Letter: I Want a Senator With Commitment

To the editor,

I first came to know Senator Jim Sheehan through his leading the opposition to defeat the mega container port at Quonset years ago. I've been following him since, and am pleased that he doesn't just oppose things, he helps build them, too. Years ago, he was a staunch advocate of building out the new roads and rails at Quonset which now boasts well over 8,000 jobs!  Senator Sheehan championed Separation of Powers, opening public records to public scrutiny, quasi public agency reform, eminent domain reform etc... No wonder he was twice named the top good government legislator by nonpartisan Common Cause.  

In these trying times, Senator Sheehan successfully opposed the Governor's new sales, hotel and meals taxes!  He has also been a leader in turning our economy around, earning the NFIB Friend of Small Business Award with his red tape cutting new law.

Locally, Senator Sheehan sponsored the Senate law to create a license plate to help fund the restoration of the Plum Beach lighthouse. More recently he proposed to get Wickford declared a tax-free Arts District, which I think will help the galleries and art dealers there, and has helped countless constituents who turned to him for help.

It's easy to be angry at the government these days, and some candidates have nothing to offer but anger. Much harder is the arduous work of making steady progress year in year out.  No one gets to change things all at once just by demanding it. You have to sit through meetings and hearings and persuade your colleagues and skeptical voters. I want a Senator with a commitment to doing that kind of work, and Jim Sheehan is exactly that. 

Edna O'Neill Mattson, North Kingstown

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