I am voting for Tristan Smith with full confidence and enthusisam

The "Fearsome Foursome" have spoken.  The four woman running for 8th Essex District representative seat banded together and sent a letter authored by candidate Polly Titcomb, attacking male candidate Tristan Smith for offering high level enfdorsements in favor of his election.  The tone of the letter and the op-eds that followed are a stretch on ethics.  These four female candiadtes have targerted Tristan with the complaint that he is promoted by "friends of his father's", all male and all of a certain generation.

I am a feminist if that means that all genders should have equal opportunity.  I am a feminist if that means that women should have equity in jobs, and housing, and health care and freedom of expression and education.  I am a feminist if that means that girls and boys, every girl and boy in America, can believe in an open and successful future.

I am not a feminist when the concept of fairness becomes shrill and seems desperate.

What irony that Jenny Armini and Diann Slavit Baylis. Terri Tauro and Polly Titcomb find offensive that titans of Massachusetts Democratic history acknowledge the strength, dedication and potential of Tristan Smith.  We all can learn from Congressman John Tierney who offered the best constituate services anywhere, ever.  We can honor Congressman Barney Frank for the struggle he embodied to be openly gay at a time when society and the legislature was hostile.  We applaud Ed Markey for his bold and fervernt leadership around the environment and jobs.  We are grateful to State senator and Lynn mayor Tom McGee in understanding the plight of the lower-income residents and the unheralded need for safe, sound and reliable transporation.

Do you remember that Senator Markey was Tristan;s age when he first was elected to Congress?  Look at that courageous and selfless career and the impact it has had on quality of life in our Commonwealth.  Would the "fearsome Foursome" be as outraged if say, Elisabet Warren or Evelyn Murphy or Nncy Palosi had been among the recognizable names?

Tristan Smith is a recent law school graduate.  He has known his supporters most of his life.  He is born and educated in the 8th district.  He has ample experience with community roots on the North Shore.  He views the office of state representative not as a stepping stone but as a vehicle to make change.  He is polite, reliable, willing to listen and eager to learn.  

I am voting for Tristan Smith with full confidence and enthusisam.  He is the whole package:  above all, he has the needs and concerns of each of us in mind and in heart.

Ina Resnikoff, Esq.

Orchard Circle, Swampscott