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.
Parents, teachers, and activists worked for years to pass the Student Opportunity Act and I will fight to see it implemented and fully funded. I will also push for universal access to pre-K and childcare, safe clean schools, fair compensation for teachers, and equal opportunity for low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities.