As a former board President of Progressive Massachusetts and one of PMs first members, I have fought for Progressive legislation for many years and I understand how legislation gets passed.
So when Will Brownsberger and Dan Lander both called me and asked for my endorsement (as a Watertown City Councilor), despite the fact that Lander and I are more aligned ideologically, I knew the decision was clear — Brownsberger was my choice.
And if you are a progressive who wants to see progressive legislation actually passed at the state level, Brownsberger should be your choice too.
After many years of watching how the statehouse works, I have come to understand it is all about power and relationships.
Over the years, Brownsberger has demonstrated his competence, knowledge, and commitment to his fellow Senators, which is why he now holds the Senate’s second highest position as President Pro Tempore.
The respect and friendship doesn’t just benefit him personally. It is why he is so effective at rallying the support he needs to pass bills. And I am talking about bills that Progressives support, such as the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, the 2018 Criminal Justice Act, and the Gun Reform Act of 2024
I have always appreciated how honest my Senator is with me and we have argued, debated, and clashed over issues. But we have agreed with each other on the vast majority of issues, such as criminal justice reform, housing, climate issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and many more.
It would be shortsighted to throw my support to a challenger who would enter the statehouse as a novice starting from the ground floor. I want a senator who I know will fight — and win — many of the battles I support at the statehouse.
And as for those issues we might argue about, I know I might be able to change his mind. I know he will listen and investigate issues we don’t agree on.
You know the section of the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act on solitary confinement? That was partly because I (along with others) helped change his mind. And it is now law.
If you want a Senator who has the motivation, the connections, and the power to get progressive legislation passed, please vote for Senator Brownsberger on September 1st.
Caroline Bays|
Watertown City Councilor
Thanks for this cogent and practical endorsement!
I’ve invested the time in viewing online recordings of the growing list of joint events between the two candidates, and have come away with exactly the impression that you so well illustrate. I also disagreed with Senator Brownsberger, in this case over State House transparency rules, and found him engaging, thoughtful, and open to input. I don’t expect I understand the full depth of the issues there, but came away with confidence that Senator Brownsberger is practical and thoughtful about his politicking and his votes, and remains the kind of effective officeholder that is needed for Watertown. For most recent example, I do not underestimate his influence in shepherding the home rule petition to safeguard our property tax formula, and I am under no illusion that a freshman with high ideals and low experience would be able to achieve that sort of thing for us without assistance.
Which brings me to my sensitivity about candidate Lander’s political alliance with City of Boston politicians, most notably, Michelle Wu, which suggests that the “suburban” issues of Watertown might too often find themselves secondary to candidate Lander’s political debts and allegiances outside his district. It is, unfortunately, the way Massachusetts politics work.
Thanks again for your thoughtful letter!