Op-Ed: Capuano Chooses Politics Over Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA – The following letter to the editor was submitted by Somerville resident Jim Dolan.

To the Editor,

Last week, Congressman Mike Capuano announced that he would not attend the inauguration of President Trump. He was one of only two members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation who decided not to attend. Even one of Donald Trump’s harshest critics, Sen. Elizabeth Warren decided to attend. Now I could mention that this is disrespectful to the Office of the President or that is demeans the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of America, but instead I think it’s important to reflect on how this poor decision will affect Somerville.

Somerville is facing some tough times ahead. While the community did not vote for Donald Trump, we have to live with the fact that he is the President. No marches, signs, calls, or letters are going to change that. What will be particularly challenging is that if President Trump follows through on his campaign promises, Somerville, as a sanctuary city, will lose all federal funding. The Mayor projects this loss will be $6 million, but it does not factor in the potential loss of almost $1 billion in federal funding for the Green Line extension project. With this loss in the horizon, we need a Congressman who is working hard for us in Washington and able to work with the White House.

Unfortunately, Congressman Capuano has chosen to play politics, instead of working to seek common ground with the new administration and protect Somerville. If the campaign is any indicator, we know that President Trump hits back twice as hard when he is attacked or feels slighted. As a result, there is now very little chance that the new President will work with someone who disrespected him by not attending the inauguration. In short, he’s put a bulls-eye on his back and his district. Mike Capuano has always based his worth on his ability to bring back federal money to Somerville. We want him working with the new administration to either stop the loss of funds, or at least lessen the new hole in our finances. Instead, he’s chosen partisan politics over funding for our schools, substance abuse programs, and security matters.

Send a message to Congressman Capuano. We want a statesman as our Congressman, not a partisan hack.

The views expressed in this letter are solely the writer's and not reflective of Patch.

PHOTO: Donald J. Trump takes oath of office, wife Melania Trump looks on at U.S. Capitol Friday. Photo courtesy of Whitehouse.gov