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To the edtior:
I believe that our federal government is failing working families — and that fixing it will require a new generation of elected officials: people with the skill, character, and fortitude to take on the hard work of reform.
Of the Democratic candidates for U.S. Representative in the September 1 primary, I believe Tram Nguyen is best equipped to meet this challenge.
Tram’s early life embodies the resilience and purpose we need in Washington. Her family came to America as political refugees from Vietnam when Tram was five years old. She went on to graduate from Tufts University, Harvard Kennedy School, and Northeastern University School of Law. After law school, Tram chose to serve low-income families as a legal aid attorney rather than pursue a more lucrative private-sector career.
As a state representative, 12 of Tram’s bills have become law, including measures to expand unemployment benefits, strengthen the solvency of the unemployment insurance trust fund, protect homeowners facing foreclosure, and eliminate forced broker fees to make rental housing more affordable. Tram’s ability to move legislation through the House and Senate demonstrates that she knows how to navigate complex systems and build coalitions. She has also emerged as a legislative leader, serving as chair of the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability.
At her personal appearances, I’ve observed intelligence without arrogance, resolve without cynicism, and a deep commitment to justice. Tram explains policy without sounding technocratic. She speaks about the corrosive effect of money in politics with calls to ban congressional stock trading and overturn Citizens United. The high cost of health insurance elicits fire in her belly.
I see Tram’s decision to run for federal office as another example of her choosing the harder path. Rather than build upon her success in the State House, she’s making a bid to work with others in Washington to put working families ahead of special interests, implement Medicare for All, and abolish ICE while creating an accessible, transparent pathway to citizenship.
Join me in voting for Tram Nguyen on September 1. She has the skill to navigate the D.C. establishment, the integrity to choose service over self-interest, and the perseverance to get results.
Jean Costello
Newburyport
