I am running for this office because I am confident I can provide the best representation for the 2nd Essex district, based upon my experience, expertise, and ability to work effectively to solve complex problems. I am the only Democrat in this race, and I believe the District will benefit from continuing to have a representative who is a member of the majority party in the State House. However, 60 percent of the voters in the District are registered as unenrolled, and these citizens are looking for answers, not ideology. The title of this position — “representative” — says it all, and my goal is to represent the broad perspectives of voters in the District.
During my 30-year career in law, I have worked in and out of government, drafting laws and regulations and managing the implementation of government programs. My private practice has involved direct work with federal, state and local agencies and boards. I know what it takes to create, run and improve effective government programs, as well as how to reduce or eliminate ineffective programs.
A successful state representative needs to be able to carry out four primary roles.
First, the representative must be able to understand how to draft legislation, conduct investigations and hearings, and work within the legislative framework to advance new laws and amend existing laws. I have done that work in my career, and I bring special expertise to that role.
Second, the representative must understand how government agencies work within the parameters of state laws, both by adopting regulations and using state funds. Again, I have extensive experience in the work of state agencies and I can effectively translate that expertise into my oversight of executive agency programs and budgets.
Third, the representative must be able to work cooperatively with the elected local officials in the seven communities in the District to advance the common goals of these communities. On education, transportation, housing, the environment, public safety and a host of other issues, I will be a pragmatic and energetic agent for the collaboration and integration of effort among the selectmen in the six towns and the mayor and councilors in the City of Haverhill.
Fourth, the representative must be available and accessible to citizens in the district, in order to hear their concerns, advocate for them, and share in their efforts on a wide variety of local activities. I know that citizens of all ages and backgrounds in the District will find me to be a good listener who is willing to talk through issues that matter to them and work with them to find practical ideas for improving the quality of life in our communities.
