Dear Editor,
I would like to announce my candidacy for State Representative for the 2nd Middlesex District. The 2nd Middlesex District includes Littleton and Westford, where I live, and Precincts 3, 5 and 7 in Chelmsford. My decision to run is based upon an on-going dialogue with residents and business owners. All are worried and desperate for economic relief and stability, and urged me to run.
My top priority will be the economy. Addressing the state’s economy requires a disciplined approach to taxes, state spending practices and job creation.
Local property and state taxes need to remain low to attract large employers. The state is not helping with promises of grants for economic development. The concepts are slow to develop, focused on limited industries and placing the financial burden on towns to temporarily waive taxes.
Our towns’ need for revenue, in a climate of falling home values, puts too much pressure on our communities to change zoning; changing the look and feel of the towns we cherish. We cannot allow this.
The legislature needs to embrace economic diversity, revise archaic development laws and stop funding pet-projects, such as Evergreen Solar.
Every small business owner knows that if you borrow, additional revenue will be needed to repay the debt. The state is borrowing to supplement operating budgets and raiding rainy day funds. This type of investment will not increase revenue. The only assured means of increasing revenue for the state is to increase taxes. Small business owners are reluctant to expand, worrying taxes will increase. Borrow and invest in infrastructure to promote commerce and stop borrowing to bail out failing divisions.
Local aid or Chapter 70 school funding has a significant effect on the wealth of any community. It provides an educated workforce and stabilizes home values. Increasing Chapter 70 is paramount to putting the economy back on track. And it begins with an examination of the model Chapter 70 distributions are based on. The model was developed in 1993, long before MCAS. A new model will bring parity to district towns.
Chipping away at pension abuse should not be considered extraordinary, but a routine function of the Legislature. A rigorous approach is needed; lowering taxes, fiscal discipline and increased local aid will invigorate the economy. I am asking for your vote for 2nd Middlesex State Representative in November.
Follow my campaign at www.valwormell.com, on Facebook at /VoteWormell and Twitter at @VoteWormell.
Emily Tabor
6:45 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
Considering where she,and the BOS, stood (even interjected themselves via a letter) on the WPS teachers seeking a fair contract I don't see where I would ever consider voting for her.
Sam
7:52 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
Right, I could how being fisacally responsible would turn you off.
R Gagnon
11:48 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
I had a very negative experience with her as the BoS chair several years ago when East Boston Social Center was still gifted the use of our East Boston Camps for $1 a year. She told me she met with the camp administrators from EBSC and they agreed to open up more access to the camps for the public. Fact was, she did meet but achieved nothing regarding increased access to the camps. This resulted in a very unpleasant altercation between me and a few of the camp "counselors". She also to me that there was funding for the town being held hostage by the state, an effort driven by then senate pres Robert Travaglini, in order to secure continued use of EBC by EBSC. At the time she told me that, the money was already sitting in Westford's bank account. She stretched the truth some times and other times told complete falsehoods. She also told be that she intended to run for state office in the future and didn't want to ruffle any feathers on the state level regarding who gets the use of the camps, the people who are paying for it or EBSC. She has always been ready and willing to throw Westford under her political tour bus. I am a conservative and often vote republican. But V. Wormell will NOT get my vote.
Elaine McKenna
6:35 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
East Boston Camps really gets to you Rich. Is there anything you like about it?