“As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew,” said Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War. “The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present.” Change is hard, but there are times when change is necessary. This is one of those times.
I was born and raised in Ipswich and it will always be my home town. My father was born in Rowley, my mother Manchester, and they have lived the last 65 years in Ipswich. Much of my extended family continues to live in Ipswich, Hamilton, Manchester, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. These towns mean the world to them, and to me. Which is why I am endorsing Allison Gustavson to represent the Fourth Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Allison is driven not by party, but by service to the community. Witnessing the national tragedy of September 11, 2001 from the streets below the twin towers inspired her to study elementary education. This background helped her understand the value of educating all students, a value she shares with Abraham Lincoln. Her service with the Manchester Council-on-Aging has helped her bridge the needs of the elderly with the energy of the younger generations. Allison believes “our communities are strongest when we all have the opportunities to engage with and learn from each other.” She has proven this in every aspect of her life and through founding an organization that encourages and facilitates local citizen participation in democracy.
With family roots in Ipswich and living in the Fourth Essex district, Allison understands the local needs of the people. As a businesswoman, she understands how choices made locally and in the legislature affect the economy and the livelihoods of the business community. As a woman, she brings much needed insight to the questions that affect women, families, and businesses. Lincoln, too, understood the needs of the people. He insisted on meeting with a steady stream of common men and women daily in his White House office. He called these meetings his “public-opinion baths,” which he used to keep in touch with the views of the people. Allison has emulated this by meeting with everyone in all walks of life no matter what their political preferences. Doing so keeps her in touch with the public sentiment, which Lincoln knew “is everything.”
Growing up in the shadow of Castle Hill, working at Crane Beach, biking through Bradley Palmer, and canoeing on the Ipswich River led me to a career in environmental science. As a scientist I appreciate Allison’s commitment to protecting the natural beauty that is of such critical importance to the Fourth District, as well as dealing with the realities of climate change and protecting worker safety. Choate Bridge, the Heard and Whipple Houses, and the inspired history of the region led me also to the world of Abraham Lincoln, so I recognize that we live in troubling times. “The occasion is piled high with difficulty,” Lincoln said, but also knew that “we must rise” to meet the challenge. Allison provides an opportunity to change our politics, to work with all parties – not just one party – to address the very real issues facing all the communities of the district.
“We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country,” Lincoln added. As Lincoln was the best choice to lead our nation through its greatest trial, I believe Allison Gustavson is the best choice to help pave the way for the future of the region. She will represent all men, women, and children of the Fourth Essex District. I am confident that Allison is the right person at the right time to bring us together for the good of all of us. On November 6th, I hope you vote for Allison Gustavson to represent the Fourth Essex District of Massachusetts.
For more information about Allison, please visit her website at www.allisongustavson.com.
[Those who follow me know I have not endorsed a political candidate before. But as Lincoln said, we must “be active, when action is needed.” I believe action is needed.]
David J. Kent is an avid science traveler and the author of Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America, in Barnes and Noble stores now. His previous books include Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity and Edison: The Inventor of the Modern World and two e-books: Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time and Abraham Lincoln and Nikola Tesla: Connected by Fate.
Check out my Goodreads author page. While you’re at it, “Like” my Facebook author page for more updates!
Pingback: Vote for Allison Gustavson | Science Traveler