Oped: Transparency

This article was published in the Boston Herald on June 9, 2014. Author: Charles Chieppo Rarely is state government’s dysfunction on display more than in the waning days of a legislative session. This time around, exhibit A is the rush to approve...

Massachusetts performs dismally when it comes to government openness. Pending legislation filed by state Rep. Peter Kocot (D-Northampton) could begin to change that.

Op-Ed by Mary Connaughton & Josh Archambault Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Think because you live in Massachusetts you’re protected from the Obamacare insurance premium spikes that you have seen in the national news? Think again, especially if you work at a small company....

Legislature must open up on spending  Monday, April 1, 2013 By: Mary Z. Connaughton, Adam Campbell Why would the Legislature spend $525 on a tailor, $1,050 on limousine service and $59,000 at WGBH last year? And the numbers get even bigger. How about...

Watch Pioneer's Administration and Finance Director, Mary Z. Connaughton, on Fox 25 with Maria Stephanos. "Expert Discusses Surprising New EBT Numbers."

http://www.wickedlocal.com/medfield/news/x1157706593/Medfield-residents-get-around-2K-if-House-GOP-OKs-payroll-tax-cut?zc_p=2#axzz2OHGE6ymJ Medfield residents have reaped thousands of dollars in savings from a  one-year cut to a federal payroll tax whose expiration looms Dec. 31. Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress have agreed broadly on  extending the temporary cut to the Social Security...

If Massachusetts is serious about transparency, state leaders should provide one-stop campaign contribution shopping.

Establishing an independent office in Massachusetts like the CBO, to be run by the inspector general would pay for itself. Improved decision-making and accountability promote both efficiency and public trust.

Friday, September 14, 2012 Circulation:108,548 By Tom Nash Tom Nash is news editor at MuckRock, a Boston-based, online public records request service that is partnering with Pioneer Institute on its government transparency initiative. What happens when the watchdog is part of the...

http://www.heraldnews.com/opinions/x465804200/GUEST-OPINION-With-process-lite-is-a-full-time-Legislature-even-necessary The Legislature’s new “process-lite” operating style reached new heights with  the recent health care cost containment bill. This legislation — which  restructures 18 percent of the state’s economy, impacts every citizen, promises  over $100 billion (yep, billion) in savings, and changes...