Calls to “Restore” the Governor’s Council Should Be Met With Caution
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As the primary season gets underway many candidates are making allegations about the Governor’s Council that are off point.
I would like to first point out that as a regular attendee of the Council hearings and meetings I have only seen three candidates, other than myself, show up for any hearings or meetings, and only one of those was from District Two.
None the less statements are being made about what needs to done to change the Governor’s Council.
Calls to restore the Governor’s Council appear to be a desire to return to the past.
There is no question that how nominees are selected has changed in recent years.
As pointed out in an earlier blog, Governor Romney drastically changed makeup of the Judicial Nominating Commission, the body that first vets nominees, excluding anyone who was not a lawyer.
The current governor still has not revisited this change.
The Governor’s Council itself has changed.
Where once Council hearings were poorly attended, and no questions were asked of the nominee, now attendance has improved and nominees are more thoroughly questioned.
None the less this change does not appear to be a welcome change to all.
Many candidates are calling for a return to the past, the “Glory Days” of the Romney administration.
Calls to “restore” the Governor’s Council should be met with caution.
“Restoring” the Governor’s Council to what most viewed as a rubber stamp machine may serve politicians but it certainly will not serve the people of Massachusetts.
I have advocated, and will continue to advocate for a process that is open and transparent to public.
The changes that have been made at the Governor’s Council in recent years have brought about a clearer understanding of who the nominee’s are and why they are being submitted for consideration. I don’t believe that is asking too much and I support the direction of this change.
If there is anything you would like to know about the Council please feel free to contact me at patrickmccabegovernorscouncil@gmail.com
To learn more about the council and what it is currently doing please check out my site patrickmccabegovernorscouncil.com and like it on facebook
Patrick McCabe
Candidate for Governor's Council District Two
Primary Thursday September 6, 2012
Dave Lenane
1:09 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Patrick....does the council have the power to call out the Governor when he clearly puts his own interests ahead of the Commonwealth? As he did this week with requesting potholes in his neighborhood be repaired quickly? Or how he refused to make public the times public officials are reporting for work?
Patrick McCabe
10:44 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012
If the Governor had the potholes around his house repaired that would be a town issue, as far as I know. Truth be told some of the roads leading towards his house have been in pretty bad shape for some time.
The council does have the ability to raise many issues during their weekly meeting. Although the tends not to attend the meeting with his councilors the Lt. Governor does.
A few weeks ago when approving a financial warrant the issue was raised about state monies being used to pay for cell phones, and then those same cell phone records were treated as if they were private property.
The council is very adept at making their views known on any number of matters, and they do have the ear of the Governor's Office.
Susan Petroni
11:21 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012
Patrick: Nice meeting you in person last night at the Concert on the Green! Sorry always hard to have a long conversation at those events - lots of people!
Dave Lenane
8:42 am on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Wow...the Lt. Governor? Is he sober? And many of the residents of the town said the road was fine. I was curious if the council had the authority to call out the Governor in matters like this? If not...then what exactly is its purpose. I look forward to learning more!!! Thanks!!!
Patrick McCabe
12:09 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Yes, the Lt. Governor is sober.
In my experience with the town of Milton some roads are left unimproved with the expectation it will keep down on traffic and speeding, this was true of the end of Brush Hill Avenue for years until the Foley Center was built.
I am not certain exactly where the Governor lives, but I do believe this is an issue for some roads leading towards his house.
The Council, is the Governor's Council, they are there to give advice to the Governor, they can bring up pretty much anything they want to. The issue is how do you bring something up so you are heard and not ignored, that is not an easy job.
Dave Lenane
1:44 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Actually Patrick Iwas referring to his home in the Berkshires....I guess the Govenor's Council is kept in the dark about the Govenor's actions! This was front page news in the paper this week.
R. LaFleur
5:14 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
The council is not kept in the dark.
Dave Lenane
8:56 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
But Patrick stated above that they are heard but often ignored...so what's the purpose or point?
Patrick McCabe
1:23 am on Monday, July 23, 2012
The Governor gets a lot of advice, he gets to choose which advice he listens to.
The Council not only gives advice, but has a say in some matters.
Dave Lenane
8:44 am on Monday, July 23, 2012
Patrick....I meant no disrespect to you! I was only curious to find out if the Govenor what the council's purpose was! It's obvious I am not a big fan of his! When he is gone I think we will find out how corrupt he was...
Dave Lenane
8:44 am on Monday, July 23, 2012
^^^ proof you should never try to write something before having a cup of coffee! I hope you got the general idea of what I was trying to say!