By Joe Heaney, March 25, 1992
U.S. Rep Brian Donnelly gave Quincy constituents a shock jolt yesterday along with his sudden choice to bail out of workplace after seven phrases.
From bars to barber outlets and City Hall, the favored Dorchester Democrat’s choice left everybody asking, “Why?”
No one had the reply and lots of within the coronary heart of Donnelly’s eleventh Congressional District struggled along with his “spend-more-time-with-the-family” rationalization.
Mayor James A. Sheets, who misplaced the 1978 Democratic main election that despatched Donnelly to Congress, praised the lawmaker’s Washington file whereas pondering a run to exchange him.
“I would not have the problem of recognition I had in 1978,” mentioned Sheets, who served with Donnelly within the Massachusetts Legislature and is now in his second time period as mayor.
“The only thing constant in politics is change,” Sheets continued, including, “Brian Donnelly will be dramatically missed by the mayor and citizens of this city.”
City Clerk John M. Gillis mentioned, “I simply can’t imagine it. Brian Donnelly was a super congressman and an honest man. I had Heinekens with him each time I used to be in Washington.
“No one had an inkling he was leaving. This will set off a domino effect to replace him. Everyone will be running.”
City Councilor Thomas A. Fabrizio mentioned he heard rumors that Donnelly would possibly depart “but didn’t think they had much basis. Turned out the rumors were better than I thought.”
A state social employee, Fabrizio referred to as Donnelly “a good representative for the entire district who will be tough to replace.”
Homemaker Virginia Mirick, a Quincy Republican, referred to as Donnelly “a well-liked congressman whose been in a very long time. Somebody should like him.
“But things are too loose in Congress. They should keep a tight rein on the congress bank so those fellows don’t abuse the privilege,” she mentioned.
Unemployed building employee Richie Manning, 33, of Quincy mentioned: “I truthfully factor this Congress check-cashing rip-off is behind Donnelly’s choice to not run.
“And believe me, a lot of unemployed people are fed up with these guys giving themselves raises every year; then bouncing checks.”
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, in an announcement from his oddice, mentioned: “Brian Donnelly has served Boston, Quincy and Brockton with great ability for 14 years in Congress … His outstanding leadership in the delegation will be greatly missed.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”
