This letter was submitted by Dr. Carole Allen of Arlington:
As voting rights are increasingly under attack, it is doubly important to cast votes in our primary and general elections. The Sept. 6 Democratic primary offers many qualified and committed candidates. To me, a few stand out for dedication to equity and population health and the experience – lived and professional – they bring to the table; I hope you will consider joining me in supporting them.
For lieutenant governor, State Rep. Tami Gouveia offers a strong public health perspective as a social worker with a doctorate in public health. Her commitment to promoting women, minorities and members of the LGBTQ community to leadership positions in our state, and her legislative experience and connections, will serve the new administration well.
For attorney general, Quentin Palfrey headed the health care division of the Mass. attorney general’s office, served presidents Obama (jobs creation) and Biden (Commerce) and founded Voter Protection Corps to increase access to polls. He has devoted his career to addressing poverty, disparities and inequality. Quentin’s agenda focuses on homelessness, structural racism, reproductive freedom, educational justice and climate change.
For secretary of state, Tanisha Sullivan brings not only stellar legal, business and civil rights advocacy credentials but also lived experience as a woman of color in public and private sectors. In office she will expand transparency and voter empowerment and address economic inequity. Her eloquence as a speaker was on full display at the Mass. Democratic convention, winning the party’s endorsement.
For auditor, Chris Dempsey commits to monitoring public spending with an equity lens, leading on climate and environmental justice, safeguarding reproductive equity and bringing transparency to the State Police. His experience as a transportation advocate is sorely needed.
For Governor’s Council (“Councillor” on the ballot), Mara Dolan will bring a new voice — that of public defender — to the selection of judges and other gubernatorial appointees and approval of pardons and commutations. Informed by her 15-year career defending minors, working families, racial minorities and those with opiate addiction, Mara will insist that our legal system respect science, promote equity, and endorse reproductive freedom.
Whether you support these candidates or others, please VOTE!
This letter was publisheed Monday, Aug. 15, 2022.
