The local officials were still busy sorting through the options described by Patrick last week, but generally said they liked what they had heard. Most, although not all, praised Patrick's plan to give communities the flexibility in deciding whether they want an extra tax or not."He's providing us with the tools and a tool chest," said Plymouth Town Manager Mark Sylvia. "Let every city and town make their own decision."
Under Patrick's proposal, which is getting a mixed reception in the Legislature, towns would be able to increase the local meals tax by two percentage points, and could increase the local hotel tax from 4 percent to 5 percent.
Also, Jon Keller gives Patrick a rhetorical spanking.
Even more disturbing are the signs that these were not uncharacteristic blunders, but a true reflection of the new governor’s humility-deficit-disorder. Today, given a golden chance to put out the fire once and for all with a graceful mea culpa, the governor said he was “sorry that we have all spent the kind of time we have on what we have spent time on, and I’m sorry to have been responsible for that.” Translation: I’m not sorry for the choices I made, just that they’ve been thrown back in my face. Asked if he “screwed up” with the office furnishings, Patrick said: “We screwed up, but I will tell you this – I think the governor’s office should look nice. I receive heads of companies, heads of labor; I receive community groups, members of the legislature.” Where to begin? He is about to unveil a budget which may well anger labor, business, community groups, and legislators. Does he really think these people give a damn about $72,000 worth of spiffy new interior decoration in the executive office? And does he really think any working person buys the idea that $2,000 wing chairs, a $1,400 sideboard, and damask drapes are necessary to make a room “look nice.”
UPDATE: More from Casey Ross, Peter Howe, Virginia Buckingham, Scott Allen Miller, Big Bish, Squaring the Boston Globe and the Boston Phoenix.
