Donovan: I will not support Mattiello for Speaker

As a first-term legislator, I worked on building relationships in the House of Representatives, exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for common purpose with a goal of establishing respectful lines of communication and cooperation. 

Democracy cannot function when power is consolidated in a way that one individual can act as an impenetrable wall in the way of those of us working on behalf of our constituents. Unfortunately, what I found was a Speaker who blocks bills from passage that are important to our communities. 

We must strive for true cooperation that reflects respect for our communities. We must work to create a system that allows all of our ideas to be heard, considered, and voted on — not just at the whim or in the interests of one person. 

Therefore, if I am re-elected, I cannot and will not vote for Nicholas Mattiello for Speaker. How could I? 

Susan R. Donovan

Bristol

Ms. Donovan is a Democrat running for House District 69.