I'm so happy...
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
A smiling Patrick address issues as Governor-elect
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
Hours after his sweeping 21-point election victory, Democrat Deval Patrick answered his first questions today as governor-elect, promising to build a diverse administration with a focus on reviving the economy, improving schools and advocating for patient-centered health.
Patrick, speaking at a 30-minute press conference in Boston, said he would appoint a special inspector general for the Big Dig and voiced concern about a plan touted by Governor Mitt Romney to remove tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike. The Turnpike Authority hadn't done enough "homework," Patrick said, to persuade him that removing the tolls west of Route 128 was economically feasible.
"I think anybody would want to remove the tolls on the Pike," Patrick said at the press conference at the Omni Parker House hotel in Boston. "But roads don't plow themselves, they don't repair themselves."
Earlier today Patrick met with Romney and had a "very productive conversation with the governor" who "assured us a smooth transition."
Patrick reiterated his support of same-sex marriage on the eve of a state Constitutional Convention in which legislators are scheduled to debate the issue. The incoming governor, however, did not answer a question about whether he would directly lobby lawmakers.
Patrick appeared today with his running mate, Lieutenant Governor-elect Tim Murray, who said he would make an announcement in the next several weeks about when he will step down as mayor of Worcester. Most of the questions, however, were for Patrick, who was elected last night as the state's first black chief executive by defeating Republican Kerry Healey.
"It's a profound thing to be witness to and a central part of this historic moment," Patrick said. "If people around the country are looking at Massachusetts and thinking about Massachusetts differently than they have in the past, then good for us."
When asked by a reporter, Patrick recalled that the first thing his wife, Diane, said to him this morning was, "Is it time to get up already."
"We are trying to savor the moment and focus on the hard work ... ahead," Patrick said.
He added: "We have to perform brilliantly on multiple fronts simultaneous if we are going to move Massachusetts forward."
Posted by the Boston Globe City & Region Desk at 12:38 PM
Source: Local News Updates - A smiling Patrick address issues as Governor-elect -The Boston Globe
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