Ken Gordon: 2022 State Representative Candidate Profile

BURLINGTON, MA — Ken Gordon is one of two candidates on the ballot in Burlington seeking the Democratic nomination to represent the 21st Middlesex District in the state House of Representatives.

The 62-year-old is running for re-election to a seat in the legislature that he's held since 2013. Redrawn for this year's election, the 21st Middlesex District will now include all of Burlington and Bedford as well as parts of Lexington.

A husband, father, dog owner and employment lawyer, Gordon holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University.

The state primary election is set for Sept. 6. Early voting begins on Aug. 27. The general election is then set for Nov. 8.

Patch sent candidate questionaries to each of the candidates running in next month's primary in the 21st Middlesex District state representative's race.

Here's how Gordon responded:

Campaign website

repkengordon.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

Because I want to be sure we have a state representative who not only has good ideas, but is prepared, from day one, to speak for the values of our district. I oversee the policy behind Paid Family and Medical Leave, and continue to work on the Common Start bill that I filed, to provide greater access for child care and early education.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most important issue is climate change and I am proud to have fought for our new law that will provide renewable wind power and support solar energy in a way that is a game changer. However, we can do more to accelerate our efforts to go net zero sooner, and I will continue to work with the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Energy and Utilities to address this.

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

Experience in building coalitions that will result in tangible benefits to our Commonwealth and the towns in our district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a chair of a joint committee, I am in a position to advocate for legislation that will be needed to respond to rights that are being taken away by the Supreme Court, such as a woman's right to access complete health care without government intrusion. I have a bill currently in conference committee that will protect working women who may be affected by another state's laws concerning legalized abortion care. I am also working on programs that will help municipal police and fire departments access increased diversity in hiring, without impacting the rights of veterans. I will work with my friend Bill Straus, House chair of Transportation, as we examine how we can help the T overcome tremendous challenges. I serve with Sen. Friedman on a commission that is designing a jail diversion/mental health and substance abuse treatment facility in Lowell, so that people suffering from mental health issues are not automatically taken by police to the criminal justice system. I have helped fund Restorative Justice as another diversion program.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I led Burlington's efforts to access $3.5 million to solve its water challenge. I co-authored, filed and advocated for our Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which was passed into law in 2018 and began paying benefits in 2020. I continue to file legislation to address challenges presented by interpretation of the Administration.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Serving in government is a game of addition. Success rests with developing relationships of trust and confidence; we cannot promise to pass one program or another in the legislature until we figure out how we are going to build the alliances that will help us pass them.

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

I have held monthly office hours in the district for 10 years. I have produced a cable TV show in that same time, that brings newsmakers to our district so residents can judge for themselves about the issues of the day. We may not agree on every issue, but you should know I will listen and consider your opinion.