To the editor:
On Saturday I joined approximately 100 people as we walked in the footsteps of Granny D from Dublin to Depot Square in Peterborough.
The honorable Barbara Hull Richardson traveled from Keene to join in the march, along with many prominent local names like Francie Von Mertens and Tom Westheimer. County Commissioner Chuck Weed, and candidates Dan Weeks, Andru Volinsky and Rep. Marge Shepardson marched and celebrated Granny D’s life and example in Depot Square.
As we walked the six miles in stifling humidity, I reflected upon the disappointing outcome of our legislature’s vote on SB 136 this year. SB 136 would have taken a small but important step in overturning the Citizen’s United decision by establishing a study committee to consider what actions the state might take in reclaiming our democracy from big money donors. Rindge voted in March of 2014, by a margin of 1001 to 403, to ask the legislature to take action to overturn Citizen’s United. This seems like a clear mandate to our elected Representatives to support SB 136, but that was not the case in the Jan. 7 vote. Rep. John B. Hunt voted against SB 136 on every roll call. Representatives Emerson and Sterling were both excused that day, but I would hope they would have voted in favor, given the directive of the voters of Rindge.
In an interview a few months back, Rep. Hunt noted that he voted for HB 1660, which would have protected constituent property from eminent domain for pipelines. At the time, he said that while he did not oppose the pipeline, he had to vote the wishes of his constituents. Why was that not the case when the roll was called on SB 136? The people of Rindge deserve an explanation of his vote.
Patricia Martin
Rindge