Boston Globe Editorial

3/31/08 - The particulars of Senate President Therese Murray's transportation proposals are still fuzzy, but the intent is clear and laudable: to improve the way the state administers programs essential to the mobility of Massachusetts residents. Over the years, unnecessary costs and erratic management of transportation work - not to mention rampant problems with the Big Dig - have undermined public confidence. Only when state leaders regain that trust can a fruitful discussion be opened on raising revenues for much-needed projects.

Murray's proposal to reduce the use of expensive police details on state projects received the most attention initially. Another key proposal would improve the measurement of progress on transportation projects. Legislators and citizens would quickly be able to find out, for instance, why a bridge has remained half-repaired for years. That scrutiny should encourage contractors and state employees to work more quickly.

Murray also wants to reduce the growth in the MBTA's health insurance costs by requiring new MBTA employees and new retirees to contribute more to their plans. The T can no longer afford the generous benefits it is now providing.

The proposals are in line with recommendations of the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission, established by the Legislature in 2004. The panel found that transportation spending in the state required rethinking from the bottom up.

A prime example are police details at construction sites. Nothing in state law mandates them.

Yet when Governor Weld tried to end the practice in 1992, he was pilloried by police unions. Murray's proposal would order officials to consider civilian flag carriers as an alternative to police details. Her plan would mandate cities and towns apply similar priorities. The unions are less likely to make a fuss if the Legislature is firmly behind this sensible change.

These improvements and others in her plan would benefit from a public hearing. Murray, however, wants to include them in the transportation bond bill. Governor Patrick and Speaker Salvatore DiMasi were on hand to show their support as Murray unveiled her proposals last week. Their presence suggests quick action is probable.

Murray's changes will go a little way toward closing the gap in infrastructure spending, which the special commission estimated at up to $19.5 billion. The bond bill can wait a week or two for a hearing.

Such a hearing would surely bring out all the proponents of the status quo. But it would also offer the public an education on why Murray's plan is sorely needed.

Article URL