Patrick defends record in TV town hall forum
Governor Deval Patrick defended his administration during a live televised town hall forum last night at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Patrick answered 15 questions during the hourlong meeting attended by 300 residents and more who joined via the Twitter online service.
Patrick promised that the economy was "cyclical" and would bounce back, and he vowed not to raise either the state income tax or sales tax.
"We are in a global economic crisis," he told the crowd in his opening remarks. "That crisis has come home to Massachusetts. Now every individual, every family, every not-for-profit, and every business is facing unprecedented challenge and uncertainty."
The forum was structured much like the presidential debates last year. The audience questions were mostly focused on education and transportation.
The first questioner accused the Patrick administration and past governors of dropping the ball on transportation funding.
"It's time to be honest with the people of Massachusetts," said Melrose resident Jonathan Berg. "We're providing new money to the MBTA. At the same time, they are getting a 13.9 percent cost-of-living increase."
Patrick described his plan to combine the state's six transit agencies into one, which he believes would result in "better coordination in the development and implementation of transportation policy."
Several residents asked about education funding at both the high school and college levels. Anya Bowen, a ninth-grader at Boston Latin School, asked the governor what help there was for graduating college students trying to pay off their school loans.
Patrick did not have an answer for graduates, but discussed help for current students, including an increase in federal Pell Grants.
The state is facing a $1 billion budget deficit.
Taxes and tolls came up toward the end of the forum, and Patrick defended a proposed 19-cent increase in the gas tax.
"We sent four bucks a gallon to OPEC last year and got nothing for it," he said. "We're talking about 19 cents for . . . better bridges and safer roads."
There was also a question about the appointment of Senator Marian Walsh to a high-paying post in the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority despite questions about her qualifications and the need to fill the previously vacant position. Patrick said Walsh should be judged on her performance.
John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com. 
