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Maria_Stephanos's Blog

by Maria_Stephanos from Dedham, MA

Last Post 3 days, 6 hours Ago


Big PIG!!!!
Jul 17, 2008 | 4:22 PM
Category: News
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I have covered this story for almost 20 years now. If I had a dime for every time I did a story on the Big Dig, how much it will cost, how much it's going to put the screws to the taxpayers, I would be a very wealthy woman.

And now this. There are reports that interest payments on the price tag of the Big Dig will drive the final cost up. The state will pay $7 billion in interest over the next 30 years to bring the final price tag of this PIG to a whopping $22 million -- a far cry from just over $2 million in the early 80's. It makes me CRAZY! How did this happen?

And here's what gets me the most. State officials are considering raising the gas tax to help pay for the cost. No, do not punish us for the incompetence of this project. Enough is enough. And the pathetic part is, the big pig covered up the view of the city I loved to see. Now, we drive through dark, dirty, leaky tunnels. We can't even see the city! And now we have to pay for that? No, thank you.

Now, you tell me. Do you just gloss over this story now, are you immune to it or does it get your blood boiling like it does mine?
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Member Comments Total Comments: 45
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Happyg read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 4:38 PM

Maria,
Most residents of Mass still think the Federal Government paid for most of this project. Not so. Just today I heard a figure that suggested that Mass residents are on the hook for 73% of the total cost. I know you're a fan of Ted Kennedy, but he ain't all that!
Zigulis101803 read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 4:50 PM

Maria, you are very right about this story and why do people have to keep push it to the limit, How much is enough and the city will never see a dime in there pocket what do we do in the meantime just wait and see how much this city and state it is going to cost our taxpayers wait and see! Casimir T.Zigulis
Maria_Stephanos read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 5:12 PM

As much as I respect what Ted Kennedy has done for Massachusetts, I have said time and again I certainly do NOT agree with a lot of his politics. And yes Happy G we are on the hook now. Just wrong. So wrong. Makes me want to run for Governor and fix it!
Xantun read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 5:14 PM

Maria, I can't say that my blood is boiling over this, but I'm definitely not glossing it over. I think the state is counting on people to give it a pass...And considering as they let the statute of limitations run out on most shoddy workmanship claims against the contractors, there's no way we can let this pass by.

I think it's time to start voting people OUT of office.
Dory read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 5:28 PM

Maria, I think you'd make a terrific governer!!!!! Maybe if we had a woman handling things, the budget wouldn't be so messed up!!!!! I agree with you about losing out on the view of the city. Tunnels are boring, and obviously not so safe!!!!!

It still makes me sick to my stomach that that young mother lost her life cuz of shotty work on this project!!!!! You would think for all the money they have spent and continue to spend, that they would do a top notch, thorough job, not such a lousy one!!!!
Happyg read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 5:30 PM

Governor? No way. I'm thinking Condi and Maria 2012.
Let's see, RICE/STEPHANOS-"2012".

Yep. It works for me. And it would drive Hillary crazy too!!!


Maria_Stephanos
Makes me want to run for Governor and fix it!
Backlash
Jul 17, 2008 | 5:49 PM

Maria,

Just when I think the people at the State House can no longer shock me, this comes along. My grandchildren will be paying off the debt-unless they are smart enough to leave the state when they are old enough to move. No more fat in the form of useless study programs and events-starting with the picnic the Governor is planning!

Billions of dollars spent on a project no one can see-as you mentioned-and it's defective! Leaks, structural integrity problems, years late....

ARRGH!
nomorehacks read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 6:06 PM

Maria for governor! I can see the headlines and, V.B."s Blogs. There is a million dollar line item in the budget for her shoes !

The big pig is not only a great name for the Dig, but for the State government too!
shanniesdad
Jul 17, 2008 | 6:13 PM

Maria, Maria, Maria...can you honestly say that you didn't know that the Big Dig was going to be a money pit? Anyone who had the opertunity was going to have their hands in the pie, from contractors to detail cops. We, the voters have nobody to blame but ourselves for electing these pols. As for the view, I'll take the current one over that green, rusting, monstrosity that we laughingly called the expressway. If the downtown looks brighter / better then tourism may increase, which won't put money into my pockets, but may help the tax base.
bostonfun44
Jul 17, 2008 | 6:45 PM

It is another in the long line of so many things that make us shake our head in total disbelief and disgust.

Maria, if you run, put me down for your campaign committee!
bostonfun44
Jul 17, 2008 | 6:55 PM

It is another in the long line of so many things that make us shake our head in total disbelief and disgust.

Maria, if you run, put me down for your campaign committee!
ScottW3
Jul 17, 2008 | 7:00 PM

Ok you lost me. $7 billion in interest or $7 million? Because if we're adding $7B to the price tag and the final total is $22M that seems like (as one real genius once put it) "fuzzy math". Either way I'd vote for you for Governor. Assuming you keep the news gig while you're running, just make sure anchor Stefanos doesn't ask canidate Stefanos any softball questions during the debates!!
Maria_Stephanos read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 7:33 PM

ScottW3 good catch! 7 Billion=22 Billion. I typed that right before the 5:00 news and was rushing sorry! Do you want to be my Lt. Gov. OK everyone... Just so you know. And I was kidding on the Governor thing. Really.
jovanone read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 9:18 PM

Maria,

How can someone miscalculate 7 BILLION dollars??? Are they kidding me???? Still more lies. If they're admitting to a 7 BILLION dollar snafu their full of it, there's got to be more then what their telling us. I don't believe them for a NEW YORK minute. I didn’t believe them from the beginning and I don’t believe them now. Remember Jim keriseotis's famous words "were on time and on budget” yea, who's time and who's budget? Where’s that bum now and what is he doing? He should still be held accountable for his actions for what he did right from the beginning of the project. LIARS,LIARS LIARS!!!!!!!!!!

They should have a public hanging for all of these SOB’s who did nothing but lie to all of us right from the get go. Absolutely disgusting and there’s nothing we can do about it. Can you blame anyone for leaving the State?
ScottW3
Jul 17, 2008 | 9:32 PM

You'd let me be your running mate even after I just spelled your last name wrong TWICE! You're the best and I accept the offer. And I'm soooo sorry!! I rushed typing mine too. I swear I know how to spell it correctly: STEPHANOS STEPHANOS, I only see it 100 times a day. And apparently I have a hard time spelling big words like candidate too. I'll get working on our campaign signs (I'll just make sure I have someone else spell check them).
JuneInMA read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 9:56 PM

LIES LIES LIES LIES GRAND THEFT LIES LIES LIES
legendkiller34 read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:02 PM

Maria,
This project has made us the laughing stock
of the country, in fact when the tourists
arrive in the summer I'll bet they take Bus tours, to take pictures of the fiasco.
Also you said in Joe's Blog you would get him back for the video, well seeing he probably doesn't scroll through other blogs except for his, I've got an idea,
Put Whoopie cushions all over the floor where he stands to do his news bit, and cover them with a rug, then put a microphone down next to his feet and everytime he moves, Oh Boy
the laughs.
legendkiller34 read my blog
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:06 PM

Maria,
BTW, if you get a chance check out my blog on what to toss for a 2008 "Tea Party" you might be able to add some good things for us to throw.
Ten44
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:09 PM

Our children and grandchildren will be paying this debt off.

State gas taxes will increase, Mass.Turnpike tolls will go up, and don't be surprised if New Hampshire and North Shore drivers will be hit with toll booths coming down 93.

The Commonwealth needs money, and they have no shame as to how they are going to get it.

Route 93 toll booths? Hey that means another 125 toll takers, politicians call your relatives! $65,000-a-year and no heavy lifting!
Zigulis101803 read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:19 PM

Maria, How about you and me for Governor in 2012 would that be a good one for the state and would be happy to be your lt Governor if you and I were picked! Casimir Zigulis
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Maria_Stephanos

I anchor the news on FOX25 at 5, 5:30,10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Member Since: 2/13/2007


 

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