On Tuesday, more than two million Massachusetts voters went to the polls in search of someone and something to believe in. They found it in the form of Scott Brown and his promise of bold new leadership in Washington.
Last night, those same voters will be disappointed by what Deval Patrick failed to offer them in his State of the Commonwealth address.
Governor Patrick had an opportunity to prove to Massachusetts residents that he has a way to lead us through the next year with plans and strategies to make Massachusetts a better place. He had a chance to rise to the occasion and to match the energy in the electorate with an energetic vision for progress for our state. But he didn’t.
I am disappointed because the Governor did not offer a vision that adequately addresses ways to fix our state’s economy. He needed to demonstrate that he can bring jobs back to Massachusetts and trigger investment here. But he didn’t.
He also needed to confidently show that he will balance the budget this year and control state spending, while holding the line on new taxes and fees. But he didn’t.
Governor Patrick had an opportunity to roll out new ideas to make government less costly, more efficient, increasingly transparent, and completely accountable to those it serves. But he didn’t.
And, he could have shown leadership by getting back to basics and putting emphasis on the right priorities this year, things like supporting cities and towns with local aid, improving our schools and making our streets safer. But he didn’t.
In short, Deval Patrick had an opportunity to prove to Massachusetts voters last night why he is the right man to lead Massachusetts and to fix the problems our residents are facing in their daily lives. He needed to convince voters that he deserves another chance. But he didn’t.
