Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Anne Landry

Anne Landry is running for State Representative in the 30th Middlesex District, which includes Woburn and Reading. Landry is one of four democratic candidates in the Sept. 4 primary. Patch has asked candidates the following questions and these answers belong to Landry.

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

The single most pressing issue facing the constituents of our district is the fact that life circumstances (whether illness, a death in the family, job loss, addiction, or housing instability) can derail someone's financial or family stability. I would work to ensure a strong safety net such that people who lack family, friends, or resources will have somewhere to turn when these circumstances rock the foundation of their lives.

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

In this race, I am the only attorney and the only person with experience on both the House and Senate sides of our state legislature. I have been endorsed by the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus. I have the strongest track record of work on issues of economic and social justice.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Investing in Public Education

I support an increase in funding at all levels of our public education system, from early education through higher education. The existing Chapter 70 funding formula that determines how much money the state provides to cities and towns for our public schools is out-of-date, inequitable, and does not capture the true cost of providing education in today's economy. I support updating the Chapter 70 funding formula in an equitable manner that reflects the true cost of educating students today.

Environmental Protection and Transportation Improvements

We need to do all in our power as a Commonwealth to combat climate change aggressively. I have signed the Commonwealth Environmental Pledge. In so doing, I have committed to accelerating targets on greenhouse gas emission reductions and supporting renewable energy alternatives and environmental justice. I have also signed the No Fossil Fuels pledge, committing not to take donations from the fossil fuel industry. I view building a robust public transportation system as a matter of not only personal convenience to residents, but also one of environmental protection by building a system that creates incentives to use public transit.

Support for Working Families

Too many families struggle to make ends meet while juggling work and family responsibilities. I will use my perspective as a working parent and as an experienced State House attorney to help meet the needs of working families. While I was pleased that paid family and medical leave was included in the recent "grand bargain" legislation, much work remains. With the cost of child care often exceeding that of college, it is important for the state to invest more in our early education system. Massachusetts should support workplace policies and benefits that allow families to make ends meet while meeting their work and family obligations.

Universal Access to Quality and Affordable Health Care

Although Massachusetts has done a good job at expanding health care access in recent years, health care costs are rising at an unsustainable rate, placing burdens on both employers and patients. Residents still experience gaps in coverage (periods, sometimes prolonged, of uninsurance), lack of access to care, and crippling medical debt. In light of these realities, I believe we should be moving towards a single-payer system. I would work with all stakeholders to develop transition rules that hold harmless current patients and employees of our existing system.

Advancing Civil and Human Rights

It is imperative that Massachusetts continue to be a leader in protecting and advancing civil and human rights- particularly in the current national climate. My background as an attorney with experience drafting and negotiating civil rights legislation makes me uniquely qualified to do this work. I am committed to protecting the human and civil rights of the residents of the Commonwealth. I support repealing the archaic laws on the books that could do real harm should federal constitutional protections recede under a changed Supreme Court.

Combating the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic has wrought havoc on our communities and has done irreparable harm to individuals, families, and communities. In treating addiction, I believe we need to meet people where they are, and that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. I support the development of an array of treatment options for those dealing with substance use disorder, such that they can be treated in a way that is responsive to their individual needs and situation. I also support the use of diversion to treatment, rather than putting people through the criminal justice system, when possible.

Combating Gun Violence in the Commonwealth

I am committed to finding solutions to end our society's epidemic of gun violence. It has claimed far too many lives. I believe in sensible gun control policies.

Support for Elder Services and a Strong Safety Net

I believe that our society should be there for people when they lack family, friends, or resources. We need a stronger safety net for low-income residents. Our safety net is currently inadequate for our senior citizens, who often cannot meet their housing and health care needs on a fixed income. We must do better in supporting elder services and our most vulnerable residents.

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

I have participated in the conference committee negotiations between the House and the Senate and have worked to shepherd into law legislation relative to criminal justice reform, non-discrimination based on gender identity, and support for victims of child sexual abuse.

I currently serve as an elected Town Meeting Member and appointed Finance Committee Member for the Town of Reading.

Studying for the bar exam, becoming a parent, and running a campaign have all honed my time management skills, which also will allow me to serve my community effectively.

I have both the legislative experience and municipal perspective to be an effective state representative for our communities.

In my capacities as an attorney and as a legislative staffer, I also have experience in constituent and client services that will allow me to serve the people of Reading and Woburn well.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

You're not listening if you're just waiting your turn to respond.

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

I aim to be a very accessible state representative. I invite you to call me on my personal cell phone with any questions or concerns at 774-319-0381.