Kathleen Crogan-Camara for State Senate >> About Kathleen
I grew up in Stoughton with my three brothers. All of the cousins lived on the same street on Harrison's Pond, and my great grandmother lived nearby. My Godmother lived next door and I went to church with her.
I had all boy cousins, we have pictures of all of us sitting on the lawn when we were young, Kathleen the only girl face peeking out. People would say, "Oh, you're the only girl with all these boys..." At the time I didn't know what they were talking about, but as life went on, yeah, it became a really big deal. It took me a long time to find my voice.
We moved to Norton; we were the only Irish Catholics in the neighborhood, except for my friend who was Jewish, and another friend who was Italian. I believe diversity is a strength, and I plan to include ALL people when I become State Senator.
My father opened a florist shop -- Westwood Gardens on Rt 109. My father was a business owner; my mother was a stay-at-home mom who was very talented and smart. My father started his business from the ground up -- my brothers and I worked in the summers and some holidays waiting on customers, cleaning up, and answering phones. Entrepreneurship is in my blood!
I ran two beauty salons for 20 years, that I built from the ground up. You have to have a vision to be a business owner, and keep re-writing your vision. I taught some workshops at Wheaton College in Norton and the professors there were some of my best customers, and the students as well.
I married and had three children. After my former husband died of cancer, I married my husband Jess, and together we have four grown children, and we've resided together in Randolph for 14 years. I became an RN after my 16-year-old daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury in a traffic accident. She has lived ever since in a group home. Everyone said she recovered well because of me, so while keeping the salon, I became a CNA, then an LPN, then an RN -- not an easy mid-life career change! I worked very hard towards these goals and I will work very hard for anyone in my district who seek help in times of need.
I've encountered so many obstacles in getting good care for my daughter. State agencies and state programs were just not there for us. Our State Senator did not hear me and did not represent me. Gradually, I was forced by my circumstances to become more politically involved. This will be a main focus when I become State Senator: to advocate for those who are unheard and unrepresented.
I will work to make changes in the system so it works for ALL people.
Chage won't happen with a deeply entrenched career politician in office. The incumbent State Senator will change nothing. That means you are not assisted -- which is exactly the job a State Senator should be doing.
The incumbent State Senator has a poor record in Women's Reproductive Rights, LGBTQ+ right, and immigrant rights. He acts more like a Republican that a Democrat.
I have seen how weak our disability protection laws are, for example
-- I want to strengthen them.
I have seen how healthcare gaps affect real people in their daily lives
-- I want to close those gaps.
I have seen how disabled and vulnerable individuals are excluded
-- I want to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I love our Commonwealth, but I believe our healthcare system, including all our departments and agencies, need to be more person-centered and transparent.
-- I will directly work with my colleagues on that process.
I will work for my constituents so they feel their voices are heard. I have a history of leading by example -- and I will do that for you!
These issues around disability and healthcare and inclusion will be my focus, but my campaign is about leadership and what we value -- what YOU value. I want to shine a light on disparities that go unspoken -- that I know many people are struggling with -- that maybe many of YOU are struggling with. I want to bring these things forward and I'm not afraid to do the heavy lift.
We need leadership and a fresh perspective -- someone with a lifelong history of listening to people.
I need your help. I am working really, really hard to get the word out. Please talk to your friends, spread the word, volunteer and make a donation. Also, Campaigns cost money and the election is Sept 6th -- I need rescources to pay for mailers to get the word out. Donate!
Please join my campaign and please vote for me in the Democratic primary on September 6th. Thank you!
