Tuesday’s Election

I wanted to share with Blue Mass Group an email I sent out regarding some of the races on Tuesday.  I appreciate the give and take and value the informed feedback and activism of BMG.

-Matt O’Malley, Boston City Councilor, longtime BMG reader and occasional contributor.

This Tuesday, September 9th, is our primary election day.  Polls across the state will be open from 7am until 8pm.  (If you’re unsure as to where you vote, please visit this link).

The most important thing is, of course, to vote.  Whether you’re a registered Democratic, Republican or Unenrolled (meaning you can take either party’s ballot) voter, please exercise your civic responsibility.

There are many contested seats, and several people have asked whom I was supporting. As such, I wanted to share with you my endorsements.  Please feel free to share with me your thoughts on the election or if you feel strongly about a particular contest that I haven’t addressed.

GROSSMAN FOR GOVERNOR

In 2010, I was Steve Grossman’s Field Director in his bid to become State Treasurer.  As we were gearing up for a tough primary and general election campaign, my predecessor in the City Council announced that he was stepping down, setting the stage for a special election.  While I was committed to seeing Steve through to victory, I wanted to pursue my dream job.  Obviously, I couldn’t do both.  I barely sat down to talk with Steve about leaving his campaign, before he cut me off, told me I had to run and pledged to support me.  In the midst of his own campaign, he took precious time and resources to help me win mine.  I am one of the countless young people who pursued public service because of the support and mentorship of Steve Grossman.  Steve is also the first person to call you on your birthday and the type of guy who shows up with food when a family member is sick.  In addition to the incredible warmth and friendship he extends to everyone he meets, he also boasts a successful record in both the private and public sector.  He’s grown a highly successful business while creating hundreds of good paying union jobs; he’s protected taxpayer money and is regarded as among the finest state Treasurers in state history; and he has fought for progressive values and ideals at the local, state, and federal level for decades.  Please join me in supporting the progressive job creator, Steve Grossman.

HEALEY FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

It is rare that we get a chance to vote for a candidate as overwhelmingly qualified, prepared, and ready for the office that they seek, as we are with Maura Healey.  To borrow an old Massachusetts tagline, Maura Healey is no ordinary leader. Maura worked her way through college and law school, played professional basketball in Europe, and returned to Massachusetts for a stellar career as a prosecutor and civil rights attorney.  Seven years ago, she gave up a lucrative private law practice to heed the calling of public service.  She ran half of the Attorney General’s office and has established herself as a force in serving the public good.  She’s notched victories in equal marriage protection (overturning DOMA), women’s health, disability rights, and taking on sub-prime mortgage lenders.  She has the most robust plan to continue that work while also addressing gun violence, opiate abuse, consumer protection, among other issues.  Personally, she is someone whom I admire tremendously and consider a great friend.  Your vote is a hiring decision and AG is a position in which you want the best qualified candidate hired.  Please join me, the Globe, the Herald (and Bob Cousy — how cool is that?!) in supporting Maura Healey for Attorney General.

GOLDBERG FOR TREASURER

Deb Goldberg is uniquely qualified to be our next Treasurer because of a solid and diverse background.  She helped run her family business, Stop & Shop, served as chair of the Brookline Board of Selectmen, and is well-known local philanthropist. She has a robust platform and will tackle important issues like wage equality, college savings, access to capital, and strengthening the state pension fund. She’s also someone who is incredibly kind, funny, and fair.  While not always the most glamorous job, the position of state Treasurer and Receiver General is very important.  I hope you’ll join me in supporting my friend, Deb Goldberg, as our next state Treasurer.

TOMPKINS FOR SHERIFF

Ten years ago, I had the incredible honor of managing Andrea Cabral’s campaign for Sheriff.  I later joined her administration as Director of Legislative Affairs, where I worked under Steve Tompkins, then the Chief of External Affairs.  Last January, Governor Patrick appointed Andrea as Secretary of Public Safety and Steve as Suffolk County Sheriff.  Now, running for his own term, Steve deserves our vote to continue the exemplary job that he has already demonstrated.  Steve is tough, smart, and compassionate.  He understands that the role of sheriff is to provide for the care, custody, and humane control of inmates and detainees. He has established innovative and effective reentry programming, and works to lower the recidivism rate every day.  He was an integral part of the highly successful Cabral team and is now taking that vision to the next level.  Simply put, Steve gets it. We need him to make Suffolk County a stronger and safer place. Please join me in making public safety work by supporting Sheriff Steve Tompkins.

Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday. And GO PATS!