@Katiefor4th
Meet Katie
Kathleen Baxter, who is widely known around the district as “Katie” or “Katie B.” is running to be the State Representative for the 4th Plymouth District.
Thanks to numerous community conversations over the past several months, Katie is boldly running for a seat held by a 4th term incumbent in response to many voters’ desire to have a choice of candidates for the Democratic Primary Election on September 1st.
Having served as legislative aide for 4th Plymouth from 2019-2024 Katie knows first-hand the importance of being present to address municipal and people’s needs in good and difficult times. Katie is repeatedly recognized by residents and colleagues as knowing the job. Ready on day one to represent priorities and unique needs effectively, Katie has the capacity and lived experience to stay focused on results-oriented solutions for the people of Marshfield, Norwell and Scituate.
She believes wholeheartedly that this is no time for representation to waver or to be unclear. Now is the critical period for our community to trust that its State Representative not only knows but demonstrates that each conversation matters, and is attentive to all of the legwork that goes into building a common sense infrastructure for forging an equitable, thriving, humane future for people of all ages.
Katie is not a career politician. She is a public servant trained and experienced as an educator, librarian and regional administrator. Over the years in various positions she has prioritized effective constituent services, fought for and secured funding, developed balanced budgets, researched and crafted policy, created grant and program initiatives, advocated for local non-profit organizations, and developed models of leadership training and mentoring for students grades 7 through college and for new professionals. She brings a reliable, tenacious, synergistic approach to getting things done today with an eye for establishing a strong future for community.
Why I'm Running For Office
I had the distinct pleasure of serving the 4th Plymouth District as the incumbent’s Legislative Aide from 2019 until 2024. He was interested in bringing someone else on board as his aide, and I was ready to turn my attention back to public service in a municipal setting.
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However, as real threats to democracy unfolded on so many levels and discussions bubbled up regarding the book How Democracy Dies, I found myself reflecting on past emails from so many constituents to our legislative office: what are you doing to protect democracy? I considered my lived-experience as a librarian and educator, a regional youth services administrator and a community volunteer. I thought about how much I loved helping constituents navigate services and getting results from Unemployment, SNAP, Neighborworks Housing Solutions, federal and other state agencies as well as our robust network of local non-profits. I reflected on my effectiveness in researching and preparing legislation, issue summaries, and budget requests on housing, environment, public safety, healthcare, and education. I recalled results from vocalizing constituent concerns during committee and district meetings, and in assisting non-profits with their advocacy strategies and many others services.
My high school motto is Serviam – I will serve. That motto has guided many decisions in my decades-long lifetime. At this juncture when each of us can be digging deep to figure out our place in this democracy of the United States of America, I have chosen to step up from behind the library service desks, the classroom podium, and the behind-the-scenes role of a legislative aide to give my all as a dynamic, synergistic solutions-based legislator who wants to do the work everyday for the people to thrive in a community that is sustainable.
I am running to be a solutions-focused legislator who shows up every day, does the work, and helps people thrive in a sustainable community. It is time to make democracy, not personal ambition, the purpose of our Legislative Branch.
I ask you to think anew with me. I am not running against anyone. I am running for the district.