House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello is content, apparently, to be a vessel for his “constituents,” as opposed to showing a little leadership when approaching the issues of the day.
And the issue today is the plan to build a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox.
In an extended interview with Rhode Island Public Radio, Speaker Mattiello said that if the PawSox leave Rhode Island for Worcester, Mass., it would reflect the will of the people.
Does the speaker’s reticence to back the deal negotiated by the state, the city and the team reflect the will of the entire state? Have we all been polled on the matter?
And even if we had been polled, good public leaders should listen and lead, not follow blindly. Leaders take stands on issues that are difficult and complex but by using reason and persuasion, they bring the public around to their point of view.
Speaker Mattiello has made a habit of following the prevailing (loud) breeze when the issues are difficult. If he cannot summon the political courage necessary to lead, he should move out of the way, before the PawSox hit the highway.
