I am excited to announce my enthusiastic support and endorsement of Ayanna Pressley for Congress in my district, the Massachusetts 7th. Economic inequality is increasing throughout the country, and in our district it is particularly stark. Increasingly, the only people who can afford to live here and remain as constituents are the very wealthy and the subsidized poor. There is little room in the middle, and minorities, especially African Americans, are disproportionately affected by displacement, economic disempowerment, criminal injustice and racial discrimination. It is essential that we move in a new direction in order to safeguard our future, and that direction is Ayanna.

As a Boston city councillor, Ayanna has demonstrated a deep commitment to her most vulnerable constituents, putting equity, fairness and justice at the center of her leadership. She understands that being a leader is not just about voting the right way, it is also about setting the course for the future. The future of our district is diverse and hopeful, and full of possibility. To get there we need to elevate leaders like Ayanna, and make sure their voices are heard and their initiatives are championed.

I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and respect for Congressman Capuano. He has served our district well and guided us through some challenging times. Should he win the primary I will support him wholeheartedly for reelection. But after nearly 20 years of service, change can’t wait- it is time for a fresh perspective. The MA 7th district is one of the most progressive districts in the country, and we need a leader who is willing to take bold stances and champion solutions that address the great inequalities and vexing problems our country is facing. We need Ayanna. 

Until we have a significant representation of minority, black, and female voices in our government, we cannot expect these issues to be confronted head-on with the kind of attention and urgency that they require, and that we deserve. But it is important to remember that Ayanna is not qualified simply because she is black, but because of her incredible record as a Boston City Councillor. She has fought for comprehensive, medically accurate sex education and created pathways for pregnant and parenting teens to graduate from high school. She ensured that when 75 new liquor licenses were created, 80% of them went to disenfranchised neighborhoods, creating jobs and spurring economic growth. She supports Medicare for All and abolishing ICE.

Ayanna is committed to addressing climate change and environmental injustice. She has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, would support the “Keep it in the Ground” act and the “Environment Justice Small Grants Program” act in Congress if she were elected, and is committed to protecting our critically important tree canopy.

Ayanna’s candidacy will make us better and stronger, and she needs our support in that courageous endeavor. Our democracy is best served by hearing from diverse voices and giving voters excellent choices. I hope you will consider her candidacy and inform yourself of what she has to offer as a candidate for U.S. Congress. I am excited by the opportunity and grateful to her for running. As a recently elected Cambridge City Councillor myself, I know how hard it is to run for office while challenging established, experienced opponents. It takes guts and it takes knowing that people in the community support you, no matter what happens. I hope you will support Ayanna as I do. Together we can strive for an even better future!

Will you consider making a contribution or volunteering for Ayanna either this Saturday 7/21 in Central Square or during the big weekend of action 7/28-7/29? 

Warmly,

Q