What are our lawmakers doing to represent us?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the editor: I applaud your Aug. 3 editorial decrying the “systemic dysfunction” of the Massachusetts Statehouse.

We are saddled with arguably the least productive, least transparent, least efficient, least competent, least accountable and one of the least democratic legislatures in the nation.

Meanwhile, the ballot for the Democratic Primary here in Pittsfield lists seven races, all uncontested. While incumbent protection might be an article of faith for the old-school party faithful, we the people are paying the price. If democracy is to survive that has to change.

Not only is our one-party Legislature not passing the big-issue bills, they aren’t even managing to pass uncontroversial but important measures like the bill to fix the state’s irrational Peeping Tom statute.

The July newsletter of our state senator, issued at the end of the 18-month legislative session, speaks volumes about what our representatives think their job is. Almost the entire report is devoted to how “honored” our state senator was to meet and greet various dignitaries and to attend various community and political events. The report is adorned with many photos of the state senator. The “legislative department updates” section follows; it’s all about earmarks the senator claims he secured for the Berkshires. Ask him: Exactly what did he personally do to secure that money? And then ask him what about climate? What about energy? What about transportation? What about transparency? What about single-payer health care? What about early childhood education? What about housing? What single bill did you shepherd from filing to passage in the entire session?

This is not to single out one member of the delegation. They are all guilty of thinking that they are like members of the British royal family who get paid to show up at community events, shake hands and cut ribbons. We have to remind them that they are not celebrities. They are paid to legislate, and we expect them to do their job.

Please log in or subscribe to continue reading the article