I have known Cindy Friedman since I first ran for the School Committee over 7 years ago. She has always been a source of wise advice and gracious help. I am thrilled that she is running for the State Senate seat, as she will bring to the job a powerful combination of knowledge, experience and respect.
With 9 years of experience working as the Chief of Staff for our late Senator Ken Donnelly, Cindy has helped bring Ken’s vision to life. She worked with Senator Donnelly to craft legislation and lobby for its passage, legislation that has helped Massachusetts school children, homeless children, working people, the mentally ill, and more.
She also has significant real-world experience: as a teacher, as a tech manager, and as a parent. She worked six years as a teacher after training in education and special education. In the computer industry, she worked as a programmer and a director. She raised her family here in Arlington. All of these varied experiences aid Cindy in understanding the needs of our district and inform her legislative work.
But it is only recently that I became aware of just how well respected she is by members of our State Senate and House. To give examples from two people I greatly admire, Senator Will Brownsberger wrote: “She will hit the ground running in the Senate and immediately become one of the most respected Senators.” Representative Jay Kaufman said: “She has the combination of gravitas and experience to carry on the tradition in office Senator Donnelly began.”
There is an immediate need for critical legislation in our state, on behalf of education and more, and I feel Cindy is best qualified to help get such legislation passed. I am sure she will vote in Arlington’s best interests. But most notably, I feel she has the immediate ability to sway other Senators, magnifying our impact.
One vote alone does not pass crucial legislation. Cindy’s deep connections in the Senate, plus respect earned over the years, mean that she will quickly be able to build coalitions and consensus, and thus achieve results.
This benefit of heightened impact cannot be stressed enough. One vote – the right vote – is always important. But one vote alone does not pass crucial legislation. Cindy’s deep connections in the Senate, plus respect earned over the years, mean that she will quickly be able to build coalitions and consensus, and thus achieve results.
Please join me in marking your calendar for June 27th and vote for Cindy Friedman for State Senate, so she may continue her outstanding work on our behalf.