For the People, Against the Tide: A Democratic Woman's Ten Years in the Massachusetts Legislature

"As a persistent legislator and a careful listener, Kathy Teahan brought her faith in our civic values and in people to our state, influencing jaundiced veteran politicians and wide-eyed newcomers alike, and giving voice to the voiceless. Her memoir reminds us of the power of her optimism."

"What do state legislators do? In fact, if they are public servants like Kathy Teahan, they do a lot-- seven days a week. Yes, they legislate, but they never stop working in their districts in countless ways. This book and Kathy Teahan tell you how and why they do this as the critical links between citizens and their governments at every level. And she does it in a way that helps us understand just how important they are in bringing state and local governments directly to the people they serve."

“This memoir shows that despite the obstacles of big money and don’t-rock-the-boat politics, it is possible to be a successful woman legislator. Rep. Kathy Teahan never gave up or gave in to the naysayers. Her determination and hard work brought many benefits to her constituents and to all Massachusetts citizens. This book is a mustread for all women who are contemplating a run for office.  Carol A. Donovan        State Representative-Woburn, 1991-2005 

“Kathy Teahan has written a superb personal, insider look at her years as a Massachusetts state representative. Teahan’s insights into the challenges faced by a female legislator and her accomplishments in advocating for change make her memoir a must-read for those seeking a better understanding of the legislative process and the  

politics of the Massachusetts State House.” 

          Dr. Michael Kryzanek 

          Professor Emeritus, Political Science 

          Bridgewater State University 

“Rep. Kathleen Teahan’s For the People, Against the Tide is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand what is broken in government, and what kinds of change are needed to make it work “for the people.” I had the honor of serving with Rep Teahan in the Massachusetts House, where I quickly came to admire her pure devotion to public service. Her memoir is partly a guide to the arduous process of running for office, partly a revelation of the cynicism and dysfunctionality that undermine the institutions charged with promoting the common good – in this case, the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Since its systemic flaws are not unique to it, this book has a universal application. Rep. Teahan shows us how power structures and customs can undermine democracy, and obstruct even elected leaders from doing the work that voters elect them to do. It’s the kind  of book we urgently need at this point in the history of our nation.”  Denise Provost        State Representative-Somerville, 2006-2021 

“Kathy Teahan’s reflections on her ten years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives is a detailed recounting of her role in some of the momentous developments of our time: marriage equality, the rejection of the death penalty, and campaign finance reform. It is an intimate telling of the travails and joys of public life and of the struggles of a courageous, principled woman in the halls of power. And it is a call for us—electeds and citizens alike—to do better. Too many of us don’t vote. Not enough of us run for office. Members of the House surrender too much of their authority and power to the Speaker. Money plays a corrupting role in the public square, shaping who runs, who wins, and what they do once in office. Ms. Teahan doesn’t just list problems. She poses solutions. In this telling, as in her decade in office, Ms. Teahan makes clear that she has lived up to  

her formal title, the Honorable Kathleen Teahan.” 

    Jay R. Kaufman 

    State Representative-Lexington, 1995-2019 

    Beacon Leadership Collaborative, Founding President 

“An honest and forthright journey for Kathy Teahan  from  motherhood and being a teacher with high humanistic standards and values,  to entering the complex and competing agendas of the  political worlds of money, power, bureaucracies and  the state legislature. It’s complicated and often discouraging, many people suffer unnecessarily,  but persistence and high standards can make a difference… Kathy Teahan,  a voice for the voiceless,  kept her standards and made a difference…a must read.”  

 Myron Allukian, Jr.,DDs,MPH    Former Dental Director, City of Boston 

    Past President, American Public Health Association 

“In 1997, I met with Kathy Teahan, seeking her legislative help to acquire abandoned rail beds in her district that would complete  the Bay Circuit Trail stretching  from Plum Island to Kingston Bay. Right away, Kathy saw the benefits for her constituents and worked to bring positive trail legislation to fruition. In 2021, she is still helping us! Kathy’s  memoir points the way forward for participation in politics and government for visionaries who see the importance of nature to  

the well-being of people of all races and economic backgrounds.” 

          Alan French 

       Founder, supporter, and guiding light for the Bay Circuit Trail 

“Small class sizes for pre-school–grade three facilitates early identification of learning and social issues in children. When remediation occurs early, the costs are lower and success rate is higher. In her legislative role, Kathy Teahan supported and advocated for these preventative goals in education and healthcare. We need more leaders who  

champion children. We need more Kathy Teahans in our government.” 

       Christine Maiorano 

       Owner & director of Pied Piper Preschool,      

          Duxbury (40 years);  

    Former early education adjunct faculty member, Quincy College and Fisher College