T notes: DeLeo open to tax hikes

$10 weekend commuter rail fare is now permanent

By Colin A. Young and Bruce Mohl Massachusetts Legislature, MBTA, Robert DeLeo 0 Comments Mar 12, 2019

OPENING THE DOOR for a near-term debate over transportation and transportation financing on Beacon Hill, House Speaker Robert DeLeo said on Tuesday that he is open to tax hikes or just about any other prescription to address the state’s critical needs — but he first wants to know what businesses will support. Speaking at a(...)

Media

Kravetz steps down as GM of WBUR

BU vague on why builder of public radio powerhouse had to go

By Bruce Mohl Charlie Kravetz, Meghna Chakrabarti, Sam Fleming, Tom Ashbrook, WBUR 0 Comments Mar 12, 2019

CHARLIE KRAVETZ, who helped WBUR grow into a public radio powerhouse, is out as the station’s general manager. In a joint statement, Boston University, which owns the radio station license, and Kravetz cited the opening of a new meeting venue called CitySpace and the conclusion of a union organizing campaign at WBUR as events that(...)

The Download

Kravetz steps down as GM of WBUR

By CommonWealth Staff Charlie Kravetz, Paul La Camera, Sam Fleming, The Download, WBUR 0 Comments Mar 12, 2019

Charlie Kravetz, who helped WBUR grow into a public radio powerhouse, is out as the station’s general manager. In a joint statement, Boston University, which owns the radio station license, and Kravetz cited the opening of a new meeting venue called CitySpace and the conclusion of a union organizing campaign at WBUR as events that(...)

Tracking Transportation/ Transportation

T control board wants to discuss new revenues with lawmakers

Members appear to be breaking away from the Baker script

By Bruce Mohl and Andy Metzger Massachusetts Legislature, MBTA, Transportation 0 Comments Mar 11, 2019

FOUR OF THE FIVE MEMBERS of the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board indicated on Monday that they think the Legislature should explore new transportation funding initiatives and several said a portion of the money should go to the transit authority. Brian Lang and Monica Tibbits-Nutt were the most specific. As the T raises fares,(...)

Tracking Transportation/ Transportation

Frustrated MBTA board OKs fare hike

Members say many functions broken at transit authority

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments Mar 11, 2019

THE MBTA OVERSIGHT BOARD approved a slightly trimmed-down fare increase on Monday at a meeting where it became clear that a majority of the five members are dissatisfied with the transit authority’s progress in a number of areas and at odds with Gov. Charlie Baker on the need for new, broader transportation revenue initiatives. Nearing(...)

Transportation

Osgood details mayor’s transportation initiatives

Wu pushed some of the measures, split with Walsh on others

By Bruce Mohl Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, Chris Osgood, James Aloisi, Josh Fairchild, Mayor Marty Walsh, The Codcast 0 Comments Mar 11, 2019

BOSTON MAYOR MARTY WALSH made a splash last week by announcing a bunch of new transportation initiatives, some of which were set in motion by the advocacy of Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. In a speech to the annual meeting of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau on Thursday, Walsh called for reducing the speed limit(...)

The Download

Osgood details mayor’s transportation initiatives

By CommonWealth Staff Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, Chris Osgood, James Aloisi, Josh Fairchild, Mayor Marty Walsh, The Codcast, The Download 0 Comments Mar 11, 2019

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made a splash last week by announcing a bunch of new transportation initiatives, some of which were set in motion by the advocacy of Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. In a speech to the annual meeting of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau on Thursday, Walsh called for reducing the speed limit(...)

State government/ Transportation/ Opinion

A tribute to East Boston’s premier activist, advocate

Mary Ellen Welch, a school teacher who led anti-airport resistance

By James Aloisi State Government, Transportation 0 Comments Mar 10, 2019

A LIGHT WENT OUT in East Boston last week. More than a light, a beacon that guided more than one generation of local activists and civic leaders. Mary Ellen Welch died, and even typing those words seem incongruous because she was such a vibrant force of life, such a dynamic and compelling person. For decades,(...)

Arts + Policy/ Arts and Culture/ Opinion

Mass. needs to step up for tourism and the arts

Investment is no-brainer; lack of predictable state support deplorable

By Martha J. Sheridan and Lee Pelton Arts and creativity, State Government 0 Comments Mar 10, 2019

MASSACHUSETTS’ DYNAMIC tourism industry and its arts and cultural assets are inextricably linked, collectively delivering extraordinary dividends to the state’s economic vitality and quality of life. Residents and visitors alike reap the benefits created by these sectors, and yet there is no predictable or dedicated financial support on the state and local level to ensure(...)

Education/ Opinion

Tie state ed funding to school committee seats

Let state appoint members in proportion to its aid to districts

By Charles Chieppo and Jamie Gass 0 Comments Mar 10, 2019

FEW DOUBT THAT the time has come to update the mechanism by which the Commonwealth funds local school districts. After 25 years, the current formula isn’t keeping pace with rising employee health insurance and special education costs. The specifics may have changed over a quarter century, but as they address this issue, state leaders should(...)

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