New governor will get big wish list
By G. Michael Dobbs
Managing Editor
Every year I attend the legislative reception presented by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield armed with a question to ask the various elected officials who are there to schmooze with area business people.
Now I have to admit that sometimes I would like to ask a question such as "Was Shemp of the Three Stooges really as bad as some folks say?"
This year's question was far more sensible: what should be the first priority of the Patrick Administration?
I got to as many of the members of the Legislature as I could and I apologize to those I missed.
State Representative Michael Kane (D-Holyoke) had a quick reply to my question: "Communication."
Kane believes that Patrick needs to establish good lines of communication not only with the legislature, but also with his cabinet. Kane quipped this would be different than what has happened during the last four years.
State Representative James Welch (D-West Springfield) believes that Patrick needs to re-open the governor's western office that had been closed by Romney and work on restoring some of the $425 million in cuts to the budget Romney recently made.
State Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield) noted that Patrick through his intensive campaigning "has met the people of Massachusetts" and heard their "hopes and dreams."
Knapik said this should be the basis for an agenda for the governor and the legislative to move forward to fulfill the desires for good jobs, safe neighborhoods and strong cities and towns.
Patrick's "overwhelming victory," Knapik said, has "given him a mandate to rise above politics."
The senator added that he is ready to help Massachusetts reach more national prominence as a great state.
State Representative Sean Curran (D-Springfield) said he wants the governor-elect to put greater emphasis in mid-size cities throughout the entire state.
"Mid-size cities have been ignored," Curran said.
For State Representative Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) there are two main issues: the funding of education and the recently passed healthcare legislation.
"We've got to be sure to allocate sufficient levels of resources [to education]," Wagner said.
The funding and implementation of the healthcare legislation that mandates everyone having some sort of health insurance is of particular concern to Wagner.
"It's one thing to pass a law and it's another thing to make it happen," he said.
Add both of these funding concerns together and Wagner fears there will be a budget gap.
Since it was the Chamber's party, I thought I would be a poor guest if I didn't ask the same question to Russell Denver, the president of the Affiliated Chambers.
Denver quickly gave the governor-elect a list of three must-dos: lower the state's unemployment insurance costs to make Massachusetts a more competitive business environment; work on getting more aid to cities and towns so property taxes can be decreased for more residences and businesses; and develop more affordable housing as major employers find the Bay State's high real estate prices daunting to locating here.
Next year, I'll ask about Shemp. Honest.
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Whenever I go to New York City I am compelled to find an authentic pastrami sandwich. I mourned when my friend Richard Gordon, who lives in the city, told me my favorite restaurant, Wolf's Deli on West 57th Street, had closed down.
I had long given up trying to find a pastrami to measure up to Wolf's until last week when I attended the official grand opening of Rein's Deli in West Springfield.
It was pastrami heaven.
The folks at Rein's had table after table of samples of their menu and I tried more than the pastrami. Everything was delicious.
Congratulations to everyone at Rein's and thanks for the pastrami.
Hey, life is tough great pastrami makes it easier!
***
Professional wrestling is coming to the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive in Chicopee on Dec. 1 and for a contribution to our food drive we'll give you a choice of two tickets per contribution (minimum of three non-perishable items).
Ah, the sport of kings, as Captain Lou Albano used to say, iscoming to town andyou can be there.
I thank everyone who has contributed so far. The pile of cans and boxes in our front office is big, but it could be bigger! Drop off your contributions to Reminder Publications, 280 N. Main St., East Longmeadow during regular business hours.
This column represents the opinions of its author. Send your comments to mdobbs@reminderpublications.com or to 280 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
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