Flossie Porn

LPN / Heywood Hospital / Gardner, MA

Heywood Hospital LPN Flossie Porn never really got involved politically – until she was asked for her help at an Executive Board meeting in  December.  Expecting most of the discussion to be focused on the Governor’s race, Flossie was surprised at the focus on supporting newly endorsed Bob Rice (D), an Assistance City Solicitor and candidate for the House seat in the 2nd Worcester District.  “I read the Worcester Telegram and Gazette every day.  I remembered Bob from when he was a librarian and teacher and my youngest had a problem in school.  He really helped us.”  

Flossie’s first step was to find other members to help.  She recruited 1199er’s Dottie Brandt of Burbank Hospital and Joanne Augustino of Heywood Hospital and they signed on to the campaign in the middle of the holiday season.  They held signs, went door to door, and made hundreds of phone calls.  Her next step was to get her grandson involved, taking him out on weekends to leaflet local neighborhoods.  “Once I got my feet wet, I just figured you have to your whole body in,” said Flossie.  

Their hard work paid off on February 7, when Rice won the race for state representative.
 
As someone who’s been in nursing for over 35 years, Flossie hopes that Bob Rice will work hard to expand health care and make sure that families get the care they need.   

When asked if she’d caught the campaign bug, Flossie mentioned she shook Tom Reilly’s hand at the October convention.  She says she’s ready to work with other Executive Board members to endorse a strong candidate for Governor.