There are times on this job when I want to scream – just stand up, point at some miscreant and yell the truth.

One of those times was last week when covering the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) hearing about the rate schedule for the new and improved automated system for the Massachusetts Turnpike.  

The hearing was one of seven conducted around the Commonwealth during which MassDOT personnel go through a presentation on how the new system that eliminates toll takers and toll plazas will be great for the environment as it will eliminate idling. It will be great for traffic flow, especially in the eastern part of the state, as cars can merrily zip under the toll gantries that collect information on and off the Pike at faster speeds than now.

And don’t worry about the rates themselves. They’ll stay about the same as long as you sign up for a transponder. If you don’t get one then someone at MassDOT will send you a bill because they will have a photo of your license plate.

I was surprised that none of the handful of folks present were carrying signs about the encroachment of big government.

So what made me want to stand up and scream was the notion that the MassDOT folks were going to record any reaction from the public to the rate structure of the new system and bring them back to Boston for review before MassDOT starts the new people-less system on Oct. 28.

Does anyone really believe for a moment that this exercise was anything more than theater? It was a performance. Do you think someone in Boston is really going to care what people think at this stage of the game? Do you think they would revise their carefully planned rate structure now?

Ah, no.

Yes, I’m being cynical but I can’t believe MassDOT and the Turnpike people really would change something on which they have worked for years.

Considering how things work out in the Commonwealth I would strongly advise MassDOT to hold off from demolishing the toll plazas for at least a couple of months as I suspect this has the makings for a misfire and they just may want to have a back-up plan.

Apparently there will be a “free zone” in the western part of the state between several points. I suppose this is some sort of concession to us out here who have to pay for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority with our sales tax but from which we get little to no benefit.

I’m not a Luddite. I love technology. I’m all for greater efficiency. I just want state officials to dare to be honest. I want them to admit this plan is to relieve traffic congestion in the Boston area and 500 Turnpike workers will pay for it with their jobs. I just want them to admit they have the political strength in this state and the concerns of the four western counties are little consequence. I want them to know and admit that tossing us a “free zone” on a road that was designed to be free at this point is weak tea.

This is a wonderful example of how this little state continues to struggle with regional equity. If the transportation regime in Boston wants to help us, how about moving on regional rail? There’s a plan already developed that would increase rail between Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont.

How about forward funding our regional transit authorities such as the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority instead of the backwards way the state currently does it?

I have yet to stand up and scream at a public meeting, but as I get older, the inclination becomes stronger.

Thank you MGM

I suspect when the MGM management folks see what I write in this column they don’t like it very much as I come across as someone who is not a true believer.

Sorry, being a skeptic comes with my job description.

I will repeat for the record that as a Springfield resident and homeowner I want the casino to be a blazing success. The alternative is unthinkable.

I will gladly, however, give them a bouquet this week for something they have done. MGM now owns the former School Department building on State Street as one of the sites it intends to turn into market rate apartments.

If you’re like me and you travel on Maple Street very much you might have seen that side of the building and noticed how overgrown the weeds are and how people regularly go down one of two flights of stairs there to do things I can’t put in this newspaper.

Well, MGM has cleaned up the property and I’ve not seen anyone going into the staircases of late. Thanks!