Prop 2 1/2

After reading about how the Healey Administration has been shorting cities and towns in the Commonwealth and reading about how many overrides have occurred in recent years for those municipalities to afford projects, it’s clear that this Legislature is looking to get rid of Prop 2 1/2.

It will be the only way they can argue that cities and towns will afford anything moving forward. Especially with the egregious and continued overspending on migrants and alternative energy programs. They will co-opt some group to get a ballot initiative and outside money will pour in to help get it passed. It’s coming.

RJ Murphy

Peabody

Markey future

Your reports of the Senatorial battle between 79-year-old Ed Markey and 46-year-old Seth Moulton has me asking why, at long last, Sen. Markey does not announce that instead of seeking re-election, he will go on to another career. For example, he could work as a fundraiser for a non-profit, or he could write a book about his lengthy career in politics.

I’m not suggesting that Markey retire. However, I believe I’ve set an example that Markey might consider. I hit age 83 this year, and I’ve announced to my law firm that I’m leaving (not retiring). I will occupy myself with two long-delayed projects.

First, I will be writing a combination memoir of my own career as criminal defense and civil liberties lawyer and author, and of the career in portrait photography of my late wife Elsa Dorfman. Second, when I’ve finished that book, I plan to co-author, with Sarah Lawrence professor of political science Samuel Abrams, a sequel to my book “The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America’s Campuses.”

For me, leaving the law was the end of one career but the start of another. Markey should announce he’s getting out of the race and turning to his second act, whatever it may be.

Harvey A. Silverglate

Cambridge

Mass. economy

A recent editorial in the Herald raises questions about the current and future state of the Massachusetts economy in a highly competitive national growth and labor market. The questions revolve around the aspects of why economic growth is lacking compared to other states, primarily those in the South.

Basic factors include low business favorability based on regulations and taxes, high income and property taxes, and the high cost of housing in Massachusetts, primarily in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. One only has to spend time or visit states including the Carolinas, Tennessee, Texas and others to see the business and growth of their economies.
The basic issue we have is elected officials at the state and federal level who have limited private sector experience and never talk about growing or expanding the economy in the state. Have you ever heard any of these elected officials raise the question on expanding the Massachusetts economy? They are to busy with finding fault with Donald Trump.

Fran Bogdanowicz

Longmeadow