Bennett's Blog

Poor Doug Bennett-Arnold doesn't know that the SSA is headquartered in Patrick's hometown, FALMOUTH which is of course part of his district.

Actually, the SSA is located within Falmouth Precincts 1,2,5, and 6. So yes, as asserted earlier, the SSA headquarters is not in Matt Patrick's District. Patrick's district is composed of Falmouth Precincts 3,4,7,8, and 9. In fact, the SSA is in Turkington's constituency. Hey Nantucket Ghost, or otherwise known as Steve Peckham, maybe you should get your facts straight. Or maybe, you been bolted with one too many bolts of electricity from your electrical profession.

I'm sure the reason why Mr. Patrick has flip flopped on this legislation is that he probably is not the one really pushing it forward. Instead, it's probably because he is some other legislator's puppet on this action: either Turkington's or O'Leary's. Both Turkington and O'Leary know that if they come out in favor publicly for this legislation, much of their constituency would be angered.

Toshay....Dougie, is that really Peckham that you just slayed?

If anyone should know which district is Patrick's it's his boy Stevie.

Peckham...you old dog you....your back! Happy days are here again....happy days are here are here again....happy days are here again..

When did you get out of the Big House? Hey, does Walter know?

Doug- do you have the bill number on this?

For the benefit of the former Selectman from Nantucket, the legislation I support will not take away the majority vote from the islands. Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket will still maintain 60 percent of the weighted vote. The State Executive Office of Transporation will get a 10 percent vote. Aspiring legislators would do well to read the legislation before commenting.

As for how it affects my district, many of the employees of the SSA live in my district. Even those who don't live in my district are glad to have their voices heard and represented in the legislature. It is my duty and honor to make their side of the story known.

I appreciate Mr. Patrick for coming forward and giving his opinion, but currently, the islands of the Vineyard and Nantucket have 70% control over the SSA. The islands should not have to give 10% to the EOT. The SSA does not need oversight from the state government. One of the real issues why Mr. Patrick is putting his neck out on this issue is because the MEBA union which is the biggest union who works for the SSA is behind this legislation by the state government because they want higher wages and salaries from Wayne Lamson and the SSA management. Much of the controversy that is taking place is because there is a battle between management and labor. I agree that MEBA deserves fair wages, but this should be decided between an arbitrator and the two parties (MEBA and management). The state government should worry about themselves and allow the local governments to make their own decisions. This leads to my last comment to you Mr. Patrick. Admit it, isn't your legislation a ploy to help labor? And if not, then why are you flip-flopping on your original vote from back in 2004?

Last time I checked, 60 percent is still a majority so your original premise was wrong. Wheather the SSA needs state oversight is a matter of opinion. It's the only state transportation agency without state oversight.

And yes, I do support the Union. I think I said it before. They haven't had a contract in five years.

If you want to count this as a flip flop go ahead. Back bencher Rep. Matt Patrick, 1 flip flop. Presidential candidate Romney, at least 6 on decidedly more important issues.

Can anyone tell me if this legislation could possibly be good for Nantucket, the Vineyard or their visitors? And why?

All I've heard is that it is bad. What is the upside?

I knew Matt "Flip-Flop" Patrick had ulterior motives behind this legislation.

It isn't about helping the people, he's supporting this legislation because the unions are his biggest donors. He just cares about getting re-elected, not what's best for the people of Massachusetts. Hey Patrick, why don't you do something that helps the people like solve the affordable housing crisis in your district. Your legislation takes power away from both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. I agree with Bennett. Why are you worrying about another constituency? Leaves us Islanders alone and mind your own business you "Flip-Flopper."

The bill is Senate Bill 1627. Go to this link and read what Nantucketers are saying about the legislation. Representative Patrick is supporting Senator Pacheco's initiative in trying to give the EOT control.

This is what they are saying on Nantucket's YACKON.COM:

http://www.yackon.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=74840#74840

Sounds good to me. Someone needs to stop SSA from discharging sewage into the sound!

Hey Dougie,

Is there any difference between saying you were a selectman and saying you were a county commissioner?

If not, then why keep hammering that dead horse?

TJ

Excellent question "Doug-Bonics" (TJ). The Board of Selectmen and the County Commissioners are two seperate boards. One deals with issues that only deal with the town and the latter deals with county issues. Each government entity has it's own separate budget. Nantucket is the smallest county in Massachusetts. Dukes County or the Vineyard is the Second smallest.

Doug,

Thanks for that update.

Why didn't you run for a second term?

TJ

Doug, this bill is a POS --if Pacheco filed it, you know its a union protection bill -- but it doesn't say anything about giving EOTC any stake in the Authority's management.