My interview with Jay Ash was very interesting. I wrote about it in this edition.

Ash is candid, funny and clearly engaged in his efforts to bring jobs to the Commonwealth. He knows the area as well especially for breakfast and lunch places, a man after my own heart. I like the guy and he is the type of person the Commonwealth needs.

He was also clear about his views on east-west rail. While he supports the idea of studying it, he was careful to note that implementing a plan to connect Springfield to Boston in some way may be years off. He was quick to say that he is not the secretary of Transportation.

He would rather concentrate on projects that could be achieved now.

I understand his point of view. East-west rail would be a large expense. There are questions about the laying down of new track and how much that would cost.

And I understand that such an enterprise requires a consensus of political will formed between the governor and the Legislature.
    I’m just hoping that at some point soon we could at least have a study that would either allow for the consensus to build or determine the project is not feasible.    

I’m hoping the Legislature can move forward on that soon.

In the meantime, we in Western Massachusetts can’t be whiny about this and other subjects on inequity. I know that sometimes it would appear to be true that we get the stick rather than the lollipop. Other parts of the state have the same complaint.

I wear my allegiance to my home region on my sleeve. There are few places that have the combination of elements that contribute to a positive place to live as this one.

Consider for the moment the following:
• We have an incredible acclaimed state and private institutions essentially all within 45 minutes drive of one another.
• We have world class tourist attractions that draw hundreds of thousands of people to our area every year.
• We are an Amtrak hub, linking the greater Springfield area with points north and south.
• Want to be in a big city? New York City is three hours away and Boston is about 80 miles away. I won’t give that trip to Boston a time designation as we all know just how variable that journey can be.
• This is an ethnically diverse area. Everyone lives in Western Massachusetts and we are stronger for it.
• We are part of a region with services and programs to encourage start-up companies and high tech ventures.
• We are part of a two state region with precision manufacturing firms that are known worldwide.
• Want to live in the middle of a city? You can. Want to live in the country? You can in Western Massachusetts. You have options here.
• Culture? We’ve got museums, a symphony, theaters, festivals, fairs, galleries and much more.

Mike Ross writing in Boston Magazine suggested the state move the capitol from Boston to Springfield to spread some additional positive economic impact.

You can see his piece here: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/article/2017/08/27/sell-state-house.

He wrote, “Who knows, maybe forcing our lawmakers to operate outside the comfort zone of the 617 area code will even spur them to be better legislators and recalibrate their priorities – particularly with regard to public transportation. As of now, only one train a day carries passengers from Springfield to Boston. A few long car rides might be all it takes to compel politicians to finally make those big infrastructure investments that are particularly needed west of Boston. A high-speed train could not only ferry government officials from their Boston homes to the new capital, it could potentially open up the state and allow lower- and middle-income workers to live affordably in Springfield while easily commuting to jobs in the Hub.”

Sounds pretty innovative to me. We’ve got a lot of offer out here.