26 July, 2022
Connor Degan, Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Representative, 8th Middlesex District seat, welcomed the endorsement by the Hopkinton Teacher’s Association for his candidacy.
“I am so grateful to have the support of the educators that supported me while I was in the public schools, with the endorsement of the Hopkinton Teachers Association. My grandmother is a retired public-school teacher from Springfield Public Schools and I have seen the inequities that exist in our education systems and know how much our teachers need our support. Before the pandemic, many people took the roll of teachers for granted and many still do. They allow so many parents to know that their children are safe and cared for while they work and ensure that students get the attention they need to get a good education. I will continue to support our educators as they shape our futures by supporting the growth of our students,” said Degan
As a graduate of the Hopkinton Public School system himself, Degan has been a passionate advocate for the merits of a robust public school system. He recognizes the impact that the pandemic has had on our teachers and school systems and continues to foster open discussion about the learning losses and mental health challenges that students and school districts are facing since the start of the pandemic. With the recent increase school violence nationally, as well as teacher and staff shortages, Degan has engaged the school board and community resource officers in talks on how best to handle some of the mental health issues that are facing our students and working to identify resources such as the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline aimed at making it easier to address one of the biggest issues that we face with mental health today... access.
“The Hopkinton Teacher’s Association proudly supports Connor Degan for State Representative. Connor has an understanding of the challenges we face and a clear desire to work with educators to identify and advocate for the changes we need,” said Rebecca Abate, HTA President.
“I am delighted knowing that I have the support of these remarkable public servants who work every day to educate our youth, keep our community safe, and plan for smart growth in our school systems,” said Connor Degan. “Our educators serve as leaders and mentors in the lives of students and our communities and deserve our support.”
Degan has worked with elementary school level students in Hopkinton on mock elections to teach them about the voting process, worked with middle school teachers to develop a curriculum for civics education, coordinated with high school staff, teachers, and students to host voter registration and information sessions at least once per year and in coordination with a student walkout following the tragic Parkland High shooting to make sure students were ready to make their voices heard.
Degan is currently serving his third elected term as the Hopkinton Town Clerk and previously was elected and served on the Hopkinton Housing Authority. He looks forward to bringing his strong municipal and extensive civic engagement experience to Beacon Hill to advocate for the needs of constituents in the 8th Middlesex District communities of Holliston, Hopkinton, precincts 2 & 3 in Millis and Sherborn (new to the 8th Middlesex District for 2023 that has been served by Representative David Linsky).
The Massachusetts State Primary is on September 6th and Degan is running to replace the seat vacated by former Rep. Carolyn Dykema. For more information about Connor Degan’s campaign and candidacy, visit www.deganforrep.com
