Letter to the Editor: Supporting Re-election of Ken Gordon

~ Submitted by Shawn Hanegan

I am writing to give my full and enthusiastic endorsement to our state representative Ken Gordon as he seeks another term in the Legislature to continue his excellent work for Bedford and for our state. During my time on the Planning Board and recently on the Select Board, Ken has been a reliable partner in state government. I know that when an issue arises and I call Ken, he will answer. Not only will he answer, but he will know who to talk with and what to do to make important things happen for our town.

In the current legislative session, Ken secured funding to support small business in town, brought back funding for our Bedford Food Pantry, and directed funds to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in our town government. Year after year, Ken has secured funding for our town to educate students of families living on Hanscom AFB. These allocations do not happen automatically- they depend upon a solid and experienced representative like Ken to be there for us.

Ken has also been dependable when faced with difficult and unusual circumstances. When the state Department of Transportation planned to put a salt shed for snow removal operations in an area that would have disrupted a neighborhood in East Bedford, Ken jumped to action and convinced the state to instead place the salt shed inside the exit ramp for Concord Road and Route 3 and save the Bedford neighborhood from late night traffic and noise.

In Ken’s first year as a representative, a large number of otherwise homeless families were placed at the Bedford Plaza hotel causing school overcrowding. I remember watching Ken at what is now called the Reed Room listening to hundreds of concerned parents and understanding the issues, demonstrating true leadership in grasping the situation and figuring out what needed to be done. Ken convinced the state to reduce the number of families staying at the Bedford Plaza hotel, ensuring every family assigned there was well treated and alternate locations were found for the families that were moved. It took tremendous skill to navigate through and achieve an outcome that worked for Bedford.

Ken has been there for Bedford and has a proven track record of delivering for our town. I urge you to join me in giving Ken your support at the state primary on Sept. 6^th and in the general election on Nov 8^th.