There are many opinions as to why Romney won and O'Brien, whom our executive board endorsed, lost, but that's history. Now the new governor and Legislature must face an FY'03 state budget that is short by some $300 million and an FY'04 budget that is short by at least $1.5 billion.

Upon taking office in January, Romney will have to deal with this year's budget shortfall (FY'03) while at the same time prepare to submit an FY'04 budget to the House in February. It's a daunting task for any governor.

"Romney made Tom Finneran (House Speaker) one of his whipping boys in the campaign, but it was Finneran's rainy day fund that allowed the FY'03 budget to be passed. However, the rainy day fund has been depleted and this is not the Olympic Games," said Association President Ralph White.

"He's going to have to put his campaign rhetoric aside. There are no additional federal funds available to bail the state out. Our Association has always put party politics aside when it comes to the budget. We will support a budget that doesn't hurt our members, even if we have to delay some of the goals that we are seeking. But there's no fat in the pension or insurance line items and we will fight any cut."

"While I am sure there will be times when we disagree with the new Romney Administration, it is important that we put an end to the feud that the Swift Administration has waged on our members," said Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "All our members ask is for a fair shake and to be treated with the dignity they have earned."