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As 2019 draws to a close and we look back on the year, one thing that’s been consistent every single week is the managerial failures of Governor Baker. He pitched himself to voters as the businessman Massachusetts needed. But 5 years into his Governorship, we can see that’s far from reality.
There are too many to list all of them here, but to mark the end of his 5th year in office and his 5th year of failing the Commonwealth, we’re highlighting the top 5 facts about Baker and his administration in 2019.
Baker’s Achilles Heel: the MBTA Safety Report
Last week, a bombshell report on the MBTA was released, highlighting in concerning detail the leadership failures that have created a poisonous culture at the MBTA. As the report clearly states, safety is not a priority and fear of blame or retribution prevents employees from raising serious safety concerns.
- This report proves what we all already knew— Charlie Baker doesn’t care about the MBTA and he doesn’t care about those of us who rely on it.
- It’s easy for Baker to be lenient on safety and not prioritize fixing the T because he travels by motorcade. But the hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on the subway system, buses, and commuter rail to get to and from work each day do not have that luxury.
- From derailments to track fires, 2019 has seen a near-constant stream of serious mechanical failures and hazards on the MBTA. While the Governor spends his commute sitting in a comfortable motorcade, commuters across the state are stuck on disabled trains or standing out in the cold waiting 30 minutes or more for a train.
- It isn’t “virtue signaling” to understand what many of your constituents deal with every day, it’s doing your job. Baker can’t fix a system he refuses to take the time to understand.
Baker’s Failed Transportation Plan: Say Nothing, Do Nothing
In 2019, voters felt the effects of our failing transportation system and our crumbling infrastructure. Their frustration was warranted, given the release of a report finding nearly 500 bridges in Massachusetts are “structurally deficient” and growing concern over the deteriorating Alewife parking garage.
- Baker told voters that he would bring a businessman’s perspective and skills to Beacon Hill. But he has been the Governor since 2014--our infrastructure and transportation have become growing disasters.
- He has failed to give this issue and others the attention and investment they require, and Massachusetts residents are feeling the backlash from this failure of leadership.
Another Baker Blunder: The State Police Scandal
Investigations this year revealed not only that State Troopers were lying about their hours to get paid extra overtime salaries, but they were also “regularly ordered” to do so by their supervisors.
- Every new revelation about the corruption and scandal at the State Police makes it more and more impossible to believe that the Governor was not aware.
- Baker’s lazy and laissez-faire leadership undermined our criminal justice system and wasted thousands of tax-payer dollars.
Baker’s RMV: Chaos and Calamity
All too similar to the State Police scandal, in 2019 we saw the horrible effects of mismanagement of the RMV. Leadership had been warned repeatedly that their aggressive efforts to reduce wait times sacrificed safety, but they refused to listen or change their approach.
- Under Baker’s watch, officials in his own office left essential roles unfilled and threatened to fire employees who raised concerns about abandoning their core duties - putting public safety at risk for months
- Baker’s managerial incompetence has led to serious safety lapses. He touts his past as a businessman but it’s abundantly clear that Baker is unable to effectively lead our government.
Baker’s Weymouth Compressor Plan: Protect Corporations
This year, Baker and his administration withheld crucial air quality data on the controversial Weymouth compressor during legal proceedings. The hearing officer was outraged after discovering that Baker and his team hid the fact that eleven previously undetected toxins were found after additional testing.
- Baker has close ties to the company attempting to build the compressor and his actions have made it clear that he’s more than happy to potentially violate state rules and conceal critical public health information if it helps his corporate buddies.
- One woman has sat in his office for more than 200 days in an effort to speak to the Governor about the compressor. But while the Governor seems to have corporations on speed dial, he refuses to meet with her and or even acknowledge her as he passes her in his lobby.
- Baker’s actions speak volumes. He’d put the health and safety of his constituents at risk for corporations, but won’t even give concerned voters the time of day.
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