My Priorities

I grew up in a working class family and know firsthand the challenges these families face. Working families need affordable housing and access to local jobs. We need homes so that people who were born, schooled and retire here can live in Plymouth their entire life. Investing in housing leads to economic growth and  healthier outcomes. I voted YES at the last Town Meeting to  fund a new Plymouth Master Plan which will incorporate affordable housing needs in our community.  I will also vote YES on state legislation that has similar goals. Access to more affordable housing is one of my legislative priorities.

Working class families also benefit from local, caring, inclusive organizations that provide space for our shared humanity. This includes village groups, church groups, environmental groups, and many others. This is why I participate in the No Place for Hate Committee,  Sustainable Plymouth, and many other groups. As State Representative for Plymouth, I will use my office to help these community organizations fulfill their mission.

As a Town Meeting Member, I meet regularly, face to face, with constituents and listen to their concerns. My resident listening sessions in Pinehills are now renown. I will continue this practice for all Plymouth if elected.

I know first-hand how mental and emotional health issues consume and destroy the dreams of families. We can and must do more to help those suffering from addiction and mental health trauma. Guidance and resources must be provided to the families who confront this crisis daily.

More than half of the people in Massachusetts with mental health needs do not receive mental health treatment they need. I am committed to making mental and emotional health care more comprehensive, accessible, and affordable in our schools and communities. I support programs and funding that provide a pathway to grow our work force so that nobody gets shut out. We need to increase access to treatment as well as  education on how and where to get help. The use of NARCAN must be expanded so that it is easily accessible in every emergency.  

Too often, stigma and shame stand in the way of seeking help. Not only for those who suffer, but for those who love them. I know what it feels like to admit to your doctor that your child or spouse is suffering from mental or emotional health issues or addiction. 

Championing the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Roadmap will be one of my legislative priorities. It is a way for anyone seeking behavioral health treatment to access the treatment they need through a central phone line. It provides for Community Behavioral Health Centers with real time urgent care and 24x7 crisis response programs.  The program also includes specialized services for children and youth. This is why I joined the board of Child and Family Services that operates a walk in treatment center right here in Plymouth. For all those who face these challenges, I will be our voice on Beacon Hill.

When I first heard of the plan to dump radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay, I did not believe it. But it was true. Holtec, the company contracted to decommission the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, planned to dump one million gallons of radioactive water into the bay. I do not support dumping this water into our bay under any circumstances. It is a threat to our health, our environment, and our commerce.  This is why I joined the Steering Committee of Save Our Bay and organized grassroots support to stop Holtec. 

I attended the state oversight committee (NDCAP) meetings and called for a stop to this plan. I filed legislation in the MA Statehouse entitled “An act strengthening citizen participation on the panel for decommissioning the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant” which will hold the oversight panel accountable.(SB2394). Our efforts succeeded. We compelled the MA Department of Environmental Protection to issue a tentative determination stopping Holtec.

Recently, Holtec has installed industrial grade water heaters in the contaminated water pool and begun accelerated evaporation into the public air.  The Plymouth Board of Health has stated this is a public health threat.  I continue to help lead the Save Our Bay Coalition stop this new threat. 

I am fully committed to equality--regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, or national origin. I will  fight so that all people are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. I am especially committed to the principle of inclusion. Inclusion is more than just offering people a “seat at the table”. It is welcoming and respecting their views and participation. I know first hand the lasting harm caused by EXCLUSION. I have seen the trauma and pain that EXCLUSION inflicts on children and adolescents. I will work tirelessly so that everyone feels they “belong”.

Plymouth is a top destination for millions of tourists thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our community groups. I am committed to working with town officials and community partners to maximize grant funding so that our tourism industry continues to grow. I support exploring a  holistic MA State transportation infrastructure so that commuters and tourists can conveniently travel to our rich tourism hub. 

I will actively promote our small businesses and protect union rights.

Plymouth is situated to take advantage of the many Blue Economy programs that are being developed. I will advocate for more state programs that develop our shellfish industry, aquaculture, and harbor based tourism.