As lifelong Cantabrigians, we care about our community and strive to support those, like state Rep. Marjorie Decker, who also cares deeply about Cambridge. We are disappointed to read the recent negativity in Cambridge Day. We have always seen Cambridge Day as a news source that many residents read to get a “pulse” on the city. We thought it was possibly the last of true journalism seeking truth. Lately, it seems to be going for more sensational stories and pushing agendas rather than fair and equitable “news” reporting.

Over the past several months, it has become evident that the blog has a bias against Decker. Perhaps it is our fault for thinking a “blog” was a news source. In stark contrast, The Boston Globe has covered her advocacy to: maintain the right-to-shelter law; her comprehensive maternal health bill that will address racial inequities in maternal health; and her efforts to pass legislation that would ban suspensions in early grades; provide for a just transition to clean energy for union workers; and reduce poverty by increasing cash assistance grants. Regardless of how an author-journalist may feel about the issues at hand, we would think they would want to report fairly on the efforts and activity of the candidates. None of this has been covered in Cambridge Day.

We feel both the coverage and the letters to the editor that have been published to date do not represent the realities of Decker’s record and values, but rather distort her service and perhaps seek to turn the people in the district against her. Everyone who knows her knows that she fights tooth and nail for the working-class families of this city. If Cambridge Day reported accurately on this race, they would write about her many accomplishments and would be asking her opponent what they’ve accomplished. As far as we are aware, Evan MacKay has yet to do a single thing for this community.

It’s time to refocus on why Marjorie Decker is the right choice – she is not only an amazing person, advocate and community partner, she also gets things done. The people of Cambridge and the commonwealth depend on her listening skills to hear us and use her voice to represent us at the State House in policy matters. Please look past what Cambridge Day has put forward and vote for Marjorie Decker, who has a proven record of real action and legislative success.

Stephanie Crayton, Richdale Avenue
Laura Booth, Columbia Street, Cambridge 

A stronger

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6 Comments

  2. Wow, if this is setting the record straight then I must say that there’s more pressing issues than the so-called “negativity” on Cambridge Day.

    First, you call the stories “sensational” and “pushing agendas”. What about Rep. Decker’s questionable sources of income and lack of response to inquires about her position at Berman Tabacco a “sensational” story [1]?

    Although you’re correct about the lack of article covering Rep. Decker’s achievements, there is also a lack of sources cited for the work being done by Rep. Decker in this article. If you have issues with the Cambridge Day and how they do reporting, maybe consider donating to them in order to support their journalism efforts –especially since both Stephanie Crayton and Laura Booth have money to spare for Rep. Decker’s campaign according to donation records [2].

    From what I’ve seen, most of the articles about the race have been in the Opinion section of the Cambridge Day and the split appears nearly 50/50 from a surface-level glance. However, maybe it isn’t, since most of the article defending or advocating for Rep. Decker are half-hearted attempts at best.

    And funny that you mention the Boston Globe because if either of you had looked at the article about Rep. Decker’s income, you would see that the Boston Globe broke the main story highlighting the deeply corrupt system in which state representatives are compensated (notably Rep. Decker is among those benefitting from this system) [3].

    Additionally, questioning the achievements of Evan MacKay shows a lack of awareness from Booth and Crayton. If you visited their website, you could read about what they’ve achieved [4]. Notably, they’ve made great strides in labor union advocacy within HGSU-UAW and in the great body of UAW itself. And yes, Harvard and the students that live there are indeed a part of Cambridge and more specifically 25th Middlesex district.

    Now, let’s talk about your lackluster defense or record setting. You state that Rep. Decker is an “amazing community partner”. Yes, she is an “amazing community partner”, but only for those in the community who support the closing of Memorial Drive; otherwise she will lie to the community she serves [5]. Her handling (or lack thereof) of Memorial Drive is truly a testament to her “listening skills” and “her voice”. She in fact does not represent “us”, because as a constituent of hers, I do not feel represented by her work at the State House.

    So, instead of looking past the truthful and well-cited articles about this race, I will be looking past this half-baked attempt to “setting the record straight” and will be voting for Evan MacKay in this election.

    Whether you support Marjorie Decker or Evan MacKay, please make sure your voice is heard. More information is available here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/electioncommission/earlyvoting/earlyvotinginperson

    [1] https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/08/19/between-state-rep-salary-and-consulting-pay-deckers-take-home-is-highest-in-delegation/

    [2]
    https://ocpf.us/Filers?q=13736

    [3]
    https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/05/metro/massachusetts-house-stipends-leadership-pay/

    [4]
    https://www.evanforcambridge.com/evansstory

    [5]
    https://www.reddit.com/r/CambridgeMA/comments/1etu190/a_contempt_for_constituents_why_you_should_vote/

  3. As a point of fact, Decker did not vote against the limits on shelter stays: “The House voted 121-33 to approve the bill. Eight Democrats voted against the bill — Reps. Mike Connolly of Cambridge, Colleen Garry of Dracut, Natalie Higgins of Leominster, Joan Meschino of Hull, David Robertson of Tewksbury, Danillo Sena of Acton, Erika Uyterhoeven of Somerville, and Jonathan Zlotnik of Gardner — in addition to unenrolled Rep. Susannah Whipps of Athol. All Republicans also voted no.”

  4. Marjorie Decker is a two-state normalizing Zionist. Evan MacKay fought hard for the Harvard Graduate Student Union to pass the ceasefire and BDS resolution when they were president, while Decker was at a business gala. That says all you need to know about her “achievements”

  5. ??? “ she also gets things done”? The Massachusetts legislature just finished the least productive two year term. No climate bill. No transportation bill. Nothing on housing. Bills die without any public information and Rep Decker is ok with that, and this makes me angry. Time for a change.

  6. Reasons to Reconsider Voting for Marjorie Decker

    While Representative Marjorie Decker has a notable history of political activism and legislative experience, several factors may cause voters to reconsider her candidacy for reelection:

    Lack of Significant Legislative Accomplishments

    Despite her long tenure, Decker has struggled to pass major legislation on critical issues such as climate change and transportation funding. Her dual roles as a legislator and law firm employee may hinder her effectiveness.

    Contradictory Positions on Environmental Issues

    Decker publicly supports car-free initiatives and environmental protection, yet emails reveal she privately opposed closing a road for car-free events at Riverbend Park. This inconsistency raises doubts about her true commitment to environmental causes.

    Legislative Role

    Decker has been accused of acting as an “enforcer” for House leadership, working behind the scenes to block transparency measures that would enhance accountability in the legislative process.

    In summary, Representative Decker’s legislative record, contradictory positions, and lack of transparency are important factors for voters to consider when making their decision.

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