Lashman Brings Political Savvy to Board

More than a year since taking the reigns of the controversy-ridden Massachusetts Board of Regents, a Harvard administrator has received rave reviews for a tough management style that politicians say is keeping the state's chief education governing body under control.

L. Edward Lashman, Harvard's senior planning counselor, fine-tuned his efficient and politically saavy administrative techniques since he began working for the University in 1975. In his projects at Harvard, this tough-guy image has brought Lashman as much criticism as it has praise. But it appears that such a style is just what the denizens of Beacon Hill are seeking.

Lashman was appointed chairman of the Regents in June 1986 by Governor Michael S. Dukakis. His appointment was the final chapter in the controversy over Chancellor of Higher Education James Collins, a former state representative, who had been appointed against the wishes of Dukakis. The governor removed Collins from office in 1986 and replaced Regent David Beaubien, the chairman during Collins' appointment, with Lashman.

Since his appointment, Lashman has presided over the selection of Franklyn Jenifer as the new chancellor. The board has also initiated a $1 billion capital improvements project and a new teacher training program. Jenifer has called some of the programs the board has worked on under Lashman's direction "radical in nature," but he said that the work is "designed to move higher education in Massachusetts to among the best in the nation."

Lashman continues to work as Harvard's senior planning counselor. In this role he oversees various projects such as planning for the Kennedy School of Government.

Prior to 1985, Lashman served as Director of External Projects. His major accomplishments included the development of the communityopposed Medical Area Total Energy Plant (MATEP) and the Mission Park Housing Project at the Medical School.

During this period, Lashman gained a reputation as a tough, effective official. "He's a very able administrator and very skilled in negotiations," said Jacqueline O'Neill, Associate Vice President for State and Community Relations.

Betsy Reveal, administrative dean of the Kennedy School of Government, has worked with Lashman on Kennedy School construction projects. She said, "He's smart, savvy, and knows his business very well."

O'Neill said Lashman's work as the University representative to the MBTA during the Red Line construction in Harvard Square was very praiseworthy. "He's been very effective on behalf of Harvard."

Even people who opposed his work in the development of MATEP, an energy plant opposed by the community around it because of pollution fears, said that Lashman was very efficient. "He's a very formidable adversary," said Lou Horowitz, a community representative in Brookline's fight to stop the plant from going on line. "I have to admire the efficiency with which he overcame a number of obstacles. He used his resources well."

Horowitz added, "Some people found him kind of brusque. He's tough, but you have to respect that. I wish we had him on our side."

Others have been more critical of Lashman. Michael Lambert, who represented the Mission Hill community during the controversy over MATEP, said of Lashman, "He's a terrible representative for Harvard. He has dragged Harvard's name through the mud."

"This guy just reeks of conflict of interest, politicking, arm-twisting, and illegal activities," said Lambert.

"When the University needed a henchman to carry out its dirty work, they couldn't have picked a better person."

Lashman disagreed with Lambert's assessment of him. "I honestly believe I did not try to sell people on things they didn't believe in," Lashman said.

Hard Nose

Lashman has brought his hardnosed approach to the Board of Regents, who have noticed and praised his tough, efficient style. Although Lashman replaced Beaubien, the former chairman said, "He's doing a much better job than I did...I admire the guy."

"He runs a tight meeting and gets things done," said Beaubien of Lashman. "He's very good at controlling things and is a lot stronger than I was." He also said that Lashman, who was not a regent until he was named chairman, handled the leadership transition very well.

Franklyn Jenifer, the new chancellor appointed by the regents, said that compared to other officials he has worked with, Lashman is "second to no one." He added, "He's been a very aggressive, articulate spokesman for higher education."

Jenifer also cited Lashman's strong nature, but he said there is another side to Lashman. "He can run the range from a bulldog to a teddy bear. He's as tough an advocate as one would want, but he is also as sensitive and as committed as one would like."

Lashman also has an opinion on Lashman. He sums up his style by saying, "I'm tough but fair."