Councilor Lisi announces candidacy for re-election

from The Sun

April 24-30, 2009

Holyoke - After a successful first year serving the City of Holyoke as an at-large city councilor, Rebecca Lisi took out nomination papers for her re-election campaign for the position. , Councilor Lisi is committed to continuing to represent the diverse needs of the people and neighborhoods throughout the city with a strong and independent voice.

“I’ve worked very hard in this first term to learn about the different issues that have come through the Council and I have considered it my responsibility to publicly share that information with Holyoke residents, so that they can make educated decisions about how they would like to be represented on those issues,” said Lisi.

As in her last two runs for office, Councilor Lisi plans to pursue an extensive door-to-door campaign because she believes that good government requires reaching out and listening to the specific needs and concerns Holyoke residents. For several years, Lisi worked as a policy advocate and community organizer with Clean Water Action and understands that citizens need to be engaged in the democratic process for government to function efficiently and effectively. She is passionate about politics and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Councilor Lisi is excited about the upcoming campaign season and is energized by the number of new and young candidates who are following her lead and finding local politics a valuable way to make positive changes in the quality of life for residents throughout the city. She hopes that as a new generation of Holyokers begins to take leadership in city government and work together with new ideas and guidance from seasoned mentors, real progress can be made toward revitalizing the city.

Lisi commented, “Holyoke’s future success rests on our ability to come together as a community and share our ideas, resources, and skills. As a founding member of c.r.u.s.h. (Citizens for the Revitalization and Urban Success of Holyoke) I have seen that we in fact have that capacity and I am confident that we are already on the right path”.

Councilor Lisi will be discussing more of her platform at her upcoming campaign kick-off event on May 27 at the Bungalow at the waterfront Tavern The Delaney House. For more information about the campaign and opportunities to get involved, visit www.votelisi.com.

HOLYOKE CITY COUNCILOR REBECCA LISI GRADUATES FROM POLITICAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Emerge Massachusetts Trains Democratic Women to Run for and Succeed in Elective Office


HOLYOKE- Emerge Massachusetts today announced that Holyoke City Councilor Rebecca Lisi is one of 15 women graduating from its inaugural training program for Democratic women candidates and elected officials. The graduation ceremony took place on June 7th at the Democratic Party State Convention in Lowell. During the intensive program, Lisi received comprehensive instruction in the areas of Public Speaking, Fundraising, Campaign Strategy, Field, Labor & Endorsements, Networking, Media Skills and Messaging, and Ethics in Politics, all while expanding her policy background and making lasting connections with other local leaders.

“Being part of the inaugural class of Emerge Massachusetts was a privilege,” said Councilor Lisi. “It was truly inspiring to learn and network with so many diverse women from across the state. It is critical for women to make their voices heard in politics and civic life. With this training program, Emerge has enhanced my ability to do just that.”

Councilor Lisi won her first election in November 2007 and is the youngest member of the Holyoke City Council. She is currently one of four women holding elected office in Holyoke. Upon graduation from the Emerge Massachusetts program, Councilor Lisi will join Emerge’s Alumni Relations Committee and help on the board of directors’ Curriculum Committee.

Founded in 2007, Emerge Massachusetts is a nonprofit organization devoted to the identification, education and inspiration of Democratic women who are currently elected officials or who want to pursue elective office at the local and state level. The group is an affiliate of Emerge America, which has six other chapters that have had tremendous success getting women to run and win. Over 60% of Emerge alumnae are in public office and another 15% of its alumnae are running in 2007 and 2008.

Applications are available for the 2009 session at http://www.emergema.org/.