To the residents of the 8th Essex District of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
On March 5th, the day after winning the last election, I was watching the news with a friend who commented, "These are tough times. Are you sure you want this job?" I had no doubt then, and now that I've been on the job for exactly 12 weeks now, I am even more certain. After clicking around the website a bit, I think you will agree that I've gotten quickly up to speed and have already delivered on many of my campaign promises. Please reach out to my office if I can be of assistance and stay tuned because there's more to come.
And don't forget that on Tuesday November 4th, 2008, eight months to the day since the last time this seat was in play, you, the residents of the 8th Essex district, will need to go to the polls and vote again. My signatures are again collected and filed with the Secretary of State and I ask for your support as I seek reelection. In that light, I will keep this background piece below up on the website through this next campaign. But please note that I have also added a legislative page available in the left margin, where I will provide updates on the work I'm doing on your behalf. For all of the gritty details, visit our archived Trailblazing with Lori page.
WHO I AM: As the third generation of my family to live in the 8th Essex, I have close ties to all three communities. Born in Lynn, I was raised in Marblehead before moving to Swampscott in 1976 (SHS’81). After graduating from Lehigh University in 1985, I moved back to the area in 1990 and settled with my husband, Bruce, and two daughters, now ages 12 and 16. In 2005 I earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. While there, I was the President of the Kennedy School of Government's Energy Caucus. I have managed my own CPA practice in the district for over 22 years, and have been an active participant in the community throughout my adult life.
WHY I AM UNIQUELY QUALIFIED: My background allows me to draw from business and policy skills that are well-suited to the many challenges facing our state and our district. My CPA background has given me a sound foundation in understanding fiscal matters. Through my advocacy work I have gained valuable experience (and results!) working with stakeholders in the community, four governors, as well as local, state and federal government.
MY IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES:
- I am concerned about strains on our municipal budgets and how the rapidly rising cost of such things as health insurance and energy are putting vital services at risk. High on my priority list is maximizing state aid and jumpstarting initiatives for funding some of the state mandates now putting an unsustainable drain on our schools and budgets.
- My background in energy and environmental policy has given me a thorough understanding of public health issues. These issues affect us all --our neighbors, friends and family members. I will continue to work at the state level to achieve sound policy results.
- The present economy is making it harder for people to make ends meet and this has me deeply concerned. Small businesses, the life-blood of our economy, are straining under soaring health care, insurance and energy costs. Seniors, workers, and the most vulnerable in our community are struggling too. I will leverage my fiscal background to make sure we capitalize on available resources and will advocate for resilient economic policies.
I am looking forward to meeting you to hear more about your ideas and concerns. In the meantime I would like to invite you to contact me and my legislative aide, Tom Mills, via email at Thomas.Mills@state.ma.us or by phone 617-722-2090.
I thank you for the great honor of your confidence and support.
Warm regards,
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