Governor-elect Deval Patrick takes office today, the state’s first black governor, and the nation’s second. The nation’s first, Douglas Wilder of Virginia, is in attendance in Boston today.
For video coverage, take a look at what NECN has to offer online. Parts 1 and 2 of the interfaith service in the Old South Meeting House are worth the time with Reverend Peter Gomes. NECN also snagged a brief interview with Wilder prior to the beginning of noon ceremonies.
Update: From Patrick’s speech, which began promptly at 12:30 pm:
I will ask municipalities to enter into a new partnership with state government, so that we can work together to reduce their operating costs, to better plan across regions, and to rebuild city and town centers into stronger economic cores. And I will be calling on you, each one of you, to stay engaged, to bring forward your solutions, not just your problems, to suggest a better way to keep your eye on the higher ground we seek, and to act like you understand that this State House is your House.
Update: NECN reporter RD Sahl spoke after the outdoor ceremonies ended, around 1:00 pm, with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Some of their conversation:
Sahl: One of the concerns I know you have, and the mayors of 90 towns and cities around the Commonwealth have, of course, state funding. How do you square that in a tight budget?
Menino: I think we can close some of the loopholes that are out there. We’re not going to be looking for a lot of money—we know there isn’t much money out there. But closing the loopholes we have—that’s what we’re looking for. Also, some of the programs we have presently, to finance once again. That’s what we’re looking for, just that little help from the governor, and a spirit of cooperation, for him to listen to us. We’re the economic engine, the cities of America.
Sahl: It’s not a long walk from the State House to City Hall, from the corner office to your office. Compare and contrast relationships with the State House and the Governor, with Governor Romney, and what you’re looking for with Governor Patrick.
Menino: We’ve had Republican governors for 16 years. I think some of the issues that concern urban America is the governor’s interest. I think it’s a very short walk, but sometimes, it’s the longest walk. We’re just looking for fairness. The governor has talked about creating the agency task force with mayors and selectmen on it, to work with the governor on local issues—that’s what we’re looking for, a place to listen.
Sahl: Tim Murray—a mayor himself—does he bring some of that? In fact, he talked about it briefly, in his speech this afternoon, talking about a new collaboration between the state government and local government.
Menino: I think Tim brings a lot to the table, being a mayor. He understands the issues of education, housing—he understands all those issues that mayors face every day. He’ll be an ally for us in the corner office. We’re looking forward to working with him.
Sahl: Anything on your agenda, if you were to sit down with the governor now, or soon, and say here are two things, three things, we need done?
Menino: One of the things we want to talk about is home rule, giving us some opportunities to do our own thing without going to the legislature. Because we have no way of raising new revenues for the cities and towns of Massachusetts. We have to go to the legislature every time we want that. A city like Chicago has ten different revenue sources; Boston doesn’t have those; Worcester doesn’t have that. Give us some relief from home rule.
