OPINION | Barry Richard: Warren and Markey’s Lack of Attentiveness Is Stunning

U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, our darling Democrat duo who graced us with their presence over the weekend, have failed once more to make a real local connection.

Warren and Markey have been roundly criticized by current and former elected officials throughout the region for their lack of attentiveness to local concerns.

Recently, the New Bedford City Council communicated with the senators to request a summit involving all parties with interests in the various issues that face our local fishing industry. That request was made by veteran Councillor Brian Gomes, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, and approved by the full Council.

Yet when Warren and Markey strolled into town on Saturday to meet with representatives of the fishing industry, Councillor Gomes was not invited to participate, and in fact, was not even notified of the meeting. Gomes tells me he has yet to hear from Warren's or Markey's staff about their participation in a summit.

Too many area officials from throughout our region--all Democrats--have told me about the often rude and curt treatment by Senator Warren when they travel to Washington seeking assistance. Current and former Councillors Gomes, Abreu, and Winterson tell me official Council communications with Warren's people routinely go unanswered.

Ask Mayor Mitchell why he is not getting the kind of assistance he needs from our senators on fishing matters, and he'll smile and simply say, "ask them."

Ask Mayors Jasiel Correia and Will Flanagan how they fared when they sought Warren's help on the crippling CSO project that strangles Fall River's resources.

The lack of attention by our Senate delegation to important issues facing our area is stunning. Senators Warren and Markey do not deserve our support or our votes.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.