How can we consider our region politically progressive when, of the 25 state House and Senate seats in western Massachusetts, a mere two are occupied by women?
I view correcting the gross gender imbalance on Beacon Hill — where 75 percent of all legislators are men — an urgent priority. And here in western Massachusetts? There’s just no excuse for Statehouse representation that is 92 percent male. It’s way past time to right this.
I’m grateful, therefore, that two progressive women are running for the state Senate seat vacated by Stan Rosenberg. I am joining literally hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers who have leaped into Jo Comerford’s campaign and are committing every spare ounce of energy this summer toward electing her to the state Senate.
You can’t improve upon Comerford’s decades-long, consistently progressive leadership (former director of both National Priorities Project and the American Friends Service Committee), her success as campaign director of MoveOn in harnessing the grassroots power of millions of U.S. citizens to make government accountable, her on-the-ground work to end hunger as former program director for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and her expertise in a range of issues like health care, climate justice and education.
Comerford knows how government works. She’s a proven, effective champion of our priorities, and a much-needed female leader for our region.
As a write-in candidate, can Comerford really win? Remember, this extraordinary woman was campaign director of MoveOn. She is a national expert in running successful campaigns.
So, hop aboard this exciting train. Go to JoComerford.org and sign up to volunteer: make calls, knock on doors, host a lawn sign, and hold “Jo” signs at the polls. And most importantly, write in “Jo Comerford” for state Senate on Sept. 4.
Lilly Lombard
Northampton