Romney assails rally by Newton firefighters
Governor Mitt Romney, angered by a labor protest by Newton firefighters Wednesday that snarled traffic for miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike, said yesterday that if they stage such an event again, he would call in State Police to arrest demonstrators who break the law.
Romney said the rush-hour protest in Newton Corner, part of a long-running dispute over a new firefighters' contract, created a threat to public safety. Next time, he said, he will order State Police to pull picketers off the street.
''It's my understanding that in the future, if an event of that nature occurs, that I can direct the State Police to step in and clear the disturbance and, if necessary, make arrests," Romney said at a news conference after introducing his education plan. ''And that's what I intend to do."
The governor added, ''People standing in the middle of a roadway and inconveniencing thousands upon thousands of people, potentially putting lives at risk and causing accidents in the backup that occurs, [is] unacceptable."
Romney, a Republican, has been a regular critic of labor unions, which tend to support Democratic politicians. He has accused teachers' unions, for example, of blocking what he says are important reforms in education.
Romney said his willingness to arrest the firefighters in Newton stemmed from his responsibility for safety in Massachusetts.
''I take that responsibility very seriously," he said.
The protest began about 7:15 a.m., when dozens of firefighters gathered at Newton Corner to criticize Mayor David B. Cohen because they have worked without a contract for more than two years.
The firefighters held signs reading, ''Mayor Cohen is unfair to Newton firefighters," and ''Sorry for the inconvenience. Call Mayor Cohen."
The traffic backup, which was also in part a result of accidents and solar glare, stretched to Interstate 495 and grew as the two-hour picket went on.
The union president, Fran Capello, declined to comment on Romney's remarks. Asked about the protest Wednesday, Capello said, ''We hated doing it. It doesn't make us look good [and] I understand why people are upset."
Newton firefighters have picketed before, including protests at several hotels during the Democratic National Convention. But this demonstration had the biggest impact. They do not need a permit for such rallies, according to the mayor's office.
A Newton Police Department spokesman, Lieutenant Bruce Apotheker, said the department had not heard Romney's remarks, and would have no comment. He said the police did deploy officers to the scene.
Cohen welcomed Romney's comments yesterday. ''I concur with Governor Romney about the unfortunate consequences of the firefighters' actions, and we are taking this situation very seriously," Cohen, a Democrat, said in a statement sent by e-mail.
A new sick-leave policy remains one of the most contentious issues. The policy requires firefighters who call in sick to see a physician on the same day. They must provide a note verifying the reason for their absence within 14 days, or their pay may be docked.
Matt Viser of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Scott Helman can be reached at shelman@globe.com. 
