No second chance to make first impression, Gov. Baker

lowell sun ^ | 1/5 | peter lucas

[luke1825]

Memo to incoming Gov. Charlie Baker:

Don't touch the drapes.

Outgoing Gov. Deval Patrick spent $27,000 on those damask drapes in the governor's office, along with some fine furniture, when he first became governor, and he took a lot of heat over it. So leave the drapes alone.

First impressions are very important. Do not repeat his initial mistakes.

Also, be careful where you sit. The entire governor's suite on the third floor of the Statehouse has recently been refurbished to its historic 1798 Charles Bulfinch setting at a cost of $11.3 million.

[Vaquero]

Throw the drapes in the trash and give the furniture to good will. Then go to Walmart and buy some new, modestly priced goods.