To the Editor:
I would like to say a personal word about Steve Grossman, one of the Democratic candidates for Governor in Massachusetts. As reported in a recent Daily article ("Husband of Tufts professor running for governor,"(4/26)
The Tufts Democrats, including myself, attended a Grossman campaign eventand did not have the opportunity to meet the candidate. The reason for this, however, is not because Grossman is inaccessible. I feel this is important to clear up for two reasons:
First, out of all the candidates who have run for public office in Massachusetts since I was a freshman, Grossman and his campaign have been the most accessible to Tufts students and the most interested in earning our support. So far, he has done so by reserving spots for Tufts students at his latest rally, eagerly speaking to groups on campus whenever he is invited, and by encouraging as many Tufts students as possible to join his campaign. He has even gone so far as to offer career advice to graduating seniors on a regular basis, even if this means returning their calls as late as 11:30 p.m. to make sure he reaches them. For those of us considering jobs in politics, his accessibility and interest is a rare and refreshing commodity.
Second, Tufts students are often left out of local politics because many of us are not registered to vote in Massachusetts, and those of us who are often chose not to exercise this right. Therefore, I feel it is important that when a candidate reaches out to us, we should applaud this overture, not criticize it. I respect any candidate, Democrat or Republican, who chooses to engage Tufts students in his campaign. Steve Grossman should be a role model for other candidates in this regard.
Let me make it clear: The Tufts Democrats are not endorsing any candidate in the gubernatorial primary. I would also like to make it clear, however, that the reason we did not speak to Mr. Grossman at his rally was because we had to leave early, not because he was unavailable. I am grateful to him for allowing us to take part in the political process, and hope this relationship continues in the future.
Greg Propper, LA '01
President, Tufts Democrats
