We in the 8th Suffolk District have been the recipients of excellent representation in the State House of Representatives. Rep. Marty Walz, who will be leaving in February, and her predecessor, Rep. Paul Demakis, both have given extraordinary service to their constituents.
For too many political office seekers, being in the State Senate or House of Representatives is a dream come true as their votes usually are nebulous in how they will affect their constituents and many consider this a job for life. The local issues of street repairs or tree trimmings or garbage collection or local real estate taxes or police patrols seem not to be in their purview. However, their votes on the state budget directly affect these very local issues.
Walz never lost sight of the fact of how important her votes were to helping improve the lives of her constituents.
At almost every community hearing whether it be in Beacon Hill, Back Bay or Cambridge, Walz or a representative from her office would be in attendance.
This type of community coverage helped Walz become a very effective member of the House of Representatives. Her insight on issues was not lost on House Speaker Robert DeLeo who recently appointed Walz as vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and before that to Chair of the Joint Committee on Education.
These two leadership positions benefited us, her constituents. Walz’s practical approach to the issues such as helping create the state’s anti-bullying law in 2010 were refreshing.
We wish Walz the best in her in new position as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. We are appreciative of her outstanding service as our Representative in the General Court of Masssachusetts.
For her successor, the bar of service has been set very high.