Nurses Back Gobi in Senate Race

SPENCER- The Massachusetts Nurses Association announced their endorsement of Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) in her re-election campaign against challenger Steve Hall (R-Sturbridge) for State Senator in the Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District. The MNA was founded in 1903, and is the most powerful and effective voice on nursing and healthcare in the Commonwealth, representing more than 23,000 members of registered nurses and health professionals across the state.

In their endorsement the MNA cited Gobi’s support of nurses, healthcare professionals and their patients, stating, “These past several months have been unprecedented and we have asked a lot of those on the front lines. We need elected officials who will work to provide you with a safe work environment, protect essential health services in your community and stand up for collective bargaining rights. That is why the Massachusetts Nurses Association has endorsed and encourages you to vote Anne Gobi for State Senate.”

Gobi had this to say on the group’s backing, “Thank you to the Massachusetts Nurses Association for your fortitude and leadership the past several months. Our health care professionals stood strong during the worst of this pandemic, and I am proud to support them to my full extent in the legislature.”

Senator Gobi has represented the 28-town district for the last six years in the senate, and currently acts as Senate Chair on the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. She is vice chair of the Joint Committee on Public Service, and a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

For more information on the MNA, please visit www.massnurses.org/

Police Chiefs Back Gobi in Senate Race

SPENCER- The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association announced their endorsement today of Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) in her race for State Senate against challenger Steve Hall (R-Sturbridge) in the Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex district. The Police Chief group represents chiefs in 351 cities and towns, and 40 colleges and universities, and cited her steadfast support and position as it related to the law enforcement community.

Gobi had this to say on receiving the endorsement, “It is an honor to be supported by this group who do so much to protect the cities and towns in our state. I am proud to work and advocate on your behalf in the legislature, and I promise to continue our collaborative approach to finding solutions for the issues that affect our justice system and those we count on to keep our communities safe.”

Senator Gobi has represented the 28-town district for the last six years in the senate, and currently acts as Senate Chair on the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. She is vice chair of the Joint Committee on Public Service, and a member of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

For more information, please email AMGobi@Yahoo.com.

2020 Katherine Erskine Award Recipients Honored Virtually

WORCESTER- Senator Anne M Gobi (D-Spencer) and Representative Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden) joined the YWCA Central Massachusetts, the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world, yesterday for their 26th annual Tribute to Women Celebration honoring the 2020 class of Katherine F. Erskine Award Recipients who have reached exemplary levels of achievement in their professions.

The two were proud to present Cindy Purcell, of Rutland, with state citations for her nomination and work in the Community, Social Service & Government field. Cindy is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, where she helps to provide vocational counseling to individuals with disabilities. She has more than 30 years of experience in Vocation Rehabilitation and Independent Living, and is a strong voice in the community regarding issues involving the rights of the disabled.

Gobi had this to say on Ms. Purcell receiving the recognition, “I am thrilled that Cindy received this prestigious award. She has been an inspiration to me and so many others. Her knowledge and work to make sure people of all abilities have what they need to live independently has been literally lifesaving.”

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the recipients of the YWCA of Central MA Tribute to Women 2020 Katherine F. Erskine Awards, and recognize their incredible leadership and contributions to our communities,” said Ferguson. “I would also like to extend my thanks and special recognition to Cindy Purcell, of Rutland. I have known and admired Cindy for many years, and cannot think of a more deserving recipient - someone who has contributed so much of her time and talent - and touched so many lives through her hard work and advocacy.”

When asked about the award, Ms. Purcell commented, “I truly believe in the mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace and justice. I am dedicated to helping people achieve their goals by promoting equal opportunity for all, and by providing kindness and understanding to help individuals to believe in themselves. I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Katherine F. Erskine Award.”

The YWCA is entering its 135th year of service to the community. This year’s celebration showcased the progress the agency has made toward eliminating racism and empowering women, and renewed its commitment to the city to be a leader in racial and gender equity.

For more information on the award and organization, please visit ywcacm.org/tribute/