Westford is currently celebrating an idea called “Stronger Together” through an art exhibition in Muffins on Main, dedicated to democracy. The exhibit describes a core American ideal: “every voice matters,” and our strength comes from embracing diverse perspectives.
I believe that.
But my experience during this year’s campaign for Massachusetts State Senate, left me with a question: How can every voice matter if, sometimes, that voice disappears into a black hole when it tries to reach government, even with repeated follow ups?
Democracy does not end on Election Day. Voting is essential, but democracy also depends on what happens between elections – when citizens ask questions, share concerns, challenge assumptions, and try to understand how government works.
Plato’s Republic offers an old way of thinking about this problem. Through Socrates of Athens, the birthplace of democracy, Plato uses the analogy of a ship at sea: would we choose the person to steer the ship because that person is the most popular, or because that person actually understands navigation? The analogy raises a question that remains relevant today: How can citizens make good choices if they are not informed about the issues and the people asking for their trust?
That is why public engagement matters. Citizens have a responsibility to learn and participate. But government officials have a role, too: to listen, explain, and engage with the people they represent.
During my campaign, I contacted local leaders, businesses, and community organizations as well as state officials – about 60 of them in total. In my own outreach, roughly 90 percent of local contacts responded, compared with less than 10 percent of state-level contacts since February, even with repeated follow ups. This is not a scientific survey – just my experience – but the contrast was striking.
There were also encouraging examples.
When I first contacted Sen. John Cronin, who I am challenging in this election, he responded – within minutes – with thoughtful and well-meaning wishes. I appreciated that, and respect his office, just as I respect the many public officials who work hard on behalf of their constituents; challenging an incumbent does not require hostility toward that person.
In a healthy democracy, challenging our leaders can be constructive. It can encourage them to explain their positions, listen to different perspectives and consider whether there are better ways to serve the public.
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio also called me the day after I reached out, and we had a meaningful conversation about state government and accountability.
Those interactions reminded me of something important: engagement itself builds trust.
I am not asking government to agree with me. I am asking for a conversation.
And that conversation should not depend on whether someone is a candidate, a political activist in total alignment, or someone with an important title. A constituent should not need a title to be heard.
My campaign has given me a different perspective on public participation. I have spoken with hundreds of residents, listened to their concerns, and learned that many people have thoughtful opinions about the government, but may not believe that anyone will listen.
That is the real danger.
It is not my unanswered emails that concern me. It is the person who never sends one because they have already concluded that nobody will listen. That person is the one democracy cannot afford to lose.
We should be able to disagree without treating that person as an enemy. And we should be able to consider an alternative candidate, a choice for the voters, without assuming that challenging an incumbent is somehow an act of disloyalty.
If we truly believe that every voice matters, then listening cannot simply be an idea displayed on a wall. It has to be a practice.
Every voice matters – but for that to be true, someone has to listen.
Editor’s Note: This article is an opinion piece, and does not necessarily reflect the views or values of Westford’s Community Access Television, The Westford Villager, WestfordCAT News or its staff as a whole.
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