In April,  The Somerville News reported on a study that predicted the Green Line extension through Somerville and into Medford could not be completed because of the fiscal crisis at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

The general response from our state delegation was, “Well they have to build it by law so they will.”

Guess what? The state does not have to do anything they don‚Äôt want to, even when required by law, and this week  Gov. Deval Patrick proved that.

The Green Line extension is that rare issue nearly everyone in this city agrees on — we want it, but who is lobbying effectively to make a necessary requirement actually happen?

The major weakness of our state delegation has been exposed during these early stages of Green Line backtracking. The Somerville delegates in the Statehouse do reflect the values of city voters. But they seem to lack the coalition building skills and political capital necessary in a state representative or senator.

Ever since former State Sen. Charles E. Shannon died in 2005, the local delegation has lacked a politician who could effectively lobby power brokers and bring exceptional services from the state back to the city. Instead, the delegation has mainly rested on their “progressive” laurels by saying the right things on the right issues. Meanwhile, the Green Line extension has been in danger of falling off track since March. Who moved behind the scenes to make sure this vital project stayed at the forefront of the governor’s to-do list? Apparently no one.

The good news is the delegates still have time to prove us wrong. They are scheduled to meet with Patrick Aug. 21 to discuss his misguided proposal and hopefully educate him on the importance of this project. Hopefully they show him the light.