In a Globe story today about the contest between incumbent Democratic state Rep. Kay Khan and her Republican challenger Aldermen Greer Tan Swiston, Swiston charges “that Khan has overlooked fundamental community issues in favor of advocating for mental health care and prisoner rights on the state level. ” Swiston adds the Khan is ignoring issues that matter to the district, including transit and the economy.
“I really don’t feel that the fundamentals are being addressed, and we need that first,” Swistin said. “Maybe it’s a personality trait. I think our citizens count on our government having those things taken care of.”
Is Swiston onto something? Or are you satisfied that Khan is doing a good job representing her Newton constituents?
FWIW Swiston is my only deviation from the straight-Dem ticket.
Kay Khan has represented her district with energy and integrity. She has been an intelligent, thoughtful and dignified advocate for the interests of her constituents in every important issue before the legislature. I cannot imagine ANY reason that a thinking woman would allow herself to represent the Republican Party in the 21st century. I would not vote for Ms. Swiston – or any woman who calls herself a Republican – because in doing so, that woman displays a fundamental inability to understand her own interests – and thus could not be trusted to represent mine.
I hope Greer doesn’t view her priorities as conflicting with mental health/disability issues. I like Greer and think she will be a good legislator, but it’s important for her to remember that MH/disabilities are issues that are affect many of her constituents.
In addition to the other accomplishments listed in the Globe article, Rep. Khan successfully advocated for sound barriers in neighborhoods most affected by noise from the Mass Pike. A lot of other legislators would like to have sound barriers for their communities as well. Kay delivered.
Kay’s leadership in three Charles River pedestrian bridges (one completed and two in-the-works) and advocacy for an accessible Auburndale Commuter Rail Station demonstrates her commitment to walkable neighborhoods and transit.
Kay has worked tirelessly on all the issues her advocates have noted above and many, many more.
I can’t believe that anyone with a solid foot in reality would criticize the work that she and Ruth Balser have done in the areas of mental health and substance abuse. They have worked with conviction and compassion on these issues for several years now.
Depression, isolation, loneliness and substance abuse are very often interconnected and they are serious public health problems in every community including Newton. Folks with these illnesses don’t have expensive, high powered lobbyists to advance their interests. They need people like Kay and Ruth who know what’s at stake for these people and who are willing to go the extra mile to help them.
I agree with all the above comments.
Last spring I talked with Greer at an informal event (bloggers’ ball). During our ten minute-chat, Greer spent the entire time telling me and my husband how good she and her husband, and her kids, were at math. Total bragging. Greer did not ask us one question about what our concerns were for Newton, about our interests as constituents, nothing.
Sorry to be so blunt, but given Greer’s statement that Kay Khan has not focused enough on local constituents’ issues, I had to mention this interaction.
Actually, I went out of my way to compliment and appreciate what Representative Khan has done in the areas of mental health and prison reform. I’m not sure how that ended up coming out as a criticism.
However, in my discussions with the residents of Newton, it’s been made clear to me that jobs, transportation and housing are areas that people expect to be of top priority. Our state is now reacting to people’s concerns and that’s great, but what we really need are pro-active strategic plans followed up with on-going attention to these areas which will continue to evolve as we evolve as a society. As we evolve, the state must evolve in addressing these issues. It doesn’t stop.
On Beacon Hill, we have a lot of legislators who will react to the issues as they come up. We need some legislators that are comfortable with the idea that issues regarding job creation, concerns about our state of transportation and problems facing our housing need to be monitored and reviewed constantly and therefore plan ahead. We need pro-active forward planning else we’ll be back to playing catchup. As I was recently reminded “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
I am running because I would be such a legislator. I believe in planning ahead. I live in the 11th Middlesex District, therefore this is the election that I am in.
You the voters, of course, will have the final say.
Thank you and yes, I absolutely do remember. My work with Chetwynde Golden Living Center and other similar facilities around Newton as well as some of the students from my class at the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association and through tutoring keeps me grounded and reminds of those very issues.
Frankly, I cannot imagine a more proactive rep than Kay Khan, particularly in the areas of transportation and economic development. Her work with the Newton Cultural Alliance – recognizing the strong link between the arts and business / economic development – shows this commitment. Thank you, Kay.
Swiston thinks Rep. Khan doesn’t plan ahead? She believes an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure?
One of many reasons why I think Kay is fantastic is her championship of the paid sick leave bill. People who work hourly jobs – especially those in food service – should be allowed to take paid time off if they are sick. Currently, they’re not. Sick employees pretty much have to come in or risk being either fired or unable to make rent. It’s a critical jobs bill because it will keep our work force healthier and gainfully employed. If enacted, it would be among the first in the nation. Kay has been pushing for this for years and I know she won’t stop until it’s law. It’s how she is on a host of issues – she’s way ahead of the curve, and out there fighting until the job gets done.
That sounds like a great bill.
But it reminds me of a situation that occurred in Newton 5-6 years ago. Shawn, remember when Mayor Cohen was in charge and he was having problems with the firefighters with their sick leave policy? You, Martina, Tim, Ruth, Kay and Peter Koutoulian were all pretty much quiet on that issue, right? Our firefighters had to fight for their dignity and you sat back while YOUR Mayor got away with murder. So, please spare us the rhetoric. When it comes to employees sick time or fighting for their rights you and your clique don’t hold water in my mind. Peace.
btw, Tom, I am not happy that I was listed as refusing to be interviewed on your NewTV show, Veracity with Tom Sheff, when in fact, to my knowledge, I was never invited.
Kay, Bobby told me he asked you. He asked both Sean Bielat and JKIII as well. I’ve had you on Veracity several times, one of the shows was an hour show, why would I have a problem with you coming on the show now? I don’t have a candidate in this race, I think you both bring something different to the job and it’s up to your constituents to decide who they want. BTW, I don’t appreciate you not believing me. We’ve had this discussion via email.
I appreciate Greer challenging Kay, no matter how unlikely an upset might be.
Kay has an outstanding track record. Greer represents a reasoned counter-voice against one-party politics in the state.
I still don’t know who I’ll vote for.