Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund Endorses Candidates for Springfield City Council, School Committee
Contact:
Johanna Kaiser, [email protected], 617-515-0531
For Immediate Release: Aug. 16, 2017 (Updated: Aug. 16, 2017, 3:23 p.m.)
SPRINGFIELD—The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF) endorsed a slate of candidates who champion smart sexual and reproductive health policies that empower residents to stay healthy and help build strong, thriving communities.
PPAF endorsed Councilor Justin Hurst and newcomers Jynai McDonald, Jesse Lederman, and Kelli Moriarty-Finn in the 15 candidate-race for City Council At-Large positions. PPAF also endorsed Councilors Mike Fenton (Ward 2) and Marcus Williams (Ward 5) for re-election to City Council. Denise Hurst also received PPAF’s endorsement for School Committee.
Now more than ever, the people of Springfield are counting on local leaders to prioritize public health and education initiatives that tackle the issues our communities face, including unintended teen pregnancy, high STD rates, and sexual assault. These candidates will do what it takes to ensure everyone in Springfield has the resources and support they need to overcome barriers to care, make healthy decisions, and improve their lives.
- Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of PPAF
To earn the endorsement of PPAF, candidates for city council must promote policies that make health care more accessible and defend reproductive rights; candidates for school committee must champion age-appropriate, medically accurate comprehensive sex education. Each of the candidates endorsed by PPAF today has made clear they are committed to these issues and understands that access to health care and comprehensive sex education build the foundation for holistic local policies that address the interrelated issues of health disparities, student achievement, economic security, and public safety.
We are at a pivotal time in our country that demands we have local and vocal champions who are committed to implementing proactive policies that expand access to health care and help women and families lead healthy, fulfilling lives. PPAF is proud to endorse a slate of strong allies who will work with community partners to protect the health, wellbeing, and basic rights of everyone.
- Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President of PPAF
Springfield will hold preliminary elections for September 19. The general election will be held on November 7. PPAF has also endorsed candidates in the Boston and Worcester municipal races.