Silva: 'We don't need a "just say no" state representative'

In today's Leominster Champion:

To the Editor:

The distinction between the candidates for state representative for the 4th Worcester District is clear.
Frank Ardinger promises to be “a voice not an echo on Beacon Hill,” but what is he offering beyond a dissenting vote against the majority party? We don’t need a “just say no” state representative. We need a clear voice on Beacon Hill from someone who understands that listening and building partnerships with colleagues and the House leadership — not just the governor’s office — is the key to getting things done for our community.

This is why I voted for Natalie Higgins. If you’ve seen or heard her in the recent debates, you know that she is not afraid to speak her mind on issues that matter. What’s more, the debates have clearly demonstrated that Ms. Higgins has a much deeper understanding of issues such as public education and the opioid epidemic, and how to advocate for us, than does Mr. Ardinger.

Ms. Higgins grew up in Leominster as the child of small business owners, was educated in Leominster’s public schools and the University of Massachusetts, and has worked for years in the nonprofit sector. This says to me that she knows how to get things done without just throwing money at a problem. I have no doubt that she will be a principled and effective state representative who will greatly help our community. This is why I encourage you to vote for Natalie Higgins.

Tim Silva
Leominster