State Rep. Candidate Profile: Kate Lipper-Garabedian

Kate Lipper-Garabedian

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Position Sought

State Representative for 32nd Middlesex District

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My husband Mark and I have two sons, Harrison and Oscar, and a family dog named Baryn!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts; Harvard Law School

Occupation

Chief Legal Counsel at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education (5 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Melrose City Councilor-At-Large (January 2018-present)

Campaign website

www.kateforrep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for State Representative for the 32nd Middlesex District because I believe passionately about the role government can play in supporting individuals and their families. Growing up, both my parents were newspaper reporters, and our family dinners often included discussions of events happening at the local, state, and national levels. I learned early on that the policies our elected officials enact have powerful, long-lasting effects on communities and people. Based on this understanding, I have dedicated my professional career to public service including as a seventh-grade public school teacher and now as an attorney in state government. I have served on the Melrose City Council because I care deeply about our community and improving the quality of life for my neighbors. With the skillset I’ve developed serving both on the City Council and as an attorney for the Commonwealth, I am prepared to hit the ground running and focus on the issues that matter to our District.

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

During this campaign, I have heard from countless residents in the District, including while I personally visited more than 1,000 doors, that their biggest desire is improvement in our mass transit system. As a daily commuter on the Orange Line, this concern certainly resonates with me. The 32nd Middlesex District is serviced by commuter rail, subway, and public bus routes. Despite this, I met with many residents who live within walking distance of commuter rail and bus stops but who commute by car because our mass transit options do not run frequently enough to meet their families’ needs. They and others bemoaned the intensifying congestion that makes travel in our region so frustrating. As State Representative, I will support a bold, comprehensive, forward-thinking framework for mass transit focused on access, quality, and user affordability to propel the economic and environmental health of the region.

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

My professional and elected experiences demonstrate an accomplished track record of public service and delivering on resident priorities. As State Representative, I will continue to listen carefully and work hard for my constituents and get things done.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The seat is currently vacant. I am honored to have received the endorsement of former Representative and now Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Consistent with the concerns I have heard from constituents across my District, I am particularly focused on public education, transportation, and the climate crisis. I also will prioritize efforts regarding economic stability, including for our seniors and veterans, and economic development and job creation. Additionally, as State Representative, I will remain committed to enhanced information-sharing and dialogue with the residents of the 32nd Middlesex District.

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

As a Melrose City Councilor, I’ve successfully delivered on resident priorities. To maximize our small business potential and respond to resident concerns, I introduced the City’s new ordinance that addresses long-term vacant storefronts by requiring the City to create a centralized inventory of vacancies and connect property owners to local artists so that positive attention can be drawn to otherwise-empty windows. To support our schools, I created and filled the role of Liaison to the School Committee to ensure the two legislative bodies talk to each other. I also connected the PTOs to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee to engage in efforts to improve safe school commutes and reduce traffic congestion. To ensure the operating budget reflects what we value as a community, as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I facilitate the Council’s critical review of department budget requests. I also independently seek out opportunities to reappropriate money to investments that improve taxpayer services - for example, successfully advocating for the discontinuation of health insurance benefits for Aldermen. And to address street safety concerns, I’ve championed enhancements like fixing potholes, repositioning street signs, and installing crosswalks and supported the City’s successful $400K state grant for several street safety projects.

I’ve also prioritized enhancing the relationship between an elected official and constituents. I’ve responded to all phone calls and emails to discuss Council votes, existing ordinances, and service requests and offered frequent updates via social media and an email newsletter. I will be similarly accessible and responsive as State Representative.

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

I’m a former seventh-grade public school teacher, so I know the importance of communication. I’m a graduate of Harvard Law School, so I understand how to research and look for case examples when crafting policy. I work now as the Chief Legal Counsel at the Executive Office of Education, so I know how important government budgeting is and have first-hand experience drafting and reviewing legislation.

On a personal note, I love living in the 32nd Middlesex District with my husband Mark, our boys Harrison and Oscar, and our dog Baryn. I’m a proud alumna of NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions University of Virginia (WAHOOWAH!), and I’ve parred at least 3 of Mt. Hood’s 18 holes (but never the fourth). My family loves frequenting parks and playgrounds; enjoying local restaurants, shopping, and community events; and joining our immediate neighbors for the District’s best annual block party.