The Reading Post of Reading, Massachusetts, accepts Letters to the Editor. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or refuse letters. Letters containing hearsay, rumors, personal attacks, name-calling, or anything that could be considered defamation, slander, or libel will not be published. The Reading Post reserves the right to end debate on a topic after both sides have had ample chance to express their views. All letters are posted as received, unless otherwise noted. All letters are subject to editing for style, mechanics, and grammar. editor@thereadingpost.com
To the Editor:
Our Massachusetts legislature continues to ignore the will of the people – the voters. It refuses to be audited, even though 72% of us voted for one two years ago.
Now, it’s making plans to thwart the will of the voters again if we pass Question 1, which would make the legislature comply with our state public records law (which every city and town has to do). It has already prepared legislation that would limit the legislative records that would have to be made public if Question 1 passes.
You can vote for change in the defiant behavior of the legislature with a YES ON QUESTION 12, if you are in Reading precincts 1, 7, or 8. It would instruct your state representative to vote for reform of the legislative leadership’s $5.4 million loyalty pay (i.e., stipend) scheme. Legislators should only get extra pay from a stipend if they do extra work and do it in a transparent and accountable manner – not simply for loyalty to the House Speaker or Senate President. (For more information, go to https://actonmass.org/stipends/.)
Vote YES ON QUESTION #12 (the last question on your ballot) for a more accountable and transparent legislature. (Reading precincts 1, 7, and 8 only)
John Lippitt,
Chair, Legislative Effectiveness and Accountability Partnership
Mineral St.
