Jones Takes Exception with Governor Patrick’s Choice Words for Local Officials

BOSTON—House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. issued the following statement after Governor Patrick’s monthly appearance with Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on WTKK-FM.

Local officials are on the front line delivering essential services day in and day out. It is our local officials making the tough choices which are made even more challenging with Governor Patrick constantly dragging his feet on critical issues facing our cities and towns.

Governor Patrick should know that ultimately the very final decision of certification of a local tax rate is made by his administration and because they have been so far behind the eight ball the Legislature had to pass special legislation this year. In fact, Governor Patrick signed Chapter 183 only a week ago.

“Candidate” Patrick promised property tax relief and yet all we have seen is an unsustained effort by Governor Patrick chock full of empty promises with little leadership and minimal results.

Local communities and property taxpayers are paying the price for a Governor who never served at the local level in any capacity.