Erica Russell: Erica Russell for Franklin, Northfield state representative

To The Daily Sun, 

When I decided to run for Statehouse, my goal was simple: To make life better for the people of Franklin and Northfield. Everyone told me that the key to getting elected is knocking on doors and listening to voters. I decided to do it on two wheels.

​Riding my bike from house to house has been an eye-opening experience, to say the least.

​When you’re driving a car, modern suspension hides a lot of the damage to our streets. On a bicycle? You feel every single crack, bump, and pothole in your spine. Navigating some of these streets feels like an obstacle course, and if you take your eyes off the pavement ahead for even a second to look for traffic, you feel like you're taking your life in your hands. The road hazards come fast and furious.

​I had the chance to speak with the mayor of Franklin about this issue. He assured me that if Franklin had the necessary resources, those roads would have been fixed already.

​The problem isn't a lack of local desire — it's a lack of state support. When Concord shifts costs onto municipalities, local taxpayers are left with impossible choices that lead to crumbling roads and higher tax bills.

​It is time for a change in Concord. We need leadership that prioritizes local communities, not voodoo economics. Trickle down does not work. Let's give Franklin and Northfield the fair share they deserve.

​I’d be honored to earn residents' vote on Sept. 8.

Erica Russell

Northfield