I have known many Governor’s Councilors during my 46 years as a lawyer, some good, some bad. The best by far is Tara Jacobs. She is unique in that she is not a lawyer, just a well-educated, intelligent person, concerned about justice. For too long I have watched people become judges in large part because of “who they know.” Too often, nominees are former prosecutors who seem to get fast-tracked to judicial positions.

Tara has demonstrated a commitment to a fair and open process unlike any of her predecessors. She is committed to a diverse bench, not only in terms of race, gender and sexual preference, but diverse in terms of life experiences and geographical locations. She is the first to hold local hearings that are open to the public on all western Mass. candidates. She expends the time and energy to do outreach to educate folks, including those in public housing, about the role of the Governor’s Council.

The only opposition I have heard to her reelection is by those Democrats who are angry with her for not voting to approve Gabrielle Wolohojian, Gov. Maura Healey’s former domestic partner of 12 years, to the Supreme Judicial Court. For those who think Tara should have voted to approve Justice Wolohojian, simply because she was the governor’s choice, I ask “would you feel the same way if Charlie Baker had appointed an ex-girlfriend to the position?” The Governor’s Council exists precisely as a check on such blatant instances of favoritism.

Tara’s opponent is a nice guy but is very much the candidate of the Springfield Democratic Party. They are not evil people, but they do want to have control over who gets judgeships and clerkships. Just look at those who are supporting his candidacy. It’s a who’s who of the Springfield Democratic caucus — everyone from Congressman Richard Neal to Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, and nearly all the elected Springfield Democratic officials.

If you prefer a truly independent voice, this is an opportunity to support an extraordinary candidate for public office — one you can be proud to pull the lever for!

David P. Hoose

Northampton