LYNN — Councilor-at-Large Hong Net has joined School Committeeman Sean Reid in the race for the state’s 11th Essex District’s state representative seat.
Net, who announced his decision to run for the seat last Friday, joins Reid, who threw his hat into the ring days after Rep. Peter Capano said that he would not be seeking re-election.
“I want to run for state (representative) because I feel that I have the experience, and I want to carry on, to go to the state house, to fight for funding for our district,” Net said.
Net has been a Lynn resident for 26 years and has worked in city government for the last 12.
“I want to make sure our district is prosperous and safe,” Net said. “(We need) funding for education, we need new schools and affordable housing, healthcare, cost controls, that’s important, and job creation.”
Net also said his other areas of emphasis will be gun control measures and fighting for resources to combat drug trafficking, as well as accessibility to programs that help treat addictions.
Net said his experience with the local government will help him as a state representative, as well as his familiarity with running a business and handling budgets.
“I just ask that if (voters) give me a chance, I will do everything I can to make things happen,” Net said.
Reid said he brings a “unique blend of personal and professional experience to the table. I know I have the skills to do the job, because I currently do the job.”
Reid currently works as the district director for State Senator Brendan Crighton.
He said his top priority is education.
“I plan to use this platform to fight even harder for our families and students, particularly when it comes to educational funding, for addressing the overcrowding of schools, (and) to address the teacher shortages,” Reid said. “And of course, one of the top priorities is addressing our buildings, our school building facilities, that are in desperate need of renovation.”
Reid grew up in Lynn, and has faced many challenges throughout his life. He said his “lived experience,” will aid him.
“I grew up in West Lynn, and I grew up in deep poverty, and I grew up housing insecure, and (with) a family (with) addiction issues,” he said. “So, I think that brings my personal experience to the table, and I want to use all this, like I said, to fight for everyone on a daily basis.”
Reid hopes to also take on issues such as the housing crisis, transportation, and climate resiliency.
“As someone who has experienced housing insecurity and homelessness, I understand, sort of, how crucial it is that we have to make sure that people are able to afford where they live and stay here right where they want to be in Lynn,” Reid said. “It’s ridiculous the current state of the (transportation) system, and our residents alway seem to get the bad end of the stick.”
“I’m really excited to get the campaign full blown and I’m already out there taking to the voters and listening to the issues, and I look forward to doing so over the next six or so months,” Reid continued.
The state primary is Sept. 3.
