Be a Sharp Voter from Joe Lynch

On August 19, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Neighbors, 

We are in unusual times, this is certain, but that may be the only certainty we have before us.

Many of us are frightened for our health, stunned at the squandering of our wealth, and worried about the very structures that support Democracy.

I am too, but I have hope.

I have hope in our elections.

This year the choice is not whether to vote, but how we’ll cast our ballot. As individuals we’ll be able to vote in person at the polls, or by using the U.S. Postal Service or by making the trek to drop off the completed ballot at City Hall. As a community, we’ll come together to vote for candidates who are thoughtful, honest, and will govern with our best interests in mind.

As our late neighbor Tip O’Neil warned us, all politics is local, so I seek your attention for the Massachusetts State Primary, Sept. 1.

It was an honor to be represented in the 27th Middlesex District by Denise Provost, who championed Somerville on Beacon Hill for all those years. She is genuine, thoughtful, honest and has always put our interest first. She worked on big picture issues like climate change, addiction, social justice and government transparency but brought a focus to those issues that were local – ensuring housing was equitable, that elections were fair, that Somerville got its due share of state funds. I am deeply grateful for her service and wish her well in her retirement.

Hers is a big legacy to follow, so we must choose wisely when voting for a new state representative. After careful thought, I’m asking you to join me in voting for Catia Sharp for State Representative from the 27th Middlesex District.

Sharp has the qualities I first saw in Rep. Provost 25 years ago. She is honest, progressive, thoughtful, and puts the district’s needs first. She has a grasp of the big picture but also knows the work we will require of her on Beacon Hill.

Now is not the time to hesitate to act. We have all learned the lessons that every single election counts, and I don’t want you to count yourself out. None of us can afford to sit out an election — the stakes are too high.

Vote for Sharp in the Primary Sept. 1, and then in November, vote Sharp, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in November. May we all celebrate their victories for the new year!

Stay safe,
JOE LYNCH
HENDERSON STREET
WARD 5, SOMERVILLE

 

5 Responses to “Be a Sharp Voter from Joe Lynch”

  1. Sharper look... says:

    If there is not a rule preventing city officials from endorsing political candidates there should be. This author is the chair of the commission on licenses…licenses where some of them are approved on the state level. Conflict of interest at the least.

  2. Rachel Klein says:

    Everybody’s entitled to make a political endorsement. We’re Americans, remember?

  3. Joe Lynch says:

    I’ll be sure to let the Mayor, City Council, School Committee, and the Somerville state delegation know of your concern.

    Joe Lynch
    Resident
    Somerville, MA

  4. Sd says:

    The rule does not allow public employees to endorse in their official capacity. But Mr. Lynch did not say “as chair of this board, I hereby endorse” somebody. He didn’t even mention his board position. “Sharper”, on the other hand, is the one who brought it up. So, no rule broken. And no way we tell city board members that they can’t have political opinions. That’s unamerican.

  5. Arthur Moore says:

    Like most people these days we pay hardly any attention to endorsements. I am less likely to vote for someone who needs an endorsement anyway. I don’t think that it is not unreasonable for Joe to have his opinion and endorsement public. Although I respect and like Joe as I said I am less likely to vote for Sharp.