Date: 2/15/2018
According to many sources, that I have read, there were nine Democratic representatives who did vote against the bill for a raise in pay, but he was not one of them.
I have several reports from other sources and they all report the same.
I want you to understand, I like Angelo personally. I have known him for many years. I have gone to some of his many fundraisers. I have met Speaker Deleo who he always has at his fundraisers and the last time, handed the speaker a letter I wrote to him asking him to vote to rescind that vote which gave our employees, including him, a raise – something only an employer, taxpayers, should be able to do by a binding referendum.
I have said that nobody could beat Angelo Puppolo, who is alleged to have $200,000.00 + in his campaign war chest, sends laminated newspaper photos, signed with “good work” etc. written in the corner to his constituents, shows up at every gathering, whether or not he has had anything to do with the event, has many fundraisers with the speaker in attendance, who appoints his supporters to leadership positions, giving them additional income. Who wouldn’t like him and want to be his friend?
I have complained to him about his votes in the past and his reply was “It’s those liberals in the eastern part of the Commonwealth” and I’ve said to him, “That doesn't explain your votes.” Politicians bank on the fact that, when election time comes around the people who have complaints will have forgotten them and most don't care, they only want to be with the winner for what favors, they think, he can do for them.
I intend to give the voters a choice between electing a state representative who represents them, rather than one who is beholden to the speaker, for the leadership positions which he gives them along with the additional income that comes with those positions.
If I win the seat, with the support of the voters, who I will in turn support, I will introduce a bill to rescind the law that those elected employees voted in for themselves and give our state legislature an opportunity to redeem themselves.
Donald J. Flannery
Wilbraham
