I write to enthusiastically support the re-election of Dave Rogers to the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Although the 24th Middlesex House District that Dave represents includes only a portion of Arlington (Precincts 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12), Dave has been a strong advocate for all Arlington residents.  As a Select Board member, I have seen firsthand how Dave has worked in partnership with us to further the Town’s interests.   I have also been impressed with how he has kept us informed regarding the status of legislative initiatives that he is working on at the State House. 

Since first being elected to the House in 2012, Dave has been a leading proponent for environmental protection, investing in our public schools and working to find solutions to improve our transportation infrastructure.  As an example, Dave recently joined several other legislators in forming a Route 2/Alewife working group to address concerns about congestion and transportation issues specific to the Alewife area.  

Dave also maintains strong ties to Arlington through his participation at numerous Town and community events.  Further, his monthly newsletter is noteworthy for its comprehensive legislative updates as well as its inclusion of links to state and local resources.          

Those of us in the 24th Middlesex District will have a choice in the upcoming Democratic Primary to be held on September 1st.  Whether you will be voting by mail, by early voting, or in person, please join me in voting to re-elect Dave Rogers so that he may continue serving the people of Arlington.

Stephen DeCourcey, Arlington Select Board

Cheswick Road, Arlington

Over the past weeks, Arlington voters should have received ballot request postcards for the Sept. 1 state primary and Nov. 3 general election.

Our community has benefited greatly from experienced, progressive representation at the state and federal legislative levels. As our country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, associated economic distress, persistent structural racism, and ongoing environmental disasters and climate threats, this is more important than ever.

It would be a great loss for Arlington to lose the leadership talents of U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and State Rep. Dave Rogers, each of whom faces primary challenges.

I first met Dave Rogers during his first campaign in 2012. His commitment to knocking on thousands of doors to introduce himself and discuss issues led him to wear out several pairs of shoes. In my first interactions with Dave, I saw someone who considered issues deeply, leveraging his background in government, business and law.

From his first days in the House of Representatives, Dave Rogers has made criminal justice reform a centerpiece of his legislative agenda, seeking to reverse the tide of mass incarceration that has decimated communities of color and advancing protections for civil liberties. He has also prioritized environmental protection, the advancement of clean energy and the reduction of harmful waste.

Indeed, during the Massachusetts launch of the Green New Deal, Sen. Markey himself called Dave “an incredible climate champion.” That is high praise coming from Ed Markey, whose own credentials around environmental advocacy are unmatched.

As chair of the Senate Climate Task Force and co-author — with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — of the Green New Deal, Sen. Markey is one of the nation’s foremost proponents of an economic recovery strategy focused on investments in sustainable and responsible energy and environmentally friendly infrastructure. In the wake of multi-pronged crises in our country and the abdication of leadership by our president, we need leaders with vision as expansive as that of Sen. Markey.

Joe Curro, Arlington Select Board

Millett Street, Arlington

I am writing to ask for you to join me in supporting Representative Dave Rogers in his re-election, both in the September primary and in the November general election.

As a Belmont Select Board Member, I have worked closely with Dave for over three years now and can say that he has an outstanding person to represent Belmont on Beacon Hill and that he is always looking out for us.

Whether it be finding money for projects that would otherwise not be possible, such as removing diseased trees throughout town, installing a traffic light at the intersection of Lexington and Sycamore Streets, or attending many Belmont official meetings and other events, Dave has been a force and a presence for Belmont’s interests at the State House.

In the upcoming primary election, Belmont voters will have the ability to vote by mail or through early voting, in addition to the traditional in-person voting at the polls on Tuesday, September 1.  Whichever method you choose, I believe that Dave is the candidate you should support in the Democratic primary

I wanted to share my perspective as one who has worked closely with Dave for a while now.  He is a person of integrity.  There is no ego in his work.  Everything I have seen him do is focused on what he thinks is right and best for his constituents.  I ask that you join me in supporting Dave in his re-election campaign.

Adam Dash, Belmont Select Board

Goden Street

With just a month left until the September 1st Massachusetts Democratic primary, I’m writing to encourage people to vote for the re-election of Dave Rogers, Belmont’s voice in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Dave is a progressive legislator who cares deeply about our town. As a Belmont School Committee member, I can’t tell you the number of conversations I’ve had with Dave about school finance, state aid for schools, and many other issues affecting our residents’ lives. Dave has always been approachable and willing to talk at length. 

Even better, Dave has been working to deliver for our schools. Dave is a strong supporter of public education and worked to gain passage of the $1.4 billion Student Opportunity Act, which will help to improve funding for Massachusetts public education, including here in Belmont. Even with the current challenges to state revenue from the pandemic-driven recession, he is working tirelessly to preserve promised state aid for Belmont’s school system.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death and nationwide protests against police violence, Dave has been on the front lines working with his Black and Latino colleagues to secure passage of a much needed major police reform bill that bans chokeholds and improves public oversight of police. He also was an important sponsor of major criminal reform legislation that has been held out as a model for other states.

With so many facing economic losses during COVID-19, Dave has helped gain passage of critical eviction relief legislation for tenants and small businesses. He has authored legislation to establish a right to counsel for tenants in eviction proceedings.

Dave also has been working hard to fix our public transportation woes. He helped secure passage of a major package to improve public transportation infrastructure, including big improvements for the Red Line in coming years.

Other issues where Dave has been doing important work include protecting women’s reproductive health and rights, working to address our climate crisis and build out offshore wind power, improving access to health care, and raising the minimum wage.  

Dave’s track record, his focus on issues so many of us care about, and his devotion to Belmont are truly exceptional. Please vote for Dave Rogers for State Representative, either by mail, by voting early, or at your polling place on Tuesday, September 1st.

Mike Crowley, Belmont School Committee

Farnham St., Belmont

We are pleased to enthusiastically support Representative Dave Rogers for re-election.  Please vote for Dave in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, September 1.

Dave has been a consistently progressive voice in the state, championing policies that strengthen civil rights, the environment, women’s rights, and education, while also advocating effectively for Belmont.

We are alarmed that our most vulnerable citizens face, among many issues, the very real possibility of eviction and are grateful that Dave filed legislation that prohibits evictions and foreclosures for the duration of the COVID emergency. 

A champion of civil rights, Dave also played an instrumental role in the sweeping criminal justice reform bill, which touches on virtually every aspect of our criminal justice system. This bill reduces mandatory minimum sentences, which disproportionally impacts people of color. Partnering with the ACLU, Dave filed legislation that imposes a moratorium on the use of facial recognition and biometric technology, which often misidentifies people of color. 

On the environment, Dave is a strong leader. He was a co-sponsor of the plastic bag ban and introduced legislation that would fine restaurants that violated plastic straw bans. Additionally, Dave secured a dramatic increase in environmental spending and helped pass a law that would allow 3200 megawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power 1.5 million homes.

Recently endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Dave has been a strong leader on women’s rights and choice. He authored and passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which creates a new right to prevent pregnancy discrimination and co-sponsored the Pay Equity Act. 

As proud parents of Belmont High School graduates, we understand how critical a good education is and applaud Dave’s effort to create the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which ultimately led to the biggest education reform bill in Massachusetts. This new law boosts education funding and addresses systemic statewide inequalities.

Of equal importance, Dave is a familiar face at community events; he is an attentive listener and responder. He answers emails directly and has widely distributed his cell phone number. He canvassed in support of the high school project and helped secure funds for the Belmont Community Path. During our current crisis, Dave is a familiar face delivering meals and masks for Belmont Helps.

We urge you to support Dave Rogers, our hardworking Representative. He has earned it.

Jeff and Linda Levin-Scherz

Woodbine Rd, Belmont

As a longtime resident of East Arlington, I enthusiastically support state Rep. Dave Rogers for reelection. I have found Dave to be informed, thoughtful and exceptionally responsive to his constituents. Arlington is fortunate to have him represent us in the 24th Middlesex District.

Dave is a strong progressive who fights for social and economic justice. With work experience in the EPA’s criminal division, he is now an experienced leader on environmental issues here in the Bay State. He has successfully pushed for sweeping legislation that adds $2.4 billion in state funding for environmental protection and climate-change adaptation. He has also sponsored major multi-state offshore wind procurement, which will reduce emissions, create jobs and lower energy costs.

We can count on Dave to stand up for women’s rights. He is a champion of the Roe Act, which would dismantle unnecessary barriers to ensure that abortion is safe, legal and fully accessible for all in Massachusetts. He authored and passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a new civil right for pregnant women that protects them from workplace discrimination. He advocated for the Massachusetts Pay Act, a breakthrough policy that prohibits wage discrimination based on gender.

Dave maintains close ties with his constituents. When I go to a community event in Arlington, Dave is there -- advocating for a new high school, speaking out against development of the Mugar Wetlands, even participating in our annual AEF Trivia Bee. He stands with Arlington residents who took to the streets to say Black Lives Matter. And when Donald Trump makes incendiary comments like “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” Dave rightly condemns the president’s words as racist and hateful.

I hope you will join me in voting for Dave Rogers in the Massachusetts State Democratic Primary on Sept. 1. Now more than ever, we need his experience, knowledge and passion on Beacon Hill.

Jennifer Roderick

Pioneer Road, Arlington

I am enthusiastically endorsing Dave Rogers for State Representative in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, September 1. Dave has been a hard-working leader as our State Rep and he richly deserves re-election. He has been effective in the State Legislature on issues that I care deeply about, such as climate change, transportation, education, and criminal justice. In each of these areas, he has been a leader in progressive reform that is moving our state in the right direction.

But I also admire how accessible Dave is, both in his communications with his constituents and in his personal outreach . When I've worked as a volunteer at Belmont events, I've noticed that Dave can be relied upon to also show up and lend a hand. That devotion to service is one more reason why I will be voting to re-elect Dave as our State Representative.  

Whether you are registered as a Democrat or are registered as Unenrolled and choose a Democratic ballot in the September 1 primary, I hope you will vote to re-elect Dave too.

Paul Rickter

Cross Street, Belmont

We remember meeting our state rep, Dave Rogers, when he was first running for his seat. He was earnest and energetic, and he won our support as he supported many of the issues we’re concerned about, like climate change, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, good public transit and women’s rights to name a few. We’re glad that he won that election.

In the years that have gone by since that first election, we have gotten to know Dave much better — as a passionate advocate for these issues and as an incredibly committed state legislator. It is not uncommon for us to see Dave at any organized event in Arlington, even though he has constituents in Belmont and Cambridge as well. He’s one of those lucky individuals who really loves his job and is good at it too.

At one early reelection event, we remember Dave talking about how much he had learned in his first term, how he was learning to navigate the committee process and the speaker’s power. He recalled how he had cast a vote that the speaker didn’t appreciate and was warned that his vote was noted. Nevertheless, he stood up for his convictions. I guess the Speaker was impressed too, because I saw him at a later event for Dave.

These days, there are some legitimate movements to make way for new people in the legislature, and I’m sure in some cases that would help causes that I believe in. In this case, we can’t think of anyone that we would rather have representing us and our town. We hope you’ll join us in voting for Dave Rogers in the upcoming primary.

Laura Wiener & Josh Lobel, Town Meeting member Precinct 8

Jason Street, Arlington

I have been very glad to have Dave Rogers representing me and the other residents of the 24th Middlesex district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

I care a lot about climate protection, racial justice, reproductive rights, public transportation and housing affordability, and Dave has been out front or strongly supportive of progress on all of those issues. He understands that we need bold and rapid changes to protect our climate, and he has sponsored and strongly advocated for legislation that aims to transition Massachusetts to a clean, sustainable economy.

He was an early and strong supporter of the ROE Act, which is now before the Legislature, and would ensure access to abortion in Massachusetts and remove some existing harmful barriers to abortion health services. When his colleagues Kay Kahn and Liz Miranda proposed a bill to reduce racial disparities in maternal health, he signed on as a cosponsor. It has been very easy to communicate with Dave about issues of concern to me.

When I’ve reached out to him by phone or email, he’s always gotten back to me quickly. In conversations, I’ve appreciated that he listens well and gives thoughtful responses, being frank about his views and sharing insights about how he can work within the legislative system. I got on his email list for his periodic State House updates newsletters to constituents, and I have appreciated the clear and thorough explanations he has given about important legislation, along with news about developments in state government and events in our community.

Rogers’ actions make it clear that, in his mind, his job as a representative is to serve his constituents and provide a better future for the people of Massachusetts. I encourage all voters in the portion of Arlington Dave represents (precincts 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12) to vote for him in the Sept. 1 primary and in the Nov. 3 general election.

Alan Linov

Colonial Drive, Arlington

I am writing this letter in support of Dave Rogers’s candidacy for re-election as State Representative. I have been impressed by Dave’s interest in hearing directly from his constituents about the issues that matter to them and his commitment to crafting policies and legislation that effect progressive reform in our state.

On Beacon Hill, Dave has consistently advocated for legislation that is of great importance to me: investing in education funding, criminal justice reform, increased funding for the homeless and other vulnerable members of our communities, women’s rights, and protecting (and advancing) civil rights and liberties.

During his time in office, I have seen Dave show up at so many of Belmont’s local events such as the Belmont Chinese American Association’s Chinese New Year celebrations, our town’s annual Town Day and Meet Belmont to name a few. He also can always be counted on to lend a hand as a volunteer pitching in with some sweat equity :  re-building Joey’s Park, the annual Columbus Day Belmont Serves, canvassing in support of the Belmont high school project, helping out at the Belmont Food Pantry and more recently, helping deliver meals and masks for Belmont Helps.

I remember first meeting Dave in 2012 during his initial run for office. It was clear to me then that he was an enthusiastic campaigner, that he really enjoyed meeting his potential constituents, listening to their concerns and engaging in conversation. Eight years later, Dave is still that enthusiastic campaigner, but more importantly, he has proved that he is an experienced and effective legislator who works to build consensus and has the skills needed to craft legislation and see through to implementation. 

We need Dave on the ballot in November so I hope you will join me by voting for him in the Democratic State Primary, whether through early voting or on Tuesday, September 1st. 

Laurie Graham, Town Meeting member, Precinct 6

Lawndale Street, Belmont

I am a longtime Belmont resident, a physician, one of four sisters, and the mother of three daughters. I endorse Dave Rogers in the Democratic primary for State Representative. I hope you will join me in voting for him, whether by mail, through early voting, or in person on Tuesday, September 1st. 

As a physician, I have watched our federal government’s muddled response to the COVID 19 crisis with growing concern. Inaction and misguided policies in Washington D.C. has cost lives here in Massachusetts and across the country. Today, more than ever, Belmont needs capable political leadership to help our State navigate the challenges posed by COVID 19. Fortunately, in his time as our Representative on Beacon Hill, Dave Rogers has shown he has what it takes. As a lawmaker Dave has consistently promoted and passed legislation that will better the situation of Belmont families. 

Some examples: Dave was an architect of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which created a civil right for pregnant workers in the Bay State that protects them from workplace discrimination. He fought hard for the passage of a new $15 minimum wage and for the State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law. With COVID-19 wreaking havoc in our communities, these kinds of investments in a living wage and better public health will be critical to helping families and communities recover from this unprecedented challenge. 

In my many conversations with Dave, I have found him to be an amazing listener: an intelligent, thoughtful individual who really wants to hear what his constituents have to say. Dave has always been ready to offer me well-considered advice and a helping hand. I heartily endorse him for re-election as our State Representative and urge you to join me in voting for him in the upcoming Democratic primary for State Representative.

Lisa S. Starobin, MD

Cross Street, Belmont

Imagine my surprise when one Sunday afternoon I got a phone call from State Rep. Dave Rogers. He (and not a robocall!) was calling to simply check in with me, as one of his constituents, and to discuss any issues that I might want to talk with him about. I was floored because I had never received a call like this before from a politician. He explained to me that he was in the habit of calling various people among his constituents in order to stay in touch with his district’s needs. Our phone call lasted almost an hour. We talked about several current issues including the economy, the lack of affordable child care, poverty wages for child care workers (as described in the media), the pandemic and health care. We even shared stories about how our families were coping at this unprecedented time. Dave said that he would look into possible pending legislation related to our conversation and get back to me. As promised, I got a follow-up email from Dave a couple weeks later. Dave is a legislator that truly cares about his constituents, and for the past eight years he has been working hard for the 24th Middlesex District that he represents. I am truly impressed with his integrity. If you live in Arlington Precincts 2, 4, 8,10 and 12, Dave is your representative. Please join me in voting for Dave Rogers in the Sept. 1 primary.

Lynn Taber

Buena Vista Rd, Arlington

Our current State Representative, Dave Rogers, stepped into some big shoes eight years ago when he was elected, following many years of effective representation by Anne Paulsen and then Will Brownsberger. Dave has proven to be an able successor representing Belmont on Beacon Hill. 

I am diligent in contacting Dave on a regular basis about issues that matter deeply to me, and I am always impressed by his well-informed, caring, and prompt follow-up.  A state legislator is, of necessity, required to deal with a very wide range of issues -- some inevitably outside their immediate areas of expertise -- and Dave has good instincts about who to consult to get up to speed. I also appreciate that Dave is willing to take controversial positions on legislation he strongly believes in, even if some of his constituents might not agree with him. 

I hope that you will join me in voting for Dave Rogers for State Representative in the Democratic primary, whether by mail-in ballot, early voting, or at the polls on Tuesday, September 1.

Helen Golding

Louise Rd, Belmont

I am writing to express my strong support for the re-election of Dave Rogers as State Representative. I urge anyone taking a Democratic ballot in the upcoming primary election to vote for Dave.

Dave has served Belmont with dedication and a commitment to fully engaging with the people he represents. As just one recent example, he has not allowed the COVID pandemic to keep him from directly supporting people during this crisis. From the early days, he has delivered meals and masks to residents and continues to respond to those in need. Throughout his years representing Belmont, Dave has prioritized connection, frequent communication, and openness about his decision making. 

Because of Dave’s deep connections in the community, we can be confident that our concerns and values are being heard. His newsletters, attendance at a range of public events, and accessibility via phone and email speak to his desire to be accountable to his constituents. 

Among the many policy areas where Dave has sponsored or supported successful legislation, his steadfast support for public education stands out. He has established himself as a tireless advocate for our students and teachers. His leadership has overseen dramatic increases in funding for education, and his support of the new Middle and High School reflects a commitment to ensuring that our schools can educate for the 21st century. Like me, Dave believes that access to quality public education is a right that must be available to all.

We are lucky to have such a determined, honest, and caring voice representing us in the State House. Please join me in casting your vote for Dave Rogers in the primary election on Tuesday, September 1.

Sara Masucci

5 Scott Road, Belmont

I’m one of the lucky ones.  I have a job that pays a living wage.  I have a home.  I have a car.  I’m relatively healthy.  And I live in a community that cares.  And right on top of that list is that I am lucky to be represented on Beacon Hill with elected officials that share my values and that of this community.  I’d like to keep it that way so am taking the time here to give a shout out to Rep. Dave Rogers.  

My job involves advocacy for policies and funding that support individuals experiencing homelessness - a group that does not have a strong and loud voice at the State House. But that doesn’t really matter to Rep. Rogers.  Since day one he has been a strong and proactive voice not only for homeless men, women and families but for other marginalized populations.  As I have had occasion to meet with him on these issues I have always found him available, knowledgeable, transparent, strategic and thoughtful.  He shares my progressive values and his votes on Beacon Hill are reflective of that.

He has another Democrat running against him in the Sept. 1 primary but I will be enthusiastically voting for Rep. Dave Rogers for another term.  I encourage those in Precincts 2,4, 8, 10 and 12 to do the same.

Aimee Coolidge

Stevens Terrace, Arlington

I am writing to ask for you to join me in supporting Rep. Dave Rogers in the Democratic primary September 1. 

I support Rep. Rogers for his work on issues such as criminal justice reform, health, LBGTQ and women’s rights, and the environment.   He has been a strong advocate on Beacon Hill for progressive legislation and for civil rights protections.  Recently, for example, he has filed legislation to guarantee a lawyer for low income people facing eviction.  In light of the possible increase in evictions due to the loss of employment during COVID, Rep. Rogers is working to provide equity for those who cannot afford legal representation. 

Rep. Rogers cares about the health of his constituents, whether it is through climate change issues or direct health care concerns.   As a nurse, I applaud Rep. Rogers for initiating the enacted legislation, The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which provides protections for pregnant women in the workplace, including reasonable accommodations at work and fairness in hiring.   He also has filed legislation with Sen. Sal DiDominico, to provide health coverage to all children, regardless of their immigration status. 

Rep. Rogers has supported past criminal justice reform legislation (2017-18 session) and current efforts for a police reform bill.  Working with members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, he has filed legislation to guarantee the right of the public to film law enforcement and another bill to prevent people from falsely reporting people of color to law enforcement.  In addition, he has filed legislation that would put a moratorium on facial recognition technology which has been shown to misidentify people of color.  

I have always been impressed with Rep. Rogers integrity and with his willingness to listen to his constituents. I first met Dave when he was running for office in 2012 and was impressed with his earnestness and determination as he knocked on everyone’s door throughout the district.  He has approached his job with humility and treats everyone with dignity.  He has consistently been responsive to inquiries and to concerns.   He clearly knows and cares about his district.  I am certain many of you have bumped into Dave when he is participating in community events and volunteer activities in our community. 

This is a difficult time for our country and state.  With the disarray at the national level, we need qualified, experienced leaders in the State House.  Please join me in voting for Dave Rogers for State Representative. 

Kathryn Bonfiglio, RN

Belmont Resident

Representative Dave Rogers is an exceptional elected official who has already proven that he always looks out for us, his constituents. He truly represents the voice and values of our community. His progressive initiatives include addressing climate change, protecting health care workers, advancing legislation pertaining to civil rights and liberties, improving public schools and educational opportunities, and strengthening a woman’s right to choose. 

Dave is an excellent listener and a hard-working community member.  He makes the time to attend numerous Belmont official meetings and events in order to stay educated and updated on the issues.  He is a strong advocate for Belmont at the State House, securing money for projects that would otherwise not be possible. These include obtaining funding for the 25% design phase of the proposed Belmont Community Path, removing diseased trees throughout town, improving pedestrian safety at the Sycamore and Lexington Street intersection and funding for the Belmont Health Department to hire a temporary contract COVID-19 health inspector.

I invite you to join me in voting for Dave Rogers so that he may continue to represent Belmont so ably and effectively at the State House.  In the upcoming primary election, Belmont voters will have the ability to vote by mail, through early voting, or in person at the polls on Tuesday, September 1.  A vote for Dave Rogers is a vote for someone who will continue to serve Belmont with distinction and an eye towards progress.

Radha Iyengar, Town Meeting Member, Precinct 8

Dean Street, Belmont