Will Brownsberger’s recent posts and proposed ideas illustrate what a thoughtful legislators does; research, consult, publicly debate and propose. He is one of the good ones. While I would go in the direction of getting the state out of the retirement business, Will is attempting to lead reform that would reshape the pension system and …
Belmont Park and Ride?
Consider the idea of having a Belmont Park and Ride. What if the building at the corner of Hittinger and Blanchard was purchased by the town for the joint purposes of the electrical substation and also a satellite parking garage for the Alewife train station. Alewife is a straight shot down the bike trail. What …
Silver Maple Forest Update
As noted previously, Governor Patrick did not sign House 701. He did commit to conduct the appraisal contemplated by House 701. I am satisfied with this outcome — the bill would have accomplished nothing more. Confirmation of the appraisal commitment has now arrived in the form of the attached letter from Secretary of Environmental Affairs, …
Considering reform to parole standards in Massachusetts
A number of lawmakers in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts have found good reason to consider parole reform for repeat criminal offenders. While specific reforms to the current system have been in study for a number of years, there has been some debate as to how to move forward with new legislation. The bill that has …
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A facet of pension reform: Buyback interest
It’s time to eliminate half-price sales of pension benefits for special employee groups.
Public/Private Benefits Comparisons
Given the controversy about public employee benefits, it is important to get a clear picture of how public retirement benefits compare to private retirement benefits. In a nutshell, they are much richer.