(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

To the Editor:

Here in Massachusetts, we’re lucky to have an overwhelmingly big “d” Democratic Legislature. Unfortunately, it’s not very small “d” democratic.

We saw that on display on January 30th when the Massachusetts House voted down a series of common-sense transparency proposals. These proposals, which were hardly radical, would have provided state representatives with 72 hours to read bills before voting on them, 30 minutes to read amendments before voting on them, and published hearing testimony and committee roll call votes online.

All of these reforms would have helped bring we, the people, into the legislative process, in contrast to the status quo of deal-making behind closed doors (which moneyed lobbyists always manage to get behind).

Although almost every Democrat voted against these under pressure from House Leadership, Somerville’s Mike Connolly and Denise Provost were among the handful of Democrats to vote yes across the board. Somerville residents should be thankful for such progressive, independent-minded representation in the State House. We need more of these kinds of representatives who have the courage to do the right thing, even when it seems like it is easier to go along to get along.

It is also important to ask those who voted against these measures for some other gains, is it worth it? Is it worth it to have reps voting on bills they have not had the time they need to review? Is it worth it in the long term to have a system that is seen to be dysfunctional, untrustworthy, and needlessly opaque? You can say that is just the way it is. Or you can say let’s fight for a better more just system. We can do better. And we must do better. There is too much at stake not to at least try.

We are hoping that all those who voted against these amendments, including Somerville Rep Christine Barber, will make a different choice the next time this opportunity arises.

Sincerely,

Susan Eldridge
Edward Beuchert
Somerville