Terri Tauro: State Representative Candidate Profile

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Terri Tauro is one of six candidates on the ballot looking to fill the

open seat as the state representative for the 8th Essex District encompassing parts of Lynn, Marblehead and Swampscott.

The 55-year-old mother of two has worked as a department administrator to the Marblehead Harbormaster for 12 years.

She is also a three-time elected president of IUE-CWA local 81776, was elected to the Executive Board of the North Shore Labor Council and is on the executive board of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.

She told Patch she is seeling to head to the State House to work toward transparency in government, access to education for all children no matter which learning pattern they choose to pursue, and a just transition to renewable energy for workers.

Campaign website

territauro.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a coalition builder and skilled negotiator. I have been extremely concerned about the divide in this country and am convinced that my skills can bring people together. I listen to both sides and find compromise, it is what I do every day.

Personally, My district deserves to have a lifelong resident and experienced representative. I want to show people from all walks of life that they can do this. Our people should be represented by one of us and not a political royal family or a wealthy CEO.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Lack of transparency in our state and local governments is the number one issue. It affects everything else. We must hold our leaders accountable for their decisions. It is the only way to keep the constituents involved in their own democracy.

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

I was raised in public housing, brought up two daughters as a single mother and have fought for every inch of ground I have gained in my life through grit and determination. I have lived the struggles of working families, small business owners and single parents while also being heavily involved in the political arena through my roles as IUE-CWA local President and Executive Board member of the AFL-CIO, North Shore Labor Council as well as the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.

I have a proven track record of advocating and winning for the people I represent and a vast network of grassroots supporters that have endorsed my candidacy. They include - Representative Pete Capano, The Mass. AFL-CIO, Mass. Nurses Association, American Federation of Teachers Mass., North Shore Building and Trades, GE local 201, IBEW 2321, SEIU 1199, SEIU 509, IW local 7, and the Carpenters local 339.

I am also endorsed by The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, The North Shore Sunrise Movement and Incorruptible Mass. These endorsements were not handed to me, they were earned by years of standing on picket lines and time spent in the trenches fighting for change. All had a strict vetting process and none were achieved with a phone call or a monetary contribution.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I intend to create opportunities for students of all backgrounds to access high-quality and enriching learning experiences, pre-K to trade school or college; and to create safe and supportive work environments for our teachers.

Acknowledging the value in students exploring the variety of pathways to success — instead of adhering to the rigidity of equating college to success. A robust education system should not be a debate. It should be a requirement that we invest in our students, our teachers and the infrastructure necessary to educate.

I have been advocating for transparency and accountability in my own town for many years and have signed the "Voters Right to Know" pledge. Only through transparency can the citizens have meaningful engagement in our democracy. Only by standing strong will the people's voices and the community needs be realized through policy.

I am committed to renewable energy with a just transition for workers — a "just transition" reflects a training program that transitions fossil fuel usage roles and responsibilities to renewable energy ones. We cannot move to renewable energy at the expense of our working families and our economy. Investing in renewable energy also has the potential to create jobs in the 8th Essex District.

I have been working with GE 201 to try to bring more opportunities to the plant by contracting to build the turbines for the Off Shore Wind Farms.

Access to healthcare is a human right. We need a healthcare system that protects everyone. I will continue to work to identify ways to end costly out-of-pocket medical expenses. No one should have to choose between food, and prescription medication. No one should be denied treatment or access to recovery programs due to inadequate healthcare coverage. Our Seniors, veterans and low-income families are our most vulnerable. Our small business owners struggle to support the cost of offering health care.

All of these individual sacrifices and struggles impact our community as a whole. It is not sustainable. I have owned my own small business, made choices of which bill to pay and gone without to support my children and my 85-year-old mother. I hear you. I am committed to advancing policies that will bring relief to our communities and support to our health care workers

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

Formed a coalition of unions including the police, fire, teachers and municipal workers.

Publicized the investigation into the Marblehead Board of Health missing millions and inhumane working conditions for employees.

Demanded action to support an employee exposed to Asbestos.

Consistently negotiated contracts for the people that I represent centered on health care, a living wage, workplace diversity and equity.

Organized vulnerable employees into a new union.

Co-sponsored town meeting warrant articles for DEI, standard operating procedures and transparency in government.

Helped to move legislation centered around workers' rights, pay equity and health care.

Negotiated the GIC health insurance for town workers and currently working to appoint a team to negotiate the expiring healthcare contract for the town of Marblehead's employees.

Organized donation drives to benefit North Shore schools.

These are just a few examples. I file grievances, negotiate and advocate for the people I represent on a daily basis. I joke that by the time some people have finished their morning coffee, I have put out three fires for my members.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

A dear friend and mentor told me to "Be yourself because that person is pretty awesome. Do not worry about what others are doing and stay true to you."

I came into this race as me and I will leave it that way. I do not make empty promises and I finish what I start.

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

I want to use my passion, grit and determination along with my extensive practical experience and unique skill set to serve the district. Born and raised here for 55 years, this is not simply a stepping stone on a path to a political career.

You are my friends, family, and co-workers and I speak from the heart and I mean what I say. I will listen to you, help you and give you all of me.