Massachusetts Whistleblower at Oversight Watch Massachusetts

2012-02-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

BOSTON MAYOR THOMAS MENINO PROPOSING ANOTHER MASSACHUSETTS GAS TAX INCREASE FRAUD---Boston, Massachusetts Mayor Thomas Menino wants to increase the state gas tax previously raised not used to allegedly fix the crumbling roads and bridges and give funds to the debt mismanaged mass transit system.....game is on to fool the taxpayers again.....the last gas tax increase did not do what was promised and now Menino and his staff want more.....NO at $3.50 goimg to $4.00 , and potentially $5,00 a gallon already for gas...FOOLISH AND UN CREDITABLE.

I am most disappointed in any support of a Gas Tax Increase without stating the facts and history of how previous ones were spent. At least look at the issue in total and present all the facts and history of where the gas tax increases went before demanding any gas tax or allowing any toll increases.

The former chair of the House Transportation Committee Representative Steven J. Karol stated in a contentious debate on the House Floor in May 1990 that no Turnpike funds would be used to pay for the Big Dig. This took place to approve legislation many were involved that already passed the Senate which would have provided oversight and accountability of the Big Dig project. The Special Interests defeated the measure.

When the last gas tax increase was approved in 1991, we were told that was adequate to fix the deteriorating roads and bridges that upon review did not. Look at was done and not fixed. Look at Federal Funds pouring into Massachusetts that could have been used to repair Massachusetts Interstate and Primary Roads and Bridges and were not.

The recent sad revelation revealed that Parsons Brinkerhoff part of the Big Dig engineering, design, and private oversight of the construction team that ran the Big Dig project from the original $2.3 billion to $23 Billion+ that is now to be awarded the lead design manager for the $370 million Massport project. Government leaders should be asked the if this is right for the inefficiency, waste, mismanaged, fraud, and abuse of the Big Dig. under their watch? This is a moral and financial outrage. The Big Dig is the world’s largest construction project and is a monument for private sector greed and ravage of taxpayers by state and national government. Gas Taxes, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls expansions should be taken off the table and not even be considered upfront.

Menino during all the years in office never was an ally or supported those who complained about the waste, fraud, abuse, of this $23 Billion+ world leading defective project. Menino sat back not saying or doing anything to curb inefficiency and abuse of tax dollars. Gas Taxes, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls expansions should be taken off the table and not even be considered.

The time has come for Massachusetts to establish a new WARD Type Commission such as established during the Boston Government Scandal that forced the legislature to implement many government contracting reforms that seem to have eroded in recent years.

Government and the media should inform the Citizens and Taxpayers where previous gas tax increases that were previously promised to fix and repair all the dysfunctional roads and bridges. The guilty and enablers who got Massachusetts into this mess must be exposed and held accountable first. The failure to prosecute in criminal and Civil Courts the truly guilty for mthe Big Dig mess is deplorable and an insult to all Massachusetts citizens and ther pocketbook.

To do any increases to the taxpayer without insuring again independent proper government oversight and accountability that is truly independent and staffed to stand up to bad construction practices and the many special interests of contractors, bankers, bonding companies, insurers, consultants, out of touch labor bosses, and campaign contributions that will take Massachusetts citizens for a ride again is wrong and will lead to a further disaster to Taxpayers.

Raising the Gas Tax during the current recession is not a good public policy. Strugglng lower, low, and middle income citizens

2012-01-21T20:27:00.000-05:00

Politically Appointed Massachusetts Casino Commission Forming and Getting Ready to Give Away Casino Sites Based on Merit or Influence?

Another fleecing in Massachusetts is taking place with the taxpayers and citizens getting little with the rushing train of casinos and slot machines coming that will not be stopped. Stand back and watch the high powered special interests of Casino Billionaire Combines dominating the agenda. The so called destitute race tracks already teaming up with the big time operators.

You will witness that is already here one of the most expensive lobbying efforts by profiteers ever to take place in Massachusetts plying their abilities and advocacy dollars of influence to get favorability, access for profits, personal gain and certainly not for the common good.

The lobbyists will profit, along with lawyers, bankers. public relations specialists, developers, landowners, so called non career temporary politically elected and appointed managers of government looking to secure a future or personal gain. They along with media ad sellers, sub contractors, construction companies, and potential service providers will be coming at the out resourced citizens and legislators that will make the Big Dig shoddy construction failure public relations fraud look elementary.

Massachusetts needs a truly independent diverse Casino review process composed only of people who cannot swayed or influence by ideology or personal gain. Will our government officials do it right? So far not good with the Commission being compiled!

2012-01-13T08:16:00.001-05:00

MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTSMUST NOT BE REQUIRED TO APOLOGIZE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES AND THEWORLD FOR WOULD BE PRESIDENTS MICHAEL DUKAKIS 1988, JOHN KERRY 2004, AND NOWMITT ROMNEY 2012?

Do not judgeall citizens and those who live in Massachusetts by these guys. Most men and women in the state are not likethe image or deeds they present or pronounce.

The formerMassachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis during his tenure began the processwhile Governor for the destruction of the state delivery of the Human ServicesSystem for Public Health, Elderly, Children, Developly Disabled, and those inneed of Mental and Substance Abuse. Hegave the duties to Speculators, Consultants, and Vendors with little or norequired Oversight or Accountability on cost or quality. Also, the Dukakis Administrationgave birth to the most expensive no bid with almost no accountable system ofquality and cost. That Transportation Project was the most expensive in theworld of its day that went from $2.3 to a $24 Billion shoddy failure called theBIG DIG. His campaign for the Presidencyresulted in failure and embarrassed the Massachusetts Brand in 1988.

MassachusettsSenator John Kerry is known for his many miscues and questionable earned/unearned wealth including formoving a fire hydrant that became a scandal of having the unsightly ornamentmoved from its site in front of his multi million $$$$ townhouse in the mostaffluent Boston neighborhood. Also, our Massachusetts Senator bought a yachtbuilt in New Zealand and registered in Rhode Island that avoided MassachusettsState taxes. Yet, he wants to raisecitizen taxes as a United States Senator and tries to be one of the 99%. Hiscampaign for the Presidency resulted in failure and further embarrassed theMassachusetts Brand in 2004.

Finally, MittRomney is our former Massachusetts Governor who fled the state not seekingre-election as the Polls were not favorable at the time. Finally, as the Boston Bain Capital CommanderChief Executive Officer, Romney who alleges with no specific detail data hecreated so many jobs according to himself. This is under review and audit by those in his own Republican Party. TheDemocrats appeared to have forgotten since his 1994 failed attempt to defeatthe late Massachusetts Senator Kennedy when he was originally exposed forfiring and closing companies and making ridiculous gouging profits for himselfand Bain. The Corporate VULTURE or Corporate Raider label Romney is gettingeven from Republicans may make him look like a Bernie Madoff before it is overwhen fully audited for facts. Sarah Palinis now critical and questions the Romney record. At which point, there may be asuggested movement to take the Romney Massachusetts Citizenship away and deporthim to one of his other expensive homes in New Hampshire, California, Utah, orparts unknown if he is found and verified to be contaminated with the Pinocchiodisease. Will the Romney campaign for the Presidency result in failure and embarrassagain the Massachusetts Brand in 2012.

Look at thecities and towns in Massachusetts that based traditional national andinternational industries. These existedfor centuries and decades despite world wars, depressions, and recessions. Theyemployed immigrants who came for a better life and residents that could have acareer in skill and semi skill meaningful jobs raising families and contributingto Massachusetts Greatness and leadership in the national and worldeconomy. Look at the carnage and depressionof the many Massachusetts towns such as North Adams Pittsfield, Springfield,Holyoke, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Southbridge, Lynn, Boston, Brockton, Fall River,Quincy, and New Bedford. These Communities lost their industrial way from beinga fishing, textile, plastics, machine tools, and among other many innovativeindustries based in the state. There areso many Corporate VULTURE and Corporate Raider stories to be told. The so called Free Market of sincere entrepreneurscaring about building businesses fairly and equitably, their community, and socialcompacts with their workers has been destroyed. That has been replaced by speculators, Quick Buck Banker Loan Sharks,many Ponzi Schemes, Raiders, and rapes of industries that so calledGlobalization and shipping jobs overseas for lower, costs and blaming so calledunproductive Massachusetts workers is a fraud.

Dukakis and Kerry thought they could fool theirway into the Presidency. Romney and BainCapital are clear examples of what the free market enterprise system misnamed Capitalism shouldnot be for an American Presidency.

Perhaps,Massachusetts Citizens should call in the Center for Disease Control in Atlantato make a determination what the cause of the Potomac fever that seems toaffect those few affected such as Dukakis, Kerry, ,and Romney and question thecause of the delusion illness to be President.

It is not the fault of theCitizens of Massachusetts. Blame these adult individuals and not tar and featherthe residents of the 1620 Mayflower Ship that landed for a better life andbuilt our great state. The actions of a few who in their mind to becomePresident of the United States should not be taken that all in Massachusettssupport or approve.

2012-01-05T18:15:00.001-05:00

CUT Massachusetts STATE EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE TO SOLVE THE STATE FISCAL CRISIS!

PROTECT THE MASSACHUSETTS TAXPAYERS FOUNDATION AND BEACON HILL INSTITUTE WHOSE MEMBERS RECEIVE STATE CONTRACTS OR GET GRANTS!

BLAMING THE STATE WORKERS AND NOT THE SPECIAL INTERESTS WHO ARE THE REAL CULPRITs IS A GROSS COVER UP THAT THE MEDIA MUST EXPOSE.

Michael Widmer of the the misnamed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation are directly responsible for the state fiscal mess because of bad guidance and inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement of his members who get state contracts. The Beacon Hill Institute who is for hire by special interests seeking State Contracts or avoiding regulations are way off base in attacking state employee workers.

The problem is both Michael Widmer and David Tuerck are part of the problem. Over the years, they have failed to support oversight and accountability in government starting with the Big Big Dig fraud, abuse and by contractors providers,and vendors waste of tax dollars.

The misdirected are the state employees who have been victimized and scapegoated by the likes of Widmer and Tuerck who continue to be wrongly held having credibility by a misguided press that the media should expose are the cause for the Massachusetts Fiscal Crisis.

2012-01-02T08:46:00.001-05:00

There have been several recent contacts by affected public employeees requesting additional information on Whistleblower Protections. In all cases,to those potentially legitimately being victimized:

WARNING. DO NOT CONTACT OR REPORT WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE OR ANY FORM OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO ANY IN THE MEDIA, UNION OFFICIAL, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, FBI, LOCAL OR STATE POLICE AS THESE ENTITIES MAY PROTECT OR REPRESENT THOSE WHO MAY BE DOING THE VIOLATIONS AND NOT YOU....FIRST, YOU MUST SEEK A REPUTABLE PRIVATE LAWYER YOU TRUST BEFORE COMMUNICATING, TALKING TO, OR ACTING OUTSIDE YOUR EMPLOYER,....

John Gatti Jr

Enclosed is the LAW

The Massachusetts Whistleblower Protection Act
THE MASSACHUSETTS WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT
"An Act to Protect Conscientious Employees"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Chapter 149 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1992 Official edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 184 the following:

Section 185.

(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Employee", any individual who preforms services for and under the control and direction of an employer for wages or other remuneration.
(2) "Employer", the commonwealth, and its agencies or subdivisions, including, but not limited to, cities, towns, counties and regional school districts, or any authority, commission, board or instrumentality thereof.
(3) "Public body",

(A) the United States Congress, any state legislature, including the general court, or any popularly elected local government body. or any member or employee thereof;
(B) any federal, state, or local judiciary, or any member or employee thereof, or any grand or petit jury;
(C) any federal, state or local law enforcement agency, prosecutorial office, or police or peace officer; or
(D) any division, board,bureau, office, committee or commission of any of the public bodies described in the above paragraphs of this subsection.

(4) "Supervisor", any individual to whom an employer has given the authority to direct and control the work performance of the affected employee, who has the authority to take corrective action regarding the violation of the law, rule or regulation of which the employee complains, or who has been designated by the employer on the notice required under subsection (g).
(5) "Retaliatory action", the discharge, suspension or demotion of an employee, or other adverse employment action taken against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment.

(b) An employer shall not take any retaliatory action against an employee because the employee does any of the following:

(1) Discloses, or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public body an activity, policy or practice of the employer, or of an other employer with whom the employee's employer has a business relationship, that the employee reasonably believes is in violation of the law, or rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment;
(2) Provides information to, or testifies before, any public boy conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry into any violation of law, or a rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or activity, policy or practice which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment by the employer, or by another employer with whom the employee's employer has a business relationship; or
(3) Objects to, or refuse to participate in any activity, policy or practice which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment.

(c)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the protection against retaliatory action provided by subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to an employee who makes a disclosure to a public body unless the employee has brought the activity, policy or practice in violation of the law, or a rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment, to the attention of a supervisor of the employee by written notice and has afforded the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the activity, policy or practice.
(2) An employee is not required to comply with paragraph (1) if he:
(A) is reasonably certain that the activity, policy or practice ia known to one or more supervisors of the employer and the situation is emergency in nature;
(B) reasonably fears physical harm as a result of the disclosure provided; or
(C) makes the disclosure to a public body as defined in clause (B) or (D) of the definition of 'public body" in subsection (a) for the purpose of providing evidence of what the employee reasonably believes to be a crime.

(d) Any employee or former employee aggrieved by a violation of this section may, within two years, institute a civil action in the superior court. Any party to said action shall be entitled to claim a jury trial. All remedies available in common law tort actions shall be made available to prevailing plaintiffs. These remedies are in a addition to any legal or equitable relief provided herein. The court may:

(1) issue temporary restraining orders or preliminary or permanent injunctions to restrain continued violation of this section;
(2) reinstate the employee to the same position held before the retaliatory action, or to an equivalent position;
(3) reinstate full fringe benefits ad seniority rights to the employee;
(4) compensate the employee for three times the lost wages, benefits and other remuneration, and interest thereon; and
(5) order payment by the employer of reasonable costs, and attorneys' fees.

(e)

(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), in any action brought by an employee under subsection (d), if the court finds the action was without basis in law or fact, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to the employer.
(2) An employee shall not be assessed attorney's fees under paragraph 1 one (1) if, after exercising reasonable and diligent efforts after filing a suit, the employee moves to dismiss the action against the employer, or files a notice agreeing to a voluntary dismissal, within a reasonable time after determining that the employer would not be found liable for damages.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges or remedies of any employee under any other federal or state law or regulation, or under any collective bargaining agreement or employment contract; except that the institution of a private action in accordance subsection (d) shall be deemed a waiver by the plaintiff of the rights and remedies available to him, for the actions of the employer, under any other contract, collective bargaining agreement, state law, rule or regulation, or under common law.

(g) An employer shall conspicuously display notices reasonably designed to inform its employees of their protection and obligations under this section, and use other appropriate means to keep its employees informed. Each notice posted pursuant to this subsection shall include the name of the person or person the employer has designated to receive written notification pursuant to subsection (

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY WRONGLY RECEIVING CREDIT AND ATTENTION

2011-12-27T21:37:00.003-05:00

BOSTON UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED PUBLIC RADIO STATION WRONG ON BROADCASTING STORY OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY ON HIS EFFORTS TO SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE FAILED MOST EXPENSIVE SO CALLED TRANSPORTATION IN THE WORLD. MASSACHSETTS HAS THE $23BILLION BIG DIG PROJECT ORIGINALLY TO COST $2.3 BILLION....... QUOTING THE RESPECTED CHRISTY MIHOS ON THE ISSE BUT WHO OFFERS CONTINUOS DEFENSE TO ROMNEY IS WRON. TOM TRIMARCO POLITICAL HEAD OF THE FORMER DISGRACED STATE TREASURER ADMINISTRATION IS ALSO WRONG......QUOTING BOSTON GLOBE COLUMNIST JOAN VENNOCHI CRITICIZING ROMNEY ON BIG DIG FA ILURE..... ANOTHER WRONG AS THE GLOBE EDITORIAL CROWD WERE WORSE ON EXPOSING THE FAILED PROJECFT.....

Wait a minute Boston Radio Station WBUR on any praise reporting for Romney on the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse or on the tragic accident of the Big Dig project that should have been avoided and forewarned on questionable
engineering design deficiencies of a project that went from $2.3 Billion to
$23 Billion Plus. This is the worlds most expensive misguided shoddy so called taxpaer financede transportation project of the 21st century.

I have respect for Christy Mihos for his efforts to bring and expose the massive shortcomingsof the project that many valiantly fought to expose for years during both Republican and Democratic State and Federal Administrations. But, Mihos continuous defense of Romney is not acceptable. Any praise of Romney service byTom Trimarco who also served as point political appointee and damage control spokesperson for the scandalous administration of former Treasurer Joe Malone is a further outrage.

As for Boston Globe Columnist Joan Vennochi making any statement on the Big Dig failure is absolutely wrong. I cannot recall her ever having a strong accountability record of calls on the project. I remind all the comments of Jon Keller former Editorial Page Columnist for The Boston Globe when asked why both Boston Newspapers did not do more to expose the project….both newspapers were in the tank. Joan on this one-clean up your comments and hopefully you are not carrying water for some lobbyist or PR Campaign Friend.

Those who have been there along with others and tried valiantly to sound the alarm and blow the whistle on the Big Dig Scam are disappointed to see the medeia giving credit or promotion when not due……WBUR could do better reporting.

2011-09-11T21:58:00.004-04:00

Massachusetts continues to be challenged as the Number 1 all time leader in Drug and Hospital Costs in the country and world despite would be spotty competition by other state and world countries.

Nothing will be done in healthcare until such time the sellers and providers are held accountable: hospitals, insurers, drug companies, and government.

Consumers, citizens in need, and businesses cannot be expected to be continually victimized on behalf of healthcare industry greed and constant costly corrupt practices.

Hospital deregulation in the early 1990 era was to foster healthcare competition and did not. You saw, see, and will see the survival of the deep pockets and not the most efficient in the hospital and healthcare delivery care system.

Partners Healthcare, Massachustts General, Dana Farber, and Brigham and Wonen with its monopolistic practices is exterminating community hospitals and centers and the catering allowance of boutique healthcare for the very well off from everywhere continues to the detriment of all.

The constant high price advertising and million dollar plus salaries for former failed government geniuses such as Republican Charles Baker, formerly from the financially bailed out Harvard Pilgrim healthcare and now Democrat Politico guru James Roosevelt at Tufts healthcare occupying a most well heeled financial CEO perch is the high point the greedy overpaid
that the auto company honchos should emulate. The worst case was the CEO multi million dollar payout loser Blue Cross gave to its failed top Manager upon leaving. The continued frazzle dazzle made state government to go from a provider of human services to a buyer of unmonitored health services from the uncasring Health Care Industrial Establishment.

For profit, non profit, and not for profit Massachusetts healthcare from top to bottom needs an in depth greed analysis. The current Massachusetts system so called healthcare for the not and under insured scammed, launched, and implemented from PR lobbyist guy Jack Connors, The Vault, and Chamber of Commerce deserves a self audit for care, concern, and compassion.

Waste, fraud, and Abuse in healthcare premiums, drugs, and tax dollars being squandered in healthcare and non quality services must be addressed.

Time to listen and address healthcare from the bottom up from consumers, medical support staff, nurses, doctors and not top down from the sell serving medical CEO golden bonus crowd of managers, dysfunctional legislature, and infiltrated so called business groups that the healthcare industries paying dues victimizes non healthcare businesses battling to maintain the healthcare for themselves and employees.

The time has come for a legislature to do something in healthcare that is a right for every resident of this state by listening to the citizenry and telling the healthcare industry enough is enough.

2011-09-10T08:44:00.001-04:00

Massschusetts State Auditor Suzanne Bump Continues Patronage Hiring After Dismissing Those Hired By The Former Auditor....... Spoils and Patronage Hiring Continues In Auditors Office?......Will Audits be Conducted In A Political Manner based on Politics or Being Conducted On Merit to Expose, Waste, Fraud, And Abuse of Tax Dollars?

Distrust of Auditor Bump continues.

Her political appointed so called senior management team already exposed and written who temporary job holders themselves now hire replacement auditors.

This clearly shows one gang gets elected and throws the other gang out in office.

The problem there was no legitimate merit hiring process in this and other Executive offices from the Governor to the Treasurer.

There is no continuity of administration or long term goals of a merit career ladder accountable management that works and runs free and protected from personal agendas no matter what dependent of campaign contributions temporary State Auditor is elected. Auditor Employees do not even have the right to join even a weak union.

Massachusetts State Government long ago destroyed weakened and then destroyed its civil service system and has no real merit hiring system in place.

The political wars appear to continue by Bump and former Auditor Dinucci.

Mistrust and political Agenda of Auditor Suzanne Bump continues?

2011-09-08T21:42:00.000-04:00

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.....Savings Could be at least $750 million to $1.5 billiuon+ Alone In The State Budget. .....

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.

2011-09-07T14:52:00.006-04:00

WARNING: Beware of Law Firms that exploit sincerity for $$$$$ and public relation gains who do not respect persons who sincerely come forward to expose waste,fraud, and abuse.

There should no need for Whistleblowers if government did its job of oversight and accountability of public funds. Law Enforcement and Regulatory Agencies watchdogs have failed in their mission of enforcement and regulations of functions of business practices.

There is an almost complete lack of codes of conduct by labor bosses and those in business operations in performing services or producing commodities and products. This has resulted in a lack of high standards of performance by a go along to get along workforce afraid to stand up to improprieties for fear of retaliation or job loss.

Now, the greed sector of for profit and billing attorneys finding a way to gain moneys by taking and promoting litigation and insincere devious persons look to cash in by collaborating not to correct injustices but to obtain dollars.

2011-08-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

CASINO GAMBLING AND SLOTS ARE FINALLY COMING TO MASSACHUSETTS... AGAIN. THE MEDIA IS ASLEEP AND APPEARS TO NOT TO BE FOCUSING....LEGISLATION IS ON THE MOVE.....WHAT SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTOR AND WHAT HIGH PAID LOBBYIST WILL SEE HIS CLIENT SUCCESSFUL?

The issue of slots and casinos have been around for years and usually come to fruition in a bad economy. The issue is who, when, and where.

The media just has to follow the money. Which connected friend, former/present associate lobbyist campaign contributor comrade entity of the House or Senate leadership or Governor will win.

Time to state and follow the realities of who, what, and when will be the victor in this long battle of political and $$$$ influence that will once again see citizens and taxpayers being victims of special interests instead of common good wining.

That is the real news story

2011-08-13T12:59:00.002-04:00

BIG DIG. GUILTY, ENABLERS AND HEROES

(Please note: The enclosed is a previously written column that is being reposted due to new deficient revelations, scandals, and coveups at the Dig Dig)

1977, began the history of the so called Massachusetts Ward Commission chaired and named after a former president of Amherst College who led a citizen panel outraged at the public construction contract scandal that occurred with the building of the infamous Boston Government Center. Their report two years later caused the halls of the Massachusetts Statehouse to loudly shake and so called reforms took place in Massachusetts state government including the advent of the office of Inspector General.

Those construction reforms seem to have failed and been forgotten and a reverse in integrity and ethics has once again surfaced in Massachusetts with school construction, highway, consultant, and vendor repeated scandals being revealed almost weekly. And finally the scandals of Boston’s Central Artery almost $20 billion dollar failure no longer is being able to be covered up by both State and Federal Managers and elected legislators from both parties. US Attorneys, Attorney Generals, Inspector Generals and their colleagues all now are acting piecemeal toothless and ineffective despite warnings for decades by whistleblowers, some journalists, citizens, and a minor cadre of courageous officials. The time has come for a new Ward Commission to clean up the current mess.

State and Federal Taxpayers once again must be exasperated and disgusted at the latest Boston’s Central Artery Project-Big Dig tragedy that is pushing the media. When enough is is enough? No more cover-ups are needed. Time for the truth to least not repeat all the mistakes of the past even now when so much state and federal dollars has been wasted, shoddy construction, and a death that should have been avoided. Billions of Dollars have been wasted in Boston.

Outrageous for Massachusetts Senators Kennedy and Kerry who are now calling for better highway tunnel inspections and so called “Value Engineering”! In addition, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is hinting at doing a cash settlement of $1billion to forgive Bechtel Corporation and potentially others to remove criminal liability! The recent settlement by the Boston US Attorney to settle for $50 million and relieve civil and criminal liability for faulty loads of Big Dig Concrete at this late date of the almost completed 20 year project is another further despicable outrage.

This incompetent damage control cover-up after the fact by those who should have been the watchdogs is a further nadir of disgrace of public trust oversight again fostered on State and National Taxpayers.

Senators Kennedy and Kerry advocating for enhanced tunnel inspections and for “Value Engineering” is a moral and ethical outrage. Value engineering calls for an additional set of engineers and others to be called in evaluating as to quality, cost, and need for major construction projects.

When there were outcries for Big Dig Oversight by those good intentioned citizen and government advocates documented precisely in 1994 and years before by the Massacusetts Inspector general, the Massachusetts House Post Audit and Oversight Committee for Value Engineering and accountability both Senator Kennedy and Kerry were unheard and were part of the enablers that did nothing.

Additionally, I cannot recall at anytime either Kennedy or Kerry leading any charge for accountability or oversight of the project when citizen and government advocates were pleading for assistance for expenditure and construction sanity on the project. Senator Kerry even made the impression that all was well and monies were there joining the Big Dig Bechtel Public relations Specialists to mute outcries for accountability.

The bottom line is Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis and his Secretary of Transportation Fred Salvucci and then highway commissioner Jane Garvey were the forefathers and birth mother laying the foundation for the Big Dig scheme that brought the “no bid, cost plus and little oversight of “ Bechtel with the many other contractors and consultants. Their legacy was continued and enhanced to an art form by the succeeding Republican Governors of Massachusetts, Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney along with their minions of Peter Nessen, Jim Kerasiotis, James Carlin, and Charlie Baker.

The Massachusetts Legislature at almost every inch of the way has shown a lack of oversight and accountability fostered and responsible by the former long term Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation Robert Havern and Steven Karol. State Senator Mark Pacheco who heads the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee is now making pronunciations on the Big Dig! His so called landmark contract legislation of accountability and oversight called the Pacheco Bill of a decade and a half ago specifically exempts engineering and design from proper fiscal analysis that allowed the Big Dig calamity. Pacheco’s exemption paved the way with impunity for the failures of Bechtel and others to ply their runaway costs.

Boston CBS 4 reporter Jon Keller stated recently on a station’s talk show when asked why all the failures of the original $2.3 Billion contract now reaching $18-$20 Billion project was not reported by the media. Keller the former Boston Globe Editorial writer and columnist stated that both Editorial Boards of the Boston Newspapers (Globe and Boston Herald) were in the “tank”. He even outed a former Globe colleague David Warsh as a long time enabler. There are so many other names of journalists and media types that participated or turned a blind eye.

Next, we had the revolving door of Massachusetts State Attorney Generals L. Scxott Harshbarger and Tom Reilly. Massachusetts also had Democrat and Republican US Attorneys of Wayne Budd, Donald Stern, and Michael Sullivan who served Democratic and Republican Presidents as well as Congresses adding to the record of little or no pleas for oversight. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone formerly top criminal prosecutor for the state Attorney General who went on to work for the US Attorney has a record of toothless probes on the Big Dig during his tenures.

The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Offices of Inspector General along with the politically appointed non career managers of the Massachusetts State Highway Department and toll road Turnpike Authority required little or no accountability of Federal, State tax dollars, and Toll Fees. Their inactions insured shoddy workmanship and cost escalations despite outcries from construction workers and government engineers. This resulted in diversion of needed State and Federal Tax dollars from other Massachusetts roads and bridges resulting in their serious current disrepair status.

I suggest those seeking the truth on the Big Dig look at the State House Post Audit and Oversight Committee and past reports on the Big Dig under former chairs Cerasoli, Thomas Kennedy, and especially the era of William Nagle and staff director Thomas Hammond to determine the facts against what Kennedy, Kerry and others after decades are trying to do to appear as crusaders. That legislative committee of integrity was the sole sanctuary to bring financial sanity and oversight to the project despite the Big Dig juggernaut of attacks. Their efforts were stopped when Representative James Fagan became chair and the departure of then crusading Staff Director Thomas Hammond.

Additionally, talk to the real heroes of good government that sounded the alarms who were dismissed, demeaned, intimidated, or called “gadflys” by the Big Dig propaganda machine. They include reporters Peter Howe, Tim Sandler,Wendell Woodman, John Coughlin, Charles Sennott,Joe Bergantino Ron Gallobin, Jon Wells, David Kassel, John Vanscoyoc, John Strahinch, and Joe Bergantino to name a few to the list. Also, note people such as legislators, the late Fran Doris, Marie Parente, Bill Constantino, Tom Norton, William Keating, Christy Mihos, Richard Moore, Warren Tolman, and Vincent Mannering. Even Speaker Dimasi when a rank and file legislator and Emmanuel Serra were also dismissed. Special mention should go to the late Jerry Williams, Fred Langone, Chris Ianella, Joe Baresi, Steve Cotton, Joe Dinucci as well as Howie Carr, Larry Overlan, K. Dunn Gifford, Auditor DeNucci, and Scott Amey of the Washington based whistleblower group Project on Government Oversight for all their time and efforts that went unheeded by the late US Senator Kennedy, John Kerry and others.

The Kerry and Kennedy attempts at revisionism and attempting to act like whistleblowers in seeking Highway Tunnel Inspections and so called “ Value engineering” is short of nothing too late. Both senators at this stage of their careers have the distinction of promoting with no oversight the largest and most costly flawed government construction project ever undertaken in the United States. Their continued repetitive actions of coverup is ensuring Boston’s Big Dig to be the largest international construction monument for waste, fraud, and abuse. Massachusetts new Governor Deval Patrick should not let all the enablers and the Big Dig guilty get Pardons and Freedoms for so called minor “Chump Change” that will allow again State and Federal Taxpayers and the infinity Toll Road Toll Payers to continue and be victimized.

Massachuestts needs a new WARD Commission to get needed reforms and be the model for the federal government to follow.

2011-07-29T15:26:00.005-04:00

STANDARD & POORS, MOODY, FITCH AND OTHERS--DO NOT TRUST THE BOND RATING COMAPANIES.....THEY DID NOT WARN US ABOUT WALL STREET BANKERS,AIG, LEHMAN BROTHERS, BEAR STEARNS, FREEDIC MAC, FANNIE MAE, AND BERNIE MADOFF.

This is part of the United States Debt Crisis no one is discussing. There is sleaze which must be stated in the strongest terms and strongest language including unacceptable profanity. The real scoundrels are the so called Bonding agencies Moody, Fitch, and Standard & Poors, and many others who failed previously.

I lost all respect for all Bonding Agencies in 1989 when Massachusetts was dealing with a state budget crisis. State Representative Jack Flood, D-Canton, then chair of the Legislative Joint Committee on Taxation exposed the Bonding Agencies. Flood stated that Massachusetts was doing fine according to the Bonding Agencies while Governor Michael S. Dukakis was a candidate for the Office of President of the United States in 1988. Shortly after he was defeated the same bonding agencies announced the state was in a calamity. Those words and statement by the often times combative Flood laid the ground work for some of us who advocate accountability and oversight to step back and look at the process with mistrust unless duly verified all so called ratings by bonding Companies.

Next,we moved to the last days of the George W. Bush Administration years later circa 2008 and the Bank Bailout that then Senator Barack Obama went along to get along with the Republican and Democratic Senators and Representatives. These Bonding Companies did not warn anyone of all the phony numbers being reported in the greedy Financial Industry Campaign Contributors often misleading the Accountants, Auditors, and Government Agency overseers who relied on their so called rating numbers and misleading statements…..And then there was the Crown Jewel Symbol of this greed Bernie Madoff along with team members for all that was wrong AIG, Bear Stearns, and the rest of the Wall Street Greed Merchants.

Now we look at the Presidency and Congress who are all choked up because we have a so called crisis of losing a so called United States Government Bond Rating AAA from these so called Bond Rating Agencies? Please stop fooling and scaring the citizens and taxpayers the elderly, those in need, our veterans, honest businesses, and industries, and the so called foreign creditors. Past and present Republican and Democratic Presidents and Congress, you men and women caused this calamity, FIX IT ONCE AND FOR THE FUTURE.

As for all the illustrious Bonding Companies-DECONTAMINATE YOUR POLICES AND PROCEDURES WITH A GOOD MOUTHWASH BEFORE YOU SPEAK ALONG WITH A SANITIZED PEN WITH PROPER ETHICS WHEN YOU GIVE A RATING…….. THE TIME HAS COME FOR STANDARD AND POOR, MOODY, FITCH, AND THE OTHER RATING AGENCIES TO DEVELOP A NEW STRONG CODE OF ETHICS TO LEAD….. SO THE AMERICAN CITIZEN CAN TRUST YOU AND NOT LOATHE …THE CITIZENS MUST BEGIN TO TRUST YOUR FINDINGS AND YOUR JUDGEMMENTS...THE PEOPLE ON MAIN STREET DESERVE BETTER FOR ONCE AND NOT WALL STREET.

2011-07-27T17:22:00.002-04:00

BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL PAGE ALLOWS FORMER US ATTORNEY DONALD K. STERN NOW IN PRIVATE FOR RENT PRACTICE A GUEST EDITORIAL ABOUT James "Whitey" Bulger WHO HE FAILED TO PROSECUTE DURING HIS TENURE....

Disgusting for the Boston Globe to allow the former US Attorney Donald K. Stern to do a commercial advertisement masqueraded as a guest editorial called lessons from Whitey(James "Whitey" Bulger former fugitive for 16 years he could not prosecute during his long tenure on its editorial page. Stern is now a for rent lawyer whoever wants to pay for his billable minutes.

Stern was a do nothing, saw nothing, and did nothing during his tenure with his hired political appointee underlings. We can start with the BIG DIG, Whitey, Banks, Wall Street Boston. Insurance Companies, and Harry Markopolos(Bernie Madoff)....

Look at his non existent record of no accomplishments on corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse.

2011-07-25T16:48:00.003-04:00

ELIZABETH WARREN FOR MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES SENATOR IN 2012...NOT SO FAST...WE MUST BE SURE SHE IS REAL AND NOT AN ALLUSION....

Hopefully, Elizabeth Warren is for real. However, the doubt that we should look at is why did she not stand stronger against the Special Interests other than talk, allowed her positions to be dismissed, and even was dissed by the Obama administration who stood so far behind her we did not know she was there.

My other concern about her, she never assisted those involved in accountability and oversight in Massachusetts of Business, Labor, and Government. Does she have the stamina to campaign and stand up for the citizens after being elected or go along to get along in the Democratic Party?

Those who once looked up to Eliot Spitzer and Richard Blumenthal the former Connecticut Attorney General and n so called Citizen Advocates can ill afford another DUD.

2011-07-24T08:34:00.001-04:00

MASSACHUSETTS GAS TAX FRAUD IS BACK---Lieutenant Governor Murray of Massachusetts wants to increase the state gas tax to allegedly fix the crumbling roads and bridges.....game is on to fool the taxpayers again.....the last gas tax increase did not do what was promised and now the Governor and his staff want more.....NO at $4.00 a gallon already for gas...FOOLISH AND UN CREDITABLE.

I am most disappointed in any support of a Gas Tax Increase without stating the facts and history of how previous ones were spent. At least look at the issue in total and present all the facts and history of where the gas tax increases went before demanding any gas tax or allowing any toll increases.

The former chair of the House Transportation Committee Representative Steven J. Karol stated in a contentious debate on the House Floor in May 1990 that no Turnpike funds would be used to pay for the Big Dig. This took place to approve legislation many were involved that already passed the Senate which would have provided oversight and accountability of the Big Dig project. The Special Interests defeated the measure.

When the last gas tax increase was approved in 1991, we were told that was adequate to fix the deteriorating roads and bridges that upon review did not. Look at was done and not fixed. Look at Federal Funds pouring into Massachusetts that could have been used to repair Massachusetts Interstate and Primary Roads and Bridges and were not.

The recent sad revelation revealed that Parsons Brinkerhoff part of the Big Dig engineering, design, and private oversight of the construction team that ran the Big Dig project from the original $2.3 billion to $23 Billion+ that is now to be awarded the lead design manager for the $370 million Massport project. Government leaders should be asked the if this is right for the inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud, and abuse of the Big Dig. under their watch? This is a moral and financial outrage. The Big Dig is the world’s largest construction project and is a monument for private sector greed and ravage of taxpayers by state and national government. Gas Taxes, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls expansions should be taken off the table and not even be considered upfront.

Gas Taxes, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls expansions should be taken off the table and not even be considered.

The time has come for Massachusetts to establish a new WARD Type Commission such as established during the Boston Government Scandal that forced the legislature to implement many government contracting reforms that seem to have eroded in recent years.

Government and the media should inform the Citizens and Taxpayers where previous gas tax increases that were previously promised to fix and repair all the dysfunctional roads and bridges. The guilty and enablers who got Massachusetts into this mess must be exposed and held accountable first. The failure to prosecute in criminal and Civil Courts the truly guilty for mthe Big Dig mess is deplorable and an insult to all Massachusetts citizens and ther pocketbook.

To do any increases to the taxpayer without insuring again independent proper government oversight and accountability that is truly independent and staffed to stand up to bad construction practices and the many special interests of contractors, bankers, bonding companies, insurers, consultants, out of touch labor bosses, and campaign contributions that will take Massachusetts citizens for a ride again is wrong and will lead to a further disaster to Taxpayers.

I respect the position of Lieutenant Governor but not the increase the gas tax positiion of the current Lieutenant Governor Murray. ..

Raising the Gas Tax with $4.00 a gallon gasoline is not a good state policy.

2011-05-18T22:11:00.007-04:00

Massachusetts State Senate Terese Murray indeed maybe born again and is trying to show sincerity in the War for Government Accountability .....We hope so and time will tell.....We applaud her new efforts if carried out as she appears to taking strong reform positions.....

Senate President Murray called last week to advance Performance Based Budgeting that could do away with maintenance budgeting that will lead to 0 based budgeting. This would start budgeting from the bottom up instead top down leading to focus on needs or accomplishments instead of the current failed system of just looking at what the budget was last year and add to it.

Needs, successes, and failures of Agency Expenditures could be properly evaluated to insure missions are completed and transparency to the legislature and taxpayers is assured. Inefficiencies, waste, and mismanagement of tax dollars could be readily identified and targeted.

2011-05-06T07:22:00.001-04:00
POLITICAL PATRONAGE GOES AMUCK IN OFFICE OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE AUDITOR SUZANNE BUMP BECAUSE OF PATRONAGE SWEEP..SPOILS AND POLITICS GOES RAMPANT.....AUDTOR BUMP AND OFFICE ARE NOW PLACED ON Do Not Trust List.....

There is no confidence in Suzanne Bump. She failed as a State Representative, political appointee in the administration of the Labor Department, and now is continuing her patronage political ways in the Office of State Auditor.

Suzanne bump has never never been there or done anything in the areas of inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement in tax expenditures whether the BIG DIG, Labor Violations, or potential Corruption anywhere.

Look at the names of the recent Bump hires in her own patronage plagued office based on so called international hiring searches: Campaign Operatives.

This news story fails to note all job appointees in the auditors office are temporary with no civil service or other protections from potential pressure to silence. Auditors should never be victims of being removed without cause by political whims or by handpicked so called consultant reports unless properly verified.

I urge anyone interested in reporting any improprieties in any government operations.....Do not trust or confide in the Office of State Auditor. Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts State Auditor and Office are now placed on the DO NOT TRUST LIST until such time confidence from any potential of a lack of integrity is implemented.

2011-04-28T06:44:00.002-04:00
MASSASCHUSETTS SENATE PRESIDENT TERESE MURRAY NOW GOING AFTER INEFFICIENCIES, WASTE, AND MISMANAGEMENT IN STATE GOVERNMENT.....FACT OR JUST ANOTHER HIGH POWER POLITICAN POSTURING?????

Massachusetts readers and listeners maybe again be insulted with a press statement or non objective interview about the Senate President going to address and battle issues of inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement in state government NOW!

She has not been there, done anything, or been an advocate during her tenure in office.

The Senate President formerly worked for Massachusetts Department of Public Works among her other positions before becoming a State Senator. She was silent on the Big Dig and missing in action to the pleas of those exposing waste, fraud, and abuse of tax dollars whether in insurance, human services, and state budget.

Hopefully, the Senate President has become a born again good government advocate reformer as she continues to go to fund raisers solicited to Special interests and lobbyists for her as a campaign high power politician posturing and not again fooling the media and citizens.

Campaign dollar War Chest increasing and preservation of her Senate Colleagues who keep her in power that she appoints to higher paid stipend positions and other perks her power of office can give still will continue?

We should know in the coming months by her actions. We will compliment the Senate President or will have seen another high power politician posturing and again the media and citizens been fooled.

2011-04-24T07:50:00.001-04:00
CASH FOR SILENCE IS ALIVE AND WELL IN MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES. IS WROGDOING BEING COVERED UP BY EVEN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND OTHER OFFICIALS WHO HAVE THE REPONSIBILITY OF THE PUBLIC TRUST?

(I AM ENCLOSING A NEWS STORY THAT APPEARED IN THE BOSTON GLOBE IN WHICH INCLUDES A COMMENT THAT I MADE/JOHN GATTI JR)

•State payouts sealed with a promise of silence

Despite questions about free speech and possible coverups, agencies often build gag orders into settlements, severance deals

In Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office, at least two former employees have signed severance agreements in which they promised not to “disparage or make negative statements” about the attorney general’s office or any of its employees.

By Todd Wallack

Globe Staff / April 24, 2011

A University of Massachusetts Medical School nursing assistant won a $150,000 settlement after she complained she was harassed by a suprvisor.

Details of settlements
with ex-public workers
A state highway worker won $170,000 after he was taunted by co-workers and bosses who thought he was gay.

And three MBTA workers received a total of more than $100,000 in “enhanced severance’’ after being let go.

All the deals came with an important catch: The former employees had to keep silent about the payments or face legal action. They signed settlement or severance agreements that required them to keep the terms secret.

Far from unusual, Massachusetts government agencies have sworn scores of workers to secrecy as part of lucrative settlement or severance deals, a Globe review of public records shows. Many pacts also include non-disparagement clauses that prohibit workers from saying anything negative about their former employer.

While confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses are commonly used by private companies, they are much more controversial in the public sector. The Massachusetts attorney general’s office has advised state agencies that they are “prohibited’’ from using confidentiality clauses, ex cept in special circumstances.

And critics contend the agreements can be used to cover up questionable spending, muffle legitimate criticism of government agencies, or hide wrongdoing by public officials, such as the harassment alleged by the UMass and Highway Department workers.

“When it comes to public money, I think there is no justification for being able to secretly spend money,’’ said Boston attorney Harvey Schwartz, who has represented former state government employees with job disputes. “The only reason to have a confidentiality agreement is to protect the agency and the wrongdoers.’’

Several state officials defended the pacts, noting that all the workers agreed to the restrictions.

“These clauses do not make it into final settlement agreements unless both parties agree to them,’’ said MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

In general, employers say they negotiate settlement or severance agreements to avoid the cost and time of litigation and to soften the blow for employees who are let go. Many also use non-disparagement clauses because they are worried a disgruntled employee could hurt their reputation or lash out at former workers. In Pesaturo’s words, the agreements make “practical business sense.’’

Pesaturo also said agencies use confidentiality agreements to prevent others from finding out about the payments and using them as a precedent for future deals.

The Globe reviewed more than 150 large severance and settlement agreements signed by state agencies since 2005 and found more than half had either a confidentiality or non-disparagement clause. One in five contained both.

At least 16 state agencies have used such language in agreements, including offices under Governor Deval Patrick and former governor Mitt Romney. The severance and settlement agreements provided to the Globe total more than $10 million.

The Globe obtained the agreements, which involve payments of at least $10,000, after filing public records requests. In most cases, the agreements are vague about the reasons why the workers received the money. And most departments blacked out the names of the workers who received the money, citing the need to protect the workers’ privacy.

In March, the Globe sued the Patrick administration and two other Massachusetts agencies to obtain the names and related information, arguing they do not fall under any exemptions in the Massachusetts Public Records Law. A Suffolk Superior Court judge has yet to rule on the Globe suit.

Some government watchdogs said they were surprised to learn the state has reached agreement on so many gag orders with workers and former employees.

“It’s outrageous,’’ said John Gatti Jr., a former state employee union official and a chief architect of the Massachusetts public employee whistle-blower law. “If there is any inappropriate behavior, it could stifle reporting of it. I cannot believe cash for silence in public employment practices is being allowed to continue.’’

Gatti said he thought the practice would have ended after former Treasurer Timothy Cahill came under fire six years ago for using gag orders.

In 2005, the Globe reported that Cahill’s office asked a half-dozen departing workers to sign severance agreements with confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses.

After facing criticism from Common Cause and others, Cahill hired former attorney general Scott Harshbarger to review the practice. Harshbarger found the agency did not break any laws, but he cautioned the Treasurer and other Massachusetts offices to be careful using such language because citizens expect such information to be public.

In addition, the attorney general’s office has regularly sent agencies a legal advisory that says “confidentiality as such is prohibited, unless required by law.’’ It also specifically discourages agencies from inserting any provisions that would bar workers from talking to the media.

The Massachusetts official who processes payroll and settlement payments for most state agencies recently told the secretary of state during a public records proceeding that he also opposes confidentiality clauses in most instances, and planned to remind other agencies that such agreements might not hold up in court.

“We fully agree that departments should not negotiate language in a settlement or judgment making the contents ‘confidential’ unless a privacy statute or other privilege exists,’’ state Comptroller Martin Benison wrote in December.

Yet both Benison and the current, attorney general, Martha Coakley, have asked workers in their own offices to sign agreements with either confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses.

In Coakley’s office, at least two former employees have signed severance agreements in which they promised not to “disparage or make negative statements’’ about the attorney general’s office or any of its employees.

And in 2007, Benison signed a $100,000 severance agreement that barred the former worker from even mentioning the pact’s existence or saying anything negative about the agency related to his employment dispute.

Both Benison and Coakley’s offices declined to comment, citing the Globe lawsuit.

Some other agencies have used even more expansive language.

For instance, the MBTA signed a $61,000 severance deal in 2009 that bars a former employee from saying anything — either verbally or in writing — that “criticizes the MBTA, its business, its management, or any of its officers, directors, partners, or employees.’’

“That is really sweeping,’’ said Marcia L. McCormick, an associate professor of St. Louis University School of Law who specializes in workplace law. “There is probably a First Amendment problem with that.’’

In some cases, the secrecy agreements in the pacts appear to have helped hide extra compensation to employees.

For instance, at least 13 employees in the office of University of Massachusetts president Jack Wilson received large severance payments after they were laid off due to budget cuts over the past two years. The university eliminated about 150 positions in the president’s office and a central administrative department during this period, but gave only a fraction of the workers severance deals, in which they agreed to never discuss the terms “in any forum at any time.’’

One employee received $124,000, nearly a year’s pay. The severance payouts totaled more than $1 million.

UMass spokesman Robert Connolly said the confidentiality clauses were standard practice at the university.

“Generally, there is a desire on the part of both parties, the employer and the employee, to move on and move forward,’’ Connolly said.

In other cases, the confidentiality agreement was linked to a job dispute.

For instance, the nursing assistant at UMass Medical received $150,000 in 2008 after she sued the school for sexual harassment by a supervisor. In one incident, the supervisor suggested she receive breast implants, according to her lawsuit. In another, he allegedly told her: “If I was your boyfriend and you slept next to me, I would have sex with you every night.’’

In her lawsuit, the woman asserted UMass Medical did nothing to stop the harassment after she complained and later let her go.

As part of the agreement, the woman agreed not to disparage the university, her former supervisor or other university employees. She also agreed not to tell the media about it. If asked, she was told to reply: “I have no comment.’’

And at the state Highway Department, the worker who received a $170,000 settlement in January said he was repeatedly harassed by supervisors and co-workers. Though his name was blacked out in the agreement provided by the state, the details match those in a complaint filed by a Highway Department employee with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

In the MCAD complaint, the employee complained he was repeatedly harassed by co-workers and supervisors who thought he was gay. One called him a “f—ing homo.’’ Another threatened to push him down a set of stairs. The harassment continued even after he was transferred several times.

In his settlement agreement, the employee agreed not to disclose the “contents and/or nature’’ of the agreement.

In settling another discrimination case in 2006, the highway agency agreed to conduct three hours of management training on preventing discrimination and harassment at three of its offices. The worker received $12,000 and agreed to a confidentiality clause.

Some employment lawyers and professors doubted the state would be able to enforce the confidentiality or non-disparagement agreements in court.

“Most likely, the court would find there would be a substantial infringement on the person’s freedom of speech,’’ said Howard I. Wilgoren, a longtime Boston employment lawyer. “The public has a right to know how the Commonwealth is treating an employee and being forced to spend the public’s money.

Regardless, Wilgoren said the pacts effectively discourage workers from speaking out because they fear they could be sued and forced to return money they received.

“My clients are concerned of even testing the waters,’’ Wilgoren said.

2011-02-08T08:19:00.005-05:00
Massaschusetts Alzheimer Legislation Hearing held requires speed action and no further delays on proposal.

Compassion, Care, and Concern is needed to deal with this serious issue affecting citizens and families. Solutions not excuses are needed now to pro-actively deal with this dreaded disease.

What are not needed are once again inefficiency, waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars and family savings to be handed over to the Human Services Industrial Establishment of Vendors, Providers, and Consultants with little or no Accountability or Oversight. Hopefully, those desperate and in needed do not again are used by the Special Interest Profiteers to fill their pockets with $$$$ and little or no services beyond the cosmetics are provided.

2011-01-08T18:29:00.007-05:00
Massachusetts Pacheco Law: The Boston Globe in an Editorial is absolutely wrong and continues to make misleading statements along with their columnist Scot Lehigh on the so called make believe law that allows and enables private sector government contracting by no bid Vendors, Consultants, and Provider Special interests and Campaign Contributors who receive Government Contracts. This so called law with so many loopholes continues to allow by smokescreen more costly work to be performed by private contractors even if more expensive than being done by Government Workers. The law lacks any teeth to enforce proper provisions and is only fakery at its finest. The media tools to coverup in the hands of the Globe Editorial Board and Columnist Lehigh is contaminated filled with guilt as the record shows they either supported or blinked their eyes when those who tryed along with their own employed by newspasper to expose and seek accountability on the Big Dig. They were all dismissed and not listened to trying to get accountability and oversight on the unsafe,costly,and most expensive in the World so called Transportation mismanaged project. The hero Globe writers dismissed and attacked included Peter Howe, John Coughlin, and Charles Sennott.

The so called Pacheco Law does nothing to prevent literally or any unchecked privatization of government services. A smoke screen at best.

Just look at the massive number of traditional former services provided by government services now provided by unchecked no bid contracts by private consultants, providers, and vendors in shadow government. This is done outside Open Meeting Laws, Freedom of Information Act, and the State Ethics Commission.

Massachusetts Taxpayers are paying for employees in the private sector that doesn’t openly show up in reading the State budget. The Globe and the media continues to focus on the number of State Employees and never looking at what is being paid for in the so called private sector and what the actual value is. What and who are this employees?

Union Bosses and Pacheco himself know the so called legislation has not worked, is not working, and will not work, The law only sounds good on the surface.

Inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement continue with the Pacheco Bill not preventing bad expenditure of Tax Dollars.

A major flaw in the legislation Pacheco and his allies allowed in this poorly crafted legislation was allowing Engineering and Design services being exempted. when this so called Pacheco failed law passed that permitted no bid, unaccountable BIG DIG costs to run away with little or no oversight to the Bernie Madeof and unsafe disgrace the project became from the original $2billion to the ridiculous $23 Billion private sector profiteering it now is. The Editorial Board of the time allowed and dismissed all who blew the whistle on the Big Dig. In recent years, a former Globe Editorial Writer Jon Keller now of Boston CBS4 stated the Globe Editorial Board was “in the tank” on the Big Dig and even outed a member of the group.

The Pacheco legislation does not work only accomplishes a false mirage for misguided journalists.

If the Pacheco Law is rigid why there is so much continual waste, fraud, abuse and lack of oversight in Government Contracting that only continues and is not stopped?

I challenge to be corrected.

2011-01-06T08:52:00.005-05:00
THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE INAUGERATION AGAIN OF MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK AND POLITICAL ASSISTANT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TIM MURRAY

The so called BIG BIG Business Group Massachusetts Taxpayers Association organization membership that promotes Bernie MadEoff failures against taxpayers and citizens is well represented in the list of private contributors paying along with the Union Bosses who did not seek direct approval from their membership to spend BIG $$$$ for the Patrick-Murray anointing again festivities.

Now, we have cosmetic groups who are part of the so called ethics study group formed by the governor like Common Cause trying to have it both ways in being part of the problem than being critical of the coronation.

Meanwhile, the citizens and taxpayers continue to watch inefficiency, w3aste, fraud, and abuse in state government with a so called dysfunctional legislature incapable of providing oversight and accountability to insure government services and expenditures are needed and and proper.

Needed and legitimate services by government get the budget ax while the royalty of consultants, vendors, and providers most Special Interests continue no matter if a Republican or Democratic Administration is in office.

The well financed Special interests always win against the citizens less powerful.

$700, 000 allegedly being spent to coronate another 4 years of Governor Patrick-Murray miscues is rather cheap money to spend to try to get access and be part of the team?

Happy Inauguration to the Special Interests while Massachusetts Children, Women, and Men continue to suffer from a failed economy and government structure.

When will integrity with true public service not perpetual self service start in Massachusetts?

2010-12-14T08:09:00.001-05:00

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET CUTS AGAIN THIS YEAR,Next Year, or Forever!!!!...WHO IS THE DUMB, DUMBER, DUMBEST? THE GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE, OR CITIZENS WHO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ACTUAL CRISIS AND NOT ANOTHER COVERUP? WHEN WILL THE MEDIA DO SOME OR ANY RESEARCH ON THEIR OWN AND NOT LISTEN TO ALL THE TIME TO THOSE WHO CAUSE THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE CAUSING INACCURATE NEWS STORIES AND JOURNALISM. 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?
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. The shadow Massachusetts Government of outsourced employees from bought services that are never revealed or discussed should be the first place to start along with their executive perks and salaries. 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.

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

2010-11-15T20:44:00.011-05:00
There have been several recent contacts by affected public employeees requesting additional information on Whistleblower Protections. In all cases,to those potentially legitimately being victimized:

WARNING. DO NOT CONTACT OR REPORT WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE OR ANY FORM OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO ANY IN THE MEDIA, UNION OFFICIAL, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, FBI, LOCAL OR STATE POLICE AS THESE ENTITIES MAY PROTECT OR REPRESENT THOSE WHO MAY BE DOING THE VIOLATIONS AND NOT YOU....FIRST, YOU MUST SEEK A REPUTABLE PRIVATE LAWYER YOU TRUST BEFORE COMMUNICATING, TALKING TO, OR ACTING OUTSIDE YOUR EMPLOYER,....

John Gatti Jr

Enclosed is the LAW

The Massachusetts Whistleblower Protection Act
THE MASSACHUSETTS WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT
"An Act to Protect Conscientious Employees"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Chapter 149 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1992 Official edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 184 the following:

Section 185.

(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Employee", any individual who preforms services for and under the control and direction of an employer for wages or other remuneration.
(2) "Employer", the commonwealth, and its agencies or subdivisions, including, but not limited to, cities, towns, counties and regional school districts, or any authority, commission, board or instrumentality thereof.
(3) "Public body",

(A) the United States Congress, any state legislature, including the general court, or any popularly elected local government body. or any member or employee thereof;
(B) any federal, state, or local judiciary, or any member or employee thereof, or any grand or petit jury;
(C) any federal, state or local law enforcement agency, prosecutorial office, or police or peace officer; or
(D) any division, board,bureau, office, committee or commission of any of the public bodies described in the above paragraphs of this subsection.

(4) "Supervisor", any individual to whom an employer has given the authority to direct and control the work performance of the affected employee, who has the authority to take corrective action regarding the violation of the law, rule or regulation of which the employee complains, or who has been designated by the employer on the notice required under subsection (g).
(5) "Retaliatory action", the discharge, suspension or demotion of an employee, or other adverse employment action taken against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment.

(b) An employer shall not take any retaliatory action against an employee because the employee does any of the following:

(1) Discloses, or threatens to disclose to a supervisor or to a public body an activity, policy or practice of the employer, or of an other employer with whom the employee's employer has a business relationship, that the employee reasonably believes is in violation of the law, or rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment;
(2) Provides information to, or testifies before, any public boy conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry into any violation of law, or a rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or activity, policy or practice which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment by the employer, or by another employer with whom the employee's employer has a business relationship; or
(3) Objects to, or refuse to participate in any activity, policy or practice which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment.

(c)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the protection against retaliatory action provided by subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to an employee who makes a disclosure to a public body unless the employee has brought the activity, policy or practice in violation of the law, or a rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to law, or which the employee reasonably believes poses a risk to public health, safety or the environment, to the attention of a supervisor of the employee by written notice and has afforded the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the activity, policy or practice.
(2) An employee is not required to comply with paragraph (1) if he:
(A) is reasonably certain that the activity, policy or practice ia known to one or more supervisors of the employer and the situation is emergency in nature;
(B) reasonably fears physical harm as a result of the disclosure provided; or
(C) makes the disclosure to a public body as defined in clause (B) or (D) of the definition of 'public body" in subsection (a) for the purpose of providing evidence of what the employee reasonably believes to be a crime.

(d) Any employee or former employee aggrieved by a violation of this section may, within two years, institute a civil action in the superior court. Any party to said action shall be entitled to claim a jury trial. All remedies available in common law tort actions shall be made available to prevailing plaintiffs. These remedies are in a addition to any legal or equitable relief provided herein. The court may:

(1) issue temporary restraining orders or preliminary or permanent injunctions to restrain continued violation of this section;
(2) reinstate the employee to the same position held before the retaliatory action, or to an equivalent position;
(3) reinstate full fringe benefits ad seniority rights to the employee;
(4) compensate the employee for three times the lost wages, benefits and other remuneration, and interest thereon; and
(5) order payment by the employer of reasonable costs, and attorneys' fees.

(e)

(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), in any action brought by an employee under subsection (d), if the court finds the action was without basis in law or fact, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to the employer.
(2) An employee shall not be assessed attorney's fees under paragraph 1 one (1) if, after exercising reasonable and diligent efforts after filing a suit, the employee moves to dismiss the action against the employer, or files a notice agreeing to a voluntary dismissal, within a reasonable time after determining that the employer would not be found liable for damages.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges or remedies of any employee under any other federal or state law or regulation, or under any collective bargaining agreement or employment contract; except that the institution of a private action in accordance subsection (d) shall be deemed a waiver by the plaintiff of the rights and remedies available to him, for the actions of the employer, under any other contract, collective bargaining agreement, state law, rule or regulation, or under common law.

(g) An employer shall conspicuously display notices reasonably designed to inform its employees of their protection and obligations under this section, and use other appropriate means to keep its employees informed. Each notice posted pursuant to this subsection shall include the name of the person or person the employer has designated to receive written notification pursuant to subsection (

2010-10-14T22:20:00.001-04:00
Former Democratic Massachusetts Attorney general Tom Reilly endorses Republican Candidate for Governor Charlie Baker? No one should be surprised. The Special Self Interest Crowd always supports each other at the expense of the public interest.

Charlie Baker held several state government positions from 1990-1998 including the head of Administration and Finance that controlled the finances of the state government. His record of siding with the Big Dig Special Interest machine, vendors, providers, and consultants on government expenditures with little or no accountability or oversight is a national model for inefficiency, waste and mismanagement. In !998, Baker went into the revolving door over to Harvard Vangard Medical Associates and the head of its parent company Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, a so called health insurer that was in trouble.

Along came the new Attorney General Tom Reilly in 1999. Together they teamed for a questionable bailout deal worked out to prevent the entity from merging, being sold, or subscribers being transferred to other carriers all Wall Street Bankers would be proud. The subscribers and citizens were told this was good! No state tax dollars were said to be involved. What about political special influence that the media never thoroughly explored? Baker went on from earning his starting salary allegedly from $400,000 to $1.7 million when he left. Baker was a strong national leader advocate for higher premiums for less coverage that business and industries and their employees must pay.

Since the Wall Street type bailout of Harvard Pilgrim, Michael J. Widmer of the misnamed Special Interest group so called Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, whose membership is composed of so many powerful medical, health, and insurance members that pay big dues to promote and protect their special self interest, is weighing in because of the Reilly endorsement as a damage control defender apparently to sound credible.

However, the public should see through this and not be fooled as the media has for more than a decade.

2010-10-07T06:19:00.003-04:00
Boston Globe waking up and talking about attack ads on the race for Massachusetts Governor acting surprise when they should have been reporting and separating facts from fiction

Now the facts are coming out on both Baker and Patrick in so called cosmetic political ads for both these so called special interest candidates. When will you reporters early on in campaigns do real investigative journalism from the start of the election process that may have gotten better candidates?

As for Baker, he only has to have his mirage work for the next few weeks and hope more information does not come out on his jobs of destruction and to citizens and taxpayers that is an unexposed record when Baker his government job failures as Assistant Secretary of Human Services, Secretary of Human Services, and the Chief State Budget Dictator and Know All before going on to be head of the bailed out failed HMO Harvard Pilgrim with its $million+ salary that gouged businesses and industries wanting to provide healthcare to their employees and citizens in need of quality health insurance.

Now, we will have the Charlie attack ads from out of state and in state from his Special Interest Machine and so called not associated groups that will make big buck profits for Massachusetts broadcast media outlets

2010-09-22T06:40:00.006-04:00
Boston Herald Reporter David Wedge reveals bloated administrative salaries and questionable lack of activity at the Office of State Inspector General Gregory W. Sullivan

The Media Reporter/Columnist has revealed and should continue to expose State inspector General Gregory W. Sullivan administration. His political appointment and conduct in office has gross disappointment and failure.

Those of us that battled to keep the office from closing in the 1990's when the Weld/Cellucci Administration and the Special Interests tried to shutter than Inspector General Joe Baresi and his chief Steve Cotton because of standing up and exposing inefficiency waste,mismanagement, fraud, and abuse are literally disgusted to witness the don't see and don't tell policy of being blind to government waste and wrongdoing.

The Sullivan era of too many years of non leadership to stand up against inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse has been disappointing. His record ranging from the Big Dig to the Saltonstall Asbestos Scandal is non existent. A person with so much promise has been wasted.

The Sullivan conduct in administration is expected by someone who is a political appointee appointed by the political people who do so Governor, Auditor, and especially the Attorney General who usually does nothing with the findings from the Inspector General Office. His era of too many years of non leadership to stand up against inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse has been disappointing. His record ranging from the Big Dig to the Saltonstall Asbestos Scandal is non existent. A person with so much promise has been wasted.

Unless, real reform and mission for the office of Inspector General is established, Sullivan and the Office should be non funded

2010-09-17T07:17:00.012-04:00
Boston Globe Reporter/Columnist Scot Lehigh is at it again writes column attacking public employee health insurance not revealing his spouse works for health insurance provider in his attempt to praise guru candidate Charles Baker the supreme health care industry special interest advocate.

This long long time reporter turned expert columnist has misinformed the readers again. He appears to have gross dislikes of union bosses. Scot Lehigh should not the demonize victim workers and families in need of health care. Could the reporter/columnist at least hold the health care industrial establishment accountable because Scot Lehigh never did to the Big Dig Special Interest Machine?

What is most interesting about the column is to look at the blog comments that exposed Lehigh. Scot Lehigh came back and even blogged the person making the revelation displaying additional positions on issues that should be used as a disclaimer every times he writes in the future. Lehigh has reached a new depth in journalism , There must be a code of ethics and conduct for all in the media in order not to fool readers or listeners.

Scot Lehigh long long time reporter turned columnist is at it again refusing to research the issues and pontificating with only leaving out all the valid details.

Charlie Baker and his father both served on the GIC and supported the carnage GIC Head Dolores Mitchell fosters and continues on public employees on paid premiums and taxpayer dollars honestly put forward for health coverage.

Fact: The Baker/Mitchell clan put forward allowing doctors and hospitals to do balance billing where costs over all above not paid by health plans can be billed directly to subscribers. That was promoted by the clan that was stopped after a legislative battle where Mitchell tried to fool the legislature that it was a cost saving. That practice was outlawed years before for all private sector employees.

Next, the GIC allowed drug formularies to be changed at will when specific lists were given to doctors and state employee patients which drugs were allowed by contract. That information is needed on drugs especially those trying to survive fatal illnesses. The Baker/Mitchell Clan did nothing. A complaint was filed with the Attorney general and the provider had to pay restitution.

The legislature always had a final say on health insurance premiums for those employees covered with several of the minority members of those unions appointed often going along with the administration in power and not the employees they represented.

The GIC and when the Baker/Clan always found ways to make the employees pay more, for less coverage, higher co-pays and deductibles and rarely holding the Health Care Industrial Establishment Accountable.

I challenge to be corrected.

2010-09-12T08:42:00.005-04:00

Globe Reporter Michael Rezendes has written a news story on Charlie Baker not going beyond the surface, checking not even the Globe Archives, or not even attempting to go beyond the cosmetics to do real investigative journalism.

Shame on the reporter who wrote this pro Baker puff piece for Charlie Baker that certainly does not qualify as journalism. This piece certainly qualifies as safe not to offend the resume if or when applying for a political appointment job in the future. Hopefully, the reporter will clear the air and take an oath not to seek or accept a job in any Charlie Baker administration or job in any new Baker private sector ventures.

The reporter could not even look at the Globe Archives to get beyond the fluff or interview all who were run over by Baker’s lack of concern, care, compassion and fiscal concern for the citizens and taxpayers of Massachusetts. From the private sector to a politically appointed job to the multimillion dollar private sector job of a deal bailout ponzi type scheme of a health insurance provider Harvard-Pilgrim whose disgusting record continued.

The reporter is writing like others at the Globe who who covered all the Baker years and continue to fail to do real investigative reporting.

Charlie Baker lacks any compassion or concern for the unfortunate. Look at his tenure as Assistant and Secretary of Human Services for the Develop Mentally Disabled, Public Health and Nursing Homes, and those requiring Mental health Services. Unfortunately, the reporter did not do his research. Look at the Baker era and his role at the Group Insurance Commission that he and his father who served as a model to deny healthcare for public workers that Baker carried on at his big bucks job he took after the state approved bailout of his Harvard Pilgrim. Remember, Baker got his multimillion $$$ job health Insurance job at the insurer to ply his denial of good benefits to subscribers to get profits and continue his worth many mllion $$$ in salaries and benefits for himself.

The reporter should look at Charlie Baker’s cover up of the asbestos contamination scandal and contaminators at the Saltonstall Building and his mismanagement of the potential exposure after repeated incidents. Look at Baker’s initiatives of destroying the state Human Services Delivery Systems that continues today. Look at facilities in Taunton, Danvers, Northampton, Belchertown, Rutland, Glavin,Umass Hospital, Boston City Hospital, and foster care programs who instead of modernizing with accountability and providing oversight destroy that has resulted in the state being captive by unaccountable vendors, consultants, and providers. Baker was complacent and disastrous in his oversight of the financially failed Big Dig as further verification of his failed leadership.

2010-09-05T08:28:00.011-04:00

THERE IS NEW HOPE THAT THE BOSTON GLOBE WILL FINALLY EXPOSE THE CHARLIE BAKER RECORD AS THEIR CANDIDATE GOVERNOR PATRICK IS FADING....THE ELITIST REPORTERS AND GLOBE MOGULS WILL FINALLY DESERT ONE OF THEIR PEDESTAL FAVORITES CHARLIE BAKER ENDING THE LONGTERM PROMOTION AND DAMAGE CONTROL BATTLES AGAINST THOSE THAT HAVE PLEADED TO EXPOSE THE CITIZEN AND TAXPAYER LEADERSHIP FAILURES OF THE BAKER FRAUD

Those that have lived and monitored the Baker Regimes of State Government know his record of no accountability and oversight of taxpayer dollars. The Globe Statehouse Bureau stationed at the Statehouse rarely or dismissed the pleas of those blowing the Whistle on inefficiensy, waste, fraud and abuse of that Baker in charge era of mismanaged State government.

Lately, there seems to be a glimmer ofhope on exposing Baker by The Globe apparently to help the endorsed favorite Deval Patrick This should have been done sooner that would prevent the Republican party from embarassment to get another candidate and not Baker as the candidate.

If you like the low cost of the Big Dig, Health Insurance, Asbestos Exposure in State Buildings,High Fees, money thrown at the vendors, providers, and consultants and not those in need of Human Services, Baker is the one to support or a voter can carry on the tradition who has made these issues an artform and vote for the other front runner Deval Patrick. Either way only the Special Interests will win as they have the $$$$$ to pay to play on lobbying for their special interests and not the public interest. The citizens of Massachusetts lose again,

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

2010-09-04T16:23:00.004-04:00

BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL BOARD ENDORSES JOE MALONE FOR CONGRESS.....THE JOE MALONE AS STATE TREASURER THAT HAD A SCANDAL IN HIS OFFICE AND HAD QUESTIONABLE DEALINGS WITH $$$$$ BILLIONS IN EMPLOYEE AND TAXPAYER PENSION INVESTMENTS....THE GLOBE DID NOT EVEN CHECK THEIR ARCHIVES BEFORE ENDORSING AND PRAISING MALONE????

The Boston Globe Editorial Board has reached a new depth.This is on the same level as former Globe Columnist Jon Keller accused the Board being "In The Tank" on the BIG DIG.

These are the facts. Joe Malone was constantly reported in this newspaper for mishandling Pension Investments, Employee Deferred Compensation Investments, and Patronage Hiring of investment advisers.

This endorsement and stating Malone made improvements in dealing with pension moneys of taxpayers and employees is false.

Those who had to be victimized by the Malone years and every taxpayer should be insulted by this fictional approval of Malone.

Those who battle inefficiency, waste,and mismanagement, fraud, and abuse in Government Operations should note and be dubious of the Boston Globe Editorial Board as an place to seek assistance for wrongdoing.

I challenge to be corrected

2010-08-25T07:37:00.002-04:00
FBI Re-Opening Worcesster Office reported in Worceaster Telegram Newspaper. Both the Boston Regional Office and politically appointed US Attorneys have a track record of qustionable activities and do nothing investigations. Sources,witnesses, and whistleblowers be cautious.

(Worcester Telegram Posting)

I am not impressed. The Boston Regional Office has a long history of scandal from the Whitey Bulger issue coupled with the do nothing investigations of the Big Dig.

Remember,what the FBI finds, dismisses, or places in files to get dusty is controlled by revolving door Republican or Democratic temporary US Attorney Political Appointees.

I urge all potential sources, witnesses, or whistleblowers who want to report corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse to wait and see by what actions come forward.

In the meantime, contact one of the Washington based Whistleblower Groups that can be trusted for guidance. They include:

Project on Government Oversight
Scott Amey, General Counsel
phone: (202) 347-1122
fax: (202) 347-1116
email: info@pogo.org

2010-08-22T09:12:00.012-04:00

Scott Lehigh long long time reporter and promoted columnist for the Boston Globe has written that he has been fooled referencing Republican Governor Candidate Charlie Baker's CHARACTER! Imagine, it has taken decades to realize what many that have tried to hold Baker accountable for his many missteps, lack of accountability and oversight carnage of actions taken against citizens and taxpayers. Lehigh appears to have awaken?

Charlie Baker lacks any compassion or concern for the unfortunate. Look at his tenure as Assistant and Secretary of Human Services for the Develop Mentally Disabled, Public Health and Nursing Homes, and those requiring Mental health Services. Unfortunately, the reporter did not do his research. Look at the Baker era and his role at the Group Insurance Commission that he and his father who served as a model to deny healthcare for public workers that Baker carried on at his big bucks job he took after the state approved bailout of his Harvard Pilgrim. Remember, Baker got his multimillion $$$ job health Insurance job at the insurer to ply his denial of good benefits to subscribers to get profits and continue his worth many mllion $$$ in salaries and benefits for himself.

The reporter should look at Charlie Baker’s cover up of the asbestos contamination scandal and contaminators at the Saltonstall Buiilding and his mismanagement of the potential exposure after repeated incidents. Look at Baker’s initiatives of destroying the state Human Services Delivery Systems that continues today. Look at facilities in Taunton, Danvers, Northampton, Belchertown, Rutland, Glavin,Umass Hospital, Boston City Hospital, and foster care programs who instead of modernizing with accountability and providing oversight destroy that has resulted in the state being captive by unaccountable vendors, consultants, and providers. Baker was complacent and disastrous in his oversight of the financially failed Big Dig as further verification of his failed leadership.

Scott Lehigh was around for all the Charlie Baker years in state government and is only now waking up to his true unfortunate character! Lehigh has been fooled like the Republican Party in Massachusetts who had the audacity to think with no real background check they were nominating a reformer for Governor.

Lehigh should communicate immediately with the Massachusetts Republican State Committee to ask Charlie Baker to withdraw his candidacy for Governor and get a candidate with compassion, concern, care for Massachusetts Citizens and taxpayers. Failure to do so will most likely insure 4 more failed years of Governor Patrick and Assistant Governor Murray.

2010-08-16T20:18:00.002-04:00
CAPE WIND PROJECT DEBATED AT MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR CANDIDATES FORUM

Cape Wind is a developer and speculators dream of a no-bid contracts.

Deval Patrick should be ashamed of himsel for supporting this no bid expensive electric rate paying project for consumers and businesses. Charlie Baker served as Secretary of Human Services and also top financial person for the state allowing billions of no-bid contracts during his tenure to vendors, providers, and consultants. How many times does the Baker role have to be documented on the Big Dig. overruns. Tim Cahill has given out billions in no bid management servfices of of state and pension monies. Jill Stein has no record and is blameles as she has not held office a yet.

2010-08-15T19:56:00.009-04:00
Out of Touch Massachusetts Construction Union Bosses again in battle with Non Union Contractors reported in Worcester Telegram Editorial.

The issue the Telegram states is Project Labor Agreements and union-only construction contracts for public construction work in Massachusetts grossly inflate costs to taxpayers. That is a false premise as poor quality and not adhering to proper standards including cheating only creates bigger profits for contractors.

OK, now the real facts on so called alleged Project Labor Agreements.

The issue should be is quality in Construction, Oversight, and Accountability in Public Works Construction.

Republican President Herbert Hoover enacted the Federal Davis Bacon Act for Federal Projects and Masschusetts enacted a state version years earlier to prevent shoody construction of taxpayer projects by assuring the right qualified craft persons were doing the work.

The Massachusetts System worked well until the Worcester Telegram mentioned both Building Trades Union Head Frank Callahan and Edward Collins of the Electrical Workers Union major players who knowingly allowed enforcement and lack of inspections of Construction Sites to diminish. They were both out front to destroy the Secretariat of labor in 1993 as well a s being silent to the cries to get succeeding Democrat Attorney Generals to enforce these laws shortchanging both their members and taxpayers.

The height of this problems also brings in Carpenter Union Boss Mark Erlich whose members reportedly suffer a 25% unemployment rate despite paying high dues to their leadership. The Carpenters had its Worcester Union Building Roof refurbished without Union Roofers that caused other unions to picket with a big inflated 'Rat Doll' out front.

The unions and their Democrat Attorney General endorsees with the legislature are the culprits for the issue of quality in Public Works Construction to be in the shape it is today.....From the Big Dig to School construction under both Democratic and Republican Governor Administrations.

Project Labor Agreements are wrong. The only way to insure quality and fairness to all is to enforce existing Construction Laws for both Union and Non union contractors insuring a level playing field for legitimate hones contractors and workers. The Union Bosses should take responsibility for the current failure as the only way to stop shoddy workmanship and contractor cheating. Also, Contractors can sign agreements with the Carpenters Union only leaving other trades out and the Carpenter Union members will work along side non union sub-contractors and workers.

I challenge the Telegram and Union bosses to correct the mess and stop misinforming the readers, workers, and taxpayers.

2010-07-21T20:53:00.006-04:00
Massachusetts State Inspector General Gregory W, Sullivan takes position against slot machines at racetracks or is just supporing Resort Casino Lobbyists and the Administration who are against the racetracks and for resort casinos? Once again the question of motives for Sullivan whose record of non action on so many issues affecting inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud, and abuse of government operations??????

This is a change of course of the State Inspector General taking a sincere position on this issue or just posturing to the politicians and appearing sincere?

His era of too many years of non leadership to stand up against inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse has been disappointing. His record ranging from the Big Dig to the Saltonstall Asbestos Scandal is non existant. A person with so much promise has been wasted.

Therefore the question again "Carrying Water" for whom or what or sincerity?

2010-06-27T20:36:00.005-04:00
BIG DIG. GUILTY, ENABLERS AND HEROES

(Please note: The enclosed is a previously written column that is being reposted due to several requests)

1977, began the history of the so called Massachusetts Ward Commission chaired and named after a former president of Amherst College who led a citizen panel outraged at the public construction contract scandal that occurred with the building of the infamous Boston Government Center. Their report two years later caused the halls of the Massachusetts Statehouse to loudly shake and so called reforms took place in Massachusetts state government including the advent of the office of Inspector General.

Those construction reforms seem to have failed and been forgotten and a reverse in integrity and ethics has once again surfaced in Massachusetts with school construction, highway, consultant, and vendor repeated scandals being revealed almost weekly. And finally the scandals of Boston’s Central Artery almost $20 billion dollar failure no longer is being able to be covered up by both State and Federal Managers and elected legislators from both parties. US Attorneys, Attorney Generals, Inspector Generals and their colleagues all now are acting piecemeal toothless and ineffective despite warnings for decades by whistleblowers, some journalists, citizens, and a minor cadre of courageous officials. The time has come for a new Ward Commission to clean up the current mess.

State and Federal Taxpayers once again must be exasperated and disgusted at the latest Boston’s Central Artery Project-Big Dig tragedy that is pushing the media. When enough is is enough? No more cover-ups are needed. Time for the truth to least not repeat all the mistakes of the past even now when so much state and federal dollars has been wasted, shoddy construction, and a death that should have been avoided. Billions of Dollars have been wasted in Boston.

Outrageous for Massachusetts Senators Kennedy and Kerry who are now calling for better highway tunnel inspections and so called “Value Engineering”! In addition, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is hinting at doing a cash settlement of $1billion to forgive Bechtel Corporation and potentially others to remove criminal liability! The recent settlement by the Boston US Attorney to settle for $50 million and relieve civil and criminal liability for faulty loads of Big Dig Concrete at this late date of the almost completed 20 year project is another further despicable outrage.

This incompetent damage control cover-up after the fact by those who should have been the watchdogs is a further nadir of disgrace of public trust oversight again fostered on State and National Taxpayers.

Senators Kennedy and Kerry advocating for enhanced tunnel inspections and for “Value Engineering” is a moral and ethical outrage. Value engineering calls for an additional set of engineers and others to be called in evaluating as to quality, cost, and need for major construction projects.

When there were outcries for Big Dig Oversight by those good intentioned citizen and government advocates documented precisely in 1994 and years before by the Massacusetts Inspector general, the Massachusetts House Post Audit and Oversight Committee for Value Engineering and accountability both Senator Kennedy and Kerry were unheard and were part of the enablers that did nothing.

Additionally, I cannot recall at anytime either Kennedy or Kerry leading any charge for accountability or oversight of the project when citizen and government advocates were pleading for assistance for expenditure and construction sanity on the project. Senator Kerry even made the impression that all was well and monies were there joining the Big Dig Bechtel Public relations Specialists to mute outcries for accountability.

The bottom line is Democratic Governor Michael Dukakis and his Secretary of Transportation Fred Salvucci and then highway commissioner Jane Garvey were the forefathers and birth mother laying the foundation for the Big Dig scheme that brought the “no bid, cost plus and little oversight of “ Bechtel with the many other contractors and consultants. Their legacy was continued and enhanced to an art form by the succeeding Republican Governors of Massachusetts, Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney along with their minions of Peter Nessen, Jim Kerasiotis, James Carlin, and Charlie Baker.

The Massachusetts Legislature at almost every inch of the way has shown a lack of oversight and accountability fostered and responsible by the former long term Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation Robert Havern and Steven Karol. State Senator Mark Pacheco who heads the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee is now making pronunciations on the Big Dig! His so called landmark contract legislation of accountability and oversight called the Pacheco Bill of a decade and a half ago specifically exempts engineering and design from proper fiscal analysis that allowed the Big Dig calamity. Pacheco’s exemption paved the way with impunity for the failures of Bechtel and others to ply their runaway costs.

Boston CBS 4 reporter Jon Keller stated recently on a station’s talk show when asked why all the failures of the original $2.3 Billion contract now reaching $18-$20 Billion project was not reported by the media. Keller the former Boston Globe Editorial writer and columnist stated that both Editorial Boards of the Boston Newspapers (Globe and Boston Herald) were in the “tank”. He even outed a former Globe colleague David Warsh as a long time enabler. There are so many other names of journalists and media types that participated or turned a blind eye.

Next, we had the revolving door of Massachusetts State Attorney Generals L. Scxott Harshbarger and Tom Reilly. Massachusetts also had Democrat and Republican US Attorneys of Wayne Budd, Donald Stern, and Michael Sullivan who served Democratic and Republican Presidents as well as Congresses adding to the record of little or no pleas for oversight. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone formerly top criminal prosecutor for the state Attorney General who went on to work for the US Attorney has a record of toothless probes on the Big Dig during his tenures.

The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Offices of Inspector General along with the politically appointed non career managers of the Massachusetts State Highway Department and toll road Turnpike Authority required little or no accountability of Federal, State tax dollars, and Toll Fees. Their inactions insured shoddy workmanship and cost escalations despite outcries from construction workers and government engineers. This resulted in diversion of needed State and Federal Tax dollars from other Massachusetts roads and bridges resulting in their serious current disrepair status.

I suggest those seeking the truth on the Big Dig look at the State House Post Audit and Oversight Committee and past reports on the Big Dig under former chairs Cerasoli, Kennedy, and especially the era of William Nagle and staff director Thomas Hammond to determine the facts against what Kennedy, Kerry and others after decades are trying to do to appear as crusaders. That legislative committee of integrity was the sole sanctuary to bring financial sanity and oversight to the project despite the Big Dig juggernaut of attacks. Their efforts were stopped when Representative James Fagan became chair and the departure of then crusading Staff Director Thomas Hammond.

Additionally, talk to the real heroes of good government that sounded the alarms who were dismissed, demeaned, intimidated, or called “gadflys” by the Big Dig propaganda machine. They include reporters Peter Howe, Tim Sandler,Wendell Woodman, John Coughlin, Charles Sennott,Joe Bergantino Ron Gallobin, Jon Wells, David Kassel, John Vanscoyoc, John Strahinch, and Joe Bergantino to name a few to the list. Also, note people such as legislators, the late Fran Doris, Marie Parente, Bill Constantino, Tom Norton, William Keating, Christy Mihos, Richard Moore, Warren Tolman, and Vincent Mannering. Even Speaker Dimasi when a rank and file legislator and Emmanuel Serra were also dismissed. Special mention should go to the late Jerry Williams, Fred Langone, Chris Ianella, Joe Baresi, Steve Cotton, Joe Dinucci as well as Howie Carr, Larry Overlan, K. Dunn Gifford, Auditor DeNucci, and Scott Amey of the Washington based whistleblower group Project on Government Oversight for all their time and efforts that went unheeded by Kennedy-Kerry and others.
The Kerry and Kennedy new attempts at revisionism and attempting to act like whistleblowers in seeking Highway Tunnel Inspections and so called “ Value engineering” is short of nothing too late. Both senators at this stage of their careers have the distinction of promoting with no oversight the largest and most costly flawed government construction project ever undertaken in the United States. Their continued repetitive actions of coverup is ensuring Boston’s Big Dig to be the largest international construction monument for waste, fraud, and abuse. Massachusetts new Governor Deval Patrick should not let all the enablers and the Big Dig guilty get Pardons and Freedoms for so called minor “Chump Change” that will allow again State and Federal Taxpayers and the infinity Toll Road Toll Payers to continue and be victimized.

Massachuestts needs a new WARD Commission to get needed reforms and be the model for the federal government to follow.

2010-05-23T08:46:00.003-04:00
Boston Globe reporter Noah Bierman writes about Republican candidate Charles Baker compasion for a program and individual. The credibility is questionable especially being revealed during an election cycle where Baker has had such a poor record for those in need of Human Services and an almost total lack of insuring acountability and over sight of taxpayer dollars in several politically appointed positions he held in state government.

Now the rest of the Story…..The Boston Globe is being used by the highly financed $$$$ campaign public relations team of one of the worst self serving government politically appointed administrators to serve in government who wrecked carnage on those in need of Human Services and raped taxpayers pocketbooks.

Charlie Baker lacks any compassion or concern for the unfortunate, Look at his tenure as Assistant and Secretary of Human Services for the Develop Mentally Disabled, Public Health and Nursing Homes, and those requiring Mental health Services. Unfortunately, the reporter did not do his research. Look at the Baker era and his role at the Group Insurance Commission that he and his father who served as a model to deny healthcare for public workers that Baker carried on at his big bucks job he took after the state approved bailout of his Harvard Pilgrim health Insurance job.

The reporter should look at Charlie Baker’s cover up of the asbestos contamination scandal at the Saltonstall Buiilding and his mismanagement of the potential exposure after repeated incidents. Look at Baker’s initiatives of destroying the state Human Services Delivery Systems that continues today. Look at facilities in Tauntoin, Danvers, Northampton, Belchertown, Rutland, Glavin,Umass Hospital, Boston City Hospital, and foster care programs who instead of modernizing with accountability and providing oversight destroy that has resulted in the state being captive by unaccountable vendors, consultants, and providers. Baker failed in his oversight of the financially failed Big Dig as further verification of his failed leadership.

This news article is another example of a politician who fears his true past being exposed that a slick media specialist bakes an angle to cover up past discretions.

Thos who were in the audience watch and witnessing during the Charlie Baker years at the statehouse are not fooled.

I challenge to be corrected by this Globe Reporter or other Baker allies at the Globe.

Time for the real facts on Baker and his opponents to be revealed so voters can make an informed decision who should the lead the state.

2010-04-03T13:46:00.004-04:00
Boston Globe Editorial promoting another Republican Candidate Charles Baker Jr. scheme to join the state Group Insurance Plan to cut Municipal Health Care Costs. The Boston Globe left out several facts and allowed another use of their Editorial Page for a boost for Baker the former $1 Million+ salary CEO of the Harvaed Pilgrim Health plan that got a state bailout.

Wait a minute Boston Globe Editorial Board writers. You are not stating the real facts.and have gone too far.

Public and private employees are the victims as Massachusetts pays the highest health care costs in the country and world.

Boston Globe Editorial Page continuously has allowed overpaid health care executives such as million dollar guy Baker to get free columns to cover up their carnage on businesses and industries honestly trying to get affordable healthcare for themselves and their employees..

These are the facts the Globe editorial Board has failed to state.

Charles Baker and his father both served on the State Group Insurance Commission and always supported the industry and causing less care and higher costs for workers and taxpayers. Boston Globe Editorial Board, you left these facts or did not bother to ask or just doing another support piece for Baker and the industry

Two examples of the Group Insurance Commission during the Baker Boys and Republican Governors reign of the Commission head Dolores Mithchell who continues under this Democratic Administration to attack taxpayers and employees with unfounded higher costs and be a patsy for the Health Care Industrial Establishment

BALANCE BILLING-This is where government allows those insured are required to pay doctor costs out of their pockets above what the plan pays for. I spearheaded the legislation with the support of many that stopped this practice on public employees that was implemented by the Group Insurance commission.. Private Sector Employees and Employers have had these laws since 1985 to protect them against having to pay for doctor costs above what their plan pays.

Drug Formularies. This is where health insurers can dictate what drugs people insured can receive. I filed a formal complaint against a health care provider and a settlement was reached. Insurers now announce in advance what drugs they will pay forl and have to be upfront with the insured..

I challenge the Globe Editorial Board to be Transparent in writing their columns. And immediate correst what is being stated.

I also challenge to be corrected

Shame on the Globe. and Charley Baker, you had and have so much potential-it is time to clean up your act and at least be upfront where you come from

2010-03-27T15:56:00.003-04:00
Massachusetts Attorney General gets $35,000 during failure Senate race from Executives of failing Cathoilic Hospital Chain now must detemine if sale of 6 hospitals to so called investment group-good or bad. Will campaign contributions enter into the equation? You be the judge. Time to watch for potential ethical violation.

Caritas Christi Health Care by a New York speculator or alleged properly so called named "investment" firm. Six so called failure hospitals are involved. These hospitals serve neddy populations. Will the for profit investment firms put profits or patient care first? Another sad commentary to note are all the Catholic Parishners and others who gave and donated over the years figuring good human healthcare with oversight by the Catholic Church leaders?

As for the Office of Attorney general martha Coakley: This is another example of the Office of Attorney General performing and whose functions in many areas are shambles that is mandated by state law which should come under review for Conflicts of Interests and Ethical Standards.

Media hype or Press releases should not be used for damage control or self promotion as Massachusetts Healthcare continues to lag. Will be interesting to see how Coakley handles this one rightly or have her character and Office questioned again.

We all remember the last minute secret Washington fundraiser during her Senate Campaign where the Healthcare Industrial Special Interests opened their checkbooks.

The Attorney General has a long way to go in restoring trust and confidence.

Time for Coakley to Clean Up her Act and her Agency functions on behalf of the citizens. Be a stateswoman for the people and not just another politician temporarily administering government for self service and not public service

2010-03-16T09:24:00.006-04:00
Thank You and Congralutlations to Blue Cross for maintaining inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement will continue. The loss of $150 million last year and giving out CEO retirement packages of $16 million why was so low? Hopefully, Blue Cross can do better and this year really achieve the goals of AIG, Lehman Brothers, and Bear Stearns to really sock it to the subscribers and taxpaying business and industries

Good benefits, great salaries, and perks for the corporate executives. Everyone benefits except the subscribers. Blue Cross should work its health plan to be the best in America.

The "BERNIE MADEOFF TRADITION" of shuffle and fool to make sure it continues by less use of their plans of those in need of healthcare to continue to save costs for more $$$ for those in charge....Is not corporate and non-profit greed grand?

Thank You Massachusetts Government and absent regulators for taking care and insuring Healthcare provider gimmicks and costs continue to skyrocket.

2010-03-13T09:13:00.003-05:00
MORE PHONY STATE BUDGET CUTS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A FRAUD,FARCE,OR A BAD JOKE THAT IS NOT NECESSARY

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?

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. The shadow Massachusetts Government of outsourced employees from bought services that are never revealed or discussed should be the first place to start along with their executive perks and salaries. 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.

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

2010-03-09T20:17:00.006-05:00
Another Boston Central Artery "Big Dig" Charade Coming on Oversight of the "Guardrail Tragedy"....CAUTION TO ALL WHISTLEBOWERS....THINK TWICE BEFORE EXPOSING YOURSELF.

I would urge all who have knowledge of inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse to think twice bfore coming forward. Think of your family and yourself.

No one cares. Those that have been there, seen it, and done it are giving you good advice.

The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Ispector General, US Attorney, State Attorney General, State Inspectorn General, FBI, General Accounting Office, Congress, Legistors, and State Attorney General and especially The Boston Globe: BEWARE AND DON'T BE FOOLED.

I advise you if you have information contact the Whistleblower Group with the utmost integrity. Project On Government Oversight(POGO) and theid General Counsel Scott Amey, phone: (202) 347-1122

2010-03-03T07:30:00.004-05:00
Herald Reports on new powerful Massachusetts Competitive Partnership big time Special Interest group skirting lobbying laws as the start of legislative law maker influence peddling on Beacon Hill.

This news article shows Special Interests win again and always able to skirt transparency in government operations.

So called reforms in wake of recent legislative lobbying scandals continue and the citizenry left with more Special Interest monies and Power Brokers able to ply self interests above public interest.

The writer of this news article should have recalled Ms. Wilmot of Common Cause was part of the so called public relations politically appointed fact finding group that came up with recommendations that spurred the new weak reforms. She and her group have no cause to now complain.

Time for real reforms in government. Bring back a true WEARD type commission that came about after the Government Center Scandals of the last century. Time for a real sanitation of Massachusetts Government where dedicated Public Service comes first

2010-02-14T09:59:00.002-05:00
FRONT PAGE STORY IN BOSTON GLOBE ABOUT LAWSUIT CONCERNING ALLEGED UNSAFE TRAGIC GUARDRAILS ON THE BOSTON CENTRAL ARTERY PROJECT BIG DIG...THE MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT IN THE WORLD RIDDLED WITH WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE

I cannot believe this news story. The Boston Globe management and several reporters have been enablers for no accountability and oversight on the Big Dig from start to finish.

When Globe Reporters such as Peter Howe, Charles Sennott, and John Coughlin tried to report on inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement on the Big Dig, they were dismissed, demeaned, or intimidated. Conscientious Citizens that pleaded for and presented evidence received a similar fate. Even the highly respected Washington based group Project on Government Oversight led by Scott Amey suffered the same fate. The Special Interests were listened to and damage control was the philosophy by so many at the Boston Globe. As former Globe editorial writer Jon Keller said, both Boston newspaper editorial boards were “in the tank”.

The international monument for the most expensive flawed no bid cost plus transportation project in the world that went from an original cost of $2.3 billion to $23+Billion riddled with inefficiency, waste and mismanagement with little or no oversight lives on.

2010-02-04T08:07:00.003-05:00
CASINO GAMBLING AND SLOTS ARE FINALLY COMING TO MASSACHUSETTS... AGAIN. THE MEDIA IS ASLEEP AND APPEARS TO NOT TO BE FOCUSING.

The issue of slots and casinos have been around for years and usually come to fruition in a bad economy. The issue is who, when, and where.

The media just has to follow the money. Which connected friend, former/present associate lobbyist campaign contributor comrade entity of the House or Senate leadership or Governor will win.

Time to state and follow the realities of who, what, and when will be the victor in this long battle of political and $$$$ influence that will once again see citizens and taxpayers being victims of special interests instead of common good wining.

That is the real news story

2010-02-03T06:16:00.003-05:00
A VICTORY FOR THE CITIZENS OF MASSACHUSETTS THAT SHOULD IMPROVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR THOSE IN NEED AND THE BATTLE AGAINST THE SPECIAL INTERESTS WITH THE NEW STATE LAW SCHOOL BEING APPROVED.

The three private law schools that opposed the state having its own law school are wrong and former Attorney General Tom Reilly should be ashamed. If Reilly did this effort for a fast buck and getting paid, he did a disservice to his resume and people of Massachusetts.

The so called non profit law schools that tried this stunt should have been exposed as self service and not public service for the common good.

Hopefully, we will have out of this a batch of Attorneys dedicating to helping those in need from being exploited. Also, we maybe fortunate in years to come and the next generations to have a bunch of lawyers dedicated to standing up to the special interests and exposing waste, fraud, and abuse in Government, Business, and Labor truly dedicated for the common good

2010-02-02T08:18:00.004-05:00
MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOME FOR RETARDED CITIZENS UNDER FINAL ASSAULT BY GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK AS CLIENTS ARE TO BE MOVED TO SPECIAL INTEREST VENDORS, PROVIDERS, AND CONSULTANTS

Deval Patrick and Tim Murray are plotting the final closure of the state delivery system. This administration lacks any credibility to deal with persons in need of services especially the developmentally disabled.

The Special Interest takeover of providing rational services with care, concern, and compassion by state government has been taken over by a mean spirited and often vicious group. They are non profit, not for profit, and for profits vendors, providers, and consultants of the Human Services Industrial Establishment.

They sell services with Bernie Madeoff Executive Type Salaries that has raped the state budget and work with little or no accountability or oversight. When this industry gets caught with waste, fraud, and abuse, the state only gives the politically strong industry more lucrative contracts because the state has no safety to provide services itself.

Glavin is one of the last gasp for the state to be a provider of services that we see yearly closure attacks and causes continual pain for clients, families, and those in need who want to enter the Glavin Community.

Unfortunately, the Legislature and Governors of both parties through inaction and being knowingly accomplices have allowed this calamity to those in need of services that has bloated unchecked the state budget that the media does not focus to alert taxpayers.

I challenge to be corrected and the media to do quality investigative journalism. The legislators should not do just lip service, stand up and be a profile in courage for those in need of services whatever the consequence to their own career, campaign funraiser, or next election.
Deval Patrick and Tim Murray are plotting the final closure of the state delivery system.. This administration lacks any credibility to deal with persons in need of services.

The Special Interest takeover of providing rational services with care, concern, and compassion by state government has been taken over by a mean spirited and often vicious group. They are non profit, not for profit, and for profits vendors, providers, and consultants of the Human Services Industrial Establishment.

They sell services with Bernie Madeoff Executive Type Salaries that has raped the state budget and work with little or no accountability or oversight. When this industry gets caught with waste, fraud, and abuse, the state only gives the politically strong industry more lucrative contracts because the state has no safety to provide services itself.

Glavin is one of the last gasps for the state to be a provider of services that we see yearly closure attacks and that causes continual pain for clients, families, and those in need who want to enter the Glavin Community. The taxpayers continual to see monies squandered on services provided by the Human Service Industrial Establishment more powerful with no accountability by an enabling disable Governor and legislature of both political parties.

2010-01-26T07:28:00.002-05:00
Disgrace: Obama supports Bernanke

There is no difference between Chicago Political Boss creation President Barrack Obama than Big Oil , Wall Street Banker favorite George Bush. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, and Chief Economic Adviser Larry Summers with the only one missing is Herb Paulsen from the Bush Administration whose 3 page fright paper got unaccounted and lack of oversight billions in taxpayer money for the greedy Wall Street Crown who must return.. Even shamed former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan thinks Bernanke is great for reappointment. Geithner predicts calamity if Bernanke is not appointed. Special Interests and Wall Street rule government continue to prosper as Main Street suffers more.

TARP, Bank Bailouts, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, AIG, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and Merrill Lynch, the happiest days are ahead…..Bring on more of the unlimited Campaign Contributions that both the Washington Democrats and Republicans can feast on!

This President will not clean up Wall Street and Congress will not do nothing either.

The cupboards on Main Street are bare while the party in Congress and the White House continues. Transparency. Oversight, Accountability in Government are no longer attainable.

Rising to the middle class, attaining good jobs, good wages, good healthcare, and good pension benefits are the past for American Citizens. The standard of living goes down and is rushing to become 3rd world.. Tuition, mortgage, affordable healthcare and housing, gasoline, utilities, clothing, and food costs continue to rise unchecked. The value of the American Dollar is rushing to the bottom to be as valuable as the “wooden nickel”.

Yet the promises of the 2008 election by both McCain and Obama go unchecked and forgotten. The Washington Senate leadership of Democrat Harry Reid and Republican Mitch McConnell, as well as House Leaders Democrat Nancy Pelosi and Republican John Boehner only offer foolish statements and despair.

Obama is starting to wear thin and his constant reinventing himself on now tackling Wall Street cannot be believed nor his promises for Transparency in Government in which the close door healthcare debate certainly proves was not followed. The Nobel Peace Prize
and failed Chicago Olympic site jockeying only adds to failed policies and initiatives.

Main Street families have suffered under the insensitive George Bush and now continue under President Barack Obama rhetoric and speeches. The recent elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and now Massachusetts clearly shows the Obama and Democrat label luster has tarnished and continues to rust.

After one year of President Obama’s term, the only hope of the administration seems to be false hope for a better future for this generation or those in the future. Obama and the Democrats cannot continue to blame Bush, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Fox News, talk show hosts, or Tea People for their continuous blunders and missteps.

The Hope and Change crowd that propelled President Obama into office seems to be abandoning ship and missing in action. The winds in their sails are gone. There are some media buddies still trying to support the administration such as Oberman, Maddow, Chris Matthews, The New York Times, and Jim Carville with the enthusiasm lessening each day by other Progressives and Liberals.

The underlings in both Houses of Congress seem to becoming restless as the 2010 election approaches with many incumbents of both parties getting nervous. There is more on the Democratic side fearing massive November losses. The Democratic leadership is having a difficult time in several states that as the failures and waffling continue by the White House. A new challenge from the Progressives will emerge from the underground and along with the “Tea People” will cause pain for the Obama presidency as well as both Political parties in 2010. Stay Tuned

2010-01-24T11:00:00.003-05:00
FRAUD:OBAMA DESERTS Wall STREET!

Despicable for President Obama now wanting to be a “Populist”. And, maybe he becomes a Whistleblower! This is fraud to state he now wants to take on Wall Street Bankers. Too, Too, Too late, Obama has already cast his lot with the greed merchants of AIG, Merrill Lynch, and Bear Stearns. He supported Fannie and Freddie, not to mention TARP and all the bailouts of this past year forgetting job losses and the people on Main Street.. Must we also mention his opium of Campaign Contributions? No one on Main Street can ever trust his chameleon like speeches of the day with little or no substance. Obama record is like George Bush and is certainly not one like Ralph Nader whom we all know.

How can anyone trust Obama when he has surrounded himself with the failed tax cheat enabler Timothy Geithner as his Treasury Secretary? He oversaw Wall Street when at theNew York Fed and continues to be their darling and shunning the people on Main Street. Ben Bernake for another term at the Federal Reserve who like Geithner is another defendant for the financial crisis the country is in? Also part of the Obama inner circle is questionable Chief Economic Adviser Larry Summers formerly of Harvard and an alleged enabler for Goldman Sachs who received questionable taxpayer bailout dollars and a former daily lecturer for Wall Street at big bucks.

Obama now wants to pick a fight with his Wall Street buddies thinking the people on main Street will believe him.. He must clean house first and go into a long-term Main Street First Mode by checking in to a Wall Street Last Rehabilitation Clinic to rid his philosophy and governing manner Bernie Madeoff made famous. Next, he must sanitize his cabinet and political overseers by using a Mr. Clean type cleaner to Spic and Span his administration. Failure to do these efforts will continue to have his nose grow like Pinocchio and be visible at the November 2010 mid term elections and be most prevalent when he goes for reelection in 2012. Obama better hope no insurgent progressive candidate takes him on.

The President also needs immediate backbone surgery to take out his bone marrow opportunist philosophy that got him the to where he is by the Mayor Daley and Rod Blagojevich political machines. Rahm Emanuel bulldog tactics must go. Obama must act like Mother Teresa and show real heart for the banished Black Tie and Expensive Gown State Dinner Crowd that cannot attend his gourmet White House mels from Main Street.

Obama must realize what families and small businesses are facing in unfair foreign competition jon losses, under and unemployment, high food, gasoline, heating and utility, unfair health insurance tuition, mortgage, rent, and hosing costs that He, George Bush, Republicans and Democrats don’t get as the special interests lubricate them and Washington into comas with campaign contributions.

Can a leopard change his spots? Can a junked car become new again? Can a failed Presidency Revive, Retool, Restore, Reinvigorate, Refresh, Reinvent, Reestablish, Re-establish itself?

Too late as faith, hope, and trust in the Obama Presidency by Main Street is becoming in doubt and the not loyal opportunists within the Democratic Party maybe ready to attack ?

Perhaps, we will witness the left and right along with the disgruntled so call “Tea People” unite to demand good government from its elected and appointed leaders? Main Street awaits for real deeds, accomplishments, and long lasting turnaround as the clock ticks with the impatience and lack of confidence growing.

President Obama make us proud of you. Really Rehabilitate and Renovate Yourself...

2010-01-21T07:49:00.008-05:00
Boston Herald reports UMASS President Jack Wilson gets pay raise of 15.4 percent, or $72,800, to $546,000 for fiscal year 2009 not mentioning benefits, perks, and is crying for more..Self Service and not Public Service..Insulting to all readers and taxpayers....."Another Pig at the Trough”Service

This is another example of self service and not public service. This public employee paid for with taxpayer and tuition dollars gives public service as an honorable profession a bad name.

Those that have tried and tried to blow the whistle on these type of salaries in so called public and non profit service are not surprised.

Mr.Wilson like so many of his colleagues does not show concern, care, or compassion for the mission and to those served.

Bernie Madeoff and Wall Street Banker salaries and perks are not the example to follow in the non profit, not for profit. and public sector.

The media must do more to focus, expose, and advocate change

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com

2010-01-20T14:54:00.004-05:00
Massachusetts new Junior United States Republican Senator Scott Brown,,,,Who is to Blame for the defeat of Democrat Martha Coakley?

Now the aftermath of the Coakley campaign is the question who or what to blame?

The pundits and next day quarterbacks who to blame and what is the proper analysis?

Who are those at fault? Coakley, Campaign managers, Local, State or National Democratic Parties, Democratic Senatorial Committee, John Kerry, Congressional Delegations, Labor Bosses, Emily List, Abortion, Gay Rights Groups?

Or high unemployment, costs of home heating fuel, food, gasoline, health insurance, mortgages, tuition, housing costs, employment, and job uncertainty caused the outcome?

Were either Brown Coakley ready to run for US Senate? Are there those wondering Republicans or democrats thinking today they could have won?

2010-01-16T09:22:00.002-05:00
Please Apologize Martha Coakley. Your behavior is shameless

I do not support Scott Brown and am outraged when he says that he fights waste on Beacon Hill. He has not been there or done it.

As for Ms. Coakley, I gave thought to holding my nose and voting for her. That has become more difficult after her fly in to Washington leaving Massachusetts a week before the election to go to get $10,000 entry fees at a fundraiser from lobbyists in the healthcare industry such as Pfizer, Eli lily, Merck, Blue Cross and United Healthcare.

The names of those we know of who were there is an insult to those who have a record of wanting healthcare for all Americans. Hopefully, she gives the money back and apologizes before Tuesday and the voters vote.

2010-01-13T07:34:00.005-05:00

Don't be fooled by Martha Coakley....She maybe worse then Scott Brown as our next US Semator from Massachusetts.....A difficult decision to vote for her. Will Martha Coakley support us who need healthcare or the drug,insurance companies, and lobbyists she is taking BIG BUCKS from at a Washington last minute fundraiser?????

I am no fan of the Real Scott Brown and his lack of a Record. Martha has done little or nil as Attorney general prosecutions BIG DIG, Wage and hour, Consumer, Criminal Division,
However, at her Washington Fundraiser Last Night she took time out to fly to....If this does not sour you....then categorize yoursellf as a blind defender of the Democratic party. She is no healthcare consumer crusader.

From Wall Journal, January 13, 2010-Page A22

"As first reported by Timothy Carney of the Washington Examiner, the host committee for the fundraiser at Pennsylvania Avenue's Sonoma Restaurant includes lobbyists for Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly, Novartis and sundry other drug companies that have been among the biggest of ObamaCare's corporate sponsors. Other hosts-who have raised at least $10,000 for Ms. Coakley-include representatives from UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana and other insurers. As far as we can tell, the insurance industry claims to oppose ObamaCare's current incarnation.

Naturally, lobbyists from America's Health Insurance Plans and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the major trade groups, were on hand too."

2010-01-12T08:05:00.002-05:00
AFL-CIO HEAD LABOR BOSS RICHARD TRUMKA GOES WEAK IN MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA ON HEALTHCARE THAT LEAVES WORKERS AND CITIZENS IN NEED OF HEALTHCARE NOWHERE.....PLAYING DEMOCRATIC PARTY POLITICS AND PATRONIZING COMES FIRST

This is what is wrong with the elitist labor leaders in America who have a disconnect with their rank and file membership and the skeptical non union workers they want to bring in to pay high dues and support their Wall Street Banker salaries, perks, life styles.

The Afl-CIO is becoming extinct and already splintered. These comments by its leader only lead to further deteriorization of credibility. Instead of standing most firm on healthcare and the Democratic Party....the labor movement leaders once again WIMP.

2010-01-11T12:45:00.002-05:00
I have received robo calls from Martha Coakley and now Scott Brown which irked me. You will find enclosed a potential position on who I may vote for in the upcoming special Massachusetts Special US Senate Election

I received a ROBO telephone call with a voice identifying himself as Scott Brown who helps to LEAD THE FIGHT AGAINST WASTE ON BEACON HILL......IF VOTING FOR HIM, PRESS 1, IF NOT VOTING FOR HIM, PRESS 2, AND IF UNSURE PRESS 3.

Martha Coakley has done little or nil for accountability and oversight of taxpayer dollars or prosecuting waste, fraud or abuse as Attorney General. Brown's record and documentation is non existent.

ROBO CALL FROM SCOTT BROWN 8:10PM-January 10, 2010-Not Believable
The question is for those of us who have a record on these issues what do we do? Hold your nose and vote for Martha and send her to Washington to be a rubber stamp for the dysfunctional Democratic Senate, send a message of frustration vote for Brown who seems to suffer from Pinocchio Syndrome , waste a vote on Kennedy the so called libertarian who cannot win. Or vote what is your heart for Mr./Mrs. Or Ms. Blank or the ultimate solution WRITE IN RALPH NADER?

2010-01-11T08:36:00.004-05:00
Boston Globe Ediorial Board out of character in lack of praise and support for Massachusetts Hospital Administrators

Congratulations to the Boston Globe Editorial Board and their page for their criticism of hospital administrators for not showing up at a costs control legislative hearing.

We usually see use of the Editorial Page for free advertising guest columns by ^Bernie Madeoff" Hospital Administrators, Insurer CEO, or so called healthcare questionable profiteers advocate types from the Human Services Industrial Establishment.

Now that you dictators of Editorial Policy at the Boston Globe are miffed that hospital administrators have not showed up at the so called hospital cost legislative hearing, will this editorial disgust be a one day occurrence? Will you rulers of the Editorial Board ban and not allow those dastardly overpaid Hospital Administrators anymore free non objective columns to further present one sided untruths to the citizens of Massachusetts?

2009-12-26T08:59:00.003-05:00
HOLYOKE SOLDIERS HOME AGAIN UNDER ATTACK BY ANOTHER GOVERNOR BE A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT.....WHAT CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTER, POLITICAL PROVIDER OR CONSULTANT WILL NOW DO THE JOB OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES?

Wake Up Massachusetts Citizens.

This is another grab by another administration be they Republican or Democrat, These decisions are made by temporary political appointees who are part of the revolving door of government. They come from the private sector when their candidate wins, back to the private sector when their candidate leaves or loses. Many times to those companies they regulate or give out contracts or awarded previously while temporary in state service.

With all state management political appointees hired without a merit system these are the actions citizens continuously get. The decisions made by those politically appointed will not be held accountable in the future. They will be long gone. Just provide a mirage or narrow minded piece of typed BERNIE MADOOF DOCUMENT to reportedly save money that the legislature, media, and uninformed citizens will be gullible to believe and not verify.

Massachusetts State government is not working. Compassion, Care, and Concern are gone. Our State Government has failed to be a provider of services. Massachusetts is a buyer of services from the un monitored vendors, providers, consultant, campaign contributors that have made our state budget process a failure. With little accountability or no oversight of expenditures, the Massachusetts Taxpaying Citizen has been fleeced.
http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

2009-12-19T22:39:00.005-05:00
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR PATRICK ADMINISTRATION AND UNION BOSS ALLIES GOUGE, ELIMINATE, AND TAKE BENEFITS AWAY FROM CAREER UNION STATE EMPLOYEES. STATE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO DOWNSIZE AND TRANSFER STATE DELIVERY SYSTEM TO MORE EXPENSIVE CONSULTANTS, VENDORS, PROVIDERS, AND CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS.

Shame on UNIONS BOISSES OF SEIU 509 and AFSCME

Once again the so called public employee union bosses continue to sell out to their endorsed political candidate at the expense of the career state employees struggling to provide services with taxpayer dollars. The union bosses continue to promote by inaction of starving state agencies and allowing their membership to dwindle. The Union Bosses are too allied with consultants, vendors, and providers that have raped the taxpayers, legislature for too long and are unaccountable trying to organize them while the delivery system fails. Apparently dues are dues for the union bosses to play politics and their dedicated membership are expendable.

Governor Deval Pattrick Threatens State Employee Cuts While insuring His Political Appointments Are Safe! That is an outrage. The place where there are the real Savings which 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.

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.

2009-11-14T07:59:00.004-05:00
THERE IS NO FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THE MASSACJHUSTTS MEDICAID ACCOUNT CONTRARY THAT IS BEING REPORTED. THE REAL PROBLEM IS A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT IN EXPENDITURES. WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, INEFFICIENCY, AND MISMANAGEMENT MUST BE ADDRESSED.

There is no financial crisis in the Medicaid account. Those needing services, concern, care, compassion, the legislature, and taxpayers continue to be ripped off. The Patrick Administration like previous Democratic and Republican Administrations come and go and nothing is done.

Stop the Crying and Do Something. Those groups like the New York Union Local 1199 who get dues monies to represent their members for political campaigns and courting the politicians with no results are going in the wrong direction. The embattled AARP who sell insurance and allege to represent seniors do little or nothing. The Home Care Federation of sellers and recipient of dollars know better.

Year after year those needing services continue to be battered. Instead of cuts or more and more dollars being demanded address the issue. Solve the problem that no one is addressing for these federal and state tax dollars.

Will one of you so called advocates Blow the Whistle that Federal, State, and Citizen Watchdogs have been pleading about for years that is not addressed and the alleged problem will be on the path to be solved. Inefficiency, waste, fraud, abuse, transparency, oversight, and accountability must be addressed head on. I have seen savings proposed by credible watchdogs to be estimated from ¾ of a $Billion to close to $2 Billion.

I challenge to be corrected and will correct my comments if proved inaccurate.

2009-10-20T20:15:00.004-04:00

Governor Deval Pattrick Threatens State Employee Cuts While insuring His Political Appointments Are Safe! That is an outrage. The place where there are the real Savings which 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.

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.

http://www.blogger.com/

2009-10-16T18:42:00.001-04:00
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?

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. The shadow Massachusetts Government of outsourced employees from bought services that are never revealed or discussed should be the first place to start along with their executive perks and salaries. 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.

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

2009-10-14T07:05:00.002-04:00
THE MASSACHUSETTS FOSTER CARE SYSTEM CONTINUES IN CRISIS WHETHER THE DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS ARE IN CONTROL. NO OR LITTLE ACCOUNTABILITY OR OVERSIGHT RULES OVER THE QUESTIONAL OPERATION OF VENDORS AND PROVIDERS

Concern, Care, and Compassion must be the first priority for children in peril at all times in the Foster Care System.

The current Massachusetrts System of Foster care is in failure. Where there is failure in the current system is not addressed. There is waste, fraud, and abuse in several areas. They include questionable persons in peril themselves providing services profiteering from the system such as providers and vendors that have little accountability or oversight.

The state has destroyed its own safety net to provide direct services and is dependent of the monopoly of those who do provide services.

The columnist is right to highlight the true angels of mercy who provide the most compassionate human services. However, the columnist fails to address the broken system and offer solutions for the failure and profiteering exploitation the current system has become from Democratic and Republican Administrations that come and go ruled by Political Administrations and not Managers who manage.and maintain continuity no matter who holds reins of Massachusetts Government.

2009-10-13T20:13:00.005-04:00
Response to Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich current trip to Massachusetts where he criticized the State Republican Party for failure. He overlooked these facts

The Massachusetts Republican Party has lost its way. During the Dukakis era Republican leaders like Steven Pierce in the legislature focused on making government work and trying to route out inefficiency, waste, and management often building coalitions with Democrats in the legislature for the cause.

When the succession of Republican Governors in the 1990's and this century of Weld, Cellucci, Swift, and Romney only the faces of the Executive Branch changed with the same or more patronage waste, fraud, and abusefrom the Big Dig to contractors, consultants, vendors, providers. and the Human Services Industrial Establishment causing taxpayer rape with little or no accountabilitymas what went on during previous Democratic Administrations.

How can the Republican party be trusted now or agian?

2009-10-11T20:37:00.007-04:00
Boston Globe Business reporter Liz Kowalczyk maquerading as a Health Reporter has gone too far in again writing a one sided news story relative to consumers may not have a choice in doctor hospital care under new plans by the Massachusetts Healthcare Industrial Establishment and a Dysfunctional State Government to ration Massachusetts healthcare to citizens in need of healthcare.

This so called news story is an outrage as this business reporter continues to masquerade herself as a so called health reporter.

Too long this reporter continues to report healthcare issues one sided. Why were not the other side presented in her story? A reporter reports while a columnist excesses a personal opinion.

Inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse continues in the Massachusetts healthcare industry unmonitored and unchecked with reporters such as this failing to listen or report on the rape of business and industry trying to provide affordable quality healthcare for employees and their families. Consumer and citizens in need of healthcare be warned that the Globe is not advocating or reporting fairly on healthcare issues.

The well financed Healthcare Industrial Establishment and The Boston Globe are allies. The highest healthcare costs in Massachusetts have in the country and the world will continue as advocating rationing to provider networks continues.

Shame on the reporter and Globe for making those in need of healthcare the scapegoats. The MADEOFFS in the industry conducting financial rape on the pocketbooks of taxpayers and citizens are the real culprits.

2009-10-05T07:09:00.003-04:00
NO CONFIDENCE IN THE OFFICE OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTOR GENERAL.....TIME FOR A REAL CHANGE.

TODAY, The Massachusetts Office of Inspector General issued a public relations ploy questioning or not questioning the Federal Stimulous Package that is providing monies for contractors for low income apartment builings? Yet, no contractor has been indicted, put in jail, or alleged misused monies recovered! Public relations attempt at publicity? I have doubts about the credibility of that office for several years under the current leadership.

Reason: Big Dig, Human Service Industrial Establishment, New School Construction, Consultant, Vendor, Provider, No Bid, bid, and Request For Proposal, Inefficiency, Mismanagement. Waste, Fraud,and Abuse few or nil indictments or Court Actions leading to misuse tax dollars being recovered.

This office has failed its mission and it is time for a new State Inspector General. In these times of declining government revenues for government operations,there must be accountability and Oversight that taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately.

2009-09-30T22:02:00.005-04:00
GLOBE STAFFERS COMPLAINING ABOUT HEALTH CARE BENEFIT CUTS TO THEIR OWN INSUANCE PLAN...WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN WHEN THEIR READERS AND CITIZENS ARE COMPLAINING BY THE PRICE GOUGING BY THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS?

For years many of us fought against For Profit Hospital Healthcare coming to our state, closing of more efficient community hospitals in unfair predatory competition by the larger hospitals, unjust higher co-payments and deductibles, higher administrative costs by insurers and HMO, ridiculous Bernie Madeoff Salaries by non-profit and not for profit health insurers and hospital executives, inflated prescription drug prices, giveaway of Boston City Hospital and the UMass taxpayer paid hospital in Worcester.

Many of The Globe reporters did not report or listen to the cries of your readers and many who sounded the alarm apparently feeling immune to the plight of so many. Now you have awaken to the reality of what all others beyond the former insulated World of The Globe and now have the same cries of the rest of us. For years the Healthcare Industrial Establishment of this state has given us the most expensive costs in the country and the world..

We sympathize with your plight and what is happening to you now that has and is happening to many now in need of healthcare for their families and themselves.

Hopefully, the next time someone calls regarding inefficiency, waste, mismanagement fraud and abuse in the buccaneer Healthcare Industry-you will at least listen and report.

NOTE: Similar post on Boston Phoenix Blog that posted Globe staffers letter to management

2009-09-30T18:31:00.006-04:00
BOSTON AREA MEDIA CRITIC AND FELLOW NORTHEASTERN PROFESSOR DAN KENNEDY WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT FORMER GOVERNOR AND COLLEAGUE MICHAEL DUKAKIS WAS NOT APPOINTED INTERIM UNITED STATES SENATOR IN MASSACHUSETTS.....TO ASSIST IN HIS MOURNING THE FOLLOWING THOUGHT OCCURRED AND I SENT THE FOLLOWING TO HIS BLOG TO CHEER HIM DURINGN THE PERIOD OF OUR MOURNING.(Anyone wanting to donate, please send your donations to the beleagured taxpayers of Massachusetts made out to the Big Dig Disaster Fund.)

DESPITE YOUR AND MY ENDORSEMENT GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK HAS FAILED BY NOT NAMING FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR FOR THE INTERIM VACANT MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES SENATE SEAT. THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR BOTH OF US THAT APPEAR TO HAVE DIFFERENT AGENDAS. MINE IS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT IN GOVERNMENT AND YOUR MOTIVATION? HOWEVER, WE SHOULD UNITE AND LAUNCH A MASSIVE CAMPAIGN TO ELECT MICHAEL DUKAKIS AS A WRITE IN CANDIDATE.

Dukakis was the architect of the Big Dig with Fred Salvucci and Bectel which is the world most expensive deteriorating construction project riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. No bid cost plus construction awards with conserted little or no oversight by design. The project went from $2.3 Billion to $24+ Billion. A true international monument AIG, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch and Wall Street Bankers who profited must be proud!

Michael Dukakis was the architect of destruction of the State Human Services delivery system that has made life worse for the mentally challenged, Developmentally Disabled, and those in need of public health and nursing services.Dukakis actions was a birth of a system of little accountability and oversight allowing vendors, providers,consultants to be allowed high executive salaries and those served and taxpayers to be exploited

I would suggest the first order of business when Dukakis takes office is an appearence before several Congressional Investigative Committees and testify about his meritorius terms as Govenror of a state and contributions to inefficiency,waste, and mismanagement in state government operations. He is our national and international model that all Special Interests should envy.

2009-09-25T07:39:00.003-04:00

5 outsourced emergency rooms charging $30 surccharges for late night emergency room services in nincluding St. Vincents medical center in Worcester exposed by a union.

Now the rest of the story. The surcharge is a sham and is the result of for profit health care coming to Massachusetts of profits before people. Remember, in the case of St. Vincents the parishioners of the regions Catholic Church gave monies to the Bishop to build the original Hospital only to sold to a for profit entity and no monies given back to the parishioners. The union bosses who exposed this are trying to organize these outsourced entities and are certainly not whistleblowers? Also, if these entities were organized and the dues to the labor bosses were flowing in, would they have exposed this?

This union Local l199 in recent years has descended upon Massachusetts from New York with deep pockets for political campaigns and organization. Note the work done for Deval Patrick and other legislative races. This group is out organizing the death carnage of the state delivery system and that has come about because of falling apart due to the negligence of other unions Council 93 (AFSCME) and Local Union 509 SEIU.

These two groups maybe employing a similar strategy in their collaboration with the Human Services Industrial Establishment on so many issues? Letting the state delivery system fail and see their own dues paying members workers displaced, then organize the new entities and utilize the strategy of joint lobbying for protection in the legislature for grants, higher rates, and more unaccountable tax dollars?

SEIU stands for the Service Employees International Union headed by the embattled president Andy Stern. John Sweeney recently retired czar of the divided AFL-CIO once head SEIU and employed the same strategy. Union Bosses practicing self service and politics before the members and the citizens. This a reason so many who trusted unions do not today.

NOTE: This story was reported in the Worcester Telegram and a comment was posted on their Blog website.

2009-09-22T14:24:00.007-04:00
TIME TO ENDORSE FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR FOR THE INTERIM VACANT MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES SENATE SEAT.

Dukakis was the architect of the Big Dig with Fred Salvucci and Bectel which is the world most expensive deteriorating construction project riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. No bid cost plus construction awards with conserted little or no oversight by design. The project went from $2.3 Billion to $24+ Billion. A true international monument AIG, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch and Wall Street Bankers who profited must be proud!

Michael Dukakis was the architect of destruction of the State Human Services delivery system that has made life worse for the mentally challenged, Developmentally Disabled, and those in need of public health and nursing services.Dukakis actions was a birth of a system of little accountability and oversight allowing vendors, providers,consultants to be allowed high executive salaries and those served and taxpayers to be exploited

I would suggest the first order of business when Dukakis takes office is an appearence before several Congressional Investigative Committees and testify about his meritorius terms as Govenror of a state and contributions to inefficiency,waste, and mismanagement in state government operations. He is our national and international model that all Special Interests should envy.

2009-09-20T19:59:00.005-04:00
BOSTON GLOBE TRANSPORTATION REPORTER NOAH BIERMAN QUOTES ARCHITECT OF THE BIG DIG ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES!

The Globe and one of its reporters Noah Bierman does it again listening to the architect of the Big Dig Fred Salvucci who gave Massachusetts the world’s most shoddy expensive transportation project in history going from the original $2.3 Billion to $24+ Billion that waits to deteriorate. Salvucci actions as Secretary of Transportation insured no accountability or oversight of the project when he gave Bectel and others no bid cost plus no bid constructs insuring little or no oversight. Inefficiency,Mismanagement, Waste, Fraud, and abuse are its legacy. MIT Professor Salvucci continues to speak or should he be censored and held accountable for the Big Dig debacle.

The Globe did not even listen to its own crusading reporters John Coughlin. Peter Howe, and Charles Sennott when sounding the alarms.They were literally dismissed, demeaned, or intimidated too.

Other Globe reporters did almost nothing to investigate or hold the big Dig accountable always listening to the spin doctors of the Big Dig Special Interest Marching Band against those with little or no resources trying to blow the whistle.

Former Globe Columnist now with CBS4 Jon Keller has stated damaging statements about the Globe position of artery defender.

I challenge anyone to dispute these statements.

NOTE; POSTING SIMILAR WITH REVISIOND TO ONE POSTED ON 9/20/2009 Boston Globe News Story.

2009-09-19T11:23:00.003-04:00
US ATTORNEY INDICTMENT OF BIG DIG TUNNEL FASTENER FIRM RESULTS IN CHOMP CHANGE SETTLEMENT AND ALL REMAIN FREE REPORTEED IN BOSTON GLOBE WHOSE NEWSPAPER AND REPORTERS BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT

This is a disgrace to State and Local Government and the media including the Globe for its enabling role of failure to report and investigate.

Another big splash indictment and longtime later a chomp change settlement admission of no guilt and all go free!

This is why citizens who know or see, waste, fraud, abuse, or corruption must be careful. Most Delegated Government Law Enforcement Officials cannot be trusted to take action. Potential Whistleblowers Beware: you will get little or no support when coming forward. Do not place yourself or family at risk. Government for the most part does not care or will help for the most part despite some dedicated public servants.

The Big Dig was the world’s most expensive shoddy transportation project rising from $2.3 Billion to $24+ Billion riddled with unchecked waste, fraud, and abuse given to the special interests with no allowed Government Accountability and Oversight.

This is no shame among State and Federal Attorney Generals, Republican or Democrat Governors and Legislatures. State and Federal Oversight Committees except for a few have failed. Those Transportation Committees over the years are too tied to the Special Interests Lobbyists Campaign Contribution Givers. Post Audit and General Accounting Committees with few exceptions have failed. The current Inspector General both State and Federal are failures.

This reporter should have done more investigation and did not. Another Globe reporter and later was reported to Globe management was given direct leads to pursue prior to the accident and did not. That reporter was asked repeatedly to work with the Washington based Whistleblower Group Project on Government Oversight and its Attorney Scott Amey and chose not to verify information. Instead there was pursuit by a questionable source of other so called documentation printed in the Globe later revealed as not being accurate resulting in that reporter having credibility reporting charges leveled.

I challenge to be corrected in any all stated.

NOTE: ALSO,POSTED O BOSTON GLOBE NEWS STORY WEBSITE

2009-09-17T07:10:00.004-04:00
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THE VACANT UNITED STATES SENATE IN MASSACHUSETTS.

Another millionaire Stephen Pagliuca,another out of touch disdained Bain Capital Millionaire, now playing with toys as Boaton Celtics co-owner to join other millionaires or a tired and failed professional politician in the wealth chamber of the United State Senate that is out of tune and out of touch with the american citizen. business, and industry.

The time has come to admit defeat. Big money, special self interest always prevails. Self service rules while public service for the comon good declines and goes the way of the Edsel.

Will there be a candidate that raises hope,heart,compassion, and integrity in a broken Senate filled with so much rancor and division within the legislative process and within the failed two party system?

We need true reformers, statesman, and stateswomen to come forward dedicated for the common good.

2009-07-26T11:17:00.003-04:00
THE BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL PAGES TODAY ARE BEING USED BY THE FAILED MANAGERS OF BOTH FRANKLIN PARK AND STONEHAM ZOOS WANTING TO CONTINUE THEIR INEPT MANAGEMENT. THE EDITORIAL PAGE ALLOWING THIS ONCE SIDED JOURNALISM IS AN ENABLER. ATR LEAST THE GLOBE COULD HAVE RESEARCHED THEIR OWN ARCHIVES. ARE THE GLOBE EDITORIAL MANAGERS ENABLERS TO THOSE WHO HAVE FAILED IN ZOO MANAGEMENT AND THEIR RECFENTLY HIRED HIGH PRICED PR AND LOBBYING FIRM AT THE SAME TIME STATING THEY ARE BROKE AND HARM COULD COME TO THE ANIMALS?

No thank you. You and your group have failed to run the Zoos when management of the Zoos were turned over to your group that has failed. This was led by Senator Richard Tisei making pr4omises for massive self supporting grants and contributions would pour in for the Zoos self sufficiency as stated in the 1992 takeover. Subsidies would end after a few years. Those promises did not happen. Millions of Tax Dollars have been given to these failed managers and allies. The taxpayers, governors, legislatures, and zoos attendees have been fooled.

Once again, the Globe Editorial pages are being used for damage control when someone with access or having a PR Firm or elitist high paid Lobbyists get such special treatment on thse pges? I challebge The Globe editorial writers to go into the archives and do some research to obtain the real facts on the zoo debacle. Listen to those credible seeking accountability and oversight and stop being unojective by being an enabler to those who deserve scorn and should be held responsible for ownership failures. Let us the readers know if this column is a result of perhaps being contacted by this so called destitute group recently hired expensive mouthpieces? At least a disclaimer is in order if so.

2009-07-22T19:43:00.006-04:00
THE FACTS ON MASSACHUSETTS FRANKLIN PARK AND STONEHAM ZOOS NOT BEING TOLD IN THE BOSTON MEDIA. FAILED PRIVATE TAKEOVER OF A PUBLIC ASSET ABOUT TO COVERED UP BY HIRING OF POLITICALLY CONNECTED RASKY BAERELIN LOBBYING FIRM?

Years ago the Zoos were taken off the state budget and given to this a so called private contracted group. The legislature was told that millions in donations and grants would flow in once the state gave the Zoos away. The state would only have to subsidize the Zoos for a few years and no tax dollars would then be needed. That did not happen and the fooled legislature and taxpayers continued to pay unaccountable millions over the years.

This all happened outside the State Ethics Commission, Open Meeting Laws, and Freedom of Information Act. There needs to be a new state seizure of both the Stone and Franklin Park Zoos.

State government must be held accountable to do a complete economic analysis, performance and financial audit with those being held responsible for this mismanagement and waste, fraud and abuse if found.

The so called Zoo Society crowd that has stated threats to kill the animals and blame the legislature and governor for their financial failures is a moral outrage. The so called privatized Zoo crying poor managers are now hiring high priced political lobbyists like Larry Rasky and Joe Baerelinand for public relations and lobbying to do damage control to get more after having failed is a further affront to any credibility? Therefore,the Zoo disaster should immediately be dealt with a state takeover to insure animals safety, tax and contributions are not further failed, so the citizens and animals are served.

2009-07-08T21:43:00.005-04:00
CHARLES BAKER JR WANTS TO RUN FOR MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR....LOOK AT HIS REAL RECORD!

Charles Baker Jr. leaving a multi-million dollar job at Harvard Pilgrim to take a massive cut in pay to be governor? I welcome his statements on all he has advocated for the insurers not in the interest in those in need of healthcare or businesses attempting to provide affordable health care to their employees.

Imagine Baker in the race, he is the face for ungovernment reforms,no accountability, no oversight inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement in government. Look at his dismantling record in the Human Services Secretariat State Delivery System that lacked care, compassion, concern,and fiscal accountability. As State Chief Budget Guru, look at his decision making and enabling the Big Dig to flourish with a lack of accountability and oversight. We need to hear all Baker did not do.

The Harvard-Pilgrim almost demise with an insider state Government Bailout, that Baker became the head? Private Sector Worker to Government Manager back to Private sector Company once under his purview.

2009-06-28T20:14:00.004-04:00
New York Times reportedly selling the Boston Globe and Worcester Telegram at a fire sale by July 8. Liquidators, speculators, and low ball bidders-the feast and cheap deal of the century has arrived.

This news is a New England disgrace.

The newspaper of record for New England and the paper of record for Worcester County is going in fire sales potentially to some liquidators, speculators, or become victims of some sort of get rid sale scheme. This calamity is being dictated by absentee failed management owners of the deteriorating New York Times.

Government must step in immediately at the highest levels. There needs to be an immediate post audit and oversight hearing here in Massachusetts. There must be a true independent financial and performance. audits.

The congressional delegation should do more than lip service as press freedoms are being compromised now in this region as is happening throughout the country with no intervention.

The disgrace will result less transparency in communications. We are witnessing another failure and example that requires government regulation to insure competition in the media to preserve first amendment rights. Newspapers should have not become the tools of Wall Street stock greed and moguls monopolistic unfair expansion goals. This is a failure of the unregulated free market left alone to act like robber barons.

Government acted quickly with blank checks to bail out the selfish banks, insurers, wall street brokerage houses, and the auto industry. Yet, that which affects our democracy, civil rights, free speech, and first amendment rights be dammed!

2009-05-14T19:12:00.003-04:00

From Bad to Worse, Massachusetts Legislature watering down more already weak ethics legislation

Inefficiency, Fraud, and Abuse of the Special Interest will only continue.

Change and a real disinfectant is needed by government.

How low and out of control can government go before there is outrage by the citizens and a real reform movement begins?

I suggest that so called good government groups such as Common Cause stop trying to become insiders with the politicans and really lead an all out reform movement.

2009-05-14T07:38:00.003-04:00
STATE BUDGET FRAUD CONTINUES ON BEACON HILL....WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, INEFFICIENCY, AND MISMANAGEMENT CONTINUES TO BE COVERED UP

The yearly legislative Budget Process becomes another bad nightmare.

There should be no cuts in any state services or budgets. There should be expansion.

All that is needed is an assault on inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, fraud and abuse. Concentrate on the purchase of services from vendors, contractors, providers,patronage unneeded positions, consultants,underground economy and the special interests.

Accountability, oversight, and post audit continues to not be implemented in the budget process.

The mistrust in government continues leaving the taxpayers to dig deeper to finance the state budget fraud. Time for the governor and legislature to stop acting like emperors who have not clothes by leaving all egos at the door and doing their elected job.

2009-05-08T08:51:00.008-04:00
CUT Massachusetts STATE EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE TO SOLVE THE STATE FISCAL CRISIS!

PROTECT THE MASSACHUSETTS TAXPAYERS FOUNDATION AND BEACON HILL INSTITUTE WHOSE MEMBERS RECEIVE STATE CONTRACTS OR GET GRANTS!

BLAMING THE STATE WORKERS AND NOT THE SPECIAL INTERESTS WHO ARE THE REAL CULPRITs IS A GROSS COVER UP THAT THE MEDIA MUST EXPOSE.

Michael Widmer of the the misnamed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is directly responsible for the state fiscal mess because of bad guidance and inefficiency, waste, of and mismanagement of his members who get state contracts. The Beacon Hill Institute who is for hire by special interests seeking State Contracts or avoiding regulations are way off base in attacking state employee workers.

The problem is both Michael Widmer and David Tuerck are part of the problem. Over the years, they have failed to support oversight and accountability in government starting with the Big Big Dig fraud, abuse and by contractors providers,and vendors waste of tax dollars.

The misdirected are the state employees who have been victimized and scapegoated by the likes of Widmer and Tuerck who continue to be wrongly held having credibility by a misguided press that the media should expose are the cause for the Massachusetts Fiscal Crisis.

(Note: this entry is being written as a response to a Boston Globe news article)

2009-04-12T21:46:00.003-04:00
Boston Globe New York Times Owners Locked in Battle with Employees Threatening Our Regional Press Freedoms

Tom Mashberg former union official at the Boston Herald has commented on the current Boston Globe owners threat to shut down the newspaper. Mashberg offers advice to both Globe managers and union members as he had to deal with a similar desperation in 2005 to allegedly keep the struggling Boston Herald afloat. His comments appear to be sincere and I would like to take them as such.

It is common knowledge that Herald employees that are still employed have made many sacrifices to keep the publication alive and breathing. However, an interesting point to what appears to be different from what is going on with the Globe and Employee Unions is an apparently lack of candor on the part of the New York owners. This only adds fuel to an increasing bonfire of credibility.

Mashberg states the differences between the Boston Globe and Boston Herald in dealing with the crisis facing their survival. This has caused a wedge to any solution to keep the Globe a viable newspaper from death.

Patrick J. Purcell is a local based publisher of the Herald who makes decisions. Some say Purcell is joined at the hip and has been accused of being a Rupert Murdock media mogul front guy though never openly proven. This may have some suspicion as the Herald which closed its own printing plant displacing many workers is printed at a Murdock owned printing plant in Chicopee and not Boston. Also, the Murdock empire recently purchased a Massachusetts regional newspaper chain and Purcell is performing management services? Additionally, the Herald employees have traditionally always received survival wages from a most long timestruggling newspaper management.

This states the difference in the survival mode of what the Herald endures versus the antics what the New York Globe is doing. Mashberg says the Herald publisher lets the union review Herald books every three months. No one makes a lot of money at the Herald he states including the publisher.

Trying to have sympathy for the New York Times owners is most difficult. The management of the Globe took bonuses despite losing over $50 million last year. Those in New York did the same as well as the owners getting shocking rewards despite losing billions in stock value. This should not have been done and smacks of another AIG, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch fiasco without the taxpayer bailout as yet.

Now Globe mangers are threatening to shut down the newspaper unless more and more concessions are given up by a beleaguered workforce. This is scaring the remaining advertisers and does not help a sincere survival process lacking opening up all financial books to the union. This private business has placed the public eye on itself and should therefore open its books to the workers, advertisers, and general public to insure validity of what is going on.

The public knows that newspapers are drying up all over the country because of the new media of the internet, blogs, and cable news. The time has come for total transparency and oversight by Globe and the New York owners. Or, is this a game to file bankruptcy, take a tax loss for a toxic asset, or sale to a liquidator at 1, 5 to 10 cents on the one billion dollar plus previously paid for the newspaper and thus removing the union entities?

The politicians crying because of the pending potential demise should view the Boston Globe and the cancer plaguing the newspaper industry. We are watching a serious threat to press freedoms, free speech, transparency, oversight, and accountability in Government, Business, and Labor.

(Note: Published also on John Gatti Jr. Blog at The New England News Forum Website)

2009-04-07T07:59:00.011-04:00
FORUM ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY AT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY LACKS THE REAL PANELISTS WHO HAVE TALKED THE TALK AND WALK THE WALK ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT. A REAL DISCUSSION WITH SOLUTIONS IS NEEDED TO RESTORE FAITH IN GOVERNMENT AT ALL LEVELS

Northeastern University recently hosted a forum on Government Accountability and Transparency that needed a real discussion and solutions for government credibility at all levels under siege.

The business of government accountability and oversight limits itself to two factions.

One is the Special Interests and organizations who profit at the expense of the taxpayers and citizens. Then the others who wear masks and state they profess to be for accountability and oversight thereby also profiting in fundraising and employment. These types rarely go beyond the cursory.

Then there are the others to name a few and leave no one out who state the facts and investigate to determine the truth even at their own peril or challenges to their careers. They include Peter Scannell, Harry Markopolos, Peter Howe, John Strahanich, David Kassel,Wendell Woodman, John Coughlin, Claire Donahue, Tom Moorman, Joe Bergantino, Tom Hammond,Steve Cotton, Larry Overlan to name a few of the many who could be the real panelists with real facts and not part of the usual establishment who parade in when a so called good government advocate is needed in a crisis of government confidence.

2009-02-12T11:30:00.002-05:00
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK IN AN ALL OUT ASSAULT ON PARENTS AND RELATIVES WHOSE FRAGILE LOVED ONES ARE TO BE MOVED OUT UNWILLING FROM STATE RESIDENCES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED? THE PATRICK EFFORT AIDED WILLINGLY, WITTINGLY, OR UNWITTINLY BY SOME BUT NOT ALL UNIONS?

February 2009

The final battle in the war to destroy the state delivery of Human Services in Massachusetts is entering an almost final phase under a Democratic Governor Deval Patrick in a heartless insensitive act.

The victors are not the persons in need of services, taxpayers, or the beleaguered often maligned dedicated career state employees who provide services to this most needy and vulnerable population.

The big winners are the so called non profit, not for profit, and for profit corporations that are composed of the well heeled army of pirating profiteer vendors, consultants, providers, and alleged liberal lobbyists receiving billions in tax dollars masquerading as angels of mercy. They operate with interrelated entities, real estate, many in first class luxury with salaries with expensive perks AIG and Bear Stearns would be proud.

Several of these entities have been exposed in the media and in audits. Yet many are rewarded with further contracts. Estimates of inefficiencies of waste, fraud and abuse range from a low of one $billion to several $billions. All or most operate outside of the State Ethics Commission, Open Meeting Laws, Freedom of Information Act and Competitive Bidding utilizing tax dollars.

The Governor now is embarking on closing 3 schools for the mentally retarded that house some of the most profound cases requiring 24/7 care. This is terrorizing families long promised and many aged that the homes of their loved ones would not be taken away or moved. The three facilities on the chopping block are the Monson Development Center, Monson; Glavin Regional center, Shrewsbury: and Fernald Development Center, Waltham.

These facilities are self contained and provide needed services for the clients and allow integration into the community when possible. What will happen will be turning this fragile population into so called community isolated warehouses with questionable support client support? There are always ready and willing profiteers and developers ready to be unaccountable to provide these services for financial gain.

The problem with the state delivery system has been a lack of resources consistently provided and modernization resulting in setting them up to failure. When the state gets out of providing services a monopoly and a dependence on the Human Services Industrial Complex with continued skyrocketing costs done without an economic analysis will come about. State Government will be gouged as there will be no competition and no safety net by not having any emergency structure available to care for those in need.

This assault on the state delivery system has been happening for years under both Democratic and Republican Governors and the manipulation of the Human Services Vendor Establishment that is out of control. That system is not accountable causing the state budget to be riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse.

Some of the unions have knowingly or unknowing have become allies and often coalition with the Human Services Industrial Establishment. One entity is the Massachusetts Branch described as outdated Council 93 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. The group has done little or nil to advocate modernization of the state delivery system resulting in the demise of many former state direct care facilities. There has been seen loss of many of its own dues paying members that seems not to alarm oblivious union bosses who maintain a false front?

Another union group is somewhat more interesting to observe and finds contradictions. That group is the Massachusetts Branch of Service Employees International Union run nationally by embattled head receiving publicity of late Andy Stern. Three branches and agendas will be addressed here.

They include Local 509 known for the many State Social Workers represented. This group was an early backer of Deval Patrick and now is seeing many of its members being unfairly laid off? This group always appears to be key allies of the private vendors seeking to perform their member services and only cursory advocate for a state delivery system provided by its own members. Rarely, if at all, will this group stand up against contracting out their member state services. For several years, Local 509 has simultaneously been organizing and representing both competing private and public sectors. Apparently, the opium of dues for the operation of the labor boss leadership prevails at the expense of the membership?

The next group Local l199 in recent years has descended upon Massachusetts from New York with deep pockets for political campaigns and organization. Note the work done for Deval Patrick and other legislative races. This group is out organizing the death carnage of the state delivery system and other private facilities that has come about because of falling apart due to the negligence of Council 93 (AFSCME) and Local Union 509 SEIU.

One premise circulated by those watching the labor bosses of Local 509 and Local 1199 maybe the exposed strategy employed by Blue Cross and the Massachusetts General Hospital crowd to raise rates recently exposed in the Boston Globe? These two groups maybe employing a similar strategy in their collaboration with the Human Services Industrial Establishment on so many issues? Letting the state delivery system fail and see workers displaced, then organize the new entities and utilize the strategy of joint lobbying for protection in the legislature for grants, higher rates, and more unaccountable tax dollars?

What is interesting to note is another state union National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) which has been under a microscope of late on other issues and has some affiliation with SEIU. This group represents lawyers, clerical, accountants, and auditors, various classifications at the Highway Department and state delivery facilities. This group over the years has been and continues to be outspoken against unfair wasteful outsourcing of traditional state services unlike their counterpart affiliates. Their open comments before the legislature and public shows a reflection of placing concern, care, and compassion for clients and for the very same facilities projected to be closed.

Governor Patrick and those union labor boss allies should show a conscious and have a heart. Stop your exploitation of some of our most vulnerable citizens and families.

2009-02-08T20:10:00.001-05:00
UNION BOSS ANDY STERN ADVOCATING FINANCIAL BAILOUT NATIONAL LEGISLATION FOR MORE UNION DUES MONIES….TIME TO LOOK AT THE MASSACHUSETTS UNION TRACK RECORD FOR THOSE IN NEED OF PUBLIC HEALTH, MENTALLY ILL, AND MENTALLY RETARDED SERVICES. SPECIAL SELF INTEREST UNION OR FOR THE COMMON INTEREST FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD?

February 2009

Embattled in his own union, Service Employees International Union Labor boss Andy Stern is writing guest columns for newspapers throughout the country stating the demise of the middle class workers is because of the lack of union representation and difficulty in union organizing. Stern like many other failed union bosses have not maintained and insured workers rights against corporate financial greed that is destroying the American way of life. This union boss and like others in the labor movement are out of touch with members who work in the workplace and what is right for America. They play Democratic Party Politics and times play their own dues paying members against unorganized potential members resulting in their loss of jobs. Now Stern and the other oblivious members of the labor movement are promoting the Employee Free Choice act.

This national legislation if passed will permit a majority of workers in a company by their own choosing and signing up could join a union or holding an election. There are several unfair hurdles for workers getting a union in a company and the Republican Bush Administration has been a hindrance to the process. However, the so called Democratic Party labor bosses also had similar problems during the Democrat Clinton administrations and did little. Thus, the labor leaders want a financial bailout for the loss of dues, faction in fighting, and massive losses in membership of most unions.

I agree something must be done to insure fairness in the workplace. However, this legislation should proceed cautiously and not to victimize workers, businesses, and government. There must be the strongest procedures and protections to insure real and not make believe democracy will be in the reforms to protect workers from greedy self serving union officials.

Andy Stern is another labor boss out of step with the membership he extracts dues for so called representation. He talks and talks that which sounds good but does not practices his words or has a sense of reality except getting dues and be a so called political insider.

Look at his Stern’s union here in Massachusetts which is an almost total failure to his membership who provide daily compassion, concern, and care for those in need of Human Services.

His union has failed to insure and modernize an effective Massachusetts Human Service State delivery system for needed institutions and community facilities for the most vulnerable in our state in need of Public health, Mental Retardation, and Mentally ill services.

Instead, the Stern and his union officials union have embarked on failing to stop for profit, non profit, and not for profit more costly private developers, consultants, vendors, and providers who have destroyed the State Delivery System. This has caused the State Budget to balloon over the years with no oversight or accountability that has led to improprieties of waste, fraud, and abuse to both the taxpayers and those in need. The philosophy for Stern and his union appear to follow is let the State Delivery System of providing services fail, with the State becoming a buyer of services, and his union will organize the private sector who take over thus maintaining their dues revenue. As for the members jobs eliminated the union represents?

Look at what little currently as in the past beyond the cursory the union is doing as the last vestige of the State delivery System for the Mentally Retarded is being closed Fernald, Glavin, and Monson as further verification what the union bosses are up to in their pursuit of membership dues. Will the union let it happen figuring the state losses in membership will at some point be replaced by the powerful private growing Human Services Industrial Establishment of vendors, consultants, and providers that they usually coalition with.

Andy Stern and his Union Special Self Interest at the expense of the Common Interest?

2009-01-31T12:03:00.007-05:00

Massachusetts Cabinet Secretaries leaving in one of the first shakeups of the administration of Governor Deval Patrick. Spoils and Patronage Positions continue with no continuity and long term planning leadership?

February 2, 2009

Two of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick Cabinet secretaries have resigned continuing his administration's biggest shake-up since the first few months in office.

Daniel O'Connell is stepping down as Secretary of Housing and Economic development, and Michael E. Festa, Secretary of Elder affairs are leaving

This is a problem with the structure of the Executive Branch of Massachusetts government.

Politically appointed administrators being appointed that come and go with no long term planning goals, objectives, or responsibility for actions.

Massachusetts needs a system of government managers who are held accountable that maintain continuity from administration no matter if a Republican or Democrat holds office. Even low level managers have become tools of a spoils and patronage system.

The legislature has abdicated its responsibility of checks and balance by failing to insure accountability and oversight of Executive Branch budgetary decisions.

Massachusetts Government is filled with inefficiencies, waste,and mismanagement. This has led to all the reports of waste, fraud, and abuse the Special Self Interests have plagued the Massachusetts Citizenry.

Time for real transparency and sunshine in Massachusetts Government Operations.

2009-01-24T10:28:00.007-05:00
BOSTON CONSTRUCTION WORKER KILLED AT HIGH RISE. ATTORNEY GENERAL,GOVERNOR, LABOR BOSSES, AND BUSINESS HAVE FAILED, CONTINUE TO FAIL, AND WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL TO ADEQUATELY INSURE PROTECTION OF MASSACHUSETTS WORKING CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN. MEDIA MUST DO MORE TO ADDRESS,REPORT, AND URGE REFORMS.

January 24, 2009

These types of tragedies in the Massachusetts workplace continue and should be avoided.

The problem is that the Office of Attorney General and Office of the Governor with their patronage appointee managers have failed, continues to fail, will continue to fail to enforce workplace accident prevention and Health laws. Massachusetts formerly was the national leader in the prevention of workplace accidents and health.

The difficulty stated by so called Labor Bosses and the Attorney General and almost oblivious Governor Patronage Appointees is an excuse issue of some sort false preemption of so called federal jurisdiction. They must face the issue head on instead of playing political disregard

However, these entities who have failed are the fact there is no clearly definable prevention program to enforce existing Accident Preventions rules and regulations under the State Workers Compensation Laws that halts the continuation of poor federal enforcement.

The Federal Government does not do any system of systematic inspection for the prevention of accidents. The fear of seeing a Federal Inspector is little or nil and seeing any type of state inspection non existent.

As a former State Director of Industrial Safety and Industrial Inspector, I offer an open challenge. I appeal to so called Labor Bosses, Attorney General, Legitimate Businesses, and Legislature, to finally resolve this issue because of the almost total Federal Government Failure to adequately insure an accident prevention workplace systematic inspection program for Massachusetts Working Children, Men, and Women. The media must do more to address, report, and urge reforms other than a one day newspaper account when a tragedy occurs.

Massachusetts needs to have a true 21st century state enforced and administered Workers Compensation Laws and Accident prevention Program.

2009-01-21T06:19:00.005-05:00
BOSTON GLOBE COLUMNIST WROTE "LABOR'S LOST OPPORTUNITY" THAT HITS HARD ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS FACING AMERICANS PUTTING A DAMPER ON YESTERDAY'S HISTORIC OCCASION THAT WAS FILLED WITH OPULENCE AND LARGESS

January 21, 2009

John Gatti Jr: Comment

Government, Business, Labor, and have failed, continue to fail, will fail in the future making the prognosis for a better life of Americans bleak.

Except for the selfish and greed Big three just named we are all becoming part of the other America.

Housing, education, healthcare, jobs, savings greed. Common Good, Public Service, Concern, Care, and Compassion has been replaced by Special and Self Interest.

This Column touches on the frustration of Americans putting a wet blanket on the opulence and greedy waste of resources of the celebration of the historic occasion of yesterday. Let us hope we will have real change and not the same old with different faces and names leaving us further downward.

Labor's lost opportunities

By Yvonne Abraham

BOSTON GLOBE

January 21, 2009

Around the time President Barack Obama raised his right hand to take the oath of office at the Capitol yesterday, J. Timothy Leary was dragging a whinnying saw through a sheet of plywood outside the old Paramount Theatre, downtown. READ FULL ARTICLE >READER COMMENTS (1) Post a comment
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The United States is racing to become a third world nation offering no upward mobility or stability to its citizenry.

Government, Business, Labor, and have failed, continue to fail, will fail in the future making the prognosis for a better life of Americans bleak.

Except for the selfish and greed Big three just named we are all becoming part of the other America.

Housing, education, healthcare, jobs, savings greed. Common Good, Public Service, Concern, Care, and Compassion has been replaced by Special and Self Interest.

This Column touches on the frustration of Americans putting a wet blanket on the opulence and greedy waste of resources of the celebration of the historic occasion of yesterday. Let us hope we will have real change and not the same old with different faces and names leaving us further downward.

http://oversightwatchmassachusetts.blogspot.com/ The United States is racing to become a third world nation offering no upward mobility or stability to its citizenry.

2009-01-19T13:54:00.002-05:00
ALLEGED NEW YORK FINANCE SWINDLER BERNIE MADOFF LIVES IN THE WRONG STATE. HE SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN MASSACHUSETTS AND LEARN HOW TO DO LEGAL MAKEOFFS, MADEOFFS, AND CONTINUAL MAKEOFF MAKEOVERS WITHOUT WORRY OF BEING PUNISHED FOR MAKING OR SUGGESTING QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS AND IDEAS THAT RAID CITIZEN AND GOVERNMENT BUDGET POCKETBOOKS.

January 19, 2009

If Bernie Madoff lived in Massachusetts and really operated like the real smart guys and gals, he would be a Massachusetts Citizen of the year or ages. Madoff apparently does not know how operate for self and special interests without responsibility and legally be admired or profit.

Here in Massachusetts, a few suggestions for the way all the disenfranchised or soon to be disenfranchised New York Finance gang who aspire clemency, little or no media attention, and become one of the admired.

The transportation voyage to a new way of acceptable and approved behavior will now begin.

Their Massachusetts role model and path to follow to satisfy their devious minds and needs has been around for over 20+ years many aren't following. These New Yorkers should learn from those smart Massachusetts manipulators who are really successful. Just look at the Big Dig no bid paid contracts been given out for years for legalized shoddy inferior construction. The country's largest ever substandard construction project that started out at a cost of $2.3 billion and now rising to $23+ billion with little or nil jail time, fines, or restitution from the perpetrators. Easier money than wotking in the highly risky financial industry!

Those who get caught for inefficiencies, waste, or mismanagement, or accused of fraud and corruption just move on for bigger and better opportunities. US Attorneys, State Attorney Generals, Inspector Generals, State Police, FBI, Legislature and Congress all have long histories of non investigations, freeing almost all, and recovering almost nothing or chump change. Whistleblowers, Reporters and those coming forward to report improprieties are intimidated, demeaned, or dismissed.

Bernie Madoff and the New Yorkers learn from the real smart role models. Massachusetts contractors, bankers, engineering consultants, selfish labor bosses, and several no conscience legislators is the guide to make private sector profits or move ahead at the taxpayers expense. They all have done well and financially benefited with almost no back charges for overruns or serious mistakes on the Big Dig. You can even get more new contracts from government agencies and be defended by Government Officials.

Proceeding to this legalized rape and plundering requires little or no investment or risk. Get a good looking suit, hairdo, and look sound intelligent if lacking. Read the newspapers that will give you the lead to hire the best public relations firms, lobbyists, corporate lawyers, and accountants who always have access to the best criminal lawyers in their stables if needed. Additionally, get access to the non imitation real opium, cocaine, and heroin of cash, check, and campaign contributions to run your operations.

An office must be established on Boston's Beacon Hill, another near the Federal Court House, and Financial District. Hire an inhouse ex-legislator and statehouse reporter with press and media contacts as well as friends to direct your hired on call legal and public relations firms when needed. Immediately, join one of the many business organizations and give additional monies for their activities to insure your activities are not targeted, defended if needed, and not referenced when government looks for guidance on additional sources of revenue or shutting down operations questions that appear to have improprieties, Attend and donate to any all campaign functions and events. Take no chances by insuring you give equally to Republicans and Democrats alike. Also, establish a strong record of charitable giving. After all, those who give to needy causes cannot be tarnished.

Hopefully, this primer for Massachusetts success in her economy based on the Big Dig experience is helpful to all New York Bernie Madoffs types, Makeoffs and wannabes who made the wrong business and personal decisions to be part of the failed and exposed financial industry. They now have a mechanism to attain the real money and profits that is legal and having no risks at getting caught or punished.

Since the Massachusetts citizenry, many in the media and government have failed to care or respond to the Big Dig fleecing; maybe it should become the model for professional career advancement and owning a safe clean growth industry in the 21st century.

It looks too late to rescue Bernie Madoff. However, to the interested New York Makeoffs, wanting to Madeoff, or wanting to be a Makeup Madeoff, if interested: Hurry, leave New York immediately now get to Massachusetts a new round of $$$$Billions is about to be squandered freely in Federal Highway Funds, so called bail out money, Gas Taxes, Turnpike and Tunnel Tolls, and maybe if fortunate new fees. This will be done almost with the same guaranteed advocacy of non oversight and lack of accountability by the very same sincere appearing friendly crowd who did it years ago, most are still there waiting, and with a new generation of younger stalking the wings to be slick members.

Massachusetts Citizens get ready for more of the same as Governor Deval Patrick, his ethically challenged Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi adopt to move Transportation Infrastructure to a continued art form developed by moving to a higher level than by previous Republican and Democratic Administrations.

2009-01-09T08:21:00.019-05:00
Senator Steven Baddour and Representative Joeseph Wagner Joint Chairpersons of the Massachusetts Legislative Committee On Transportation taking state citizens on another ride without accountability and oversight on proposed Gas Tax, Massport, Turnpike and Tunnel increases? Who will win their approval Special Interests or Massachusetts Citizens?

January 12, 2009

The citizens want to see all our roads and bridges repaired, Gas Tax, Massport, Turnpike, and Tunnel reforms done right by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Transportation headed by State Senator Steven Baddour and Representative Joseph Wagner

However, the tenure of both chairman has seen the Massachusetts Transportation Infrastructure failures continuing with almost a total lack of direction. Their leadership thus far has produced little or nothing in oversight accountability only to witness no direction that has led to more waste, fraud, and abuse.

There is an almost total lack of trust that what the committee does eventually do will be approved by the special usual self interests and solve the crisis.

Simply stated, the committee lacks the tools for any proper independent analysis by not having the required civil and structural engineers, economists, and financial analysts to truly determine where past monies, tolls, and federal funds went and who is responsible. There can be no future planning until we honestly know where we have been, where we are,and want to go on our transportation spending infrastructure.

The citizens must stop being fooled into being slaughtered that any new Gas Tax, Tunnel, or Turnpike Tolls will be done right.

The past facts and lack of oversight of the shoddy constructed Big Dig going from $2.3 Billion to $23 billion with the most poorest monitoring by the committee and hired private profiteering overseers that made the project the biggest dysfunctional expensive transportation project ever in the world. The turnpike mess continues with the ethically questionable newly appointed Jim Aloisi as Secretary of Transportation. He was there on the Turnpike payroll and as a private Special Interest Lawyer lobbying with which is an insult of which Senator Baddour and Representative Wagner are not outraged! Big Dig partner Parsons who managed the project being given a new Massport contract Chairs Steven Baddour and Joe Wagner were powerless to stop is a further outrage! Can this leadership team be entrusted with confidence to even consider further Gas Tax or Toll Increases and plan for the Massachusetts Infrastructure future.

The Transportation Committee must solve the almost daily revelations of Turnpike and Tunnel indiscretions before allowing more picking of the citizens pocketbooks. The Transportation Committee must honestly state where all previous Gas Taxes, Tolls, and Federal Funds went before asking for more.

The path that Senator Steven Baddour and Representative Joseph Wagner must decide....be statesmen profiles in courage or go along with the Special Self Interests to get along for more of the same inefficiency, waste, fraud and abuse that will cause the transportation crisis to continue.

Hopefully,both Senator Baddour and Representative Wagner will change course and do what is right for all Massachusetts Citizens and Transportation Infrastructure. Let us hope.

2009-01-09T06:37:00.006-05:00
THE MEDIA CONTINUES NOT TO FOCUS ON THE REAL ISSUES OF NEW POTENTIAL MASSACHUSETTS GAS TAX, TURNPIKE, AND TUNNEL TOLLS. GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK AND HIS ETHICAL QUESTIONABLE TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY ALOISI MUST STOP MANIPULATING THE MEDIA AND CITIZENRY THROUGH FALSE PROPAGANDA WITH THEIR LET'S MAKE A DEAL USED CAR SELLING APPROACH.

January 9, 2009

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and his ethical questionable Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi after shocking citizens of a complete raid on their pocketbooks are suggesting they are open to not taking it all.

Will the Media, legislature, and citizens see through the tried and true approach to coverup and fool. Government observers know the drill that political managers in charge always use. They shock by advocating a full arm amputation, cause termoil, and then settle for only a finger that become accepted by all those suckered as the solution.

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 all the promised transportation monies in the culture of inefficiency, waste, mismanagement, campaign contributions that led to all the waste, fraud, and corruption 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 any new Federal Highway Monies, Toll and Tunnel Collections, or Gas Taxes.

TIME FOR MEDIA TO FOCUS ON THE REAL ISSUES OF INSURING ALL PAST FALSE PROMISES DOES NOT CONTINUE THAT THE BAD ROAD AND BRIDGES WILL REALLY BE REPAIRED WITHOUT FURTHER RAIDS ON THE BELEAGURED CITIZENS POCKETBOOKS.

GOVERNOR PATRICK HIS ETHICAL QUESTIONABLE TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY ALOISI MUST REALIZE THE TIME HAS COME TO COME CLEAN AND BE HONEST....STOP THE MANIPULATING

2009-01-06T06:42:00.005-05:00
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK IS NOW DEFENDING HIS APPOINTEE TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY JIM ALOISI AS THE SOLUTION TO DEAL WITH ALL THE FAILURES IN THE MASSACHUSETTS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

THIS GUY WAS THERE,IS THERE,AND NOW WILL BE THERE. ALOISI HELPED DO IT AND CREATING THE DISGRACEFUL MESS TO BEGIN WITH....THIS IS LIKE HIRING BERNIE MADEOFF TO DEAL WITH THE FINANCIAL BANK AND INVESTMENT CRISIS!

January 6, 2009

Those that sounded the alarm for decades on the Big Dig in previous Dukakis, Weld, Cellucci,Swift, and Romney Administrations feel Governor Patrick shows a lack of any ethical standards in this appointment. Jim Aloisi is a most competent person that has a resume of self service before public service.

The reporters from the Herald, Globe and other media outlets have also just recently further documented the Aloisi record and most disgusting resume.

As someone who as been there, I have done so also on this personal Blog site as well as a written commentary on many other of the Guilty, Enablers, and Heroes on the Big Dig. Unfortunately, the facts and viewpoints of those who have blown the whistle over the years and doing so now are not listened or taken into consideration.

Governor Patrick who campaigned on Government Reform now has reached a new depth of that by promoting a ring leader Jim Aloisi. Aloisi has highly contributed to inefficiency, waste, mismanagement in our transportation infrastructure that has led to the monumental waste, fraud, abuse, and outright improprieties in several areas due to a lack of oversight and accountability in our transportation spending infrastructure.

Massachusetts truly needs another WARD type Commission more stronger than the one that was formed during the Government Center Scandals. A true independent reform entity that will be listened to and followed for all government contracting.

Does anyone fear based on the Aloisi track record that he is the best person to oversee $Billions in Transportation Agencies worth and contracts?

2009-01-05T05:53:00.005-05:00
POLITICKER MASSACHUSETTS NAMES UP AND COMERS FOR 2009. ATTORNEY GENERAL MARTHA COAKLEY TOPS LIST?

January 5, 2009

Martha Coakley entered the Office of Attorney General with so much hope for reform and doing the work for the citizens.

Thus far litlle or nil has happened to distinguish her. She has played the political game of those before her trying from the outset to move to other political offices.

Look at the divisions that she manages from Fair Labor, Consumer, Criminal, and her newly created one that appears to be failing, Anti Trust.

Martha Coakley should do her job and professionalize and not politicalize the Office she sought two years ago in order to establish a record of integrity and reform so much needed in our failing government and economy.

Attorney General Coakley, should forget wanting to be Governor or going to Washington, trying not to be just another politician doing self interest instead of public interest. Her history when written could be a statesperson and not just another politician....Her choice

2009-01-02T09:32:00.013-05:00
THE UNCHECKED RAPE ON MEDICAID CONTINUES FOR 2009 BY THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY PROVIDERS, LABOR BOSSES, AND SO CALLED CONSUMER HEALTH ADVOCACY GROUP ALLIES.

January 2, 2008

There should be no cuts in Medicaid Health, Health Insurance Services, Hospitalization, Drug Coverage, or Home Health Services or or so called Community Health Centers. There should be massive increases in services first before going after more funds.

The issue is simple that very few are addressing except those who seek accountability and oversight.

The point being is first eliminate the documented waste, fraud, and abuse that exists in the Human Medical Delivery Establishment. The stated estimates in Massachusetts could are at least $750 million to $1.5 Billion and possibly much more.

Start at the top with executive salaries. perks, expense accounts, interrelated parties, commissions and incentives to get to the root of mismanagement of expenditures.

Unfortunately, the only reforms we see are to keep the fat for continual CEO management,labor bosses only interested in getting dues,and self appointed adovocacy groups who continue or blindly allow the abuse by persecuting the sick who need services and those care givers, support staff, doctors, nurses, and technicians. There should be no cuts in Medicaid Health Services or so called Community Health Centers. There should be massive increases in services with existing dollars first before going after more funds.

The issue is simple that very few are addressing except those who seek accountability and oversight.

Start at the top with executive salaries. perks, expense accounts, interrelated parties, commissions and incentives to get to the root of mismanagement of expenditures.

Unfortunately, the only reforms we see are to keep the fat for continual CEO mismanagement, labor boss dues, and and so called consumer hesalth advocacy group allies who continue the abuse by persecuting the sick who need services and those care givers, support staff, doctors, nurses, and technicians providing the actual services.

Will the Industry and labor boss lobbyists with their campaign contributions and advocacy group power from the medical Industry ever allow real reforms?

2008-12-30T22:25:00.002-05:00
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.

2008-12-28T20:05:00.011-05:00
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.

2008-12-23T13:34:00.005-05:00
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)

2008-12-21T19:10:00.004-05:00
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)

2008-12-16T06:46:00.005-05:00
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.

2008-12-15T07:44:00.003-05:00
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.