To My Many Supporters

I want to take a minute to thank all of you that have in one   From moral support to advice, to holding signs, hosting signs and contributing finances, attending events or hosting events, in one way or another, and in many cases in many ways, you all have been so very encouraging. And for all the notes and messages offer support over the last few days, thank you.
way or another been so very supportive of my effort to run for State Representative.

While I knew all along I was a serious underdog, I never wavered in my belief that I  I had a shot at winning this!  Naïve maybe, but I suppose confidence in one’s chance of winning is not a bad thing.  Sure feeds the motivation to work long hours.  I met so many people along the way that served to bolster my confidence and give me energy to continue.  The 72 – 28 % gap hit me pretty hard but on reflection I realize the majority of people that voted for me had never heard of me a couple months ago so all in all I know I did well.  I spent yesterday licking my wounds but today I am back, trying to figure out where to go from here.

One of the many interesting lessons of this campaign is the number of people that told me their stories in the hopes that I would be able to help them.  I sincerely hope I can still find a way to do that.  I know I could keep doing what I’ve been doing and help individuals as I encounter them but I would very much like to find a systemic way to help.  Many of the issues stem from an overarching difficulty in accessing services for those in need.  Be it gaining access to Veteran’s services, to educational services, understanding how to comply with insurance requirements or applying for EBT cards (food stamps), the issues are similar.  The systems are just too complex.  It is not all that different from the difficulty we have faced over the last ten years accessing services for our children and our family.

People in stressful situations, as all of the above-mentioned are, have about all they can do just getting through the day, never mind trying to navigate the mine field of social services.   Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could find a way to ease the path to assistance on which so many of us wander?

Another avenue I would love to pursue is transparency in the state house.  This is something that has baffled me for a couple years but even more so since I ran for office. 

For some time I have struggled with how to follow a bill through the state house, or how to know what bills were being considered in regards to a specific topic and when they will be open for public comment and when they will be voted on.  It is possible but not easy to find that information.  And the discussions surrounding these pieces of legislation, I have yet to find a resource that documents the conversations for and against a bill.   There are several legislative committees but what do they talk about, what do they do?

And on a more personal level, where does Representative X or Senator Y stand on specific issues?  What, specifically, has he or she done to promote an issue or fight against anything.  What has he gone to bat for on Beacon Hill?  Other than putting her name on a bill as a sponsor, what has she done to move the bill forward?  I know I can find out what our legislators tell us and I can find out what I read in the paper, but is that all there is to know?  For some people that information is fairly scant, does that mean they don’t do much?

Seems to me it would be in the people of Massachusetts’ best interest to have access to this kind of information.  We vote these people into office, shouldn’t we know what we are getting for our vote?

These are some of the ‘great thoughts’ I am thinking.  Not sure where I will go from here but I am confident something useful will come of this adventure.

Many have asked if I will run again and if I will register as a democrat.  To both I can just say, “I don’t know”.  Running for office again depends on where my journey leads me.   I certainly do not rule it out but, ‘it depends’.  It would be nice after 10 years to get a job with an actual paycheck and this campaign took at a minimum 60 hours of my time each week.  At my advanced age, I don’t have the energy to hold down a ‘real’ job and run a campaign like this.  And whether or not I register as a democrat also ‘depends’.  I might.  I also plan to look into Evan Falchuk’s United Independent Party.  I don’t know much of anything about it right now but I like the concept.

In the short term, Bob and I are going to escape to Portland Maine for a couple days and catch up on some rest and maybe read a good book or two.  Open to suggestions for escapist reading.

Thank you to all of you.  You guys rock!
 

Leadership for Waltham

As one of my beloved son’s likes to say, “Oookaay, allllrrrright’.  I’m sure you knew this was coming, at least, I am certain those that know me at all knew I would have something to say.

Dear Mr. Stanley,

We get along so well, don’t you think?  I am not being facetious, I think we have gotten along well.  Yet I fear there may be a problem that has yet to be uncovered.  A couple weeks ago I took exception to what you had published in the Waltham Tribune, see http://sharonforrep.blogspot.com/2014/10/dear-mr-stanley.html for a refresher.  At that time I took the approach that your memory had failed you on several key points.  Now however, I have to think it is something more insidious than a failed memory.  You know as well as I do that you were invited to a candidate forum by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee and by the 3^rd MAD Democratic Committee.  And that you were offered several dates from which to choose.  I know because I received a copy of the same email you did.  Why would you tell the public, your constituents, that is not the case? 

Mr. Stanley, what is going on?  Your signs all tout Leadership for Waltham.  Let’s leave out the fact that this ignores a significant portion of the district, that being Lincoln, what qualities do you think are necessary to be a leader?  Surely honesty would be among them.  Having a proactive approach is also an important quality in a leader, would you agree? 

Let us analyze this piece of your recent letter to the editor in the Waltham Tribune. 

As for the orchestrated attempt to imply I am avoiding a public debate, I have not received such an invitation from any civic, business or community organization during this election campaign.  In the past, I have participated in all I have been invited to.

How can you in all seriousness publish this?  I refer you to the following email, dated September 26, 2014:

Dear Tom,
The Lincoln Democratic Town Committee and the 3rd Middlesex Area Democrats would like to invite you to a FORUM wherein you and Sharon would be asked a series of questions on your candidacies for 9th Middlesex District.  When 3M has a FORUM (not a debate) we use LWV format and certified moderators. The rules - which both sides will have to agree upon - have been vetted many times.
To start - would you please let me know if either of the following dates and times would be possible for you for this event.
Location: Waltham Public Library Lecture Hall
Date/Time; Either Thurs 10/23 630-830PM (forum 7-8)
                     Or      Sat 10/25.   1230-230PM (forum 1-2)
If these don't work, please let me know another date that might.
Thank you very much for letting us know ASAP for volunteer scheduling purposes.

Don’t you think that at a minimum the people you serve deserve to know the truth?  You will recall the Waltham Tribune also asked you to engage in a debate.  I am sure you have a good reason for not agreeing to a forum or a debate to discuss the issues, but please do not say you were not invited.

On the other hand, even if you had not been invited, as someone that is advertising ‘Leadership for Waltham”, wouldn’t it be incumbent on you to initiate the debate yourself?  You are a seasoned candidate, you have been doing this since 2001.  Why would you sit back and wait for someone else to initiate a debate?  You should be three steps ahead of me and of the democratic party.  Communication, as I am sure you know, is an integral part of leadership.  As a leader I would expect you to be getting out in front of issues, taking the opportunity to show the community who you are and why what you have to offer is better than what your opponent offers.  

You cannot lead from behind.  Well, I suppose you might be able to but I would not think that is a wise strategy.

The second point I would like to comment on, and this, I promise, is the last point.  From your same letter,

I spend a lot of time in both of the communities I represent, Waltham and Lincoln. I attend meetings and events, I regularly distribute questionnaires on state and local issues to solicit feedback from my constituents and I spend a lot of time knocking on doors, trying to meet as many people as I can.

No you do not.  You certainly do not spend ‘a lot of time in Lincoln’.  You have been representing Lincoln for almost two years yet almost no one in Lincoln knows who you are.  You will recall I first contacted you via email on January 30, 2013 to say hello and welcome you to Lincoln yet I do not recall ever seeing a questionnaire from you, not through email or US mail or from any other method.  Dear Mr. Stanley, I do not understand your strategy but believe me, sticking to the facts is always easier in the long run.

Here is what we tell our children.  If you want to us to believe you, you have to establish a pattern of telling the truth.  And leadership, while I guess it technically does not require truth telling, a quality leader certainly makes it part of his or her repertoire.

I wish you well,

Sharon

Dear Mr. Stanley

Hi Tom, I read your article in the Waltham Tribune today.  You made a few points I take issue with and I thought I should provide my perspective on the following.

When We First Met on the Campaign Trail  You seem to have forgotten that we first met five months ago and have met several times since.  I have carefully laid out the dates and scenarios below. 
Why I am Running  You state confusion as to why I am running.  I took a moment to lay out some of the reasons for you.  
The Forum Conundrum  You welcome a chance to engage in dialogue yet you will not.

When We First Met on the Campaign Trail
Let me help you out as your memory seems to be failing you.   As written today, October 16, 2014  in the Waltham Tribune, "Stanley, unopposed in the Democratic primary election, hadn’t heard of his independent opponent Antia until just recently, he said."  Let me refresh your memory.

May 2, 2014 at Cafe on the Common with Katherine Clark

The Introduction

On May 2, 2014, I was at the coffee for Katherine Clark at the Cafe on the Common in Waltham.  While there I met several Waltham residents and one of my new acquaintances said, 'Tom Stanley just walked in".  I immediately asked for an introduction, we walked over there, you and I were introduced and you said, 'I know who you are".  That was in May, five months ago.  We wished each other well on the campaign trail.







 

May 3, 2014 in Waltham at the Third Middlesex District breakfast

 Missed Opportunity

 On May 3, 2014, I was invited to speak at the Democratic breakfast in Waltham.  I thought sure I would have another opportunity to speak with you there but alas, you did not attend.  Fortunately for me I did meet many other Waltham voters.

May 24, 2014 Waltham Community Day Center Fundraiser

Another Meeting, This Time With One of Your Colleagues

On May 24, 2014, I again saw you at the fundraiser for the Waltham Community Day Center held at First Parish.  I was sitting at a table when you walked in and stood behind me speaking to Bill Fowler. Again I went up and said hello to you and introduced myself to Mr. Fowler.  I am sure he could refresh your memory.

June 14, 2014 in Worcester at The Democratic Convention

June 27, 2014 in Lincoln at Chief Kevin Mooney's retirement party.

Surprise Reception!

On June 14, 2014 I again had the pleasure of speaking with you at the Democratic State Convention in Worcester.  I was a volunteer there and before my shift began I was walking around speaking with people.  I came upon you and went up, shook your hand and said hello.  Remember that?  You expressed surprise to see me and asked why I was there as I am in Independent.  Then you asked, kiddingly, "what, are you, a spy?"  I said no, I was a volunteer.  Actually I was a vote counter.



You, some of my Family, and our Former Senator

And finally, remember we met again at Chief Mooney's retirement party on June 27, 2014?  You, me, and my husband chatted for 15 or so minutes and then we all had dinner together along with Senator Susan Fargo, her husband Foster, and our son Dareek?



I can understand you forgetting a meeting or two but at every one of these we acknowledge that we are running for the same office.  Not sure how you 'just recently' came upon this information.

And one more thing, all the 'political folks' I have talked to in Waltham told me they knew I was running the minute I pulled papers in April.  Surely you are not less connected than most.

Why I am Running
"I’m not sure if she knows why she’s running," Stanley said. "She wants to hear what people want to say and try and understand their concerns, but I’ve been living that my entire life and I don’t need to find that out."
Yikes, Mr. Stanley, "you don't need to find out".  That is one of the reasons I am running and thank you for the opening.  You could go to my website, www.sharonantia.com and see that, "I believe the job of the state representative is to represent the people of a given district.  To listen to the people, to represent the people, to be the voice of the people in the state house."  How can one presume to know what is in the people's' best interest without talking with them?  You say "you don't need to find out" because "[you've] been living that your entire life".   I have a different take on that.  I believe the needs of the community change over time, people change, in fact as we know, districts change.  How can one know what the needs of this community are at this point in time without talking to them?

Point two. I believe we, the people of Waltham and Lincoln, deserve a State Representative that is committed to the job of being a State Representative.  You want to be mayor Mr. Stanley.  All the power to you and I wish you well.  Meanwhile, I believe we need someone in Boston that is committed to representing us, the people of Lincoln and Waltham.  Not someone that is committed to moving on in their career.

Point three.  I believe we need to do more to shore up the lives of people that are in dire need, right here.  Today.  Raise minimum wage, provide sick time, universal preschool, these would all help struggling families improve their life situations.  I believe we need to prevent casinos from coming into Massachusetts and wreaking havoc on our communities.  I believe we need to work to lower the costs of health care.  I believe we need to allow undocumented children to attend college at instate rates and undocumented citizens to get a driver's license.  I believe we need to prioritize the treatment of veterans, the elderly and those less fortunate.  This is what I am hearing as I talk to people.  This is what 'we', the people of our district are asking for.  These are not only morally correct, they benefit us all.  And I will fight for these, many of which, your record tells me you oppose.

The Forum Conundrum
"I don’t know who she’s requested that of, but I don’t think she requested that of me," Stanley said. "Usually these are scheduled months in advance and it seems like an afterthought that she’s trying to put something together. I welcome any chance, but I’m not going to break other commitments I already made."

Mr. Stanley, really?  "You would welcome any chance".  You are the experienced candidate.  You have had every opportunity to request a forum or a debate.  You did not need to wait for me.  If you would welcome the chance, what has stopped you?

Me thinks something is awry.

Where and When to Park

A month or so ago I met a woman named Joyce on the campaign trail.  Joyce owns a small business and was concerned because some of her customers were getting parking tickets and they were not certain what, exactly, the parking regulations are.  After two hours (or whatever the posted time is) at one spot, then what?  Can you just move to another spot?  Move to another block?  And if so what exactly constitutes a block in Waltham?  If you park in a spot for the allotted time can you leave and come back to that same spot later in the day?  Are the regulations the same if there is a parking meter and if there is no meter?  These questions were a source of confusion in her shop.  I told her I would look into it.

I went to the Waltham transportation website but could not find the answer there so I stopped in their office on School St.  I met with Michael Garvin, the transportation czar and asked him for a write up or a map that explains the parking regulations.  He didn't have anything that specifically explained the issue so I took notes, went home, and drew my own map.  I mailed it to Mr. Garvin, got his approval and brought it in to Joyce.  She is thrilled.  Has it posted in her shop.

Update on Eddie

I saw Eddie again (for part 1 see "Eddie - I think I got his vote" Tuesday Oct 7 http://sharonforrep.blogspot.com/2014/10/eddie-i-think-i-got-his-vote.html).  I gave him the name and number and suggested he contact Senator Mike Barrett's office for help with his EBT card.  He went on to tell me another story.

Eddie has recently been let go from a local sort of fast food restaurant.  Eddie worked for them for just under a year, during which time he never received a bad review.  He completed many training modules during that time and learned most of the stations.  He had been told he would receive a .25 pay raise for every three or so training modules he completed.

A month or so ago he was suspended for two weeks.  When he came back to work he learned he was terminated.  Eddie does not know why he was suspended or why he was terminated.  In addition, he never received his incremental pay raises.  When he confronted his manager about the pay raises she told him to document what they owe him.  He did that and has still not received the pay.  During the time Eddie worked at this establishment he worked in what I would describe as a hostile environment.  He said he was yelled at and belittled with some frequency.

Now, I know there is more to this story but Eddie is not willing or able to tell me.  What concerns me as much as anything is that on the surface it sounds as if Eddie is being taken advantage of.  At a minimum, if we assume there was cause to let him go, if his story is at least somewhat accurate he should receive his back pay and he should not have to beg for it.  He has all the data and told me he is owed, I don't remember the exact amount but it is several hundred dollars he has coming to him.  He is going to email his documentation to me and I told him I will go with his to speak to the manager so we can get to the bottom of this.

Eddie also had a couple good stories for me.  A few months ago the place he has been living in was sold, foreclosed on actually.  He has been looking for another place to live and having a hard time finding a place he can afford.  He recently found a place he thought he could handle but then realized with all the upfront costs it was a little bit out of his price range.  Somehow, he got in touch with the person that bought his current place and was told there was $500 moving costs available to him once he secured a place to live.  With the additional influx of money he is now in the process of moving to his new home.  I don't know why whoever it was gave him the $500 but what a nice surprise for Eddie.

In addition, he has another job at a competing restaurant.  He reported this new job is wonderful.  He said it is calm, everyone knows what they need to do and has the tools to do it.  He has not been yelled at once and if he doesn't understand something or makes a mistake instead of getting yelled at his boss comes over and calmly explains to him what he needs to do.  I gave him a hug ad told him how happy he is to have all this great news.

Stay tuned for more on the EBT card and the back pay.

How Do I Differ from my Opponent?

As I traverse the trails on this campaign, I am often asked some version of ‘how do you differ from your opponent’?  As I have not been able to engage in a forum with him, it is difficult to discern his views on the issues.  I am left with interpreting his stance based on his voting record and what I read in the paper.  When voters ask me how we differ, I use one or more of the following examples.

Transparency, Availability and Accountability

This, in my mind, is one of the most important points of difference.  I am a strong proponent of open dialogue and transparency.  I have practiced it in my life and I have commenced my campaign with the same practice.  I believe, and the Massachusetts Constitution bears out[1], that the primary responsibility of the legislator it so represent and be accountable to the people.  As a legislator it is incumbent upon the legislator to make him or herself available to the people.  I have been hosting community conversations and coffee hours throughout my campaign.  I don’t know how to represent ‘us’ without talking with as many of us as I can.  I have also been posting on my website and blogging as I go so anyone that is interested can know how I operate.  That is part of who I am.  If you elect me it is important for you to get to know me and know what you can expect from me.  This is it.

Stanley, at least to my knowledge, has not held any office hours or community sessions throughout his campaign or throughout his term as a legislator.  I have read his “Stanley Report” and seen his television show but they have not given me insight into Mr. Stanley, they simply have informed me about what is happening in the community.  In addition he will not agree to a candidates forum to allow us to come before the voting public and allow you to see us and hear what we have to say on the issues.

Municipal Health Care Reform

Health care costs are out of control in Massachusetts, accounting for approximately 44% of the state budget.  We need to think long and hard to find ways to reign that beast in.  One way is to allow all the cities and towns in Massachusetts to join forces and capitalize on the larger buying power.  The projected savings of this are close to 100 million dollars per year.[2]

Stanley voted against this.  The legislation, however, passed through both the house and the senate in 2011.

Casinos:

I do not support casinos.  Many of the cities nationwide that have hosted casinos are speaking out against them.  They add jobs on a temporary basis but they then become a drain on the economy, cause small businesses to close, increase the burden on emergency services and health care services, put additional burdens on families and prey on the poor.

Mr. Stanley voted in support of casinos.

Undocumented immigrants:

I believe our best interests are served if as many people as possible have a drivers’ license.  The proposed legislation has a 2 tiered licensing structure that differentiates people that are licensed but undocumented.  Having a license enables people to legally register a car and obtain insurance, which protects everyone on the road.[3]

I also believe that at a minimum, undocumented students that came to the US as minors should be able to attend public schools at in-state tuition rates.  We educate them in k – 12 along with the rest of our children and to discriminate against them when they graduate high school seems wrong.  The whole question of illegal immigration is an important question that needs to be addressed on the federal level but until it is, I cannot support penalizing the children who are innocent victims.

Mr. Stanley voted against allowing undocumented people to get drivers licenses.

Mr. Stanley voted against allowing students that came here as minors to attend our public colleges at in-state rates (ie, against the Dream Act).

Commitment to the Job

And finally, Tom Stanley does not want to be a State Representative. “He [Stanley] unofficially announced his candidacy via his Twitter account on April 5, after another tweeter asked him on March 20, "are you gonna run for mayor?" Stanley replied, "Thanks for asking. Yes, When the time comes (2015), I will be a candidate for mayor of Waltham."[4] 

Do we want someone that is committed to the job of State representative or do we want someone that is already looking for another job?

---

[1] https://malegislature.gov/laws/constitution

[2] http://www.voterscount.org/municipal-health-care-reform-plan-design.html

[3] http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/foes_and_friends_of_bill_that.html

[4] http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/waltham/2013/04/state_rep_tom_stanley_intends.html

Another week on the trail

This week was equally busy.  And fun.  I don't know if I have written about this before but I have been having more fun than I ever would have imagined.  Seriously.  I had thought it would be painful going door to door but I really like it.  Unfortunately most people are not home when I get there and with the exception of weekends it is hard to find that sweet spot when people are home from work but not busy with dinner, and it is not yet too dark.  But I soldier on.   I love talking to people and hearing their stories.  Sometimes I can relate and sometimes there is something I can do but usually all I can do is listen.  Sometimes people invite me in for a cup of tea and I would absolutely love to stay for a cup but there are are more doors to knock on and I have to limit each visit so I have to say no.

Last week I wrote about Eddie.  I dug up some information that might help him, now if I will only run into him again.  This week I wwrote about the Korean War vet I met.  You can read that in a separate post, http://sharonforrep.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-korean-war-vet.html

 This week I had my first 'bad' experience, though I am told is not uncommon.  Someone has been stealing my lawns signs!  I am appalled.  So far, to my knowledge, 4 signs have been taken down, coincidentally all on dark streets (Winter St and Weston Rd., both in Lincoln) so I am guessing the perpetrator is doing it where the likelihood of being apprehended is low.  I put most of them back up with a note in the margin asking that people kindly leave them alone.  We'll see where that gets me.  Another learning opportunity for me.


Monday morning I had a doctor appointment in Boston so the morning was pretty well shot.  I came home and caught up on some paperwork and laundry and then went door knocking.  First I stopped at Karibu in Waltham to check on the proprietor.  She had something going on and I wanted to make sure all was well.  It is.  This was the day I met the Korean War vet I referred to earlier.  On my way to dinner I stopped by Albert's Photo Studio on Moody St to give them one of my signs.  Kari wasn't there so I chatted with her husband, a veteran with a few things to say.  Around 6 PM I went down the street and had dinner at Lizzies Ice Cream  after which I went to the Domestic Violence prayer service at Christ Church in Waltham.  It was a beautiful, heartbreaking and uplifting service.  It opened with a song, a chant really, these are the words which we repeated over and again.

"Stay with me

remain here with me

watch and pray 

watch and pray"

There were a couple people that shared their stories, a couple readings and we ended with "Amazing Grace".  It was a great way to end the day.



Tuesday I worked at the democratic office in the morning and then did a delivery to someone at Lincoln Commons.  Between route 2 traffic, construction and a chatty person at the Commons, that trip took a fair amount of time!  In the afternoon I went a knockin' on doors, met some more people and put up a couple more signs.  The weather has been just outstanding, I really have been fortunate as I have traversed the city.  I will also say, however, that it is amazing that I am gaining weight on this campaign as opposed to loosing it.  Waltham, for those of you that are not 'in the know', is very hilly and I am up and down stairs all day!

After hiking around the city I stopped by a couple of local shops, passed out some literature, gave the card for the roofer's we recently used at our house to a woman that asked for his contact info when I had seen her previously and then stopped in at Kiwaz, another restaurant and talked with Evette, the owner. 

Wednesday was busy but not entirely with campaign activity.  In the morning we had the FireSide chat at the Lincoln Council on Aging.  This month we had a guest speaker in to talk to us about Hanscom and MassPort, that was very informative.  Then I had a Caring Together meeting in Needham.  Caring Together is a collaboration between the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and families.  I sit on the advisory board, we are working on rolling out a collaborative program for working with youth.  That night I had my meet and greet at the Mad Raven in Waltham.   Met a few more people there, including another veteran, saw some folks I have met there previously.

Thursday morning was my adoption support group.  I took the rest of the day off.   Mostly.  I went to the National Archives office on Trapelo Rd in Waltham and applied for my brother's discharge papers from the army.  I am going to apply to be a member of the American Legion auxiliary, I hadn't realized I could do that.  I would love to find ways to better support our veterans.  I also made dinner tonight, though nobody was home so I ate by myself.

Friday I spent two hours at the gym!  It was very fun, first time in a couple weeks.  After that I went to parent teacher conferences at my son's school, knocked on a few more doors and then held signs at the corner of Moody and Main.  Had a few people show up to hold signs with me this time, that was a lot of fun!  In the evening I went to a friend's house to talk campaign strategy.




Saturday morning I took it easy.  Went to the Lincoln Fire Department Open House (which I wrote about here in a separate entry).  After that I met more great people as I knocked on more doors.  One lady told me she had seen just one sign for me in Waltham (there are precious few) and she wondered who I was.  It was a lucky knock on that door.  Went over to the democratic office for the rally but sadly I got there when it was over.  From there I went to the Ugandan Independence Day event where I had been invited to speak.  That was a really interesting event.  Primarily a prayer service with interesting people, great stories, and food.  It is always welcoming talking with the Ugandan community, they are very kind to me.

Sunday morning was a meet and greet at Dunkin Donuts.  Chatted with my table of Stanley supporters again.  Got my work cut out for me with that crew.  Met many more people and then went home to watch the Patriots.