I have made my choice as to whom I am endorsing in the 3rd Congressional District race. I weighed many things, and considered all I felt were excellent candidates vying for this seat.

The one candidate I feel truly stands out is Juana Matias. I am proud to endorse Juana Matias in her run for Congress.

On Sunday, April 29, UMass Lowell had two 3rd District Congressional Debates. I watched both of them intently and listened to each answer with an open mind and critical ear.

Did they in fact answer the questions presented to them. Were they passionate and knowledgeable about the issues at hand. Did they treat the other candidates with respect and consideration. Did their values align with mine. When walking out of that auditorium did I feel their heart was genuinely in this for the right reasons. Was their priority the people they will be serving. With Juana Matias all my answers were a resounding yes.

At the time of the debate Mike Murray was helping Juana with her campaign. Mike Murray is someone I highly regard in the political realm. I remember speaking with him about Juana and Mike said to me, “Juana is the only candidate (for this seat) I will work for.” That struck me.

When I met with Juana, she told me her story. She was 5 years old when her family immigrated to the United States. Throughout her life she has known struggle and every step of the way she fought to overcome. Juana is a breath of fresh air who is passionate about the needs of the people of our district. Her life has been what many of our families in this district are living this very moment, and they need a champion. Our district is deserving of a representative in Congress who will make the lives, health, and well-being of our residents their priority.

Juana has already proven herself in the State House diligently working towards making a difference for working families. I feel that she will continue to bring this passion, strength, genuine goodness, and fight to Washington for the 3rd Congressional District because, as she has stated, “Investing in the promise of people is personal to me.”

Karen Cirillo

Lowell

(Editor’s note: The author is a Lowell city councilor.)