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Curran: Patrick hasn't forgotten W. Mass

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD - Contrary to some published reports, State Representative Sean Curran (D-Springfield) doesn't think that Governor Deval Patrick has forgotten about Western Massachusetts.

Curran recently met privately with Patrick.

"There is a night and day comparison with [former governor Mitt] Romney," Curran told Reminder Publications. "He is paying attention to Western Massachusetts. We are on his agenda."

Curran said the governor is coming to Springfield in about two weeks to talks about his initiatives and budget. Curran also said the undersecretary of economic development is working on a long-range economic development plan for Springfield.

"What we need is a 10-year vision for Springfield. What we are trying to do is to compete with other states," Curran said.

Curran said that he sees the governor being a partner with the Legislative, something he added that Romney did not do.

There were many things he [Romney] floated but he never lobbied for them," Curran explained.

Patrick is "aggressively meeting with individual legislators. He's talking to us."

Curran also disputed the notion that Patrick is "targeting" particular legislators who may have been critical of him.

"He's lobbying legislators. I don't see that as 'targeting.' Most legislators want to see him succeed. We have a lot of optimism."

Curran spoke specifically with Patrick on the following issues:

  • The importance of strengthening our economic ties to the state of Connecticut and that the two states could collaboratively, by pooling resources, work together to recruit new businesses to the area.

  • Supporting for a $21 million dollar increase to the Springfield Public School system. Curran said the boost would cover the costs associated with the new teacher's contract. Curran also requested $50 million in bond money for capitol improvements to city schools.

  • Uncapping the lottery for a second consecutive year. This would bring state funding to Springfield to about $46 million.


    • Curran also asked the governor to carefully study the effect potential casinos would have on the lottery funds, as Springfield is dependent in the funding.

    "I left the meeting with the impression that Governor Patrick is interested and energized in ensuring that Springfield makes a comeback and that he is going to be an active participant in our revitalization," Curran said.