AMHERST – Hampshire County Sheriff Robert J. Garvey is endorsing Sarah la Cour, the executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District, to become the next state representative for the 3rd Hampshire District.
“What I like about Sarah is that she will be able to focus on issues that are close to me,” Garvey said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
Garvey cited la Cour’s interest in reforming the criminal justice system and seeking more resources for mental health.
“People aren’t getting enough treatment in the county,” Garvey said. “Sarah will take on complex issues like the opioid crisis and criminal justice reform because she knows what this district needs.”
La Cour is one of six candidates running in the Sept. 8 Democratic primary to succeed retiring State Rep. Ellen Story. The district comprises Amherst, Pelham and Precinct 1 in Granby.
The other candidates are former Massachusetts Broadband Institute Executive Director Eric Nakajima; professional property title examiner Bonnie MacCracken; recent Brown University graduate and former Amherst School Committee member Solomon Goldstein-Rose; Amherst School Committee member Vira Douangmany Cage; and Belchertown High School teacher and former Amherst School Committee member Lawrence O’Brien.
Garvey, an Amherst native whose two children were raised in Amherst, also cited la Cour’s support for jobs, schools and the environment and called her someone who solves problems.
“We need a state representative with deep roots and strong ties to the area, who can fight for the district persuasively in the State House,” Garvey said.
La Cour said in a statement that she will be committed to addressing criminal justice issues in western Massachusetts and that Garvey has demonstrated that the most effective law enforcement is based on the region’s values.
“When I attended the recent reentry breakfast Sheriff Garvey hosted at the House of Correction, I was reminded that we have a choice when it comes to criminal justice and law enforcement,” la Cour said. “We can lock up people or we can look out for people.”
La Cour said she would seek to help those struggling with addiction, abuse or trauma.
“I am honored to have Sheriff Garvey’s endorsement and I look forward to embracing and continuing his tradition of trustworthy public service for the people of Granby, Amherst, and Pelham,” la Cour said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
