Massachusetts has a transparency problem.

Currently, the Massachusetts Legislature is not subject to public records requests. Here, state lawmakers enjoy such a privilege of secrecy that the state auditor isn’t even able to audit them.

In 2024, Bay Staters decided they’d had enough when 72% of voters voted in favor of granting the state auditor the ability to audit the Legislature. Despite this clear display of support, the Legislature and attorney general are still working together to block the audit.

I would be one voice on Beacon Hill, but both Democrat and even Republican lawmakers have blocked State Auditor Diana DiZoglio from doing her job. If elected to the state Senate, I will not fall in line with the Senate president or the minority leader on this issue. I will always fight for transparency, as voters have explicitly voiced their desire for this, and I believe we are all owed it.

Without transparency, voters and politicians alike are left to wonder: How much fraud and corruption plagues our system? Government outsiders, effectively the state’s entire population, have no way or means of knowing. This is best evidenced by the MassDOT text scandal from September, where insider texts appeared to show nearly $1 billion in public revenue was lost.

And even if someone within the system does speak up, the individual is guaranteed to face retribution.

Just look how fellow Democrats are treating DiZoglio. Both Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell are opposing her attempts to audit the Legislature.

Another barrier to transparency: Candidates and state legislators file a statement of financial interest. This shows what major investments, shareholdings, and businesses candidates or elected representatives own. While this information is technically public, citizens must request it in person, providing their name and personal information. The person whose information is being requested is immediately notified by email. To say this is intimidating is an understatement.

Here’s how I believe we can fix this: As Bay Staters, we should demand more from our elected officials. Anything less than full transparency is not acceptable. Parties aside, the majority of our legislators are cowards. They fall in line for fear of retribution.

Despite the fierce Democratic opposition to my campaign, not a single Republican state Senator has returned my calls. Maybe it is because they believe I can’t win in this deep blue state (I believe they are sorely mistaken). Or maybe it’s because they can tell I am not someone who will just fall in line based on party lines alone.

Either way, Massachusetts has a transparency problem. While 1st Middlesex District is just one seat at the table, it is a seat the people desperately need in their favor if we are to bring change and real transparency to the people of Massachusetts.

As State Senator, I will be the one to not only start these conversations, but see them to their end too. Because without a government who serves the people, we are just a people who serve the government.

Sam Meas is the Republican nominee for the 1st Middlesex District. He fled Cambodia as a child war refugee and has gone on to live the American Dream.