Reforming the Legislative Process

From the moment I entered the House in January, 2007, it was clear that all of the power was vested in the officer of Speaker. Whatever power members have is on loan from leadership and comes with strings. This has lead to a go-along to get-along culture.

To be sure, most members of the House are honest, hardworking public servants who are committed both to their constituents and to serving the public good. The current Speaker, Bob DeLeo, is a decent man, both accessible and fair. But representative democracy shouldn’t depend on the good will of one individual. We need institutional change.

Over the years, the incremental accumulation of power in the office of Speaker has resulted in a concentration of power that is near absolute. The office of speaker has authority to write the rules governing the operation of all House business, assign office space and staff, make committee assignments, and leadership appointments, and control the movement of legislation and information. Whatever power individual legislators have is loaned to them by leadership. They have little, if any, independent power.

I have worked to the change the culture and power structure on Beacon Hill. I  supported a citizen’s initiative for reform and have worked with a group of my colleagues to reform the House rules.  I will continue to stand up to the political establishment and fight to for what is right.