WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Apple is asking weekly questions to the seven candidates running in contested primaries for the Wilmington/Tewksbury State Representative seat (19th Middlesex).
Below, in her own words, are the responses to this week’s questions from candidate Erika Johnson (D-Wilmington).
#15) What you will do at the State House to ensure that our local police and fire departments have what they need to adequately protect us? Do you support a fire substation in North Wilmington? Did you/do you support the construction of the new center fire station in Tewksbury that was approved last year?
I have the utmost appreciation and gratitude to the police and fire departments in Wilmington and Tewksbury. Personally, I cannot thank them enough for their swift response and their kind nature toward my grandmother, who lives in an memory-care facility in Wilmington, anytime she has needed their help.
We must be sure that our public safety officials are properly trained, have the resources they need to stay safe and are supported by local and state government. Therefore, if elected, I will fight to be sure all of these are upheld through increased local aid and helping to secure grants for programs and equipment.
I want to thank the Wilmington Firefighters Local 1370 for hosting Coffee with the Candidates this past Saturday. It was a great opportunity to learn what concerns Firefighters have and for whoever is elected, how we can best support them. One firefighter brought up how several of his fellow firefighters were forced to move out of Wilmington because they cannot afford it with their current salary and increasing cost of insurance. While compensation is not directly in the purview of State Representative, I am so saddened to hear this, our First Responders deserve to be compensated at a rate that allows them to live in the communities they protect and not worry about how they’ll be paying their bills.
In terms of the North Wilmington Substation, I live in North Wilmington and I worry about response time by first responders being so far from the Public Safety Building. I fully support studying the feasibility of the North Wilmington substation, which while adding costs, will decrease response times in certain neighborhoods and allow for an expansion of services.
Additionally, I am in support of the new Tewksbury center fire station. The increased size and capabilities of the new station will provide support and room to grow for the foreseeable future. As Wilmington and Tewksbury continue to grow, we need to ensure we have the resources needed to address all emergency situations within both town(s). The role of firefighters and police officers have expanded greatly in the past 20 years, and sometimes public support lags behind the curve. If elected, I will work with both town governments, to ensure that Wilmington and Tewksbury have everything they need to service the community and continue protecting our lives and property.
#16) The Vietnam War Moving Wall recently visited Wilmington. It was a sobering reminder of what the men and women in our armed forces are willing to sacrifice to preserve our freedom. What will you do at the State House to support our local veterans and veterans statewide? What, if anything, have you done as a private citizen and/or locally elected official that shows a commitment to veterans? Do you personally have any family that serves/served?
I am so grateful to have experienced the Moving Wall twice, the first time when it came in 2008 and last weekend. The Moving Wall is just as powerful and harrowing as its counterpart in Washington D.C., and to have it (twice) on Wilmington’s Town Common,.
On the state level, we must be doing all we can for those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. If elected, I look forward to working closely with Wilmington and Tewksbury’s Veterans Agents to see how the Office of State Representative can best help veterans and their families in the communities. I promise to be accessible for all constituents, including veterans and provide as much help and access to resources as I possibly can.
My grandfather and my mom’s stepfather served in Army. I am incredibly grateful to them and to all of those who serve/have served. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service!
(NOTE: Do you have a question for the candidates? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com and it may be asked in a future Q&A or in a debate.)
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