Oct 4, 2008 12:57 pm US/Eastern
Biography: Gov. Deval Patrick
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Gov. Deval Patrick on Aug. 5, 2008.
WBZ
Deval Patrick was elected
Governor of Massachusetts on Nov. 7, 2006, becoming the first African American to hold that office.
Prior to being elected governor, Patrick, 52, was a U.S. Assistant Attorney General under President Bill Clinton. Before that he worked as an attorney and businessman.
Read: Patrick's State Of State Speech, Highlighting Jobs, Education
While In Office:
State Budget Cuts
In October of 2008, Patrick announced his plan to push a series of
spending cuts and reforms (pdf)-- including dismantling the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority -- after state revenues fell $223 million short of expectations in the first quarter.
His ambitious budget plan also includes reforming the
State and MBTA pension systems.
Casino Gambling
Patrick has been an advocate for legalizing casino gambling in the state of Massachusetts, citing the benefits of desperately needed state revenues.
Patrick's plan to license
three resort casinos, which he says will create 20,000 jobs and generate $400 million in annual revenues, also includes property tax credits for homeowners and funding to fix crumbling roads and bridges throughout the state.
Read Governor's Casino Plan Report Shows Casino Projections Hit, Miss Mark
His
bill was defeated in the spring of 2008 with the help of
House Speaker Sal Dimasi. Patrick has not said if he plans to reintroduce the casino proposal.
Controversies:
Police Details
In September of 2008, Patrick passed a bill that allowed civilian detail workers to replace paid police officer details at roadside construction projects, setting off a controversy among police officers and their union. The new law also means a loss of income for local police officers.
Police Detail Issue Pits Union Against Patrick
Book DealIn Spring 2008, Patrick signed a $1.3 million book deal. The deal sparked controversy because he was promoting the deal in New York while his casino bill was being defeated on Beacon Hill.
Patrick Makes No Apologies For Book Deal
Patrick's Key Priorities
Education
In June of 2008, Patrick unveiled an
education reform that would essentially overhaul public education in Massachusetts, including a longer school year, a longer school day and possibly free community colleges.
Patrick Focuses On Education During Convention SpeechJobs and Economy
Mass Solar Project Darkens Bright Economy
The Tattooed Ladies of Hollywood
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