The Hiller Instinct: Hiller Instinct: Deval’s challenge

This morning, the new governor was asked to turn his signature campaign phrase into policy, by explaining exactly what it is that together we can.

"Together, we can revive the economy," Governor-elect Deval Patrick said. "Together, we can ensure excellence in the public schools. Together, we can deliver on the promise of affordable, patient centered healthcare."

But before he gets to any of that, he has some other challenges coming his way.

Start with turnpike tolls. Surely you haven't forgotten the surprise Romney-Healey plan to end them west of Route 128, at a cost to the state of over $100 million.

The turnpike board is scheduled to vote on the plan next week, and, just days before the election, Healey was hinting at what could become a big problem for Patrick.

"Knowing that we're saving this tape, do you believe those tolls will be taken down on the schedule you announced?" I asked Kerry Healey last week.

"Absolutely," Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey responded. "I do, because we control that board, and it's the right thing to do, and we're going to do it."

"And if they don't come down?" Hiller asked.

"I would be surprised," Healey said.

Patrick has also promised to pay for a thousand new police officers in his new budget, which would cost an estimated $85 million.

And he's repeatedly promised to boost state aid to cities and towns, in an effort to keep the lid on property taxes.

So, his biggest challenge will be to balance the state budget, without breaking what will become his hardest-to-keep promise.

"I have no plan to raise taxes," Patrick said.

If there's any confetti on your clothes, brush it off. The campaign is over.

And you can also throw out all of the fuzzy math you heard from the candidates.

Now, the numbers get real. It's time for Patrick to govern, and time for us to discover the Deval in the details.

Live in the newsroom, I’m Andy Hiller, 7News.

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