L’Italien Launches ‘Kitchen Table Conversations’ Tour

Sen. Barbara L'Italien met with voters in Methuen as part of her "Kitchen Table Conversations" tour. (Courtesy photograph)

Sen. Barbara L’Italien met with voters in Methuen as part of her “Kitchen Table Conversations” tour. (Courtesy photograph)

In her bid for Congress, Sen. Barbara L’Italien isn’t afraid to ask—or answer—the tough questions. Over the weekend, the Beacon Hill lawmaker met with locals in Methuen to discuss the city’s public school budget and the opioid epidemic in the first of several stops on her “Kitchen Table Conversations” tour.

Bringing lemonade and cookies to constituents, L’Italien was eager to engage with voters in the district she hopes to represent should she be elected to succeed Niki Tsongas.

“The kitchen table is where the big family decisions are made. It’s where bills are paid and budgets are balanced, where working families talk about how to find good jobs, afford health care and plan for their children’s futures,” said L’Italien in a statement.

The tour stop in Methuen was attended by several residents, including teachers and students, and At-Large City Councilor Jessica Finnocchiaro, L’Italien’s office said.

Additional tour locations will be announced this week.

Said L’Italien: “I want people to know that no matter how big our challenges as a country, I will never lose focus of the kitchen table discussions that families have here daily.”

The senator is one of 10 candidates vying for democratic bragging rights in September’s congressional primary. Also on the ballot are Jeffrey Ballinger, Alexandra Chandler, Beej Das, Rufus Gifford, Leonard Golder, Dan Koh, Bopha Malone, state Rep. Juana Matias and Lori Trahan. The winner will face lone Republican candidate Rick Green.