To the editor:
I am still waiting for U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to step to the plate and show some leadership. SNAP recipients in our congressional district are being affected. People are hungry, angry, and scared. Home heating assistance is in the Republican crosshairs. Medical insurance costs are taking off. To be sure, Neal voted with Democratic leadership on the shut down and the Epstein files votes, but it seems to me we need leadership not follow-ship.
I see from OpenSecrets that Neal spent over $450,000 on hotels and restaurants last year. Anybody in Berkshire County invited to have dinner with him? The argument for his re-election is that he has a powerful position. Is he using his power for us or influential donors? Surely he could afford to find a space and talk with his constituents. He is supposed to represent us… so where is he?
Fortunately there is an articulate, energetic replacement on the scene. Jeromie Whalen of South Hadley has been in the Berkshires more in the last couple of months than Neal has been in the last couple of years. Whalen understands our situation and is in the game. Neal seems to have nothing to say. Check out Whalenforcongressma.com. Whalen is one of us. Neal is… crickets
Russell Freedman
Lanesborough
Click here to read The Berkshire Edge’s policy for submitting Letters to the Editor.
