Ten random Canton citizens on Susan Harrington's landslide Select Board win
Free Karen Read movement wins seat over 30 plus year incumbent
Susan Harrington’s election to the Canton Select Board on April 8, 2025, over a 30-year incumbent was influenced by local sentiment around the Karen Read case, with the "Free Karen Read" movement amplifying Harrington’s campaign. The Karen Read case, a high-profile murder trial, has polarized Canton, with most residents questioning the local police and the Select Board’s handling of it. Harrington’s platform, emphasizing transparency and accountability, aligned with these concerns, resonating with supporters of the "Free Karen Read" movement who sought to remove the old guard, including the soon-to-be-retired Police Chief Helena Rafferty.
Quotes below are from ten random Canton citizens on their hopes and thoughts of what Susan Harrington on the Canton Select Board means for the future of the town.
“Susan Harrington winning meant that the town finally acknowledged our problem and voted for it when it counted. Many people are silently in the background supporting us. Susan will be a great select board member.” Kathy Gibbs McCormack
“I supported Susan Harrington for Canton Select Board because she is candid, honest, intelligent, and hard-working. Her winning by close to two-thirds of the vote shows just how many residents, whether newer to town or here for generations, have been craving different perspectives and a fresh start. I’m most excited to see (now) two strong women listen, make tough decisions, and be nimble when tackling curves in the road ahead.” Liza Colburn
“I proudly elected Susan Harrington for the Canton Select Board because she embodies the leadership qualities our town desperately needs.
After enduring extraordinary times marked by a lack of guidance, our community deserves a leader who not only listens but acts with integrity and purpose. Susan brings hope and compassion, coupled with a proven track record of effective leadership. Her commitment to the people of Canton is unwavering, and I trust in her ability to steer us toward a brighter, more unified future. Having Susan represent us means having a voice that truly reflects our concerns, dreams, and aspirations.” Rita Lombardi
“It’s time for Canton to move forward. Build back trust with our neighbors, friends, and leaders of our community. Now’s the time, the time is now.” Kevin Colby
“Susan Harrington is going to be a breath of fresh air. Canton needed some drastic changes, and change begins with the first step. We are already feeling Susan’s positive impact, with the retirement of Police Chief Rafferty. One step at a time will bring Canton back to having a real sense of community.” Martin Rich
“I supported Susan Harrington for Select Board, who won in a landslide victory of historic proportions, dethroned the King of Canton, because she is the leader and visionary desperately needed in “our town" now. With her win, the Select Board better reflects the diversity that exists in Canton. We are not the Canton of days gone by filled with old white men. Susan brings a new and refreshing perspective and high integrity to the most influential board in Canton. She is level-headed and speaks up assertively with conviction about what she believes is important to bring us into the future.” Elyse Wolrich Cohen
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have known Susan Harrington for the past 20 years as our vet. When she told me she was running, I was ecstatic and knew she was exactly what the town of Canton needed. Throughout those years, I witnessed a woman with strong ethics, great intelligence, and someone who had a very thoughtful approach to any problem we had. As for everyone I know in this town, from people I’ve met through dog walking at the parks to my neighbors and friends, we are celebrating a great victory and feeling hopeful that positive change is finally starting to happen.” Kelli Pittenger
“Living in Canton has been tough over the last few years, with the town being divided. It’s crazy to think how a case can even make family members turn away from each other. Sue Harrington for the select board, she gives a vibe of hope for Canton, and we need a change. Hopeful that this will encourage the other select board members to do the right thing with upcoming votes.” Anonymous
“I voted for Sue. Canton needs to change. The good ole boys need to go. People don’t feel safe in this town.” Jack Carney
‘The people of Canton are standing up and making their voices heard through the power of their vote. Change is critical for the citizens who've been intimidated for years by the powers that be. Looking forward to a united town that turns Canton from a laughingstock to a respectable, thriving community and the place everyone wants to be.” Dennis Sweeney
Jennifer McCabe on the stand
Yesterday Alan Jackson started his cross-examination of Karen Read prosecution witness, Jennifer McCabe and it went about as expected.
Tomorrow, Friday morning at 9am ET Jackson will finish his cross of McCabe, The Young Jurks will be live streaming it without commentary here.
Check out yesterday’s Aidan Kearney court hearing.
The Young Jurks interview with criminal defense Attorney Mark Bederow
Excellent work, Mike! Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Another great article!