LETTER: A Daughter Supports Her Dad's Campaign for State Senate

To the Editor,

As I go door-to-door in Lexington for my dad, Mike Barrett -- -- on a boiling hot day, I hear, "Your dad must be a great guy if you're out in this heat!"

It's true: my dad's a great guy.  And here's what I really want you to know.

As a former State Senator and longtime resident of the area, my dad gets it.  He clearly understands the problems facing his community and his state. As the father of two recent college graduates, my dad knows firsthand the challenges confronted by young people in this economy. Living in a town affected by Hanscom plane noise, he's an ardent environmentalist. Surrounded by three strong women -- my mother, my twin sister, and me -- my father is a feminist, deeply sympathetic to women's issues.

All my life, my dad's encouraged me to help better the lives of others. He's a great role model, helping to improve conditions on Beacon Hill and, later, in the private sector, expanding health care options for people all over Massachusetts. And he's stood at my side as I've served food in soup kitchens, supported sexual assault victims on college campuses, and worked to close the achievement gap in Cambridge and Boston.

My dad has taught me that change may start small, but it can start today: with one person at the local level.  With that, I -- with , , Barney Frank, and others -- recommend Mike Barrett to you. 

Lily Barrett
7 Augustus Road, Lexington, MA 02421