[WestMALocals] Fwd: Martina Robinson Candidacy Statement

[Owen Broadhurst]

 *STATEMENT OF MARTINA ROBINSON*

People always ask me why I want to run for office in Belchertown.  My answer
is simple:  I live here and in a few years I hope to have children in the
Belchertown Public Schools. I was the first ever to achieve an entirely
mainstreamed education in my public school district. I recognize the
academic and social benefits of integrated education for all students.
  My schooling allowed me complete an undergraduate education at Purchase
College, State University of New York and to undertake graduate studies at
UMass/Amherst.  I plan to finish my doctoral degree, focusing on the
intersection of disability rights issues and global justice concerns.  None
of this would be possible without a mainstream education.

Without the independence school provided me, I never would have realized
that I had a right, in fact an obligation, to become involved in civic life.
One of my main goals as Selectman is to increase civic involvement of all
Belchertown residents, especially young people.  To that end, I will hold
weekly office hours, including some just for youth, so that constituents can
inform me of their ideas.



Many of our citizen soldiers and reservists return with deep psychological
and physical wounds, I am worried that Belchertown still doesn't have a
fulltime Veteran's Agent, despite the fact last year's Town Meeting
unanimously voted to fund the position. Selectmen have no business ignoring
the will of the entire town, myself included, especially when funds have
been allocated in the town budget. Rest assured that if you vote for me, I
won't engage in that sort of behavior.

Lastly, I would like to address development issues in Belchertown.  While I
realize that some development is necessary for the town to survive, I have
no desire to live in a crowded city.  I love Belchertown; I love my backyard
with its grassy lawn and line of trees.  I want our kids to grow up able to
access nature and unspoiled lands. We all have that right.

If you wish to reach me, please e-mail me at martina_robinson at hotmail.com or
find me via the phone book.  Remember to vote on May 15th.  Democracy is not
a spectator sport

--
Owen R. Broadhurst
Candidate for State Representative
Third Hampden District
http://www.owenbroadhurst.org


--
Owen R. Broadhurst
Candidate for State Representative
Third Hampden District
http://www.owenbroadhurst.org