Aug 5, 2008 6:03 pm US/Eastern
Patrick Touts Legislative Accomplishments
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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On Tuesday, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick focused on his administration's legislative accomplishments in these tough times.
WBZ
There is a large deficit, falling gas tax revenues, and dire predictions for the State's fiscal health.
But on Tuesday, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick focused on his administration's legislative accomplishments in these tough times.
Patrick is the first to admit we need to be prepared for "troubled times," nonetheless, the governor defends his plan to borrow millions of dollars to fix roads and bridges.
WBZ's Chief Correspondent Joe Shortsleeve sat down with the governor for 15 minutes Tuesday afternoon. Patrick defended the bridge repair plan -- even though Massachusetts has the highest per capita debt in the country.
Shortsleeve asked the Governor, Is this a good time to be borrowing and borrowing?
The Governor responded. "I am comfortable. We have done the homework, we have done the analysis, it's not about a gut feeling, and it's a financial analysis. We have done that work and we have done it in a very transparent way and a smart way as well. "
The Governor has trouble on several fronts.
The Turnpike Authority is talking about raising tolls again. Now MBTA Executives admit fare increases are all but guaranteed down the road.
The Governor said Tuesday, "obviously, it is concerning that the 'T' is talking about raising fares at a time when people are pinched in so many other ways."
If the governor sees a bright spot in the state's economy -- it's in science - specifically green technology and the life sciences industry. "It's enormously important. It's a 10 year, billion dollar investment in life science industry. Over those ten years we can strengthen our lead in life sciences."
The Governor enjoys a close relationship with presidential candidate Barrack Obama and many people suggest if Obama is elected Patrick will bolt the state.
Shortsleeve asked the Governor if President Barrack Obama calls and asks you come to Washington, What you will say? "I will say Mr. President I am flattered to be asked but I have a job to do here."
The governor says his biggest disappointment was the inability to get home owners property tax relief—something he promised during his campaign.
The Governor also acknowledges the possibility of a deficit as large as one billion dollars. But he says it is not time to panic. He says he will ask the legislature for special power to cut spending across the state if need be.
He also says he has built safe guards into the state's plan to borrow billions of dollars.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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