MASSACHUSETTS CITIES and towns need to get a firmer grip on their costs. Candidates for the Legislature can help by endorsing a slate of reforms proposed by the Massachusetts Taxpayers' Foundation: clear, simple ways to curb excesses in municipal pensions and health care, thereby saving enough money to withstand flat property-tax revenues and cuts in state aid.
Michael Widmer, president of the business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said he agrees with some of the changes but at best, they might eventually save about $500 million a year.
"I don't believe (they) will have any difficulty recruiting superintendents," said Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. "We're still talking about a very generous benefit."
