Build on bipartisan legacy
Charlie Baker
Recently, we released a statewide economic development plan designed to expand the economy, create jobs and strengthen our communities. Our plan takes a different approach, in that we would seek targeted opportunities for state investment not by working from the top down, but by engaging and listening to local leaders.
We know that our mayors, selectmen, school committee members, local small businesses and chambers of commerce are the real front lines of growing our economy. They know what works and doesn't work in their community, and they know where state government can truly help make a difference in improving the quality of life in their cities and towns.
Our plan is focused on building partnerships. State economic development programs should not be handouts to Beacon Hill's special interests, but rather targeted investments informed by the people closest to the “problem” and dedicated to finding its solution.
Geographically and symbolically, the heart of Massachusetts, Worcester is a perfect example of where this approach can make a difference. As former local officials, both with experience in state government and in the private sector, we want to continue the bipartisan legacy of Paul Cellucci and Tim Murray, who represented Central Massachusetts with a strong voice on Beacon Hill. During this campaign, we have listened to our local officials, and developed a plan specific to Worcester that we believe will reinvigorate and revitalize the city. We believe that by strengthening our Gateway Cities like Worcester, we will also strengthen the economy for the surrounding communities. We would do the following:
• Partner with the city and MassDevelopment to complete the old courthouse and auditorium projects;
• Continue the statewide Brownfields Support Teams started by Tim Murray to accelerate the redevelopment of brownfields, including in Worcester;
• Develop our transportation infrastructure by adding express trains on the Worcester-to-Boston commuter rail line and continue Massport's commitment to Worcester Regional Airport by adding more business-friendly destinations; and
• Expand the state's Historic Tax Credit Program to provide more resources to developers to preserve and convert our historic structures, like the Hanover Theatre, into mixed-use developments.
We must also leverage the bright minds and tremendous educational resources we have in our region. With 35,000 students at private and public schools, Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester Technical High School, we have a ready-made workforce for the advanced manufacturing jobs that are keys to our future. Our plan to link the academic and professional communities will help provide our employers the human capital they need and our students the opportunities they deserve.
We have both worked in state government and delivered results for our constituencies. We will do it again through productive partnerships, commitment and hard work. In a Baker-Polito administration, Worcester will have a true partnership with state government.
Charlie Baker is the Republican Party's candidate for governor of Massachusetts. Karyn Polito is the party's candidate for lieutenant governor.
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