Maureen Groden: Support state representative candidate Bridget Matthews-Kane

Thank you for covering the 4th Hampden District state representative race between incumbent Kelly Pease and challenger, City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane. Southampton was re-districted after the 2020 census to be represented along with most of Westfield.

Your articles provided a nice introduction and what each candidate said was most important to them. I hope subsequent articles will share with readers how the candidates have voted in the past and who is funding them. I am supporting Ms. Matthews-Kane. She is in her third term as Ward 3 city councilor in Westfield and chairperson of the Finance Committee. She is a hard worker who listens to her constituents and works on their behalf. Please visit her website at bridgetmatthewskane.com/.

Kelly Pease has been a state representative since 2020. Southampton became part of the 4th Hampden District in 2023. He has not represented my interests. Mr. Pease has voted against climate bill initiatives (H 5060, H 4524, S 9). He has not supported early and mail-in voting (S 2554, S 2924). He voted against using union workers for the Veterans Home construction (H 3770). He voted against funds to homeless shelters (H 4582) and protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (H 5090, H 4954).

He is funded by the Massachusetts Citizens for Life. I cannot vote for someone who denies essential health care to residents of Massachusetts. Please look into how candidates vote and not just what they say. I believe Southampton and Westfield will be well represented by Bridget Matthews-Kane.

Maureen Groden

Southampton