Daily Archives: August 2, 2010

Other Important Legislation That Failed

Published August 2, 2010

With the legislative session now over, casino gambling may or may not be doomed. But other significant legislation is definitely dead for the year. Here is a summary:

  • “Right to repair.” Failed. Would have required auto dealers to share proprietary service codes with independent auto mechanics. Translation: No more “check engine” light if you don’t get it fixed at the dealer. (Coverage: WBUR, Radio Boston.)
  • Gun control. Failed. Would have limited firearms purchases to one per month. (Lawmakers did pass a narrower bill that allows prosecutors to detain suspects charged with gun crimes.)
  • Kayak safety. Failed. Would have required kayakers to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times.
  • Wind farm siting. Failed. Would have created statewide regulations for new wind-energy projects. (Lawmakers approved the conference committee report, but the bill was never enacted.)

Today on Radio Boston, veteran State House watcher Craig Sandler summarized the non-casino legislation that did pass (listen at the 10:15 mark) — including CORI reform, health care reform for small businesses, school nutrition (covered by WBUR’s Adam Ragusea), ATV safety and prescription monitoring.

More:

Slow The @*$# Down, Massachusetts

Published August 2, 2010

"Left turn yield" painted on pavement. (District Department of Transportation, Washington D.C.)

(DDOT, DC)

The light turns green. You hesitate for a half-second and watch as two or three drivers make the death-defying left turn in front of you.

News writer Jesse Logan — a mom with an infant daughter — watched this grisly scenario unfold in Hyde Park over the weekend.

An SUV slammed into the passenger side of an older model Toyota Camry in the middle of a four-way intersection where Truman Highway meets River Street. While both cars had the green light, it was the smaller car that proceeded to make a left turn ahead of the SUV. Thankfully, there was an ambulance in queue at the light before the crash, so emergency response was quick. The driver of the Camry had to be pulled from the car by at least three people. The passenger of the SUV, also in shock, had passed out and she, too, was pulled out of the car and onto a stretcher — her head anchored by a neck brace.

There were no fatalities, she says.

Jesse sent me some research that more or less confirms what we all suspect of Boston drivers. The latest annual survey by GMAC Insurance ranks Massachusetts near the bottom when it comes to drivers’ knowledge about basic road rules.

In 2008, Boston ranked No. 2 in a list of cities with the most discourteous drivers, according to a survey commissioned by the national auto club AutoVantage. Last year, Boston fell (rose?) to No. 9.

WBUR’s Dave Shaw puts it this way: “I realized when I moved here I wouldn’t be a Boston driver until I was willing to make a left in front of traffic.”

I find the left-on-green problem is particularly bad on Memorial Drive at Western Avenue. Everyone heading to the Pike needs to get there now.

Update: It happens to be National Stop On Red Week. But I would hope that’s more of a year-round concept.

The BU-MIT-WikiLeaks Connection

Published August 2, 2010

BU, MIT, WikiLeaks logosWe know the Army is focusing its WikiLeaks investigation case on an enlisted man, Pfc. Bradley Manning.

We know that Manning might have had help from his friends in the Boston area, including friends at MIT and Boston University.

We know that an MIT grad and exchanged e-mails with Manning but has denied any role in the massive leak.

Our reporters are trying to get to the bottom of this story. People don’t want to talk. Can you, readers, shed any light on the case? Do you know anything about Boston’s possible role in WikiLeaks case? If you don’t feel comfortable responding in the comments, you can e-mail me.

Fox Gets A Front-Row Seat

Published August 2, 2010

"You there, the fair and balanced one!" (AP)

"You there, the fair and balanced one!" (AP)

Effective today, Fox News gets a front-row seat in the White House press room. The AP got Helen Thomas’ old seat, which left a vacancy. As I wrote Friday, NPR wanted it.

From the White House Correspondents Association website:

It was a very difficult decision. The board received requests from Bloomberg and NPR in addition to Fox for relocation to the front row and felt all three made compelling cases. But the board ultimately was persuaded by Fox’s length of service and commitment to the White House television pool.

“Length of service and commitment?” NPR has covered the White House since 1970. Much longer than Fox, I believe.

NPR moves up to the second row, to take the seat now vacated by Fox.

What's Next For Casinos?

Published August 2, 2010

As I drove to the South Shore for a camping weekend, the illuminated sign in front of the IBEW local was unmissable: “Governor Patrick, sign the casino bill.”

Maybe the sign should have read: “Governor Patrick, veto the casino bill.” The governor said he won’t sign it. With the possibility of enough votes for an override, a veto may be the quickest way to bring casinos to Massachusetts.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, the most visible supporter of casinos and slots, delivered a compromise bill to the governor on Saturday. But Patrick said no deal. The bill would license two slot parlors, and Patrick will only allow one.

Here are three possible scenarios going forward:

  1. Gov. Patrick signs the bill. Massachusetts would allow three resort-style casinos and slot machines at two racetracks (“racinos”). Massachusetts would also permit two slot parlors under a competitive bidding process. This is, of course, what DeLeo, et al., want but do not expect. The governor said he won’t sign it.
  2. Gov. Patrick strikes the slots provision and sends the bill back. DeLeo, et al., do not want this option. There is not enough time to negotiate another compromise with lawmakers.
  3. Gov. Patrick vetoes the bill.
    1. The deal is dead. Better luck next (legislative) year. Or…
    2. The Legislature extends its session and overrides the veto. This is what DeLeo, et al., are hoping for. (The House has enough votes for an override, but the Senate appears to fall just short.)

For some perspective, listen back to Radio Boston’s very first show, on Sept. 21, 2007. The topic: Can Massachusetts hit the jackpot?

Further Reading: