I love this community. Over the years, I have served on the Greenfield School Committee and on the Greenfield City Council. I am presently on the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals. I understand the importance of listening to all points of view. As a mediator, I strive to help people find common ground. I know the importance of building coalitions. In this time of extremism and polarization, we need leaders with collaborative skills who will be able bring people together, while zealously advocating for us. I want someone who understands the issues of the moment, who finds solutions to problems, and who can get things done, all while building coalitions in order to get results. I believe that Lora Wondolowski is that leader.
Knowing the players in Boston and having established relationships can only take us so far. If we look closely at what is happening nationally, we see that the status quo is no longer enough when determining who to vote for. Voters are turning to populist candidates, who are not tied to the party infrastructure. I want a leader who will be independent in creating alliances, and in building coalitions with a broad base of people who otherwise would be seen as outside the “party” goals. I want a leader who has a strong character and someone who is willing to fight for what we need. Lora is that leader.
I have witnessed Lora build successful coalitions in Greenfield. I witnessed Lora break through an impasse over health insurance cost negotiations with the city unions by presenting to the unions that she could be trusted to first amend and ratify what the union wanted, and then trust that the unions would sign off on the plan that Lora and the mayor hoped to get approved. It worked. I strongly believe that a coalition based on trust and a clear understanding of the objective on both sides, can increase dramatically the success in achieving a goal.
I know that Lora is the person we need to advocate for us. She can and she will succeed. Please vote for Lora Wondolowski on Sept. 1 so she can go to Boston as a voice ready to build coalitions and power in order to fulfill the needs of our district.
David Singer lives in Greenfield.