The Boston Globe releases a must read poll on transportation issues. The top line: If respondents had to choose, they prefer increasing the state gas tax (48 percent) over increasing tolls (42 percent). Notice that neither broke 50.

But there is a lot more good stuff in the poll. Notably, an equal number of respondents think the state is on the wrong track as think the state is on the right track (44 percent). Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Milton) job approval hits a recent high, as 60 percent approve and 24 percent disapprove. And check out new favorable/unfavorable ratings from the poll after the jump.

Utility companies may become the focus on increased political scrutiny following lengthy blackouts, as Gov. Patrick calls for an investigation.

The Globe takes a look at mayors' offices. Be sure to check out the photo gallery, too.

Gov. Patrick puts raises on hold for 30,000 human services workers.

A longtime aide to Sen. Edward Kennedy appears to be working behind the scenes for Caroline.  

The Worcester city clerk proposes municipal elections on even years to save money.

The young immigrant population on the Cape is on the rise.

The charges against Glenn Marshall have led to increased scrutiny on his protégé, Shawn Hendricks, who, by the way, said this week that infighting and, of course, the media are undermining the tribe's bid for a casino.

The Lowell Sun doles out gifts to the pols of the region.

Favorables/Unfavorables from the Globe poll:

Gov. Deval Patrick:
Favorable: 64 percent
Neutral: 6 percent
Unfavorable: 24 percent
Don't know: 6 percent

Lt. Gov. Tim Murray (D-Worcester):
Favorable: 36 percent
Neutral: 5 percent
Unfavorable: 7 percent
Don't know: 51 percent

Attorney General Martha Coakley (D-Medford):
Favorable: 58 percent
Neutral: 4 percent
Unfavorable: 12 percent
Don't know: 25 percent

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi (D-Boston):
Favorable: 15 percent
Neutral: 7 percent
Unfavorable: 41 percent
Don't know: 37 percent

State Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth):
Favorable: 19 percent
Neutral: 6 percent
Unfavorable: 11 percent
Don't know: 64 percent

Treasurer Tim Cahill (D-Quincy):
Favorable: 43 percent
Neutral: 5 percent
Unfavorable: 8 percent
Don't know: 43 percent