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Speaker DiMasi

Boston Globe Editorial
September 28, 2004

A House speaker will be successful over the long run if he or she is more of a uniter than a divider.

Occasionally, leadership can require a strong hand and a willingness to stand firm on controversial issues. When Thomas M. Finneran ends his eight years as speaker at 5 p.m. today, his record will include important examples of standing firm but far too many instances when his high-handed tactics caused divisions -- with the courts, both state and federal, with other legislative leaders, within his own membership, and with the public. In 2002, ballots in 18 House districts carried a nonbinding question as to whether Finneran should remain speaker, and voters rejected him in all 18.

Representative Salvatore F. DiMasi faces a difficult task in restoring the reputation and vitality of the House. He is more liberal on a number of social issues than Finneran -- supporting abortion rights and gay marriage, for example -- and we applaud that progressive and humane stance.

But his performance during 26 years in the House, the last three as majority leader under Finneran, has been largely out of the public spotlight, marked by private negotiating among the members and by loyalty to Finneran. So when DiMasi, 59, takes over as speaker, he will arrive with a reputation as a diligent representative of the interests of his North End-centered district and as an inside player among Beacon Hill politicians, but one who has made little impression on the public.

It is worth noting that virtually the same thing was said two years ago of DiMasi's friend Senator Robert E. Travaglini when he emerged from relative obscurity to become Senate president. (Even the districts overlap, although Travaglini lives in East Boston, outside of DiMasi's district.) With little fanfare, Travaglini put together a first-rate staff and soon positioned himself and the Senate in their proper roles of power on Beacon Hill.

DiMasi will likely find that more is expected of him sooner. For one thing, Republicans are mounting their strongest challenge in years for legislative seats this November. It may help some incumbent Democrats that Finneran has removed himself as a campaign whipping boy, but it will be up to DiMasi in taking the gavel to make clear that he is not simply a taller Finneran.

Some Finneran initiatives deserve continued support, including his emphasis on innovation in the state economy and his backing for education reform, including early-childhood education. DiMasi also needs to demonstrate fiscal prudence by policies that balance taxes and state needs.

But it has already been striking how many House members have expressed optimism that DiMasi will do far more to tap the abilities of House members. An effectively led orchestra would be welcome on Beacon Hill after a trumpet solo. But it has already been striking how many House members have expressed optimism that DiMasi will do far more to tap the abilities of House members. An effectively led orchestra would be welcome on Beacon Hill after a trumpet solo.

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