Letter to the editor: Looking forward to next legislative session

I want to take a moment to thank the voters of the 6th Bristol District for believing in my candidacy and allowing me to serve a full term in office as state representative. I would also like to thank my many dedicated friends and supporters who volunteered their time and energy for the past several months to help share our message. Now that the signs have been put away and we take a deep breath, I am ready to continue to work tirelessly with all of my city, state, and federal colleagues on issues of importance to improve Fall River, Freetown, and the entire commonwealth.

I would like to commend Attorney General Martha Coakley for her hard-fought campaign and congratulate Gov.-elect Charlie Baker on his well-deserved win and pledge to work with him to ensure that we continue to work on important elderly, public safety, education, and transportation issues amongst other things. In my previous position as Governor’s Councilor, I worked well with three Republican governors and plan to work equally as well with Gov.-elect Baker. The only way we move forward is by working together and across the aisles on issues that are of equal importance to the people of the commonwealth, whether Republicans or Democrats.

I also want to let you know that I will continue to put your concerns first by continuing to make myself available through my office hours in my district office in the Registry of Deeds building at 441 N. Main St. in Fall River, and in Freetown at the Town Hall and Council on Aging. I look forward to continuing my “Coffee and Conversation” at neighborhood restaurants and plan to incorporate evening hours, as suggested by my constituents, at these locations to make myself even more available. These meetings along with my “Walk and Talks,” allow me to hear your ideas, issues, and concerns.

I look forward to the new legislative session in January and playing a role in the development of new laws and regulations to be filed that will move Fall River and Freetown forward. In order to effectively address these issues, I need your help and input.

Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts and ideas. No matter the scope of the issue, I am looking forward to listening to your suggestions for new laws that can make our city and state better places to live.

I thank you again for giving me the great honor to serve the 6th Bristol district. It is a privilege I do not take lightly and will do so in a positive and inclusive manner. See you in the district.