It was desperation, more than the advertised benefits of casino gambling, that prompted many mayors to get behind Gov. Deval Patrick’s failed effort to bring legalized gaming to Massachusetts.
The cost of public-sector wages and benefits are becoming ummanageable, and those in charge of making sure the bills are paid frankly don’t know where to turn. [...]
Archive for the 'Municipal meltdown' Category
Mayors unite
Posted in Massachusetts politics, Municipal meltdown, Nelson Benton, Uncategorized on Feb 5th, 2008 Comments
We’re drifting towards fiscal failure.
That’s according to Amesbury Mayor Thatcher Kezer who made the comment at the start of a meeting Monday between Merrimack Valley mayors and the Eagle-Tribune’s editorial board.
The municipal chief executives want two things — more money and the tools with which to better manage their cities.
Unfortunately for them, voters are already [...]
Sky’s the limit for Laboy
Posted in Municipal meltdown, Nelson Benton, Uncategorized on Jan 5th, 2008 Comments
Imagine what Lawrence school Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy’s compensation package might look like if the city’s schools were among the top performers in the state.
While others in the city are facing the loss of their jobs, the Lawrence School Committee recently granted Laboy a raise bringing his annual salary close to the $200,000 mark. And it [...]
Want to know why people aren’t willing to pay more in property taxes, and may vote to eliminate the income tax if given the chance? Today’s story from the Gloucester Daily Times says it all. Read it here.
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About
Nelson Benton is editorial page editor of The Salem News. Over the past four decades he has covered all the cities and towns of the North Shore, as well as the Statehouse. His political column appears every Friday on the Opinion page. Categories
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