As an Amherst resident, I regret that I can’t vote for Jeromie Whalen, the progressive Northampton High School teacher challenging Rep. Richard Neal in Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District. I urge residents of District 1, and those who know them, to vote for Whalen on Sept. 1 for reasons described below.
Massachusetts has been an overwhelmingly Democratic state for 30-plus years, but Neal’s abysmal performance has shown that a “D” next to a politician’s name is no guarantee of policy commitments, adherence to high standards, or even basic advocacy. Neal is notorious for having minimal engagement with constituents. His last district “town hall” was in 2017 and virtual. The 83 diverse municipalities of the 1st District cover over a third of the state’s landmass, and residents deserve his attention.
A ghost in the district for constituents, Neal is more than happy to show up for corporate backers, both locally and nationally. He is consistently one of the top recipients of corporate cash of any representative in the House from either party. Money talks, and it alone commands Neal’s attention.
In contrast, Whalen seeks out contact with diverse residents of District 1, which has a median household income that’s only 72% of Massachusetts’ overall. Known for his tireless empathy and involvement in progressive causes, Whalen is committed to nurturing young scholars and creating vibrant, safe environments in which they can thrive. He specifically cited his students’ apathy towards the 2024 election result as impetus for throwing his hat into the ring. To paraphrase a slogan about war, “unchecked authoritarianism is not good for children and other living things.”
Whalen’s connection with the local immigrant community has led him to confront the scourge that is ICE, both here and at the Burlington detention facility. As a teachers’ union representative, his collective bargaining experience will help him amplify the voices of our region’s workers.
The Sept. 1 primary is fast approaching, with early voting starting on Aug. 22, so time is of the essence; now is truly the time for progressive change in western and central Massachusetts, which we can do by sending Jeromie Whalen to Congress.
Rachel S. Atwood
Amherst