To the Editor:
It takes a passionate woman to get people excited about something as obscure as the Governor’s Council. Maura Ciardiello is such a candidate in this otherwise-contentious campaign season, where the public’s imagination is held strongly by seemingly more important races like the congressional, state Senate and presidential races. But for Massachusetts, the Governor’s Council — a virtual political outpost — is important.
The council is composed of eight individuals elected from districts and the lieutenant governor, who serves ex officio. The eight councilors are elected from their respective districts every two years.
The council meets weekly to record advice and consent on warrants for the state treasury, pardons and commutations, and recording advice and consent to gubernatorial appointments such as judges, clerk-magistrates, public administrators, members of the Parole Board, Appellate Tax Board, Industrial Accident Board and Industrial Accident Reviewing Board, notaries, and justices of the peace. Most people don’t realize how these appointments affect citizens and residents.
Maura is a graduate of Haverhill High School, a former public school teacher and a mother of three young boys. She is married to a Massachusetts state trooper. When she speaks, she does so plainly about the importance of citizen participation in government. She is the epitome of a no-nonsense, untainted voice in a political landscape that is replete with professional politicians. Her message is a simple one. In Massachusetts, advocating for citizens must be done by citizens. The implication is clear. Massachusetts has a colorful history of corruption and dislocation that threatens the integrity of our political systems, and a balancing force is the citizen-public servant.
This year, it seems particularly appealing to deliver a candidate to the Statehouse who is a mom, teacher and community-based activist. I encourage you to join me in voting for Maura.
Joe D’Amore
Groveland
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