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The Editorial Page

Deval Patrick for governor

Auditor
Incumbent Joe DeNucci is one of the few in state government (along with Inspector General Gregory Sullivan) who has actually tried to do something about the Big Dig fiasco at a time when it might have mattered. It’s not DeNucci’s fault that few on Beacon Hill paid attention to the reports and warnings he issued. DeNucci deserves to be re-elected. There is, however, reason to consider voting for Rand Wilson, who is running on the ticket of the Working Families Party. If Wilson can capture three percent of the vote — as seems possible, due to the backing of some progressive unions — the Working Families ticket will get ballot status in the 2008 elections.

Ballot questions
Question One, the so-called wine-at-food-stores initiative, may not be perfect, but neither is it as evil as its opponents would have voters believe. It will increase convenience for consumers while maintaining local control over licenses and caps on the number of permits any chain can hold. We urge a yes vote.

Question Two would allow a small party, such as the Green and Working Families Parties, to cross list the candidate of another party. This is a creative measure that would increase the leverage and influence of smaller parties inside the existing political structure. It’s a creative reform that aims at inclusion and political cross-pollination. Vote yes on Question Two.

Question Three would allow unions to organize workers at small, almost mom-and-pop daycare centers. Sounds good, but it isn’t. It’s the brainchild of a single union that is trying to increase its bargaining power with the state, and there is no credible evidence that it will do anything to improve either standards or the quality of care itself. Vote no on Question Three.