Representative Tackey Chan (D- Quincy)
Representative Chan’s interest in politics developed during his time at Brandeis University, where he got his degree in Politics, and subsequently became an intern in the office of State Representative Michael Bellotti’s Office in 1995. He was fortunate enough to be hired by State Senator Michael Morrissey, initially as a part-time staff person and later on a full-time basis, eventually becoming his Legislative Director and General Counsel. He left the Senator’s office for a position in Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office, working as Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Ratepayer Advocacy. He had long been interested in policy making and advocacy work for the growing Asian American community in Quincy, so when a seat opened up in the House of Representatives, he ran and joined three of his colleagues in becoming the first Asian Americans elected to the Massachusetts’ House.
Q:
With citizens being asked to stay at home more during the pandemic, access to clean drinking water and proper management of wastewater is critical. Please give us your thoughts relative to the importance of maintaining our water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure.
A:
Being home more has likely resulted in an increase usage of water, sewer, electric, gas, and telecommunications for most people. As the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, one of my main concerns has always been assuring that consumers have access to the necessary resources to remain safe and healthy at a reasonable cost. Households should consider reexamining their utility bills; many companies provide resources to consumers to help them become more energy efficient and therefore save money. Perhaps one of the few advantages of many folks staying home during the pandemic has been the opportunity for the state, municipalities, and utility companies to complete infrastructure projects more quickly. These investments in updating our infrastructure are critical in ensuring our water supply is clean and our wastewater systems are operating properly.
Q:
What do you believe will be the greatest challenges for your district with regard to economic recovery?
AUGUST, 2020
A:
Quincy is an immigrant city with a large wageworker and small business workforce. Quincy, like many places, is seeing a rising cost of living, with rising rental and housing prices outpacing income. We are facing high levels of food insecurity, many small businesses are closing, and folks are largely dependent on public transportation while simultaneously having serious health concerns about using the MBTA and the commuter rail. The need for better access to up-to-date technology is becoming more apparent, especially in regards to telehealth. Having access to good cameras on your phone, tablet, or computer, enough internet speed to maintain a good connection, technology training for patients, and conference ability to communicate with non-native English speakers will be paramount as we continue to grapple with remote healthcare work. On a statewide level, the State’s economic drivers are healthcare, education, tourism, and hospitality. Rarely have all three sectors been negatively impacted simultaneously within the same year. This is and will continue to have a negative ripple effect on all sectors of the Commonwealth. continued on page 21
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