The State House in Boston can feel far removed and unaware of the people who live in western Massachusetts. Franklin County needs a state representative with a deep understanding of our county’s strengths and challenges. She needs a skill set that is both broad and deep, in order to build the consensus required to pass any legislation.
I looked carefully at both Lora Wondolowski and Corinne Coryat. I’ve attended their various candidate forums, spoken with each, and looked into their background. Lora Wondolowski stands out in experience and in skills.
Lora worked for many years on environmental justice and leadership building. Her vision includes a strong awareness of the disability community, including our diversity and our concerns. She grew up with a father with MS, giving her a daily opportunity to learn from his experience. Her leadership work included outreach to the deaf community, and she’s taught workforce development skills to people with intellectual disabilities. She uses her experience at the Peace Development Fund to engage in deep listening to community members about their needs and aspirations.
We know some of the challenges facing the commonwealth. Climate change is already here. The cost of energy, groceries and healthcare are a struggle for too many families. Equitable school funding; the ongoing opioid crisis; the need to attract good jobs and affordable homes are all a part to the mix. Effective legislators also must be prepared to deal with unexpected issues that will invariably come our way.
Lora has the right skills and experience to be able to deal with the road ahead. She demonstrated this as a Greenfield city councilor and as City Council president. I hope my neighbors in the Franklin 1st District will join me in voting for Lora Wondolowski for state representative.
Joannah Whitney
Greenfield