My name is Vanna Howard and I am announcing my candidacy as a Democrat for the 17th Middlesex District State Representative seat. After surviving the Killing Fields of Cambodia and speaking little English, the Greater Lowell area welcomed me and provided me with the opportunity to live in safety and peace. Since that time, I have secured my college degree, married, raised a family and made many friends in this region, built a career, and immersed myself in community life. I am running because I strongly feel the need to give back to a place which has been so good to me; because I feel I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to capably serve the residents of this district; and because these unprecedented times are right for a fresh and effective voice on Beacon Hill.
Every resident of the Commonwealth deserves a safe, healthy, affordable place to live. With spiraling costs and lack of supply – not to mention reduced participation on the Federal level – Massachusetts needs to engage in innovative solutions to a growing housing crisis. The Legislature has the ability (if not the willpower) to address urgent housing challenges, which include lack of affordable housing, high barriers to home ownership, and overpriced or substandard rental units. Too often, these issues result in families deciding between lodging and other necessities.