Lt. Gov. Tim Murray told a roomful of local Democrats last night about the challenges of getting initiatives approved on Beacon Hill.
"Expectations are immediate. Results take time," Murray said. "We're learning to work with 130 state reps ... We're trying to learn about the 40 state senators ... I think we all know from our homes and businesses ... it takes a lot of time to build those relationships.
"People ask 'do elections make a difference?' and there's no doubt in my mind from what I've seen over the course of the last year that they do," he told the Democratic City Committee.
Murray said he and Gov. Deval Patrick have worked hard to make Massachusetts a nationwide leader in renewable energy.
One way in which it worked toward that goal is convincing Evergreen Solara, a Marlborough company, to keep its business within state borders.
Murray said the administration has tried to make the commonwealth a premier spot to test wind blades, used to generate power. Last summer, the state won federal support to build one of the world's largest wind technology centers.
"On the area of life science and biotechnology, we've worked aggressively," Murray said. "We want to make sure we maintain that leadership."
Murray's role in politics and the amount of clout he has in his position were also among the topics.
"When you run for lieutenant governor, people say 'why is it important to run?' ... You kind of roll the dice twice. Can you win and if you do win, are you ever going to get a seat at the table," he said. "I win some arguments and I lose some arguments, but I am at the table."
Murray even spoke about Patrick's work ethic.
"I've worked 10 years now in government ... through the process I've got to know the difference between a workhorse and a show horse and I can tell you, Gov. Patrick is a workhorse," he said. "(Patrick) comes in early and leaves late ... we're doing everything we can to promote this state."
With thoughts of the upcoming election in the forefront of media coverage, Murray said Democrats need to be organized.
"No matter who you are with ... stay unified and stay focused," he said. "I'm sure a lot of us will be on buses to places like Ohio (to show Democratic support during the primaries)."
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
