Letter to the Editor

I’m Backing Lydia Edwards, Democrat for State Senator

Dear Editor,

At Lydia Edwards’ official kickoff here in Winthrop on Sunday, 09-19-21, I had the extreme honor and privilege of meeting Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards and hearing why she’s running for District 1 State Senator in the Primary Election on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021.

I have found, over the years, that I support candidates who never forget where they came from.  Lydia Edwards is one such candidate. 

I knew that Lydia had run for State Senator back in 2016, but I never knew her full background and what she’s accomplished.  Lydia was “raised around the world” by her mother, a U.S. Air Force veteran.  Consequently, Lydia speaks 4 languages—German, Portuguese, Spanish, and English.  After Lydia’s mother retired from duty, she worked 2 full time and a part time job to pay the rent and put food on the table.

Lydia remembers these childhood years and holds them in her heart.  She remembers when neighbors occasionally helped her family.  Lydia learned courage, resilience and perseverance from her mother.  She also learned the importance of giving back and advocating for workers and the most vulnerable in our society.

As an attorney of 15 years and a Boston City Councilor, Lydia has worked hard and productively for workers (fair wages for domestic workers as an example), folks in need of affordable housing, victims of human trafficking, students, teachers, and those impacted by environmental injustice with high rates of COPD and asthma.  She’s a vocal spokesperson for gender justice, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ rights.

Lydia continues to work collaboratively and effectively with both corporate and government leaders regarding job and economic development, infrastructure, transportation, and the like. The Suffolk Downs development is an example of her efforts when she fought back and defeated inbound highway expansion on Route 1A, protecting communities already overburdened by air pollution.

I was particularly impressed with the fact that Lydia Edwards is supported by workers, business leaders, and members of many different political affiliations.  It’s because Lydia Edwards “starts where people are at,” researches, works hard and gets difficult jobs DONE.  At the kickoff, Winthrop’s Joe Aiello spoke to working so well with Lydia on Dept. of Transportation issues.

I encourage you to check out Lydia Edwards, website at www.lydiaedwards.org and explore her “bio,” issues page, and how you might help, by volunteering and/or making contributions, make Lydia Edwards our next State Senator.  Again, election day is Tuesday, December 14th.  Lydia Edwards is “the real deal.”

Lydia Edwards, Democrat for State Senate headquarters is located here in Winthrop at 130 Shirley Street, across from Expert Auto Repair.  Again, www.lydiaedwards.org gives all information about this very worthy campaign, or call 978-846-1091.

Donna Segreti Reilly