(Folks, for $500 million, you get a "Slot Barn," not some elegant promised Destination Resort Slot Barn, or as Senator Tucker described it: "Slots in a Box.")
Governor "Slot Barns" agreed to support an INDEPENDENT COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS and developed amnesia after his re-election, betraying his own party because his sights are clearly on higher office.
Governor "Slot Barns" promised Native Americans he would support a Tribal Slot Barn in Freetown.
It is highly plausible that Governor "Slot Barns" made promises to Bob Kraft, which explains his devotion to that pedestrian bridge.
Few represent the arrogance of Beacon Hill better than Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, as my favorite nosy neighbor Gladys represented her.
Beacon Hill has become nothing more than a caricature of its corrupt public personage so blinded and out of touch with public perception that they fail to recognize the ugly image.
To be sure, there are many fine lawmakers who conduct their research and represent their constituents - but not enough as reflected in the most recent House Slot Barn vote. So much for back room deals and arm twisting.
Representatives willingly caved to House Speaker "Racino" and his rewards to those who genuflected to the leader's commands, knowing additional pay, chairmanships, larger staff and larger offices were the reward for obedience. How pathetic to lack the courage of your convictions over personal rewards?
The 3 Musketeers of Vested Interests can't even pass the expanded Bottle Bill - simple enough because they're too busy having their egoes stroked by Lobbyists and preoccupied with another phony Gambling Bill. There's much else that have been ignored or negotiated in back room deals.
It's time to overcome the exclusion of Massachusetts voters and consider expanding the Open Meeting Law.
The Beacon Hill Rodents who flourish in the dark won't let this pass, but let's ask for its support. And remember their opposition in November.
Beacon Hill Committee Weighs Public Records Changes
BOSTON — A legislative committee is considering a number of changes to the state’s open meeting and public records laws.
If passed, several bills being filed will make it illegal to shut reporters and the public out of government and nonprofit corporate meetings.
Sen. James Eldridge says it will also require all government agencies to give people access to details on things such as their own criminal history.
“Right now it’s very easy for state agencies to deny this information when it’s requested by members of the public, and we want to make it as transparent and accessible as possible,” he said.
One bill mandates all government record-keeping become electronic to improve access while cutting cost and waste.
Dear Senator Donnelly and Representative Kocot, and committee members:
Reforming the Open Meeting laws, G.L.c. 30a Section 18 et. seq. to ensure that the Great and General Court and Constitutional Officers are also subject to the Open Meeting laws of the Commonwealth has become a critical matter to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Every other governmental organ, whether it is the Boston City Council or the Arlington School Committee is subject to open meeting laws so as to protect the public against corruption, and protect those who govern from undue temptations behind closed doors.
Open meeting laws, crafted so as to protect but not unduly burden, are necessary to regain the public’s trust and confidence in government. There have been many scandals where money influences those who govern, those who spend tax payer dollars, and those who hire. A well crafted Open Meeting law would have prevented many, and perhaps all of these scandals.
The public is outraged, and rightly so. A Speaker convicted of taking money to influence contracts, a Probation Commissioner indicted for allegedly selling jobs, laundering of campaign funds, legislation drafted with no public hearings or cost benefit studies - all of these events could only happen because the legislature and Beacon Hill are 100% exempt from any and all open meeting laws and regulations.
To regain taxpayer and voter confidence, Beacon Hill must include itself in G.L.c. 30A, with the definition of "Public Body" being amended to insert the words "General Court and all constitutional officers" after the word "town".
Respectfully submitted:
Deborah Sirotkin Butler, Esquire
cc:
Sen. James T. Welch, Rep. James M. Murphy, Sen. Susan Fargo, Sen Michael J. Rodrigues, Sen. John F. Keenan, Sen. Bruce F. Tarr, Rep. David M. Nangle, Rep. Michael D. Brady, Rep. Jason M. Lewis, Rep. James J. Lyons, Jr., Rep. Kevin Aguilar, Rep. Kate Hogan, Rep. Edward F. Coppinger, Rep. Steven L. Levy
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