MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET CUTS AGAIN THIS YEAR!!!!...WHO IS THE DUMB, DUMBER, DUMBEST? THE GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE, OR CITIZENS WHO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ACTUAL CRISIS AND NOT ANOTHER COVERUP? IS THIS ANOTHER MAKE BELIEVE SCHEME TO ONCE AGAIN JUSTIFY INEFFICIENCY, WASTE, OR MISMANAGEMENT FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF GIVING MORE TO THE SPECIAL INTERESTS AND PRESERVING MORE PATRONAGE SPECIAL INTEREST SPENDING FOR INSIDERS AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTERS?
December 30, 2008
Massachusetts Unecessary Budget Cuts Are Another Scheme To Fool The Taxpayers and Citizens
Shame and stupidity prevails on any proposed Massachusetts budget cuts with the Governor cutting budgets even wanting supreme powers to cut at will. This clearly shows an absolute dumbness that only depicts a continual lack of leadership failure with both the House and Senate Leadership enablers being part of the scheme. Unfortunately, most in the media will not report the real facts as always not to antagonize future access to the political elite.
There should be no budget shortfalls and a leaner budget to begin with. Stop feeding the addiction of costly no bid contracts to vendors, providers, and consultants that cost billions of budget taxpayer dollars. Elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse rampant throughout in several budget areas alone could solve any deficiency. Going after the so called underground economy that flourishes in the state alone means billions of additional revenue.
The elimination of unneeded patronage positions will enable the career dedicated workforce to perform their mandated duties on behalf of the taxpayers and citizens of Massachusetts.
Time for a true line item, subsidiary accounts, object codes, and a scheduling state budget filled with true accountability and oversight devices to regain the trust in government by the citizenry.
These are the solutions in plain talk. The bad taste of the Big Dig, Turnpike, Special Interest campaign Contributions, and those who practice personal gain instead of the common good has left citizens to be cynical and have no trust in Massachusetts Government.
Reforms are needed now, not yesterday, or tomorrow. Show us there is indeed a crisis and waste, fraud, and abuse has been eliminated openly and honestly then belief in our government will be restored and the citizens will follow.
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK CONTINUES THE FAILURE OF BOTCHED TRANSPORATION POLICIES FOR THE SPECIAL INTERESTS.....APPOINTMENT OF DISCREDITED JIM ALOISI AS TRANSPORTATION CZAR FRONT PERSON ONLY CONTINUES THE FAILURE OF HIS GURU FRED SALVUCCI THE DESIGNER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BIG DIG SCHEME AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES
December 29,2008
The appointment and those trying to justify Jim Aloisi as Massachusetts Transportation are absolutely wrong. Bad doctors should not be defended by the Medical Society. Likewise, horrific lawyers are not supported by the Bar Association. Therefore, Special Self Interest Transportation lawyers like Jim Aloisi whose most questionable track record should not be supported. Supporting the despicable proven transportation record are his Special Interest Colleagues shows self interest prevails at the expense of the common interest.
Any public relations attempts to give Jim Aloisi credibility only diffuses attention, damage control or cover up of his resume of sharing responsibility for the Massachusetts Transportation failure. The decades Aloisi failed self and special interest resume should have been the basis for his rejection to this position. Governor Patrick who recently appointed a so called Ethics Taskforce has clearly sent a direct message reform and integrity will not be part of his administration. Already, there were questions of judgment of Governor Deval Patrick as revealed in prior held positions for Texaco, Coca Cola, and a paid Board member and advocate for guilty home loan provider Ameriquest.
The issue of Jim Aloisi is all the facts of him being part of the special interest guilty or enabler crowd that knowingly have allowed the Massachusetts Transportation Calamity to what the state is facing today.
Aloisi is a giant in the culture of his mentor and advocate former Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci who plotted the conspiracy of little or no accountability or oversight on the BIG DIG that gave us no bid cost plus Bechtel Parsons private managers with all the construction shoddiness that is an international example in inefficiency, waste and mismanagement. This led to the Big Dig going from the original $2.3 Billion to its current$23 Billion Plus. Recently, Aloisi voted as a member of the Massport Board to give Big Dig Parsons Brinkerhoff Managers a multi million dollar contract after all the carnage of wasteful public dollar spending and unnecessary human tragic suffering. The Aloisi questionable tenure as Turnpike lawyer was a disaster. Aloisi then being hired as a Turnpike private attorney with questionable billings ranging from $600,000 to $1,000,000 further adds to his lack of any credibility. All these issues with his campaign contributions to Governor Patrick and Beacon Hill insiders shows Aloisi stands with the special interests and not for the common good of the citizens of Massachusetts.
If Governor Patrick really wanted to resort to the past and history of what inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement that was part of the Big Dig, Tunnels, and Turnpike, he should have brought back the real manipulator that laid the real ground work for all that is wrong and went wrong for the past several decades in the Massachusetts Transportation infrastructure. That person is MIT Professor and father of the Big Dig, Massachusetts Road and Bridge failure himself, the real Transportation Secretary in or out of office Fred Salvucci and not wannabe protege Jim Aloisi.
The sole issue is the track record of the candidate. The track record of Aloisi is despicable and he should not serve. The original Turnpike and Tunnel Bonds were paid off years ago and the road should have been set free. The Turnpike was advertised of not to pay for the Big Dig that was to be paid with 90% Federal funds and did not leaving Massachusetts citizens responsible. The Massachusetts Legislature and Citizens were deceived. Federal Highway Funds for repairs to Massachusetts roads and bridges were diverted to the Big Dig under the Salvucci doctrine. The previous promised Gas Tax did not fix Massachusetts roads and bridges as also promised. Aloisi was in authority when the devious Salvucci was planning and implementing the conspiracy, silent, fully aware, and did nothing to prevent the Massachusetts Transportation Calamity we face today. Aloisi has lost the faith and trust to manage billions of Transportation Agencies Tax and Toll Dollars.
Jim Aloisi should not even been considered for Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation based on his Special and Self Interest Track Record that has been documented by many already in the media.
December 29,2008
The appointment and those trying to justify Jim Aloisi as Massachusetts Transportation are absolutely wrong. Bad doctors should not be defended by the Medical Society. Likewise, horrific lawyers are not supported by the Bar Association. Therefore, Special Self Interest Transportation lawyers like Jim Aloisi whose most questionable track record should not be supported. Supporting the despicable proven transportation record are his Special Interest Colleagues shows self interest prevails at the expense of the common interest.
Any public relations attempts to give Jim Aloisi credibility only diffuses attention, damage control or cover up of his resume of sharing responsibility for the Massachusetts Transportation failure. The decades Aloisi failed self and special interest resume should have been the basis for his rejection to this position. Governor Patrick who recently appointed a so called Ethics Taskforce has clearly sent a direct message reform and integrity will not be part of his administration. Already, there were questions of judgment of Governor Deval Patrick as revealed in prior held positions for Texaco, Coca Cola, and a paid Board member and advocate for guilty home loan provider Ameriquest.
The issue of Jim Aloisi is all the facts of him being part of the special interest guilty or enabler crowd that knowingly have allowed the Massachusetts Transportation Calamity to what the state is facing today.
Aloisi is a giant in the culture of his mentor and advocate former Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci who plotted the conspiracy of little or no accountability or oversight on the BIG DIG that gave us no bid cost plus Bechtel Parsons private managers with all the construction shoddiness that is an international example in inefficiency, waste and mismanagement. This led to the Big Dig going from the original $2.3 Billion to its current$23 Billion Plus. Recently, Aloisi voted as a member of the Massport Board to give Big Dig Parsons Brinkerhoff Managers a multi million dollar contract after all the carnage of wasteful public dollar spending and unnecessary human tragic suffering. The Aloisi questionable tenure as Turnpike lawyer was a disaster. Aloisi then being hired as a Turnpike private attorney with questionable billings ranging from $600,000 to $1,000,000 further adds to his lack of any credibility. All these issues with his campaign contributions to Governor Patrick and Beacon Hill insiders shows Aloisi stands with the special interests and not for the common good of the citizens of Massachusetts.
If Governor Patrick really wanted to resort to the past and history of what inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement that was part of the Big Dig, Tunnels, and Turnpike, he should have brought back the real manipulator that laid the real ground work for all that is wrong and went wrong for the past several decades in the Massachusetts Transportation infrastructure. That person is MIT Professor and father of the Big Dig, Massachusetts Road and Bridge failure himself, the real Transportation Secretary in or out of office Fred Salvucci and not wannabe protege Jim Aloisi.
The sole issue is the track record of the candidate. The track record of Aloisi is despicable and he should not serve. The original Turnpike and Tunnel Bonds were paid off years ago and the road should have been set free. The Turnpike was advertised of not to pay for the Big Dig that was to be paid with 90% Federal funds and did not leaving Massachusetts citizens responsible. The Massachusetts Legislature and Citizens were deceived. Federal Highway Funds for repairs to Massachusetts roads and bridges were diverted to the Big Dig under the Salvucci doctrine. The previous promised Gas Tax did not fix Massachusetts roads and bridges as also promised. Aloisi was in authority when the devious Salvucci was planning and implementing the conspiracy, silent, fully aware, and did nothing to prevent the Massachusetts Transportation Calamity we face today. Aloisi has lost the faith and trust to manage billions of Transportation Agencies Tax and Toll Dollars.
Jim Aloisi should not even been considered for Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation based on his Special and Self Interest Track Record that has been documented by many already in the media.
JAMES ALOISI, MASSACHUSETTS NEW TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY SIGNALS A NEW DEPTH BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK. HOW CAN PATRICK AND ALOISI STATE THAT PAST WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE WILL NOT CONTINUE? THE CITIZENS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW.
December 23, 2008
The snow storm appointment last Friday of James Aloisi, Massachusetts Transportation Secretary, and all reported on him these past says it all.
All the effort of sincere Citizens and Whistleblowers to monitor and report on transportation waste, fraud and abuse is for nothing. Governor Patrick and Aloisi's Transportation Committee Chairs Senator Steven Baddour and Joseph Wagner will most likely only continue the past practices that led to waste, fraud, and abuse of Taxpayer dollars.
Aloisi is the poster picture of patronage, questionable government contracts, campaign contributions and Specail Interests that will most likely continue if unchecked. The Patrick Adminsistration has reached a new depth and all his talk and appointing a so called Ethics Task Force is once again stating to the citizens there will be no reform efforts.
Massachusetts needs another WARD type commission that came about during the government center scandal to get the real facts, precisely pinpoint blame for current failures to see where the monies went before any toll or gas tax increases. The time is overdue for real accountability and oversight that guarantees no more waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal Highway Monies, Toll and Tunnel Collections, or Gas Taxes.
(Note: Also posted on Boston Magazine Daily Blog)
December 23, 2008
The snow storm appointment last Friday of James Aloisi, Massachusetts Transportation Secretary, and all reported on him these past says it all.
All the effort of sincere Citizens and Whistleblowers to monitor and report on transportation waste, fraud and abuse is for nothing. Governor Patrick and Aloisi's Transportation Committee Chairs Senator Steven Baddour and Joseph Wagner will most likely only continue the past practices that led to waste, fraud, and abuse of Taxpayer dollars.
Aloisi is the poster picture of patronage, questionable government contracts, campaign contributions and Specail Interests that will most likely continue if unchecked. The Patrick Adminsistration has reached a new depth and all his talk and appointing a so called Ethics Task Force is once again stating to the citizens there will be no reform efforts.
Massachusetts needs another WARD type commission that came about during the government center scandal to get the real facts, precisely pinpoint blame for current failures to see where the monies went before any toll or gas tax increases. The time is overdue for real accountability and oversight that guarantees no more waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal Highway Monies, Toll and Tunnel Collections, or Gas Taxes.
(Note: Also posted on Boston Magazine Daily Blog)
Boston Magazine Daily Website Issues Comments on Massachusetts Governor Patrick Pick for Transportation Secretary....This Publication was one of the first to do an investigative series on the Big Dig and received much unfair criticism at the time....They were right.
December 21, 2008
Boston Magazine should be proud for all the investigative work the publication put into to exposing the Big Dig long before the costs escalated from $2.3 Billion to $23+Billion. Your magazine exposed much of the bad designs, inefficiencies, waste, and mismanagement. Boston Magazine listened to those who were sincere and were the Whistleblowers.
We who observed saw Boston Magazine being put under undue pressure by the Big Dig Special Interest Machine and did not buckle. When Boston Magazine did their series on the Big Dig, it the magazine worked both against both Boston Globe and Boston Herald Editorial Boards Interests and many in both Print and Broadcast Media that were in the love in with The Big Dig Public Relations machine and those who would profit. A statement in recent years further corroborated that both Boston Daily Paper Editorial Boards were “in the tank”. This was made by former Boston Globe Columnist and CBS4 Columnist Jon Keller when asked why the Boston Papers did not report more on the Big Dig. Keller even outed former Globe writer David Warsh as a basis for verification.
Jon Strahinch and former Boston Globe Reporter John Coughlin wrote the several investigative reports for Boston Magazine and tediously verified their findings. Their work was not recognized by the decision makers of the time in the Federal and State Government that have become part of the Big Dig international disgrace. The citizens of Massachusetts owe both of them a Profile in Courage Award.
Jim Aloisi was part of that bad Big Dig Culture always seeming to profit by a government patronage position, lobbying, or being paid ridiculously for time as a private attorney. His appointment sends a bad message for government reform, accountability, and oversight in an almost lost war in Massachusetts against Transportation, Waste, Fraud and Abusive Way of life.
(Note: Also. posted on Boston Magazine daily Website)
December 21, 2008
Boston Magazine should be proud for all the investigative work the publication put into to exposing the Big Dig long before the costs escalated from $2.3 Billion to $23+Billion. Your magazine exposed much of the bad designs, inefficiencies, waste, and mismanagement. Boston Magazine listened to those who were sincere and were the Whistleblowers.
We who observed saw Boston Magazine being put under undue pressure by the Big Dig Special Interest Machine and did not buckle. When Boston Magazine did their series on the Big Dig, it the magazine worked both against both Boston Globe and Boston Herald Editorial Boards Interests and many in both Print and Broadcast Media that were in the love in with The Big Dig Public Relations machine and those who would profit. A statement in recent years further corroborated that both Boston Daily Paper Editorial Boards were “in the tank”. This was made by former Boston Globe Columnist and CBS4 Columnist Jon Keller when asked why the Boston Papers did not report more on the Big Dig. Keller even outed former Globe writer David Warsh as a basis for verification.
Jon Strahinch and former Boston Globe Reporter John Coughlin wrote the several investigative reports for Boston Magazine and tediously verified their findings. Their work was not recognized by the decision makers of the time in the Federal and State Government that have become part of the Big Dig international disgrace. The citizens of Massachusetts owe both of them a Profile in Courage Award.
Jim Aloisi was part of that bad Big Dig Culture always seeming to profit by a government patronage position, lobbying, or being paid ridiculously for time as a private attorney. His appointment sends a bad message for government reform, accountability, and oversight in an almost lost war in Massachusetts against Transportation, Waste, Fraud and Abusive Way of life.
(Note: Also. posted on Boston Magazine daily Website)
Savings Could be at least $750 million to $1.5 billiuon+ Alone In The State Budget. .....Massachusetts Non Profits, Not For Profits, and Foundations Must Now Clean UP Their Own Management Greed As WHat Was Exposed In The Banking And Insurance Industry.
December 16, 2008
Government,Foundations, and Citizens all struggling in our nation's failed economy caused by unmonitored corporate financial greed and failed government oversight must show additional compassion and dig deeper into their pocketbooks. Compassion, Care, and Concern are needed to guarantee what is funded is precisely spent as intended.
However, the time has come that the non profits and not for profits be held to a higher standard also. Greed CEO salaries.golden parachutes, fat expense accounts, and interrelated sweetheart contracts must be addressed. Direct care services advertised must be maintained with need sincerity and actually being provided as funded.
Estimates not taking in consideration the $$$$billions in private giving accounts in the state budget alone if waste, fraud, abuse corruption and doing proper oversight could recover $750 Billion+ to $1.5 Billion + alone in State budget Expenditures by holding the non profit and not for profit Human Services Industrial Complex were properly audited and monitored.
December 16, 2008
Government,Foundations, and Citizens all struggling in our nation's failed economy caused by unmonitored corporate financial greed and failed government oversight must show additional compassion and dig deeper into their pocketbooks. Compassion, Care, and Concern are needed to guarantee what is funded is precisely spent as intended.
However, the time has come that the non profits and not for profits be held to a higher standard also. Greed CEO salaries.golden parachutes, fat expense accounts, and interrelated sweetheart contracts must be addressed. Direct care services advertised must be maintained with need sincerity and actually being provided as funded.
Estimates not taking in consideration the $$$$billions in private giving accounts in the state budget alone if waste, fraud, abuse corruption and doing proper oversight could recover $750 Billion+ to $1.5 Billion + alone in State budget Expenditures by holding the non profit and not for profit Human Services Industrial Complex were properly audited and monitored.
Machusaetts Citizenn Group STOP THE PIKE COALITION has offered hope with their mobilization to bring attention to fake increases in the Gas tax, Tunnel and Turnpike Tolls.
December 16, 2008
This group has captivated the hearts and hopes of the citizenry to bring precise attention to fake increases in the Gas Tax, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls. They should not waste their new found credibility by focusing or wasting time on non direct issues they face.
The group has shown they can mobilize the citizens.
Now, it is time to focus on the issue of waste, fraud, and abuse of where previous funds went slated to repair
the state's deteriorating roads and bridges from the previous Gas Tax, Tunnel and Turnpike Tolls that were diverted or used to continue not make the Turnpke free by the Big Dig Special interests in and out of Government.
December 16, 2008
This group has captivated the hearts and hopes of the citizenry to bring precise attention to fake increases in the Gas Tax, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls. They should not waste their new found credibility by focusing or wasting time on non direct issues they face.
The group has shown they can mobilize the citizens.
Now, it is time to focus on the issue of waste, fraud, and abuse of where previous funds went slated to repair
the state's deteriorating roads and bridges from the previous Gas Tax, Tunnel and Turnpike Tolls that were diverted or used to continue not make the Turnpke free by the Big Dig Special interests in and out of Government.
MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE, TUNNEL, AND GAS TAX INCREASE PROPOSALS BEING DONE TO COVER UP INEFFICIENCY, WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE OF THE BIG DIG AND FAILURE TO FIX THE ROADS AND BRIDGES FROM THE PREVIOUS GAS TAX INCREASE?
December 8, 2008
Former longtime Turnpike Chair Jack Driscoll wanted to pay off original bonds to make the road free. His financial promise was not carried out by his successors and they issued more bonds and unnneeded debt. Former House Chair of Transportation and now lobbyist Steven Karol stated in a debate measure before the House to stop legislation that would have guaranteed oversight of the Big Dig that the turnpike would not pay for the Big Dig!
During the heyday of the BIG DIG Karol and his cochair counterpart in the Massachusetts Senate Robert Havern battled against or did not listen to calls for accountability and oversight of the Big Dig. The plague of the Big Dig scheme was birthed by former Democratic Michael Dukais and his Transportation guru Fred Salvucci. Subsequent Republican Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romaney along with their transportation czars Jim Carlin and Jim Kerasiotis elevated the effort to an art form.
This resulted in needed funds to fix unfit roads and bridges coming in from the Federal Government being diverted to the Big Dig. Their tandam efforts saw the Big Dig go from $2.3 Billion to $23+ Billion with almost not accountability and oversight. Massachusetts now has the most expensive unmonitored privitized construction project monument in history built that resulted in waste, fraud, and abuse, and bad construction.
We were promised that the Big Dig would be funded 90% with federal funds and was not. The last gas tax in 1991 was suppose to fix the roads and bridges needing repairs and did not.
Current Transportation Committee heads Senator Baddour and Representative Joseph Wagner need an education wake up call. First, their Transportation Committee should hire its own non political independent structural and civil engineers and an economist to do its own analysis and determine the real needs and not depend on the special interests to set policy. Also, when will Senator Baddour and Representaive Wagner learn that privatization with no accountability that they have allowed does not work? They have not learned from privatization failures of the Big Dig genius of Bechtel Parson or Modern Continental on Rte. 3.
Massachusetts needs another WARD type commission that came about during the government center scandal to get the real facts, precisely pinpoint blame for current failures to see where the monies went before any toll or gas tax increases. The time is overdue for real accountability and oversight that guarantees no more waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal Highway Monies, Toll and Tunnel Collections, or Gas Taxes.
December 8, 2008
Former longtime Turnpike Chair Jack Driscoll wanted to pay off original bonds to make the road free. His financial promise was not carried out by his successors and they issued more bonds and unnneeded debt. Former House Chair of Transportation and now lobbyist Steven Karol stated in a debate measure before the House to stop legislation that would have guaranteed oversight of the Big Dig that the turnpike would not pay for the Big Dig!
During the heyday of the BIG DIG Karol and his cochair counterpart in the Massachusetts Senate Robert Havern battled against or did not listen to calls for accountability and oversight of the Big Dig. The plague of the Big Dig scheme was birthed by former Democratic Michael Dukais and his Transportation guru Fred Salvucci. Subsequent Republican Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romaney along with their transportation czars Jim Carlin and Jim Kerasiotis elevated the effort to an art form.
This resulted in needed funds to fix unfit roads and bridges coming in from the Federal Government being diverted to the Big Dig. Their tandam efforts saw the Big Dig go from $2.3 Billion to $23+ Billion with almost not accountability and oversight. Massachusetts now has the most expensive unmonitored privitized construction project monument in history built that resulted in waste, fraud, and abuse, and bad construction.
We were promised that the Big Dig would be funded 90% with federal funds and was not. The last gas tax in 1991 was suppose to fix the roads and bridges needing repairs and did not.
Current Transportation Committee heads Senator Baddour and Representative Joseph Wagner need an education wake up call. First, their Transportation Committee should hire its own non political independent structural and civil engineers and an economist to do its own analysis and determine the real needs and not depend on the special interests to set policy. Also, when will Senator Baddour and Representaive Wagner learn that privatization with no accountability that they have allowed does not work? They have not learned from privatization failures of the Big Dig genius of Bechtel Parson or Modern Continental on Rte. 3.
Massachusetts needs another WARD type commission that came about during the government center scandal to get the real facts, precisely pinpoint blame for current failures to see where the monies went before any toll or gas tax increases. The time is overdue for real accountability and oversight that guarantees no more waste, fraud, and abuse of Federal Highway Monies, Toll and Tunnel Collections, or Gas Taxes.
WORCESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASES PUBLIC RECORDS TO THE WORCESTER TELEGRAM AFTER LONG BATTLE
December 8, 2008
FYI-I am enclosing a news article from the Worcester Telegram about their tedious efforts to obtain Public records relative to allegations of Police Overtime Abuse and an Internal Affairs Issue. My concerns in my comment are the administration and implementation Public Records Laws. The Media and citizenry should not be victims because of the failure by the office of Attorney General and Secretary of State to enforce and prosecute Public records laws in a rapid and comprehensive manner. The barriers and hurdles the media and citizens face to obtain Public Records must be improved by stronger administration and enforcement.
FROM: John Gatti Jr,
Reader Comments
Transparency and Openness in Government must be practiced at all times.
Inefficiency, waste, and management in Government expenditures cannot be tolerated. However,if the goal of the media is sensational tabloid journalism, that also cannot be tolerated and civil rights of public employees must be honored.
What this public records request brings out is what some have been stating for years relative to Massachusetts Public Records Laws.
These laws are not being enforced and implemented. The past two Attorney Generals Harshbarger, Reilly, and now Coakley do not even handily enforce or routinely dismiss this law. Former Secretary of State Connolly and now successor Galvin cannot obtain even handed prosecution from the Office of Attorney General when a judged violation occurs. Public Records Supervisor Alan Cote decision making process is impotent at best.
This case clearly shows government failure to make judgements on public records disclosure on a definitive basis one way or another. Massachusetts desperately needs a Freedom of Information Commission to make rapid judgements on what are Public Records and what are not.
Most troubling to those of us that deal daily with public access is the time,effort,and expense the Telegram has gone through on this issue to obtain a resolution. This brings the pertinent point that how many other denials of access the Telegram, all media, and citizens who lack the financial means to pursue access then face a stone wall, tire and stop.
Another serious flaw and locally is the political discrimination manner that District Attorneys selectively administer Open Meeting Laws. Our local District Attorney Attorney Joseph D.Early Jr is a prime example violator.
Calls for strong reform and implementation for Public Records,Open Meeting, Whistleblower, and Shield laws continuely are dismissed by Government leaders. The Media and Citizens must have a strong outcry to save our Press Freedoms and Free Speech.
-John Gatti Jr
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 8, 2008
T&G to receive officer’s records
File on cop more than 1,500 pages
By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
scroteau@telegram.com
WORCESTER— The internal affairs records of Police Officer Mark A. Rojas will be turned over to the Telegram & Gazette by tomorrow, City Manager Michael V. O’Brien said yesterday.
Last week, Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said the records were not going to be released on Wednesday — the day he said they were going to be turned over — because a lawyer for the patrolmen’s union asked to review the 1,508-page file.
The chief agreed to postpone the release until at least Thursday, but Mr. O’Brien said yesterday the records will be available tomorrow.
“The chief informed me today (Sunday) that the T&G’s FOIA request for Officer Rojas’s employment file will have all internal reviews complete by Tuesday, December 9, 2008 and will have this set for pick up by the close of business on the ninth,” Mr. O’Brien said. “I trust this will bring closure to this matter.”
Mr. O’Brien said the chief contacted the patrolmen’s union and those officials are aware of the timetable.
The T&G initially requested copies of citizen complaints against Officer Rojas in April. The Police Department was paid $1,500 for the records Aug. 28.
Police spokesman Sgt. Kerry F. Hazelhurst said a lawyer for the New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 wouldn’t be able to review the redacted file until Thursday.
“I stated from the outset that this particular request is rife with extraordinary circumstances. As you know, there is an external investigation under way regarding overtime abuse allegations, tying up internal resources to properly support this effort,” Mr. O’Brien said. “This FOIA request also required more due diligence than is typical, for it an extensive employment file over 1,500 pages containing active criminal investigations, witnesses, whistleblowers and other sensitive law enforcement information that cannot be released.”
The Police Department released a sample of the records recently. One page was completed blacked out and another had several redactions.
December 8, 2008
FYI-I am enclosing a news article from the Worcester Telegram about their tedious efforts to obtain Public records relative to allegations of Police Overtime Abuse and an Internal Affairs Issue. My concerns in my comment are the administration and implementation Public Records Laws. The Media and citizenry should not be victims because of the failure by the office of Attorney General and Secretary of State to enforce and prosecute Public records laws in a rapid and comprehensive manner. The barriers and hurdles the media and citizens face to obtain Public Records must be improved by stronger administration and enforcement.
FROM: John Gatti Jr,
Reader Comments
Transparency and Openness in Government must be practiced at all times.
Inefficiency, waste, and management in Government expenditures cannot be tolerated. However,if the goal of the media is sensational tabloid journalism, that also cannot be tolerated and civil rights of public employees must be honored.
What this public records request brings out is what some have been stating for years relative to Massachusetts Public Records Laws.
These laws are not being enforced and implemented. The past two Attorney Generals Harshbarger, Reilly, and now Coakley do not even handily enforce or routinely dismiss this law. Former Secretary of State Connolly and now successor Galvin cannot obtain even handed prosecution from the Office of Attorney General when a judged violation occurs. Public Records Supervisor Alan Cote decision making process is impotent at best.
This case clearly shows government failure to make judgements on public records disclosure on a definitive basis one way or another. Massachusetts desperately needs a Freedom of Information Commission to make rapid judgements on what are Public Records and what are not.
Most troubling to those of us that deal daily with public access is the time,effort,and expense the Telegram has gone through on this issue to obtain a resolution. This brings the pertinent point that how many other denials of access the Telegram, all media, and citizens who lack the financial means to pursue access then face a stone wall, tire and stop.
Another serious flaw and locally is the political discrimination manner that District Attorneys selectively administer Open Meeting Laws. Our local District Attorney Attorney Joseph D.Early Jr is a prime example violator.
Calls for strong reform and implementation for Public Records,Open Meeting, Whistleblower, and Shield laws continuely are dismissed by Government leaders. The Media and Citizens must have a strong outcry to save our Press Freedoms and Free Speech.
-John Gatti Jr
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 8, 2008
T&G to receive officer’s records
File on cop more than 1,500 pages
By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
scroteau@telegram.com
WORCESTER— The internal affairs records of Police Officer Mark A. Rojas will be turned over to the Telegram & Gazette by tomorrow, City Manager Michael V. O’Brien said yesterday.
Last week, Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said the records were not going to be released on Wednesday — the day he said they were going to be turned over — because a lawyer for the patrolmen’s union asked to review the 1,508-page file.
The chief agreed to postpone the release until at least Thursday, but Mr. O’Brien said yesterday the records will be available tomorrow.
“The chief informed me today (Sunday) that the T&G’s FOIA request for Officer Rojas’s employment file will have all internal reviews complete by Tuesday, December 9, 2008 and will have this set for pick up by the close of business on the ninth,” Mr. O’Brien said. “I trust this will bring closure to this matter.”
Mr. O’Brien said the chief contacted the patrolmen’s union and those officials are aware of the timetable.
The T&G initially requested copies of citizen complaints against Officer Rojas in April. The Police Department was paid $1,500 for the records Aug. 28.
Police spokesman Sgt. Kerry F. Hazelhurst said a lawyer for the New England Police Benevolent Association Local 911 wouldn’t be able to review the redacted file until Thursday.
“I stated from the outset that this particular request is rife with extraordinary circumstances. As you know, there is an external investigation under way regarding overtime abuse allegations, tying up internal resources to properly support this effort,” Mr. O’Brien said. “This FOIA request also required more due diligence than is typical, for it an extensive employment file over 1,500 pages containing active criminal investigations, witnesses, whistleblowers and other sensitive law enforcement information that cannot be released.”
The Police Department released a sample of the records recently. One page was completed blacked out and another had several redactions.
Massachusetts Republican Senate Leader Richard Tisei who did little or nothing when Republican Governors led the State now wants Ethics Reform under a Democratic Governor!
December 6,2008
I congratulate Senator Tisei, Minority Leader of the Republicans in the Massachusetts State Senate for coming almost too late to the issue of ethics reform? Senator Tisei said nothing and did nothing when Republican Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney were in charge and doing their wasteful unaccountable deeds of tax dollars thatlacked oversight on the Big Dig, Human Sevices, Consultants, Vendors, and Providers. He was there and watched the Governors of his party making the Big Dig costs go from #2.3 Billion to $23 billion that was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Now there is no Republicans no longer control and he wants to become a taxpayer watchdog?
This Task Force was appointed at this time especially in light of the current Beacon Hill Scandals does appear as damage control. Their failure will be apparent with cursory recommendations that will come forward amount to only window dressing.
Look at the some names on this so called task force Charles Baker Jr., Scott Harshbarger, and Representative James Fagan! All had a part in the Big Dig fiasco that went from$2.3 Billion to $23 Billion that was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. This project was the largest construction cost construction project in history.
Does more need to be said about their watch and responsibilities? The Governor appointed this group and his person was named chair! Done deal, can this bring real reform? more political posturing and not real reforms?
The time has come for an independent government reform organization that should be installed and more independent than the WARD Commission that was formed during the Government Center Scandal. Maybe this time around the recommendations will be folllowed. Stop fooling the citizenry.
Time for a Governor and Legislature of both parties to disinfect their act and become true statesman.
December 6,2008
I congratulate Senator Tisei, Minority Leader of the Republicans in the Massachusetts State Senate for coming almost too late to the issue of ethics reform? Senator Tisei said nothing and did nothing when Republican Governors Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney were in charge and doing their wasteful unaccountable deeds of tax dollars thatlacked oversight on the Big Dig, Human Sevices, Consultants, Vendors, and Providers. He was there and watched the Governors of his party making the Big Dig costs go from #2.3 Billion to $23 billion that was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Now there is no Republicans no longer control and he wants to become a taxpayer watchdog?
This Task Force was appointed at this time especially in light of the current Beacon Hill Scandals does appear as damage control. Their failure will be apparent with cursory recommendations that will come forward amount to only window dressing.
Look at the some names on this so called task force Charles Baker Jr., Scott Harshbarger, and Representative James Fagan! All had a part in the Big Dig fiasco that went from$2.3 Billion to $23 Billion that was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. This project was the largest construction cost construction project in history.
Does more need to be said about their watch and responsibilities? The Governor appointed this group and his person was named chair! Done deal, can this bring real reform? more political posturing and not real reforms?
The time has come for an independent government reform organization that should be installed and more independent than the WARD Commission that was formed during the Government Center Scandal. Maybe this time around the recommendations will be folllowed. Stop fooling the citizenry.
Time for a Governor and Legislature of both parties to disinfect their act and become true statesman.
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