OPINION: Former New Bedford mayor backs Kennedy for Senate

Attorney Scott W. Lang has been involved with the Democratic Party since 1972. He served as Mayor of the City of New Bedford for three terms, from 2006 to 2012.    

I am voting for Joe Kennedy for the United States Senate.

I like Ed Markey, and I appreciate his long- tenured service, but that is not a reason to re-elect him to the United States Senate. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York, is an emerging leader in the Democratic Party, but she will not influence my vote for Senator in the Democratic Primary.

I have read the Green New Deal co-written by Senator Markey, and find it to be an aspirational, thought-provoking declaration. However, the critical issue of global warming is too important to relegate to an idealistic pronouncement. The Resolution is an unrealistic Platform Plank that elected officials embrace, but are reluctant to vote for, or stake their election on.

The Senate is not a debating society to gather points, or where gimmickry will carry the day. We need a tireless leader who is able to bring people together to solve problems, and present solutions that will attract bipartisan support, so that creative initiatives actually have a chance to be enacted into law.

Kennedy is a true progressive leader; he is not committed to extreme dogma. He will listen with an open mind, and has a ground-up approach to governance, rather than an autocratic top-down style.

The country needs leaders who understand that common sense and compromise will bring progressive changes to our country. Kennedy understands the tremendous racial and socio-economic divide that we face, and is committed to dedicating his efforts to ensure that racial and social justice become our national goal. He possesses the sincere empathy required of a true leader.

Kennedy will be here. He will be accessible to the people. He will be the Senator for all of Massachusetts.

It’s time to move beyond the status quo. I enthusiastically support Kennedy for the Senate.