To the Editor,
After years of working in the field of constituent services with the residents of Boston, it is obvious to me that connecting with, and helping, the people public servants dutifully engage with is crucial for any elected leader. Those core values of connection and public service are at the heart of Joe Kennedy’s leadership and campaign for US Senate.
Kennedy’s investment in others is clear at all levels. On the streets of Boston, Kennedy walks with local officials, activists, and residents, listening to us and fighting for what we need. In the MA-04 district that he represents, Kennedy is known for his constituent services, and more. He hits the road to visit all 34 cities and towns in MA-04 every congress to hold office hours (Tour 34). This ensures that every resident he represents has an opportunity to be heard. Kennedy also shows up across the Commonwealth. In addition to being a regular presence in every part of the state, he takes on state-wide issues. For example, Kennedy was a fierce advocate for implementing vote by mail in Massachusetts for the 2020 primary and general elections.
Kennedy shows up for people across the country, too. When he delivered the Democratic response to the 2018 State of the Union address (speaking in English and Spanish), he explicitly stood with Black Lives, immigrants, and all who are marginalized. Kennedy travelled to Tornillo, Texas on less than 18 hours notice to protest family separation at the border, and he campaigned in almost 20 states during the mid-term elections to help flip the House. It seems like Kennedy is just not able to sit by when people and progressive issues need a champion. As Nancy Pelosi noted in her endorsement, Kennedy steps up.
Though Ed Markey claims a progressive mantle, he is notably absent. He spends very little time in Massachusetts (30% of his time, less than half that of Kennedy), and is notably missing on the national stage. (Markey did not campaign for any Democrats during the crucial 2018 midterms.) I haven’t seen him in Southie more than twice in Southie during his time in office.
Kennedy’s leadership is personal, caring, and powerful. He is the senator we need to lead the state and the country forward.
Sincerely,
Greg Heiskell
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