Mermell has clear ideas of how to solve the challenges before us

I am writing in support of Jesse Mermell for Congress, running to succeed Congressman Joe Kennedy. I want to encourage my fellow Fall River residents to do the same.

I confess that until I got a call from one of Mermell’s volunteers, I had been unaware that Kennedy was no longer in the running for Congress, and had been oblivious to the race to fill his seat.

I attended one of Mermell’s virtual town halls and found myself thoroughly impressed. She is a very open, down-to-earth person. She has a clear idea of the troubles we face as a nation and a state and she has clear ideas of how to solve them. Nationally, Mermell will be fighting for Medicare for All and an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, both of which are going to be critical to us as a nation.

Where Mermell really shone to me was on her plans to tackle our environmental challenges. As someone who has a degree in environmental science and is currently studying environmental engineering with a focus on sustainability and urban studies, this was where I focused my questions to her. She understands that urban success and environmental success are inextricably tied together and has plans to expand public transportation, providing those who cannot afford cars with better access to jobs while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions. She is a supporter of the Green New Deal and understands that we must make our infrastructure both more resilient and more environmentally friendly.

Although this letter is too short to fully explain why I feel Mermell is the best choice on Sept. 1 (or through vote-by-mail), I encourage everyone to check her out for yourselves, either at jessemermell.com or by attending one of her virtual town halls when they are available.

Melody Veldorale

Fall River