Never mind.
When they passed the transportation reform bill early this summer, Beacon Hill leaders touted "millions" in future savings, in particular from major changes in public-employee union contract language at the heart of soaring costs and absurdly over-generous pension deals.
Last week, as they passed a $71.7 million supplemental budget, the final language cementing those contract concessions was missing, a final resolution on it "postponed" until late January.
Cue former Turnpike Authority board member Mary Connaughton, who forwarded us the following letter she has sent to Gov. Patrick:
"As the longest serving member of the current turnpike board, I’ve had a front row seat to much of the inner workings of state government. The experience, for the most part, has been highly rewarding. However, with my term cut short due to the transportation overhaul, my job isn’t done. I fear that without an outspoken independent voice on the board, public accountability will suffer.
Therefore, as I depart the board, I am compelled to share a major concern with the reform effort.
I cannot see how savings from the transportation agency overhaul will pan out with the kind of savings estimates that were bantered about during the legislative process. In fact, given the enormity of the agency consolidation effort, costs will likely increase in the near-term. Apart from savings resulting from benefit changes at the MBTA, significant cost reductions could only be achieved if there is a substantial workforce reduction and, as of yet, I have not sensed a strong commitment to that end.
To achieve the kind of savings that the public expects, redundant positions must be eliminated and the culture of patronage must end once and for all. Many people I know are hurting now as a result of the economy. Deals for the politically connected will only further dishearten the public.
The public deserves to immediately receive a projected cash flow statement that clearly presents expected reform savings and the beneficiaries of those savings. That way, the new board will be accountable to the public to achieve the goals established for it. Without the proper tools in place, reform savings are simply a wish.
I hope you have the best of success in the monumental effort before you."
Cliff notes version: transportation reform likely won't save us a dime, because Beacon Hill does not have the nerve to stand up to powerful union to the extent necessary.
