Cape Cod Times

October 23, 2018

By Geoff Spillane

State convention will acknowledge Gannon shooting, aftermath.

PLYMOUTH — The Cape and Islands will be well represented at the 118th annual Massachusetts Police Association convention this week.

Yarmouth police Sgt. Sean Gannon, who was shot and killed while trying to serve an arrest warrant in Marstons Mills in April, will be honored, along with several department colleagues for actions taken in the aftermath of the tragedy. Peter McClelland, a retired Yarmouth K-9 officer, is slated to receive the association’s Distinguished Service Medal for his care of Nero, Gannon’s K-9 partner, in the days after the incident.

In addition, state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, will receive the organization’s “Legislator of the Year” award.

More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the convention, which will take place at the 1620 Hotel in Plymouth through Friday. The award presentations will be made during a luncheon ceremony Thursday afternoon.

“People think the Cape is a place you go on vacation, not necessarily a place where violent crime happens,” said Arlington police Lt. Richard Pedrini, a member of the association’s executive board and its legislative aide. “But it’s everywhere.”

Cyr sponsored a successful amendment to the state’s fiscal 2019 budget, bolstering municipal police training funding through a statewide $2 per rental car transaction fee.

“We had been trying for years to get a dedicated funding source,” said Pedrini, noting that before the Cyr amendment, municipal police training was a budget line item subject to underfunding.

“It’s a tremendous honor and I’m very humbled, but what’s more important, though, is that we got this done,” Cyr said of the award. “This was a good idea that languished on Beacon Hill for far too long. I’m proud to have worked with the entire Cape and Islands delegation — and other lawmakers — on this bipartisan effort.”

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Cape Cod Times

October 23, 2018

At the Oct. 13 debate between Sen. Julian Cyr and John Flores, I was appalled by Flores’ belligerent attitude and his habit of rudely talking past his allotted time and interrupting Cyr.

But even more appalling than Flores’ combative manner were his frequent misstatements about Cyr’s record. Whether they were deliberate or came from Flores’ lack of understanding, they were unacceptable distortions of the truth. If a candidate can’t win on his own record, he doesn’t deserve our votes.

Cyr’s record of accomplishments for the Cape and Islands is sterling. I encourage voters to join me in re-electing him on Nov. 6.

Joanne Hush

Orleans

Cape Cod Times

October 24, 2018

As I watched the Oct. 13 debate between Julian Cyr and John Flores, I noted several apparent differences between the candidates for the Cape and Islands seat in the Massachusetts Senate. In each case, the differences linked substance and style.

Most striking to me was their approaches to interacting with each other as they discussed issues of importance to the region and beyond. Flores, who suffers from a disadvantage of far less experience in government, particularly at the state level, responded to Cyr and to posed questions with a negative attitude - criticism of his opponent, personal and substantive attacks and an approach that seemed pretty unpleasant to me and to many in the audience.

Cyr, on the other hand, used a more engaging approach, seeking clarification about his opponent’s positions without putdowns. He listed his accomplishments in his short career - a record difficult to top - and that seemed to frustrate his opponent and generate negative responses.

I want a senator who can effectively engage his colleagues - from both parties - to collaboratively address and solve the many difficult issues facing us.

I will vote for Julian Cyr and urge others to do so as well.

Crystal Gips

South Yarmouth

Cape Cod Times Endorses Cyr

October 20, 2018

It is easy to forget that state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, is only finishing up his freshman term on Beacon Hill. During the past two years, Cyr has taken on an outsized role in shaping the relationship between the Statehouse and Cape Cod. He has worked assiduously on behalf of his constituents, frequently reaching across the aisle to work with Republicans on any one of a number of issues of common interest, all to the betterment of the voters who sent him to Boston in the first place.

Cyr has championed or co-sponsored efforts that have brought tens of millions of dollars in state funding to the Cape to help underwrite everything from high-speed Internet access in Provincetown and Hyannis to an aviation job training program at Cape Cod Community College to dredging projects, environmental restoration efforts, and so much more. His work includes securing money for projects both large and small, demonstrating an active interest in the community, whether those projects grab headlines or not.

Furthermore, Cyr, working with state Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown, helped pen legislation that will prove invaluable to Cape Codders for many years to come. As part of a short-term rental bill, Cyr and Peake ensured the inclusion of a provision to establish the Cape and Islands Water Preservation Fund, which will derive funding through an additional tax on short-term rentals and which will help offset the region’s multi-billion dollar price tag for waste water management.

In addition, working with state Rep. Dylan Fernandes, D-Woods Hole, Cyr created legislation that authorizes the creation of a special commission to study the impact coastal and ocean acidification may have on the marine life on which so many coastal communities rely. The study could ultimately have a substantial impact on state environmental policy.

Cyr has also consistently favored an expansion of civil liberties, supporting measures that offer protection for pregnant women in the work force, medical leave for employees, raising the minimum wage, and common-sense firearms protections. He has also championed provisions designed specifically to protect the well-being of LGBTQ prisoners. In short, he has worked to ensure that those who may feel maligned or sidelined enjoy the same full spectrum of rights as anyone else.

Were Cyr not such a strong candidate, his opponent, Barnstable Town Councilor John Flores of Cummaquid, may have secured our endorsement. Flores has proven himself an independently minded, moderate Republican, and brings a wealth of experience from his time as a former teacher, business owner and schools superintendent.

His support of Questions 2 and 3, as well as the fact that he views health care as a fundamental right rather than as a privilege, indicate that he is not hamstrung by any party’s platform, and he demonstrates a firm grasp of the issues facing the Cape and Islands. Flores also has some creative ideas that we feel make eminent sense, such as a proposal to keep retirees from relocating to states with lower taxes. Flores believes retirees who have worked in Massachusetts more than 20 years should have the first $100,000 of their income exempt from income taxes.

However, Flores’ charge that Cyr is some sort of ideologue simply doing the Democratic Party’s bidding rings hollow, especially as Cyr has consistently worked with Democrats and Republicans alike in the Cape delegation to bring meaningful legislation forward.

Although we hope that Flores will throw his hat back in the ring when a future opportunity for higher office emerges, our endorsement goes to Cyr, whose clear-headed and Cape-centric approach to legislation and funding opportunities has already yielded many victories that the entire region can celebrate. We know that he will be fighting just as hard for his district during his second term.

October 12, 2018

Wicked Local Brewster

In his first term as our Cape & Islands state Sen. Julian Cyr has worked hard on behalf of initiatives that affect local families including housing, health care, education, income inequality and our fragile environment. He is intimately familiar with these issues having grown up in Truro, where he worked in his family’s small business. His staff share his passion and commitment.

I have experienced firsthand the challenges of making a living and raising children on the Lower Cape, and I have worked for 24 years with families facing those same challenges. We need Senator Cyr’s energy and experience working on our behalf, so our Cape Cod towns can remain livable communities for all of us.

I urge you to join me in voting for Julian Cyr as our state senator on Nov. 6.

Elizabeth Aldred

Brewster

October 11, 2018

Letter to the Editor

Cape Cod Times

For those who don’t know our dynamic state senator for Cape Cod and the Islands, Julian Cyr is a native of Truro. First elected to the Massachusetts Senate in November 2016 as its youngest member, he heads committees that reflect Cape priorities.

Not surprisingly, Cyr’s outstanding accomplishments as a first-term senator mirror his public policy background. For example, he helped secure funding earmarks for the following:

• Substance abuse programs.

• Emergency shelters for the homeless.

• Children’s advocacy centers.

• Police, fire and rescue training.

• Homelessness prevention and employment services.

Placing a high priority on protecting the Cape’s environment, Cyr secured funding for beach and habitat conservation and a Nantucket coastal study on the impact of trawl fishery.

The senator shares local concerns about the Pilgrim nuclear plant. He helped secure funding for an interagency working group to monitor the decommissioning process.

L. Michael Hager

Eastham

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For Immediate Release

TEACHERS ENDORSE CYR

Massachusetts Teachers Association members back Senator Julian Cyr for re-election

ORLEANS -- State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) today welcomed endorsement from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the statewide organization representing 110,000 teachers, faculty, professional staff and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges and universities across Massachusetts.

“I got my start in politics as a junior in high school, when I organized a student-led campaign to pass an override to fund quality education in the Nauset schools,” said Senator Julian Cyr. “It means so much to have the support of public school teachers on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket in my re-election.”

“Educators and students can count on state Senator Julian Cyr,” said MTA President Merrie Najimy. “As a legislator with an extensive background in public policy, health advocacy, organizing and social justice, Julian is committed to fighting for our students and for our public schools, colleges and universities. As the state senator for the Cape and Islands District, he will continue to stand up for working people — and he will do all he can to ensure the success of families and communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

“The MTA does critical work to improve the quality of education our students receive and the workplace protections that our teachers deserve,” Cyr added. “I am proud to be a partner in that work.”

Senator Cyr will share his vision for expanding public education resources with the MTA’s annual gathering of retired teachers tonight in North Falmouth at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel.

About the Massachusetts Teachers Association

The MTA is a statewide, member-driven organization working to advance the professional and economic interest of members through collective bargaining and advocacy. The group has 110,000 members across the state.

For Immediate Release

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS LEADERS ENDORSE CYR

NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts Support Reelection Campaign

TRURO—Today, State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) welcomed support from both NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund in his campaign to continue representing the Cape & Islands.

“With the Supreme Court in the balance and the right to autonomy and health for millions of women at risk, it’s never been more important to have organizations like NARAL and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund working tirelessly in every state to protect women and their access to quality health care,” said Senator Cyr. “I am proud to stand with them and to support their work, and I look forward to continuing to be a partner in the Legislature to protect the right for women to make their own health care decisions and to expand access to health care.”

“Senator Julian Cyr has been a fierce champion for reproductive freedom in his time in the Senate and we are proud to endorse him,” said Kristine Glynn, co-chair of the NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts (NARAL) PAC. “Reproductive rights are under attack today more so than we have seen in decades. That is why we need champions like Julian Cyr in the State House to ensure that all Massachusetts residents can access the full spectrum of reproductive health services – no matter what.”

“As D.C. politicians wage attacks on access to reproductive health care and comprehensive sex education, we need leaders like Senator Julian Cyr in the State House to defend Massachusetts and push our state forward,” said Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF). “Senator Cyr will fight for policies that strengthen reproductive rights and eliminate barriers to vital health care to ensure everyone has access to the care they need. The people of Massachusetts are fed up with politicians playing games with their health and rights and want leaders who will put people first. The stakes have never been higher in the fight for reproductive rights and health care access, and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund is proud to endorse and fight alongside Senator Julian Cyr.”

Senator Cyr earned his degree in Community Health and Public Policy, and has worked to expand access to healthcare and critical screenings throughout his career. As a Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Environmental Health at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and earlier a Harm-Reduction Counselor at the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, Senator Cyr has dedicated his work to helping people lead healthy lives. In the State Senate, Cyr successfully proposed an amendment to landmark health care reform legislation to ask that the state study the cost of a single payer system versus the current system. He also worked to ensure the passage of a bill to establish paid family medical leave.

About NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts

NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts mobilizes thousands of supporters across the state to stand up for reproductive rights, works to elect pro-choice candidates and pass pro-choice legislation, conducts research on reproductive health access, and leads initiatives aimed at improving reproductive health equity in the state.

About the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund

PPAF advocates for increased access to sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents, women, men, and families across Massachusetts.

For Immediate Release

LGBTQ LEADERS & ADVOCATES ENDORSE CYR

Bay State Stonewall Democrats, the Victory Fund, LPAC, and MassEquality

Support Reelection Campaign

TRURO—Today, State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) welcomed support from the Bay State Stonewall Democrats, Victory Fund, LPAC, and MassEquality in his campaign to continue representing the Cape & Islands District.

“I am proud to have the support of leaders that have worked for decades to further equity and to build political power of the LGBTQ community,” said Senator Cyr. “As we fight to defend the civil rights of our transgender friends and family members on the ballot this fall, I am grateful for the strength of our community. As your State Senator, I will continue to work to ensure fair and equal treatment for every Cape Codder and Islander.”

“In his first term, Senator Julian Cyr has proven himself to be a true leader and champion of issues important to the LGBTQ+ community.” Jeremy Comeau, Bay State Stonewall Democrats co-chair said. “As the only openly LGBTQ+ State Senator currently serving the Commonwealth, it is important to retain his voice in the upper chamber of our Legislature. He is committed to ensuring equality, protection, and freedom for all, and we are proud to endorse him in his campaign for re-election to State Senate.”

“Victory Fund is thrilled to endorse Julian Cyr in his 2018 re-election for the Massachusetts State Senate,” said Victory Fund President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker. “Julian’s commitment to smart public policy that addresses the real concerns of constituents makes him the best candidate for the State Senate. When he wins in November, Julian will continue to be a vital LGBTQ voice.”

“Julian Cyr has been an LPAC-endorsed candidate since he was first elected to the state senate in 2016. He has been a strong supporter of LPAC since 2014, while serving as chairman of the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth. LPAC wholeheartedly endorses Cyr for a second time so that his work in support of LGBTQ equality will continue in the state of Massachusetts.”

"Senator Cyr has been a champion of LGBTQ issues for many years, and we are proud to endorse him in his re-election campaign,” said Deborah Shields, MassEquality Executive Director. “His dedication to ensuring equality and fairness for all distinguishes him as a legislator."

Senator Cyr began his career as a public health advocate and harm-reduction counselor, and went on to serve in the Department of Public Health for both Governors Patrick and Baker. He was first elected to the State Senate in 2016. Julian also served on the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth, including a highly productive tenure as chair in 2013 and 2014.

About Bay State Stonewall Democrats

The Bay State Stonewall Democrats (BSSD) advocates within the Democratic Party on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

About Victory Fund

Victory Fund is working to build LGBTQ political power at all levels of government, but with a particular focus on state and local LGBTQ candidates who can fight anti-LGBTQ legislation and mitigate the effects of anti-equality efforts at the federal level.

About LPAC

LPAC builds the political power of LGBTQ women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. LPAC achieves its mission by increasing the political power and engagement of LGBTQ women and their allies.

About MassEquality

MassEquality is the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive without discrimination or oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

For Immediate Release

SOCIAL WORKERS ENDORSE CYR

National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Back Cyr’s Re-election Bid

TRURO—State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) today welcomed endorsement from the the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts (NASW-MA), the statewide organization representing social workers.

“From stemming the opioid epidemic to serving the chronically homeless and mentally ill, social workers are on the front lines of some of the biggest challenges we face on the Cape & Islands,” said Senator Cyr. “I am proud to stand with social workers and I am honored to receive their public support.”

“Senator Cyr has proven himself to be an ally to social workers with his unwavering commitment to our priorities,” said Rebekah Gewirtz, NASW-MA Executive Director. “Senator Cyr advocated for the LGBTQ conversion therapy ban, to lift the family welfare cap on kids, and pushed back against sub-minimum wage when working on the Fight for $15. We can count on him to make our priorities his priorities in the State House, and deserves re-election to the State Senate.”

“NASW-MA PACE is proud to stand behind candidates whose backgrounds are deeply rooted in social justice issues like Julian’s,” added Gewirtz speaking to Senator Cyr’s long track record of advocating for the disenfranchised.

“At the Department of Public Health, Julian served as deputy director for government affairs and then later as director of policy and regulatory affairs for environmental health, said Gewirtz. “In working with vulnerable populations, Julian served on the Massachusetts Commission of LGBTQ Youth  and previously held a position on the board of directors of Health Imperatives, a nonprofit health and human services agency serving Southeastern Massachusetts. Prior to this, Julian worked at the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. We endorse candidates with a proven commitment to promoting social and economic justice, and Julian has done just that.”

About NASW-MA

NASW is committed to advancing professional social work practice and the profession and to promoting human rights, social and economic justice, and unimpeded access to services for everyone.

NASW-MA’s political action arm endorses candidates with a proven commitment to promoting social and economic justice as well as providing unimpeded access to services for all citizens. Social workers advocate for policy priorities and legislation that strengthen the social work profession and the social safety net for vulnerable populations on the local and state level.