I love politics. Now that may seem an odd thing to say after losing an election, but it is the absolute truth. What I love most about politics is the way it forces people to think about what is important to them, and what they want to stand for. That goes for candidates and supporters alike. As candidates, we have the opportunity to say: THIS is what I think the right direction is. Supporters get the opportunity to say: THIS candidate stands for what I believe. In a world where it sometimes feels like apathy rules and we all are becoming more isolated from our neighbors, politics offers an opportunity to connect with people in a very meaningful way to fight for the things we most care about.
I had a little exchange on election night with a couple of volunteers from another campaign that kind of embodied this sentiment. It was dark and getting cold. I had just thanked my group of rowdy volunteers at the Brophy School and was headed back to the great green ambulance when I passed a couple of rock steady Walsh supporters. I said, “I love campaign volunteers. You guys are great.” And one replied, “I love candidates. You guys are great.” Yep, there is something special about those of us who put our energy where our hearts are, and that why I love politics and the people who get involved.
I can’t thank my wonderful friends and supporters enough for standing with me during this tough race. I ran because I’m concerned about the political direction away from the ideals that were best represented by Barbara Gray and Debby Blumer that our town appears to be going. I know many of you share that concern. We knew it was a long shot, but the issues at stake were important enough to all of us to try to make a difference. I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to connect with so many people who care enough that we took the harder path to actually try to do something about it. So while I’m not going to get to represent Framingham at the State House there is much work to be done, and many ways to do it. Let’s keep working together to keep Framingham the special place it is.
Looking back at the campaign pictures, both on the website and at those that are indelibly etched in my memory, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank you for making this race a ton of fun along the way. Kristin, Kate and I will never forget how you all embraced my candidacy and our family. Those connections don’t end with a campaign. They make us bonded friends and that makes it all worthwhile.
Dawn
The MetroWest Daily News and The Boston Globe Endorsements!
“Harkness is the strongest of the three: A public servant who does her own homework and builds her own coalitions, who listens carefully and speaks with confidence, who thinks outside the box and moves ahead of the curve.”
“We offer DAWN HARKNESS our strong endorsement in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.”
“In a strong, three-candidate field for state representative, challenger Dawn Harkness stands apart for her energy and versatility. The Globe endorses her bid.”
League of Women Voters Candidates Night
What a great night! If you’d like to see the three candidates in action, watching the League of Women Voters Candidates Night is must see TV. We’ve put it online on our videos page, and it will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 9, RCN Channel 3 and Verizon Channel 43:
- Friday September 12th at 6:30PM
- Saturday September 13th at 8:00AM and 8:00PM
- Sunday September 14th at 4:00 PM
Many thanks to the League for hosting this forum.
Literature
Haven’t gotten enough mail from me yet? Then check out my new literature page.
Pictures of the Staples Met Tower
Today I took a tour of the the new met tower at the Staples Corporate Headquarters in Framingham. a few months back, I testified in favor of allowing Staples to explore this technology during ZBA hearings and ever since they got approval, I’ve been very curious to see how it is coming along. Ever since it got installed a couple of months ago, I’ve been looking for it from the Mass Pike, Route 9 and all the public streets in the area. I couldn’t find it. Turns out we probably won’t be able to see it from those areas until the leaves fall off the trees. However it is visible from inside the Staples Building, and of course when you walk up to it.
For those who don’t know, “met tower” is short for meteorological tower. Erecting a met tower is the the first step in figuring out how much wind is in the area. They hold instruments that gather data to measure wind frequency, wind direction and wind speed. The goal is to find out how viable a turbine would be in that location.
At 180 feet, the Staples met tower is about two thirds the size of what the the actual height of the proposed turbine would be. It’ll be interesting to see how much wind is there at the end of the 6 month test period.
Join Dawn Harkness in Giving Back to the MetroWest Community
Responding to a recent MetroWest Daily News article on the area’s blood shortage, Democratic State Representative Candidate Dawn Harkness will lead by example when she rolls up her sleeve and donates blood this coming Thursday, August 14th. Join Dawn and help others in need at this week’s Red Cross Blood Drive from 5:30 – 7:30pm held at Framingham’s Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Road.
Dawn understands the need to have a safe and adequate blood supply in the region. An available blood supply is essential to meet the area’s continuing health needs and to draw upon in times of an emergency. “The MetroWest Medical Center says we’re down 250 units of blood from previous summers, and I’d like to help change that” states Harkness. “I have been asking people to volunteer and donate to my campaign for the last couple of months. This time, I’m asking people to volunteer and donate blood to help save lives.”
No matter who you are supporting in this race, please come help the community at this blood drive.
If you have questions about giving blood, please call the American Red Cross helpline at 1-800-GIVE LIFE
Candidates set to debate
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce next month will host forums for the candidates running in two contested state representative races.
See Dawn on the Audrey Hall Show
Now playing on RCN channel 3 and Comcast channel 9.
Click here for schedule.
First Videos Up!
Check out our new videos page.
Dawn and her Great Greet Ambulance to participate in Natick’s 4th of July parade!
“The theme of this year’s parade is Red, White and Blue goes Green,” [Bruce] Weisberg said. “We invited Dawn Harkness because she has her green ambulance, which runs on cooking oil.” - MetroWest Daily News
Come see Dawn and the ambulance at the parade in the morning (it starts at 9AM) and at the Concert on the Green in Framingham Center in the evening. Dawn loves talking about alternative energy, so don’t be shy, come on by. Kids of all ages are welcomed to come right on into the ambulance every Friday on the green.
Happy 4th of July!
See Dawn in the Framingham Democratic Town Committee’s June 23rd Debate!
Now playing on Framingham Public Access TV (click for schedule)
Announcement: Campaign Kick-Off Party June 11, 2008 Garden in The Woods 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
Come Meet Dawn Harkness!
Please join me at my Campaign
Kickoff and Fundraiser
June 11th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
At Framingham’s eco-jewel Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701
I will be a strong voice for Framingham.
I will be a hands-on, hard working Representative in the tradition of
Debby Blumer and Barbara Gray.
I will do my homework and follow through.
I will work full time for you.
I will listen to you.
I want to party with you!
If you don’t know me, I’d like the opportunity to meet you. If you’ve read about me in the paper or seen me at Town Meeting, come meet me in person and learn about where I come from, where I’d like to go, and the values that guide me. If you already know me, I’d welcome the opportunity to visit with you and enjoy the beauty of Garden in the Woods. Let’s share food and food for thought.
Campaign Announcement
Dear Neighbors,
I am excited to formally announce my candidacy for State Representative of the Sixth Middlesex District. Framingham needs a strong advocate to fill the void left by Debby Blumer’s passing. I am running because I want to use my education and experience to be that voice for the people of the Town of Framingham. As your State Representative, I will deliver the kind of thoughtful and dynamic leadership, effective constituent services, and dedicated representation the people of Framingham need and deserve.
I am well prepared to be Framingham’s State Representative. Many of you know me as an attorney and a resident who has volunteered much time to the Town of Framingham. My career has been about helping people resolve their individual life challenges, legal and otherwise. My public service has been geared towards helping Framingham address the issues that face us all. Currently I am the Chair of the Greener Framingham Committee, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Community Services and a Town Meeting Member from Precinct 4. In addition, I have also served as a Human Relations Commissioner and a member of the PILOT Study Committee. You may also know me through my efforts to promote the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, a volunteer at the Amazing Things Art Center, or as a contributer on a variety of Framingham Public Access television programs. People who know me, recognize that I’m a passionate and energetic advocate for our Town and for the issues I believe are important. My politics don’t fit neatly into one box. I’m known to be an unabashed outspoken liberal on social justice issues, but I also have a clear record of fiscal prudence. If I don’t think we can afford it, I won’t propose or support it.
If you haven’t met me yet, I’ll welcome any opportunity to change that. Please call me, or send an email. I’ll join you for coffee, drop by your home for a chat, meet with your organization or we can lace up our sneakers for a walk outdoors. I want to hear about the issues that are important to you. Come to a campaign event. Check out my website periodically to get to know who I am. Learn what I stand for, (and why), and find out what’s new with my campaign. I am confident you’ll come to believe that I have the qualities you’d like to see more of in the Massachusetts State House. I ask for your support and your vote on September 16, 2008.
To learn more about me, or to help me learn more about your concerns,
please call or write me at:
Dawn Harkness P.O. Box 1723 Framingham, MA 01701
Telephone 508-396-7168 Fax 508-877-4692 Email dawn@harkness.net