Paul Mark was eight years old when he was first inspired by the world of politics when then-presidential candidate Michael Dukakis shook his hand. Then, it all got incredibly personal when his late father lost his job, which led to some tough years ahead without many things we'd all consider as basic needs. While he volunteered for political campaigns in his teens, it was his work and the union moved that "changed his life" and paved the way for his years of leadership in the Massachusetts Legislature. I've known Paul for a dozen years or so, and in this interview, I heard many stories I hadn't heard before about his journey to his current run for state senate. Now the Democratic nominee for the state senate district encompassing Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, we cover a great deal of ground in this interview, including: the economic impacts of cancelling student debt, not falling into a rut politically on Beacon Hill, the fight for better wages for working families, the financial barriers for those running for federal office, Citizens United, affordable housing, enrollment challenges at Mass. College of Liberal Arts, the growth of population through immigration to the Berkshires, the Fair Share Amendment (Question 1), and more.

I hope you'll enjoy my conversations with Paul Mark.