For lieutenant governor
GOVERNOR ROMNEY'S dismissive treatment of local officials and their budget concerns in 2003 still frustrates Tim Murray, the mayor of Worcester. More than feelings got hurt. Sharp increases in residential property taxes followed the cuts in state aid to cities and towns. Now Murray, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, hopes to become the next governor's liaison to local officials. He is notably qualified to do so. Murray also understands the big picture of state government well enough to assume powers in the event of a governor's absence. The Globe endorses his candidacy in the three-way Democratic primary on Sept. 19.
Murray's best asset is his ability to see the connections among the state's many challenges, including a sluggish economy, high-cost housing, shrinking population, and rising energy and healthcare costs. He promotes better commuter rail service as a way to tackle all of the problems at once. It's a compelling argument laid out in a comprehensive campaign paper, ``Putting Massachusetts Back on Track." An expanded and efficient commuter rail service could help to link the jobs within the Route 128 belt with less expensive housing in the southern, western, and central portions of the state. Better commuter and freight rail service, he argues, is also an effective way to limit vehicle emissions and improve public health.
Murray, who is serving his third two-year term as mayor, argues persuasively for the cleanup and reuse of contaminated industrial properties as a means to increase tax revenues and improve local services. It's an effort that many politicians believe is a legal minefield. But Murray says cleaning up polluted sites is ``not as daunting as people think." The comment is characteristic of the candidate's can-do attitude. The state needs such confident leaders as it competes with other regions for new businesses and jobs.
Murray's base is strongest in Worcester County and outside Route 495 where people know his role in quickening the pace of education reform, smoothing the way for downtown development, and helping to bring stronger leadership to his city's police department. The entire state could benefit from the lessons learned in Worcester.
Murray's promotion of a ``municipal bill of rights," which includes the creation of a municipal Cabinet position in the administration, seems grandiose. With his experience and skill at forming partnerships, Murray shouldn't need to rely on gimmicks to promote a state-local revenue-sharing system that reduces dependence on regressive property taxes.
The next governor will not have direct experience managing the daily operations of cities and towns. Murray's presence at the State House would go a long way toward reducing that deficit. 