The Tipped Scales of Our Judiciary, Standing Up to the Heat, and the Great Debate!

Though we often look to the legislature for criminal justice reform, the quickest way to change goes through the Governor’s Council. They have the final say on who our judges are, and just look at our status quo. The scales of our judiciary are badly tipped. In our trial courts, former prosecutors outnumber former defense attorneys on the bench by a margin of 2:1. On the Supreme Judicial Court, former prosecutors outnumber former defense attorneys 4:1. In our Appeals Court, it's 16:3. As your Governor’s Councilor I’ll make sure we level the playing field, and have much better representation from the defense bar when it comes to choosing the judges in all our courts.

All 24 cities and towns in the district with League of Women Voters affiliations have come together graciously to sponsor a candidates’ forum. It will be held on August 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on Newton's NewTV and livestreamed so everyone can watch. As soon as the registration link is available, we will be sure to get it to you. Burlington's BCATTV recently held a forum, and we will send you the link as soon as it’s up!

The fallout from the confirmation of an anti-choice judge to our Superior Courts continues. All over Massachusetts, voters are angry. I will never vote yes on a nominee unless I am absolutely certain that they will support the right to make personal healthcare decisions without government interference. Check this out. Critics Blast Governor's Council Over Judiciary Pick's Opposition to Abortion. For an insider's perspective on the controversial vote, join me with Governor's Councilor Eileen Duff for a Lunchtime Conversation on Zoom this Thursday, August 11th, at 12:00 p.m. Click HERE to register.

I’ve always stood up for labor, and labor is standing up for me. I’m very proud to have earned the endorsement of the Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council. Going back a little, Brookline has a special place in my heart as it’s where I first came when I was 18 and had to support myself. I didn’t even have a high school diploma, so I supported myself as a secretary, got my GED, and went on to college and law school, then started a law practice, all as a single mother. Those Brookline days and that struggle are part of why I love being a public defender so much. I’m honored to have the endorsement of Brookline PAX, with special thanks to Co-chairs Martin Rosenthal and Neil Gordon for their support.

The Lexington Democrats summer picnic last weekend was a very happy occasion, and I was thrilled to get to speak and meet with so many supporters, including so many of my legislative endorsers! Here I am with Senator Mike Barrett, Senator Cindy Friedman, Rep. Michelle Ciccolo and Rep. Ken Gordon.

The heat has been non-stop, but it’s not stopping this campaign. I’ve been knocking doors in Billerica, Lexington, and Wellesley, and our supporters are knocking all over the district!

Thank you so much to everyone who has agreed to host a meet and greet on Zoom! This campaign has been able to go all over the district like no campaign ever has before, and it’s one of the reasons people are paying so much attention and we’re getting so much support. If you’d like to join in on one of our many Zooms, click HERE to see the list of hosts, dates, and times, and click to register. If you’d like to be a host, please write to me at Mara@MaraDolan.com. We are going to every single city and town in a district that’s bigger than a Congressional district thanks to all of you.

We have less than one month until September 6th, the last day to cast your ballot. With your support, we will elect the first public defender to the Governor’s Council, someone you can count on to make sure all our judges are pro-choice. Please help us reach the 22,000 voters who went to the polls the last time there was a contested primary for this seat, but didn’t cast a vote for Governor’s Council. They didn’t know, but you do.

Please DONATE today!

They saw lawn signs don’t vote, but I sure like the looks of these!
Maura for Governor, Mara for Governor’s Council.

Take Care,

Mara