When I think about who should fill the shoes (of course with a different style) for Steve Kulik, I think of Natalie Blais as the person I strongly support. As a social worker who believes in advocacy, I was always able to ask Steve (and Paul Dunphy — who so many of us miss) to advocate for the issues that are dear to me and support strongly: health care, including reproductive rights; mental health services; education and housing to name just a few.
We also need a voice on Beacon Hill which represents the unique needs of RURAL Massachusetts that we know well. Our communities are different than more urban settings and we need someone who can lead with what we need from day one. Natalie Blais knows our communities.
I am very sad that we have lost all our advocates in Boston at the same time and feel we must have someone who knows the issues, and can start running in whatever style shoes she chooses. Natalie — with the experience of so many important roles with Congressman Olver, Congressman McGovern, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at UMass and as the Executive Director of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce — is that person. She knows the issues important to families, small businesses, nonprofits and the government sector.
She lives in Franklin County and cares deeply about what’s important here. She has advocated on behalf of individuals, nonprofits, businesses and communities to strengthen our region. Natalie has fought to expand access to health care in rural areas through the expansion of federally qualified community health centers and supports filing legislation for Medicare for All.
Natalie understands, perhaps better than any other candidate, the direct impact that cuts to federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Meals on Wheels has on elders and their caregivers in our community. Natalie has expertise and a working knowledge of the unique needs of our rural area and I know she will fight to make them heard in Boston. I believe that Natalie Blais is the best qualified candidate with the proven experience and commitment to represent the 1st Franklin District on Beacon Hill.
I hope you will consider supporting her with your vote on Tuesday, September 4.
Judi Fonsh
Leverett