ATHOL — Massachusetts state Rep. Robert DeLeo disclosed Friday that he intends to enter into negotiations for a position at his alma mater, Northeastern University. The move formally signals his intentions to step down as Speaker of the Massachusetts House.
In a letter to House officials, the 70-year-old DeLeo said, “I write to disclose that I intend to begin negotiating prospective employment opportunities with Northeastern University.”
DeLeo, a Democrat from Winthrop, was first elected to the House in 1990 and has served as Speaker for the past 12 years, the lengthiest tenure of any Speaker in state history.
State Rep. Susannah Whipps (I-Athol) had praise for DeLeo, who has been speaker for Whipps’ entire time on Beacon Hill.
In an exchange of emails with the Athol Daily News, Whipps said, “Speaker Deleo’s tenure has reinforced the philosophy that we are a Commonwealth. In his 12 years, there have been many bills which are proof positive of the legislature’s commitment to children, families, elders, veterans, small businesses owners, members of our LGBT community and so many others.
“I’m also proud to have been part of the team that has passed balanced budgets which included the Student Opportunity Act, many food security programs, infrastructure packages and funding for vital service programs in the region.”
Media reports indicate Quincy state Rep. Ronald Mariano, 74, the House Majority Leader, has the votes to succeed DeLeo at the Speaker’s podium. Whipps said she would be comfortable with Mariano’s ascension.
“I don’t see Leader Mariano as a huge change in leadership,” she said. “He’s been an important part of Speaker DeLeo’s team and I welcome the continuity.”
Asked if she would prefer to see someone younger and more progressive move into the Speaker’s office, Whipps replied, “Not only does the Speaker lead us legislatively, the person in that role is responsible for the operation of the House and its staff. Although I have the opportunity to choose my legislative aide, she actually works for the House and is employed by the House. I think this position requires a level of institutional experience that Leader Mariano possesses.”
The last lawmaker from western Massachusetts to serve as Speaker was Holyoke’s David Bartley, who held the gavel from 1969 to 1975. The fact that Mariano would be the seventh consecutive Speaker to hail from the Metropolitan Boston area doesn’t bother Whipps.
“Prior to 2018,” she said, “western Mass was incredibly well represented in leadership in both chambers. I’m grateful to leaders like Paul Mark (D-Peru) & Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lee) for carrying the bulk of the responsibility in Franklin and Berkshire Counties over the past few years and look forward to newer members falling into leadership roles as they build relationships and gain experience.”
Since the Daily News’s interview with Whipps, Mattapan state Rep. Russell Holmes has announced he plans to challenge Mariano for the Speaker’s position. If elected, the 54-year-old Holmes would be the first African American to serve in the powerful post.