Representative Cole Pleased with Roche Resignation

Submitted by the office of Leah Cole 

Representative Leah Cole, R-Peabody, after the unfortunate deaths of multiple children, was happy to see some action being taken by Governor Deval Patrick and the Health and Human Services Department after learning about the resignation of Olga Roche, former Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in a press conference held Tuesday, April 29, by the governor and Health and Human Services Secretary John Polanowicz.

“While I am happy to see a change in the makeup of DCF, I am hopeful a new commissioner will bring much needed oversight and accountability to the position of commissioner,” Cole exclaimed. “There are still serious problems within the agency and I am hoping that the new commissioner will better serve those children depending on us to keep them safe.”

“Fortunately, after a letter co-authored by myself and Representative Fattman, R-Webster, along with calls, emails, and other types of correspondence from people all over the Commonwealth urging the governor to relieve Ms. Roche of her duties, now other important members of the legislature including Speaker DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray have helped shed even more light on this situation,” Cole stated.

“It should also be understood that whoever takes this new position as Commissioner, it will be my responsibility as a public servant, along with that of my colleagues, to keep a close eye on the department. The work to ensure transparency and accountability is not over and I look forward to working with everyone who has the same sentiment as it relates to DCF,” Rep. Cole explained.

Rep. Cole is in her first term as a State Representative for the 12th Essex District which includes Wards 1, 2, 3, 4 and precincts 1 and 3 of ward 5 of Peabody.