PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield School Committee Chair Katherine Yon and Ward 5 City Councilor Patrick T. Kavey today announced their endorsements of Senator Ed Markey for re-election.

“City Councilor Patrick Kavey and School Committee Chair Katherine Yon are dedicated public servants working to make a difference for Pittsfield. Their goals of improving the city’s rail connections, broadband infrastructure, and educational opportunities will make a true difference in their constituents’ lives, and I look forward to the opportunities we will have to work together. I am honored to have their endorsement and to share this fight with them,” Senator Markey said.

“Senator Ed Markey has been in Washington for many years fighting for the issues that matter. Whether it is the Green New Deal or health care for all, Senator Markey knows what’s important for a better world,” said Katherine Yon. “He has long been an advocate for equity in computer access for students, and he joined in the effort to develop better broadband service in western Massachusetts. He is currently fighting for relief from the devastation caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. He secured funding for Community Development Block grants in Pittsfield. Now, more than ever, we need people in Washington who are willing to fight for all of us. I’m proud to endorse Ed Markey for re-election to the United States Senate.”

Yon has served on the school committee for a decade and was elected its chair in 2014. She spent her career teaching English in the Pittsfield public schools.

Yon’s endorsement comes as the latest in a string from public school policymakers across the state. Senator Markey has a proven record on ensuring resources for our students and schools. In 1996, he introduced the groundbreaking Telecommunications Act and created the “E-rate” program, bringing broadband to schools and libraries across the country, and in the 20 years since, he has continued to expand it, making sure that every student in our public schools has access to adequate internet service. Now, as the coronavirus has forced a shift in public education from the classroom to the kitchen table, Senator Markey has fought to ensure that E-Rate is expanding to provide all students internet access at home, something that will remain relevant and necessary to their success even after coronavirus concerns fade.

“For his continued support of equal rights for all, his continued tenacity combating climate change and his continued leadership on issues affecting my constituents like the opioid epidemic and west-east rail, I am proud to endorse Ed Markey for Senate,” said City Councilor Patrick Kavey.

Kavey is in his first term as one of the youngest city councilors Pittsfield has ever seen, at only 27. After a career in management, he comes to the role with a focus on increasing funding for public education and technical training. Kavey strives to improve Pittsfield’s infrastructure in its railways, internet, roads, and bridges.

Just last week, Senator Markey introduced the “BRAIN TRAIN” Act to expand passenger rail across Western Massachusetts, to cities like Pittsfield, and the region.

Senator Markey has served in the United States Senate since winning the special election in 2013 and has amassed a deep record on environmental, climate, gun safety, and consumer protection issues. He co-authored the Green New Deal, and his leadership has led to legislation to address the humanitarian crisis on the southern border, protect LGBTQ+ rights, work toward racial justice, and ensure that Donald Trump cannot launch a nuclear first strike without Congressional approval. Raised in Malden, Ed Markey has always stood up for the priorities of Massachusetts.

###