There is a November Presidential election that will soon begin heating up broadcast, paid and social media outlets. There is a Massachusetts US Senate Democratic Primary race, scheduled for September 1st, between Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy that is being billed by pundits as a “who is the more progressive candidate” or “how far left” can you go; or should you go. Across the country, relatively unknown single-issue democratic activists are challenging and, in some cases, defeating formerly ‘safe’ office holders in the name of a ‘new activism’ that some say use fear tactics as a core strategy. Fear of ___ fill in the blank. Then there is the Covid-19 Virus. The combination is unprecedented, and the resulting fallout is consequently unpredictable.
But what about the rest of Massachusetts? And especially South Boston and Boston. September 1st is election day for the following candidates.
Congressman Stephen Lynch, seeking a 10th term in Congress representing the 8th Congressional District, is being challenged by Dr. Robbie Goldstein, a newcomer to politics. It is a classic race between a seasoned and effective legislator and a person with a socially progressive agenda that Lynch argues creates headlines, but will never deliver critical resources to the constituencies of Boston and the South Shore.
Senator Nick Collins, seeking re-election to the Senate seat he has held since 2018, represents what is considered the most ethnically and socio-economically diverse Senate District in the Commonwealth. He has a track record of delivering critical financial resources to key service agencies throughout his district in the areas of health care, public safety, nutrition and other children’s services, along with after-care services for single mothers and those afflicted with substance abuse. He is being challenged by Samuel Pierce of Dorchester, a relatively unknown, self-described political activist whose campaign focuses on social issues and seemingly defers on the realities of the job of a legislator. Nonetheless, he is a candidate, and Collins is not taking him lightly, given the unpredictability of this election which includes the new ‘vote by mail’, in addition to traditional election day voting.
Representative David Biele, of South Boston, is up for election as well, but will not have a challenger this term. He touts his ability to work well with the other elected officials in an effort to present a unified front on key issues. He has an active constituent services program that keeps him in touch with the neighborhood.
It is important to take the time to vote either by the new mail in voting process already underway or by voting in person on September 1st.
The bottom line is that this election on September 1st is important for so many different reasons, the most important of which is to maintain the type of local leadership that does its best to foster and integrate the social, economic, cultural and political energy of the neighborhoods that create opportunity and also maintain a healthy environment for all of its citizens.
