Hello to the BMG community,
Today I am officially announcing that I will be a candidate for State Senate in the Second Suffolk District, and I’m writing to let all of you know and ask for your support.
I was incredibly thankful to have the support of the BMG community in my run for this seat two years ago: not only did I receive the site’s endorsement (thanks David, Charley & Bob!), but I also benefited from the many volunteers and donors who came my way after hearing about my campaign on BMG. I hope to earn your active support again this year!
As a community activist and a former teacher, I’m in this race again because I know there is still the need and opportunity to do more for our community, and I’m ready to take on those challenges. From improving the quality of our schools and reducing youth violence to keeping housing affordable and stable and making sure economic development reaches those who need it most, it’s clear we’ve got a lot to do. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the people of this district.
We saw in 2006 that there’s a real appetite for new leadership in the Second Suffolk district — a readiness for change that thousands of voters and I share. Although it may be well-worn, I take to heart the truism that “you must be the change you wish to see in the world.” That’s why I’m in this race for a second time.
I also hope it is why you’ll join me. Over the coming months, I’m looking forward to making my case for new leadership to voters across the district and talking seriously about the issues we all care deeply about. I hope this is an ongoing discussion and effort you will consider being a part of.
If you are interested in getting involved in my campaign, or have any questions about my stands on issues, please drop me an email at soniachangdiaz@gmail.com. We’re working on updating our website now, but in the meantime you can go to www.soniachangdiaz.com to learn a little more about my background – and more information will be available soon!
Saludos,
Sonia Chang-Díaz
As a (potential) constituent, I wish you the best. I hope to be helpful!
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p>Will getting an early start help? And without Dianne having run into too many major roadblocks over the past two years, has she strengthened her hold on the district? Will Deval and his team support her?
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p>So many questions that I am sure you have analyzed prior to jumping into this thing.
A couple of months ago I got a telephone poll asking questions about Diane Wilkerson’s negatives and questions about your positives. I assumed at the time — and still do — that it was a poll organized by your campaign to explore the relative merits of these issues as fodder for campaigning. I’ve subsquently learned that you conducted similar research back in 2006.
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p>I am a forgiving fan of Diane Wilkerson. But I can probably quite easily become a fan of yours. Seeing the support you have on this site is high praise. And others I know and respect also speak highly of you.
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p>Here I’d like to ask that you PLEASE make this a positive campaign. Dwelling on Diane Wilkerson’s personal and professional foibles isn’t needed.
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p>Best of luck —
This potential voter would like the candiddate to pretend she is running against someone else.
You know, I don’t think there’s any need to be gratuitously nasty, not even in politics. On that we agree.
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p>But a thorough examination of Diane Wilkerson’s career and record is most definitely in order. I think that’s exactly what’s needed. And let her campaign and supporters defend her. It’s not up to Sonia to unilaterally disarm.
…but I wish she was running against someone else.
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p>Dianne Wilkerson comes with her baggage, as everyone knows, but her voice has been a powerful and passionate one for her district, for progressives, and for the Commonwealth.
a powerful and passionate voice without baggage? Dare we even imagine such a thing?
The Second Suffolk District is the cultural heart of Boston, reflecting the full racial, religious, political and social diversities that is underrepresented in our government.
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p>Economic, labor and workforce development are my key areas of interest, and the old politics of anger, guilt and race-baiting is doing nothing to lift the career opportunities for district residents, ensure the education and training of youth, unemployed or underemployed workers, create safe places and alternatives to violence (for non-adjudicated youth – some kids would like some options BEFORE going through the court system), attract and retain businesses or position ourselves for a fair piece of the global, green or Greater Boston economy.
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p>When someone from the district asks for my advice on how to influence change through government, I’m not yet sure how to answer that as far as candidate selection. I am though glad that someone is bold enough to engage in a debate about the issues, and that locals are more open to “politics as un-usual.”