In these times of division where it is easy to say something, write something, publish something, or do something publicly, I would ask all candidates to take a pledge:
To refrain from “hate,” and renounce all hate from others in all its forms: speech, text, email, social media and physical manifestations; hate being harmful acts toward a person or group based on actual or perceived group membership.
To embrace and work to embody love and respect to and for our city, and all its community members regardless of who they are, or where they are in their life journey.
To drive positive change that puts justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for all, at the center of the mission of our great city.
We can be the city we want to be; we can be the “good” for all.
Keith Boucher is founder of MakeIT Haverhill.