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.

The Korean War vet

This week as I was knocking on doors I met a Korean war veteran.  He hurt his leg in the war, was sent back, patched up and went on his merry way.  He married, raised a family, had a good job and then retired.   Now his children are all grown and doing their thing and he and his wife are home enjoying their golden years.

I had recently met them on the Waltham Common.  His wife commented on my 'dancing by myself', lucky for me I enjoy my own company.  Anyway, at this time when I was visiting, he was lying on the couch with his walker beside him.  She told me a little about what is going on for them.

 As a result of his war injury, her husband, the vet, has trouble walking, among other things.  They either are not eligible or do not know how to take advantage of whatever veteran's benefits are available.  I don't know enough about the process but rest assured, I will find out.  I do know that at least in some instances they have chosen not to accept the available benefits.  She told me they do not go to the VA hospital for his treatments because they would not be able to have a dedicated team of medical professionals.  She told me they would have to be at the mercy of whoever happened to pick up their case on a given day.  They are not comfortable with that so they find medical care in the community instead of at the VA.  It cost a lot more money but this way they have a dedicated team of experts that know her husband.  That certainly sounds like a reasonable expectation.

I asked her about the ramp at their front door, if they were able to get that as a benefit and she said no, they had to pay for the ramp as well.  She told me they do not get any veteran's benefits to help with her husband's care.  No in home care, nothing.  She is his sole care provider.  They are using up their savings, at least in part, paying for the injuries he received serving his country.  That doesn't seem right.

Extinguishing the Flames. Literally.

Yesterday I went to the Open House at the Lincoln Fire Department.  Attendance was a little low because of the rain but they did a fabulous job.  Not having any young children I would not normally go to this but being a candidate for public office I try to go to events, meet people and see what is going on.  I am so happy I went to this.  I learned something that could potentially save a life or prevent  substantial loss.  It is something embarrassingly simple.

We have a smoke extinguisher in our house and I have never given it a thought. It sits in the corner of the kitchen, I pass it several times a day and I barely know it is there.  It came with the house two years ago.

There was a company that specializes in fire extinguishers called A.C. & M. Fire Equipment at this open house.  They had a demo set up with several types of extinguishers and they provided the opportunity to actually operate one.  Well, kind of operate it, they were not 'loaded'.   It is really quite simple to do but I had never thought about it and in an emergency who has time to think about how to operate the equipment?  I now am much more confident that should I need to use this extinguisher, I will save a couple of seconds of time that I would otherwise have wasted trying to figure out how to start it up.  A couple seconds in a fire emergency could be vital.

Another thing they told me was how to know what kind of extinguisher can be used in what situation.  I don't know if you can see in this picture but we have an ABC extinguisher (top left in label) and this kind of extinguisher can be used for all types of fires.  One less thing I have to worry about.  Finally, they told me how to determine if our extinguisher is still functional or if it has to be replaced or serviced.  These are all things I really had never thought about before.

Good: Put a lid on a grease fire

After this demo they went outside and did a demo of how to actually put out a fire.  Where to stand, where to spray etc. They demonstrated the procedure for putting out several types of fires including a wood fire, a grease fire and a lawnmower fire.

Bad!!!: Putting water on a grease fire.  Don't do it!

Last week when I was knocking on doors in Waltham I met a young UMass Amherst college student who was home for the weekend.  She decided to come home after her roommates ruined the  kitchen in their apartment when they attempted to use water to put out a grease fire.  Fortunately no one was hurt but now they have to figure out how to pay for repairing the kitchen.  This is her first venture into off campus housing.  She decided to go home for a couple days where it is safe.

I want to thank the Lincoln Fire Department for hosting this event and for inviting A.C. & M. Fire Equipment to come and teach us about fire extinguishers.  I never would have expected to find learning about them to be so interesting!

Eddie - I think I got his vote

Last week I met a man named Eddie.  Eddie said he was planning to vote for my opponent.  We chatted about this and that and I talked a little about my plan to work from within the legislature to help our social services agencies be more accessible to us the consumers.  I talked a little about the advocacy I have been doing over the last 10 years and that I would like to see the state agencies and the community service agencies collaborate more on providing services to those in need.  That is when he told me a little about his story.

Eddie is, I don't know, middle age I guess, a college graduate, white (if you care), apparently born here in the US (again, for those that would ask) and he is employed full time.  I did not ask where he works or what his family or living situation is, I just let him speak.  Eddie told me that while he makes more than minimum wage (more than $8/hr), he does not earn enough money to sustain himself.  He believes he is eligible for an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card).  Eddie told me that for the last 10 months he has been filling out forms, making phone calls and trying to cross all the necessary 'T's in order to fulfill the requirements.  He has been doing everything he is supposed to do but still he waits for his response.  Ten months.
 
I cannot imagine why it is taking so long for Eddie to at least get a response of yes or no to this application.  Ten months is unconscionable.  However, having spent the last 10 years advocating full time for services for our children, I can certainly empathize with him.  Wholly to the detriment of those in need, it is tremendously difficult to navigate these waters. I told Eddie that his story and the story of others like him that are in need, is one of the driving forces behind my campaign.  It should not be this difficult.

I also told Eddie that while I cannot speak for my opponent and as he has not made himself available for a candidate forum, we cannot ask him to clarify his position, I can speak to his voting record.   My source is Progressive Massachusetts, whose mission reads, in part, "Progressive Mass works to move Massachusetts toward a future where the values of equal opportunity, social and economic justice, consumer and environmental protection, health care as a right, equal access to quality public services, respect for all residents and accountable and transparent government are given top priority."  They have documented how Massachusetts legislators voted on various issues.  The ones relevant to Eddie's situation are noted below.  In all three cases, Tom Stanley, according to this site, voted against Progressive MA.  In other words, he voted to make it more difficult for people like Eddie to get the help they need.  The website and the synopsis of the legislation can be found here:

http://www.progressivemass.com/progressive_mass_house_roll_call_votes_2013_2014
1) Safety Net, EBT: Vote was to effectively block an amendment that would have further restricted the use of EBT cards. (Progressive Position: Yes, Roll Call #96, Bill H3400, 4/23/2013)

4) Safety net: Vote was on an amendment to add further restrictions to accessing public benefits. (Progressive Position: No, Roll Call #28, Bill H55, 2/6/2013)

8) Safety net: Vote was to effectively block an amendment that would make it more difficult for the poor to apply for public benefits. (Progressive Position: Yes, Roll Call #97, Bill H3400, 4/23/2013)

My week on the Campaign Trail

I have had an interesting week this past week.

Monday I went to a LatinasRepresent conference at UMass Boston.  It was really inspiring to hear from all these women, Latina women, who came together to support each other in helping to determine their own futures.  We heard from State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz who told us about her first unsuccessful and then successful run for office.  We heard from a Latina woman in RI that is running for Secretary of State and a woman in western MA who was born in Puerto Rico and just ran  for State Representative.  This last woman was not successful but was seemingly undeterred.   While there I also had the chance to meet Tito Jackson.  Super nice guy.  I was surprised to see he is so young!  Two of our sons live next door to him and I had been looking forward to making his acquaintance.

Monday I also found out my opponent is not interested or not available, I am not sure which, to participate in a candidates forum.  I am very saddened by this as it is a loss for all of us.  The voters need to understand who they have to choose from on November 4.  If anyone reading this is so inclined, please ask Mr. Stanley to reconsider and make the time for a forum.

Most days I was out knocking on a few to many doors.  Saying hello and introducing myself to people when they answered the doors, leaving my flyer when they did not.  Very close to everyone has been really nice to me, whether or not they have any intentions of voting for me.  A couple people told me they weren't interested but they are very much the minority.  I would say, certainly not all, but the vast majority of people I meet tell me they will give me their vote.  Now if I can just meet a cool 15,000 people over the next 4 weeks...

Tuesday night I went to two events in Waltham.  Great turnout at both events.  I went to a meeting of Local Waltham First http://walthamlocalfirst.org.  This is a new group formed to support local businesses.  I learned about some interesting businesses in Waltham about which I knew nothing.  And I got to meet the man behind DiscoverWalthamMA!  That was definitely cool.  Then I went to a local meeting at the Waltham Community Center to generate input on the community needs for the local parks.  I was impressed by how many people came to have their say, particularly the number of young people, it really was quite nice to see.  There was a very tall man named Bobby Martin that I didn't know but I figured he was 'someone'.  He spoke very eloquently and passionately about the parks, the need for community pride in the parks and the need for parent involvement as well as having equipment at the parks to engage parents as well as children.  I was not at all surprised the next day when I was telling my son about the meeting.  All he could say was, 'you met Bobby Martin? He is mad big, did you shake his hand and see how big it is?"  Sadly I did not get that chance.

On Wednesday night we were at the Mad Raven on Main St in Waltham.  Sadly I don't think anyone specifically came to see me.  On the plus side, I talked to many people there and I am confident I collected at least a couple of votes.  One man didn't have much to say while there but followed up with an email asking about my stance on Veterans.  I will include my response to him below.  Another man told me he was going to vote for my opponent but after we talked for a few minutes, I think I converted him.  I will write about him separately under the title of 'Eddie'.

Thursday I met with the editor of the Waltham Tribune, Paul Crocetti.  What a nice guy.  We talked about my campaign and also about creative ways to help get the word out about both our campaigns.  In the afternoon I started putting out signs in Lincoln yards.  Today is Monday and each day I put out a few more.  I am super excited that Senator Susan Fargo said she would like to have a sign to put in her yard.  Actually, I am super excited that so many people I know and people I don't know have generously offered to have signs in their yards.  Unfortunately one of my signs was taken down by someone unknown.  That is kind of sad.


Friday I worked the street corner in Waltham.  I held signs for me and Martha Coakley at the corner of Main and Moody.  Here is a picture of me with Kelly Durkee-Erwin.  Kelly was holding signs for Martha Coakley and Senator Markey.




Saturday was more signs and door knocking.  I stopped by to see a man I will call Steve.  I had met him a week or two ago and he told me he would vote for me if he could but he can't because he served five years in prison and is a convicted felon.  I looked up the regulations and brought him a copy which clearly state that he can vote if he is not currently incarcerated.  He wasn't home so I left him the information along with a voter registration card, and, of course, my literature.  Another women I had met previously asked for copies of my literature and a few signs for some friends of hers.  She also asked if her 14 year old grandson can help in anyway as he would like to learn more about the political process.  Music to my ears!  Look for him holding signs with me!

I received the best message when I got home.  A woman from Waltham wanted to know how she could donate to my campaign.  My first request from a complete unknown!  She saw my sign and wanted in on the campaign.  I met her on Sunday and she asked for multiple copies of my flyer and asked me to put a sign in her yard.  One voter at a time.

 Sunday we had the coffee hour at Dunkin Donuts at 130 Lexington St in Waltham.  A few people stopped by to see us specifically.  We also were able to reach out to many people that were stopping by for their Sunday morning coffee.  One table I approached informed me they are all Stanley fans and in fact his mother is often sitting with them on Sunday mornings.  I hope she is there next week, I hear Mrs. Stanley is a wonderful person.  And I saw one of the young men I previously wrote about.  The men of our future.  He still will not register to vote.  But he gave me his address so I can put up a lawn sign and he took some literature and will try to get me some votes.  That is something.  But I am going to keep on him.  I now have his contact info.

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My response to the person that emailed asking what I mean by "Take good care of veterans"

Hello,

Thank you for writing!  So few people do.
It was great meeting you last night as well.  I get kind of
intimidated going up to people at the bar but people are nice to me
and once in a while I run into a potential voter like yourself.

I live in Lincoln, moved here 15 years ago and I am an Independent,
which makes running kind of tough as I have no party backing.  But,
that is fine, it is what I chose, though in the future I might
re-think that choice.

My 'take good care of veterans' means just that.  I think it is
unconscionable that we send people to fight for our country, protect
our country, serve our country and then when they are done with their
tour of duty we, at least in many cases, turn our backs on them.   I
have certainly spoken to many veterans that are completely satisfied
and feel their needs have been and are being met.  I have also heard
from many where that is not the case.  Many of the issues I am
concerned about surround veteran's needs as in housing, mental health
(PTSD), substance use, education, jobs.  Veterans, in my opinion,
should have priority treatment in healthcare, education, jobs and
housing.  I don't know exactly how to turn the whole system around but
I, well I grew up when lots of people were coming back from Vietnam
and I knew veterans in my area (I grew up in Attleboro) that were
either homeless or next door to it.  One man couldn't have a
relationship with a woman because his PTSD always got in the way and
he was afraid he would hurt her.  One that needed and couldn't get
dental care and many that had substance use issues and many that had
minimal education and menial jobs, if any job.  I have to believe that
at least in some cases those substances were coping mechanisms and
their economic situations were a direct result of the time they
served.

Please go to my website www.sharonantia.com and/or like my FB page
https://www.facebook.com/sharon.antia.9

Dancing with Myself

This past weekend I went to the Edinburg Center’s ‘Rock into Recovery’ Day on the Waltham Common.  There were three, count them 3 bands that played that day.  Or was it 4.  They were all terrific and, they all played for free!  These folks all volunteered their time on this beautiful fall day to play music for this wonderful cause.  When I say they were terrific, they were foot stomping, have a great time, happy, good all fashioned talented, targeted and twirling fun.

In fact, they were so much fun I couldn’t resist.  Not being one to dance on the dance floor by myself, I took my sign up on the dance floor and twirled me around the sign.  My ploy worked and before too long Fran was up there kicking it with me.  And, of course, I have the evidence.

Thanks to my photographer, Lee.