Skip to main content

Senators Spilka, Barrett, Eldridge and Creem Announce MetroWest Commonwealth Conversations Tour

By contributor,
state_seal_3.gif

ASHLAND, MA – On Tuesday, April 4th, Senators Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) and Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) will host the MetroWest session of the Commonwealth Conversations statewide listening tour. Commonwealth Conversations is an effort to foster civic engagement while helping each Senator learn more about the concerns and priorities of local residents, businesses and interest groups.

“Commonwealth Conversations is an opportunity for MetroWest residents to make their voices heard on their values, concerns and ideas,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “The future of our communities and the success of the Commonwealth depend on active civic engagement and participation in the political process.”

“We’ve seen through the first months of this year how effective and powerful town halls can be in helping drive public policy,” Senator Jamie Eldridge said. “I have been very impressed with the amount of thought, enthusiasm and compassion people have shown at the public forums we’ve held so far, and look forward to hearing from all MetroWest residents.”

The tour includes a discussion of manufacturing, innovation and Waltham’s industrial heritage at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation and a visit to the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton.

“When it comes to shaping industry and innovation across three American centuries, Waltham’s amazing history isn’t as widely known as it could be,” said Senator Mike Barrett. “The State Senate wants to help spread the word.”

“Our 2017 Senate tours are great two-way opportunities. Legislators learn more about major issues facing residents, and we can also introduce each other to local organizations, like The Carroll Center in Newton, which provides services for vision-impaired and blind residents,” said Senator Cynthia Creem. “We can all learn more about their mobility education program, which helps clients maintain access to public transit.”

Senators will host a public MassMoves transportation forum at the Hudson Town Hall at noon led by the Barr Foundation, exploring transportation issues in MetroWest in an effort to create a sustainable transportation vision for the future of the region and the Commonwealth.

The tour will conclude with an open public town hall at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland from 6:30-8:30pm, where MetroWest residents can share their priorities, concerns and ideas directly with Senators. To follow along with the tour and share testimony or preferences electronically, visit the Commonwealth Conversations website and join the conversation on Twitter using #MAConvos and #MWConvos.