An initiative proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker that could increase gas prices 17 cents will be discussed in the Legislative and Ordinance Committee.(WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield City Council will consider a resolution by City Councilor Dan Allie and co-sponsored by eight other councilors opposing the Transportation and Climate Initiative — which includes a gas tax hike – proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Co-sponsoring the motion were Councilors Nicholas J. Morganelli Jr., James Adams, Brent B. Bean II, John J. Beltrandi III, Michael Burns, Ralph J. Figy, Dave Flaherty and William Onyski.
The motion was referred to the Legislative and Ordinance Committee and the Law Department during the Feb. 20 City Council meeting, with Councilors Bridget Matthews-Kane and Richard K. Sullivan Jr. opposed.
The Transportation Climate Initiative is a compact Baker is pursuing with other eastern states that would create a regional cap-and-invest program on greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. The states in the TCI coalition are exploring three emissions-reduction scenarios that could increase gas prices at the pump by somewhere from 5 to 17 cents per gallon.
Some local politicians, including Allie and State Rep. John C. Velis, have opposed the TCI process, which circumvents the House of Representatives. “All money bills are to be originated in the House,” Velis said. “The governor is trying to put the TCI through without [House] approval.”
During public participation Feb. 2o, Rich Salois of Russellville Road spoke in favor of the motion to oppose the TCI. Salois said the open-ended tax will impact the west more than the east, where there are no public transportation systems, and most people have to ride cars.
“The Massachusetts government tends to forget about us here. By doing this sort of thing, we can send a message,” Salois said, adding, “We need to be included, not abused.”
Allie also came forward to speak during public participation on the resolution.
“As our neighboring states New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut back away from Governor Baker’s Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), Massachusetts stands to lose revenue from sales and income tax,” Allie said.
No longer a regional initiative, he said the proposed additional 17 cents on a gallon of gas will have an adverse effect on gas and retail sales at convenience stores and small businesses in bordering towns.
“It will not just be the sale of gasoline affected as consumer and driver’s behavior and shopping patterns shift. It will affect Lottery tickets, cigarettes, restaurant, grocery and other retail sales,” he added.
Allie also said that Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. indicated that this is the type of resolution he would have supported as a state senator, adding that currently Westfield and 10 surrounding towns do not have a state senator. A new senator will be elected March 31.
During the Council meeting, Allie thanked the councilors who supported his measure so far and said there are a lot of unintended consequences if the bill should pass.
“If councilors have questions for the subcommittee, is now the time to bring it up?” asked At-large Councilor Kristen Mello, wondering if she should send an email with her questions to the subcommittee chair.
Bean said an email to the chair would be fair, then said the Council needs clarification from the solicitor before proceeding on whether councilors sending in questions to subcommittees for discussion at meetings violated the Open Meeting Law.
