Local Jobs Will Be Lost

The political slogan, 'Good Government', was used in English-speaking countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the government ought to be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, good government was the one that most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will. Take that concept and apply it to New Bedford's State Pier. The Pier needs to have its big blue building refrigerated. Jobs will be lost next summer if we don't have a large enough cold storage facility required for international produce and cargo. The Port of New Bedford will lose revenue, as will all the workers and ancillary employees.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages State Pier. Talks about refrigerating the building have been going on for a year, so, what's happening? Here is where it's imperative that good government comes in. Will all the parties involved, governmental and private, push the ball forward before next summer, and get this refrigeration job done? I know it's all about money, but that means revenue coming into our community, or sadly sailing away to somewhere else!