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Baker scores a win in first gov debate

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:16:49 +0000

Boston Herald - Round 1 goes to Charlie Baker in the first televised debate of the governor’s race.
The Republican nominee smartly linked independent Tim Cahill (a Democrat deserter) to Gov. Deval Patrick, almost endlessly mentioning both in the same breath even as Baker-and-Patrick exchanges virtually obliterated Cahill’s air time.

Click here to read the full article: Baker scores a win in first gov debate

Fact checking candidates’ claims in WBZ debate

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:13:21 +0000

WBZ - Did Charlie Baker receive state aid to help turn around Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare?
During Tuesday night’s gubernatorial debate on WBZ-TV, Charlie Baker adamantly claims he did not.
What’s the truth?
We asked former Attorney General Tom Reilly, who oversaw Harvard Pilgrim’s restructuring for the state.
Reilly says, “There was no bailout. There was no state bailout…. Charlie Baker never asked for money, and he never received any state money. He asked for time. He had a plan to turn around Harvard Pilgrim. We had a number of options at the time, and in the end we trusted him to do the job, and he got it done.”

Click here to read the full article: Fact checking candidates’ claims in WBZ debate

GOP’s Baker outlines cost-cutting agenda for Mass.

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:30:31 +0000

Boston Herald – Republican Charles Baker tried today to seize momentum from the first debate to introduce him to the bulk of Massachusetts voters, outlining the steps he would take immediately if elected governor and rebutting one of the central themes enunciated a night earlier by the incumbent, Democrat Deval Patrick.

Click here to read the full article: GOP’s Baker outlines cost-cutting agenda for Mass.

Baker: Inefficiency, taxes hurting Mass.

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:14:02 +0000

Worcester Telegram – An inefficient and spendthrift state government stands in the way of a successful and prosperous Massachusetts, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker said yesterday morning at the Republican Labor Day breakfast at the Elks Lodge.

Click here to read the full article: Baker: Inefficiency, taxes hurting Mass.

Beacon Hill still out of touch

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:50:15 +0000

Lowell Sun - Those in power on Beacon Hill still just don’t get it. Governor Deval Patrick is refusing to say whether he will follow the voters’ wishes should they support a measure to reduce the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. He has termed the possible implementation as “calamitous.”

Doesn’t he realize that Massachusetts residents are facing calamitous situations of their own?

Click here to read the full article: Beacon Hill still out of touch

Baker comes to Milford, arguing for cuts in spending, taxes

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:59:48 +0000

Milford Daily News – Charlie Baker brought his campaign for governor to Draper Park on Wednesday, speaking about plans to decrease property taxes and cut state spending if elected.

“This is a failed track record on property tax cuts,” Baker said of issues handled during Gov. Deval Patrick’s term in office.

Click here to read the full article: Baker comes to Milford, arguing for cuts in spending, taxes

Stuff it in the piggy bank

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:49:18 +0000

Boston Herald – It’s a high-class problem to have – a $450 million windfall from the federal government to help defray health care costs in Massachusetts. So when they’re not sniping at each other over casinos, or out campaigning, the powers-that-be on Beacon Hill are in talks over how to apply those funds and, of course, how to spend any cash they might free up.

Click here to read the full article: Stuff it in the piggy bank

Budget gap estimates grow

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:43:40 +0000

Boston Herald – The Senate’s top budget author has elevated high-end projections for the state’s budget deficit this fiscal year, pointing to executive agency estimates through early August that showed surging demands on already strained finances that could result in a gross $600 million deficit in Medicaid accounts.

Click here to read the full article: Budget gap estimates grow

Charlie Baker puts out fires

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:55:59 +0000

Worcester Telegram & Gazette - If experience, qualifications and brains were to decide the gubernatorial election in November, Charles D. Baker would be a shoo-in.

Click here to read the full article: Charlie Baker puts out fires

Registry waits are too long, and Patrick should rectify it

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:55:04 +0000

Boston Globe – In the private sector, downsizing means a leaner staff works harder to keep customers satisfied, or risks losing them entirely. That’s not the case with the state Registry of Motor Vehicles, where many customers are required to show up, then charged increasingly high fees and told to wait. It’s the kind of situation that gives government a bad name — and Governor Patrick’s administration is right to take it seriously.

Click here to read the full article: Registry waits are too long, and Patrick should rectify it

Grill National Grid

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:52:08 +0000

Boston Herald - We echo Attorney General Martha Coakley’s call for an independent audit of National Grid’s books. Until regulators began reviewing the utility’s records in connection with a proposed rate hike, ratepayers were going to be shouldering the cost of private school tuition for one executive’s kids along with a truckload of Rubik’s cubes.

Click here to read the full article: Grill National Grid

Challenger’s pension reform ideas worth a legislative look

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:48:54 +0000

Gloucester Times – The cost of pensions — those currently being paid and those owed to public-sector employees in the future — is strangling the state and its cities and towns… Thankfully, election campaigns can often spur some new ideas and commitments to tackling ongoing issues, And that’s the case now, with gubernatorial challenger Charlie Baker taking a stab at reforming a system that is funded through a combination of employee contributions, investment income and taxpayer funds.

Click here to read the full article: Challenger’s pension reform ideas worth a legislative look

Western Massachusetts drivers face long lines at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:47:34 +0000

The Republican - Registry officials acknowledge that waiting times have gotten longer this summer, due to budget cuts and higher seasonal demands for service. The slowdown caught the attention of Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker, who is pledging to speed up service at registry branches as part of his campaign.

Click here to read the full article: Western Massachusetts drivers face long lines at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices

Baker talks business in Danvers

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:09:13 +0000

Salem News – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker came to a rainy Danvers Square yesterday to talk with business owners and their patrons about the state’s economy. The somber weather made a fitting backdrop to some of the conversations.

Click here to read the full article: Baker talks business in Danvers

Big spenders spark a jobless recovery

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:04:15 +0000

Lowell Sun – When it comes to setting economic policies, President Barack Obama and Gov. Deval Patrick have a lot in common: Nothing seems to be working.

Click here to read the full article: Big spenders spark a jobless recovery

Editorial: Hard choices needed on pension reform

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:34:01 +0000

Eagle-Tribune – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker has suggested that in the future the state pension system be self-funded, with taxpayer funds used solely to pay down the yawning gap between what’s been promised and what’s actually available to pay current employees when they retire.

Click here to read the full article: Editorial: Hard choices needed on pension reform

Our view: Getting a handle on public pensions

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:10:01 +0000

Salem News – The cost of pensions — those currently being paid and those owed to employees in the future — is strangling the state and its cities and towns.

Click here to read the full article: Our view: Getting a handle on public pensions

Survey says: Residents prefer to curb benefits in attempt to save jobs

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:06:11 +0000

Salem News — In tough financial times, residents would prefer the city restructure employee benefits and pensions rather than resort to laying workers off or raising trash fees, according to the city’s second online survey results.

Click here to read the full article: Survey says: Residents prefer to curb benefits in attempt to save jobs

In debate, Patrick on defensive over Cape Wind

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:32:07 +0000

Boston Globe - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker came out swinging at Governor Deval Patrick this afternoon in a debate on clean energy, calling the proposed Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound ‘‘a sweetheart deal’’ among the state, Cape Wind, and the utility National Grid that is purchasing half of its power.

Click here to read the full article: In debate, Patrick on defensive over Cape Wind

Our view: Getting a handle on public pensions

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:29:00 +0000

Salem News – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker has suggested that in the future the state pension system be self-funded, with taxpayer funds used solely to pay down the yawning gap between what’s been promised and what current employees expect to collect when they retire.

Click here to read the full article: Our view: Getting a handle on public pensions

Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Baker makes a stop in Winchester

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:59:40 +0000

Winchester Patch - Andrew Anderson was working in his store along Waterfield Road Friday morning. It’s been a tough 18 months for the owner of Frame Haven.
He hasn’t taken a paycheck in three months, and he has an employee that he can’t afford to keep on payroll, but is reluctant to lay him off. But on Friday, Anderson was able to air some of his grievances to Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Baker.

Click here to read the full article: Gubernatorial Candidate Charlie Baker makes a stop in Winchester

Baker talks business with local entrepreneurs

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:39:01 +0000

Fall River Herald News - Charlie Baker came to listen and see what the city has to offer Thursday. He left impressed.   Touring businesses along South Main Street and talking with members of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Baker, who is running for governor on the Republican ticket, heard firsthand accounts of the problems business owners face as they deal with city and state regulations.

Click here to read the full article: Baker talks business with local entrepreneurs

Editorial : Wind energy is a bad bargain

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:41:27 +0000

Vineyard Times Online – Besides fearlessness — Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker appeared Sunday evening in the unforgiving Democrat precincts of Chilmark — Mr. Baker also demonstrated a reasoned devotion to data and math when it comes to the Patrick Administration’s swoon over wind energy.

Click here to read the full article: Editorial : Wind energy is a bad bargain

GOP governor hopeful Baker says Gov. Patrick ’sold out’ Lawrence

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:39:18 +0000

Eagle-Tribune — Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker last night said Gov. Deval Patrick “sold out the people of Lawrence” by not pushing to have the city placed in receivership or have a financial control board.

Click here to read the full article: GOP governor hopeful Baker says Gov. Patrick ’sold out’ Lawrence

Worry grows over meager Lawrence fire staffing

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:36:17 +0000

Boston Globe — Yesterday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker criticized the Patrick administration, saying the governor should have put the fiscally challenged city into receivership or set up a control board before it gave Lawrence permission to borrow $35 million.

Click here to read the full article: Worry grows over meager Lawrence fire staffing

Baker brings gubernatorial pitch to Brooksby Village

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:21:55 +0000

Salem News - The Republican gubernatorial candidate said he wants his three kids to choose a future in Massachusetts. But he yesterday told the senior citizens who filled the chapel at the Brooksby Village Retirement Community that he is worried.

Click here to view the full article: Baker brings gubernatorial pitch to Brooksby Village

Chieppo and Gass: The end of independence for state Board of Education

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:02:07 +0000

MetroWest Daily News- In February of 2007, a group of urban school superintendents met with newly elected Governor Deval Patrick’s education advisor. The superintendents came bearing policy proposals that amounted to wholesale retreat on education reform. Sadly, many of their recommendations are now law; among them, a proposal to restructure the state Board of Education.

Click here to read the full article: Chieppo and Gass: The end of independence for state Board of Education

Democrats Fail to Get the Job Done

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:50:22 +0000

Lowell Sun – The stalemate over slot machines means Massachusetts loses a job-creation opportunity that would have resulted in an estimated 15,000 desperately needed new positions at a time when thousands of Bay State residents have been out of work for years. This is a political mistake that could, and should, prove fatal this fall for some incumbents.

Click here to read the full article: Democrats Fail to Get the Job Done

Foes rip Gov. Deval Patrick for failed bill

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:32:48 +0000

Boston Herald - Gov. Deval Patrick’s rivals upped the ante in the high-stakes governor’s race yesterday, blasting the Democrat for failing to get a deal done yet on casino gambling – a cornerstone objective of his administration that could bring thousands of badly needed jobs.

Click here to read the full article: Foes rip Gov. Deval Patrick for failed bill

Baker: Widen sex-offender posting online

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:26:11 +0000

Lowell Sun - Charlie Baker, the Republican candidate for governor, at a press conference today in Lowell, plans to call for the state to post online the names, photos and addresses of Level 2 sex offenders, as it does with more violent, Level 3 offenders.

Click here to read the full article: Baker: Widen sex-offender posting online

Mass. GOP’s Baker says unions control Beacon Hill

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:20:33 +0000

Boston Herald - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker blamed the influence of unions Thursday for the state Legislature’s failure to address vital reforms he says could help alleviate some of its budget woes.

Click here to read the full article: Mass. GOP’s Baker says unions control Beacon Hill

Baker, Patrick clash over budget stewardship

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:19:30 +0000

Boston Globe – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker blamed a lack of leadership from Democratic Governor Deval Patrick for the chaotic gambling debate in the waning days of the legislative session.

Click here to read the full article: Baker, Patrick clash over budget stewardship

Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker blames unions for Legislative inaction on budget deficit

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:18:40 +0000

MassLive – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker is blaming the influence of unions for the Legislature’s failure to address issues he says could help the state reduce its budget deficit.

Click here to read the full article: Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker blames unions for Legislative inaction on budget deficit

Down to the Wire

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:36:12 +0000

Boston Herald - Let the biennial whine-fest begin! With just days to go before formal legislative sessions end, the usual squawking from Beacon Hill can be heard loud and clear. The concern, as expressed by some advocates and lawmakers, is that legislative leaders are focused on gambling legislation to the exclusion of everything else.

Click here to read the full article: Down to the Wire

Losing the way – Education reforms take rambling path

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:43:06 +0000

Worcester Telegram - In August 1818, Thomas Jefferson authored a report for the Virginia Legislature that laid out the topics to be included in the curriculum of his newly founded University of Virginia. Like so many foundational documents, Jefferson’s report resonated with such clear and specific language that it serves to this day as an accurate summation of his educational vision — and a blueprint upon which his intellectual heirs may continue to build.

Click here to read the full article: Losing the way

Baker vows stronger state role in fishery fight

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:36:31 +0000

Gloucester Times – Charlie Baker, the Republican candidate for governor, proclaimed the need Monday for stronger state support for the fishing industry’s fight to survive Obama administration policies — and he pronounced himself ready to provide it.

Click here to read the full article: Baker vows stronger state role in fishery fight

Baker criticizes Patrick on education standards

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:33:10 +0000

Boston Globe – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker criticized the Patrick administration today for its decision to replace the state’s highly regarded academic standards with national guidelines.

Click here to read the full article: Baker criticizes Patrick on education standards

How Federal Standards Could Influence Gov’s Race

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:01:05 +0000

WBZ – The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimous vote Wednesday to adopt federal education standards, known as Common Core, could be a divisive issue in the Governor’s race. Republican candidate for Governor Charlie Baker was the first to testify and only one to voice an opinion against the federal standards, saying it would be a “big mistake.”

Click here to read the full article: How Federal Standards Could Influence Gov’s Race

The education carrot: How much would it take to entice Mass. to adopt national ed standards? Apparently, $250m is enough

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:58:34 +0000

Globe - It’s about the money. It always is. With $250 million in federal education funding on the line, Massachusetts is opting to replace its highly-acclaimed set of state standards with a uniform set of national standards that may or may not be comparable, depending upon whom you believe.

Click here to read the full article: The education carrot: How much would it take to entice Mass. to adopt national ed standards? Apparently, $250m is enough

Critics: Education test standards too Common

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:55:45 +0000

Herald - The MCAS tests will be rewritten and the state’s highly touted education standards will be recast to conform to national guidelines under a plan passed yesterday that could reap the Bay State $250 million in federal funds, but lead to the dumbing-down of the state’s curricula, critics charge.

Click here to read the full article: Critics: Education test standards too Common

Rush to federal standards not worth the money

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:20:09 +0000

The Lowell Sun – For the past 17 years, education reform in Massachusetts has been based on four key elements: equitable funding for school districts, high standards for kids, regular and rigorous student testing, and an open invitation for innovation and creativity through charter schools.

Click here to read the full article: Rush to federal standards not worth the money

Baker says he means business

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:56:57 +0000

Sentinel and Enterprise – Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker found common ground with local business leaders during a round-table discussion at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Monday, pointing to his work as Harvard Vanguard chief executive officer to make the case that he’s the right person to run the state.

Click here to read the full article: Baker says he means business

Baker: State must not let education standards slide

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:52:02 +0000

MetroWest Daily News - For the past 17 years, education reform in Massachusetts has been based on four key elements: equitable funding for school districts, high standards for kids, regular and rigorous student testing, and an open invitation for innovation and creativity through charter schools.

Click here to read the full article: Baker: State must not let education standards slide

Mass. Gubernatorial candidates put focus on economy

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:09:52 +0000

NECN - All three candidates in the Massachusetts Governor’s race are talking about the economy, with one slamming Deval Patrick.

Click here to read the full article: Mass. Gubernatorial candidates put focus on economy

Taking care of business

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:07:21 +0000

Herald – Knock us over with a feather: The annual CNBC rankings for state desirability for doing business showed Massachusetts in fifth place, up from eighth last year and 15th in 2008. Charlie Baker, Republican candidate for governor, lamented the state’s ranking in the “Cost of Doing Business” category – 39th – and said Gov. Deval Patrick had not done enough to lower business costs.

Click here to read the full article: Taking care of business

Baker discusses Arizona action: Says he doesn’t blame state for immigration law

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:04:17 +0000

Boston Globe – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker said yesterday that he could not blame Arizona for enacting a law cracking down on illegal immigrants that has sparked controversy nationwide.

Click here to read the full article: Baker discusses Arizona action: Says he doesn’t blame state for immigration law

Baker proposes curbs on spending

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:45:25 +0000

Boston Globe - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker yesterday offered several new proposals designed to rein in spending and help the state weather future downturns.

Click here to read the full article: Baker proposes curbs on spending

GOP Candidate Baker: Stop Using Rainy Day Fund

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:44:01 +0000

WBZ - Republican candidate for governor Charles Baker is faulting state lawmakers for using money from the state’s rainy day fund.

Click here to read the full article: GOP Candidate Baker: Stop Using Rainy Day Fund

Scrap ‘municipal relief’ bill – too few savings, too many risks

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:41:43 +0000

Boston Globe - By the time the so-called “municipal relief’’ bill limped out of a legislative conference committee this week, proposals that might have helped cities and towns cut costs had been weakened almost to the point of irrelevance — while some destructive provisions survived. At this point, the best option is to scrap the bill. The Senate should vote it down.

Click here to read the full article: Scrap ‘municipal relief’ bill – too few savings, too many risks

Baker responds to attack ad against Gov. Patrick using FOX25 interview

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:33:07 +0000

FOX 25 – He’s making the budget and spending a top priority as his campaign for the corner office kicks into high gear. And today, Republican candidate Charlie Baker is proposing a plan that would put the cap on spending and boost the ever shrinking rainy day fund.

Click here to read the full article: Baker responds to attack ad against Gov. Patrick using FOX25 interview

Baker talks reform in Marlborough appearance

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:27:09 +0000

MetroWest Daily News - Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker brought his message of reform and restructuring to Marlborough yesterday, telling a receptive crowd that the state needs to improve the way it does business.

Click here to read the full article: Baker talks reform in Marlborough appearance

Charles Baker plans to cap spending, boost rainy day fund

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:21:17 +0000

Boston Herald - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker says he would impose new caps on Beacon Hill spending and rebuild the state’s rainy day fund.

Click here to read the full article: Charles Baker plans to cap spending, boost rainy day fund

Baker campaigns in West Springfield

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:38:11 +0000

WWLP - It was a great day for old fashioned politicking. Republican candidate for governor, Charlie Baker, was shaking hands and talking politics at the White Hut in West Springfield.

Baker says he wants people to know that the state’s financial crisis can be solved at the state level.

Click here to read the full article: Baker campaigns in West Springfield

Baker talks tax cutting

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:36:55 +0000

WRKO – Republican gubernatorial candidate, Charlie Baker, on the Tom and Todd show.

Click here to listen to the full interview: Baker talks tax cutting

Republican Charlie Baker promises to remember Western Mass., calls for reforms in Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign stops in West Springfield

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:31:35 +0000

Mass Live – Republican candidate for governor, Charles D. Baker, in a campaign swing here on Monday, called on the governor and lawmakers to take cost-savings steps before the Legislative session ends on July 31.

Click here to read the full article: Republican Charlie Baker promises to remember Western Mass., calls for reforms in Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign stops in West Springfield

A labored response

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:04:35 +0000

Boston Herald - Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday seemed baffled by the notion that unions have any advantage in the competition for certain public construction jobs. He should read his own public comments more closely.

Click here to read the full article: A labored response

Legislature cuts programs, but won’t crack down on excesses

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:46:48 +0000

Boston Globe - Even as Massachusetts should be girding for a fiscal shortfall, state lawmakers can’t bring themselves to take the most obvious step to save cities and towns at least $100 million a year.

Click here to read the full article: Legislature cuts programs, but won’t crack down on excesses

Public benefits don’t justify labor deal on UMass project

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Boston Globe - There is much that state governments can do — and have done — to advance the status of workers, ensuring higher wages and access to health care. When labor unions are the sole vehicle for maintaining workers’ dignity, a state might be justified in requiring that only union contractors be used on public projects.

But the project labor agreement enacted by the University of Massachusetts for $750 million in expansion and renovations for UMass-Boston doesn’t meet that test.

Click here to read the full article: Public benefits don’t justify labor deal on UMass project

An unhappy anniversary

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:38:12 +0000

An anniversary passed this week. It was not one to celebrate.

The Salem News – June 30 marked one year since Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a 25 percent increase in the state sales tax, from 5 percent to 6.25 percent.

Click here to read the full article: An unhappy anniversary

Our Opinion: Legislature fails to deal with local health care costs

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:46:58 +0000

PatriotLedger.com - One of the biggest drags on the Massachusetts economy has been the high cost for health care for municipal employees. Yet the Legislature has failed again to address the issue, holding negotiations that went nowhere, ultimately abandoning the effort, with one key lawmaker saying they simply ran out of time this session.

Click here to read the full article: Our Opinion: Legislature fails to deal with local health care costs

Baker rips Patrick at Mansfield rally

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:59:12 +0000

The Sun Chronicle - Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker took Gov. Deval Patrick over the coals in Mansfield Tuesday over his state budget, which he says lacks a key ingredient: reform.

Click here to read the full article: Baker rips Patrick at Mansfield rally

Baker makes his pitch to South Shore business leaders

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:23:39 +0000

BOSTON – Republican Charles Baker met with local business leaders in Quincy Monday to pitch his plan for job creation and economic growth, but the former insurance executive didn’t do a lot of the talking.

Click here to read the full article: Baker makes his pitch to South Shore business leaders

In Lowell, Baker Vows to Go to Bat for Businesses

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:32:21 +0000

LOWELL – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker came to town yesterday to listen to the concerns of area business leaders. And he got an earful.

Click here to read the full article: In Lowell, Baker Vows to Go to Bat for Businesses

Charles Baker Picks Up Ground in Gov Race with TV Ads

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:40:50 +0000

Boston Herald - A barrage of “getting-to-know-me” TV ads helped Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker shrink Gov. Deval Patrick’s lead to seven points in the Rasmussen Reports poll released yesterday, according to local pundits.

Click here to read the full article: Charles Baker Picks Up Ground in Gov Race with TV Ads

Baker Pitches Reform Plan to Local Business Owners

admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:08:02 +0000

BEVERLY — Sitting around a table with about a dozen small-business owners, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker emphasized cutting state government — instead of raising taxes or cutting local aid — as a pillar of his campaign.

Click here to read the full article: Baker pitches reform plan to local business owners

With Unemployment High, Pols Weigh in as State Adds Jobs

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:40:26 +0000

Boston Herald – The Patrick administration touted four months of consecutive job growth yesterday, but Republican gubernatorial nominee Charles Baker said the numbers are still too low.

Click here to read the full article: With Unemployment High, Pols Weigh in as State Adds Jobs

Baker Shares Plan to Improve State at Campaign Stop

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:38:02 +0000

TAUNTON - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker addressed many of the party faithful during a “Had Enough Tour” campaign stop in Taunton Wednesday.

Click here to read the full article: Baker Shares Plan to Improve State at Campaign Stop

Gov. Deval Patrick Urged to Sign ROTC Exemption

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:58 +0000

Boston Herald - Beacon Hill lawmakers pressed Gov. Deval Patrick to sign a bill exempting junior ROTC instructors from paying union dues, after a retired U.S. Marine in Worcester faced firing for refusing to pony up.

Click here to read the full article: Gov. Deval Patrick urged to sign ROTC exemption

Baker Ad Seeks Name Recognition

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:55:39 +0000

Boston Globe - With polls showing most voters still do not know who he is, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker plans to launch his first television advertisement today, introducing himself as a local guy in a gray T-shirt playing pickup basketball with his son.

Click here to read the full article: Baker Ad Seeks Name Recognition

Massachusetts Lawmakers Pass Measure that Saves Marine’s Job

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:49:37 +0000

FOXNews.com - Massachusetts lawmakers passed an amendment on Monday expected to save the job of a public high school ROTC instructor who refused to pay teachers union fees.

Click here to the read the full article: Massachusetts Lawmakers Pass Measure that Saves Marine’s Job

Mass. GOP’s Baker Calls for Cut to Corporate Taxes

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:17:40 +0000

BOSTON—Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker unveiled a plan Thursday to reduce business taxes in Massachusetts, saying it will create job growth badly needed in the state.

Click here to read the full article: Mass. GOP’s Baker Calls for Cut to Corporate Taxes

Getting a Recovery We Deserve

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:27:10 +0000

Telegram.com - Will the people of Massachusetts get the recovery they deserve, or any recovery at all? That’s the question we should be asking now with news that there are roughly 19,000 more Massachusetts residents working in May.

Click here to read the full article: Getting a Recovery We Deserve

Governor Hopeful Charlie Baker Talks Education at Brockton Press Conference

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:18:30 +0000

BROCKTON – Bob Cogan decided to be a Republican nearly 60 years ago during his elementary school days at the Huntington School in Brockton.

Click here for the full article: Governor hopeful Charlie Baker talks education at Brockton press conference

Baker Calls Governor’s Budget Plan a Mistake

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:14:51 +0000

Boston Globe – Republican gubernatorial hopeful Charles D. Baker criticized Governor Deval Patrick yesterday for counting on more than $600 million in federal funds in building a state budget for the next fiscal year, money that now may not materialize.

Click here for the full article: Baker calls governor’s budget plan a mistake

Charlie Baker: As Governor He’d Keep it Simple and Save Money, Create Jobs

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:07:30 +0000

Needham (GateHouse via Wicked Local) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker is stressing streamlining state government to get Massachusetts out of its current fiscal problems.

Click here for the full article: Charlie Baker: As governor he’d keep it simple and save money, create jobs

Baker’s Trip Impresses Teachers, Principal

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:53:18 +0000

GARDNER (Worcester Telegram and Gazette) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker Jr. brought his “Had Enough?” campaign for governor to an unusual venue yesterday: Gardner High School.

Click here for the full article: Baker’s trip impresses teachers, principal

Candidates Urge Illegal Immigrant Crackdown

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:05:32 +0000

Boston Globe - Staking out increasingly tough stances on illegal immigration, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker and independent rival Timothy P. Cahill said yesterday that they want to give police the authority to arrest people who are in the country illegally and charge them with immigration violations.

Click here to read the full article: Candidates urge illegal immigrant crackdown

Baker Criticizes Governor on Illegal Immigrant Car Crash

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:16:11 +0000

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A car crash involving a state lawmaker and a suspected illegal immigrant has now landed in the middle of the 2010 governor’s race.

Republican Charlie Baker today told FOX25 that the Incident should convince Gov. Patrick to reverse a 2007 order stripping state police’s immigration enforcement powers.

Click here to read the full article: Baker criticizes Governor on illegal immigrant car crash

Baker Presses Tax Policy While Wooing Cape

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:23:30 +0000

DENNIS(Capecodonline) — Before he took questions yesterday morning, gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker had a few questions of his own for supporters who had gathered at the Dennis Inn for his “Had Enough” campaign tour.

Click here to read the full article: Baker presses tax policy while wooing Cape

Gov. Candidate Baker Makes Pitch

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:47:32 +0000

WORCESTER(Telegram.com) — Flanked by about 40 sign-holding supporters, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker Jr. stood on the back steps of City Hall yesterday morning and asked voters who have “had enough” to support him.

Click here to read the full article: Gov. candidate Baker makes pitch

Baker Making Noise With a Trip to Library in Lowell

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:34:36 +0000

LOWELLSUN – Republican Charlie Baker and his bus of enthusiastic supporters visited Lowell yesterday to gather support for his candidacy for governor.

Click here to read the full article: Baker making noise with a trip to library in Lowell

State Health Insurers Say that Patrick Administration’s Rate Caps are Hammering Their Bottom Line

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:25:52 +0000

BOSTON – When Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration capped rate hikes for small businesses’ health care plans on April 1, the state’s insurers declared that the move would have a dramatic effect on their bottom line.

Click here to read the full article: Patrick administration’s rate caps hammering State health insurers bottom line

Ad Debate Prefaces Gubernatorial Forum

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:19:14 +0000

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick used his bully pulpit Monday to urge re-election rival Charles Baker to halt negative campaign ads being aired by his fellow Republicans. Baker himself targeted the Democratic incumbent not with rhetoric, but with a critique of his 2006 campaign pledge to reduce property taxes

Click here to read the full article: Ad debate prefaces gubernatorial forum

Baker Slogan Tries to Tap into Voters’ Discontent

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:05:28 +0000

Boston Globe – Wendy’s asked, “Where’s the beef?’’ The dairy industry posed the question, “Got milk?’’ And now, Charles D. Baker, Republican gubernatorial candidate, is hoping to coin a slogan of his own, asking voters, “Had enough?’’

Click here for the full article: Baker slogan tries to tap into voters’ discontent

Barbara Anderson: Baker has the Experience and Temperament for the Corner Office

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:39:12 +0000

Barbara Anderson Salem News Op-Ed

It was 1983, and the new governor, Michael Dukakis, had filed legislation attacking Proposition 2¬. Under that initiative petition law, enacted in 1980, several cities still had to cut property taxes to reach the required 2.5 percent rate. Dukakis’ bill would stop the cuts, taking away the tax relief due many city taxpayers. Citizens for Limited Taxation immediately declared war and ran to the media, especially talk radio; at one point calls from taxpayers shut down the Statehouse phones.

My point being: Charlie Baker has experience as a taxpayer advocate, think-tank idea man, state official and local official. Then there’s his experience turning around Harvard Pilgrim’s finances as its CEO. This put him in a position to become involved in the Massachusetts health care debate; I remember him telling me about his priority for Gov. Romney’s legislation, the transparency about various plans that would help consumers make their decisions. After Romney left, the Legislature never got around to the cost-control part. If voters want to fix the state health care law, and all the other things wrong with this state, then they need to elect Baker. He worked with Weld, cutting taxes and spending during that state fiscal crisis, overseeing welfare reform.

Another favorite memory of mine, if not Bill Weld’s, was the time his young HHS secretary was negotiating with human service providers, who were making their usual accusations about budget cutters not caring about the poor. Charlie was quoted in the Globe telling them to “cut the crap” and be useful. I sent him a note of congratulations while liberals screamed. But as I recall it, the advocates settled down and began working with him to address abuses while supporting real services.

No governor, alone, can change the Massachusetts tradition of irresponsible spending leading to high taxes, high debt and huge, unfunded liabilities. Voters must carefully pick “their team” in both the executive and legislative branches, come November. I’ve got my own team lined up, from Charlie Baker down the ticket to a local state rep. candidate. If you too help some good candidates win, you will share in the excitement of this revolutionary election year.

Click here for full article: Barbara Anderson Salem News Op-Ed

Mass. GOP Gathers with Goal of Unseating Patrick

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:05:37 +0000

Boston Globe – Delegates at the party’s state convention Saturday ignored a plea from convenience store magnate Christy Mihos and denied him the 15 percent vote he needed to qualify for September’s party primary ballot. He received only 11 percent based on an unofficial tally kept by The Associated Press.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/
04/17/mass_gop_gathers_with_goal_of_unseating_patrick/

Short-term Customers Boosting Health Costs

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:43:11 +0000

Boston Globe – Thousands of consumers are gaming Massachusetts’ 2006 health insurance law by buying insurance when they need to cover pricey medical care, such as fertility treatments and knee surgery, and then swiftly dropping coverage, a practice that insurance executives say is driving up costs for other people and small businesses.

http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/04/04/
short_term_customers_boosting_health_costs/?page=full

Baker deserves Support on Plan to Help Cities Cut Health Costs

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:39:57 +0000

Boston Globe Editorial – REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL hopeful Charlie Baker should get credit for proposing that cities and towns be given the power to make relatively minor changes in union-negotiated health plans in order to save millions of dollars for taxpayers.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/04
/03/baker_deserves_support_on_plan_to_help_cities_cut_health_costs/

Workers’ Benefits Drawing Debate

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:03:21 +0000

Boston Globe - Republican Charles D. Baker, seeking to distinguish himself from his rivals in the governor’s race, urged state lawmakers yesterday to give cities and towns more flexibility to limit health care benefits for municipal employees without the approval of union.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/
articles/2010/03/27/workers_benefits__drawing_debate/?page=full

Charlie Baker Calls for ‘Immediate’ Enactment of Muni-Insurance Changes

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 02:00:16 +0000

Boston Herald – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker is calling on lawmakers to take “immediate” action on a plan to empower city and town leaders to unilaterally design health care plans for municipal workers, backing a proposal local government officials say can save $100 million a year in costs but which is vigorously opposed by public employee unions.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/
20100326charlie_baker_calls_for_immediate_enactment_of_muni-insurance_changes/

Rivals Rap Cahill Over Campaign Donations

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:07:08 +0000

Boston Globe - The two Republican gubernatorial candidates yesterday criticized opponent Timothy P. Cahill for accepting campaign donations from officers of firms connected to a pension fund manager who has been allotted $500 million in state funds to invest since Cahill became state treasurer in 2003.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles
/2010/03/22/rivals_challenge_funds_to_cahill_campaign_run/

Bay State Reacts With Cheers, Anger

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:51:17 +0000

Boston Globe - The passage of sweeping health care legislation in the House yesterday provoked powerful reactions in Massachusetts, with Democrats and Republicans split along party lines, like their counterparts in Washington, and activists, businesses, and unions sharply divided over what the changes will mean for residents and employers.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/
2010/03/22/massachusetts_split_on_health_care_bill_along_party_lines/?page=full

Bay State Budget Trouble

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:19:44 +0000

NECN – Massachusetts is facing yet another new budget gap — this time $195 million to $295 million, and it is setting off the newest squabble in the state’s campaign for governor.

http://www.necn.com/03/19/10/Bay-State-budget-trouble/landing.html?blockID=200897&feedID=4215

The Hiller Instinct: 7News/Suffolk Poll — Governor’s Race

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:11:26 +0000

Deval Patrick is holding on… Charlie Baker is coming on… Christy Mihos is barely on… and Tim Cahill needs to turn it on. The biggest winner in our poll is Republican Charlie Baker.

http://www1.whdh.com/features/articles/hiller/BO136498/

Baker, Stein Bring Campaigns to Amherst, Area Voters

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:14:51 +0000

Massachusetts’ fledgling gubernatorial campaign came to Amherst Thursday, with the leading Republican and Green-Rainbow Party candidates taking aim at Gov. Deval Patrick for his response to the recession while also making their respective cases for why each should become the commonwealth’s next chief executive.

http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/02/19/baker-stein-bring-campaigns-amherst-area-voters

‘Not a Pol,’ Charlie Baker Launches Governor Run

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:46:40 +0000

Herald – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie D. Baker kicked off his campaign in unusual style yesterday, pledging to make government more accountable while declining to answer any questions from reporters.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/
20100131not_a_pol_charlie_baker_launches_governor_run/

Baker Vows to Make State More Friendly to Business

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:44:05 +0000

Globe – A cheering crowd waved flags and signs in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall yesterday morning as Republican Charles D. Baker Jr. kicked off his campaign for governor, saying he would cut taxes and spending, and work on job creation by making it easier to do business in the state.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/31/
baker_vows_to_make_state_more_friendly_to_business/

Campaign 2010: Baker Pledges Reform, Accountability

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:38:31 +0000

Belmont, Mass – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker criticized Gov. Deval Patrick and Democrats on Beacon Hill while pledging to create more jobs, cut taxes and rebuild the state’s economy at a campaign stop in Belmont last week.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/belmont/news/x979446641/
Campaign-2010-Baker-pledges-reform-accountability-video

GOP Gov. Candidate Addresses NA Issues

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:37:55 +0000

Attleboro Sun Chronicle – Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker took his message of making Massachusetts friendlier to business straight to businessmen themselves Friday with a trip to the North Attleboro Industrial Park.

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/02/06/news/6898388.prt

Baker Puts Focus on Fixing State Government

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:37:16 +0000

MetroWest Daily News – Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker last night said the current economic crisis is a huge opportunity to make a positive turnaround in state government.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x210267246/
Baker-puts-focus-on-fixing-state-government