State rep endorsements
Lowell Sun, October 31, 2008
(Emphasis added by the Campaign)
Greater Lowell, like most regions, is striving to overcome difficult financial hurdles, encourage economic development and create new jobs. Needless to say, this is no easy task and will demand considerable effort by Massachusetts' leaders. The following candidates for state representative are those we think will be best able to move Massachusetts in the right direction while also working to rein in reckless spending.
In the 1st Middlesex District, Republican Rep. Robert Hargraves of Groton is fiscally conservative and will stand up for smaller government. We give him a slight edge over Democratic challenger and local business owner Virginia Wood of Groton.
In the 2nd Middlesex District, Republican Paul Avella of Littleton is a staunch fiscal conservative with extensive leadership experience and a proven ability to work with those on the opposing side of an issue.
In the 14th Middlesex District, incumbent Rep. Cory Atkins, a Democrat from Concord, is conservative on fiscal issues and pushes economic development, both of which are crucial right now. Though she hails from the suburbs, Atkins understands the needs of cities and won't starve one to feed the other.
In the 18th Middlesex District, incumbent Rep. Kevin Murphy, a Lowell Democrat, works hard to promote the city's interests at the state level. His pro bono work on the Lowell School Department's assistant superintendents' contracts concerns us, but Murphy is clearly the better candidate in this race.
In the 22nd Middlesex District, incumbent Rep. William Greene, a Billerica Democrat, has extensive experience and always fights for what he believes is in the district's best interests. He knows how to get things at the Statehouse and isn't afraid to veer from the party line if such a move is better for Billerica.
In the 37th Middlesex District, Republican Kurt Hayes of Boxboro will push for change on Beacon Hill and support common-sense solutions to today's complex problems. He would work to roll back the income tax to 5 percent and help to improve the balance of power at the Statehouse.
The Sun endorses Robert Hargraves, Paul Avella, Cory Atkins, Kevin Murphy, William Greene and Kurt Hayes for seats in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
