On Sunday, Congressman Joe Kennedy III joined Chelsea City Councilor Judith Garcia and community members for a tour of local businesses along Broadway Street in Chelsea. Over 50 people gathered at Tu Casa Restaurant on Broadway to greet Congressman Kennedy, where he was introduced by longtime Chelsea resident Margarita Franco.
After meeting residents at Tu Casa, Margarita Franco and Councilor Garcia led Kennedy on a tour down Broadway Street, bringing him into several locally owned businesses, including La Prima, Olga’s Hair Fashion Salon, Curley’s Restaurant, Rico’s Barbershop and Rodeo Bar & Grill.
“I am so glad to be with you all here in Chelsea today,” Congressman Kennedy said. “Your next Senator needs to be present here in your community, understand the issues important to you, and work with you to find solutions. We know there is much work to be done here in Chelsea — from parking issues, transportation access, rising rent, and the need for environmental justice. And not one of these issues has an easy solution. That is why your Senator needs to build coalitions with the community to deliver real results. That is exactly what I will do.”
On the walk, Councilor Garcia and Congressman Kennedy were joined by other local leaders, as well as community members part of the Community Enhancement Team. Chelsea residents had the opportunity to talk with Congressman Kennedy about the issues that are impacting their community, from parking to environmental justice.
“This event is so symbolic of what our leaders should be doing,” said Councilor Judith Garcia. “Walking our streets, meeting our residents, talking to our business owners and listening to their lived experiences to drive policies that will benefit all. In my tenure as a Councilwoman, I have not met a single Senator who shows up to visit these little corners of our City that contribute so much. Joe Kennedy shows up and he listens to the needs of our community. That is why I am supporting him in this race.”
Councilor Garcia has endorsed Kennedy in his bid for U.S. Senate and joined him as a surrogate during his first debate against Sen. Ed Markey on Feb. 18.
“I was proud to stand with Joe Kennedy at the debate this month,” added Councilor Garcia. “Now more than ever, as we face major challenges like climate change and affordable housing, we need leaders who bring new voices and new solutions to the table. As a millennial, a Latina, and a daughter of an immigrant, I know Joe is the voice we need today.”
The Chelsea event was one in a series of Congressman Kennedy’s Listen and Learn Roundtables, where he joins local leaders to meet with residents and visit local businesses.