MA Patch Candidate Profile: Anne Manning-Martin For Governor's Council

ANDOVER, MA — The 2024 election is heating up in Massachusetts and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election at the top of the ticket, but there are plenty of other seats up for grabs.

Massachusetts Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Anne Manning-Martin is running for Governor's Council in the 5th District and answered our questions below. The district includes Andover, North Andover, Tewksbury, Wilmington, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem and other area towns.

Age: 58

Position sought: Governor’s Council-5th District

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Husband Jack Martin and rescue dog Dolly

Education: BA – Criminal Justice St. Anselm College, MA - U/Mass at Lowell – Criminal Justice Administration

Occupation: Deputy Superintendent, Department of Correction

Previous or Current Elected Office: 2000 – 2007 Peabody School Committee; 2008 – present Peabody City Councilor-at-Large

Campaign Website: www.anneforgc.com, FB – https://www.facebook.com/Peabo... X - @PeabodyAM

Why are you seeking elected office?

The Governor’s Council is the most important Constitutional Body most people have never heard of. I understand the role and importance of this under-the-radar Constitutional body that acts as a check and balance on the Governor by approving or rejecting the Governor’s Judicial and Parole Board nominees, petitions for pardons and commutations.

The Governor’s Council is essentially the people’s last line of defense in the dissemination of justice. My 25-year record of fighting for justice for my constituents at the local level as well as over 30 years in public safety, uniquely qualifies me to evaluate the far-reaching effects Judges and Parole Board decisions have on our residents. I operate without fear or favor -- always focusing on what is in the best interest of those I serve. Citizens of the 5th District deserve a Councilor who will fight for their fair day in court in front of judges who were vetted on their ability to conduct unbiased arbitration. I am that Councilor.

The single most-pressing issue facing our criminal court system is the lack of cooperation from activist judges who refuse to cooperate with ICE and honor deportation detainers - and this is what I intend to do about it.

Communities across Massachusetts have seen an uptick in reported violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants. Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston has reported roughly 30 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Immigration arrests across the Commonwealth since Aug. Too often activist Judges are refusing to honor ICE requests for detention to hold these criminals accountable before the law. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing noncitizen offenders, but their efforts require Judges who commit to honoring their essential work to protect the public.

The Bench must not cater to political ideologies. It must work to enforce the law and cooperate with ICE who in turn will follow the law to ensure that these defendants have their day in court.

Voters can send this message by voting for Governor’s Councilors who demand all Judges cooperate and assist ICE in their effort to protect our most vulnerable from sexual assault by violent offenders. As your next Governor’s Council for the 5th District, I promise you I will demand this commitment on the record as part of my consideration to approve their advancement to the Massachusetts Bench.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

Aside from me being the most qualified candidate for this position, I will bring much needed diversity of thought to this Constitutional body that is currently comprised of members from one political party. A one-party controlled Executive, Legislative and Judicial is not good for anyone; most voters understand this is not a formula for fairness or good government because it grants one person too much power. Should this imbalance continue unchecked, voters will not get a fair day in court in their divorces, their worker’s compensation cases, small claims, and personal injury cases. For these important positions whose decisions gravely affect the lives of average citizens, I know that EXPERIENCE is the most important qualification while political leanings should have no bearing.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am proud to have significant and wide-ranging endorsements from local leaders, social advocacy organizations as well as influential law enforcement and labor unions. This broad-based support underscores my record of leadership and my unwavering dedication to the many people I have represented over the years and my promise to continue to look out for the best interest of the residents of 5th District as your next Governor’s Councilor.

I am honored to have received the following endorsements:

• Former Governor Charlie Baker
• New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA)
• Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MassCop)
• Teamsters Local Union No. 25
• Log Cabin Republicans of Greater Boston

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

If elected, I promise to represent our 36 communities with fairness, integrity, and a truly unbiased rule of law. Massachusetts should have faith in a system that is supposed to treat everyone equally, no matter who you are or who you know.