We are mightily disappointed in the votes last Wednesday by state representatives Steve D'Amico, D-Seekonk, and Louis Kafka, D-Sharon, whose district includes a Mansfield precinct, to maintain the "hack holidays" of March 17 and June 17.

The vote ended in a 78-78 tie. Had either voted Yes, this most peculiar institution of two state holidays that apply to a single county -Suffolk, comprised mainly of Boston - would have cleared the House. It would also have advanced the bill's chances in the Senate, where it was defeated 17-22, but where reconsideration has been expected.

One defender of the Republican-sponsored amendment said the savings to taxpayers would amount to $5 million. We can't vouch for the number, as the cost would require an analysis of overtime and other spending related to providing necessary coverage on state employees days' off. It could be lower, or higher, but with the current state of the economy any savings are welcome.

More importantly, a repeal of these holidays would have underscored the promises of reform echoing in the Statehouse since last Tuesday, when former Speaker Salvatore DiMasi was indicted on influence peddling charges.

State Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro, broke from Democratic ranks to vote for the repeal, as did dozens of other members of the majority party. Yes votes were also cast by Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, and F. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield. Both area state senators, Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, and James Timilty, D-Walpole, voted to repeal the holidays on May 21. Of the area delegation, only D'Amico and Kafka voted to keep these holidays. Most of their constituents share our disappointment, we expect. D'Amico and Kafka won't have to face a report card from the voters until November of next year. That's a long way off, but knowing that, when faced with an opportunity for reform, your legislators cast deciding votes in favor of "business as usual" is something worth remembering.