Friday, October 22, 2010
For House and Senate
Legislature needs more party balance
Many, including this newspaper, have been critical of the Legislature’s work over the years, and it is not difficult to find examples of ethical shortcomings among our political class. Correcting those faults would be aided by greater political balance in a body that is overwhelmingly Democratic in its makeup, because one-party rule is rarely if ever conducive to good government.
However, party affiliation alone does not explain Beacon Hill’s problems, and simply electing more Republicans is no guarantee of more effective government in Massachusetts. What’s needed is an assembly of serious-minded candidates who can work together in a Legislature that will feature many new faces, but will surely remain firmly in Democratic hands. A coalition of Republicans and fiscally conservative Democrats, committed to greater transparency, is the best prescription for improvement beginning in January 2011.
• Central Massachusetts residents are fortunate to have an effective group of moderate state senators representing them. The Telegram & Gazette endorses Sen. Harriette L. Chandler in the 1st Worcester District, Sen. Stephen M. Brewer in the Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire & Franklin District, Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan in the Worcester & Middlesex District, and Sen. Richard T. Moore in the Worcester & Norfolk District. They, along with Sen. Michael O. Moore in the 2nd Worcester District, who is not facing opposition this year, deserve re-election. While we have some differences of opinion regarding policy with these lawmakers, each has an unimpeachable record of constituent service. They understand the needs of the districts they serve, have exhibited common sense, and possess the all-important ability to strike effective compromises on legislation.
We are, nonetheless, gratified to see that in most cases these Democratic legislators have drawn challengers this year, which speaks to the strength of a reinvigorated Republican Party, as well as a healthy tea party movement in Massachusetts. We take particular note of Republican State Committeewoman Kim Roy of Sutton, who has staged a strong challenge to Mr. Moore with an articulate campaign focusing on cutting taxes, reforming pensions, and bringing balance to Beacon Hill. Such candidates contribute to democracy by keeping incumbents on their toes — and may well represent the next wave of political change in coming elections.
• With the 11 contested area races for the House of Representatives, voters have their best opportunity to restore some balance to the Legislature. The Telegram & Gazette endorses seven Republican and five Democratic candidates in these races.
Our choices among the Republicans are Kimberly N. Ferguson for the 1st Worcester seat being vacated by Rep. Lew Evangelidis; Richard Bastien for the 2nd Worcester seat being vacated by Rep. Robert L. Rice Jr.; incumbent Rep. George N. Peterson Jr. in the 9th Worcester; Matthew A. Beaton for the 11th Worcester seat being vacated by Karyn Polito; Paul J. Franco for the 13th Worcester seat being vacated by Rep. Robert Spellane; Steven L. Levy for the 4th Middlesex seat now held by Rep. Danielle W. Gregoire; and Kurt Hayes for the 37th Middlesex seat now held by Rep. Jennifer E. Benson.
Ms. Ferguson and Mr. Beaton are seeking seats that have been in Republican hands, while Mr. Bastien, Mr. Franco, Mr. Levy and Mr. Hayes are solid candidates who would help bring much-needed party balance to the House. Mr. Peterson, the House Minority Whip, has been a highly effective legislator on behalf of his district and deserves re-election.
Among the Democrats, we endorse incumbents Rep. Anne M. Gobi in the 5th Worcester, Rep. Geraldo Alicea in the 6th Worcester, Rep. Paul Kujawski in the 8th Worcester, Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr. in the 12th Worcester, and Rep. Jennifer M. Callahan in the 18th Worcester. Each of these legislators has been attentive and effective, while avoiding the ideological extremism that characterizes some in the Legislature. Their independence, moderation and hard work merit the continued support of their constituents.
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