Published: 8/18/2016 10:11:12 AM
AMHERST – Democratic House candidate Sarah la Cour picked up another endorsement Thursday, this one from the Northwestern District Attorney.
La Cour received support from DA David E. Sullivan to be elected to the 3rd Hampshire District House seat, which comprises Granby, Amherst and Pelham.
“Based upon her life and work experience, progressive values and ability to bring people together to solve problems, Sarah is a worthy successor,” Sullivan said. The candidate holds what Sullivan calls “a successful progressive record and the right disposition,” for the job – qualities which he calls integral to success.
Ellen Story, D-Amherst, who currently holds that seat, is not seeking reelection. The other five candidates are: Bonnie MacCracken, Eric Nakajima, Lawrence O’Brien, Solomon Goldstein-Rose and Vira Douangmany Cage.
La Cour, who is professionally-trained in landscape architecture and urban planning, has over two decades of experience balancing community development and natural resource conservation.
According to Sullivan, she “has been a strong and gentle leader of the Amherst Business Improvement District, bringing a vibrant downtown economy and job opportunities to the community.”
He said la Cour has experience preserving forest land and helping to develop youth stewards through work on the Hitchcock Center for the Environment Board of Directors.
In responding to Sullivan’s support, la Cour said she was “honored to have earned his support and trust.”
La Cour has also gained support from Sherrif Bob Garvey, State Rep. John Scibak, Amherst community leader Barry Roberts, retired dean of the University of Massachusetts graduate school John Mullin and retired UMass dean of the Isenberg School of Management Tom O’Brien.
Sullivan said he is confident that la Cour will “continue to fight for the environment, equal rights, smart economic growth, affordable housing and public education from pre-kindergarten through community college and university.”
“Sarah understandings that quality education, living wage jobs and great community prevention efforts make for vibrant, safe and healthy communities,” he said.
The primary election is held Sept. 8th and the full election is on Nov. 8th.
Sarah Crosby can be reached at scrosby@gazettenet.com.