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.