Caroline Colarusso Is Running For Congress 2020 In Massachusetts

This Patch article is sponsored by Caroline Colarusso for Congress.

Caroline Colarusso is running for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District. Learn more about Colarusso's campaign, career and priorities in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: What attracted you to politics, and how did you get started?

Colarusso: I thought I could make a positive difference by serving my community. I started out as a volunteer teaching toddlers how to ice skate and then, when my boys began to play ice hockey, I became a youth hockey coach. This experience was enriching and ignited a desire to serve my community in a greater capacity. Like many who care for elderly parents, I was watching my mom beginning to decline as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. So I set out to make significant career changes that would allow me the time to care for Mom and still maintain a professional life.

After spending years leading dedicated teams and managing large operations for the U.S. Postal Service, I sought to apply that same skill set to helping my community. It was not long before I decided to join the Finance and Advisory Board, where I took the time to learn the intricacies of how town government actually operates. I learned that the same problems that existed in the USPS existed in municipal government — both lacked much-needed oversight. I believed I had the experience to tackle such problems.

After spending five years on the Finance and Advisory Board working at increasing accountability, I ran for and was elected to the Stoneham Select Board in 2015. I am now serving the final months of my second term nearly six years later, having gained valuable experiences serving as an elected official.

Patch: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your campaign.

Colarusso: I am running on a campaign message that we are a nation of free individuals, equal under the law, and that we expect an impartial government. I am also the only candidate that passionately believes in school choice as a big step towards ensuring racial equality.

Patch: How long have you lived in Massachusetts?

Colarusso: All my life.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your career.

Colarusso: For over 25 years, I was privileged to work at the U.S. Postal Service for much of that time I led dedicated teams in some of the largest operations in Greater Boston. I was a “fix it” role specialist, taking badly broken operations and turning them around. I have managerial and operational experience in governmental settings. I know the obstacles that hinder change, and I know how to overcome such obstacles. We need someone in Congress with this skill set to lead on badly needed, real government reforms, including the Postal Service, rather than engaging in mere political posturing.

Patch: What are some ways you give back to the community?

Colarusso: Watching my mom suffer from Alzheimer's Disease has been very difficult. She lost her battle with the disease just a few months ago. It's critically important for people and families to detect the early warning signs of this terrible disease. To raise awareness I have hosted free community forums on “recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease,” hosted by medical and industry experts. I realize that many other people are dealing with aging parents and the challenges that coincide with that. Early detection can help improve patient outcomes, plan for long term care and help family members cope.

Patch: If you were to be elected, what would some of your top priorities/policies/changes be?

Colarusso:

• Ensuring economic relief to promptly recover from COVID-19.
• Keeping health care affordable for all
• Fighting for School Choice and ending racial inequities. (A robust education is the key to mobility for every child in our society.)
• Supporting law enforcement and improving race relations
• Combatting human trafficking
• Finally fixing the USPS

Patch: What distinguishes you from other candidates?

Colarusso: I am a critical thinker. I have over 25 years of high-level operational management experience. I am a reformer. I take a pragmatic, common-sense approach to solving problems — not a political approach. I think independently. I won’t vote in lockstep with anyone. Representing you in Congress is not a political steppingstone to me.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced during this election?

Colarusso: As Republicans in Massachusetts, we receive little or no media coverage and are scarcely visible to voters. This hinders discussion of our ideas and vision from ever reaching their ears. It’s like being on the bench for the entire game, never getting a chance at bat. It’s unfair. Media coverage should be fair to both candidates. Voters should decide how to vote based on much more information; the media plays a role in that process.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part about running in this election?

Colarusso: Meeting the people throughout the district, listening to their concerns and the possibility of being an agent of positive change that helps others is very exciting.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your campaign?

Colarusso: Please visit our website and click on the contact tab. Please watch my one-minute video. It conveys who I am and why I am running. Our campaign can also be reached by phone at 781-438-5720.