LETTER: Barrett Continues Winning Womens' Votes

To the Editor,

As a long time activist for women’s issues, I have followed the conversation regarding the underrepresentation of women and minorities in our state legislature with interest. While I would like to see more women in office, I strongly support Mike Barrett because he supports and cares about the issues that affect all of us, especially women and minorities.

Unlike his female opponent, Mike has been an unwavering advocate of a woman’s right to choose. In fact, the Massachusetts Family Planning Association honored Mike for his "long and outstanding work in support of comprehensive family planning services” in the state senate. While a state senator, Mike focused on problems of crime and violence against women and children and worked unstintingly to address health disparities of all kinds as he advocated for people with emotional, physical and cognitive challenges.  

However, what I long for more than someone who champions the issues I care about is someone who can be a true and thoughtful leader – someone who is willing to stand up for his/her beliefs even in the face of party or public opposition.

Mike has a history of not only standing up for his beliefs, but also of bringing others around to his way of thinking. His background as a business leader with expertise in healthcare, life sciences and the Internet, and his legislative experience give him the foundations to be successful in assuring that Massachusetts has a strong economic base; and his sensitivity to safety net issues give him the empathy to advocate for all of us on issues of health, education, and welfare.

Mike may not be a woman, but this woman is giving him her vote.

Deena Whitfield
67 Whit’s End Road
Concord