According to a new report our state pier is crumbling, managed poorly and operating in red ink. Surprise. Surprise! Par for the course with a government operation. New Bedford's State Pier is run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation which is under the window of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Just the people to run State Pier to the bottom of red ink harbor.

If members of the state delegation get their way another government agency or authority will be in charge of the pier. Mayor Mitchell has a plan for his government choice. These options are absolutely wrong. Why do elected officials believe government knows best.

As we've witnessed government doesn't know how to run business, except into the ground. Case in point: the MBTA. The pier needs a private solution. Get government out of the repair and replacement of aging seawalls, marine support services, shipping and fishing. These are all strengths of the private sector, and businesses will operate State Pier at a profit.

Get amateur government agencies out of the ownership and operation of State Pier and all piers. Sell them to the highest qualified professional private pier operator, pay down the state debt, apply minimum regulations, stop being overly intrusive and let the pier flourish.

 

Brian Thomas, Brian's Beat, Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-Noon

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