Governor Deval Patrick visited the Haverhill Public Library yesterday to make the case for transportation reform, and an increase in the gas tax. The Governor was greeted warmly, but without question the Haverhill audience was strongly against an increase in the gas tax. The Governor was joined by State Senator Steve Baddour, as well as Republican Senator Bruce Tarr. Mayor Thatcher Kezer of Amesbury joined host Mayor Jim Fiorentini and myself at the event. Many Haverhill City Councilors were also in attendance. Without reviewing all of the transportation issues again the Governor was questioned on many different aspects of the plan, including the reform part of it, as well as the implications for the Massachusetts border cities and their businesses. Governor Patrick was both gracious and candid, talking about his recognition of some of the attendant problems of the potential tax increase, but laying out all of the problems we face as a Commonwealth in the transportation arena. He made the case for a comprehensive solution to our transportation problems now and not kicking the transportation can down the road any further. I am not sure anyone in that audience left convinced, but there was without a doubt a feeling of goodwill towards the Governor, who is a master in these settings. The Governor had made an earlier presentation in Lowell, and has been on the issue in these settings throughout the Commonwealth. I have attached some video from the event.