, the city is carrying $1.8 milion in debt, a $5 million capital budget deficit, and a $1.6 million shortfall in its health insurance trust fund. It’s also facing $2.5 million in unresolved collective bargaining issues and still has millions of dollars in uncollected taxes oustanding.

Although local officials and Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez went to great lengths to reassure the committee that the struggling city can overcome its financial problems on its own by issuing new municipal bonds, legislators were rightfully concerned the state would be left holding the bag if Lawrence defaults on making its payments. With a $24.5 million deficit, the city can’t afford to take any chances. The Governor’s bill needs some teeth added to it, including provisions to put a finance control board in place immediately.

Mass GOP Statement on Scott Brown’s Victory

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Jennifer Nassour released the following statement regarding Senator-elect Scott Brown’s (R-MA) victory this evening:

“Tonight’s historic, come-from-behind victory by Senator-elect Brown will serve as a blueprint for our Republican candidates running in Massachusetts in 2010 and beyond. His relentless focus on fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and a promise to serve as an independent voice for Bay Staters resonated with not only Republicans, but also independents and Democrats who are tired of politics as usual and one-party rule. It is my sincere hope that Senator-elect Brown will be seated immediately so that he can roll up his sleeves for Massachusetts, and work toward continuing Senator Kennedy’s legendary constituent services.”

An Open Letter To The People of Massachusetts from Scott Brown

Dear Friend,

On Tuesday, we will have a choice in the special election for United States Senate. We can send another rubber stamp to Washington, or we can try something new: We can elect an independent voice for all of Massachusetts — and that’s the United States Senator I promise to be.

The choice we make will send a powerful message to the big spenders in Washington. They need to quit expanding our government and defending wasteful spending, and start expanding this economy and defending our jobs.

Some people say I don’t have all the advantages in this race, and that’s fine by me. Being the underdog has taught me to work harder, and to better appreciate the opportunities of our state and our country.

I’m running because I want to be a voice for people. I’m alarmed that our nation’s spending and debt has risen along with unemployment. I want to stop terrorists who are plotting to strike our country again. And while I believe every American deserves health insurance, I do not think we should plunge ahead with a healthcare bill that will raise taxes, increase spending and lower the quality of care. I’d like to see us start over and take our time to do it right.

These are just some of the challenges facing us. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work. I hope you feel the same sense of urgency as I do. It’s far too important to sit out this election.

I want you to know that no matter what happens on Election Day, I consider myself a winner for having gone through this campaign. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, and I’ve lived here my entire life. But it wasn’t until now that I got a chance to fully appreciate the true spirit of the people of Massachusetts. They are the most patriotic, hard-working and optimistic people in the world. I have come away with a much deeper love and appreciation for them.

For all of that, and for the privilege of meeting with you in your neighborhoods, your homes, and where you work, I thank you.

Scott Brown

Brown Responds To Obama

Today, President Barack Obama mocked Scott Brown references to his personal truck at the rally for Martha Coakley, saying that “everybody can buy a truck.”

Scott Brown responded to Obama’s mockery with the following statement:

Mr. President, unfortunately in this economy, not everybody can buy a truck. My goal is to change that by cutting spending, lowering taxes and letting people keep more of their own money.

Maybe under Obama’s economic plan, everybody is getting a truck…

Martha Coakley: “We Need To Get Taxes Up.”