Archive: Opinions

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the Young Women's Committee for Maura Kennedy-Smith, would like to voice our support for Attorney Kennedy-Smith, the Democratic candidate for Lansing Town Justice. We retain that Attorney Kennedy-Smith is the most qualified candidate in this election, not only on paper, but also due to persona. Backed with nineteen years of legal experience, she has represented cases varying from landlord/tenant proceedings to criminal misdemeanors, proving not only her experience, but also her ability to truly represent the people of her community.

It is important to us as soon-to-be voters and current members of the community that the Town Justice has experience in the field and is a passionate member of the Lansing community. Not only does Attorney Kennedy-Smith have experience fighting for our rights on a legal level, she also has taken the time to connect with the community on a more personal level, such as by coaching third and fourth grade girls' softball for the Lansing Softball Program.

As young women, seeing qualified women in positions of power at any level of government is highly influential and inspiring. We, as well as our peers, value representation in a largely male dominated field and electing attorney Kennedy-Smith would be taking a step towards normalizing gender equality in politics. With two young children in the Lansing Schools, Kennedy-Smith holds the unique position of proving to young women, and men, that it is possible to be a highly educated, powerful woman, as well as a mother, and that choosing one or the other is an unnecessary compromise.

In the words of Attorney Kennedy-Smith herself, "Making a difference is what motivated me to go into law." It is this motivation that guarantees she will be the best choice for Lansing Town Justice. Her ability to comfort people and fight for their rights, combined with her extensive knowledge of the law, will allow her to retain this position with integrity, honesty, and compassion.

For these reasons, as the members of the Young Women's Committee for Maura Kennedy-Smith, we implore you to listen to our cause. As members of the community who are still too young to vote, we hope that by writing this letter to you, we can convey our beliefs through a public platform and that this letter will be published or shared in some capacity, allowing our voices to be heard.

Regards,

Young Women’s Committee for Maura Kennedy-Smith:
Ishika Gupta
Ellen Howell
Bailey Osborne
Isabella Robson
Sierra Stallmann

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