I recently attended a candidates’ forum in Watertown between Daniel Lander and Will Brownsberger, who are both running in the Democratic primary for state senator. This was my first exposure to Lander, although I had heard favorable opinions about him from others.
I applaud Lander’s enthusiasm and share many of his ideas (even though he doesn’t pay attention to how expensive most of them could be to implement).
But enthusiasm and good ideas don’t add up to the experience and long-term effectiveness of Brownsberger, who enumerated—in convincing detail—the wide range of legislation he’s brought to passage and put on the books. Criminal justice reform, the affordable housing act, and important education funding initiatives have all benefited from his leadership. He conducts his legislative work with transparency and integrity.
As Brownsberger pointed out, legislating is “we work,” not “I work.” Mr. Lander will need to consider that–and perhaps begin his electoral career in an office that provides practice in “we work” before he tackles a state senate position.
Judith D. Feins, Bay State Road