To the editor:
Like many residents of Tewksbury’s Precincts 3 and 3a, I’m looking forward to the upcoming election on Nov. 6. Due to redistricting, we are now in the 18th Essex District, and we have a choice of two representatives — Jim Lyons and Barbara L’Italien. For me, the choice is clear.
Barbara L’Italien has impressed me with her balanced and bipartisan approach to legislating. Barbara puts her constituents above her party affiliation, and it shows. Working with Democrats and Republicans alike, she was able to pass landmark legislation granting insurance coverage to children with autism. This bill attracted the co-sponsorship of none other than Scott Brown, and ended up passing unanimously! Barbara knows that to get real results, a representative has to be willing to work together with both sides.
By contrast, Jim Lyons seems focused on a narrow agenda of his own. He tried to cut all funding for our school nurses and school-based health services, and filed amendments to cancel funding for family planning and teen pregnancy prevention. He even supported getting rid of the buffer zones around family planning clinics, which were put in place to protect patients! Jim Lyons has put his agenda above the priorities of his constituents.
I know that this Nov. 6, I’ll be voting for the representative who works together with both sides to address the issues important to the Town of Tewksbury — Barbara L’Italien. I urge my friends and neighbors to do the same.
Robert (Bob) Demers
Tewksbury
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
