Nov 10, 2008 6:08 pm US/Eastern
DiMasi Advocates 'Confidence'; Defends Leadership
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Bankers, insurance and credit union C.E.O.'s converged on the Speaker Sal DiMasi's office for about 90 minutes Monday morning for an "Economic Summit."
WBZ
Embattled Speaker of the Massachusetts House, Sal DiMasi, defended his leadership Monday afternoon following an "Economic Summit" in his office.
Ron Sanders was there and tells us the Speaker is trying to convey confidence in the
state's economy and his leadership in the middle of a conflict-of-interest
investigation.
The "Economic Summit" focused on the condition of local banks and other lenders. The Speaker and members of his leadership team painted an encouraging picture for people and small businesses looking for loans.
Bankers, insurance and credit union C.E.O.'s converged on the Speaker's office for about 90 minutes this morning.
Afterwards, the Speaker said they told him the rates of
foreclosure and
unemployment are better here than other parts of the nation; and that community banks are in "very good shape...safe and sound" and making loans.
"This really stabilizes what we think (is) the backbone of our economy, which are the community banks that provide the money for small businesses, homeowners and residents who need car loans," said DiMasi.
But the Speaker also said there's concern about the national recession, uncertainty on Wall Street and the effect of dwindling capital gains on state revenue. He said the legislature may have to reassess the $1.4 billion in cuts recently announced by the Governor.
Read: Finding A Virtually Recession Proof CareerWe asked the Speaker what reassurance he can give that the effectiveness of his leadership, dealing with the uncertain economy, is not being eroded by the Ethics Commission investigation and division in the house caused by competition to take over his job. "We need to get the message out that the work is being done. The meetings are taking place and let the people know we're working on their problems up here. That's what leadership is all about and that's what's taking place up here at the State House," explained DiMasi.
The Speaker was also asked for his response to constituents who think he may be hiding something by refusing to turn over records to the Ethics Commission. He said he's trying to protect confidential deliberations over legislation and is not hiding anything.
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