By José Alfonso García
As 2014 reaches its end, so does Governor Deval Patrick’s administration at Beacon Hill. He is the first Black governor of our state, or African American, as many prefer to call it. He is an honest, hardworking family man, truly respectful of the law; a great human being. Thank you Governor, thank you very much, not only for putting the state of Massachusetts in first place in education, employment and economic development, but for being a champion for equality and justice for all residents regardless of their cultural, political or socio-economic status, or religious beliefs.
Lawrence residents have more than enough reasons to remember him as an outstanding governor, perhaps one of the best in decades. I remember that in 2009, when the first Hispanic Mayor took office and the city was on the verge of bankruptcy threatened by an unprecedented financial fiasco, Governor Patrick gave us his support to borrow $35 million to pay off the debt accumulated by Michael Sullivan in his previous period of eight years as Mayor of Lawrence.
We will never forget that by that time the same irresponsible public officials who left our city broke, joined their voices and resources to appeal to the state government to take control of the city. Governor Patrick strongly opposed this plan by saying that the Hispanic community of Lawrence had the right to participate in their own governance to pursue a better future.
Thanks to his support Lawrence could get up and jump-start forward to achieve the goals that we all know: four (4) consecutive balanced budgets, a combined surplus of over $17 million; credit enhancement of the city that allows us to have access to financial resources at low interest rates and above all, a rebirth in commercial activities at all levels. Hundreds of streets were newly paved, parks and bridges were built, and Lawrence began to get out of the woods.
Thanks to Governor Deval Patrick and his administration the education of our children has improved remarkably in the last three years. He shares Superintendent Jeff Riley’s idea that all children can learn, finish high school and go to college. Today, six of our schools are among the best in the state, the dropout rate has plummeted, the graduation rate is up. Lawrence is now seen as a good example of how public education can improve learning when family, school and the community come together to support our children.
No other governor has helped out Lawrence as much as Governor Patrick. Now that he finalizes his second as Governor of Massachusetts we must recognize the great job he has done, we’ll miss him. He entered the state government with great expectations, promises and hopes. Today he leaves Beacon Hill with even higher expectations on his bright political future.
Governor Patrick leaves behind a legacy of great achievements for the people of Massachusetts that will be very tough to match. We anticipate that the new governor, even though coming from a different political background may follow Governor Patrick’s example of hard work, progress and justice for all the people of our communities. And that Lawrence, the city of immigrants, will have the chance to continue moving forward.
Farewell and good luck, Governor Patrick.
