There You Go Again: Catering to the Special Interests

In an election year, those of us involved in Massachusetts politics are expected to reach out to many different groups. We listen to various points of view, study local issues, and develop policy positions that, hopefully, benefit the largest number of citizens.

However, true to form, our State Senator is foregoing opportunities to improve the overall small business climate or zero in on ways to improve public education. Instead, he is throwing yet another "bone" to the local and State House environmental groups:

Blogging on another Patch site, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge has "announced" he is forming a Green Caucus at the State House, along with the creation of another environmental agency. This new office would be focusing on a small, emerging industry not even one-tenth the size of the Commonwealth's health care, education, retail or high-tech sectors, as examples.

Nevertheless, I'm having a serious case of deja-vu:

Immediately after the announced bankrupty of Marlborough's Evergreen Solar (special tax giveaways he initially supported), Eldridge announced the formation of a similar "Green" group within his Middlesex and Worcester district.  

Has he been reading the news? Does he have access to special lendors in China that we do not know about? Evergreen Solar, Beacon Power, Solyndra, Sun Power, etc. Just to name a few companies where millions upon millions of the People's Money has vaporized.

These massive federal and state subsidies, akin to corporate welfare, which those on the Far Left absolutely denounce have been enormous losses since the Great Recession began in 2008.

As a certified teacher, I would be remiss if I did not note that these government subsidies have not been spent on all-day kindergarten, new teacher development, Special Education or school building assistance.

Why wont Eldridge change his approach? Why does he defiantly forge ahead with failed policies at the same time he is presiding over cuts in Local Aid? Why is he so myopic with one failed, jobs strategy?   

Answer: Special Interest Politics 101

Someone should explain to Jamie Eldridge that it is not if Massachusetts should lead on clean energy but how.

I filed an Economic Plan that seeks to improve the conditions for small business job creation in all employment sectors (including alternative energy), because I do not believe it should be the role of your state rep. or state senator to play venture capitalist with taxpayer money.

It is not working.