With each passing day, it becomes more and more clear that we need compassionate, smart and experienced people serving in our government. We need leaders who will listen, understand the issues and represent our district’s unique needs in the Statehouse.
The retirements of state representatives John Scibak and Steve Kulik, the death of Rep. Peter Kocot, the stepping down of Rep. Solomon Goldstein-Rose and the resignation of former state senator Stan Rosenberg are creating a time of great change for western Massachusetts. Those are some big shoes to fill, and it’s important that the people we elect have relevant leadership experience.
John Hine will be that leader for the 2nd Hampshire District.
I have known Hine for nearly all of my 21 years in South Hadley. He has represented us as an elected or appointed member of numerous boards and committees, including School Committee, Planning Board, Select Board and currently the Municipal Light Board. He understands how municipal and state finances work, and has a great interest in making government accessible and responsible.
Over the past five years, I had the honor of serving with him on the South Hadley Select Board. Hine’s contributions to the meetings were thoughtful and respectful. As the chairman, he made sure everyone’s voice was heard — board members, residents, the town administrator, guests, everyone.
Hine’s knowledge of systems and procedures, and his ability to research and learn new skills, is unmatched. He has helped guide us through website upgrades, new school building projects, a library integration and town administrator searches.
The issues facing us, both nationally and locally, are truly daunting. Hine is committed to raising his voice for all of us as we work together to:
Control health care costs while providing access to quality care.
Provide quality education to all kids, especially at the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten levels.
Reduce consumption of fossils fuels by promoting conservation and the use of renewable energy sources.
Stand up for women’s rights, civil rights and LGBTQ equality.
Provide more resources and treatment options to combat the opioid addiction crisis, and hold big pharma accountable for its role in the opioid crisis.
Boost economic development by developing job training programs and funding infrastructure projects to increase job growth and business expansion.
As an elected official, I have witnessed firsthand how changes in our leadership — locally and nationally — make a difference in how government works, and how that affects us, both at the local level and far beyond. A calm, steady hand, and thoughtful approach to collaboration and cooperation is exactly what we need right now.
Hine will be an effective advocate for the 2nd Hampshire District — and a strong representative for western Massachusetts in the Statehouse.
I urge the residents of Easthampton, Hadley, South Hadley, and Granby Precinct 2 to join me in voting for John Hine for state representative in the Democratic primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Sarah Etelman, of South Hadley, is a member of that town’s Select Board and former chair of the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee.