Picking up where she left off in early 2020, state Sen. Jo Comerford is visiting libraries across western Massachusetts to hear from constituents, including some from towns that will be joining the Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester District following statewide redistricting.
The tour, which continues through Sept. 24, is a continuation of her first series of library visits that kicked off in 2019, but was cut short by the start of the pandemic. She initially heard from guests at 13 libraries about everything from public education to climate change, and from east-west rail to broadband.
“It’s a great time to chat in small-ish groups,” the Northampton Democrat said, “in these bastions of democracy, which is how I think about libraries.”
According to Comerford, she was inspired to undertake the library tour because she is driven by two principles: government works when constituents feel engaged and able to make their voices heard; and that it is a legislator’s job to be held accountable to constituents. She describes the events as being one part reporting back to constituents on her work, and one part time for questions and comments from the public.
“Libraries are democracy hubs,” Comerford said. “They’re places where people come to exchange ideas. I think they’re the perfect setting for this tour. Getting into people’s communities and publicizing (their concerns) with local means is something I will never stop doing as long as I’m in office.”
At these tour stops, Comerford hears concerns such as climate change and health care issues, and thoughts on bills — such as the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act (H.2381/S.1384) — that are important to residents. In turn, Comerford speaks about her core priorities, such as advancing regional rail, FirstLight Hydro Generating Co.’s relicensing process, rural school funding and the VOTES Act.
These are just some of the long list of legislative priorities that her office has going into the 2023-24 session, and the senator frequently has meetings with her team about which bills were successful and which were not.
Comerford, who is up for reelection this fall, faces no Democratic challengers in the Sept. 6 primary election and is expected to run unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election.
Throughout her two terms in office, Comerford said she has made an effort to stay connected to her district. In addition to town halls, she also held weekly calls with constituents during the pandemic. Although Comerford is running unopposed, she said the library sessions are important regardless of whether an election is nearing.
“When the people of the district are strong,” she said, “I am strong on their behalf.”
■Saturday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to noon — Petersham Memorial Library, 23 Common St.
■Saturday, Aug. 27, 1 to 2 p.m. — New Salem Public Library, 23 South Main St.
■Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive in Ashburnham.
■Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 7 p.m. — Athol Public Library, 568 Main St.
For more details, visit senatorjocomerford.org/librarytour.