WORTHINGTON — Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, who is running for lieutenant governor on her municipal experience while emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 recovery, will be the latest guest of Worthington’s Sundays with the Candidates series.
“I’m hoping they’ll get to learn a little bit about me,” said Driscoll, noting she’s hoping to learn from Worthington residents as well.
Driscoll is scheduled to appear at the Zoom event this Sunday starting at 2 p.m. The series has previously hosted state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, another Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, and it will host a third lieutenant governor candidate in state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, on Feb. 20.
Those interested in attending Sunday’s forum can email Worthingtondem@gmail.com with one’s name and community to receive the Zoom link. The event is open to all attendees, regardless of residence.
Driscoll was born in Hawaii to a Trinidadian mother and grew up in a military family before moving to Salem for college. Driscoll proceeded to never leave her adopted hometown and today is a mother of three with a husband who works as a brickmason. Driscoll is Salem’s longtime mayor and was recently elected to her fifth term in office.
“Mayors are part of the get-stuff-done wing of government,” she said.
Driscoll has never visited Worthington, but she did note that she’s visited the western part of the state for ecotourism and to see shows at Tanglewood. She also noted her desire to hear from communities that haven’t felt heard by the state — wherever they might be.
Driscoll said that COVID-19 recovery is paramount and that building a strong economy is tied in with that. Asked about her economic vision, Driscoll pointed to listening to local communities as a guiding light.
“I think every community in every region has strengths,” she said. “We need to play them up.”
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.