I voted “present” today in the roll call for the election of a Senate President because changes are needed. We have had significantly fewer roll calls, routinely missed deadlines, failed to adopt joint rules, waived rules, passed bills beyond the end of formal sessions with limited opportunities for members to participate fully, and have often been at odds with our partners in the House of Representatives. We have been less transparent and less connected with what the residents of the Commonwealth rightly demand and deserve from the Massachusetts State Senate.
I appreciate the work of Senate President Spilka and congratulate her on her reelection. I trust that my vote will highlight the need for improved governance in the Senate, and to this end look forward to working with Senate President Spilka and my colleagues in the 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
State Senator John F. Keenan 