Today, I took my 11-year-old canvassing in support of Sheila Gilmour for mayor. My kiddo, who would rather be swimming or playing games, asked why we needed to knock on doors in the hot sun. I’ll share with you how I responded.
I met Sheila Gilmour while organizing in support of the Safe City ordinance back before she became city councilor in 2017. Her vocal stance in support of our immigrant neighbors, people of color, and marginalized people in our community impressed me. And it has continued to impress me during her tenure as councilor.
Lately, Sheila’s been busy — running a campaign, working a full-time job, parenting three boys, volunteering for her union, and serving on the City Council. And, in the midst of all that, she has taken time to meet with myself and other residents to work to pass the Safe City ordinance. We’re in a moment of reckoning around race in this country, and it is refreshing to see a councilor respectfully calling out white supremacy and devoting her “free time” to justice.
As mayor, Sheila will continue to dedicate herself to all our city’s residents, including poor people and workers. She will work passionately to increase affordable housing, reduce chronic homelessness, improve public transportation, strengthen public education, and do everything in her power to ameliorate the impacts of climate change.
Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (the organization started by Bernie Sanders’ supporters in early 2017) endorsed Sheila Gilmour. That’s because she is our city’s most progressive candidate. If, like Sheila, you are dedicated to showing up for the most marginalized members of our community, please vote for Sheila Gilmour in the election on Sept. 10. You might even go knock on doors! Thank you.
Katherine Golub
Greenfield