LYNN – Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray recently addressed more than 40 members of the city’s business and political community at the 16th annual meeting of the Lynn Business Partnership (LBP) at Eastern Bank.Created in 1992, the LBP serves to improve the economic vitality and overall quality of life in Lynn. Collaboration among the LBP and city, state and federal officials has produced positive results for the city, he said.Those accomplishments include development of a comprehensive plan for the downtown and arts and cultural district; inclusion of the Blue Line extension in the state’s master plan; and unprecedented residential development downtown.Murray, who serves as the liaison to cities and towns, has placed a high priority on transportation issues, particularly the improvement and expansion of the commuter rail, and on disaster recovery policy and brownfields redevelopment. He has a vested interest in the city.Topics covered at the June 11 fueled discussion by partnership members, including state Sen. Thomas M. McGee, state Rep. Steven M. Walsh, state Rep. Robert F. Fennell, state Rep. Lori A. Ehrlich; Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. and EDIC Executive Director James M. Cowdell.”It’s a pleasure to work with the Lynn delegation,” said Murray. “This is a group that works together, communicates and operates with an open door policy.””(Murray) understands Lynn is a place you drive to, not drive through,” said Walsh. “He has been a partner to this delegation, this business community and this city.”Murray talked candidly with the attendees and addressed questions regarding energy, education, youth services, permitting, so-called “smart growth,” and public safety.He also described the progress of the state’s process of issuing seven bond bills for a total of $10.5 billion over five years. The bills address biotechnology, energy and the environment, transportation, broadband, higher education and housing.”Government is not unlike football,” said Murray. “You have to pay attention to the fundamentals – blocking and tackling. In government, blocking and tackling don’t always get the lead headlines, but a lot is going on daily. There have never been so many bond bills moving through at once, on all fronts. Every day our goal is to open up new opportunities.”To expand on matters discussed by Murray and the LBP, Clancy followed up days later with the LBP Executive Board in a meeting that also included Walsh.”They’re practical guys. The lieutenant governor, mayor and partnership had frank conversations. They shared thoughts, perspectives, and ideas,” said Ted Grant, principal of Grant Communications Group and executive consultant to the LBP. “Elected officials don’t have all the answers – no one does – nor do partnership members expect them to. The purpose of the partnership is to work with the different levels of government to address matters of concern to the city, as was demonstrated during those meetings.”