Shawn Oliver Outlines Working-Class Platform in Bid for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor

“The first billion dollars that we find is going to be allocated for cities and towns.”

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Submitted

WORCESTER, MA-New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver discusses his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. He outlined his personal background as a first-generation American, correction officer, and family man, which he stated informed his working-class perspective. “I’m running for lieutenant governor for the chance to bring a working-class perspective so that young people, working families and seniors can afford to live here and not be handcuffed by the decisions of career politicians.” said Oliver.

He got into politic just a few years ago, “I also didn’t see myself or my family represented. So instead of sitting on the sidelines while others were making decisions for me and my family and my friends, I decided to run for office…” Oliver explained his reasons for running at the state level, focusing on what he described as the underfunding of municipalities by the state government on Beacon Hill. He says that Massachusetts municipalities are “set up to fail” due to chronic underfunding and poor decision making on Beacon Hill.

He detailed his partnership with gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve, their shared plan to audit state government, “…the first billion dollars that we find is going to be allocated for cities and towns.” Oliver said while detailing the commitment he and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve have made to prioritize local aid with funds they expect to find by auditing state government.

One thing that sets Oliver apart is the issue of parole reform, “So on day one, talking with Brian, we’re looking to fire the parole board, appoint new people who are committed to public safety, accountability, to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.”