Friend,

As its mayor, I was proud to designate Holyoke as a sanctuary city for immigrants—one that offers a safe, diverse, welcoming harbor for people of any background to thrive and find opportunity.

Unfortunately, not all of our leaders are willing to speak up for these values. Earlier this week, I was upset to see Congressman Neal decline to take a stance on Mayor Domenic Sarno’s efforts to block refugee settlement in nearby Springfield—taking advantage of an anti-refugee executive order from Donald Trump that’s already been shot down by a federal court.

Embracing right-wing decrees in order to shut out people who need our help is not what Western Mass is about—and this was the perfect chance for Congressman Neal to use his power and seniority to push for our community’s greater good.

Yet, as usual, our leader stuck by the status quo, citing the “overwhelming [sic] local” scope of the issue. No surprise from the person who’s spent the last few decades hobnobbing with corporate lobbyists in five-star venues across D.C. and New York, rather than thinking “local” by actually serving our district’s interests.

We deserve leaders who’ll speak up loud and clear for our values. If you’d like to help that happen, consider chipping in to our 100% grassroots campaign before our January deadline tomorrow.

I govern Holyoke with the unwavering attitude of “people first,” which is why I am proud that we are a sanctuary city (despite threats from the president to pull our federal funding). And it’s why I’m now running a campaign that rejects all corporate PAC money—it’s my way of guaranteeing that my only special interest in Washington will be the people of my district.

We’ve got a real shot at reclaiming the future of Western Mass and putting real people back at the center of our politics. But in order to beat Congressman Neal’s war chest of corporate PAC cash, we have to stay on top of our monthly goals. Will you chip in today to help us over the finish line on Friday?

Thank you,
Alex