Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt initially emerged as a promising figure within the Healey administration, drawing parallels to Mac Jones’s debut as the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback. Like Jones, Tibbits-Nutt began her tenure with considerable anticipation and goodwill. Appointed as undersecretary of transportation by Governor Maura Healey at the commencement of her term, she was swiftly promoted to the cabinet secretary position in late 2023. This elevation followed the abrupt departure of Gina Fiandaca, who had served less than a year in the role. At the time of Tibbits-Nutt’s appointment, Governor Healey publicly lauded her as “a proven leader,” setting high expectations for her leadership of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
However, mirroring Jones’s trajectory, Tibbits-Nutt’s performance has faced significant headwinds, marked by challenges in decision-making and leadership effectiveness. These issues bear a resemblance to those that led to Jones’s benching and eventual departure from the Patriots. Despite these challenges, and unlike the Patriots’ decision with Jones, Governor Healey has maintained Tibbits-Nutt in her position. This decision comes even as some observers note a perceived timidity in her role as a Cabinet secretary, particularly at a juncture where robust leadership is deemed crucial for Massachusetts’ transportation sector.
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The stakes are considerable. Critical transportation initiatives, including the construction of new Cape Cod bridges and the complex reconfiguration of the Massachusetts Turnpike through Allston, are currently in progress. Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation co-chairs a vital task force tasked with devising a sustainable new funding model for the state’s extensive transportation network. The efficacy of Massachusetts’ infrastructure development and maintenance hinges significantly on effective leadership in this role.
A pivotal moment in assessing Tibbits-Nutt’s tenure occurred in April when she delivered a candid address and engaged in a question-and-answer session at an event hosted by WalkMassachusetts, an advocacy group. In this forum, Tibbits-Nutt conveyed confidence and optimism, articulating a progressive vision for transportation policy with a refreshing degree of directness, uncommon in bureaucratic settings.
She voiced assurance that the transportation funding task force, under her co-leadership, would successfully secure the necessary funds to revitalize the state’s transportation system. She outlined potential revenue-generating strategies being considered, including the implementation of tolls at state borders, a payroll tax, and increased or novel fees on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as package delivery services. In her words, this approach was aimed at “basically going after everybody who has money.”
Adding to the forthright nature of her remarks, she criticized drivers of large vehicles like F-150 trucks on Massachusetts roads. She also indicated her intent to leverage her policy-making authority assertively. Furthermore, she expressed reservations about a proposed layover facility for commuter rail trains as part of the expansive Interstate 90 Allston project. She argued that such a facility could potentially jeopardize a $335 million federal grant earmarked for reconnecting communities previously divided by transportation infrastructure projects.
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Tibbits-Nutt projected an image of resolute action, stating her commitment to pursuing change aggressively, unburdened by concerns about job security. She conveyed confidence in the governor’s support, remarking, “This governor likes fights. She does. She loves to fight.”
However, subsequent events indicated a divergence from this assertive stance. Following public criticism of Tibbits-Nutt’s remarks from conservative voices, Governor Healey publicly distanced herself from the Secretary of Transportation, particularly concerning the suggestions of border tolls and other revenue-raising mechanisms. In a public statement, Healey emphasized, “Our top priorities are making Massachusetts a more affordable place and bringing people together to get things done. The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to collaborating with the Legislature and all stakeholders to make Massachusetts a more affordable, competitive place.”
Since this episode, Tibbits-Nutt’s public profile and pronouncements have shifted noticeably. Observers have noted a significant reduction in her substantive contributions at meetings of the MBTA and MassDOT boards. She has also assumed a less prominent role in the transportation funding task force, which bears the responsibility of formulating a comprehensive financing plan within a tight timeframe. This shift in engagement contrasts sharply with her initial proactive approach.
In a notable policy reversal in November, Tibbits-Nutt changed her stance on the inclusion of a layover train facility for Amtrak as part of the I-90 Allston interchange project. Citing concerns from Amtrak, Representative Richard Neal, and internal staff, she now advocated for the inclusion of the layover facility in Allston. Additionally, she proposed downgrading the scope of the MBTA’s planned West Station, suggesting that commuter rail trains passing through the area should be allowed to bypass the station entirely. This decision has placed Tibbits-Nutt in opposition to local officials and advocacy groups and carries the potential to escalate costs for a project already facing financial complexities.
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Notably, Tibbits-Nutt has not provided a public explanation for this reversal in position, and her office has reportedly avoided inquiries regarding the matter. Former transportation secretary Fred Salvucci, who had initially persuaded Tibbits-Nutt to oppose the layover facility, stated that he was not consulted or informed about her change of heart prior to the public announcement. He learned of the decision through a statement released by Tibbits-Nutt to “members of the Legislature, municipal officials, and key stakeholders.”
This policy shift stands in stark contrast to the image of the Transportation Secretary who, just months prior at the WalkMassachusetts event, urged attendees to hold her accountable and ensure follow-through on commitments. “You hold us to it,” she had declared. “Don’t let me forget. Don’t let me lie. Don’t let us sugarcoat something.” The current silence and policy reversals raise questions about the direction and leadership of transportation policy under the Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation.
Bruce Mohl is the former editor of CommonWealth Beacon.
