I am proudly supporting Lora Wondolowski for state representative in the 1st Franklin District.

For many years, I have had the privilege of serving our community as a volunteer, nonprofit leader, elected official, and appointee to local and regional boards and commissions. Through these experiences, I have learned that public service starts with listening, earning people’s trust, understanding their needs, and bringing them together.

Lora understands this really well.

She brings valuable municipal government experience. For two consecutive years, her peers have trusted her to serve as Greenfield City Council president. That matters. Municipal leaders see firsthand how decisions made on Beacon Hill affect our schools, local budgets, food systems, housing, infrastructure, and families. They also know that what works for one community may not work for another.

That perspective is especially important in our district. From Montague and Sunderland to Ashfield, Colrain, Rowe, and our smaller rural towns, our communities have different needs, challenges, and resources. We need someone who will listen to those differences and advocate for all of us.

Lora has spent years building relationships with municipal officials, legislators, nonprofit and community leaders, workers, advocates, and residents across our region. She knows how to build coalitions and how to bring people along.

For Lora, day one has already started.

I see that in her grassroots campaign. She shows up. She works hard. She listens. She invites people into the work. She mentors others and creates opportunities for people across generations to lead. To me, that says a lot about the maturity, leadership, humility, and emotional intelligence she will bring to this position.

When Lora walks into the State House, she will bring years of relationships and community work with her. She will not walk in alone; she will bring our communities with her.

That is the kind of representation I want for the 1st Franklin District. On Sept. 1, I will proudly cast my vote for Lora Wondolowski, and I hope you will join me.

Francia Wisnewski lives in Montague.