Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Patrick keeps hands off of UMess

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From Casey:

Q: Could you talk about what?s going on with UMass and Jack Wilson? Could we get a comment on that?

Patrick: “I respect the president?s right and authority to make personnel decisions. I understand that there’s some feeling on at least the UMass Amherst campus that President Wilson did not consult broadly enough in advance. But, in terms of his authority to make those calls, I respect that right.”

Well, that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of the whole system reorganization, is it? I can’t imagine that the governor actually has no control over the entire reorganization of the university system. Goodness, for all that the UMass is supposed to be insulated from politics, it’s been a playground for lobbyists and Bulgers and Meehans. Should Patrick now insert himself into this? Hey, by our present standards, why not?

Or maybe we need new standards, which are supposed to be the current standards.

I guess we’ll get more on Friday, when Patrick delivers his education plan at the UMass Boston graduation.

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Comments

  1. check out this statement that issued today from UMass-Lowell:

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    May 29, 2007

    MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL FACULTY SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

    Dear President Wilson,

    The Faculty Senate Executive Committee has asked that I send you a message of support. We write to offer you our utmost confidence and support for you and your leadership of the UMass system.  As leaders of the Faculty Senate University of Massachusetts Lowell, we recognize the work you have done to bring great things to our campus as part of your strategic plan to achieve excellence for the entire UMass system.

    As a faculty, we have enjoyed a positive, mutually respectful relationship with you and the Vice Presidents. We hope to be able to continue to work together toward the success of many future endeavors.

    Best regards,

    Ann Marie Hurley, President
    Faculty Senate
    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    For questions, contact:
    Patricia McCafferty, UMass Lowell
    978-934-3238

    Robert P. Connolly, UMass President?s Office
    617-287-7073

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    Anyone got any intel on what’s up with that?

    • was able to get that news out yesterday during the Boston faculty meeting.

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      If my job was at UMASS Lowell I would be supporting it too!

  2. For the Governor to get involved in this… specifically, to oust Wilson or ask for Wilson to resign… the guy has never impressed me and I’d certainly prefer someone from the Deval era over the Mitt era to preside over UMASS.

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    However, that’s not what the governor is fighting for right now. Clearly, at least over at UMASS Amherst, there’s both the will and drive to lead this fight… so, if the Governor can’t help everything, at least he’s chosen not to get involved in the case where the none of the participants are helpless.

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    The Municipal Partnership Act needs all the help it can get. The governor is right to get involved.

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