My night with Sharline Nabulime

Dear Ward 6 Neighbors,

On September 4th, for the first time in my life, I went out canvassing with a politician: Sharline Nabulime. I had met her for the first time when she was walking through my neighborhood a couple of weeks before, and I told her about my concerns about keeping the Waltham Fields Community Farm safe from future development. The next time I saw Sharline in my neighborhood, she picked up our conversation right where we had left it off. That was what convinced me to help her out with canvassing.

Our evening of walking my neighborhood with her really impressed me. Despite just having gotten off of work, Sharline knocked on doors from 5:30pm till dark. Walking briskly between houses, she kept up a cheerful and energetic conversation about her family and her job, occasionally pausing to point out a local trouble spot where the streets were dangerous to cross or the traffic too fast. As we left one house, she saved me from falling down the steep concrete stairs. She told me she hoped to walk the ward six days a week until the election.

Even more than her energy, what impressed me about Sharline was how deeply she listened. Even at a home where a woman told her “I’m voting for the other candidate,” she stayed and continued to discuss the woman’s concerns. “After all,” she said “If I do win, you will be my constituent.” Later in our trip, as dark fell, another woman invited Sharline into her living room to talk about the need for affordable housing for seniors and we stayed for 20 minutes while they talked about housing and schools and then they tips on how to find the best bargains at the various Waltham thrift shops.

I’m going to be holding up a sign for Sharline Nabulime at the polls on September 25th. I am excited to support her. She loves our town, she listens to our concerns, and she works hard.

Tracey Seier
37 Warren Ave
Waltham, MA 02452