Artificial Intelligence Is No Substitute for Accountability

To the Editor,

Technology has changed how we communicate, but one thing should never change: accountability.

Recently, I was invited to answer questions from the Cape Ann Current.  I welcomed the opportunity to share my positions, but when I asked to speak with an editor or identify the people behind the publication, my request was declined.

In an age of artificial intelligence, I believe it is reasonable to ask who is asking the questions and who is responsible for publishing the answers.  I have no objection to technology, but real conversations with real people still matter, especially in public service.

That belief is one reason I decided to run for State Representative.

I recently took time out of my day to attend my opponent Dru Tarr's publicly advertised office hours.  I showed up.  He did not.  That experience reinforced my belief that accessibility should be more than a campaign promise.

If elected, I pledge to provide a weekly newsletter keeping constituents informed about what is happening on Beacon Hill, what legislation is being considered, how I intend to vote, and why.

More importantly, I will make sure that you, the people who give this office its power, have direct access to me by phone and email.  I want to hear from you before important votes are cast.

I am not running to be beholden to a political party or its leadership.  I am running to represent the people of Cape Ann.  My votes will be guided by my principles, the facts, and the voices of the people I serve, not simply by a party line.

And who we elect matters.

In 2024, approximately 72% of Massachusetts voters approved an independent audit of the Legislature.  Yet two years later, that audit remains unresolved.

My opponent, Representative Dru Tarr, voted for House legislation that I believe undermines what the voters demanded.  I believe it's time to change course.  I pledge to defend the audit the people approved and to represent their voices on Beacon Hill.

Now consider what House Speaker Ron Mariano has said about the ballot initiative process itself:  "The whole system is fraught with peril."

This is more than a discussion.  In July, the House passed legislation proposing a special commission to review Article XLVIII of our state Constitution, including potential changes to the rules governing citizen ballot initiatives.

The initiative petition process is an important constitutional check on legislative power.  It gives citizens a way to propose laws when their elected representatives fail to act.

The next Legislature may be asked to consider recommendations affecting that power. Who occupies those seats will matter.

On November 3, I am asking for your vote for State Representative.  I pledge to fight for the independent audit voters approved and to defend the people's constitutional right to bring questions directly to the ballot.

We elect representatives to serve us, not to substitute their judgment for the people's voice without accountability.

I believe public service means showing up, listening, answering questions, and remembering where the power comes from.

Artificial intelligence can generate answers.  It cannot replace the responsibility of an elected official to answer directly to the people.

The power of this office does not come from Beacon Hill. It comes from you.

And I will never forget that.

Let's let the sunlight in.

Christina Delisio

Candidate for State Representative

Fifth Essex District