HOLYOKE – Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Robert DeLeo made the trek westward again Friday and sat alongside U.S. Rep. Richard Neal as a keynote speaker for the 2014 Checkpoint Legislative Symposium, put on by the the Greater Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce at the Log Cabin Banquet Hall in Holyoke.
DeLeo, a Democrat from the Suffolk County town of Winthrop, was praised by Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik for the amount of attention he has paid to western Mass. since becoming speaker in 2009. DeLeo Spoke about creating jobs in western Massachusetts by expanding the state’s technology and manufacturing sectors.
Following his speech, DeLeo addressed reporters on his outlook for the Commonwealth during the upcoming legislative session.
“As I travel across the Commonwealth, I see a tale of two Commonwealths,” said DeLeo. “Quite frankly, I think we can do a better job in terms of bringing more employment and jobs out here.”
DeLeo also touted work the legislature put in earlier this year in developing an economic redevelopment bill.
“I felt it was important that we make a major investment… in terms of how we can provide more job opportunities for people in the western part of the state,” he said. “I’m tired of being out here and not being able to talk about what’s going on in terms of unemployment. It’s going to be my priority as we go into the next legislative session.”
“There’s a lot that this part of the state can offer,” said DeLeo. “If you build it, they will come.”
The Speaker also referenced Governor-elect Charlie Baker’s pledge to release $100 million for road and bridge repairs for cities and towns statewide and his intentions to meet with the Swampscott Republican soon.
“I think that is important, especially for western Mass. and throughout the state,” said DeLeo. “I’m hopeful the Governor-elect and myself will be getting together soon. I intend to let him know what I intend to bring up.”
DeLeo also said he felt that he and the western Mass. House delegation will make a “very good” case to Baker to continue the progress being made outside 495.
Regarding the level of advocacy that medical centers such as Noble Hospital in Westfield can expect from his office during this upcoming session, DeLeo said that he is aware of what these facilities mean to their communities.
“I look at these facilities in terms of their importance in ensuring people out here have good healthcare. Obviously being out here is different in terms of what your choices are than in Boston,” said DeLeo. “But these facilities provide not only healthcare, but they provide jobs and more jobs.”
Also present at the symposium was newly re-elected state Rep. John Velis, a Westfield Democrat who defeated Republican City Councilor Dan Allie to earn a two-year term of his own for the 4th Hampden District.
DeLeo said he kept a close eye on that election and that Velis – who touted that he was one of the most independent-minded representatives in the state during the campaign – will be a valuable asset to the Democratic super-majority in the House going forward.
“John Velis will not only add in terms of representing his particular district – of which he does a great job – but I will tell you, all of the major pieces of legislation – whether it is the economic development bills, the budget – he’s there for us,” said DeLeo. “He understands what it means to all of Massachusetts.”
“He may be somewhat independent sometimes with some of his views, but he’s represented his district well. He’s an extremely bright young guy who a lot of people like and respect and who is going to have a bright future in the House,” said DeLeo.
Asked whether Velis may someday succed DeLeo as Speaker, the Winthrop Democrat smiled cheekily.
“Let’s wait a little bit,” he chuckled.
