It’s Not Just Wisconsin

Wisconsin has nothing on my home state of Massachusetts, especially when it comes to screwing good ol’ Joe Taxpayer with sick days.

Last week, Thomas Kinton, head of Massport (the Massachusetts Port Authority) announced that he would be retiring in June. An advanced announcement of this kind is excellent, as it allows Massport officials to start searching for a replacement for Mr. Kinton.

It also allows them to start saving up to pay for his pension, which is 67% of his salary in his highest earning year. Kinton’s base salary for 2009 was $295,000, so if that was, in fact, his highest earning year while at Massport, he will retire with a lovely annual pension of nearly $200,000.

But here’s the real kicker, and I’m tempted to say “only in Massachusetts could this happen,” except that I’m sure one of our readers will find other examples of this. Not only will Kinton retire with $197,000 annually, but the state will also have to kick in a one-time sum because his contract requires that he be paid for all accumulated unused sick time.

Would anyone like to take a guess at how much that is? According to the Boston Globe, Kinton will be paid $450,000 for sick time accrued but unused. That’s half a million bucks that we the taxpayers will be shelling out.

And make no mistake–Kinton has his hand out waiting for the cash:

“It’s what I’ve worked for,’’ Kinton said. “It’s something that is, I think, not the norm. But because I’m a CEO, and there aren’t many CEOs that have gone through the state retirement system with this many years of service, I think it just is not the norm and is the exception to the rule. But it’s the earned benefit and something that I’ve worked very hard for.’’ [emphasis mine]

Wait, what? I thought that’s what a salary was. Sick days are for, well, being sick and staying home so that you don’t infect your co-workers, and so that you can recover. But according to Massport, Mr. Kinton has accumulated 478 sick days during his tenure at the public trough (as of 2009; God only knows how many more days he has racked up in the intervening two years).

Regardless, Mr. Kinton, hero that he no doubt perceives himself to be, will ride off into his sunset years with a bountiful pension and a one-time payout of more-than-oriental splendour.

Because in Massachusetts, the fix is always in.

Stoutcat

Out of the Blue (State)

As a follow-up to my post of yesterday on the shenannigans of Massachusetts policicians (and their spouses), here’s another Blue State pol, albeit at a more local level, who must think that Mass voters are stupid.

Suzanne Bump is the former Secretary of Labor and Economic Development for MA Gov. “Coupe” Deval Patrick, and the current Dem nominee for State Auditor in Massachusetts. She and her husband own two homes. One is in the western Mass town of Housatonic, and the other is in South Boston. Somehow, Ms. Bump has deluded herself into thinking that she can register both homes as primary residences.

Mind you, she claims that she is following both the letter and the spirit of the law when claiming that:

1. Her South Boston residence is her “principal” residence, and apparently has received tax reduction available for such residences since 2006 (which has saved her nearly $6,000); and
2. Her Housatonic home is her “primary” residence, and has been since 2002, when she registered to vote there, thereby avoiding the extra assessment on non-resident home-owners. This has saved her $300-$400 per year.

While Ms. Bump apparently sees no discrepancy in this duplicity, her first instinct when asked about it was to deny all knowledge of it:

“Last Saturday, when the Globe first asked Bump why she and her husband claimed a residential tax break in Boston, as well, she said she had no knowledge of it.”

After more mature reflection, however, she changed her story:

“A few minutes later, she said: “It is reasonable to expect that at the time the decision was made, I was aware of it. But years later, I don’t recall the details.’

The chutzpah is amazing. Year after hear, Ms. Bump and her husband have claimed money on two separate primary/principal residences, and yet not only does she not recall the details, but she is sure she is well within the law in her actions in scamming as much money as she can out of a state that is nearly broke.

This is the woman who wants to be our State Auditor. She’s either a genius or an idiot. I’m just not sure which.

Stoutcat

Camelot Fade To Black: Patrick Kennedy Retires

 

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D) Rhode Island

 

When I was young, I had the good fortune of seeing the stage play of Camelot in an early Boston run. I was probably 10 years old at the time, an impressionable youth with a love for imagery.  As you might expect, I was mesmerized by this, my first experience of the performing arts. 

Camelot was as real to me for those few hours spent in that theater. But when the show was over, the cast took its bows and left as the house lights came up, I wondered where Camelot went? The stage was empty. It had all been a mirage. As I rode home in the back of my parent’s car I was filled with the experience, but it was tinged with a sadness, for down deep, I knew that the Camelot I had seen didn’t really exist. It was the state of mind it put me in that sustained us all for that brief moment in time.  That time was over and I felt empty. 

Camelot, as a musical and as imagery, became a phenomenon, one linked to the magic of the Presidency of JFK.  We were filled with hope for the future. And when he died, I was once again faced with the fact that Camelot didn’t really exist. It was the state of mind we were in with a youthful, exuberant President suddenly taken from us. 

Bobby Kennedy emerged as the standard bearer for the Kennedy family. Did we dare believe in Camelot again? Many of us did. And it seemed that his popularity would sweep him into the White House. His appeal was broad based (a term we didn’t realize, at the time, had a second application). Just as we got our hopes up that Bobby would take the reigns of the country and lift us all back to the magic of Camelot revisited, he was taken from us. The emptiness I felt burned its way into my heart as it did with so many others. Still in my late teens, there was a lesson learned; not to believe in imagery, but rather search for (and acknowledge) reality. 

 As a society, however, I think we’ve fallen lazily into the effortless comfort of worshiping imagery rather than substance. Is there any other way to explain the 40 year career of Ted Kennedy? How else does one explain Kennedy continuing to  get re-elected time and time again? The people of Massachusetts conveniently looked past his endless character flaws, from Chappaquiddick  to his womanizing and drinking. Character meant nothing. 

A younger generation of Kennedys came upon the scene. Mostly the children of Bobby or Ted. The vast majority of them have seen their political careers overshadowed by their personal problems of drug abuse, drinking and simply boorish behavior. There was little character to observe. 

The rose colored glasses that were strapped to my head in the late 60s have long since been thrown out. I stopped looking at the Kennedys as royalty after the 1968 death of Bobby and then Chappaquiddick the following year. 

So we are now being told that Patrick Kennedy, the third child of Ted and Joan Kennedy, will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island. It would be easy to take a few parting shots at Patrick. By the time Patrick came along, it was more like, “Oh, God… not another Kennedy!” And he lived down to the reputation. But, somehow, I’m just not interested in taking any cheap shots. Patrick is choosing to leave. Something his father never had the class or decency to do.  And why not? He had the support of constituents content to believe in facades, mirages and imagery. 

In truth, Patrick Kennedy never really established himself as anything but another Kennedy. He has battled substance abuse, and bi-polar disorder all his adult life by his own admission. He firmly established his credentials as Teddy’s boy when he plowed into a barrier near the Capital building in the wee hours of the morning back in May of 2006.    

The reasons for his not seeking re-election have not been made clear. They need not be. The fact that he is stepping down is enough for me to say, “That’s that” and move on.  No need for cheap shots. Nothing more to see here, people, move along, please. 

The news services are having a field day with the fact that, for the first time in nearly 60 years, there will be no Kennedy family member serving in the House or Senate in Washington. I’m not sure what symbolism they are trying to whip up for those who still choose to live in the world of imagery, but for me it simply reminds me of one of John F. Kennedy’s favorite lines from the final song of Camelot: 

“Don’t let it be forgot
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment
That was known as Camelot.” 

Yes, but in truth, that really was long, long ago. And it was, in reality, only in our minds. 

Good luck and God speed to you, Patick. There’s still time for you to flourish as a person. May you find your personal peace outside of the political arena. 

Gerry Ashley

The Scott Heard ‘Round the World

Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA)

From the pundits to the polls, it looks like patriots in Massachusett(e)s have upset the world order all over again. Absent any untoward shenanigans from SEIU, ACORN, or dead voters, Scott Brown has won the special Senate election in Massachusetts.

A few thoughts:

• If Dems had let well enough alone back in 2004, they wouldn’t be in this predicament now. Prior to their rule-changing in ’04, the governor was allowed to appoint a replacement if a Senate seat was vacated. But since  they actually thought that Sen. John “Why the long face?” Kerry had a shot at the presidency, and since in 2004 there was a Republican governor in Massachusett(e)s, the rules just had to be changed, lest Mitt appoint a Republican to the seat.
• If Coakley hadn’t been such a dire candidate, this special election might have turned out differently. But given her elitist mentality, her bizarre gaffes, her determination that she was entitled to the seat, and, quite frankly, her disinclination to mingle with the hoi polloi, she was a disaster waiting to happen. Call her what you will, at least you won’t be calling her Senator Coakley.
• If Scott Brown hadn’t been such a dynamic and engaging candidate, with the right message, a picture-perfect family, and a flair for campaigning, Coakley might not have seemed so awful by comparison.
• If Massachusetts voters — arguably the bluest in the nation — hadn’t been so fed up with the  massive doses of hope and change they’ve been receiving at the hands of Obama and the Democrats in Congress, this whole election would never have become an issue.

BUT… It’s not Coakley. It’s not Brown. It’s not even Massachusetts. It’s not Democrats or Republicans. Those are just indicators. Symptoms. The bigger picture is this: There’s a real and growing dissatisfaction with the status quo in American politics; with the lies, the deal-making; the lobbyists; the lawyers; the special interests; the unions; the midnight legislative meetings; the shady quid-pro-quos; the outright buying of votes. All of this (and more) is contributing to the enormous unrest in the country.

Sen. Brown (R-MA) is the bellwether for 2010. Incumbents in both parties who continue to disregard the will of their constituents do so at their peril. Because we the people are getting sick and tired of being ignored. After all, we’re the ones with the real power, and we just proved it. Can you hear us now?

Stoutcat

If It’s a Landslide, They Can’t Steal It

 

As more polls show that Scott Brown is expected to win handily in today’s special election in Massachusetts, please remember the 2004 governor’s race in Washington, and the more recent Senate race in Minnesota. In each of those cases, the race was close, and Dems were allowed to stall until they “discovered” enough absentee, “recounted”, and “lost” ballots (not to mention votes from dead and non-existant voters) to ensure their candidate’s wins.

Folks, if this election is a landslide for Scott Brown, then no amount of “found” ballots and no number of recounts will change it. No boxes of uncounted ballots in car trunks. No extra absentee ballots. No dead voters. Nothing. If it’s a landslide, those won’t matter.

Please. Get out and vote today. The weather’s not at its best, but don’t let that stop you.

Scott Brown ran an honest, clean, and professional campaign. He’s a good man, and will be a good Senator for us in Washington. He’s well ahead in the polls and he should win this election. Don’t let it be just another election stolen by Democrats. Get out and vote. Take your friends with you.

As Tea Party pal and blogstress extraordinaire Sissy Willis says, “If it’s not close, they can’t cheat.”

Go vote.

Stoutcat

Double Your Coakley, Double Your Support

 

From the “Things That Make You Say ‘Hmmmm’” Department

Notice the SEIU badge?

Over the past several weeks, I’ve noted that yard signs in my town are running strongly in favor of Scott Brown: in some neighborhoods by seven to one, and in my own little neck of the woods by about four to one.

This week, however, I noticed an outgrowth of Coakley signs springing up around here. I wondered what caused this; did the candidate actually deign to appear down here and shake hands? Did she hold a fund-raiser at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannisport? Are SEIU bravos running amok on Cape Cod, planting “Martha” signs whether folks want ’em or not?

Alas, the truth is far less dramatic, although far more entertaining. It seems that Coakley support here on the Cape has found its level and it ain’t going higher. So what does an enterprising campaign staff do to make it look like their pitiful candidate has twice as many boosters as she actually has?

Why, they “suggest” that each sucker supporter who already has a yard sign displayed simply put a second sign in the yard as well. Voila! Double your support!

So in three instances this week, I’ve seen the following scenario: property line, VOTE FOR MARTHA! sign, driveway, large yard, VOTE FOR MARTHA! sign, property line.

It’s rather effective, too… at first. Lots more Martha signs visible–until you realize that there are two signs in each of the few yards that had one sign before.

Anybody else in Massachusett(e)s notice this “Double Your Martha” phenomenon?

Stoutcat

Can We Help? Yes We Can!

UPDATE: The guys at Hillbuzz are officially obsessed with getting Scott Brown elected. They’re putting their money where their mouth is, by volunteering and phone banking for Scott. The fact that they refer to him as Sen. Hottie McAwesome just makes it even better. We officially dub them “Hillbuzz McAwesome.”

 Some of you may be aware of the 2010 Senate and House races, where it is just within the realm of possibility that Republicans (hopefully conservative Republicans) could take back the House, and re-balance the Senate a bit more evenly. Hey, it’s possible.

But did you know that there’s a race coming up in January where we have a chance to make a great head-start in re-balancing the Senate? Yes, now that the “Lion of the Senate” has gone to meet his heavenly Maker, his Senate seat is up for grabs in a special election to be held on January 19, 2010. That’s less than three weeks away.

And girding his loins to sit in Merlin’s seat is Scott Brown, an actual Republican in Massachusetts. He’s up against MA Attorney General Martha Coakley, and give that this is Massachusetts, and that Scott is a Republican, it’s going to be a battle.

But you can help. Coakley has the might and money of the whole Democrat machine behind her. Mr. Brown has received a veritable pittance from national Republican committees.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown has been all but abandoned by the same national Republican committees that pumped hundreds of thousands in campaign cash to former governors Mitt Romney and William Weld during their long-shot bids for U.S. Senate.

The snub has outraged local Republicans who say national conservatives should be jumping at the chance to nab the first open Senate seat in decades despite Brown’s tough odds in the Jan. 19 special election.

And you don’t have to be from Massachusetts to help. Similar to the “Ten Dollars for Tark” effort to help Danny Tarkanian unseat Harry Reid in Nevada, folks from all over the country can donate $10 (or more if you can) to help Scott Brown become the first Republican Senator in Massachusetts since Henry Cabot Lodge whoops! Ed Brooke.

Donate here. Follow his Twitter feed here. And help bloggers spread the word!

Stoutcat

The Doofus from Massachusetts

And no, I’m not talking about John Kerry. I’m talking about poor Justin.

Stoutcat

No Permanent Appointment to Replace Kennedy in Mass.

 

It has just been announced that Massachusetts Governor Duval Patrick will not appoint a permanent replacement for the late Senator Ted Kennedy. An election has been scheduled for January 19th of next year replace the late Senator.

This, of course, could have national implications. However, there is discussion to have a temporary “fill-in” which would preserve the U.S. Senate’s ability to block a Republican filibuster.  More details forthcoming.

Gerry Ashley

ObamaCare/Affirmative Action… Be Careful What You Wish For

It’s funny, really… As “Obamacare” gradually attains its sad and twisted shape, catastrophic failure of our health care system isn’t so much of an issue to DC as are the political ramifications therein. After all, we all know of the Massachusetts experiment of 2006. Michael Tanner wrote about the lessons we should learn from it in his article “Massachusetts Miracle or Massachusetts Miserable: What the Failure of the ‘Massachusetts Model’ Tells Us about Health Care Reform.”

With the “Massachusetts model” frequently cited as a blueprint for health care reform, it is important to recognize that giving the government greater control over our health care system will have grave consequences for taxpayers, providers, and health care consumers. That is the lesson of the Massachusetts model.

What a mess, but then again, given the myopia of our elected officials, all one can say is, what the heck…

But to make things even more pathetic, Obama is trying to out-Massachusetts Massachusetts. Consider the following; Under the current Congressal plan (all 1,018 pages of it), there are lots of provisions for preferential treatment for “under-represented” peoples… Yeah, we’re basically talking affirmative action on steroids… No great catastrophe, right? Uh huh.

So far I haven’t told you a thing you didn’t already know, right? But here’s where the cheese gets more binding for the fat-cat liberals. They don’t have to worry about guv’ment health care any more than Barack has to worry about public schooling for his children…. But there is a sentence in the American Thinker post linked above that bears terrible scrutiny…

The bill does not state what would qualify as a “demonstrated record”, so we can expect medical schools and the other entities (emphasis mine – Alan Speakman) to do whatever they think they can get away with to train as many “individuals who are from underrepresented minority groups” as they think they might need to have a better “demonstrated record” in this regard then other entities competing for the grants and contracts

You see, in my past life, I was a gen-yoo-wine engineer. Yup, I was (and am) a product of one of those “other entities”. And even back then when I was a student, I watched the creeping influence of affirmative action and its distaff cousins, women’s rights and feminism. Classmates would pass classes who clearly had no right to. I distinctly remember back in the early ’90s one student pulling the “Sex Card” claiming that the prof attempted to flunked her because she was a woman. She passed the course with a C. It happens, right? No great catastrophe right? Well, I knew the woman and tried to study with her, and she was an idiot.

So to bring this full circle. We all want the same chance. We all want to be treated the same – no one is special. No one gains so much as one inch over the other because of race, creed, religion, sex, orientation, etc. This is 2009, and not 1959.

Yeah, working stiffs like me had to work two or even three jobs to make it through college. I still earned three degrees. I had to sweat a lot more than most, but I made it. (And sometimes having the last name of “Speakman” didn’t help either.) But that’s life. It ain’t fair and it never will be. And I think we’ve tried to “level the playing field” plenty. But the Obama/liberal mindset is that it really is no big deal if we use preferential treatment in med schools and “other entities”. So what if those “entities” churn out unqualified doctors, nurses and engineers? Barack and his cronies don’t care. They can buy the very best.

But fate doesn’t play favorites. Every politician (or a family member) is going to have to get on a jet someday. And they’d better hope that the engineers who designed that jet, and those who currently maintain it, and the pilots who fly it really know what they’re doing, and were not just “beneficiaries” of affirmative action programs, graduations,  promotions, or “other entities”.

They’d better hope that the aerospace company didn’t have a “Diversity Manager”. They’d better hope that the engineering professors didn’t grade on a curve or take into consideration the “underrepresented”. So think of that all, my liberal friends… all you “Community Organizers” and “Civil Advocates”… This is an engineer talking… You take a good long look at that jet’s wing. The laws of physics are merciless.

And speaking as an engineer and not a politician or lobbyist, catastrophic failure means real catastrophe and not something that we can blame on the previous administration.

Alan Speakman