With the elections behind us, we want to take this opportunity to thank the elected state representatives from Bristol and Warren for keeping their promises. District 67 Rep. Jason Knight, District 68 Rep. Laufton Ascencao and District 69 Rep. Susan Donovan committed during the campaign to vote against Nicholas Mattiello for House Speaker, and all three politicians kept their word.

These local leaders defied the current House leadership and demonstrated their commitment to putting the needs and wishes of their constituents ahead of the special interests of lobbyists, donors and political insiders.

Throughout this past campaign, Representatives Knight, Ascencao and Donovan outlined a host of reforms needed to make our government and the legislative process work for all of the people in this state. Reform proposals include approving the line item veto, passing legislative reforms to facilitate greater citizen participation, limiting the influence of lobbyists at the State House, active auditing of elected officials, public financing of political campaigns and implementing term limits. The Speaker has made his opposition to these reforms clear.

We were so proud to read that these three elected representatives joined with 18 of their House colleagues from across Rhode Island to oppose Mattiello’s nomination during a closed-door caucus on Nov. 8. Representatives Knight, Ascencao and Donovan defied House leadership and instead stood up for their communities to demand transparency and honesty from elected officials. We applaud their courage and commitment. We know they’ll take their fight to the State House in January.

In the words of Rep. Ascencao, “We are fighting for a government that actually works for all Rhode Islanders, not just the Speaker and his insiders.”

And while these three state representatives and their like-minded colleagues will face tremendous pressure to maintain the status quo during the upcoming legislative session, we know that we can always count on them to promote and protect the interests of our communities ahead of the special interests that run our State House. We offer our heartfelt thanks to each of these elected officials, and we promise to fight alongside them in January and beyond.

Sharon and Warren Wollschlager

Bristol