How did we get to be so lucky? At a time when so many people are (rightfully) cynical about politicians, we find ourselves with a wonderful array of great candidates to vote for in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. The following four have been endorsed by Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (FCCPR) and will represent us well.
Let’s start with Ed Markey running for reelection to the U.S. Senate. He’s as honest and straightforward as they come and was one of the original proponents of a Green New Deal — a set of policies that would simultaneously create good jobs and a cleaner environment.
If you live in Monroe, Rowe, Charlemont or Hawley, you have a golden opportunity to get rid of Congressman Richie Neal. Since 2010, only two members of the U.S. House have taken more money from corporate political action committees than Neal. But you can vote for his grassroots opponent — Jeromie Whalen, a high school teacher who has volunteered all around western Massachusetts and who advocates for “community over chaos, people over profit, and hope over fear.”
Locally, we get to elect a new state representative in the 1st Franklin District, to replace Natalie Blais who resigned earlier this year. Lora Wondolowski is the current Greenfield City Council president. She has spent her long career fighting for environmental protection. Her top issues are rural school funding, available and affordable housing, and farms and climate.
Last but not least, Tara Jacobs represents all of western Mass. on the little-known but important Governor’s Council, the body which approves (or rejects) judicial appointments and makes parole and commutation recommendations. Running for reelection, she believes social, racial, gender, geographical, economic, and environmental equity must factor into every decision by the Governor’s Council. Among many volunteer activities, Tara serves on the North Adams School Committee.
Note that not every one of these candidates is on all ballots, depending on exactly where you live.
Ferd Wulkan
Montague