NOV 2006 - Every so often an election takes on historic importance, not only because of who the candidates are, but because of the policy changes that hinge upon the outcome.

This year’s election pits Democrats Deval Patrick and Tim Murray against Republicans Kerry Healey and Reed Hillman. While the race and gender of the two gubernatorial nominees have made national headlines, our Association is most interested in the changes that will be brought forth by the person who holds the corner office for the next four years.

Healey, who is no stranger to our members, has made the issues of public pension and healthcare reform a central piece of her campaign platform. As we have reported, she would end the guaranteed defined benefit pension plan for all newly hired public employees (police/fire exempted) and replace it with a risky 401(k) plan.

Following Romney’s lead, Healey has taken a negative tone with public retirees and continues to promote policies that are counter to the interests of our members.

While new to Massachusetts’ politics, Deval Patrick captured an impressive 50% of the vote in September’s primary. Many voters, from across the political spectrum, are drawn to his optimism, openness and honest approach.

Both candidates for Lt. Governor, Reed Hillman (R-Sturbridge) and Tim Murray (D-Worcester) are well known to Association officials. Hillman served in the House as a three-term Rep, while Murray is the current mayor of Worcester.

Murray has a long record of support and dedication to public retirees. He has worked closely with the Association on behalf of our Worcester and central MA members. Murray’s father, Tom, is also a retired teacher and member.

“In her ads and press releases, Kerry Healey has been relentless in attacking our pension system and misleading the voters into believing there is a savings to be had, especially by removing the autonomy of our local retirement systems. We know this is not true and that her policies are designed to take away retirement rights and stifle our hopes of a higher COLA base,” said Association President Ralph White. “I have to believe Massachusetts can do better.

“Patrick may be new to our members, but we have known his running mate, Tim Murray, for many years. Tim has a strong understanding of our public retirement system. And as the son of a public school teacher, he remembers where he came from by having a healthy respect for public service.”

Respect Is Key

Sixteen years ago, Bill Weld took the Massachusetts political world by storm when he won a come from behind victory to claim the governorship as an outsider. As hard as Weld’s policies were to swallow, our Association maintained good relations with both the governor and those working in his administration.

Although we often clashed over political differences, our Association was treated with a high degree of respect by Governors Weld and Paul Cellucci. We enjoyed an open dialog with the governors and their top aides, in which ideas were discussed and compromise reached.

Under the administration of Mitt Romney and Kerry Healey, our Association has repeatedly been treated with disrespect, while our members concerns are met with contempt. There has been no attempt by Romney, Healey or their underlings to open a dialog or work with Association leaders.

While Deval Patrick has yet to take specific stands on the complex issues surrounding public retirement, which are of great importance to our members, both he and his staff have reached out to our Association on several occasions to gain an understanding of our position. After four years of disrespect from the corner office, it is refreshing that Patrick is inclined to take a different approach.

It can’t be overstated that our members have much at stake in this election. Beyond filing and supporting legislation, the governor sets the policy tone each January with the submission of the annual state budget. He or she also appoints all eleven members of the state’s Group Insurance Commission, three members of the Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board, and three members of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC).

“Firm commitments to support our agenda are secondary to being treated fairly and with respect. Kerry Healey has not shown any willingness to work with the Association,” explained Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. “Having a governor who is willing to listen and open to alternative points of view is critical to our members.”

So far, Deval Patrick has demonstrated that approach, while Healey has not.

Deval Patrick is our Association’s choice for governor.