Shapiro: Change We Need on the Governor's Council

Hi and thank for clicking. As the campaign moves forward, I'll try to keep folks updated here, as well in a host of other ways, as we work towards the Democratic primary on Sept 6th.

For my first Patch blog entry, here's a posting of the actual press release announcing my campaign for Governor's Council:
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Newton MA – Newton resident and former Alderman Charlie Shapiro has announced his candidacy for the position of Governor’s Council in the Democratic primary on Thursday September 6.

The Governor’s Council is comprised of eight members each representing five state senate districts. Among its important functions is to be the representative voice of regular citizens in the judicial confirmation process.

“Those familiar with the Governor’s Council know it’s been riddled with personality conflicts, punitive and sometimes inappropriate questioning of nominees, and has fallen short of being a source of pride for voters. I strongly believe we can do better by working more collaboratively, treating each nominee with dignity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for their desire to be in public service.”, Shapiro said. “Together, we can help restore civility and make the Governor’s Council work for all of us.”

Earlier this week the Shapiro campaign got off to a solid start receiving the enthusiastic endorsement of the Boston (Allston/Brighton) Ward 21 Democratic Committee. It was the first joint appearance of all three Democratic candidates.

Shapiro has outlined his goals for the Governor’s Council on www.voteshapiro.org focusing on increasing the Council’s transparency and outreach. Shapiro is the only candidate to have visited the entire district and collected nomination signatures in each and every one of the 32 cities and towns and is running on a platform of offering improved constituent service in person, via telephone, mail, and email. If elected, Shapiro will be publishing an opt-in constituent newsletter, and establishing a web site posting the Council’s upcoming agenda with a simple-to-use one-click response form so constituents throughout the district can be better informed and have their voice heard. 

While Alderman, Shapiro served as Vice Chair of the Post Audit and Oversight Committee, a member of the Public Safety Committee, and was instrumental in launching the  to keep those with Alzheimer’s safer. Shapiro also served as a member of the Governor’s working group to roll the program out statewide using the Newton program serving as an example.

Shapiro is a member of the Newton Democratic City Committee, and the League of Women Voters.

Charlie and his wife Debra have been married 22 years and live in Newton with their two children.

The campaign website is www.voteshapiro.org. Shapiro for governor’s Council is also at www.facebook.com/voteshapiro and on Twitter @charlie_shapiro.

A series of campaign kickoff events in communities throughout the district is planned for early June. The general public is invited. For a schedule of events or to volunteer or express your support, please visit www.voteshapiro.org.

Communities in the Governor’s Council Third District include:
Acton, Arlington, Ayer, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Boston (Ward 4, pcts. 2, 5-10; Ward 5, pcts. 2, 6-10; Ward 21, pcts. 1-3, 5, 8-16; Ward 22, pcts. 3, 4, 6-13), Boxborough, Brookline, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Harvard, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Newton, Northborough (pct. 3), Shirley, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley (pcts. A, C-E, H), Westborough, Weston, Woburn.