Growing up just a mile from the Old North Bridge, where the shot heard round the world was fired, and mere steps away from where Henry David Thoreau advocated for civil disobedience, my early life and education were infused with lessons of how our nation was formed. Through my travels with the Army and beyond, it has become clear to me what our country represents to people around the globe who do not have the freedoms for which our founders fought hundreds of years ago.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011, I wanted to give back to the great country, Commonwealth and community that had given me so much. I had gone to incredible public schools, received the support and safety of a tight-knit community in Concord and been the beneficiary of so many of the special opportunities that a free and prosperous society can provide. And so, I volunteered for the U.S. Army and served on active duty for six years including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Every day that I spent in Iraq and Afghanistan not only showed me how fundamentally difficult it must have been to establish America’s independence but also how essential it was to provide all citizens of our country with a voice. Having spent several years of my life in parts of the world where democracy doesn’t exist, where government doesn’t help people but can actually hurt them, it is inspiring be in a district, a state and a nation where people believe in the positive role that government can and must play in all of our lives.

Right now our Commonwealth and communities face significant challenges. Entrenched special interests are limiting the voices of citizens in the Legislative process, residents are being priced out of the very communities that they help to build, and trust in our elected leaders is on a steady decline. I am running to help restore trust in our government’s ability to help its citizens and give those who have been left behind a seat at the table.

I am proud that so many people, who share my vision for our communities and believe we can restore faith in state government again, joined me to march in Chelmsford’s 45th Annual Independence Day parade yesterday. With thousands of area residents in attendance waving flags and cheering, it was truly a demonstration of the great community and values we have here in the 3rd Middlesex District. I would be honored to advocate for our community's needs and values at the State House and ask for your vote on Thursday, Sept. 6.

From our family to yours, I hope you have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

-Joe