Advocacy, Politics, and the Environment
LDW® believes that toxins in the environment affect everyone's health, but it is especially damaging to our children's developing minds and bodies. We also believe that it is important to let our elected officials and those running for office know about our concerns and need for a healthy environment.

Below, is a letter from the The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow requesting Massachusetts residents to contact the gubornatorial candidates and ask them about their positions on environmental health issues. Even though this letter and call to action is specific to the gubornatorial race in Massachusetts, it can be adapted and used where ever you may live.

LDW® urges you to act! Protect our environment from toxins, protect ourselves, protect our children.

Toxic Chemicals and the Massachusetts Race for Governor

A Call to Action from the Alliance for a Healthy Tommorrow

As you know, we are in the midst of a race for a new governor! These months leading up to the election are critical times to contact the candidates and ask them their positions on environmental health issues. If they do not get asked about an issue during the campaign, they sometimes conclude that it is not a priority issue for the public.

So ask them: Will they as Governor, support policies to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives? Will they, as Governor, take necessary steps to protect our health from dangerous chemicals? Will they, as Governor, stand up to chemical companies and protect children's health?

The more candidates are questioned about environmental health issues, the more likely they are to stand up for our health and environment.

Please take a moment to call or email all of the gubernatorial candidates and ask them what THEY will do to create a healthier tomorrow. (If you are are affiliated with a tax exempt 501c3 organization, do not worry. Asking candidates questions is a totally acceptable activity for anyone.) A sample email and phone script are below, along with contact information.

Please look for opportunities to question the candidates in person! In the meantime, we will let you know if we learn that a candidate is coming to your neighborhood, so you can meet them and ask these important questions in person.

Thanks for your help. Please let us know if you get any replies!

Candidates and Contact Information

Chris Gabrieli (D), 617-314-6691, http://www.gabrieli.org/contact/index.jsp
Lt. Gov Kerry Healey (R) 617-523-0844, http://www.healeycommittee.com
Christy Mihos (I) 617-399-2244, issues@christy2006.com
Deval Patrick (D) 617-367-2006, info@devalpatrick.com
Tom Reilly (D) 617-292-4TOM, info@tomreilly.org
Grace Ross (Green) 508-754-3505, grace4gov@green-rainbow.org

Sample Email:
Dear _______________,
I am involved with a statewide coalition called the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, and I am concerned about how toxic chemicals in our environment and in everyday products may be contributing to an epidemic of diseases and disorders like cancer, asthma, and learning disabilities. Meanwhile, research tells us that safer alternatives to many chemicals are already available. If elected Governor, what will you do to protect us from exposure to dangerous chemicals and ensure that communities are safe from toxic threats?

Sample Phone Call:
Hello, my name is ___________ and I live in ____________. I am calling with an issue question. I am very concerned about how toxic chemicals in our environment and in everyday products may be contributing to an epidemic of diseases and disorders like cancer, asthma, and learning disabilities. We know that safer alternatives to many chemicals are already available. If __________ is elected Governor, I would like to know what s/he would do to protect us from exposure to dangerous chemicals and ensure that communities are safe from toxic threats.