It should be noted that state Sens. Paul Mark, Joanne Comerford, Anne Gobi, and Jacob Oliveira voted to end term limits for the state Senate president. The official reason: They want to be on the same playing field as the governor and House speaker, neither of which have term limits. In making this absurd rationalization, they insult the intelligence of voters while demonstrating a complete disregard for recent history. The House Speaker once had term limits, after three people who held that position were convicted of crimes. Although the purpose for the change under House Speaker Robert Deleo was to restore the public’s confidence in their Legislature, Deleo put an end to term limits with the help of his then lieutenant and current House Speaker, Ron Mariano.

Instead of raising the bar for public’s confidence, the state Senate decided to lower it. The Senate used the House’s odious power play to justify their own. Only three state senate Democrats had the courage to vote against the measure, all from eastern Massachusetts. All the state senators from western Massachusetts lacked the courage to stand up. They voted like sycophants caving to the wishes of a supreme leader. Releasing the reigns of term limits for the top posts in both chambers of our state Legislature will undoubtedly lead to more of it. And remember, our state government continues to be one where every branch claims an exemption from our public records law — the worst possible scenario for a lack term limits. This isn’t how government is supposed to function.

Michael Seward

Shelburne

]]>