Massachusetts is ranked 6th among the leading states with the most open spending; joining Kentucky, Texas, Indiana, Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon. This year the Executive Office of Administration and … [Read more...]
Increasing Transparency in Higher Education
These provisions would be in addition to the current filing requirements made to the attorney general. As we learned from the financial meltdown, self-regulation simply doesn't work. Accountability and transparency are vital to good … [Read more...]
MA Quasi-publics in Need of Transparency
Massachusetts' 42 quasi-public agencies operate largely under the budget radar despite performing vital government functions, some which have been on the front pages recently. Increasingly, the public, including lawmakers, local officials … [Read more...]
Steve Grossman: “Let the Sunshine In”
By Steve Grossman One of the pledges I made when I entered this campaign last year was that I would run an "open" Treasurer's office. And I meant that in two ways. First, I mean transparency in the way the office does business. I believe … [Read more...]
I usually like earmarks, but sometimes I don’t. Soooo
In what looks like another step in the right direction, House Democrats will no longer award contracts to for-profit companies through earmarks in appropriations bills. Sure, it came after a move to clear subcommittee members of any … [Read more...]
Pioneer Institute releases an online tool to track municipal performance
If you are looking for a tool for active citizen engagement at a municipal level, Pioneer Institute has created what you are looking for: http://www.MassCityStats.org MassCityStats gives the general public access to data on public safety, … [Read more...]
Walking the walk – One page, two very different stories
In What goes around Kevin Cullen tells the story of Beth Israel Deaconess holding internal town meetings, and coming up with a way not to fire or outsource housekeepers and other low wage earners. Higher paid staff decided to forego … [Read more...]
It is time for transparency in the State Legislature
As residents of this state we need to continue participating in the decisions our elected officials make on our behalf. Our elected officials as our representatives are accountable to our communities. We are the ones electing them to make … [Read more...]
A Poem for Politicians who rely on money from lobbyists
LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THE TRIBE OF DAN What sly whisperer offered you this choice that you have chosen? Was it like finding a long lost idol made of precious metal you could not resist? Now your true treasure lies unprotected … [Read more...]
Mayor Menino’s School Board Selection Committee violates Open Meeting Law
Applying to be on the School Committee As a child of a divorced family who attended public schools in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Vermont I have always been appreciative of the free education provided me in our country, and I have volunteered … [Read more...]