Former Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti’s legacy worth celebrating

In 1986, following his decision not to seek a fourth term despite overwhelming popularity in the Commonwealth, Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti addressed the Democratic State Convention.

His remarks were the subject of an editorial titled “Political Risks, Political Power,” which quoted Bellotti’s convention speech and complimented his classy departure and political leadership during his tenure.

“Political leadership,” Bellotti said, “does not derive from a negotiated agenda, nor from managerial strategies, nor from articulating the perceived public will. True leaders consider the human element in making decisions and never forget that the purpose of government is to respond to human need.”

Bellotti, who turns 99 this week, spoke those words 36 years ago, and warned, “It is not power that corrupts, it is the fear of losing power.”

During Bellotti’s tenure as attorney general, he transformed the state Department of the Attorney General from a State House part-time law office into a formidable public interest firm in One Ashburton Place. It became a model for other AG offices throughout the country. His alumni include former and present justices, cabinet leaders and many renowned private practitioners.

His former staffers were required to hold themselves to the same high standards that Bellotti demanded of himself. Many were reformers who sought to achieve from the inside what was not possible in the private sector. His public interest law firm worked tirelessly to both utilize and propose laws to protect the little guy against the big guy — the needy against the greedy. Ironically, one such successful effort was in 1979 when, as attorney general, he challenged the Massachusetts statute that forbade abortions for minors absent parental consent. In Bellotti v. Baird, Justice Stevens struck down the requirement in an 8-1 Supreme Court decision.

Bellotti was further quoted on leadership in his 1986 address: “Genuine political leaders refuse to sacrifice their judgment to public opinion and take political risks, including the risk of losing political power.”

As he celebrates his 99th birthday, political power is only a distant memory for Bellotti. However, those of us who were fortunate enough to work for him learned about political courage and leadership from a master. A birthday candle should be lit on his cake to commemorate the flame that Bellotti lit under more than a generation.