To the editor:
In the 1930s, Quabbin Reservoir was built to provide the primary water supply to Boston and greater Boston. This was only the beginning of the unfair distribution of resources between the eastern and western parts of Massachusetts. In 1964, the MBTA was established for the greater Boston area. In 2009 Gov. Deval Patrick placed the MBTA under the authority of the Massachusetts DOT. Fair?
People in the greater Boston area can ride the T for a fee. In western Massachusetts, no T, so we have to own a vehicle. Therefore the gas tax linked to inflation will certainly have a greater effect on us here in Western Mass. Anyone who has driven Route 187 might question if tax money is going towards road repair in western Massachusetts. Instead of wisely managing our tax dollars, Beacon Hill is reaching into our wallets for more money. It feels as if we just pay and pay here in western Mass to support the Boston area without getting our fair share in return.
Oh sure, crumbs are thrown our way for some roadwork but loaves are thrown to the greater Boston area and other areas in eastern Massachusetts. In March a $12.5 billion transportation bond bill was passed. Out of this, $2.2 billion will go to the South Coast Rail Project to restore service to Taunton, Fall River and $1.3 billion will go to the Green Line extension in the Somerville-Medford area. Please notice these are big projects in eastern Massachusetts. Notice only $200 million goes statewide for general road maintenance. This is not enough to fix our crumbling roads. These facts indicate that the eastern part of the state will benefit more from the $200 million. Fair?
Marion Barre
Westfield