I find it ironic and disappointing that there is such a short-term memory on this subject, given the important work of the Boston Globe Spotlight Team on this very issue. Under the administration in office at that time, the use of an opaque privatization scheme ultimately rewarded relationships over fiscal responsibility in the issuing of contracts. The Spotlight Team shone a light on the abuse that took place as a result. Now it seems as though we’re headed back into the shadows.

The editorial is quick to use as gospel the assurances and estimates of the the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority regarding prospective savings. To use “The T says” as a primary source is not sufficient for me, and it shouldn’t be sufficient for our taxpayers.

Senator Marc R. Pacheco
President pro tempore
Massachusetts Senate
Boston