The 2012 Voter Guide

EDITORS NOTE An overview conclud-
ing The Associated Press Why It Matters

series, which explores top issues confronting
the nation in this presidential campaign sea-
son and their impact on Americans.
WASHINGTON Election Day could
well determine how much you end up pay-
ing in taxes. It could move the bar for
fighting future wars. On energy, it could
shape the balance between drill-baby-
drill (and mine-baby-mine) and some big
pollution controls. If you care about
Obamacare, this may be your last,
best chance to save it or unravel it
with your vote.
Long after the fuss fades over
President Barack Obamas snoozy
debate opener and Mitt Romneys
weird flub or two, one of them will
be hard at work trying to make good
on his agenda. This will include
pressing any opportunity to reshape
the Supreme Court, which hovers over
all other issues.
The winners policies are almost cer-
tain to find you where you live, no matter
how far you are from Washington in your
mind or your place. The taxman cometh. So does the Social
Security check for retirees and the shakier-by-the-dec-
ade promise of those checks for everyone else.
Obamas mandate for almost everyone to have health in-
Time to choose
By Calvin Woodward
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PRES I DENT
OF T HE
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ELECTION 2012
telegram.com/election
Age: 62
Party affiliation: Green-Rainbow Party
Education: Graduated from Harvard College
in 1973 and from Harvard Medical School
in 1979
Political experience: Lexington town meeting
representative, founder and past co-
chairman of a local recycling committee
appointed by the Lexington Board of Selectmen
Issues: Provide grants and low-interest loans to green busi-
nesses and cooperatives; reduce the budget deficit by restor-
ing full employment, cutting the bloated military budget, and
cutting private health insurance waste; provide tuition-free
education from kindergarten through college, thus eliminating
the student debt crisis.
Personal: Married to Richard Rohrer, two sons: Ben and Noah
Running mate: Cheri Honkala
Jill Stein
Barack Hussein Obama Jr.
Incumbent
Age: 51
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: Attended Occidental
College, B.S. in political science
from Columbia University; law
degree from Harvard University.
Political experience: President of the
United States 2009 to present, U.S.
Senate 2005-2008, Illinois Senate
1997-2004.
Issues: Growth of economy and
creation of good middle-class jobs;
quality affordable health insurance
for all Americans by putting a stop
to insurance company abuses.
Cutting taxes for every working
American and keeping taxes low for
middle-class families.
Personal: Married to Michelle; two
daughters: Malia, 14, and Sasha, 11.
Running mate: Vice President Joseph
Biden
Turn to Shape/Next Page
surance along with all the coverage pro-
tections that flow from that constitutes
the largest reshaping of social policy in
generations, with the effects to be felt ever
more as the law takes firmer hold in the
next few years. If Romney wins and gets
enough like-minded people in Congress,
he would reset that and try something
else.
Though farther from home, the out-
sourcing of production overseas goes
to the heart of American communities
large and small as factory jobs vanish,
or in some cases come back. Seemingly
esoteric subjects like the value of Chi-
nas currency and the fine print of trade
deals affect what you pay for goods and
perhaps whether you or the neighbors
have work. Less obviously, the debt
crisis on a faraway continent affects
credit in the U.S. What happens in
Greece, Spain and beyond may put
your home loan out of reach if the
turmoil gets out of hand.
Romney and Obama have sharp dif-
ferences on these subjects and more,
though they dont always make them easy
to see. Much of the final leg of the campaign is about reaching
for the middle ground. So nothing too radical, please.
For Romney, that means suddenly talking about his interest
Shape of future hangs
on presidential vote
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Age: 59
Party affiliation: Libertarian
Education: B.S. from University of
Mexico
Political Experience: Governor of
New Mexico 1995-2003
Issues: Submit a balanced
budget to Congress in 2013,
revise the terms of entitlement programs such as Medi-
care, Medicaid, and Social Security, which threaten to
bankrupt the nations future; fewer government man-
dates and less regulation will allow innovation and
competition to make health care more affordable.
Personal: Widower, two children: Saeh and Erik; engaged
to be married
Running mate: Jim Gray
Gary Johnson
Willard Mitt Romney
Age: 65
Party affiliation: Republican
Education: B.A. in English from
Brigham Young University; earned
dual masters and law degrees
from Harvard Law and Harvard
Business School.
Political experience: Governor of
Massachusetts from 2003-2007
Issues: Rebuild American econo-
my: plans to reduce taxes, spend-
ing, regulation and government
programs; plans to repeal Affor-
dable Care Act; will pursue pow-
ers that give each state the
power to create its own health
care plan; wants to reduce and
stabilize federal spending; would
like to lower marginal tax rates
for all Americans.
Personal: Married to Ann Romney;
five sons: Taggart, Matt, Josh,
Ben and Craig; 18 grandchildren.
Running mate: Paul Ryan
From Previous Page
Turn to Candidates/Next Page
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Age: 49
Party affiliation: Green-Rainbow Party
Education: High school diploma
Political experience: None
Issues: Enact the Full Employment
Program, which will create 25 million
green jobs in sustainable energy, mass
transit, sustainable organic agriculture
and clean manufacturing; provide full
protection for workplace rights, including the right to a
safe workplace and the right to organize a union;
break up the oversized banks.
Personal: One son: Mark Webber
Running Mate: Jill Stein
Cheri Honkala
in seeing Pell Grants rise for low-income
college students, not about the major
changes in government programs that
would be required for him even to get
close to his deficit-cutting goals.
For Obama, it means preaching fiscal
discipline and an aggressive stance on
energy production, not focusing on the
tax increases for higher-end insurance
policies in his health care law or the
mercury pollution controls that could
shut dozens of coal-fired power plants
across the country. Although Obama
failed to persuade a Democratic Con-
gress to pass limits he promised on
carbon emissions and he shelved a
plan to toughen health standards
on lung-damaging smog, a second
term could give a second wind to
steps like these.
Both candidates talk about cutting un-
necessary regulation, but Romneys view of
whats unnecessary is far more expansive
than the Democrats. Thats part of a larger,
fundamental and familiar divide between the
two parties on the proper responsibilities of
government.
Voters, like candidates, cant predict what
economic calamity will come out of the blue. But its clear
both from records and rhetoric that Obama believes in the
power of government and the Treasury to stimulate growth,
From Page 3
Turn to Sharp /Next Page
Candidates governing
principles differ
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Incumbent
Age: 69
Education: Bachelors degree, history
and political science, University of
Delaware; law degree, Syracuse
University, 1968.
Political Experience: Vice president of
the United States 2009 to present;
U.S. Senate, 1973-2009; New Castle
County Council, 1970-72.
Issues: Supports Americas manu-
facturing and auto industries; wants
to protect retirement security for
Americas seniors; make sure mil-
lionaires and billionaires dont pay a
smaller share of their income in
taxes than middle-class families.
Personal: Married Neilia Hunter in
1966; three children: Beau, Hunter
and Naomi. His wife and daughter
Naomi died in a car crash in 1972.
Married Jill Jacobs in 1977; oine
daughter, Ashley; five grandchildren.
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Age: 67
Party affiliation: Libertarian
Education: University of California at Los Angeles, 1966,
and law degree from the University of Southern Cali-
fornia
Political experience: Has never held office
Issues: Repeal the failed and hopeless war on drugs by
restricting the role of the federal government to assist-
ing each state to enforce its chosen laws; establish
sunset laws that will require an affirmative vote in
Congress every seven years before any federal agencies or pro-
grams can be refunded; return our educational and health care
systems to the control of more local governments.
Personal: Married with four children: Bill, Jennifer, Morgan and Ky
Running mate: Gary Johnson
Jim Gray
add jobs and even save industries in ways
that Romney doesnt. On Nov. 6, voters
choose governing principles as much as a
list of positions.
That holds true on foreign policy, too. At
the moment, Romney comes across as more
aggressive against Iran and on the conflict in
Syria. On Afghanistan, he now supports the
presidents plan to end U.S. combat in 2014
and appears to have dropped his qualifica-
tion that a withdrawal will depend on con-
ditions on the ground at the time. Appar-
ently modest differences may come to
nothing after the campaign, or they could
prove substantive determining
whether the U.S. truly extricates itself
from one war and how willing it will
be to fight another.
The choice in the election doesnt
just matter on the issues the candi-
dates want to talk about. It can matter just as much on the
issues they avoid. This is where the Supreme Court comes in.
With four justices in their 70s, theres a strong chance the next
president will have a chance to fill at least one seat on a court
closely divided between conservatives and liberals. One new
face on the bench could mean a major change in civil liberties,
gay relationships, gun control, health care, the approach to
terrorism, perhaps access to abortion, and more, for years to
come.
All told, a lot of tipping points on Election Day. Thats democra-
cy for you.
Paul Davis Ryan
Age: 42
Education: B.A. in political science and
economics from Miami University of
Ohio
Political experience: U.S. representative
for Wisconsins 1st congressional
district 1999 to present, chairman of
the House Budget Committee.
Issues: Introduced the Path to Pros-
perity budget proposal to help
budget the mounting debt; wants to
reform both Medicare and Medicaid;
wants to make the Tax Code Fair
competitive and simple.
Personal: Married to Janna; three
children: Liza, Charles and Sam.
Running mate: Mitt Romney
From Previous Page
Sharp contrasts in
defining national policy
Incumbent
Age: 53
Address: 70 Hayden Woods, Wrentham
Occupation: U.S. senator
Education: Degree in history from Tufts University
and juris doctorate degree from Boston College
Law School
Political experience: Wrentham selectman
1995-1998, Massachusetts House of Repre-
sentatives 1999-2004, Massachusetts state
Senate 2004-2010, U.S. senator 2010 to present
Issues: Wants to create jobs to stimulate the
economy to get the country moving again; wants
to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it
with health care reforms that drive down costs
and make it easier for people to purchase affor-
dable insurance and strengthen the existing
private market system.
Personal: Married, two daughters
Scott P. Brown
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ELECTION 2012
WORCESTER Republican U.S. Sen. Scott P. Brown is being
challenged by Democrat Elizabeth Warren in what has become
the most expensive Senate race in state history and one of the
most watched around the country this year.
More than $53 million is being spent by the two candidates, in a
contest that has seen each candidate leading in polls in recent
months and has been expected to be a close contest.
Mr. Brown, 53, surged to national political prominence in 2010,
upsetting state Attorney General Martha Coakley with the help
of the tea party movement, to become the 41st Republican in the
Senate, which gave the GOP enough votes to block Democratic
bills by filibuster in 2010.
He served as a town tax assessor and selectman, state repre-
sentative and as a state senator, before running for federal office
for the first time in the special election in January 2010. He has
served part time in the National Guard for many years and this
year was promoted to the rank of colonel.
Ms. Warren, 63, is a law professor at Harvard University Law
School and is a well-known consumer advocate who has written
extensively on the economic status of the middle class. She
served as a financial adviser to the White House and President
Barack Obama after the 2008 financial crisis and proposed and
oversaw creation of the new Federal Consumer Protection
Bureau to combat abusive credit practices.
This time out Mr. Brown, who is serving out the remainder of
the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedys term, is seeking re-election to
a six-year term in the Senate and is sticking to many of the
High-profile,
high-stakes contest
By John J. Monahan
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
US S ENAT E
RACE
Turn to Brown/Next Page
Address: 24 Linnaean St., Cambridge
Age: 63
Occupation: Harvard Law School professor
Education: George Washington University, University of
Houston and juris doctorate degree from Rutgers Uni-
versity
Political experience: Appointed chair of oversight for
Trouble Asset Relief Program
Issues: We can put people back to work by repairing
roads and bridges, upgrading communications, and
making sure we have teachers in the classroom and
firefighters in the fire station; must level the playing
field for small businesses and middle class families;
invest more in our public colleges and universities; get
serious about strengthening grant programs and forgiv-
ing loans for those who serve their communities.
Personal: Married, a daughter and son
Elizabeth Warren
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campaign themes he used in the 2010 special election.
He still wants to repeal Obamas health care law and replace
it with provisions to lower costs, reduce taxes and government
regulations for business and describes himself as a moderate
pro-choice Republican. He has said he will only support exten-
sion of current tax cuts for the middle class if they are also
extended for those making more than $250,000 and has called
for spending cuts to reduce the deficit.
He saw a Democratic version of a bill he filed this year that
bans members of Congress from insider trading enacted into
law, along with a crowd funding bill he filed that allows
businesses to raise up to $1 million from investors without
extensive Securities and Exchange Commission regulation.
Ms. Warren favors tax cuts for the middle class and increas-
ing taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year as part of
what she calls a balanced approach to reducing the federal
deficit with spending cuts and more revenue. She has called
for an expedited withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan
and opposes any cuts in benefits to Medicare and Social Secu-
rity.
Mr. Brown has opposed several Democratic bills to create
jobs using funds from increased taxes on the wealthy and
closing of loopholes for business this year, and has signed a
pledge not to vote for any tax increases. Ms. Warren says she
supports job bills using federal funds for such things as in-
frastructure projects to put more people back to work.
Brown, Warren compete in
closely watched race
From Previous Page
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ELECTION 2012
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8
p.m. Tuesday for the election.
Area polling places are:
ASHBURNHAM
One precinct: J.R. Briggs Ele-
mentary School, 96 Williams Road.
ASHBY
One precinct: Ashby Elementary
School, 911 Main St.
ATHOL
Precinct 1: Congregational
Church, 1225 Chestnut St.
Precincts 2 and 3: Senior Cen-
ter, 82 Freedom St.
AUBURN
Precincts 1-5: Auburn High
School, Auburn Street.
BARRE
Precinct 1: Senior Center, 557
South Barre Road.
Precinct 2: American Legion
Post 2, 450 South Barre Road.
BERLIN
One precinct: Town office build-
ing, 23 Linden St., lower level.
BLACKSTONE
Precinct 1: Senior Center at
Town Hall, St. Paul Street.
Precinct 2: St. Theresas Parish
Hall, Rathbun Street.
Precinct 3: Upper level meeting
room, Town Hall, St. Paul Street.
BOLTON
All precincts: Auditorium, Nash-
oba Regional High School, 12
Green Road.
BOYLSTON
One precinct: Town Hall at Hill-
side, 221 Main St.
BRIMFIELD
All precincts: Town Hall, 21Main
St.
BROOKFIELD
One precinct: Town Hall, 6 Cen-
tral St.
CHARLTON
Precincts 1-4: Heritage School,
34 Oxford Road.
CLINTON
Precincts 1-4: Town Hall, 242
Church St.
DOUGLAS
Precincts 1-3: Municipal Center
Gym, 29 Depot Road.
DUDLEY
West Main St., in the senior center.
EAST BROOKFIELD
One precinct: Memorial Town
Hall Complex, 122 Connie Mack
Drive.
FITCHBURG
Ward 1, Precincts A and B:
Knights of Columbus Hall, 165
Electric Ave.
Ward 2, Precincts A and B: St.
Josephs Church hall, Woodland
Street.
Memorial Middle School, 615 Roll-
stone St.
Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wal-
lace Ave.
MART Intermodal Station, 100 Main
St.
Ward 6, Precincts A and B: St.
Bernards Activity Center, 260 Sum-
mer St.
GARDNER
Ward 1, Precincts A and B: Elks
Home, 31 Park St.
Ward 2, Precincts A and B: Levi
Heywood Memorial Library, 55
West Lynde St.
Ward 3, Precinct A: Acadien
Social Club, 193 Parker St.
Ward 3, Precinct B: High Rise
Lounge, 116 Church St.
Ward 4, Precincts A and B: Sa-
cred Heart Church hall, 166 Cross
St.
Knights of Columbus hall, 110
South Main St.
GRAFTON
Precincts 1-3: Grafton Middle
School, Providence Road.
Precincts 4-5: Grafton Elemen-
tary School gymnasium, 105 Mill-
bury St.
HARDWICK
One precinct: Hardwick Ele-
mentary School, 531 Lower Road.
HARVARD
One precinct: Bromfield School,
14 Massachusetts Ave.
HOLDEN
Precincts 1 and 2: Senior Cen-
ter, 1130 Main St.
Precinct 3: Davis Hill School, 80
Jamieson Road (use 175 Highland
St. entrance).
Precinct 4: Mountview School
(gym), 270 Shrewsbury St.
Precinct 5: Light Department, 1
Holden St.
HOLLAND
All precincts: Town Hall, Com-
munity Room, 27 Sturbridge Road.
HOPEDALE
One precinct: Draper gymna-
sium, 13 Dutcher St.
HUBBARDSTON
One precinct: Hubbardston
Center School, gymnasium, 8 Elm
St.
HUDSON
Precinct 1: Hudson High School,
gymnasium, 69 Brigham St.
Precinct 2: Glen Road Commu-
nity Center, 4 Glen Road.
Precinct 3: JFK Middle School,
gymnasium, 201 Manning St.
Precinct 4: Mulready School,
gymnasium, 306 Cox St.
Precinct 5: Forest Avenue
School, gymnasium, 136 Forest
Ave.
Precincts 6 and 7: Town Hall,
second-floor auditorium, 78 Main
St.
LANCASTER
Precincts 1 and 2: Town Hall,
695 Main St.
LEICESTER
Washburn Square.
LEOMINSTER
Ward 1, Precincts A, B, and C:
Sky View Middle School, 500 Ken-
nedy Way, off Prospect Street.
Southeast Elementary School, 95
Viscoloid Ave.
Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, 456
Litchfield St.
Ward 4, Precinct A: Senior Citi-
zen Drop-In Center, 5 Pond St.
Ward 4, Precincts B and C: Leo-
minster Veterans Quarters, 100
West St.
Ward 5, Precincts A and B: City
Hall auditorium, 25 West St.
Ward 5, Precinct C: First Baptist
Church of Leominster, 23 West St.
LUNENBURG
Precincts A, B, C, D: T.C. Pas-
sios Elementary, 1025 Massachu-
setts Ave.
MARLBORO
Ward 1, Precincts 1and 2: Kane
School, 520 Farm Road.
Ward 2, Precincts 1 and 2:
Kane School, 520 Farm Road.
Ward 3, Precinct 1: Masonic
Hall, 8 Newton St.
Ward 3, Precinct 2: Richer
School, 80 Foley Road.
Ward 4, Precincts 1and 2: Marl-
boro Boys and Girls Club, 169
Pleasant St.
Ward 5, Precinct 1: Senior Cen-
ter, 250 Main St.
Ward 5, Precinct 2: Masonic
Hall, 8 Newton St.
Ward 6, Precincts 1 and 2: 1st
Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School,
library, 25 Union St.
Ward 7, Precincts 1 and 2: Hil-
dreth School, 85 Sawin St.
MENDON
One precinct: Miscoe Hill
School, North Avenue.
MILFORD
Precincts 1 and 4: Milford
Senior Center, 60 North Bow St.
Precincts 2 and 3: Italian Veter-
ans Hall, Hayward Field.
Precincts 5, 6, 7 and 8: Portu-
guese Club, 119 Prospect Heights.
MILLBURY
Precincts 1-4: Millbury High
School, 12 Martin St.
MILLVILLE
One precinct: Longfellow Munic-
ipal Center, 8 Central St.
NEW BRAINTREE
One precinct: Town Hall, 20
Memorial Drive.
NORTH BROOKFIELD
One precinct: Senior Center, 29
Forest St.
NORTHBORO
Precinct 1: Proctor School, 26
Jefferson Road.
Precinct 2: Lincoln Street
School, 76 Lincoln St.
Precinct 3: Peaslee School, 35
Maple St.
Precinct 4: Zeh School, 33
Howard St.
NORTHBRIDGE
Precincts 1-4: Northbridge High
School, 427 Linwood Ave.
OAKHAM
One precinct: Town Hall, 2 Cold-
brook Road.
ORANGE
Precincts 1 and 2: Armory, 135
East Main St.
OXFORD
Precincts 1 and 4: Chaffee
School, 9 Clover St.
Precinct 2: Oxford Middle
School, 497 Main St.
Precinct 3: Town Hall, 325 Main
St.
PAXTON
All precincts: Paxton Center
School, gymnasium, West Street.
PETERSHAM
All precincts: Town Hall, 1South
Main St.
PHILLIPSTON
One precinct: Town Hall, 50 On
the Common.
PRINCETON
One precinct: Town Hall annex,
4 Town Hall Drive.
ROYALSTON
Precinct 1: Town Hall, 13 The
Common.
Precinct 2: Whitney Hall, 5
School St.
RUTLAND
Precincts 1 and 3: Naquag Ele-
mentary School, 285 Main St.
Precinct 2: Rutland Library
(lower level), 280 Main St.
SHIRLEY
One precinct: Town Offices, 7
Keady Way.
SHREWSBURY
Precinct 1: Richard D. Carney
Municipal Office Building, 100
Maple Ave.
Precinct 2: Gesang Verein Froh-
sinn Club, 25 North Quinsigamond
Ave.
Precinct 3: Calvin Coolidge
School, 1 Florence St.
Precinct 4: Scandinavian Ath-
letic Club, 438 Lake St.
Precincts 5 and 10: Sewer and
Water Department garage, 209
South St.
Precinct 6: Shrewsbury Senior
Center, 98 Maple Ave.
Precinct 7 and 8: Spring Street
School, 123 Spring St.
Precinct 9: Fire Station No. 3, 20
CenTech Blvd.
SOUTHBORO
Precinct 1: Woodward School,
28 Cordaville Road.
Precinct 2: Trottier School, 49
Parkerville Road.
Precinct 3: Finn School, 60
Richards Road.
SOUTHBRIDGE
Precincts 1-5: The Armory, 153
Chestnut St.
SPENCER
Main St.
STERLING
Precincts 1 and 2: Houghton
Elementary School, gymnasium, 32
Boutelle Road.
STURBRIDGE
Precincts 1-3: Oliver Wight Tav-
ern, 1 Old Sturbridge Road.
SUTTON
Precinct 1: Simonian Early
Learning Center, 409 Boston
Road.
Precinct 2: Manchaug Fire Sta-
tion, 343 Manchaug Road.
Precinct 3: Wilkinsonville Fire
Station, 14 Providence Road.
POL L I NG PL ACES
Turn to Polling places/Next Page
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ELECTION 2012
TEMPLETON
Precincts A, B and C: Narragan-
sett Regional High School, 464
Baldwinville Road.
TOWNSEND
Precincts 1-3: Memorial Hall,
272 Main St.
UPTON
All precincts: Nipmuc Regional
High School, 90 Pleasant St.
UXBRIDGE
Precincts 1-4: McCloskey Mid-
dle School, 62 Capron St.
WALES
One precinct: Senior Center, 85
Main St., Route 19.
WARE
Main St.
WARREN
Polling place A: Shepard Munic-
ipal Building gym, 48 High St., War-
ren.
Polling place B: Warren Senior
Center, 2252 Main St., West War-
ren.
WEBSTER
Main St.
WEST BOYLSTON
Precincts 1 and 2: Our Lady of
Good Counsel Church, 111 Wor-
cester St.
WEST BROOKFIELD
One precinct: West Brookfield
Senior Center, 73 Central St.
WESTBORO
Precincts 1and 3: Gibbons Mid-
dle School, 20 Fisher St.
Precinct 2: Hastings Elementary
School, 111 East Main St.
Precincts 4 and 5: Mill Pond
School, Olde Hickory Path.
WESTMINSTER
Precincts 1 and 2: Westminster
Elementary School, 1 Academy Hill
Road.
WINCHENDON
All precincts: Old Murdock
Senior Center, 55 Murdock Ave.
WORCESTER
Ward 1, Precinct 1: Unitarian
Universalist Church, 90 Holden St.
Ward 1, Precinct 2: The Willows,
Great Room, 101 Barry Road.
Ward 1, Precinct 3: Assumption
College, 500 Salisbury St.
Ward 1, Precinct 4: Congrega-
tion Beth Israel, social hall, 15
Jamesbury Drive.
Ward 1, Precinct 5: Price Chop-
per Supermarket, 72 Pullman St.
Ward 2, Precinct 1: Salem Cov-
enant Church, social hall, 215
Mountain St. East.
Ward 2, Precincts 2 and 3: Zion
Lutheran Church, social hall, 41
Whitmarsh Ave.
Ward 2, Precinct 4: Lincoln Vil-
lage, 134 Country Club Blvd.
Ward 2, Precinct 5: Great Brook
Valley, 180 Constitution Ave.
Ward 3, Precinct 1: Dodge Park
Rest Home, social hall, 101 Ran-
dolph Road.
Ward 3, Precinct 2: Belmont
Apartments, community room, 40
Belmont St.
Ward 3, Precinct 3: Worcester
Center for Crafts, lobby, 25 Saga-
more Road.
Technical High School, lobby, 1
Skyline Drive.
Ward 3, Precinct 5: First
Assembly of God Church, hall, 30
Tyler Prentice Road.
Ward 4, Precincts 1 and 2: Our
Lady of Mount Carmel Recreation
Center, 10 Mulberry St.
Ward 4, Precinct 3: Belmont
Belmont St.
Ward 4, Precinct 4: Friendly
House, 36 Wall St.
Ward 4, Precinct 5: Lincoln Park
Tower, community room, 11 Lake
Ave.
Ward 5, Precinct 1: Addison
Addison St.
Ward 5, Precinct 2: EcoTarium,
222 Harrington Way.
Ward 5, Precinct 3: Lake Park
Community House, 264 Lake Ave.
Ward 5, Precinct 4: Super Stop
& Shop, board room, 949 Grafton
St.
Ward 5, Precinct 5: Broad
Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary,
414 Massasoit Road.
Ward 6, Precincts 1, 2 and 3:
Worcester Senior Center, 128 Prov-
idence St.
Ward 6, Precinct 4: Quinsiga-
mond Village Neighborhood Cen-
ter, 16 Greenwood St.
Ward 6, Precinct 5: Greenwood
Gardens, community room, 337
Greenwood St.
Ward 7, Precinct 1: Beaver
Brook Park, community building, 9
Mann St.
Shaws Supermarket, 68 Stafford
St.
Ward 7, Precinct 3: Coes Pond
Village, community room, 39 First
St.
Ward 7, Precinct 5: Hadwen
Park Congregational Church, com-
munity room, 6 Clover St.
Ward 8, Precinct 1: Department
of Inspectional Services, 25 Meade
St.
Ward 8, Precinct 2: Main South
Community Development Corp.,
875 Main St.
Ward 8, Precinct 3: St. Peters
Church, hall, 929 Main St.
Ward 8, Precinct 4: Webster
Square Towers, community room,
1050 Main St.
Ward 8, Precinct 5: Harry Sherry
Field House, 55 Camp St.
Ward 9, Precincts 1, 2 and 3:
Temple Emanuel, social hall, 280
May St.
Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fel-
lowship Hall, 2 Airport Drive.
Ward 9, Precinct 5: First Con-
gregational Church in Worcester,
hall, 1070 Pleasant St.
Ward 10, Precinct 1: Elm Park
Tower, community room, 425
Pleasant St.
Ward 10, Precinct 2: AHEPA
Lodge, 68 Cedar St.
Murray Avenue Apartments, com-
munity room, 50 Murray Ave.
Ward 10, Precinct 4: Mayside
Mayside Lane.
From Previous Page
Republican candidate
Jonathan A. Golnik is once
again challenging U.S. Rep.
Nicola Niki Tsongas, D-Low-
ell, in the election Nov. 6 for the
chance to represent the 3rd Dis-
trict.
The two faced off in 2010 when
Mr. Golnik garnered the most
votes by a Republican in the dis-
trict since 1992 in the general
election.
This election, the pair have
lots of new ground to cover and
are both canvassing their
expansive new district, which
runs from Haverhill to Win-
chendon.
The communities of Ashburn-
ham, Ashby, Clinton, Fitch-
burg, Gardner, Lunenburg,
Marlboro, Pepperell, Towns-
end, Westminster and Winchen-
don were added to the new 3rd
District when the state redrew
congressional district lines
after the 2010 census.
The candidates disagree on a
myriad of issues, including how
to improve the economy and
health care.
Mr. Golnik, a small business-
man and currently full-time
congressional candidate from
Carlisle, said the middle class is
under siege, gas prices have
doubled, food prices are up,
home prices have declined 40
percent, and the unemployment
rate is chronically high.
The public sector does not cre-
ate sustainable jobs, Mr. Golnik
said, but lowering the corporate
tax rate and extending the Bush
administrations tax cuts per-
manently is part of the solution.
Ms. Tsongas, however, said
she believes people are better off
than they were two years ago.
With the stimulus package,
which she supported, she said
there have been 31 consecutive
months of private sector job
growth.
(It was) one of the largest tax
cuts in the country that went
into the hands of the middle
class, she said.
She said there needs to be a
focus on getting people back to
work. She said to that end, she
authored legislation that cre-
ates a competitive grant pro-
gram that encourages hiring in
hard-hit communities and has
been a champion of small busi-
ness development through the
Small Business Innovation
Research grant program.
When it comes to health care,
the two also sit at opposite ends
of the table.
Mr. Golnik said he supports a
full repeal of the Affordable
Health Care Act that he consid-
ers job-killing legislation.
Market-driven reforms are
needed to get health care spend-
ing under control, he said, and
people with pre-existing condi-
tions should pool together to
increase buying power.
Ms. Tsongas said Massachu-
setts should be used as a tem-
plate for the rest of the country
when it comes to health care.
Pooling those with pre-existing
conditions would make the cost
of health care too exorbitant for
those individuals, she said, no
matter how many people pool
together.
Massachusetts has one of the
lowest unemployment rates in
the country and we created the
template, she said.
New-look district has rematch of 2010 race
3RD CONGRES S I ONAL DI S T RI CT
By Paula J. Owen
Incumbent
Age: 66
Address: 52 Law-
rence Drive, Lowell
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: U.S.
representative for
the 5th District
Education: Smith
College and Boston University
Political Experience: Represents the 5th
Congressional District of Massachu-
setts. Serves on the House Armed
Services Committee and the Natural
Resources Committee.
Issues: Better access to health care,
education and job training benefits for
veterans; help the middle class get
ahead; support small businesses; close
tax loopholes for big oil companies and
corporations that send jobs overseas.
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life: Unde-
cided
Medical use of marijuana: Undecided
Personal: Widowed, three children
Nicola S. Tsongas
Age: 47
Address: 347 Eliza-
beth Ridge Road,
Carlisle
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Owner of
two small busi-
nesses
Education: Dart-
mouth University and the University of
Pennsylvania
Political experience: Has never held a
political office
Issues: Maintain current levels of per-
sonal income tax rate, wants to permit
individuals to purchase health insur-
ance across state lines.
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life: No
Medical use of marijuana: Yes
Personal: Married, two children
Jonathan A. Golnik
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ELECTION 2012
WASHINGTON A look at where
Democratic President Barack Obama
and Republican presidential rival Mitt
Romney stand on a selection of issues:
ABORTION and BIRTH CONTROL
Obama: Supports access to abortion.
Health care law requires contraceptives
to be available for free for women
enrolled in workplace health plans,
including access to morning-after pill,
which does not terminate a pregnancy
but is considered tantamount to an abor-
tion pill by some religious conservatives.
Supported requiring girls 16 and under to
get a prescription for the morning-after
pill, available without a prescription for
older women.
Romney: Opposes access to abortion
except in cases of rape, incest or risk to
the womans life. Previously supported
access. Says state law should guide abor-
tion rights, and Roe v. Wade should be
reversed by a future Supreme Court rul-
ing. But says Roe v. Wade is law of the
land until that happens and should not be
challenged by federal legislation seeking
to overturn abortion rights affirmed by
that court decision. So I would live
within the law, within the Constitution
as I understand it, without creating a con-
stitutional crisis. But I do believe Roe v.
Wade should be reversed to allow states
to make that decision. Said he would end
federal aid to Planned Parenthood.
DEBT
Obama: Failed in pledge to cut the def-
icit we inherited by half by the end of
his first term. The deficit when he took
office was $1.2 trillion, and the $800 billion
stimulus bill Obama signed soon after-
ward increased the shortfall to more than
$1.4 trillion. The deficit for the recently
completed 2012 budget year registered at
$1.2 trillion, marking the fourth consec-
utive year of trillion-dollar-plus red ink.
Now promises to cut projected deficits by
$4 trillion over 10 years, a goal that will
require Congress to raise the capital
gains tax, boost taxes on households
earning more than $250,000 a year and
impose a minimum 30 percent tax on
incomes above $1 million. The target also
assumes a reduction in the amount of
interest the government must pay on its
debt and incorporates $1 trillion in cuts
already signed into law. Nations debt
surpassed $16 trillion this year. Federal
spending is estimated at 23.5 percent of
gross domestic product this year, up from
about 20 percent in the previous adminis-
tration, and is forecast to decline to 21.8
percent by 2016.
Romney: Promises to cut $500 billion
per year from the federal budget by 2016 to
bring spending below 20 percent of the
U.S. economy and to balance it by 2020,
but vital specifics are lacking. At the
same time would increase military
spending, reverse $716 billion in Medi-
care cuts and cut taxes. Defended 2008
bailout of financial institutions as a nec-
essary step to avoid the systems collapse,
opposed the bailout of General Motors
and Chrysler. Stayed silent on the debt-
ceiling deal during its negotiation, only
announcing his opposition to the final
agreement shortly before lawmakers vot-
ed on it. Instead, endorsed GOP cut, cap
and balance bill that had no chance of
enactment. Favors constitutional bal-
anced budget amendment. Proposes 10
percent cut in federal workforce, elim-
ination of $1.6 billion in Amtrak subsidies
and cuts of $600 million in support for the
arts and broadcasting.
ECONOMY
Obama: Term marked by high unem-
ployment, a deep recession that began in
previous administration and officially
ended within six months, and gradual
recovery. Persistently high jobless rates
of over 8 percent until the rate dropped to
7.8 in September, the same as it was in
February 2009, Obamas first full month
in office. The rate hit a high of 10 percent
in October 2009. Businesses have added
jobs for more than two years straight
while public sector jobs have lagged.
Obama responded to the recession with a
roughly $800 billion stimulus plan that
nonpartisan Congressional Budget
Office estimated cut the unemployment
rate by up to 1.8 percentage points. Con-
tinued implementation of Wall Street and
auto industry bailouts begun under
George W. Bush. Proposes tax breaks for
U.S. manufacturers producing domesti-
cally or repatriating jobs from abroad
and tax penalties for U.S. companies out-
sourcing jobs. Won approval of South
Korea, Panama and Colombia free-trade
pacts begun under previous administra-
tion, completing the biggest round of
trade liberalization since the North
American Free Trade Agreement and
other pacts went into effect in the 1990s.
Romney: Favors lower taxes, less regu-
lation, balanced budget, more trade deals
to spur growth. Would replace jobless
benefits with unemployment savings ac-
counts. Proposes replacing certain provi-
sions of the law toughening financial in-
dustry regulations after the meltdown in
that sector. Proposes changing the law
tightening accounting corporate regula-
tions to ease requirements for mid-sized
companies. We dont want to tell the
world that Republicans are against all
regulation. No, regulation is necessary to
make a free market work. But it has to be
updated and modern.
EDUCATION
Obama: Has approved waivers freeing
states from the most onerous require-
ments of the Bush-era No Child Left
Behind law with their agreement to
improve how they prepare and evaluate
students. Race to the Top grant compe-
tition has rewarded winning states with
billions of dollars for pursuing education
policies Obama supports. Won approval
for a college tuition tax credit worth up to
$10,000 over four years and more money
for Pell Grants for low-income college stu-
dents. Wants Congress to agree to reduce
federal aid to colleges that go too far in
raising tuition. Average tuition at four-
year public colleges surged 26 percent in
his term, by $1,800 to $8,655, as states cut
aid, but federal grants and tax credits
sheltered students from most of the
increase, leaving them paying only $570
more.
Romney: Supported the federal ac-
countability standards of No Child Left
Behind law. In 2007, said he was wrong
earlier in career when he wanted the
Education Department shut because he
came to see the value of the federal gov-
ernment in holding down the interests
of the teachers unions and putting kids
and parents first. Has said the student
testing, charter-school incentives and
teacher evaluation standards of Obamas
Race to the Top competition make
sense although the federal government
should have less control of education.
Says increases in federal student aid
encourage tuition to go up, too. Wants to
see private lenders return to the federal
student loan program.
ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT
Obama: Ordered temporary morato-
rium on deep-water drilling after the
massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico,
but U.S. produced more oil in 2010 than it
has since 2003 and all forms of energy
production have increased under
Obama. Approved drilling plan in Arctic
Ocean opposed by environmentalists.
Proposes Congress give oil market regu-
lators more power to control price manip-
ulation by speculators and stiffer fines
for doing so. Sets goal of cutting oil
imports by half by 2020.
Achieved historic increases in fuel
economy standards for automobiles that
will save money at the pump while rais-
ing the cost of new vehicles. Achieved
first-ever regulations on heat-trapping
gases blamed for global warming and on
toxic mercury pollution from power
plants. The rules on mercury could force
dozens of older coal-fired plants to shut or
spend billions to upgrade. Spent heavily
on green energy and has embraced nucle-
ar power as a clean source.
Failed to persuade a Democratic Con-
gress to pass limits he promised on car-
bon emissions. Shelved plan to toughen
health standards on lung-damaging
smog. Rejected Keystone XL oil pipeline
from Canada but supports fast-track ap-
proval of a segment of it. Proposes ending
subsidies to oil industry but has failed to
persuade Congress to do so.
Romney: Pledges U.S. will become
independent of energy sources outside of
North America by 2020, through more
aggressive exploitation of domestic oil,
gas, coal and other resources and quick
approval of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Supports opening the Atlantic and Pacif-
ic outer continental shelves to drilling, as
well as Western lands, the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge and offshore
Alaska. He also has proposed reducing
obstacles to coal, natural gas and nuclear
energy development. Proposes accelerat-
ing drilling permits in areas where explo-
ration has already been approved for de-
velopers with good safety records.
Says green power has yet to become
viable and the causes of climate change
are unknown. Proposes to remove carbon
dioxide from list of pollutants controlled
by Clean Air Act and amend clean water
and air laws to ensure the cost of com-
plying with regulations is balanced
against environmental benefit. Says cap
and trade would rocket energy prices.
TAXES
Obama: Wants to raise taxes on the
wealthy and ensure they pay 30 percent of
their income at minimum. Supports
extending Bush-era tax cuts for everyone
making under $200,000, or $250,000 for
couples. But in 2010, agreed to a two-year
extension of the lower rates for all. Wants
to let the top two tax rates go back up 3 to 4
percentage points to 39.6 percent and 36
percent, and raise rates on capital gains
and dividends for the wealthy. Health
care law provides for tax on highest-value
health insurance plans. Together with
Congress, built a first-term record of sig-
nificant tax cuts for families and busi-
ness, some temporary.
Romney: Keep Bush-era tax cuts for all
incomes and drop all tax rates further, by
20 percent, bringing the top rate, for ex-
ample, down to 28 percent from 35 percent
and the lowest rate to 8 percent instead of
10 percent. Curtail deductions, credits
and exemptions for the wealthiest. End
Alternative Minimum Tax for individu-
als, eliminate capital gains tax for fam-
ilies making below $200,000 and cut cor-
porate tax to 25 percent from 35 percent.
Does not specify which tax breaks or pro-
grams he would curtail to help cover
costs.
WHERE T HEY S T AND
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Incumbent state Sen. James
B. Eldridge, D-Acton, is being
challenged this year by Repub-
lican and former state Depart-
ment of Transportation em-
ployee Dean J. Cavaretta to keep
his seat representing the Mid-
dlesex and Worcester District.
Mr. Eldridge is running on his
record, which includes efforts
on anti-bullying laws, restoring
local aid and increasing the use
of renewable energy, which may
also lead to job promotion.
Mr. Cavaretta said that while
he is a Republican, he is the only
candidate that can work with
both parties, having worked un-
der both Republican and Demo-
cratic governors.
The two candidates have been
campaigning since October 2011,
outlining their stands on trans-
portation, education reform and
tax breaks, among other issues.
The Middlesex and Worcester
District includes Acton, Ayer,
Boxboro, Littleton, Shirley,
Devens, Harvard, Stow, May-
nard, Hudson, Marlboro, South-
boro, Westboro, Northboro (Pre-
cinct 3) and Sudbury (Precincts
2 and 3).
Mr. Eldridge has served as a
state senator since 2009, after
having been a state representa-
tive since 2002.
Mr. Cavaretta, a small busi-
ness owner and substitute
teacher in the Acton and Acton-
Boxboro School District, is fa-
miliar with the inner workings
of state politics, having not only
worked for the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation
on the Accelerated Bridge Pro-
gram, but also as the former dep-
uty campaign manager for
Karyn Polito in her bid for state
treasurer in 2010.
In the past year, Mr. Eldridge
said, he has worked to improve
local aid to school districts and
police and fire departments, but
noted that while progress has
been made, state aid levels are
not back to pre-recession levels.
In addition, he said, he has
worked to make not only the leg-
islative process more transpar-
ent, but corporate tax credits
transparent as well. Mr.
Eldridge also supports trans-
portation projects to improve
roads and bridges.
Edu-
cation
reform,
acceler-
ating
transpor-
tation pro-
jects; and
creating a better
business climate are
the key issues of Mr. Cavarettas
campaign. Mr. Cavaretta is
against a higher gas tax and a
higher income tax, saying such
taxes only further hurt working
families. Rather, Mr. Cavaretta
would like to roll back the sales
tax to 5 percent.
Education, transportation at center stage
MI DDL ES EX AND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT
By Donna Boynton
WESTBORO
SOUTHBORO
MARLBORO
SHIRLEY
HARVARD
HUDSON
STOW
MAYNARD
BOXBORO
ACTON
AYER
LITTLETON
NORTHBORO
Middlesex and Worcester
STATE SENATE
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ELECTION 2012
The two candidates for state
senator in the 2nd Worcester
District have been very visible
during the campaign season.
Incumbent Democrat
Michael O. Moore of Millbury,
who is seeking his third two-
year term, said he has been
putting in many 12-hour days
that include meeting with
many civic groups and others
in the district, while his oppo-
nent, Auburn Republican Ste-
phen R. Simonian, who is in his
third year as a selectman,
recently estimated he has
knocked on more than 25,000
doors since he started cam-
paigning in March.
Mr. Moore, 49, is chairman of
the Joint Committee on Higher
Education and vice chairman of
the Joint Committee on Public
Safety and Homeland Security.
He said he has supported leg-
islation that has brought more
jobs to the area. He also said he
has backed legislation that has
lowered fines that small busi-
nesses in the state have to pay if
a
certain
percentage
of their employees
arent covered by medical
insurance.
Mr. Moore describes him-
self as a fiscal conservative
who said he is proud to have
been a legislator at a time when
state aid to the communities in
his district has increased even
though the states economy has
been very sluggish. He said
Massachusetts is recovering
faster from the recession than
many other states.
Mr. Moore said he is liberal
to moderate on social issues.
For example, he is pro-choice
and said he has been endorsed
by the Gun Owners Action
League.
Mr. Simonian, 49, who was
laid off last December at EMC
after working there for 14
years, said the economy is
not doing as well as Mr.
Moore asserts. He
said policies
supported
by Demo-
crats like
Mr. Moore
have kept
small compa-
nies from add-
ing jobs. He said
excessive state
regulations hinder business
growth in the state.
While Mr. Moore said the
states health care system is a
success, Mr. Simonian said
improvements can be made.
Mr. Simonian said he is a
fiscal conservative and noted
that as an Auburn selectman he
played a role in keeping the
fiscal 2013 tax rate from increas-
ing while keeping town ser-
vices the same.
Mr. Simonian said he is
somewhat moderate on social
services and believes less gov-
ernment is better.
Rivals work hard on meeting constituents
2ND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT
By Bill Fortier
Incumbent
Age: 49
Address: 7 Momin
Drive, Millbury
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: Legisla-
tor
Education: Associate
degree, criminal
justice, Quinsigamond Community
College; B.S. degree, law enforcement,
and M.A., criminal justice, Western
New England College.
Political experience: State senator, 2nd
Worcester District; Board of Selectmen;
Committee on Public Safety and Home-
land Security; Senate Committee on
Ways & Means and the Committee on
Post Audit and Oversight
Issues: Job growth; tax relief for small
business using benchmark-based
triggers to systematic tax relief; using
private partnership and public invest-
ment to make college more affordable.
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life: Yes
Personal: Married, two children.
Michael O. Moore
Age: 49
Address: 102 Rock-
land Road, Auburn
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Unem-
ployed
degree in architec-
tural engineering
from Wentworth Institute of Tech-
nology. Graduated from Naval Nuclear
Power School
Political experience: Current member of
the Auburn Board of Selectmen; served
as a town meeting member
Issues: Need legislation to control
transitional assistance abuse by reeling
in the use of EBT cards; need to put
the needs of the district first by having
the local legislators commit to local
funding and projects; need to introduce
serious pension reform.
Ballot questions:
Medical use of marijuana: No
Personal: Married, three children
Stephen R. Simonian
Age: 41
Address: Jay Lane,
Acton
Party: Republican
Occupation: Principal
of Gen X Consult-
ing and substitute
teacher
Education: Bache-
lors and masters
degrees from Northeastern University
Military service: Massachusetts Army
National Guard 1995-97
Political experience: Former member of
the Acton Housing Authority and a
former member of the Stow Finance
Committee
Issues: Education reform; health care;
creating a better business climate and
faster completion of transportation
projects.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
Dean J. Cavaretta
AUBURN
MILLBURY
WORCESTER
LEICESTER
GRAFTON
UPTON
NORTHBRIDGE
SHREWSBURY
Second Worcester
STATE SENATE
Incumbent
Age: 39
Address: 267 Arling-
ton St., Acton
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: State
senator, Middlesex
and Worcester
District
Education: J.D., Boston College Law
School; B.A., Johns Hopkins University
Political experience: Commissioner, Acton
Housing Authority, 2001-2002; associ-
ate member, Acton Planning Board,
2001-2002; state representative,
2003-2009; state senator, 2009 to
present
Issues: Economic development; support
for low- and moderate-income families;
improve public schools; provide affor-
dable health care; public safety; affor-
dable housing; environment; govern-
ment and electoral reform.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
James B. Eldridge
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ELECTION 2012
Fostering economic develop-
ment, creating jobs and multi-
ple law enforcement investiga-
tions involving a cocaine allega-
tion have framed the debate in
the three-way contest for the
newly drawn 2nd Franklin Dis-
trict.
State Rep. Denise Andrews,
D-Orange, is challenged by
Susannah M. Whipps Lee, a Re-
publican from Athol, where she
is chairman of the Board of Se-
lectmen. Richard F. Schober Jr.
of Templeton is running as an
independent.
Jobs, the housing crisis, and
quality of education are the
biggest concerns, Mr. Schober,
55, said. At a recent debate the
independent candidate said he
has no chance of winning and
was aware of that when he
decided to seek the office.
Mr. Schober concedes that
the other two candidates are
very successful businesswomen
outside of government life, but
says he continues to run
because neither of these candi-
dates, I think, can truly under-
stand what its like for what the
majority of the residents of this
district have to go through.
Ms. Lee, 43, said, The reason I
chose to run is because we have
been inadequately represented
by Ms. Andrews I dont think
she speaks for the people of the
area.
Ms. Lee says that it was wrong
of Ms. Andrews to accept a posi-
tion with a large drug company
while serving as a state rep.
I think her taking a job at a
multinational company in New
Jersey was dishonest she did
not expose it to the people of her
district; and I felt that was dis-
honest.
Economic development and
jobs are the most important
issues facing the 2nd Franklin
District, Ms. Lee said.
As the owner of a small but
successful corporation, I know
how to build jobs, I am a job
creator, she said. She co-owns
Whipps Inc. in Athol.
Clearly the top issues are
jobs and economic development
people are still struggling to
obtain work, Ms. Andrews, 53,
said. I come from 30 years of
business experience, building
world-class jobs. I know how to
build collaboration and I know
how to get deals done and pro-
tect what is important to peo-
ple.
The incumbent said she has
been spearheading a 10-year eco-
nomic development plan in col-
laboration with business and
community leaders called the
Second Franklin District Eco-
nomic Development Advisory
Council.
What I bring from the pri-
vate sector is concept, execution
and sustainability; there are
many great ideas that if not exe-
cuted do not help anybody,
Ms. Andrews said.
There was a cocaine
possession accusation
made by the Democrat-
ic incumbent in August
against the Republican
challenger. The Athol po-
lice chief determined the
allegation was false. But ques-
tions raised by that investiga-
tion which includes the
unauthorized release of a confi-
dential police report
spawned a probe about possible
police misconduct as well an
attorney general investigation
and a continuing probe by the
district attorney.
The newly redrawn 2nd
Franklin District includes
Athol, Orange, Templeton, Erv-
ing, Gill, Warwick, New Salem,
Petersham, Phillipston, Royal-
ston, Wendell and Precinct A of
Belchertown.
Jobs dominate 3-way contest
2ND F RANKL I N DI S T RI CT
By James F. Russell
CORRESPONDENT
Incumbent
Age: 53
Address: 21
Beach Lane,
Orange
Party affil-
iation: Demo-
crat
Occupation:
Legislator
Education: Bachelor of Science in
chemical engineering from the
University of Massachusetts at
Amherst, Master of Business
Administration from Xavier Uni-
versity
Political experience: State repre-
sentative of the 2nd Franklin
District
Issues: Job creation through eco-
nomic development; constituent
services; high-quality education
that is accessible to all through
fiscal responsibility and innovation;
environment and renewable re-
sources.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Candi Fetzer
Denise Andrews
Age: 55
Address: 39B Cot-
tage Lane, Temple-
ton
Party affiliation:
Independent
Occupation: Web and
graphic designer
Education: Bache-
lors degree in
English, University of Massachusetts at
Amherst
Political experience: Narragansett Regional
School Committee 2006-2007
Issues: Living-wage job creation; local
economic revitalization; health care
reform; more state funding for public
schools and regional school trans-
portation; more oversight of special
business tax breaks; automatic fore-
closure protection for involuntarily
unemployed homeowners; campaign
finance reform.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Maureen; four
daughters: Saffron, 16, Ameriah, 13,
Noelani, 11, Keziah, 7
Richard F. Schober Jr.
Age: 43
Address:
1192 Main
St., Athol
Party affil-
iation:
Republican
Occupation:
Co-owner,
Whipps Inc.
in Athol
Education: Graduated from John-
son & Wales University; gradu-
ated from Mount Wachusett
Community College
Political experience: chairman,
Athol Board of Selectmen
Issues: Economic development;
job creation; find ways to bring
enterprise and industry to the
district; accountability in govern-
ment, and responsibility in the
management of taxpayer dollars.
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life:
Undecided
Personal: Married to Dr. Lac V.
Lee
Susannah M. Whipps Lee
TEMPLETON
PHILLIPSTON
PETERSHAM
ATHOL
ORANGE
ROYALSTON
WARWICK
WENDELL
ERVING
GILL
NEW SALEM
BELCHERTOWN
2nd Franklin
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal
D-Springfield
U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern
D-Worcester
State Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg
D-Amherst
State Sen. Harriette L. Chandler
D-Worcester
State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer
D-Barre
State Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan
D-Leominster
State Sen. Richard T. Moore
D-Uxbridge
State Rep. Todd M. Smola
R-Palmer
State Rep. Sheila C. Harrington
R-Groton
State Rep. Jennifer E. Benson
D-Lunenburg
State Rep. Kimberly N. Ferguson
R-Holden
State Rep. Stephen L. DiNatale
D-Fitchburg
State Rep. Paul K. Frost
R-Auburn
State Rep. George N. Peterson Jr.
R-Grafton
State Rep. John V. Fernandes
D-Milford
State Rep. Matthew A. Beaton
R-Shrewsbury
State Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr.
D-Clinton
State Rep. John J. Mahoney
D-Worcester
State Rep. John P. Fresolo
D-Worcester
Governors Council, 7th District
Jennie L. Caissie
R-Oxford
Worcester County Clerk of Courts
Dennis P. McManus
D-West Boylston
Worcester District Register of
Deeds
Anthony J. Vigliotti
D-Worcester
Unopposed
candidates
It will be dj vu for voters in
the 3rd Middlesex District when
they go to the polls Nov. 6.
The two candidates for the
state House of Representatives
seat squared off two years ago.
Then incumbent state Rep.
Kate Hogan, D-Stow, first
elected to the 3rd Middlesex Dis-
trict seat in 2008, easily fended
off political novice Charles S.
Chuck Kuniewich Jr. Mr.
Kuniewich, a Republican from
Hudson, previously ran as an
independent.
Voters should have a clear
choice between the two.
Before becoming a state law-
maker, Ms. Hogan, 55, was a
small-business owner in the
printing and publishing indus-
try for 20 years. She also worked
in public affairs and served on
the Democratic Town Commit-
tee in Maynard and Stow. She is
also a former member of the
Council on Aging and the Com-
munity Preservation Board in
Stow.
Mr. Kuniewich, 52, has never
held an elected position. He is a
former auto mechanic who now
operates a fish aquarium main-
tenance business. Mr. Kuniew-
ich said his small-business ex-
perience gives him the ability to
balance his independent min-
dedness with his keen ability
to listen.
Mr. Kuniewich said he is
knocking on doors throughout
the district to add to the name
recognition he gained from the
2010 election.
Ms. Hogan said she is count-
ing on the work she has done for
constituents during her four
years in the Legislature.
She is chairman of the Tele-
communications, Utility & En-
ergy Committee, chairman of
the Public Libraries Caucus, co-
chairman of the Elder Caucus
and a legislative liaison to the
state Interagency Coordinating
Council.
The candidates are apart
when asked about what they
think are the most important
issues facing the state.
Mr. Kuniewich said more jobs
need to be created. Also, he said,
constituents that he has spoken
with on the campaign trail have
stressed to him that the state
needs to reduce and simplify
regulations.
Ms. Hogan said her highest
priority is advocating for
proper funding for public educa-
tion, police and fire protection
and Chapter 90 funds for roads,
bridges and infrastructure.
She also adamantly supports
fire safety education for senior
citizens and the expansion of
the public transportation sys-
tem.
The 3rd Middlesex District
consists of Bolton and the Mid-
dlesex County towns of Hudson,
Maynard and Stow.
Rematch offers clear choice of candidates
3RD MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT
By Elaine Thompson
BOLTON
HUDSON
MAYNARD
STOW
3rd Middlesex
Age: 52
Address: 33 Temple
Ave., Hudson
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Owner,
fish aquarium
maintenance
business
Education: 1987
Marlboro High School graduate
Issues: Job creation, prioritizing spend-
ing and reducing and simplifying
regulations
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
Charles Chuck S. Kuniewich Jr.
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ELECTION 2012
MARLBORO The candi-
dates vying for the 4th Middle-
sex District seat in the state
House of Representatives have
each served one term in the post.
Thats why for Danielle W.
Gregoire, a Marlboro Democrat,
Nov. 6 will be the chance for her
to reclaim the seat she was
elected to in 2008, but lost to Ste-
ven L. Levy, a Republican, also
from Marlboro, two years later.
Ms. Gregoire, 33, a lawyer,
worked as a legislative aide for
seven years for former 4th Mid-
dlesex District Rep. Stephen
LeDuc. When he stepped down
in 2008, Ms. Gregoire fought a
tough race to succeed her for-
mer boss by defeating longtime
local politician Arthur Vigeant,
who is now mayor.
She easily won the Sept. 6
state Democratic primary over
Joseph P. Collins Sr., 35, also a
Marlboro resident who works in
finances at a Boston law firm.
But, the race between Ms. Gre-
goire and Mr. Levy is expected
to be hard fought and close in
votes.
Both Mr. Levy, 47, an account-
ant and former three-term city
councilor-at-large, and Ms. Gre-
goire have the reputation for
working hard for the district.
The candidates, however, say
they give voters a clear choice
based on their priorities, style
and legislative record.
Ms. Gregoire said that during
the two years she represented
the district, some of her major
accomplishments included
voting against several tax
increases; preventing two
scheduled toll increases for Met-
rowest commuters; helping to
re-structure the states trans-
portation agency, thereby sav-
ing taxpayers some $20 billion
over the next 20 years; procur-
ing funding for the New
England Center for Children, a
school for autistic children in
Southboro; and creating a day in
honor of the late Eunice Ken-
nedy Shriver, founder of Special
Olympics.
Mr. Levy serves on the House
Committee on Bonding, Capital
Expenditures and State Assets;
and on the joint committees on
Revenue, and State Administra-
tion and Regulatory Oversight.
He said that he is one of 36 mem-
bers of the House of Representa-
tives who have perfect attend-
ance and voting records.
He said that some of his
accomplishments have been
successfully voting for passage
of Melissas Law, which
increases prison time for habit-
ual offenders; municipal health
insurance reforms; and placing
limits on the Electronic Benefits
Transfer program; and
increases in local aid, assist-
ance to veterans, Chapter 90
Transportation funding, Chap-
ter 70 public education funding,
and the Special Education Cir-
cuit Breaker funding.
When Ms. Gregoire and Mr.
Levy ran against each other in
2008, the 4th Middlesex District
consisted of all of Marlboro, Ber-
lin and Precinct 1 in Southboro.
As a result of redistricting, the
district now is made up of 10 of
the 14 precincts in Marlboro,
and Precincts 1 and 3 in North-
boro and Westboro.
Candidates each seek second term in seat
4T H MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT
By Elaine Thompson
Incumbent
Age: 55
Address: 36 Hasti-
ngs St., Stow
Party affiliation:
Democrat
tor
Education: B.A.
degree in educa-
tion, University of Massachusetts at
Amherst
Political experience: Two terms as state
representative of the 3rd Middlesex
District; Stow Democratic Town Commit-
tee, 2007-2008; officer, Middlesex and
Worcester Democrats, 2006-2008;
co-chairman, Maynard Democratic
Committee, 1999-2006
Issues: Education and school funding;
infrastructure; public transportation; and
expansion of the Student Awareness
Fire Education program to senior citi-
zens
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married
Kate Hogan
Incumbent
Age: 47
Address: 61 OGrady
Road, Marlboro
Party: Republican
Occupation: Repre-
sentative, 4th
Middlesex District;
accountant
Education: M.B.A.,
finance, Boston College; B.B.A., ac-
counting/information technology,
Baylor University.
Political experience: One term as state
representative, 4th Middlesex District;
three terms as Marlboro city councilor-
at-large; member of the Marlboro
Republican City Committee, 2002 to
present; chairman, Marlboro Republican
City Committee, 2004-2008
Issues: Fiscal responsibility; job creation;
economic development; education;
child protection laws; openness in
government by removing the current
system of voice votes and closed-door
debates.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Sharon; two daugh-
ters: Rebecca and Ashley
Steven L. Levy
Age: 33
Address: 175 Maple
St., Marlboro
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: J.D.,
Suffolk University
Law School; B.A.,
criminal justice,
Saint Anselm College
representative
Issues: Address the areas transportation
issues; restore local aid; economic
growth; job creation
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life: Didnt
respond
Medical use of marijuana: Didnt respond
Personal: Single
Danielle W. Gregoire
WESTBORO
NORTHBORO
MARLBORO
4th Middlesex
STATE
REPRESENTATIVE
GARDNER State Rep.
Richard M. Bastien, R-Gardner,
will not apologize for support-
ing the $100,000 for repairs to the
Heritage State Park building on
Lake Street.
He also is unapologetic about
how he feels about casino gam-
bling in the state. He supports
casinos and he would like to see
the 2nd Worcester District bene-
fit from one.
Democrat Jonathan D. Zlot-
nik, 22, of Gardner, Mr. Bas-
tiens opponent in the Nov. 6
election, is equally unapologetic
about opposing casino gambling
and said he would have found a
better use for the $100,000 in the
city than to fix the building the
state has neglected for many
years.
Those two issues separate the
two candidates who are vying to
represent Gardner, Ashburn-
ham, Winchendon and part of
Westminster in the state House
of Representatives.
Mr. Bastien is completing his
first two-year term in the Legis-
lature and has received strong
support from Republican lead-
ers, including former candidate
for governor Charles Baker, and
Gail Huff, wife of U.S. Sen. Scott
Brown, R-Mass.
Mr. Zlotnik has never held
public office but did work for
former state Rep. Robert Rice
when he represented the 2nd
Worcester District in the Legis-
lature. Mr. Rice is supporting
Mr. Zlotnik as is former Demo-
cratic state Rep. Raymond
LaFontaine, who also once rep-
resented the district.
Both candidates say the main
issue in this race for them is the
economy. Mr. Bastien said the
Greater Gardner area has seen
signs of improvement in the
past two years, but still lags
behind the rest of the state. Like
the rest of Massachusetts, the
unemployment rate has gone
down, but it remains high.
Mr. Bastien said he will
oppose increasing the sales tax
to prevent businesses in cities
and towns along the states
northern tier from losing cus-
tomers to New Hampshire. He
also said he is an advocate of the
state designating Gardner a
Gateway City like Fitchburg
and Leominster, which would
open up more state money and
other resources to the commu-
nity.
Mr. Zlotnik said he hopes to
develop the 2nd Worcester Dis-
trict as a business incubator ar-
ea where the resources of the
district could be made available
to new small businesses hoping
to start up or grow.
No apologies from Gardner candidates
2ND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT
By George Barnes
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ELECTION 2012
Improving education and
reducing unemployment are the
top issues facing the 8th Mid-
dlesex District, and both incum-
bent state Rep. Carolyn C.
Dykema, D-Holliston, and Re-
publican Martin A. Lamb have
their own ideas about how to
address those needs on a local
and statewide level.
Mr. Lamb, a small-business
owner, vows to bring leader-
ship, new ideas that will create a
better business environment
and create a more transparent
government. Ms. Dykema said,
if re-elected, she will continue
her work strengthening local
communities through state aid,
job creation and reforms to
improve efficiency.
As she campaigns, Ms.
Dykema is hearing growing
frustration from constituents
about political gridlock at the
federal level, but said that in
Massachusetts, there is broad
bipartisan support for health
care and edu-
cation funding
and support for vet-
erans programs. Mr.
Lamb, too, has heard the dis-
tricts frustration and concerns
about the economic outlook,
taxes and lack of integrity
within the Legislature.
First elected as a state repre-
sentative in 2008, Ms. Dykema
defines herself as a full-time leg-
islator, working to find state
programs and opportunities
that her district can take advan-
tage of to not only strengthen
the community, but benefit resi-
dents and businesses.
Ms. Dykema said the top
issues facing the district and
state are job creation in the
MetroWest region and state-
wide; improving education and
increasing the efficiency of gov-
ernment services to get the
highest return on tax dollars.
If elected, Mr. Lamb
vows to bring new
ideas and strong
leadership to Bea-
con Hill with a
focus on
reform and
making the state
more business-
friendly. He said he will
also be a strong presence in the
district with weekly office
hours.
A small-business owner him-
self, Mr. Lamb said he has devel-
oped a plan to reduce unemploy-
ment and create economic secu-
rity.
Mr. Lamb will work for a
more transparent government.
Voters want jobs, not political gridlock
8T H MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT
By Donna Boynton
Incumbent
Age: 44 Address:
429 Marshall St.,
Holliston
Party affiliation:
Democrat
tor
Education: M.B.A.,
Indiana University;
B.A., Wellesley College
Political experience: 8th Middlesex District
representative, Holliston Wastewater
Committee, Holliston Planning Board,
MetroWest Growth Management Coun-
cil, legislative committees
Issues: Promote job creation in Met-
roWest and statewide; improve educa-
tional opportunity for our children;
increase efficiency of government
services.
Ballot questions:
Prescribing medication to end life: Unde-
cided
Personal: Married to William; three
children: David, Julia and Andrew
Carolyn C. Dykema
Age: 55
Address: 57 Wingate
Road, Holliston
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Real
estate attorney/
small-business
owner, 1996 to
present
Education: J.D., Benjamin Cardozo School
of Law at Yeshiva University; B.A.,
political science, Hampshire College.
Political Experience: Has never held public
office
Issues: Revive the economy; job cre-
ation; cut government spending; end
illegal immigration; restore integrity to
Beacon Hill.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Peri; two children:
Elissa, Simma
Martin A. Lamb
Incumbent
Age: 38
Address: 72 East-
wood Circle,
Gardner
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: State
representative for
the 2nd Worcester
District, educator and former retail
store manager
Education: Graduated cum laude from
Fitchburg State College with a degree
in history and a minor in political
science, education license to teach
history to Grades 8-12.
Political experience: Massachusetts House
of Representatives 2010 to present
Military experience: U.S. Navy veteran
Issues: Will continue to support current
businesses and create more jobs; push
for more funding for state scholarships
and demand accountability on higher
education salaries; continue fighting to
lower taxes.
Ballot questions:
Prescribed medication to end life: No
Medical marijuana: No
Personal: Married to Lauren, one son
Richard M. Bastien
Age: 22
Address: 86 Chelsea
St., Gardner
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Student
Education: B.A. in
history, University
of Massachusetts
at Lowell
Political Experience:
Has never held office. Worked for
former state Rep. Robert Rice as a
legislative intern from June 2008
through August 2009
Issues: Bring in revenue and create
development without raising taxes;
lower tax rates and incentivize new
businesses and spending; boost public
education by contributing state and
federal money to the district.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
Jonathan D. Zlotnik
HOLLISTON
HOPKINTON
SOUTHBORO
WESTBORO
8th Middlesex
ASHBURNHAM
GARDNER
WINCHENDON
WESTMINSTER
2nd Worcester
SPENCER State Rep. Anne
M. Gobi emulates her mentor,
state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer,
D-Barre, in making constituent
services for individuals and
communities in the 5th Worces-
ter District a priority.
Republican challenger Jason
M. Petraitis cites his four years
experience as a North Brook-
field selectman in being recep-
tive to the needs of residents.
As House chair of the Joint
Committee on Environment,
Natural Resources and Agricul-
ture, Ms. Gobi recognizes the
importance of that assignment
not only to her district, but for
cities and towns from Pittsfield
to Provincetown.
Mr. Petraitis has campaigned
on the promise of smaller gov-
ernment, citing higher than
necessary taxes and stricter
than needed regulations for
stalling the states economic
recovery.
Residents, and the small
businesses they worked for, are
leaving the state in search of
greater economic opportunity
and quality of
life else-
where, Mr.
Petraitis said.
Two years ago Republican
Rodney A. Josephson of Barre
polled nearly 35 percent of votes
cast in the 5th Worcester Dis-
trict in his challenge of Ms.
Gobi.
Mr. Josephson ran a low-key
campaign, going door-to-door
meeting voters in the majority
of the district towns, which at
the time stretched north to
Templeton. Josephson
campaign signs were
as few as political
ads for the candi-
dates first bid for
state office.
Despite a 14- to 30-point
lead in state polls for Presi-
dent Barack Obama over
Mitt Romney, Ms. Gobi said
shes taking nothing for
granted.
Mr. Petraitis is opti-
mistic his message of
smaller government
and lower taxes will res-
onate with voters in the
realigned district that
includes all the Brook-
fields, the five towns of
the Quabbin Regional
School District and precincts in
Ware and Spencer.
Ms. Gobi is confident her re-
cord of service will be para-
mount with voters going to the
polls.
From day one, Ive said the
issues at the Statehouse are
important, but its what hap-
pens at your house that matters
most to me; how I might be of
service, Ms. Gobi said.
Constituents are the focus of Gobi, Petraitis
5T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT
By Bradford L. Miner
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ELECTION 2012
LEOMINSTER Two-
term Democrat Dennis A.
Rosa will face Republican
challenger Justin A. Brooks
Tuesday for the state repre-
sentative seat for the 4th
Worcester District, which
represents Leominster.
Both say bringing jobs to
the district is their top pri-
ority.
Mr. Brooks, 37, a market-
ing consultant, said Central
Massachusetts lags behind
the state in recent job
growth, and blames the loss
of business on crippling
taxes and increased regula-
tions.
Mr. Rosa, 65, the owner of
three small local businesses,
recently finished working on
a 115-page economic devel-
opment bill in the House,
and intends to make sure the
Legislature follows through.
I have had to write busi-
ness plans in my own busi-
nesses for 37 years, he said.
I know what its like to
create a job and I know what
its like to make a budget.
Im actually a job creator.
Mr. Brooks said rather
than sending large House
bills like the one Mr. Rosa
mentioned to study commit-
tees, he would encourage
more roll call votes, floor
debates, and faster decision
making. Mainly, he is call-
ing for greater transparency,
ethics and reform.
Mr. Rosa, an Air Force
veteran who served in the
Vietnam War, is the vice
chairman of the House Joint
Committee on Public Safety,
and sits on the Joint Com-
mittees on Veterans and
Federal Affairs, and Election
Laws.
His goals are job creation,
funding for education,
including the new Leomin-
ster Innovation School and
new Center for Excellence
School; infrastructure
improvement and money for
human services.
Mr. Brooks, a Leominster
High School wrestling star,
calls for increased local aid.
He supports school choice,
home schooling and estab-
lishing charter schools,
along with stronger puni-
shment for habitual violent
criminals, especially sex of-
fenders, and eliminating the
use of taxpayer money for
undocumented immigrants.
He has pledged not to vote
for tax increases and to limit
his term to eight years (four
two-year terms.)
Economic issues, job creation shape race
By Karen Nugent
LEOMINSTER
4th Worcester
STATE REPRESENTATIVE Incumbent
Age: 65
Address: 40 Royal Oaks Way,
Leominster
Occupation: Legislator, owner
of three small businesses
Education: Associate degree in
business technology, Mount
Wachusett Community
College in Gardner
Political experience: State representative for 4th
Worcester District since 2009; chairman, Leomin-
ster Industrial Development Commission for eight
years; Leominster City Council 20 years, including
11 years as Finance Committee chairman.
Military experience: Four years in U.S. Air Force;
Vietnam veteran
Issues: Promise to continue job growth and vote for
programs that push the economy forward and put
people back to work; advocate for educational
funding; fight for infrastructure improvement
through funding to repair and replace roads and
bridges.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Widower; two children, seven grand-
children
Dennis A. Rosa
Age: 37
Address: 252
Spruce St., Leo-
minster
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Market-
ing consultant
Education: Dual
bachelors
degrees in criminal justice and history
at LaSalle University in Philadelphia
Political experience: Has held no political
office
Issues: Bolstering our economy and
getting Massachusetts citizens back
to work through local businesses;
ensuring legislative reform to increase
transparency, which means more
roll-call votes, more floor debates, and
making decisions on bills that have
been sent off to study indefinitely;
maintaining constituency relations.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
Justin A. Brooks
Incumbent
Age: 49
Address: 117 Me-
chanic St., Spencer
Party affiliation:
Democrat
tor, lawyer
Education: Worcester
State College, B.S.,
and Massachusetts School of Law, J.D.
Political experience: State representative,
5th Worcester District, since 2001, and
served as a member of the Spencer
Democratic Town Committee, three
years.
Issues: Strengthening the small-business
economy, including the agricultural
sector; supporting veterans programs
and programs for military families,
along with senior citizens and their
personal care choices; addressing
school funding issues and enhancing
public safety.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Single
Anne M. Gobi
Age: 39
Address: 22 Smith
Hanson Road,
North Brookfield
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Carpen-
ter
Education: Graduate
of Pathfinder
Regional Vocational Technical High
School, enrolled at Worcester State
University as a history major with an
education and political science minor
Political experience: Four years on the
Board of Selectmen
Issues: Taxes are too high, making it too
difficult to live and do business in
Massachusetts. Farms, contractors,
and other small businesses are over-
regulated. The bailout of Massachu-
setts Bay Transportation Authority and
the change in the state health care
laws are detrimental to well-being of
district residents.
Ballot questions:
Medical use of marijuana: Undecided
Personal: Married with one child
Jason M. Petraitis
WARE
HARDWICK
NEW BRAINTREE
NORTH
BROOKFIELD
WEST
BROOKFIELD
SPENCER
EAST
BROOKFIELD
BROOKFIELD
HUBBARDSTON
BARRE
OAKHAM
5th Worcester
The race for the 6th Worces-
ter District House seat kicked
into high gear in recent weeks
when the incumbent said his
challenger dipped into her
towns rainy day fund for per-
sonal pet projects, while the
challenger countered that the
representative did not do much
for Southbridge victims of the
June 1, 2011, tornado.
Charlton Democrat Kathleen
Walker is challenging Peter J.
Durant, R-Spencer, for the seat
in the Nov. 6 election.
A retired lease negotiator
and site acquisition specialist
for the postal service, Ms.
Walker said that experience
gave her the skills to have influ-
ence on Beacon Hill.
She is a 10-year selectman
and Mr. Durant was one for six
years before deciding not to
seek re-election this year in
Spencer.
Both candidates stress re-
cords that they say show they
work hard for their constitu-
ents.
Ms. Walker said her main
objective is to bring Worcester
County together as one voice so
it is valued and paid attention
to on Beacon Hill. She said she
recently helped re-launch an
association of countywide se-
lectmen to further that goal.
But Mr. Durant said the Cen-
tral Massachusetts Regional
Planning Commissions Cen-
tral 13 Prioritization Project al-
ready helps serve that function.
On Sept. 10, the agency held a
session at which, Mr. Durant
said, he met with every town
administrator in his district.
Ms. Walker said her accom-
plishments include initiating
and organizing a twice yearly
meeting of all boards and com-
mittees in Charlton, putting
together candidates nights for
Charlton residents, and reviv-
ing and spurring changes to a
tax work-off program for senior
citizens.
Mr. Durant said his cam-
paign continues to focus on the
economy and getting people
back to work in good paying
jobs. He said
the district has
high-tech
manufac-
turing
jobs, and
a
demand
for people with the skills to fill
them. He said he looks to work
with educators to join in that
effort.
Mr. Durant seeks his first full
term. He defeated Geraldo Ali-
cea, a Charlton Democrat who
had served two terms in the
House, and independents Peter
J. Boria of Charlton and Robert
J. Cirba of Spencer in a May
2011 special election. A judge
declared the 2010 election be-
tween Mr. Durant and Mr. Ali-
cea a tie.
Rivals cite records of work for constituents
By Brian Lee
SPENCER
CHARLTON
SOUTHBRIDGE DUDLEY
6th Worcester
STATE
REPRESENTATIVE
Incumbent
Age: 47
Address: 109 Charl-
ton Road, Spencer
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Former
vice president of
service, Yankee
Technology,
Ludlow
Education: B.S., political science, North-
eastern University in Boston
Political experience: Elected state repre-
sentative in a special election, May
2011; six years, Board of Selectmen;
seven years, Finance Committee
Issues: Boosting the economy and
getting people back to work through
regulatory reform; improve employment
opportunities through access to educa-
tion; eliminate the corporate minimum
tax of $500 for the first three years of
a company starting up.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Lisa Durant
Peter J. Durant
Age: 70
Address: 96D
Baker Pond Road,
Charlton
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: Retired
from the postal
service as a lease
negotiator
Education: Bachelors degree, sociology/
anthropology, Northeastern University
Political experience: Served 10 years on
Charlton Board of Selectmen, nine
years on Burlington Board of Health,
and served on other appointed boards
and commissions.
Issues: Invest in small businesses to
enhance local economy; improve
access to vital senior citizen programs
that work to benefit more than 5,000
local seniors; and increase educational
funding and higher standards to boost
the public schools in the area.
Ballot questions:
Prescribed medication to end life: Yes
Personal: Married to Mike Lally
Kathleen Walker
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ELECTION 2012
In a district that now clus-
ters close to the Rhode Island
border instead of stretching
across Southern Worcester
County, the race for state rep-
resentative in the 8th Worces-
ter District focuses on who
would be the better man to
bring economic relief.
Incumbent Kevin J. Kuros,
R-Uxbridge, said that unem-
ployment and accessing
MassHealth benefits are the
No. 1 calls his office receives.
His work to address local eco-
nomic concerns includes
helping bring back more local
aid and serving on a biparti-
san conference committee to
pass a jobs bill. The jobs bill
featured incentives for com-
panies to invest in the state
and hire interns educated in
the state.
Mr. Kuros also advocates
for a meals tax holiday to
boost restaurant hiring and
consumer spending. And he
hopes to strengthen the bill
passed this session to curb
abuse of electronic benefit
cards, which would save
money that could be used for
local aid and other programs.
Challenger Robert J.
Dubois, a Blackstone Demo-
crat who served for 24 years
on the Board of Selectmen,
including 11 as chairman,
said the state needs to invest
more in education and train-
ing, particularly in health
care, technology and science
fields, to help people gain
good jobs.
He said that in a
recession, in par-
ticular, invest-
ment in job
training and in
infrastructure
projects would
help get the
economy mov-
ing again.
Mr. Dubois
also advocated
for establishing
business tax
credits, credits
for hiring veterans
and the unemployed, low-
interest loans for small busi-
nesses, and easing regulation
on business start-ups.
This is the second run for
state representative by Mr.
Dubois. He lost to Jennifer
Callahan by two votes in the
primary in 2002.
Mr. Dubois is endorsed by
the Massachusetts Teachers
Association.
The Restaurant and Busi-
ness Alliance named Mr.
Kuros one of the Great 8
legislators in the last session.
Jobs, training and economic relief sought
By Susan Spencer
Age: 59
Address: 56 Edgewater
Drive, Blackstone
Party affiliation: Demo-
crat
BP Taxes, employed
at Worcester County
House of Correction
degree, Quinsigamond Community College;
Bachelor of Arts, business management,
Bryant College
Political experience: Served on Board of
Selectmen 24 years, 11 as chairman;
Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals.
Issues: He sees the economy and job
creation as todays top issues. He would
like to boost the economy by easing
regulation on small businesses, advocate
for more money to be put into job training
programs to increase employment, and
push for tax incentives to encourage hiring.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Patricia, three step-
children
Robert J. Dubois
Incumbent
Age: 47
Address: 18 Yankees
Way, Uxbridge
Party affiliation:
Republican
tor, owner of small
real estate firm,
technology and
management consultant
Education: B.S. degree, quantitative busi-
ness analysis, Pennsylvania State Uni-
versity
representative; two terms Board of Select-
men; seven years Uxbridge School Build-
ing Committee
Issues: Encourage job expansion by cre-
ating an environment of less government
intervention in private businesses; contin-
ue focus on reducing government waste,
fraud and abuse, such as closing the cash
option on EBT cards.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Linda, two sons
Kevin J. Kuros
UXBRIDGE
BLACKSTONE
MILLVILLE
BELLINGHAM
8th Worcester
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ELECTION 2012
Voters in West Boylston and
northern Worcester will have their
choice of an incumbent Democrat,
a Republican and an independent
to serve as the next 14th Worcester
District state representative.
Republican William J. McCar-
thy, a professor of criminal justice
at Quinsigamond Community Col-
lege, and Winthrop Handy, an inde-
pendent and a West Boylston busi-
nessman, want the seat held for
almost six years by Democrat
James J. ODay of West Boylston.
Mr. McCarthy is a Republican
state committeeman in Worcester
and president of the Worcester
County Republican Club. He
attacks Mr. ODay for proposing
and supporting higher taxes.
Mr. McCarthy says that he wants
to meet with small-business own-
ers and do what they want to create
new jobs in that important sector.
The former Connecticut state
trooper also wants to crack down
on welfare fraud by placing addi-
tional restrictions on EBT cards.
Mr. Handy says he will not be
automatically voting with either
the Republicans or Democrats, but
is more in tune with the voters,
most of whom are unenrolled in
either party, as he is. Mr. Handy
has been an elected member of the
West Boylston Light Board for 15
years.
Job creation is at the top of his
list of priorities, and one way he
favors creating them is to locate
two casinos at Worcester Regional
Airport. Mr. Handy also wants to
take advantage of the expertise
available through Worcester Poly-
technic Institutes Venture Forum
and the Worcester College Consor-
tium.
Mr. Handy wants to fix a host of
ills, from the states failure to reim-
burse West Boylston for ice storm
damage to reimbursements for the
cost that residents and rate payers
pay for installing sewers and up-
grading the sewage treatment
plant in Millbury for the benefit of
Boston-area water quality.
Mr. ODay, who was a social
worker for the state Department of
Social Services for 24 years before
his election, says he continues to
fight to improve the lives of chil-
dren and families through his work
on the joint committees on Chil-
dren, Families and Persons with
Disabilities and on Mental Health
and Substance Abuse.
Like his more conservative oppo-
nents, Mr. ODay says that job cre-
ation is a top priority. He sup-
ported an economic development
and jobs bill that promotes small
business assistance and invest-
ment in infrastructure; a bill to
bring $10 billion to the state for new
biotech and life sciences jobs,
and the Gateway Cities Initia-
tive.
He defends his proposal to
increase the state income tax,
saying that revenue is needed to
improve the quality of life that
residents deserve and busi-
nesses consider when they
deliberate on where to locate.
While people making $200,000
would contribute $500 more in
taxes, Mr. ODay said, the bill
includes exemptions that would
prevent low- and moderate-
income taxpayers from paying
more in taxes.
Three vying for state rep. seat
By Lee Hammel
Incumbent
Age: 58
Address: 41 Winthrop St.,
West Boylston
Occupation: Representa-
tive of the 14th Worces-
ter District
Education: B.S. in urban
studies and manage-
ment, Worcester State College
Political experience: Five years in the Mas-
sachusetts House of Representatives, mem-
ber of the West Boylston Town Democratic
Committee
Issues: Jobs have to be the most important
issue facing my district, the Commonwealth,
and the country. We need to develop policy
proposals that promote economic devel-
opment, growth, and job creation across the
state. We need to provide enough local aid
so our communities can afford high-quality
education, services and protection for senior
citizens, environmental protection, public
safety, veterans services and repairs to our
crumbling infrastructure.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Marybeth Murphy ODay,
four children.
James J. ODay
Age: 47
Address: 16 Birmingham
Road, Worcester
Occupation: Professor of
criminal justice at
Quinsigamond Commu-
nity College, Becker
College and Assumption
College.
Education: Ph.D., human resource/workforce
development, Louisiana State University;
masters degree in public administration from
Clark University; B.S. in social relations from
Anna Maria College
Political experience: Has never held public
office.
Issues: Lower taxes; reform the Electronic
Benefit Transfer cards and welfare system to
prevent welfare beneficiaries from purchasing
such items as cigarettes, alcohol and lottery
tickets with taxpayer money, while making
sure recipients are getting necessities; devel-
op job opportunities by working with small
businesses so they can invest, hire, or
expand.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Debora, three children.
William J. McCarthy
Age: 64
Address: 53 Central St.,
West Boylston
Party affiliation: Independent
Occupation: Owner of Win-
throp Studios, a portrait
photography studio, digital
fine art printmaking and
art gallery, for 36 years.
Education: B.S. in business
marketing, University of Massachusetts at
Dartmouth
Political experience: Has served 15 years as
commissioner of the West Boylston Municipal
Light plant; served as a member of the 1999
Beaman Memorial Library Building Committee
and the Townwide Planning Committee; and
was chairman of the original Town Adminis-
trator Screening Committee.
Issues: Good paying jobs and business opportu-
nities for Worcester County are my priorities.
Artists, accountants, engineers, designers,
manufacturers, etc., need affordable work and
selling space. I would align the concept with
the entrepreneurs program at WPI and expand
it to include the Worcester College Consortium.
I would immediately open up the former Wor-
cester Courthouse as the first low-cost startup
space.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Anne DeSantis Handy.
Winthrop E. Handy
WORCESTER
WEST
BOYLSTON
14th Worcester
Question 1would prohibit any motor vehicle man-
ufacturer, starting with model year 2015, from sell-
ing or leasing, either directly or through a dealer, a
new motor vehicle without allowing the owner to
have access to the same diagnostic and repair infor-
mation made available to the manufacturers deal-
ers and in-state autho-
rized repair facilities.
Supporters of the bal-
lot question say it would make it more convenient
and less expensive for car owners to get car repairs
by ensuring that no one is forced to go to a dealer-
ship for repairs unless they want to.
Proponents say automakers already make repair
information and tools available for purchase by
anyone as a result of a 2002 national agreement.
The Legislature struck a compromise on the mea-
sure late in the last legislative session and both
sides pledged to urge voters to pass over the ques-
tion as moot. The right to repair coalition has now
reneged and is urging voters to pass Question 1. The
move came after other groups withdrew support
because they believed the compromise didnt go far
enough to ensure consumers rights.
Availability of motor vehicle repair information
QUES T I ON 1
Question 2 would allow a physician licensed in
Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at a termi-
nally ill patients request, to end that patients life.
To qualify, a patient would have to be an adult
resident who (1) is medically determined to be men-
tally capable of making and communicating health
care decisions; (2) has been diagnosed by attending
and consulting physi-
cians as having an incur-
able, irreversible disease
that will, within reasonable medical judgment,
cause death within six months; and (3) voluntarily
expresses a wish to die and has made an informed
decision. The proposed law states that the patient
would ingest the medicine in order to cause death in
a humane and dignified manner.
Supporters of the measure say it will allow men-
tally competent adults with no chance to survive
their illness to take life-ending medication pre-
scribed by a physician.
Opponents say it restricts patients choices and
control by enabling suicide as a substitute for qual-
ity health care. They say Question 2 is poorly writ-
ten, confusing and lacks even the most basic safe-
guards. Patients would not be required to see a
psychiatrist before obtaining the lethal drug.
Prescribing medication to end life
QUES T I ON 2
Question 3 would eliminate state criminal and
civil penalties for the medical use of marijuana by
patients who have been diagnosed with a debilitat-
ing medical condition. The patient would also have
to obtain a written certification, from a physician
with whom the patient has a bona fide physician-
patient relationship, that
the patient has a specific
debilitating medical con-
dition and would likely obtain a net benefit from
medical use of marijuana.
Supporters of the measure say it will ease the
suffering of thousands of people with debilitating
conditions. They also say provisions of the proposed
law requiring strict regulation by the state Depart-
ment of Public Health, written physician approval,
a limited number of nonprofit treatment centers,
and criminal penalties for fraud will help ensure
only appropriate medical use of marijuana.
Opponents of the ballot question say we all have
compassion for those in pain, but the proposed law
has loopholes that would allow corruption and
exploitation. If enacted, they say, this law would
allow virtually anyone to grow pot in their back-
yard.
Medical use of marijuana
QUES T I ON 3
WORCESTER For the first
time since 1993, the 15th Worces-
ter District will welcome a new
state representative, and voters
will have a clean slate of candi-
dates to choose from.
Democrat Mary Keefe, of 10
Oxford St., is running against
Republican Brian OMalley, of
181 Belmont St., in the newly
minted minority majority
district. The winner will fill the
vacancy left in January when
Vincent A. Pedone stepped
down.
Ms. Keefe, whose political ex-
perience was previously limited
to an unsuccessful run for City
Council a few years ago, pulled
off a bit of an upset in the Sep-
tember primary when she hand-
ily beat four other candidates,
including City Councilor Kath-
leen M. Toomey and School
Committee member Dianna Bi-
ancheria, to secure the Demo-
cratic nomination. The primary
win was widely viewed as a shift
away from the traditional
Shrewsbury Street power base
of the 15th Worcester.
Ms. Keefe said she isnt taking
anything for granted, however,
and Mr. OMalley said he thinks
his chances of victory were
actually bolstered by Ms.
Keefes primary victory. He has
repeatedly questioned her sup-
port of a proposed bill that
would raise state income tax on
higher-income earners.
I do see that as a weakness on
her part, that shes so willing to
embrace that, Mr. OMalley
said. Its a mistake in this econ-
omy.
Ms. Keefe said she is sticking
by her support for the tax
increase, saying it asks more
from those of us who have
more. It could help fill gaps
that dwindling local aid has left
in recent years, she said. But
rather than focus on her sup-
port of the tax, Ms. Keefe points
to a host of other issues she
plans on tackling if elected. For
example, she said she is partic-
ularly interested in being part
of the conversation about how
the downtown area continues to
be reshaped.
Mr. OMalley has an interest-
ing personal story that would
catch the eye of any Democratic
political strategist. He was laid
off from a good job; his family
was forced to live in a shelter
and he even took to a tent in a
state park for a while before
getting back on his feet again.
He has received some of the
entitlements that many
national Republicans rail
against. But he said he sees his
story as being about self-
reliance and personal perseve-
rance. Hes an appliance sales-
man at Sears.
Im just a regular working-
class guy, Mr. OMalley said. I
dont like the way the govern-
ment is run, and its been run by
Democrats most of my life.
Ms. Keefe embraces the pro-
gressive label, and does not hide
from positions that reflect her
world view. In fact, she said she
thinks its part of her appeal.
Voters to choose first new rep. since 1993
By Steven H. Foskett Jr.
WORCESTER
15th Worcester
Age: 48
Address: 17 Warren
Ave., Leicester
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation: Truck
driver, former
police officer
Education: Quinsiga-
mond Community
College, Assumption College
Military experience: Gulf War veteran
Issues: Roll back sales and income tax
increases, which were promised to be
temporary; increase local aid to
improve our schools and municipal
services; enable job creation by sup-
porting small business; ensure veterans
get real benefits instead of promises,
which rarely come true.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Four children; one grandchild
William G. LeBeau
Incumbent
Age: 65
Address: 41 Circuit
Ave. E., Worcester
Party affiliation:
Democrat
tor
Education: B.A.,
Worcester State
College
Political experience: State representative
since 1987; chairman, House Commit-
tee on Rules, member of Worcester
City Democratic Committee and Ward 7
Democratic Committee
Issues: More public safety workers and
teachers not only improve quality of
life, but it also expands the workforce;
Ive worked and voted to secure mil-
lions for programs to aid the older
population throughout my career.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Not married
John J. Binienda Sr.
Age: 48
Address: 181 Bel-
mont St., Worces-
ter
Party affiliation:
Republican
Occupation:
Appliance sales-
man at Sears
Education: B.S.,
psychology, Worcester State Uni-
versity, cum laude
office. Served as Gardners Republican
City Committee chairman.
Issues: The commonwealth is constantly
in a fiscal crisis, raising fees and taxes
that will not allow small businesses to
grow and create jobs, we need reform
before revenue in state government.
Most of the violence in the city is in the
neighborhoods in or adjacent to the
15th District. We need to work with
officials at every level of government to
fund the understaffed Police Depart-
ment so our streets can be safer.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married to Patricia; three
children: Amanda, Brendon, Collin
Brian J. OMalley
Age: 58
Address: 10 Oxford
St., Worcester
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: Exec-
utive director of
the Pleasant Street
Neighborhood
Network Center
Education: Marian High School; BFA,
Massachusetts College of Art
Political experience: Founding member of
the Worcester Democrats of Massachu-
setts and Worcester Labor Coalition
Issues: Fighting to provide quality public
schools by making sure they get the
attention and resources they need;
working to ensure that quality health
care is accessible and affordable to all
our families and bolster coverage for
seniors, the unemployed and those in
need; and working to preserve public
places.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Three adult children
Mary S. Keefe
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ELECTION 2012
State Rep. John J. Binienda
Sr., D-Worcester, the longest-
serving member of the Worces-
ter Statehouse delegation, is
facing a challenge from Repub-
lican William LeBeau of Leic-
ester, a political newcomer and
former Spencer police officer.
Mr. Binienda, 65, has repre-
sented the 17th Worcester
House District since 1987 and is
chairman of the Houses influ-
ential Committee on Rules.
Mr. LeBeau, 48, a truck
driver, musician and military
veteran, is making his first run
for public office.
The district includes Leices-
ter and Ward 7 and Precincts 2,
3 and 4 in Ward 8 in the south-
ern and western sections of
Worcester.
A former middle and high
school teacher in the Leicester
public schools, Mr. Binienda is
known as a fiscally conserva-
tive Democrat who is generally
opposed to tax increases,
including on cigarettes and al-
cohol.
Mr. Binienda is a longtime
member of the Houses Demo-
cratic leadership, formerly
serving as chairman of the Leg-
islatures Revenue Committee.
He is a graduate of Worcester
State College and has three
adult children.
Mr. LeBeau was a military
police officer in the U.S. Army
Reserve for eight years and
served in the Gulf War with the
344th MP Company. He was a
Spencer police officer from 1988
to 1997. After that, he was an
Assumption College police offi-
cer for five years.
He has four children and one
grandchild. He graduated from
the U.S. Army Military Police
School and the Worcester
Reserve Police Academy.
Mr. LeBeau has campaigned
on traditional Republican
themes such as lower taxes and
opposition to benefits for illegal
immigrants, and shrinking the
size of government. He has also
painted himself as a blue-collar
working man, in contrast to the
incumbent, who he says is part
of an entrenched Democratic
leadership structure on Beacon
Hill.
Mr. Binienda touts his advo-
cacy for the district, including
on behalf of improvements to
Worcester Regional Airport,
more state funding for local
schools, and funding for ser-
vices for senior citizens. He is a
supporter of casino gambling.
Binienda challenged by newcomer LeBeau
By Shaun Sutner
WORCESTER
LEICESTER
17th Worcester
Age: 48
Address: 19 Oak-
mont St., Webster
Party affiliation:
Democrat
a Webster-based
employment
agency
Education: Mon-
tachusett Regional Vocational Tech-
nical High School, attended North
Shore Community College
Political experience: Member of the Web-
ster Board of Selectmen for two-and-a-
half years, including serving as chair-
man; member of the Zoning Board of
Appeals for two years.
Issues: Job creation and economic
development; safe and sufficient fund-
ing levels for our emergency services;
advocating for senior citizens and those
with developmental disabilities so they
receive services so they can live
dignified and comfortable lives.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Married
Donald D. Bourque
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ELECTION 2012
Candidates for state represen-
tative in the 18th Worcester Dis-
trict say theyre committed to
improving the local job scene
and helping towns reap more
local aid. And each says hes
more in touch with district resi-
dents than his opponent.
Incumbent Ryan C. Fattman,
28, R-Sutton, points to his bipar-
tisan work in his first legisla-
tive term: adding a budget
amendment that returned
$369,000 in local aid to the dis-
trict, bringing a GOP jobs fair to
the district and promoting a
jobs package with employer tax
credits. He also worked on the
bipartisan reform bill to curb
abuse of electronic benefit
cards.
Donald D. Bourque, 48, a Web-
ster Democrat who serves on the
Board of Selectmen and owns a
staffing business, says Mr. Fatt-
man isnt doing enough to be
responsive to residents. Hed
like to establish an economic de-
velopment board to coordinate
local, state and federal initia-
tives to help businesses move
into the district.
The district faces another big
challenge in its new configura-
tion. Starting with the upcom-
ing legislative session, the 18th
Worcester District includes Sut-
ton, Oxford (Precincts 1 and 4),
Douglas and Webster. Previ-
ously it included Bellingham,
Blackstone, Millville, Sutton
(Precincts 1and 2) and Uxbridge
(Precincts 1, 2 and 4).
Mr. Bourque said being acces-
sible and accountable to resi-
dents is crucial. He said the dis-
trict hasnt been adequately rep-
resented on Beacon Hill since
redistricting was announced
more than a year ago.
As part of his commitment to
accessibility, Mr. Bourque said
he would include his cellphone
number on his business card, if
elected.
Mr. Fattman said he has
knocked on every door in Web-
ster, met with residents district-
wide and worked with local
leaders in the districts new
towns to address their concerns.
As a full-time legislator, Mr.
Fattman said he plans to contin-
ue his 100 percent voting record
and work with both parties to
get the economy moving again
and reform government spend-
ing.
Candidates vow to work for jobs, local aid
By Susan Spencer
SUTTON
DOUGLAS
OXFORD
WEBSTER
18th Worcester
Voters going to the polls Nov.
6 will be asked to decide be-
tween two types of experience
in selecting the next Northern
Worcester Register of Deeds.
Democrat Kathleen Reynolds
Daigneault has been Register of
Deeds in the Fitchburg office
for six years and also has 20
years as an attorney. Her oppo-
nent, unenrolled candidate
Patricia Buckley Malcolmson,
has been a title examiner for 28
years.
Both are Leominster resi-
dents who support the idea of
putting all deed records at the
Registry dating back to the
1800s online and accessible to
the public by computer.
The Northern Worcester Dis-
trict Registry of Deeds serves
Fitchburg, Leominster, Ash-
burnham, Lunenburg and
Westminster.
Since her 2006 election, Mrs.
Daigneault, 49, has focused on
educating the public and mak-
ing the registry more acces-
sible. She has also worked with
residents who have had mort-
gage difficulties due to the
banking crisis that hit not long
after she took office. She is the
first woman and first attorney
to hold the office.
Among her initiatives since
winning election in 2004 have
been connecting the office with
probate records, expanding the
electronic access to deeds and
other documents the office also
has paper copies of. She said
she has also managed to keep
the office open and operating in
downtown Fitchburg while
dealing with $200,000 in budget
cuts to the office over several
years.
Mrs. Malcolmson, 50, said she
would be able to help people
with a variety of deed issues
because of her many years of
experience using the registrys
documents. She said she would
be available full time in the
office. Along with her work as
title examiner, she works part
time as a bank secrecy assist-
ant at North Middlesex Savings
Bank keeping an eye on ac-
counts to ensure they are not
used to launder money or as
fronts for illegal activity. Also
she works part time evenings
as an accountant for her fam-
ilys business, Buckleys Reli-
gious Gifts.
If elected, she said she would
leave the title examiner and
bank jobs. She said the job with
the family business is done in
the evening and would not
interfere with her work at the
Registry of Deeds.
If re-elected, Mrs. Daigneault
would continue what she has
been doing the past six years,
but also consider new initia-
tives, including opening a satel-
lite office in Leominster.
Mrs. Malcolmson said she
would push for more unifor-
mity between registries around
the state, which operate on a
variety of computer programs
and other systems.
Experienced hopefuls tout access to records
REGI S T ER OF DEEDS
By George Barnes
Incumbent
Age: 28
Address: 206 Bur-
bank Road, Sutton
Party affiliation:
Republican
tor
Education: Bache-
lors degree,
political science, Suffolk University;
Rappaport public policy fellow, Harvard
Kennedy School of Government; at-
tended master of public policy program
at Tufts University
representative; member of Board of
Selectmen for five years; chairman,
Sutton Housing Partnership Committee,
one year
Issues: Working across party lines to
improve the Massachusetts economy
and foster job creation; improving local
services by prioritizing the states local
aid funding.
Ballot questions:
Personal: Engaged
Ryan C. Fattman
Age: 50
Address: 53 Brown
Ave., Leominster
Party affiliation:
Unenrolled
Occupation: Real
estate title exam-
iner for 28 years,
part-time BSA
assistant at local
bank and Buckleys Religious Gift
Store.
Education: Stonehill College, B.A. in
sociology/criminal justice
office.
Issues: The Registry holds important
historical records of all real estate
transactions. It is imperative that all
documents, especially the very old
ones, are scanned so there is a high-
quality image for viewing and have
user-friendly access. The register must
be a person with knowledge of the real
estate laws and Registry standards and
practices.
Personal: Married to Ralph Malcolmson;
three daughters: Molli, Emily and Julia
Patricia Buckley Malcolmson
Incumbent
Age: 49
Address: 107 High-
land Ave., Leomin-
ster
Party affiliation:
Democrat
Occupation: Attorney,
20 years
Education: Provi-
dence College, bachelor of arts; New
England School of Law, Juris Doctor;
National Labor Relations Board trained
mediator
Political experience: Register of Deeds for
the Worcester Northern District
Issues: As Register of Deeds, my top
priority has been to provide the utmost
service to the public also continued
modernization. I believe service to the
community is the highest form of
citizenship. Professionalism and a
high-quality-run office are my commit-
ment. All records are available free
online at fitchburgdeeds.com.
Personal: Married to Christopher Daig-
neault; four children, Nina, 24, Chris-
topher, 23, Andrew, 21, and Rocco, 17.
Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault
S
U
N
D
A
Y
T
E
L
E
G
R
A
M
S
U
N
D
A
Y
,
N
O
V
E
M
B
E
R
4
,
2
0
1
2
20
ELECTION 2012
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