Amid growing concerns about dysfunction at the State House, issues of transparency and accountability have dominated recent news coverage. Recent coverage in Cambridge Day (“Between state rep salary and pay at law firm, Decker’s take-home is highest in delegation,” Aug. 19) has highlighted a concerning report that Rep. Marjorie Decker has held a highly compensated second job at a private law firm for at least eight years. While the total compensation remains undisclosed, the salary is listed in the highest disclosure tier – indicating it exceeds $100,000 annually, though the actual compensation could be significantly higher. This raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether Decker can appropriately dedicate herself to serving the needs of the district.
This long-standing position was not acknowledged in any of Decker’s public-facing materials or biographies, and came as a surprise to most of her colleagues and constituents. It came to light only through a financial disclosure request – a process so convoluted that it discourages public access. Individuals must register their identity with the state to view these forms, and Decker is notified by name whenever someone requests her financial disclosures. This system appears designed to deter transparency, keeping the public in the dark and undermining the accountability that voters deserve.
Given that this additional income likely exceeds $1 million, it is imperative that Decker disclose the precise annual compensation, the nature of her work and the expectations of this position. Constituents have a right to understand her commitments at this second job and to assess whether they compromise her ability to perform her full-time duties as a legislator. This is especially crucial as our district faces urgent challenges that demand her undivided attention and commitment. Neighboring state representatives do not have this scale or consistency of compensation.
Moreover, the public must be informed about potential conflicts of interest arising from this position. A large class-action law firm such as the one Decker is affiliated with represents a wide range of clients who may have business before the State House now or in the future. How have these potential conflicts been reviewed over the past decade? When identified, what steps were taken to mitigate them?
It has been more than 10 days since Decker’s campaign was approached for comment on this issue, and the public has yet to receive a response. We urge Decker to address these concerns openly. Residents of our district deserve to know about potential conflicts of interest and the ability of their state representative to meet the responsibilities of the position.
At a time trust in government is not to be taken for granted, these revelations highlight the need for leaders who prioritize the public interest. I am committed to full transparency – not just in disclosures, but in advocating for the same from all elected officials. Voters deserve nothing less.
Our campaign remains focused on delivering real change with leadership that is transparent, accountable, and fully dedicated to the needs of our community. The challenges our residents face are serious, and the dysfunction at the State House is unacceptable. It’s time for a new direction.
Evan MacKay
The writer is a Democratic candidate for state representative in the 25th Middlesex District.
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Someone who’s never had a real job is complaining about someone who is working too hard.
^Working hard to make the richest among us even richer: https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/08/19/between-state-rep-salary-and-consulting-pay-deckers-take-home-is-highest-in-delegation/
@karenc, this isn’t about criticizing hard work or success. It’s about the serious potential for conflicts of interest, and whether she’s able to dedicate the time to the job we’re paying her to do.
For example, constituents repeatedly reached out for help and have gone on record as being stonewalled:
https://mass.streetsblog.org/2023/03/31/traffic-or-parkland-state-stonewalling-leaves-riverbend-park-in-limbo
Maybe she just doesn’t have enough time? Why else would she ignore constituents like this?
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“I’ve reached out to her twice, and there’s been no response,” says Clyve Lawrence, a Cambridge resident who lives in Rep. Decker’s district. “Memorial Drive as an open space is a community asset for thousand of residents every weekend… It’s frustrating that her office is not willing to meet with constituents.”
“I’ve sent her staff emails twice this week, and have not heard back,” said Ari Ofsevit, another Decker constituent. “I’m not the only one. We’re asking for her help to push the DCR and come up with solutions. We have legislators so that when agencies are not responsive, they can hold them accountable.”
Idk who to vote for but those running should release their tax returns.