I am writing to express my unwavering support for Zosia VanMeter for the position of State Representative in the 9th Essex District House race. Zosia is, without a doubt, the best candidate for the position as she is: driven, a natural-problem solver, and, most importantly, genuinely cares about the people she serves.
I have known Zosia for 25 years as a friend and fellow active supporter of the city of Lynn. Zosia and I first crossed paths in homeroom, sophomore year at Lynn English High School. It was easy to see that she is full of zest and ready to tackle any problem, even if it didn’t seem significant to the majority.
In high school, Zosia was a leader in the ROTC program, mentoring new members (and sometimes peers) and doing constant community outreach. Zosia seems to always (and continues to) rally others to care about making positive changes in our world. As we got older, the scenery changed, but Zosia’s zeal did not.
She gathered classroom parents together to coordinate countless events and fundraisers, benefiting the children and teachers of Lynn. That is one of the most amazing things about Zosia: she has a keen ability to see the hard work that often goes unnoticed, and she makes sure the people around her feel seen and appreciated.
Now that we are firmly in middle adulthood, Zosia is at it again. You can find her today, working at City Hall constantly advocating to make supports and services accessible to the people of Lynn. Beyond this, she volunteers her free time at Lynn programs such as Life Scene, Girls Inc. and the Ryan House.
This past summer Zosia coordinated a community festival giving: our community an opportunity to gather in celebration, local artisans an opportunity to showcase their small businesses, and local services the space to educate and advertise the opportunities Lynn has to offer. It was the physical manifestation of what Zosia embodies, the belief that everyone matters and deserves to feel like they belong here in our great city.
I think sometimes we hear about a candidate that has lived in the city a long time, and we associate that with a great love for Lynn. But, in my opinion, that is an egregious error. Having roots is not the same as having love. Lynn is a working-class city and its people are largely affected by it.
In a time of great unrest, it is imperative that we choose a candidate that is an active member of our community. Someone who has shown, repeatedly, that all the people of Lynn deserve to have their voices heard. Someone who will advocate for the needs of all the people and treat them with grace and dignity. Someone who is committed to making this city, and world, a better place for us all.
I have lived in Lynn my whole life, taught in Lynn my whole career, and I am deeply invested in our future. I believe Zosia is the only candidate that would ensure that the people are truly represented. I encourage you to vote in the upcoming election, I know I will!
In solidarity,
Ann Dean
Lynn
