The Hiller Instinct: Hiller Instinct: Interview with Gov.-elect Deval Patrick

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"We have some big, big challenges... Many of the programs and initiatives that I’m interested in we're not going to be able to do as fast as I'd like."

|Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"How big is the deficit that you anticipate you're going to be facing?"

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"[I] think it's going to be as much -- or maybe a little more -- than a billion dollars."

Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"So, how soon would we see 1,000 new policemen?"

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"As soon as possible. I hope to implement that in the coming fiscal year. It will be reflected in our budget, but I know I made that promise, because I believe in community policing, and I intent to keep that promise."

Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"Are you familiar with former Governor Dukakis' lead pipe cinch guarantee that there would be no tax increase?"

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"I am."

Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"Would you like to make one of your own?

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"(Laughs) I’ve been asked for two years to take a no-new-taxes pledge, and I have no plan to raise taxes."

Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"How long before we'll know whether you are more than a political poet?"

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"I think probably in the first week or two. If the question is, ‘When will you see a legislative agenda begin to emerge and specific proposals around specific programs?’ you will see that beginning the first few days, and you'll see it consistently for the next four years."

Andy Hiller, 7News Political Editor
"Do you have any fear of failure?"

Deval Patrick, Gov.-elect of Massachusetts
"Of course. I mean, I don't think I’m going to. I'm certainly not planning on it, but I am conscious of how closely scrutinized I will be. I am conscious of the enormity of the task... but I’ve been in other situations (none quite like this)... but other situations that were for me, and for many observers, a tightrope act, and I’m still standing. So, I’m ready."

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