And They Said We Wouldn't Get Any Press for a Governor's Council Race
It’s true. People told me we wouldn’t get any press for a race for Governor’s Council. But they were wrong. It’s clear from everywhere I go that folks care tremendously about what’s happening in our courts and that now, more than ever, we need a Governor’s Councilor who fully understands our state court system. The recent decisions of the Supreme Court have made painfully clear that the people in positions of power in our state judicial branch must have the highest qualifications and standards to fulfill their duty and uphold the law.
This campaign is proving that the more people know about the Governor's Council, the more they want to know. That’s why I’m starting a series of Lunchtime Conversations on Zoom with leading experts on issues that come before the Governor’s Council. I’m very proud to announce our first guest, Northeastern University Distinguished Professor of Law and Criminal Justice Daniel Medwed, who you may know from his outstanding commentary on GBH. Daniel is a founding board member of the Innocence Network, which connects Innocence Projects all over the world. His latest book, "Barred: Why the Innocent Can't Get Out of Prison" will be available in September. Following our discussion, we will be eager to hear your questions. We’d love to have you join us on Monday, July 18th at noon, so please click HERE to register.
Here’s the latest story on my candidacy, Meet Mara Dolan. We talked about why I’m running, how the opiate crisis is playing out in our courts and how we need to respond, the democracy education piece of this campaign, and the one thing that has always stayed with me from the time I had my very first client.
InstaTrac, which provides analysis for legislation and campaigns in Massachusetts, recently wrote, “Governor’s Council races are some of the most important on the ballot.” They’re right, and they just did an analysis of the races for Governor’s Council this year. Of all eight, I am the only candidate challenging an incumbent in the primary. Click HERE for the whole story.
Special thanks to all the Democratic City and Town Committees that continue to meet and work to help elect Democrats. I've been all over the district to meet with folks on Zoom and in person in Acton, Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Cambridge, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Marlborough, Waltham, and Wellesley, and thanks to all of you there are many more to come.
Super proud to have earned the endorsement of State Senator Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont). Senator Brownsberger spearheaded our landmark Criminal Justice Reform Bill, which included reforms on minimum mandatory sentencing, bail reform, juvenile justice, and solitary confinement. He said, “I'm supporting Mara Dolan because she has the professional experience and collaborative disposition to be a very effective member of the Governor's Council.”
In an embarrassment of riches, I am also super proud to have earned the endorsement of Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington). She said, “We must have people on the Governor's Council who truly understand how the system works from the inside so that we can advance strategies that will create better life outcomes for all who interact with the courts. For these reasons, Mara is my choice for Governor's Council.”
I have also just been endorsed by former State Rep. Jay Kaufman, Brookline Select Board Member John VanScoyoc, Lexington Select Board Member Joe Pato, and Brookline Library Trustee Chair Michael Burstein. I will be announcing many more endorsements very soon, including leading labor unions and more elected officials. For all details, check out the endorsements page on my website, MaraDolan.com/Endorsements.
They say the best signs are homemade ones, and I agree! I was so touched to see that Gary Davis, a super supporter in Lincoln, made his own sign as we get ready to roll out our own. He joined me for the Lexington 4th of July carnival.
We’re getting the word out. We’re getting noticed. We’re getting more endorsements and support all the time from all over the district. Please let us know if you'd like an invitation to one of our house parties or Zooms. It’s very clear that we are on track to win. We can have a Governor’s Councilor who works in our court system, and has first-hand knowledge of the issues we face there, from the opiate crisis to the dangers of wrongful conviction. With your contribution, we will be able to reach even more voters. Please give what you can. I promise you it will go a long way.
Wishing everyone a very happy and safe holiday weekend.
Take care,
Mara
