2003 Mitt Romney Press Releases, all on one page

2004 Mitt Romney Press Releases, all on one page

2004 January to June, 2004 July to December All on one page (easy for printing)

2005 Mitt Romney Press Releases, all on one page

2005 January to June, 2005 July to December

2005 Mitt Romney Press Releases, all on one page

2006 January to June, 2006 July to December

Want to be a Mitt Romney expert?

Print all his press releases from this page, and read them all.

I can't think of a better way to get to know Romney. Otherwise you will have to clock on each date and read them one at a time. Aghh! Too much work!

I would print double sided (to save paper) and don't print the table of contents. To do this just select the part you want to print, click print, and then select print selection.

January 2, 2003

GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SWORN IN

Romney, Healey Celebrate Inaugural Events; Emphasize Themes of inclusion and Public Service

Optimistic for the future, but calling for "immediate and hard action" to address the state's fiscal crisis, Governor Mitt Romney today delivered his Inaugural Address before a joint session of the Massachusetts State Legislature, saying the "source of our greatness is our people."

Romney reinforced his pledge not to raise taxes, saying it hurts people "when we tax away their ability to invest in themselves and to make their own life choices." To pull the state out of it perpetual budget problems, Mitt Romney said, "the only permanent solution is to change state government."

He promised to lead a fundamental reform of state government in order to revive the Commonwealth's economy, saying we are facing a "financial emergency."

Romney said, "Let's be honest about our financial crisis. It has taken way too long to recognize the need for change. A windfall in tax revenues from the Internet boom and the market's irrational exuberance masked the truth. State government spent the windfall and borrowed even more. We've even used up virtually all our cash, borrowed all our cash, borrowed all the banks will lend us and we are still spending more than we are earning. We are facing a financial emergency." Source 01-02-2003 Press Release

"There is no easy way out of this mess. There's no time to wait for the fruits of careful streamlining and restructuring. We must take immediate, hard action," Mitt Romney said.

Prior to the speech and following the oath of office, Mitt Romney signed the Register of Governors with a pen used by his father, three-term Michigan Governor George Romney, during a bill signing. The pen is the property of the Michigan State Archives and is on loan for today's ceremony.

Emphasizing the inaugural theme of inclusion and public service, Mitt Romney and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey were greeted upon their arrival at the State House by a "Citizens Welcome" of Girl Scouts, City Year Corps members and Beverly High School Band students. In Nurses Hall, they autographed inaugural post cards for school children, then saluted veterans in the Hall of Flags and shook hands with members of the public at the foot of the Grand Staircase.

Faces of citizens were on display throughout the inaugural events, photographed by high school students across Massachusetts. Mitt Romney and Healey started the day by serving breakfast to homeless veterans in Boston and later participating in a basketball game with middle and high school students at the Colonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club in Dorchester.

In a departure from the past, Mitt Romney and Healey held the traditional prayer service the previous evening at the New Covenant Christian Church in the predominantly minority neighborhood of Mattapan.

Tomorrow, they extend the festivities to western Massachusetts by visiting a Springfield elementary school.

In his 20-minute inaugural speech, Mitt Romney vowed to invest in the citizens of the Commonwealth by providing an excellent education, a strong economy, affordable housing andhealth care, and defending civil rights.

"I believe that the source our greatness is our people. Their education, skills, inventiveness, determination and faith make us a very distinct people on the face of this planet," Mitt Romney said before a packed crowd in the House Chamber of the State House after taking the oath of office.

He added, "In this new century, perhaps as much as any other time in our history, the qualities of our free people emerge as our greatest strength. And because I believe this is so, I believe that we best strengthen our state and our nation by investing in our people and in protecting their freedoms."

Governor Mitt Romney outlined specific guiding principles he will utilize to change the state's bureaucratic ways and revive the Commonwealth's economy. In the next several months, Mitt Romney pledged:

Honest and timely reports to the Legislature and the people of Massachusetts to keep them apprised and up-to-date on the state's fiscal situation;

To face the fiscal crisis head-on, he will make the difficult, immediate decisions necessary to get our state out of the current financial crisis. These decisions may include downsizing or eliminating many non essential government programs to manage the massive budget deficit; and

A comprehensive proposal to restructure state government in a way that will result in a greater level of responsiveness to our citizens, faster decision making, a lighter more agile bureaucracy and an openness to change. Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who was also sworn in before the Legislature in the House Chamber, joined Mitt Romney in pledging to revitalize the Commonwealth, calling on the people of the state to join them.

"Each of you, as citizens, will have a critical role to play in the revitalization of our state. Our communities and our neighborhoods must become active again, working in partnership with government to maintain critical services for those most in need - children, the poor, the sick, the elderly and the disabled," Healey said.

She added, "We need more than just responsive officials. We need citizens who will once again stand ready to contribute their time and effort for the good of our society. This was once the strength of our Commonwealth and it can be so again."

Romney also honored the spirit of public service during his speech by recognizing two state employees who have gone beyond the call of duty - Matthew Chao and State Police Trooper Michael Michno.

Chao, from Newton, is employed by the Department of Corrections, overseeing inmates who produce Braille books and texts for blind students. Chao, who was born blind, has worked for state government for a decade and is an inspiration to all who work with him.

Trooper Michno, of Somerset, has served in the Massachusetts State Police for nearly 10 years. He has dedicated his time - both on and off duty -- to helping prevent the loss of life of children in car accidents by assisting parents install car seats properly.

More than 7,300 people participated in the inaugural events, which were capped off with an inaugural gala held at the World Trade Center in Boston featuring entertainment by the Boston Pops.

January 9, 2003

ROMNEY NAMES PROFESSIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

Issues new Executive Order designed to curb nepotism

Governor Mitt Romney today announced the appointment of Ruth N. Bramson as Director of Human Resources. Mitt Romney also issued an Executive Order putting in place so-called "sunshine provisions" requiring new employees to identify family members working in state government.

Bramson, of Dover, was most recently Senior Vice President for Human Resources at Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. At Shaw's, a $4.5 billion, 187-store supermarket chain, Bramson was responsible for servicing the human resources needs for 35,000 employees.

Romney said Bramson will work with Cabinet officials to recruit and hire their staffs and advise the Governor on professionalizing the human resources function throughout state government.

The move follows the abolition of the position of Chief Secretary. Previously, the chief secretary was the individual in charge of placing political supporters in jobs throughout state government.

"Ruth Bramson is a proven professional with a strong set of organizational skills," said Romney. "Many people from all walks of life have expressed an interest in joining our administration. I look to Ruth to help us put together the best team of people to address the challenges ahead."

The "sunshine provisions" in Romney's Executive Order require individuals applying for positions within the Executive Branch to disclose in writing the names of all immediate family members as well as people related to immediate family members by marriage who serve as employees or elected officials of the Commonwealth. The information will be available to the public upon request.

"People with political connections should not be barred from state employment, but the public needs to be reassured that state employment needs are being filled on the basis of experience and capability. These new sunshine provisions are designed to open up the process," said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey.

Bramson said she was "tremendously honored to be part of the exciting changes taking place in state government under Governor Romney."

In 1998, Bramson founded the non-profit organization, Suited for Success, with the mission of helping economically disadvantaged women move from welfare to lives of self-sufficiency for themselves and their children. More than 100 women have benefited from the program since its creation. Bramson continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and President.

Bramson holds a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a master's degree in Organizational Development and Training from Boston University.

January 10, 2003

ROMNEY SEEKS EXPANDED AUTHORITY TO BALANCE BUDGET

Calls for shared sacrifice in order to avoid disproportionate cuts to poor and needy

Saying the choice is between disproportionate cuts to programs serving the most needy citizens of Massachusetts or shared reductions in spending, Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to broaden his authority to bring the state budget into balance in the current fiscal 2003 year.

"A true partnership means sharing in good times and bad. In good times, the Commonwealth shared its prosperity with cities and towns," said Mitt Romney in an address to the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

"Now that the state has hit hard times, we need cities and towns to join us in tightening their belts," Mitt Romney said.

Romney said he anticipates a significant shortfall for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2003, which was not foreseen a few short months ago. Most of the focus had been on a looming budget gap in the 2004 fiscal year.

"Our problem is simple: spending is high and cash is low. When we began our transition two months ago, every indication was that the current budget was balanced. That is not the case, and immediate, hard action is required to achieve fiscal balance," said Romney.

The proposed legislation would permit the Governor to review local aid and higher education accounts in addressing deficiencies in revenue for the current fiscal year. Those accounts are currently beyond the reach of Romney's so-called "9C authority" to reduce spending.

According to Romney, his current "9C authority" would force disproportionate cuts on the elderly, poor and disabled.

"If we are forced to balance this budget on the backs of our seniors and the poor, we will expose the core services of government to disproportionate cuts," said Romney. "That is not fair. The best solution is to spread the burden."

Romney tasked Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey with the job of acting as liaison to cities and towns during the fiscal emergency. She will work with mayors and local officials to devise a package of changes designed to give them the flexibility to manage their local budgets.

Healey will collect information in direct meetings with mayors and electronically via the Internet.

"Over the next few weeks, I will be traveling the state meeting with mayors and local officials to solicit their advice on how we can make the coming months less challenging for local communities," Healey said.

"We view this moment of economic crisis as an opportunity to remove some of the financial and bureaucratic burdens the state has saddled local government with over the years," she added.

Healey said she has already heard from local officials seeking relief with transportation issues, purchasing requirements, unfunded mandates and onerous construction regulations.

Due to balance of power issues, Romney's proposed legislation does not affect the Judiciary or the Legislature, although each will be asked to make voluntary reductions in their own spending.

"I do not believe the best way to find solutions to our fiscal problems is to sit on Beacon Hill and simply issue directives and orders to our cities and towns. Instead, I believe we must come together to find the least painful path through this crisis," said Romney.

"We must have the cities and towns at the table as we craft our answer to the budgetary challenges that confront us so that the solutions we propose do not unfairly target health and human service programs," he said.

January 11, 2003

LOCAL OFFICIALS JOIN ROMNEY, HEALEY TO PLEDGE COOPERATION

Support principle of shared sacrifice to avoid disproportionate cuts to poor and needy

Mayors, selectmen and other municipal officials today joined Governor Mitt Romney and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey to pledge their cooperation in addressing the state’s financial crisis.

While he does not look forward to a reduction in local aid, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said he and other local officials support the principle of shared sacrifice that Mitt Romney outlined the previous day to a meeting of the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

“These are not easy times, and it requires all of us to make sacrifices – at every level of government,” said Mazzarella.

Newburyport Mayor Alan Lavender said he looks forward to working with the lieutenant governor on a package of changes that will make it easier for cities and towns to manage their own budgets during this period of financial emergency.

“If we step up as community and government leaders to help the Commonwealth through this crisis, then we need the tools to do our job,” said Lavender. “Artificial limitations and mandates that prevent us from getting full value for every dollar should be removed.”

Romney called for fast action on his legislation to expand his powers to reduce spending, warning that a delay will necessitate deeper cuts later.

The proposed legislation would permit the Governor to review local aid and higher education accounts in addressing deficiencies in revenue for the current fiscal year. Those accounts are currently beyond the reach of Romney’s so-called “9C authority” to reduce spending.

According to Romney, his current “9C authority” would force disproportionate cuts on the elderly, poor and disabled, which comprise the bulk of the areas of the budget subject to unilateral spending cuts.

Depending on how revenues come in for the remainder of the fiscal 2003 year, Mitt Romney estimated the budget gap at $450 million to $600 million.

“For those of us in elective office, we are sometimes required to put the good of the whole above the good of any individual city, town or special interest group,” said Romney.

“By sharing in the burden, our local leaders are demonstrating they support the principle of fairness and that they recognize a true partnership means sharing in good times and bad,” said Romney.

Fitchburg Mayor Dan Mylott said: “Local aid is one of the largest areas of the budget. While these dollars are critical to providing local services, I think it’s fair for the Governor to review them as he looks to bring the state budget into balance.”

Added Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos: “The state is our partner, so the financial problems facing the state are essentially our problems, too. We all need to be part of the solution.”

January 13, 2003

ROMNEY FILLS OUT CABINET BY NAMING TWO NEW MEMBERS

Governor Mitt Romney today filled out his Cabinet by appointing Barbara Berke as Director of Economic Development and Jane Edmonds as Director of Labor and Workforce Development.

Both Berke and Edmonds will work with Bob Pozen, Chief of Commerce and Labor, to spur economic development and improve the economic well-being of the citizens of Massachusetts.

"With these two new outstanding appointments, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and I have the team we want in place," Mitt Romney said. "Both Barbara and Jane have impressive credentials that will jumpstart our economy, help attract employers and jobs to our state and ensure our workforce is top-notch."

In taking the economic development post, Berke left her job as Vice President of The Boston Consulting Group, a strategic management- consulting firm. In her two decades at BCG, she developed innovative business strategies across numerous industry sectors and practice areas.

At BCG, Berke was also involved in community service, taking a leadership role in Massachusetts re-development programs. Among other projects, Berke assisted Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and the Boston Redevelopment Authority in the development of the Backstreets Program.

Romney said that Berke will help form regional boards that will be tasked with developing a jobs blueprint for their area. The blueprint will help pinpoint areas of competitive advantage and set the agenda for the Governor's economic development initiatives.

Berke, of Brookline, holds a MBA from Harvard and a bachelor's degree from Brown University.

Edmonds is the former Chairman of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the state's civil rights enforcement agency. She also served as the City of Boston's Director of Intergovernmental Relations under Mayor Kevin White. Edmonds is a trustee at Roxbury Community College.

She currently runs her own management development and human resource training and consulting firm, Jane C. Edmonds & Associates. The company offers services to organizations helping them to recruit, retain and fully utilize diverse human resources in line with their business objectives.

Edmonds, of Sharon, received her law degree from Boston College and her bachelor's degree from Harvard University.

January 14, 2003

ON TRANSPORTATION, Mitt Romney PLEDGES TO "FIX IT FIRST"

Targets transportation dollars to repairing the state's crumbling roads and bridges

Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled a new "Fix It First" policy to focus state dollars on repairing the state's crumbling roads and bridges. Saying there will be "no monuments to egos," Mitt Romney also ended the practice of putting the names of the Governor and other state officials on highway signs.

"Massachusetts can no longer afford to allow our existing system to crumble under the weight of overuse and official neglect," said Romney. "We need to redirect the state's resources to reflect a priority on repairing what we already have."

Under the new policy, first priority will be given to sharply reducing the backlog of deteriorating roads and bridges. Massachusetts has nearly 5,000 bridges, with 12 percent rated as "structurally deficient." The bridges are owned by cities and towns, the Massachusetts Highway Department, the Metropolitan District Commission and the Massachusetts Bay Transporation Authority.

Romney directed his Chief of Commonwealth Development, Doug Foy, to work with Transportation Secretary Dan Grabauskas to produce a plan for repairing or reconstructing the state's failing bridges, with a budget and schedule for completing the job, by July 1, 2003.

The plan will also include a management program to improve pavement management so that maintenance and minor repairs are scheduled in a way to avoid bigger reconstruction jobs in the future. Mitt Romney also called for the following traffic-busting initiatives:

Improving signage so drivers know where they are and where they are going;
Scheduling construction on key roads during off-peak hours whenever possible;
Enhancing incident response systems; and
Implementing multi-modal strategies to reduce traffic congestion.
In a break from past custom, Mitt Romney said he will direct the Transportation Department to end the practice of having the names of the Governor and other state officials on highway signs.

"Every time there is a change in administration, we spent thousands of dollars to alter the welcome signs along our state borders," said Romney. "While it may not be much in the context of the overall budget, it certainly represents money that is better spent in other ways."

According to Foy, "In reinvesting in our existing roads and bridges, we are also reinvesting in our cities and towns where we want economic growth."

"Massachusetts has one of the oldest road and bridge systems in the country and we pledge that it will be kept in the best condition possible," said Grabauskas. "Governor Mitt Romney believes that taxpayers have a right to expect that every dollar of their investment be used in a thoughtful, efficient, and effective manner."

Romney explained that "Fix It First" does not mean taking everything other than repairs off the drawing board.

"Our highest priority should be on caring for existing assets before we take on other things. Highway expansion will be based primarily on how it affects growth patterns and on solid numbers, not politics," Mitt Romney said.

January 16, 2003

ROMNEY APPOINTS NEW PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSIONER

Governor Mitt Romney today appointed Christine C. Ferguson as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

"In this era of fiscal belt-tightening, we need to ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation on public health issues - from AIDS prevention to bioterrorism preparedness," said Mitt Romney . "I am confident that Christy is the right person to help lead this effort."

A nationally recognized expert in health care financing, organization and delivery on both the state and federal level, Ferguson served as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services for seven years. She also served as Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff for the late Senator John Chafee from 1981 to 1994. Most recently Ferguson was a candidate for Congress in Rhode Island District 1.

As Director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Ferguson spearheaded the state's health care reform effort, restructuring Rhode Island's faltering Medicaid managed care program, RIte Care, making it a national model. Under her leadership, Rhode Island led the nation in providing health care to children and families.

As a top aide to the late Senator Chafee, Ferguson was responsible for the Senator's legislative and policy agenda, and was the principal architect of the Republican alternative to the Clinton Health Care reform Plan.

"I'm excited to be part of Governor Romney's effort to reform government. This is a wonderful challenge, a great Administration and a fantastic opportunity," added Ferguson.

Ferguson serves on the Executive Board of the National Academy of State Health Policy. She was the youngest person ever to be named one of the "100 Most Influential Attorneys" by the U.S. National Law Journal and was heralded as a "Profile in Courage" by author David Broder in his book, "The System." She was also the recipient of the Community Service Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers and the Silver Rattle Award from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.

Thomas J. Anton, Director of the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions at Brown University, added, "She has led the way toward breaking down organizational and programmatic barriers ... and she has shown by example that collaborative action is not only possible but effective."

Ferguson received her law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University and her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. She is a Rhode Island native.

January 17, 2003

ROMNEY SIGNS BILL GIVING HIM BROADER BUDGETARY POWERS

Demonstrates commitment to preserving vital services by protecting homeless

A week after filing legislation to expand his budgetary powers, Governor Mitt Romney today signed the bill giving him broader authority to reduce spending in the middle of the current 2003 fiscal year.

Meanwhile, to demonstrate his commitment to protecting essential services, Mitt Romney announced that he was softening regulations proposed by the Swift administration to tighten eligibility for the Emergency Assistance Program, which provides shelter to the homeless.

The legislation signed by Mitt Romney – his first as Governor - permits him to review local aid and higher education accounts in addressing deficiencies in revenue for the current fiscal year. Those accounts are currently beyond the reach of Romney’s so-called “9C authority” to reduce spending.

The new law sunsets on July 1, 2003, the beginning of the next fiscal year, and contains an emergency preamble that allows it to take effect immediately.

The legislation authorizes reductions to local aid accounts, which include Lottery distributions, additional assistance and Chapter 70 school assistance, but it mandates that total local aid reductions equal no greater than one-third of the entire 9C reduction made by the Governor.

The bill also states that no reductions shall be made to Chapter 70 monies that bring a community below its “foundation budget” for school spending.

On the cost-cutting changes proposed for the Emergency Assistance Program, Mitt Romney said: “We’re not going to abandon the homeless. While some of the proposed new regulations make sense and represent sound policy, others were too severe and will not go into effect.”

To save $3.5 million, the Department of Transitional Assistance in November proposed regulatory changes that would have denied shelter to 218 homeless families. The new course of action will impact 168 fewer families than the original plan proposed in November.

While he is sacrificing $2 million in savings by blocking some of the proposed changes, Mitt Romney said programs that provide shelter to the homeless “should not be gutted,” calling them “essential services.”

Romney modified the regulations to protect domestic violence victims, and those that would have required family members to separate to become eligible. He also eliminated a so-called “one strike and you’re out” policy that would have terminated eligibility after a single act of non-compliance.

Other changes will go into effect, including those requiring families to resolve outstanding warrants before becoming eligible; which deem families that refuse shelter placement to be ineligible for assistance; and which include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in eligibility criteria.

The new regulations will take effect February 3.

January 22, 2003

ROMNEY TIES JOB GROWTH TO CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

Plans to create jobs and a cleaner environment with Renewable Energy Trust Fund

LOWELL - Governor Mitt Romney today announced a plan to redirect the focus of the state's Renewable Energy Trust Fund to support economic development as well as the creation of alternative sources of energy that will have a positive environmental benefit.

“The Trust Fund has been growing for years, and I believe now is the time to refocus its assets in such a manner that it can become a major economic springboard for the Commonwealth by focusing on job creation in the renewable energy sector,” said Romney.

The Trust was created through the electric restructuring law in 1998 and is funded through a monthly surcharge on electric utility bills. The funds are administered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Romney announced the formation of a new $15 million Green Energy Fund to provide equity capital, loans and management assistance to Massachusetts-based renewable energy businesses. A professional manager will be recruited to manage the fund. The Governor also touted $9 million in new financings to five companies in the forefront of renewable energy development.

The package includes a $1.5 million loan for a pilot production line at Konarka, a Lowell company that served as the setting for today's news conference. Konarka has been developing cutting-edge solar technology developed at the University of Massachusetts.

Romney said Lowell is a good example of a city that would benefit from renewable energy development, noting it has won national acclaim as a model for older cities looking to stage a rebirth by relying on newer industries.

Several other companies were awarded funds from the Trust, including Nuvera, a Cambridge fuel cell company, which received a $1.5 million grant and loan; Ameresco, the operator of a landfill gas facility in Chicopee, which signed a $2 million clean energy agreement; Acumentrics, a Westwood fuel cell company, which received a $1.5 million loan; and a Massachusetts renewable energy company whose name cannot be disclosed at this time due to SEC regulations, will receive $2.5 million in funding for a major expansion.

“Clean energy is a technology driven industry well suited to the state's strengths,” said Doug Foy, Romney's Chief of Commonwealth Development. “We have all the ingredients to be a leader in the sector - world-class universities, high-tech companies and a highly educated workforce.”

Bob Pozen, Romney's Chief of Commerce and Labor, said states such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are in direct competition with Massachusetts for economic expansions by fast-growing renewable energy companies.

“By making targeted investments, we can support job growth, develop a cluster of renewable energy companies and have a positive effect on the environment at the same time,” said Pozen.

Mitchell Adams, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, said a growing renewable energy industry will help reduce America's reliance on foreign sources of oil.

“These investments make sense from an economic and environmental perspective, and have the added benefit of reducing our dependence on foreign energy supplies,” said Adams.

January 24, 2003

ROMNEY LAUDS BUSH FOR ADDITIONAL LIHEAP FUNDING

Urges Congress to quickly pass increased LIHEAP funding

Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Massachusetts will receive an additional $12.3 million to help low-income people pay their home heating oil bills this winter thanks to President Bush's decision to release $200 million in emergency funds nationwide to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Romney lauded the President, saying, “We are grateful President Bush recognizes the need to release these emergency funds now. Given the severity of the weather this winter, along with increasing energy prices, this is certainly good news for the people of Massachusetts and the nation.”

The Governor noted that the emergency funds, along with an expected $70 million in regular LIHEAP funding, will allow Massachusetts to serve the needs of more than 130,000 low-income people statewide this winter. The President has reserved another $100 million in contingency funds for future national energy emergencies.

Each year, LIHEAP assists more than 4.6 million low-income Americans in paying their heating bills.

Although Congress has yet to determine this year's final LIHEAP appropriation, it is expected that a total of nearly $2 billion will be made available to states, including $300 million added by the U.S. Senate just this week. A final conference with the House of Representatives is expected to take place within the next week, with final passage of the bill anticipated by early February.

“I urge all members of Congress to support the highest possible funding for LIHEAP,” said Romney. “We need to get the funds to those who need help the most to stay safe and warm this winter.”

January 27, 2003

COMMUNITIES FIRST: Mitt Romney EMPOWERS CITIES AND TOWNS

New program gives cities and towns unprecedented flexibility in road projects

Additional Contacts: WEST CONCORD – Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled a new initiative to give communities more flexibility and input in designing local road and bridge projects, helping preserve the character of cities and towns and cutting through bureaucratic red tape imposed by the state.

Romney said the new policy, Communities First, is one in a series of ideas the Administration will propose to give communities more control over their own finances.

He said, “My Administration is committed to providing local communities with the tools they need to manage their own budgets by removing bureaucratic red tape and costly state mandates whenever possible.”

Romney added, “Local residents are most familiar with the unique qualities that make their communities special. We will make every effort to empower them in the decisions that directly impact their everyday lives.”

Romney said the new policy will both modify state highway design guidelines and require collaboration with local leaders in the design process. At Romney’s direction, the state will:

Review and revise the Massachusetts Highway Department’s Design Manual to incorporate the principles of Communities First by October 1, 2003. An Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from municipalities and regional planning councils will be formed to assist in this process.

Appoint an Ombudsman in the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction to serve as a liaison to community concerns. The Ombudsman will help expedite the waiver process and ensure flexibility in the application review.
Provide increased accommodation and consideration for design changes that provide for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Romney’s Chief of Commonwealth Development, Doug Foy, highlighted Main Street in West Concord as a prime example of the need for Communities First. He noted that local officials had been planning a reconstruction project since 1997, but have not been able to proceed because of a disagreement with the state over road width and the possible elimination of trees along the corridor.

Foy said, “Times have changed. The Mitt Romney administration wants the taxpayers to take ownership of their cities and towns and be part of the decision making process.”

In the past, the Massachusetts Highway Department has based its design criteria on rigid guidelines. If a community identified a design change that was counter to the guidelines, a waiver application had to be filed. The Highway Department reviewed the waivers and made a determination based on a number of elements, such as safety precautions and cost implications. Sometimes a waiver that was initially rejected was approved on its second or third submission, raising complaints about a lack of consistency, cooperation or a set of clearly defined review standards.

“Governor Mitt Romney envisions a government with as few bureaucratic impediments as possible and this is a giant step in that direction,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel Grabauskas. “When it comes to the Massachusetts Highway Department, the people of Massachusetts are in the drivers’ seat.”

The Communities First initiative builds on the Fix It First policy unveiled by Mitt Romney earlier this month. Fix It First targets the state’s resources to repairing existing roads and bridges before undertaking new highway projects.

January 28, 2003

WITH budget CRISIS LOOMING, Mitt Romney MOVES TO CUT PRESS OPERATION

Number of press secretaries is downsized, saving $1.2 million annually

Governor Mitt Romney today announced a major reduction in the number of press secretaries in state government, saying he wants a more streamlined communications structure that saves money.

There are approximately 60 press secretaries in the Executive Branch of state government. Termination notices have gone out to 21 of these individuals, which will save an estimated $1.2 million annually. Another 11 positions will be eliminated or left vacant, with affected employees moved to non-press roles.

“The current communications structure in government makes no sense. It grew over time without any planning or thought. It’s an extremely wasteful system,” said Romney. “By streamlining our communications function, we can do a better job with less people for the taxpayers of Massachusetts.”

The current plan calls for installing a press secretary at the top of each Cabinet silo to handle press calls within that particular Cabinet grouping, except at Administration & Finance, Labor and Economic Development, which will be handled by the Governor’s Press Office.

With few exceptions, press spokespeople at the sub-Cabinet level will be eliminated.

This means that within the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, for instance, the EOEA press secretary will answer inquiries regarding environmental issues whether they come into the Executive Office or one of the subordinate agencies, i.e., the Metropolitan District Commission, Department of Environmental Management or the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Cabinet press secretaries will coordinate on policy matters and issues of urgent concern with the Governor’s Press Office.

“This reorganization is long overdue. Our view is we can substantially reduce the number of press secretaries and still provide a more effective and accountable communications program,” said Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney’s Communications Director.

Among the agencies that will be allowed to keep their press spokespeople are: The Department of Public Health, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue, Department of Correction, Division of Insurance, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Social Services, Department of Education and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

“It makes sense for agencies that have a built-in public information mission, or receive a high volume of media calls, to have their own press operation. Other agencies, such as the State Racing Commission, have a harder-to-justify need,” said Fehrnstrom.

Press positions eliminated in following agencies:
Executive Office of Administration and Finance
Department of Health Care and Finance Policy
Office for Child Care Services
Office for Refugees and Immigrants
Division of Capital Asset Management
Group Insurance Commission
Massachusetts Highway Department (2)
Board of Higher Education
Board of Registration in Medicine
State Racing Commission
Professional Licensure Division
Division of Telecommunications and Energy
Division of Energy Resources
Division of Banks
Office of business Development
Department of Environmental Management
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (2)
Metropolitan District Commission
Department of Food and Agriculture
Department of Fire Services
Parole Board
Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Commission for the Blind
Department of Youth Services
Division of Medical Assistance
Department of mental health
Department of Mental Retardation
Department of Transitional Assistance
Department of Economic Development

January 29, 2003

ROMNEY ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN FUEL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

Governor Mitt Romney today announced that his Administration will use the $12.3 million in newly released emergency fuel assistance funds from the Bush Administration to increase the benefit level of low-income families who heat their homes with oil, propane or kerosene.

Romney said for many Massachusetts residents who participate in the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program this additional relief means that they may now be eligible for as much as $130 more to help fill their fuel tanks this winter.

“While the law protects gas and electric heat customers with financial hardships from service shut-off during the heating season, oil, propane and kerosene users have no such protection,” said Romney. “These badly needed emergency funds will directly assist low-income families, the elderly and disabled to cope with this very cold winter and increased home heating costs.”

The Governor noted last week that the emergency funds, along with an expected $70 million in regular LIHEAP funding, will allow Massachusetts to serve the needs of more than 130,000 low-income people statewide this winter. President Bush has reserved another $100 million in contingency funds for future national energy emergencies.

Each year, LIHEAP assists more than 4.6 million low-income Americans in paying their heating bills. LIHEAP is administered in Massachusetts by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and provides assistance to families with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,200 for a family of four.

Although Congress has yet to determine this year's final LIHEAP appropriation, it is expected that a total of nearly $2 billion will be made available to states, including $300 million added by the U.S. Senate just this week. A final conference with the House of Representatives is expected to take place within the next week, with final passage of the bill anticipated by early February.

The state has a toll-free HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175, and information is available online at www.massfuelassist.com.

January 30, 2003

ROMNEY ADMINISTRATION REACHES OUT TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Municipal relief package gives cities and towns more flexibility

The Mitt Romney administration today filed a municipal relief package that takes aim at burdensome state regulations and mandates that make it difficult for mayors and selectmen to manage their local budgets.

The package, dubbed H.E.L.P. (Help Ease Local Pressure), was put together by Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey to help offset reductions in state aid to cities and towns. She spent the last two weeks soliciting input from more than 300 local officials representing over 80 cities and towns.

Healey urged the Legislature “to act quickly to ensure that municipalities can take advantage of these reforms as soon as possible.”

The package will save cities and towns an estimated $50-$75 million annually.

Healey said many cities and towns were facing severe financial challenges even before the current fiscal crisis, citing increasing health care insurance costs for employees and retirees, lack of flexibility to move funds within their own accounts and restrictive public construction requirements.

Among the proposed reforms:

Eliminate Civil Service for municipalities, excluding police officers and firefighters;
Reduce municipalities maximum health care coverage contribution to 75 percent, in line with the Governor's proposal to require state employees to pay 25 percent of their health coverage premium;
Allow cities and towns flexibility to move funds within accounts in the last two months of the fiscal year;
Re-issue an early retirement option of municipalities, allowing for a reduction in payroll costs without the need for layoffs;
Exempt construction projects costing less than $100,000 and communities of less than 5,000 people from the prevailing wage law;
Introduce design-build contracting and eliminate the filed sub-bid law, which will drastically reduce the costs and length of local projects;
Revise the Uniform Procurement Act by raising the limit at which municipalities must solicit bids from three or more vendors from $25,000 to $100,000; and
Allow cities and towns to post public notices electronically instead of the current requirement that public meetings be advertised in the newspaper. Healey noted that local option taxes are not part of the package, and Governor Mitt Romney has threatened to veto any local option tax bill sent to him if it is not tied to a local referendum.
The legislative package comes on the heels of two new initiatives that provide local relief on the transportation front - “Communities First,” which allows for more local input in road design of road projects, and “Fix It First,” which focuses state dollars on repairing local roads and bridges.

Said Healey: “This package is by no means exhaustive, nor does it conclude our actions on behalf of local government or my outreach to individual communities. Rather, our administration views this package as a first step in what will be an ongoing dialogue between local government and the administration.”

Meanwhile, the administration also detailed spending reductions that bring the state budget into balance for the current 2003 fiscal year.

In addition to releasing a detailed list of the $343 million in emergency “9C” reductions announced last night by Governor Romney, Administration and Finance Secretary Eric Kriss also announced a package of legislative changes being filed that will achieve a savings of $143 million.

Kriss acknowledged the reductions are difficult and require some sacrifice, but he said they “do not cut into the muscle and bone of government.” He said most services “receive no cut at all.”

Said Kriss: “There is no reduction for homeless shelters, for Chapter 70 state aid to local schools, in welfare and veterans benefits, or for emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children. There is no DSS or DYS cut impacting at-risk populations. No direct care workers are eliminated. There is no layoff of public safety personnel.”

The solutions laid out by the administration directly resolve three-quarters of this year's fiscal problem, or $488 million of the total potential $650 million shortfall in the $23 billion state budget.

The remaining potential shortfall, which is due to the highly uncertain nature of capital gain tax assumptions made by the prior administration, will be covered by the use of reserves, according to Kriss.

January 31, 2003

ROMNEY UNVEILS NO-DOWNPAYMENT LOAN OPTION

Users of public transportation benefit from ‘Take the PVTA Home’ Program

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Highlighting his goal of better coordination between the state's housing, transportation and environmental agencies, Governor Mitt Romney today launched a new no-downpayment home mortgage loan program to make it easier for Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) riders to realize the American Dream of homeownership.

“Homeownership is the true American Dream,” Mitt Romney said. “All individuals and families have the right to expect a reasonable standard of living. With programs such as Take the PVTA Home they will meet their personal goals on many levels.”

The Take the PVTA Home program, administered by MassHousing, is designed to encourage people to buy homes near mass transit and leave their cars at home. It builds on a program that was launched last year with 20 eastern Massachusetts banks and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The Boston-area program has already provided more than $4 million to help regular “T” riders purchase homes.

“When we learned of the transit-oriented mortgage idea, we thought immediately that it could work in the Pioneer Valley,” said United Cooperative Bank President Richard Collins, who hosted Mitt Romney for the announcement. “Given the need many families have for affordable housing, and the sheer number of passengers served by the PVTA, there was no question this was something we wanted to do.”

United Cooperative Bank is currently offering the “Take the PVTA Home” mortgage with a 30-year fixed interest rate of 5.75 percent.

Banks like United Cooperative are willing to make the no-downpayment loans because MassHousing insures them. As an added incentive, lenders receive enhanced Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit for the loans for partnering with MassHousing.

In order to apply for loans under the new program, potential homebuyers will have to demonstrate that they are:

Frequent users of the PVTA, either by showing 10 months of passes, a mass transit auto insurance discount, or verification from their employer that they get a transit pass at work.

Once they have established that they are regular PVTA riders, buyers will undergo a traditional mortgage application process. Borrower's household incomes cannot exceed 135 percent of area median income, which in Springfield is $68,445, and they must have good credit. Also, housing expenses cannot account for more than 38 percent of a borrower's gross monthly income.

That percentage is more generous than most lenders will allow, according to MassHousing Executive Director Tom Gleason, “When we designed the program, we took into account that people who take mass transit have fewer car-related expenses, and have more money to spend on a mortgage.”

Officials from the PVTA, the state's second-largest regional transit authority serving 24 communities, are enthusiastic about the program.

“We encourage the use of public transportation because it is affordable and accessible and benefits public safety, the environment and our neighborhoods,” said PVTA Executive Director Gary A. Shepard

While United Cooperative Bank is currently the only Springfield area lender making the loans, others could eventually sign on, according to MassHousing. Several other states have experimented with similar “location efficient” mortgage programs, but Massachusetts is the first state to offer the no-downpayment option.

Borrowers looking for more information can contact United Cooperative Bank via phone 413-787-1247 and Internet www.bankatunited.com or MassHousing at 1-877-309-HOME or www.masshousing.com.

February 3, 2003

ROMNEY PUTS FOCUS ON ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION

Welcomes Bowstreet to Mass. following cross-border move from New Hampshire

Governor Mitt Romney today welcomed Bowstreet to Massachusetts and invited other companies thinking of relocating to consider the benefits of doing business in the Bay State.

Bowstreet, a software company previously based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is moving to a new headquarters in Tewksbury - and taking their seventy employees with them.

Romney said the relocation “will help stimulate the economy and bring jobs to Massachusetts.” Next week, he promised to unveil the membership of regional economic boards that will assist the administration in bringing even more growth and new jobs to all regions of the state.

Bowstreet CEO Michael George cited the pool of hi-tech talent, Boston's standing as a premier academic center and the state's transportation infrastructure as critical to the decision to move here.

He also referred to Romney's election as “icing on the cake,” saying, “Governor Romney's leadership in creating an environment conducive to business and job growth sends a strong signal that the welcome mat is out.”

Robert Pozen, Romney's chief of commerce and labor, said Bowstreet is “the perfect example” of the type of business the administration “is actively reaching out to and encouraging to relocate or expand in Massachusetts.”

According to Pozen, “The state's natural advantages, including ample real estate options adjacent to thriving residential communities, access to highways and airports, and cultural diversity are just some of the pieces that make Massachusetts an attractive place to do business.”

Bowstreet, founded in 1998 in Portsmouth, is a privately held software company that has pioneered adaptive web-based applications used by dozens of leading companies, including Dupont, General Motors and State Street Bank.

Romney said he looks forward to meeting with his regional economic boards in March to focus on identifying other out-of-state businesses that may be amenable to relocation here.

“I want an economic development plan tailored to each region of the state, and I want each of those plans to concentrate on bringing more jobs to Massachusetts,” said Romney.

February 4, 2003

ROMNEY NIXES STATE PRINTING CONTRACT FOR BUDGET

Putting budget online saves $50,000; hint of changes to come

In a move that will save $50,000 in printing costs, Governor Mitt Romney today announced that the budget proposal he files later this month will for the first time be available online to all members of the public.

Typically, the state prints thousands of copies of the telephone book-sized budget and hands them out free to lobbyists and other special interests. By going online, the public will be able to make use of a search function that helps them easily understand the many changes Mitt Romney will propose.

“Our budget will completely rethink the way government does business, starting with how we make the document itself available,” said Romney.

“It’s time the State House came into the 21st century. This is the new face of government. We believe the Internet holds tremendous opportunity for making government smarter and more efficient,” Mitt Romney said.

Romney said he believes that using the Internet will allow people across the state more access to, and more knowledge of, their government and how it works.

“It will also give me the ability to communicate more directly with the people of Massachusetts so they can hear from me about exactly what we are trying to accomplish on their behalf,” said Romney.

Romney’s budget will be available on February 26 at mass.gov/eoaf.

February 4, 2003

DISPELLING THE MYTHS

Commonly asked questions on the budget

1. Is it true that Governor Mitt Romney is cutting school breakfast for impoverished children?

No. Massachusetts has a universal school breakfast program in low-income school districts, which is open to all children regardless of need so that lower-income children do not feel stigmatized by taking part in a subsidized program. The reduction in the program does not affect the neediest children. However, children from families who do not meet federal eligibility guidelines will have to eat breakfast at home.

2. Why are school nurses being laid off?

A reduction in the Smoking Prevention and Cessation program eliminates grants to over 150 communities to supplement school health programs. Some districts used the monies to increase their school nursing staffs. This was an enhancement of the basic program requiring a school nurse for every school district. In a time of financial emergency, preventative programs like these have been de-emphasized. Chapter 70, the funding source that provides $3.3 billion in direct aid to local schools, was not cut, and that should allow schools to maintain the necessary level of school health services.

3. Why is Governor Mitt Romney curbing growth in the Prescription Advantage program? Isn't that a core service?

Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that provides a universal senior prescription insurance program. It was an expansion program added during the go-go days of the 90s, when the state was projecting huge surpluses. New enrollments have been suspended. The state is seeking a Medicaid waiver to pay a portion of the program's cost. If the waiver is not forthcoming, the program will have to be scaled back to only the neediest seniors.

4. Have housing programs been gutted by Governor Romney's spending cuts?

No public housing units will be vacated and no units currently under renovation will be delayed. No rental assistance or homelessness programs have been cut. A lot of attention has been focused on $7.5 million that Governor Mitt Romney has proposed transferring out of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help balance the budget. Of the $7.5 million cut, $5 million will be completely covered through capital funds. The remaining $2.5 million has yet to be awarded, so obviously no one is directly affected.

5. Is it true that the mentally ill will no longer receive MassHealth coverage for psychiatric services?

No. While psychiatric day treatment coverage has been eliminated, MassHealth clients will continue to receive coverage for medically necessary outpatient mental health services. These services include individual, group and family therapy, medication evaluation and management, psychiatric emergency services and inpatient psychiatric services. In addition, the Department of mental health is reviewing the list of people who had received psychiatric day treatment services to determine how many are DMH clients and whether they are eligible for DMH-funded day rehabilitation and support programs.

6. Do the reductions to the Employment Services Program mean that welfare recipients are no longer receiving career assistance?

No. The Department of Transitional Assistance will continue to offer services to people moving from welfare to work through its on-site career centers. Over the last five years, while the welfare caseload has declined nearly 30 percent, funding for the Employment Services program has grown by nearly 20 percent. In the context of all the services the state provides to welfare recipients, including cash benefits, housing, food stamps, health care and child care, this seemed the least harmful program to reduce.

February 5, 2003

ROMNEY TO STREAMLINE LEGAL FUNCTION IN EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Proposes to create a public interest law firm

Governor Mitt Romney today previewed his Fiscal Year 2004 budget by describing his plan to concentrate the lawyers in state government into a single law office, a sweeping reform that would change the way legal work is conducted in the Executive Branch.

Currently, there are 800 lawyers in the Executive Branch of government, excluding the attorney general, district attorneys and other branches not under the Governor's control.

A similar consolidation is already in effect in Pennsylvania, where a Governor's Office of General Counsel was created to perform all legal services for executive agencies. Despite its larger population, geography and budget, the Pennsylvania model uses 500 lawyers.

“Eight hundred lawyers are far too many to be operating in one branch of state government. By streamlining and bringing our legal force under a single umbrella, we will be providing a more efficient service while saving taxpayers money,” Mitt Romney said.

The proposed plan would significantly reduce the number of lawyers and centralize them in a new Office of Solicitor General. The office, which already exists under the Massachusetts Constitution, has the potential to save between $15 million and $30 million annually.

Romney noted that Executive Branch lawyers are not organized sensibly. He said various pods of lawyers are interspersed throughout state agencies without any coordination or central management. Under current law, lawyers are forbidden from assisting other lawyers doing related work in other agencies.

Romney noted that there are also vast misallocations of legal resources under the current system. For instance, there are over 60 lawyers in environmental agencies, but only five lawyers statewide in K-12 education agencies.

Despite the large number of in-house lawyers, Massachusetts still spends more than $15 million annually on private sector outside lawyers with no central review or control of outside counsel fees.

“Under this new system, Massachusetts will be positioned to have its own public interest law firm offering taxpayers the best product at the best possible price,” said Romney.

In addition to the lawyer consolidation, Mitt Romney said he is also looking to restructure the current administrative hearing process conducted by various agencies into a centralized administrative court.

“We estimate a yearly savings of more than $2 million will be achieved with a consolidated administrative court structure that will end up improving the delivery of services while significantly decreasing delay and expense,” said Romney.

Ken Felter, partner at New England's largest law firm, Goodwin Procter, LLP, praised Romney's move.

“Successful large law firms have learned from experience that the best way to deliver the highest quality legal services to clients in the most efficient and cost-effective way is to centralize decision-making, make all their lawyers accountable and responsible for their work product and eliminate unnecessary multiplication of effort and functions,” said Felter.

“The time has definitely come for these initiatives in Massachusetts state government,” Felter added.

This is not the first time that the number of lawyers in government has vexed the state's chief executive. In the 1890's, then-Massachusetts Governor Frederic Greenhalge bemoaned the fact that Massachusetts spent nearly $50,000 on lawyers under the Governor's control. Today, Massachusetts spends more than $50 million.

After calling for reforms, Greenhalge eventually died in office from the strain of the job.

Romney said the administration would be working to advance reforms in a broad range of areas with the filing of the budget for Fiscal Year 2004, which begins July 1.

“This package of legal reforms is only a small sliver of the kind of changes we will be proposing to apply across the board in our budget,” said Romney.

February 6, 2003

ROMNEY, HEALEY ENFORCE POWER PLANT REGULATIONS

DEP denies PG&E request for two-year delay

SALEM - Pledging to make clean air and public health a priority, Governor Mitt Romney today announced that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has rejected a request by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to delay tough new regulations aimed at cleaning up one of the state's oldest and dirtiest power plants.

Romney said that he and Doug Foy, Chief of Commonwealth Development, personally informed PG&E executives earlier this week of the DEP decision to deny their request for a two-year extension on the clean up of the Salem Harbor plant, encouraging them instead to convert the Salem Harbor power plant to cleaner energy.

“If the choice is between dirty power plants or protecting the health of the people of Massachusetts, there is no choice in my mind,” said Romney. “I will always come down on the side of public health.” Mitt Romney noted that strict regulations at the so-called “Filthy Five” power plants were first outlined in 2001 to bring the facilities in line with emission standards for newer plants. The standards, designed to fight air pollution and reduce pollutants that contribute to acid rain, haze and global climate changed, called for significant reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and mercury at the six plants.

After the regulations were promulgated, PG&E submitted a plan to clean up the Salem Harbor plant by October 2004, which was approved by the DEP. PG&E subsequently filed a new proposal, requesting a two-year compliance extension. After collecting public comment on the PG&E plan, DEP rejected it.

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, a North Shore resident, agreed with the decision, saying, “PG&E submitted a plan in January of last year aimed at meeting new lower emissions levels by October 2004. The citizens of Massachusetts expect them to honor that plan.”

Romney said that the Salem Harbor plant is responsible for 53 premature deaths, 570 emergency room visits and 14,400 asthma attacks each year. He also pointed out that coal and oil fired plants contribute significantly more air pollution than their gas fired counterparts, exacerbating acid rain and global warming.

In order to protect the public health, Mitt Romney said he will “enforce without compromise” the regulations.

“These regulations will help clean the air for Massachusetts' citizens, improving their health and creating a better living situation,” said Doug Foy, Chief of Commonwealth Development.

In addition to the Salem Harbor plant, the “Filthy Five” regulations apply to the following plants: Mystic Station in Everett; Montaup Station in Somerset; Brayton Point in Somerset; Mount Tom Station in Holyoke; and Canal Electric in Sandwich.

February 11, 2003

ROMNEY OVERHAULS JUDICIAL NOMINATING PROCESS

Establishes New Merit-Based System of Appointing Judges

Governor Mitt Romney today announced a non-partisan and merit-based process for nominating judges in Massachusetts, safeguarding the system from favoritism and politics and ensuring the highest caliber individuals are selected to sit on the bench.

Romney also named the members of the streamlined 21-member Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) that will identify and review all prospective judges.

“The Massachusetts Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to judges as 'free, impartial and independent as the lot of humanity will admit.' Those words were penned by John Adams, and they are the basis not only for our state courts, but for the federal judiciary as prescribed by the U.S. Constitution,” said Romney.

He added, “It is time to renew our commitment to those words. Massachusetts was a trailblazer for judicial integrity in John Adams' day and it can be a trailblazer for the same integrity in our day as well.”

Romney, who issued an Executive Order to outline the new process, established a first in the nation blind review of judicial applicants, screening all candidates exclusively on the basis of their professional qualifications without any consideration of their names to ensure applicants are judged on merit only.

For the first time in Massachusetts, judges will be required to meet certain minimum requirements, including having at least 10 years of legal experience to qualify for a position on the Trial Court and 15 years for an Appeals Court position.

“It is my aim today with this Executive Order to shine a spotlight on the way judges are appointed to the bench,” said Romney. “The citizens of Massachusetts deserve to have a squeaky clean process that has no room for politics and favors.”

Romney's Executive Order draws on “best practices” from states around the country to create a comprehensive document that can serve as a national model for merit-selection of judges. Highlights include:

  • Code of Conduct for Applicants: Prohibits applicants from making political contributions to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor while going through the review process. Also, to maintain the dignity of judicial office and the functions of the JNC, applicants are forbidden from “campaigning” for a judgeship via telephone or e-mail.
  • Code of Conduct for Nominees: Creates a total ban on political contributions and activity for those awaiting confirmation. Limits appearances in the court where the nomination is pending.
  • JNC Member Qualifications: Disqualifies from the JNC registered lobbyists as well as individuals who are related to current elected officials or who have past or current business relations with elected officials. In addition, JNC members and members of their families will not be considered for judgeships for a period of three years after leaving the commission.
  • Notice of Vacancies and Rolling Admission: All judicial vacancies that will occur in the administration will be posted on the Internet with no deadlines for application, creating a rolling admissions process. Nominations will be made in anticipation of constitutionally required vacancies such as when a judge turns 70. This new process will rid the sometimes months and years of delay in the nomination of replacement judges that the courts face currently.
In addition to outlining the new standards, Mitt Romney also announced 18 members of the 21-member commission, which will hold their first meeting next month. He noted the members represent all regions of the Commonwealth and reflect the diversity of the state.

Ralph Martin, Chairman of the newly formed JNC and former Suffolk County District Attorney, lauded Mitt Romney for selecting a JNC membership that is “representative of the diversity of the Commonwealth as well as the many different constituencies that work in and rely on the courts.”

Martin added, “I believe that Governor Romney's Executive Order will promote a judicial selection process that is both thorough and fair as it should be. The members of the JNC hope that our recomme