The Results of Lobby Day

The Sentinel chimes in today with a story on Lobby Day. It doesn't sound like anything overly creative happened as we advocated, but perhaps some progress was made.

The story was a little thin on the Fitchburg side, but it seemed like the one area legislator quoted was fairly impressed with the rally. There was also the reaffirmation that Gov. Mitt Romney is increasing lottery aid and education aid.

After spending most of his administration slashing local aid -- partly because the state was facing revenue cuts and partly because there was some feeling that cities and towns had it too good for too long -- Romney's suddenly trying on the hero's cape with local leaders. Considering how cash-starved many of them are, Romney's plans have been very well received.

While Lobby Day didn't herald a dramatic turn in Fitchburg's favor, it probably didn't hurt in the Legislator, where all 200 members are being told by locals that they need help more than anyone else. Fitchburg needs to find that compelling message for Goguen, Antonioni and others to make sure its needs rise above the rest. Romney's budget will be a starting point, but hopefully Fitchburg has a plan in place to make a good case in the Legislature for more beyond Romney's plans.