Though all of the Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates may have spoken at the Massachusetts Municipal Association Saturday afternoon on their respective vision for the future of Massachusetts, it was Republican candidate Charlie Baker who, prior to addressing the MMA, made a campaign promise for his first day in office, should he be elected to Beacon Hill.

Baker pledged to release the $100 million in Chapter 90 funds which reimburses cities and towns across the commonwealth for major roadway construction projects. The funds initially totaled $300 million when appropriated by the legislature, of which Governor Deval Patrick has only released $200 million.

For his part, Baker hopes letting loose the money will spur job growth in cities whose infrastructure systems are subpar.

“On my first day in office, I will release the $100 million for local road projects so that cities and towns finally receive the resources they need,” said Charlie Baker in a statement. “Local officials in our cities and towns have tough jobs and they need a partner in the Governor’s office to enable them to execute road construction and repair projects, essential for strengthening their local economies.”

Though all of the candidates have made their goals for the Bay State known in general – all expressing the desire to overhaul the current healthcare and transportation systems, make a more efficient school system, and create jobs by taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies and industries – this is the first time in the early stages of the campaign that we’ve heard a candidate specifically make note a circumstance where Governor Patrick may have fallen short in the eyes of some, and have an eloquent and effective means of reforming it.