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We caught ourselves looking at the calendar this week to make sure it really is 2008, and not 1988. The reason for our confusion? The sudden proliferation of Michael Dukakis sightings in and around the State House.
The former Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate – who more than anyone helped give the Commonwealth its “Taxachusetts” label – is back (as are some of his cronies). The Duke is certainly keeping busy these days. In addition to calling on the Patrick Administration to repeal many of the tax breaks that were implemented after he left office, Dukakis wants to see the state restore the western Massachusetts tolls between Worcester and the New York border. He also thinks the gas tax should be increased on an annual basis to help meet the state’s transportation needs, and word has it that he is actively lobbying for the national popular vote bill (maybe he’s still smarting from his 1988 election defeat).
Then, to top things off, it’s now being reported that Transportation Secretary Cohen – who resigned on Monday – could soon be replaced by none other than attorney James Aloisi, who once served as Dukakis’ assistant secretary of transportation and as general counsel to the MA Turnpike Authority.
What perfect timing. The state’s finances are in free-fall, just as they were in Dukakis’ final days in office. And with the Turnpike Authority teetering on the edge of being crushed under its Big Dig debt, who better to call in than one of the key players behind the Big Dig boondoggle?
Hold onto your wallets. It looks like we’re in for a bumpy ride ahead.
