SALEM — Gov. Deval Patrick and dozens of Bay State mayors came to Salem State University yesterday morning in search of answers to the challenging budget numbers they face over the next few months.
"I always wanted to come to Salem," Boston Mayor Tom Menino said. "I want to see the witches up here."
Out-of-town mayors didn't need a tour of the Witch City's haunted houses, however, to feel apprehensive. Slides from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation capturing out-of-control health insurance and pension projections set the grim mood.
"We're going to hit a tipping point if things don't change dramatically," said New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, president of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association.
Patrick told the mayors that although the state is emerging from recession faster than the rest of the country, government must do more to reduce costs. He called on mayors to support his push for more regionalization, as well as his health insurance and pension reform packages.
"We have 240-something 911 call centers," Patrick said. "The state of California has four."
On health insurance, Patrick said he hopes the Legislature can deliver a bill to his desk by the end of March so mayors and town managers could have options as they put together next year's budget, which begins July 1.
Both Patrick and Menino urged mayors to use their collective influence to guide the passage of reform measures on Beacon Hill. Too often, Patrick said, mayors end up "freelancing independently" instead of sticking to the unified message.
Menino was more direct.
"We have to continue to stay together," Menino said. "The way they beat us is they pick us off."
But city leaders were optimistic that after years of trying, the political climate may finally allow the changes they're seeking.
"It's not going to be easy," Menino said. "But I know voters have a different attitude toward government than they did a year and a half ago. They're very concerned about how government spends their resources."
Staff writer Chris Cassidy can be reached at ccassidy@salemnews.com or on Twitter @ChrisCassidy_SN.
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