Why vote for Margie Palladino for Governor’s Council
I recently attended to Waltham Democratic Town Committee candidate forum on Sunday, July 26th. Incumbent Mara Dolan spoke defending her vote in favor of a judge who believes in reunification therapy in problematic divorce cases, including domestic violence.
As a nominee, the now-judge, said in her confirmation hearing (March 18, 2026) that she asked women to change their 209A protective orders—that keep their ex safely away from them— so they could be in the same room to work out their problems. That’s dangerous.
I hope you read this and think it sounds ludicrous!! Mara Dolan called domestic violence survivors “ludicrous” at the forum because we objected to the nominee and asked Dolan to vote no. She ignored us. Now this judge is on the bench until forced retirement at age 70.
Please vote for Margie Palladino for Governor’s Council district 3. She will listen to you because your voice matters.
Mary Olberding
Hampshire Register of Deeds
Belchertown
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I stand with Mary Olberding. As a domestic violence survivor and advocate, I personally reached out to Mara Dolan to voice my concerns about this nomination. Survivors spoke up. We asked to be heard. Our warnings were ignored.
No survivor should ever be told to change how they communicate with their abuser or be placed in a position that compromises their safety. The voices of survivors deserve respect—not dismissal.
This is why I support Margie Palladino for Governor’s Council. We need leaders who listen, who understand the realities of domestic violence, and who will stand with survivors when it matters most.