Ten questions for the candidates: Hannah Bowen
Bowen is facing Todd Rotondo in the Democratic primary election for state representative on Tuesday, April 15
The Democratic primary for state representative in the 6th Essex District, which includes Beverly and part of Wenham, will be held on Tuesday, April 15. The winner between Hannah Bowen and Todd Rotondo will face Republican Medley Long on May 13.
The special elections are being held to replace Jerry Parisella, who resigned as state represenative in January after he was sworn in as a judge.
We asked Bowen and Rotondo the same 10 questions in the hopes of giving readers a better understanding of the two candidates heading into Tuesday’s election.
Name: Hannah Bowen
Age: 43
Address: 315 Rantoul St. #204
Occupation: Executive Director, The Resolution Center
Family: I'm a daughter, sister, aunt, and have a partner who's a father of 2
Political Experience: City Councilor at Large (elected Nov. 2021, re-elected Nov. 2023), Beverly Democratic City Committee (Member 2018-present, Vice Chair 2020-2021)
Why are you running?
I’m running because I have the skills and experience to be the effective full-time State Representative we need: helping everyone in Beverly/Wenham navigate State agencies and programs, representing us in tough negotiations over the laws and budgets that impact our daily lives, and sharing what's happening in state government and what it means for us.
What’s the single biggest concern you are hearing from Beverly residents? And what are you going to do to help fix it?
Beverly residents want to see more value from our shared investments, and I'll work hard to not only improve outcomes but improve transparency into how the decisions are being made. This includes infrastructure (roads, bridges!, sidewalks, public buildings) and maintaining quality services (health care, especially mental health, education, etc.).
Why are you qualified for this position?
I have a track record of transparency, deep policy skills and knowledge (gained at Yale, Harvard, as a mediator, and through 20+ years of direct experience from serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer to running a Beverly nonprofit), and even deeper love and respect for everyone in this district.
Do you support the State Legislature being audited? Why or why not?
Yes. I believe we always deserve full transparency from our elected officials and independent audits are an important piece of that. Though there are other ways to increase transparency and accountability of the Legislature (which I also support!), the voters have asked for an audit, and we should get one.
What’s a cause that’s personally important to you?
I want to make housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. Thanks to first-time homebuyer assistance and pure luck (plus decades of careful budgeting and planning) I was finally able to buy a small condo in Beverly last year. I know very personally the struggle to find a home where you grew up or where you work.
Who’s a person who had a big influence on your life and why?
I am thinking a lot these days about my college roommate - 25 years later she's still one of my dearest friends. We disagree on many things politically but never lose sight of what we have in common, and it's really shaped how I work with people who have different views.
What’s the first paying job you ever had?
In high school I made a little money answering the phones at St. John's Church in Swampscott (most common question: "What time is the 10 o'clock mass?") and I worked for 2 summers at the end of high school/beginning of college at the MA Department of Education.
What keeps you up at night?
I worry about the pressure on us all that sometimes makes us feel more isolated, divided, and powerless than we really are. But I find that being involved in my community and spending time on causes and with people I care about means I sleep pretty well at night.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that people might be surprised to know?
It may not be surprising as a New Englander but I do drink iced coffee year-round. Maybe more surprising - I've completed 2 marathons, including Boston in 2016!
What’s your favorite place in Beverly and why?
I love Dane Street Beach, especially seeing people from all walks of life enjoying nature and each other's company there. Whether it's a beautiful summer day searching for hermit crabs with the kids, or a snowy winter day enjoying a quiet moment alone, it's a place I always feel at home.