Renee LaMark Muir is a tough, strong woman running for state representative in the 36th Assembly District. As a former homicide detective, Renee saw first-hand the heartbreak wrought by illegal guns and ghost guns. She had the agonizing task of telling parents their son had been killed in a gang gunfight. But as an officer, she also fully understands that our police and first responders need support, resources, and training to better protect our communities.

Subjected to gender discrimination herself, Renee deeply understands that women need pay equity and ample opportunity to flourish. Every woman needs to control when and how to start a family. Every woman has a right to make choices about her own life and to be financially secure.

Our towns need affordable housing to enable young families to move here, enjoy, and contribute to our community. And the elderly should be able to remain where they have lived and raised their children. As Renee has noted, it is easier to start a business here than it is to move here! She is committed to finding solutions for affordable housing.

But none of this matters if we don’t control and remedy the consequences of climate change: record heat, ravaging floods, and polluted waterways. Renee loves the beach and feels so lucky that our communities are so close to the water. Keeping our lakes and shores pollution-free is a top priority for her.

Renee LaMark Muir is committed to improving the lives of the residents of the 36th District. She champions reducing gun violence, protecting women’s reproductive rights and financial security, building affordable housing, and addressing the climate crises. We need her in the legislature.

Please join me in voting in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. Please vote for Renee LaMark Muir. Thank you.

Laura Copland

Essex