Our Sixth District Congressional Candidate Forum was a tremendous success, bringing together six outstanding Democratic candidates and a full house of engaged voters for an evening of thoughtful discussion and civic engagement.
Held during our nation’s 250th anniversary year, the historic Tapley Memorial Hall provided a fitting backdrop for this important event. The hall was filled to capacity with voters eager to hear from our candidates, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm surrounding this pivotal election. We were proud to welcome Bethany Anders-Beck, John Beccia, Janie Belito, Daniel Koh, Dr. Mariah Lancaster, and Tram Nguyen, with the discussion moderated by DanversDems Co-Chair Lou Bernazzani.
The evening began with each candidate introducing themselves before responding to eight questions covering issues that matter most to our communities, including affordability for young people and seniors, healthcare, artificial intelligence, protecting our democracy, local priorities, the future of the Democratic Party, and the values that guide public service. Each candidate thoughtfully addressed these important topics, offering voters an outstanding opportunity to hear directly from each of them.
DanversDems is proud of the strong field of Democratic candidates seeking to represent the Sixth Congressional District. At a time when our democracy faces unprecedented challenges, each has answered the call to public service with a deep commitment to Democratic values and to improving the lives of the people they hope to represent. However, we can only elect one of them. Everyone who attended the forum left better informed and better prepared to participate in the upcoming primary.
This forum also marked an important milestone for DanversDems. As our first large-scale public event featuring candidates in a congressional race, it was a wonderful success thanks to the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers.
Our sincere thanks go to Liz Brennan, Outreach Coordinator; Jillian Earp Durand, Candidate Forum Coordinator; our Blue Crew volunteers; Liz Bernazzani, Lucy Desmond, Barbara Devereaux, Charlotte Jordan, Debra Lemieux, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the evening such a success.
We also thank our volunteer questioners—Tom Meagher, Kacey Desmond, Lucy Desmond, Barbara Devereaux, Jim Conrad, Annlauren Djoko, Ellen Graham, and Debra Lemieux—for helping facilitate a thoughtful and informative discussion and our time-keeper Lizz Bernazzani
Special thanks to the Danvers Historical Society for making historic Tapley Memorial Hall available for this event, to Laura Colley for her gracious hospitality, and to the Danvers Cable Access Television (DCAT) team—Greg Dolan and Quill DeAngelis—for recording the forum and providing outstanding technical sound support.
I also want to thank State Senator Joan Lovely, State Representative Sally Kerans, Danvers Officials: Select Board Member Dee Djoko, School Committee Member Mike Shannon, Library Trustees Julie Curtis and Ellen Graham and numerous Town Meeting Members who joined us.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. Your participation is what makes our democracy strong.
Remember to vote in the Democratic Primary on September 1! Every vote matters!
I would like to attend the June 24 candidates night at Tapley Hall. I’m a member of the Marblehead Dem Town Committee, but due to scheduling conflicts have still not heard all the candidates. Please let me know if there is still space.
Thanks very much.
There is no assigned seating at this event. It is an open event. People will be allowed to enter the building until the 100 seats are full then doors will have to be closed due to fire laws.