Notes from May 10, 2016 meeting between Governor Baker and invitees from Western Mass
ATTENDEES:
Baker Administration and state officials: Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Jay Ash, Carolyn Kirk, (Deputy Secretary of Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development), Sean Cronin (Senior Deputy Commissioner of Division of Local Services Western Mass legislative delegation: Senator Stan Rosenberg, Senator Ben Downing, Rep. Steve Kulik, Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, and Rep. Paul Mark. Other delegation staffers were also in attendance. Western Mass invitees: Toby Gould (Charlemont Select Board), Kimberly Longey (Plainfield), Charley Rose (Worthington Select Board), Michael DeChiara (Shutesbury Select Board), Doug Tanner (Wendell Finance Committee), Steve Harris (Middlefield), Thomas Powers (Leverettnet), Joe Boudreau (Worthington Finance Committee). SUMMARY: The meeting was officially one hour, 10:00-11:00 am, at the State House in Boston. Governor Baker and Senator Rosenberg left at 11:00 am, but most of the attendees stayed for another hour of discussion. Gov. Baker promised to get this project back on track; and has increased MBI’s team to include Peter Larkin and Bill Ennen to ideally better manage the project and expedite implementation of the newest emergency electrician plan. Larkin will report directly to Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Jay Ash. Ash was in attendance but did not speak. Ennen will shift from his current position at the Innovation Institute at Mass Technology Collaborative and will now report to Peter Larkin. Larkin presented a Powerpoint of Baker’s plan. In the meeting, WiredWest representatives emphasized: TAKEAWAYS: There were some potential yellow cards (not quite red flags), but substantial caution is warranted. We are encouraged that the two new staffers appear to have clear direction towards forward movement, and we are all ready to work with them. There is a lot of information, however, that needs to flow in order for this newest iteration of the last mile plan to be trusted or embraced. Actions speak louder than words. Outcomes are more important than intentions to our frustrated towns. The Governor stated that he expected quarterly progress reports from Larkin and that he has received the message that this needs to move as quickly and expeditiously as possible. It was stated that meetings would be held in western Mass. Ennen will work out of western Mass and Larkin will be back and forth. There was no overt support voiced for WiredWest or a region-wide approach from any government official, including our legislative delegation. The Governor did say he wasn’t necessarily opposed to towns wanting to work through WiredWest, as long as the projects meet the state’s criteria. As the meeting was winding down, Senator Downing facilitated the identification of key takeaways, which emerged as: MOVING FORWARD: We believe we all need to stay focused, vigilant and receptive to working with the state. We look forward to discussing our specific strategy and tactics around moving forward at the next WiredWest Board meeting in New Salem on May 21st.