Tram Nguyen: Candidate Profile 18th Essex District

ANDOVER, MA — State Rep. Tram Nguyen, a Democrat, is running for a second term representing the 18th Essex District.

Nguyen, 34, grew up in the Merrimack Valley and lives in Andover with her partner Nate. She has a law degree from Northeastern University and worked as a legal services attorney prior to her 2018 election to the state house.

Nguyen faces a challenge from Tewksbury Republican Jeff Dufour.

The 18th Essex District includes parts of Andover, Boxford, North Andover and Tewksbury. The election is Nov. 3, and voters can also cast ballots early in person or by mail.

Age (as of Election Day)

34

District:

18th Essex District

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I grew up in the Merrimack Valley and chose to put my roots down in Andover with my partner, Nate, and our three fur babies.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

I was the first in my family to graduate from college at Tufts University with a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Sociology, and then went on to receive my J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.

Occupation

I'm currently the State Representative for the 18th Essex district (2 years). Prior to getting into office, I was a legal services attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services representing survivors of domestic violence, low-wage workers, seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities (5 years).

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently State Representative of the 18th Essex district

Campaign website

www.votetram.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election because I want to continue the work I’ve done to better the lives of the people in this district. During my time in office, I have worked to improve the local economy, bring back funding to our local communities, tackle the opioid crisis, protect our climate, as well as remain accessible to all of my constituents. It has been an honor representing this district, and I'm determined to work hard for the opportunity to continue that responsibility.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

A letter grade is a drastic oversimplification of the circumstances. This unprecedented outbreak wrought tragedy and heartache on so many families across the Commonwealth; we cannot understate the harm for those who lost loved ones. I believe once the severity and breadth were established, the state, with concerted pressure from the legislature, acted swiftly to control the spread by making rapid scale testing available and distributing PPE to frontline workers. Our contact tracing program became a model for the nation. I do wish certain mandates came sooner, particularly for masks, which remain critical for minimizing risk. For what lies ahead, I would like to see a more rapid and proactive response, anticipating challenges for parents with pre-school and school aged children whose ability to return to work is dependent on schools or reliable childcare.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

Chapter 40B is a 50 year old law that no longer meets the reality of the Massachusetts housing market. There are some great proposals on Beacon Hill that would address housing affordability issues, such as lowering the super majority currently required for certain zoning changes, investing in public and private sector partnerships to support workforce housing ownership programs, helping seniors ages in place, and considering the broad definition of “affordability” across communities.

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

Supporting the police and supporting policing reform are not mutually exclusive, as my opponent would have you believe. Throughout this debate, I was in regular communication with police chiefs and officers from my communities, and I greatly valued their input and willingness to answer my questions. I believe additional training in de-escalation tactics, creation of a POST system setting minimum standards for hiring and conduct of officers, specialized training for officers dealing with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as additional resources for mental health services, would benefit our officers by providing them more tools. I equally valued the perspectives that I heard from my colleagues from the Black & Latinx Caucus and members of communities of color, who have borne the brunt of discriminatory policies. The House bill that I voted for is about community resources and using current funding towards training and tactics that are proactive and build trust between community members and law enforcement. I hope the conference committee reaches consensus soon and these reform efforts are signed into law.

As a point of clarification, there is nothing in the House version that would “defund” the police.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

After listening to and learning from constituents across the district during office hours, phone calls, emails, town hall meetings, these are the issues that I prioritize:

Environment Protection & Climate Change - I am committed to working on climate and environmental protection, and I believe that everyone should have access to clean air, safe water, and healthier communities. I strongly promote environmental justice for low-income residents and communities of color. I also believe that we need to do everything we can to fight against the climate crisis by working toward 100% renewable energy, addressing carbon emissions, increasing funding for enforcement of environmental laws, promoting transportation solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, investing in the development of green technologies, taking necessary steps to protect our air, water, and natural resources, and expanding our access to open space.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - I am a steadfast defender of human rights and have dedicated my career to promoting and protecting civil and political rights as well as fighting for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. I stand in solidarity with marginalized communities in dismantling institutional racism, fighting for racial justice, economic justice, criminal justice, environmental justice, and advancing protections to ensure that all people are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

Employment & Economy – I am passionate about protecting the rights of workers. I believe that all workers should have the opportunity to earn a living wage from their work and that all workers deserve to have adequate job protections, safe work environments free from harassment and other unfair treatment; and fair compensation. Additionally, I understand that small businesses are the backbone of our communities and strongly advocate for resources and relief for small businesses, especially during this pandemic, to enable them to continue to provide local jobs, add vibrancy and character to our towns, and enrich our communities by enabling our neighbors to showcase their unique craftsmanship skills and services.

Public Health & Health Care - I prioritize rapid response to COVID-19 to address the health and safety of our residents. I am committed to combating the opioid crisis, affirming that mental health is an essential aspect of health, advocating for universal access to quality and affordable health care, and supporting healthy relationships education programs for young people. As a defender of reproductive rights, I am also dedicated to protecting women’s rights to make personal decisions about the full range of reproductive health care options.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical differences between myself and my opponent are that I have a proven track record of leadership and accomplishments delivering for the district, as well as the respect and support of my colleagues in all levels of government. During the 2019 state budget process, I was able to secure funding to bring home to each of the communities that I represent. I have partnered across the aisle and across the House and Senate with my Merrimack Valley colleagues to fight for our communities’ recovery needs in the wake of the gas explosions and in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Every day I understand the enormity of what it means to represent ALL of this district, and I make myself accessible to each and every person who has an idea or an opinion about improving the quality of life here in the 18th Essex district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my legal career as a legal services attorney, I fought every day for those among us who needed an advocate in their corner, whether they were a survivor of domestic violence, exploited worker, senior, immigrant, person with disability, or veteran. These advocacy skills serve me well as a legislator. My current experience as a Representative facing a global pandemic, social justice movement, and a climate crisis has strengthened my ability to lead during a crisis and advocate for changes to provide equality and opportunity to the residents in our district and beyond. I have a record as a pragmatic leader, skilled at advocating, negotiating, and gaining consensus for legislation that improves the quality of life for ALL people in the Commonwealth.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

In order to make a well informed decision, you must listen and consider all points of view.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Every day in the course of doing my job, I am acting with the best interests of all my constituents. I strive to represent the voices of the 18th Essex district on Beacon Hill by consistently being in contact with voters, listening to their concerns, and working to pass policies that improve the lives of all Massachusetts residents. Living through my parents immigrating to the United States and fighting to ensure I had access to quality education, healthcare, and jobs inspires me to fight for opportunities and access to resources for others, and if re-elected, that is exactly what I will continue to do.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.