Gov. Deval Patrick vacationing at a crucial time

It may be unfair to attack Gov. Deval Patrick for his Jamaica vacation. After all, who wouldn't want to escape the commonwealth when they are facing a $3 billion budget deficit, a 7.4 percent unemployment rate, and a 28 percent approval rating, while trying to drastically hike taxes on whole host of items, including gasoline, that negatively impact the average Massachusetts resident.

Everyone deserves to go on a family vacation every now and then. Unfortunately, in the midst of a deep recession, far too many of Gov. Patrick's constituents are in financial chaos. While Patrick is having fun in the Jamaican sun, Massachusetts residents are being laid off and cannot afford their basic needs, much less a vacation.

This isn't the first time Deval Patrick has taken a vacation during a crucial time in his administration. The governor skipped town for last year's vacation when the bill to legalize gaming was on the floor of the Statehouse. The gaming bill was the keystone of Patrick's budget plans, yet rather than fight for its passage, the governor went on vacation!

The governor should come home and do the job for which he was elected. He must come back to Beacon Hill and show the commonwealth clear and decisive leadership!

Brock N. Cordeiro
Dartmouth

Mr. Cordeiro is the Massachusetts Republican State Committeeman for the Second Bristol & Plymouth State Senate District representing New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, & Mattapoisett.