The results of the latest Primary Election held September 9th 2014 in Massachusetts, left the majority of Lawrencians looking for explanations but mainly for excuses.
On the front line, we had two young Democrats, Pavel M. Payano and Doris V. Rodriguez competing for the chair left vacant by Barry Finegold, a well-liked Senator from Andover running for State Treasurer.
Payano, a member of the Lawrence School Committee got his feet wet in high politics while working as aide to U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.
Rodriguez has worked in both the private and public sector. In the Private Sector, Doris worked for a private software company as their Tax Counsel. In the Public Sector, she worked for the Federal, State, and local government where she has gained invaluable experience.
Since William X. Wall and Patricia McGovern, Lawrencians have been dreaming of sending a Lawrence resident to the State House to represent them. Just for pride!
Statistics show that in 2013/2014 Lawrence total population is 76,377 of which 56,363 are Hispanic or Latino with only 38,929 registered to vote. On Election Day, only 5,976 or 15.35% out of those 38,929 registered to vote actually met their obligation as citizens.
There is no question that until we instill in our residents the value and importance of voting, we will never reach the dream of having a Lawrence Senator or Lawrence thrive for that matter.
