Bridget for State Rep

Bridget Matthews-Kane for MA State Representative, 4th Hampden District

Bridget Matthews-Kane for MA State Representative

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<h2>Hometown values and hard work</h2><h3>Five years ago, Bridget ran for the Westfield City Council because she wanted to improve her hometown. She has served as the chair of the finance committee for the past three years and has been working hard to keep Westfield a great community to live, work, and play.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/8d8d278f-a251-432d-a2c3-3d33c95a424f/2087154c-7aab-481f-88a8-5e2c11b2e72e/2087154c-7aab-481f-88a8-5e2c11b2e72e.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4592%2C3064&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Born at Noble Hospital and raised in Westfield, Bridget graduated from Saint Mary's Elementary and Westfield High School. She is married to her high school sweetheart Tim, a middle school teacher and Marine Corps reservist. They moved back to Westfield and have raised their four children in Bridget's childhood home.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/8d8d278f-a251-432d-a2c3-3d33c95a424f/a4384374-57b8-4a3f-a093-8c4230883e3e/a4384374-57b8-4a3f-a093-8c4230883e3e.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4272%2C2848&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Southampton Memories: One of Bridget's favorite things as a child was her family's frequent visits to Southampton to see her relatives the Cressottis. With her cousin Deanna, she spent time camping out on the banks of Red Brook, attending softball games at Conant Fields, and hiking through the forests and fields of the community.

Bridget seeks to find tangible solutions to constituents' concerns. She has been hearing about these top issues from you.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Bridget's Priorities

Our children deserve to reach their full potential. I'll secure funding to expand early education/ pre-k, make higher education more affordable, and ensure vocational career pathways for high school students including access to apprenticeships.&nbsp;

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Education and Youth

Families deserve to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love without sacrificing their life savings. Unlike Kelly Pease, I’ll work to make it easier for long-term residents, first-time homebuyers, and seniors to find affordable places to live and stay.&nbsp;

Housing and Inflation

I’ll champion expanding property tax work-off programs to ensure seniors don’t lose their homes, invest in recreational activities, and stop cuts to in-home personal care assistants (PCAs). As a Military Family Advocate, ending veteran homelessness, funding transitional services, and prioritizing mental health support is personal to me.&nbsp;

Seniors and Veterans

I’ll find innovative solutions to reduce traffic including conducting traffic studies, expanding public transportation, and making neighborhoods walkable. To fix the roads, I’ll secure state and federal resources for pothole repair, sidewalk improvement, and bridge upgrades.

Traffic and Roads

I’ll introduce legislation focusing on apprenticeship, training, and workforce development programs to create pathways to good-paying local jobs. I know that cutting red tape, lowering start-up costs, and leveling the playing field for small businesses will boost our economy.&nbsp;

Good jobs and Businesses 

I will work to secure funding for treatment in Western Mass, advocate for prevention initiatives, and invest in harm reduction efforts. Strengthening our mental health services is critical – not only for those struggling with substance use disorder but for anyone in need of the full range of care. I will work to reduce stigma so individuals feel empowered to access the support they deserve.

Opioid Crisis and Mental Health

Bridget wants to be your State Representative to fight for Westfield and Southampton. Help her get there -- every dollar counts!

<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

Bridget's Background

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We’re grateful for your donations!

Campaigning is a team sport. Please sign up to join Bridget's Brigade. She wants to fight for our corner of the Commonwealth at the State House, and you can help her get there.

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Communication with constituents has been the cornerstone of Bridget's success on the City Council. To continue taking constituents' ideas and turning them into concrete policies, she needs to hear from you. Please reach out and let us know what you are thinking about.

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I'm a City Councilor, Military Family Advocate, and Educator. I've worked with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike to deliver real results for residents. As Chair of the Finance Committee, I know that families are struggling. As State Representative, I will address inflation, fairly fund our education system, and tackle the housing crisis. I humbly ask for your vote November 5th.

Keep up with Bridget's news, press, and media here.

Bridget in the News

In western Massachusetts, there are very few contested state legislative races on the ballot in November. And many of those lack serious competition.&nbsp;That's not the case in the 4th Hampden House District, where Republican incumbent Kelly Pease faces a stiff challenge from his Democratic rival, Bridget Matthews-Kane.The district includes almost all of Westfield, and the entire town of Southampton.

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GOP Rep. Pease faces Democrat Matthews-Kane in Mass. House race for much of Westfield, Southampton

With primary season concluding early this month, attention is now turning to the general election in Massachusetts. However, the commonwealth’s western end has few competitive general election contests. Some contests do not even feature candidates from both major parties. One exception is the&nbsp;<a href="https://wmasspi.com/2024/04/westfield-councilor-files-in-western-mass-swing-district-taking-on-incumbent-gop.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">4th&nbsp;Hampden House</a>&nbsp;district, where the Democratic challenger has quietly outraised the GOP incumbent.Democrat Bridget Matthews-Kane, the Westfield City Councilor for Ward 3, had entered the race with . . .

In 4th Hampden House Contest, the Challenger is Winning the Money Race…

"A few years ago, when Matthews-Kane noticed that Blue Star Families was hosting events in Boston and Newport, Rhode Island, she started advocating for the organization to bring its programs to the western part of the state. “I hope military-connected families come to this second Blue Star Families Welcome Week event at the Westfield Starbucks by the Pike. It’s a great way to meet similar families and build community" . . . Matthews-Kane said.

Blue Star plans 2nd annual welcome event in Westfield for military families

SOUTHAMPTON — A new Democratic candidate for state representative will challenge Republican Rep. Kelly Pease in this year’s election for a seat representing the 4th Hampden District on Beacon Hill. Currently serving in her third term as the Ward 3 City Councilor on the Westfield City Council, Bridget Matthews-Kane says she is ready to take her leadership to a higher level.

SOUTHAMPTON — A new Democratic candidate for state representative will challenge Republican Rep. Kelly Pease in this year’s election for a seat representing the 4th Hampden District on Beacon Hill. Currently serving in her third term as the Ward 3 City Councilor on the Westfield City Council, Bridget Matthews-Kane says she is ready to take her leadership to a higher level.

Matthews-Kane ready to take leadership to next level

WESTFIELD—While introducing Bridget Matthews-Kane Tuesday evening at the Shortstop Bar &amp; Grill, former Springfield Mayor, one-time Governor’s Councilor and retired judge Mary Hurley touted the candidate’s biography. She explained how the three-term city councilor and State House hopeful has deep family roots here and across Hampden County.

Matthews-Kane Launches Rep Bid Vowing to Bring Home the Policy…and the Bacon…

A city councilor in Westfield, Massachusetts is making a bid for Beacon Hill – running as a Democrat and challenging the incumbent Republican for the state’s 4th&nbsp;Hampden House seat.Bridget Matthews-Kane is in her third term on Westfield’s city council but has her eye on higher office.The Ward 3 councilor announced her bid in late April. With no other Democratic candidate declared yet, Matthews-Kane appears to be on course to challenge the incumbent, Republican Rep. Kelly Pease, running for a third term.“You know, I feel like I'm really not running against my opponent - I'm running for the position,” she said. “I want to run on it based on the strengths that I bring to the table. If you look at my record on the city council, you can see I'm a doer who accomplishes things. I listen to my constituents, I come up with ways to address their concerns and I am able to bring solutions to the table that pass council.”

"I'm really not running against my opponent - I'm running for the position,” she said. “I want to run on it based on the strengths that I bring to the table. If you look at my record on the city council, you can see I'm a doer who accomplishes things. I listen to my constituents, I come up with ways to address their concerns and I am able to bring solutions to the table that pass council.”

Westfield city councilor Matthews-Kane challenging state Rep. Pease in 4th Hampden district

WESTFIELD — City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane recently announced she will run for state representative in the district that includes Southampton and most of Westfield.She will run as a Democrat. The district is currently represented by state Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), who confirmed he will run for reelection.Matthews-Kane, who was elected in 2023 to her third term as Ward 3 councilor, said she started considering a bid for the state House after a constituent asked her to run.“I really think Westfield and Southampton need strong and effective leadership on Beacon Hill. We cannot count on eastern Mass. to fight the battles that Western Mass. needs to be fought,” she said.

WESTFIELD — City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane recently announced she will run for state representative in the district that includes Southampton and most of Westfield.She will run as a Democrat. The district is currently represented by state Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), who confirmed he will run for reelection.

Matthews-Kane announces plans to run against Rep. Pease

WESTFIELD — City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane announced this week that she is running as a Democrat for state representative in the district that includes Southampton and most of Westfield.Matthews-Kane, who was elected in 2023 to her third term as Ward 3 councilor, said she started considering a bid for the state House after a constituent asked her to run.

Westfield councilor launches Democratic bid to challenge Republican state rep.

Western Massachusetts has seen <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wmasspi.com/2024/02/analysis-why-the-berks-race-is-getting-hotter-while-2nd-hampshire-idles.html">two legislators retire</a> this cycle. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wmasspi.com/2024/03/with-mcknight-challenge-rep-williams-has-a-buddy-in-the-primary-too.html">Another two</a> have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wmasspi.com/2024/03/gomez-could-face-senate-primary-challenge-from-the-city-council.html">confirmed primary</a> challenges. All four seats are uber-Democratic. Indeed, few of the region’s incumbents face much risk in the general election. But now, one of the region’s true swing seats, anchored in Westfield, a swing community itself, will have a contest.&nbsp;City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane, a Democrat, will run . . .

Westfield Councilor Files in Western Mass Swing District Taking on Incumbent GOP

“I’m really pleased that a constituent of mine, Gilbert Rodriguez, thought of this idea. We had to wait for the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail to be completed,” said Ward 2 Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane. She said she had letters of support from the chief of police, the Westfield Puerto Rican Association, the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail and most importantly from his family.

Westfield City Council names rail trail bridge for fallen Police Officer Jose Torres

WESTFIELD — In a departure from its usual practice, the City Council voted on Oct. 19 in support of a resolution by Ward 3 Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane condemning the Nationalist Social Club, the group responsible for distributing antisemitic hate leaflets on Western Avenue near Westfield State University.“It’s better not to be silent about this, but to say exactly where we stand. We need to be crystal clear that we oppose this,” Matthews-Kane said.

Westfield councilors condemn neo-Nazis who spread antisemitic leaflets in city

WESTFIELD — Ward 3 City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane was thrilled at the turnout of military family members and veterans for Blue Star Families celebration of Military Welcome Week at Starbucks on Southampton Road in Westfield on Wednesday morning.Matthews-Kane, whose husband is a drilling reservist with the Marines, reached out to Blue Star Families New England Chapter Executive Director Jeffrey Chin six months ago about bringing the organization and their programs to Western Massachusetts a

Blue Star Families meets in Westfield to welcome military spouses, children

According to Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe the conversation started in Ward 3 with Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane simply asking about speeds in the CORE District and surrounding streets, specifically Grand Street, where the speed limit is 30 mph.“A couple of years ago, Gov. [Charlie] Baker essentially removed the state’s formula on speed under Chapter 90-17 and allowed the city or town governance systems to change speed limits according to the community’s best use.

Westfield considering 25 mph limits on 200 streets in residential, business areas

WESTFIELD — The state of Ward 3 was the topic of a meeting March 30 hosted by Ward 3 City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane.About 30 residents filled the Westfield Athenaeum’s Lang Auditorium to hear updates on construction, policing and more. Matthews-Kane spoke and fielded questions from the audience, along with Westfield Police Lt. Eric Hall and Officer John Blascak, Ward 3 Municipal Light Board Commissioner Dawn Renaudette and City Engineer Allison McMordie.

Traffic concerns, new school questions on Westfield Ward 3 residents’ minds

WESTFIELD — The City Council voted unanimously last week to extend the demolition delay for properties of historical significance, from 90 days to 180 days.The motion was initiated by Ward 3 Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane in 2022. During public participation at the start of the March 16 meeting, a dozen residents spoke and wrote letters in support of the extended delay time.

Westfield City Council OKs longer demolition delay for historical buildings

WESTFIELD — On weekends downtown, shoppers may have been fortunate enough to run across Westfield High School students busking for their band. The Busking Project, initiated by Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane, has taken off, and is bringing extra joy to the holiday shopping season.Matthews-Kane said she spoke to WHS Band Director Patrick Kennedy, who brought in senior Samantha Adamtsev to take charge of the project.

Westfield High School musicians take band to the streets in busking fundraiser

WESTFIELD — Allowing business signs that stick out from their buildings could bring back some of the classic feel to Westfield’s downtown, City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane said in proposing a zoning amendment this month.“You see them in other downtowns that are real destination downtowns,” Matthews-Kane said at the council’s Oct. 20 meeting.

Council considers law to allow protruding signs in downtown Westfield

WESTFIELD – City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane May 24 hosted her first ward 3 meeting since elected.Matthews-Kane said she was happy to bring people together in-person at Stanley Park. She said while the park is just outside her ward boundaries, she wanted to meet in an outdoor covered space.