Now I know I may be opening up a can of worms here with this post, as some here may not have kind feelings towards our former Governor. But, I saw this little story about how a children’s center (in Southborough) for autistic kids was being named for him today. This will be the first building in Massachusetts named for him. He left office 18 years ago, was our longest serving Governor I believe after three terms, was a creative progressive and recognized as a great Governor in the 80s, a former Democratic Party standard bearer and yet he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves – until now. But that’s it though – this one building! I guess I just think he deserves more.
Ever since he lost the 88 prez race and left state politics, he has been a devoted activist and public servant. He has taught at Northeastern and UCLA, served on the Amtrak Board and obviously did a lot with this autism charity to name but a few things. Friends of mine who used to work at the State House always told me how Dukakis would call up their bosses and get internships for the students he taught. It showed he really believes in public service and did all he could to get his students to share his passion and get involved.
And while Dukakis left office during the late 80’s/early 90’s recession and took a lot of flak for all that, he had a huge impact on our state – from the strong economy of the 80s to transport policy (The Big Dig started with he and Salvucci) and brought really talented people into state government. While his name became one that people ran from after he left office, its well past due for history to restore his reputation and recognize his service.
If I had my drothers, and if anyone in State Govt is reading this, I’d love to see a Dukakis Fellowship program set up, whereby graduate students from area universities were given fellowships to work in the Governor’s office or other executive agencies. Maybe an endowment through Northeastern or a consortium of area schools or foundations could be established to support the program. And not just an internship – but a project based program tackling major issues state government faces.
The win for State Government would be to bring some bright young thinkers into government to develop ideas and research, something state government never has enough of. The win for these students is that it gives them an opportunity to apply public policy thinking to real challenges and creates a cadre of young talent to stay on in government for the future. And as far as Dukakis is concerned, I could think of no better way to recognize his sincere and unyielding belief in the value of public service then to get the next generation involved in meeting its challenges.
I know Governor Patrick believes in service and an active government as well and maybe his administration could champion this. The way I see it, while the Dukakis name may still conjure certain negative reactions from some folks, resucitating the repuation of a dedicated progressive and doing something that strengthens the government he did much to serve, can only benefit the progressive cause in the future.
18 years on – and I imagine he would hate reading this and no disrespect to the children’s center – his service deserves more than just this one building.
never had anything to apologize for (as I incur the ire of state workers statewide). He lost that election to Ed The-Crook King as unions deserted him.
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p>The issue that sunk Dukakis for governor? Pay raises for state workers. Dukakis, though a social liberal, was also a fiscal conservative who successfully blocked a pay hike proposal. King, that Robert Moses wannabe, was the union’s darling with years of contracts doled out. . . .
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p>Welcome to Bay State politics, where one of the biggest motivations is revenge. One of the reasons I turned away from it decades ago.