One of the most powerful Globe endorsements I have ever read. Note the lack of, “on the other hand we sort of like the other guys too.”
THE PEOPLE of the Fourth Middlesex District need a senator who can persuade the Legislature to give cities and towns greater responsibility to deliver local services and more resources to pay for them. James Marzilli has shown in his 17 years as a state representative that he can think and act creatively on local and statewide issues. He deserves to win the special Democratic primary for state Senate next Tuesday, Nov. 13.
Marzilli, from Arlington, helped push the “circuit breaker” bill through the Legislature in 1999 to give elderly homeowners on limited incomes a reduction in their property tax bills. He filed the bill in 1997 that abolished Middlesex County, removing an unnecessary and wasteful layer of government. And in his hometown, he spearheaded an environmental coalition five years ago that saved the town thousands of dollars by installing new bulbs and other efficient-energy products in street lights and in government buildings. He is smart, innovative, and conscientious, and would be a major asset to the Senate.
The district, represented since 1990 by the retiring Robert Havern, encompasses all of Arlington, Burlington and Billerica, and most of Lexington and Woburn. Marzilli wants to create a revolving loan fund to give these and all the other communities in the state the incentives to make the energy efficiencies that helped Arlington. Leadership on environmental issues at the State House earned him the Legislator of the Year award from the Environmental League of Massachusetts in 2001.
Marzilli would give communities greater power to raise revenue by closing the property-tax loophole for telecommunications equipment and by allowing cities and towns to levy a meals tax. To reduce long-term expenses, he would make it easier for communities to join the state pension system if their own plans are posting subpar performances.
Marzilli has also been a strong advocate for people who barely get by in this affluent state. Sound social values combined with a seasoned commitment to local empowerment make him the clear choice to gain the Democratic nomination for state Senate.
All true, and well said. Jim Marzilli HAS been a strong advocate for the working class and the middle class. This has not endeared him to lobbyists – so he could use help as in donations.
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He has been endoresed by locals of the SEIU and the Autoworkers.
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http://www.marzilli….
Head and shoulders above the Tim Flaherty nod so badly written by the Globe in the last State Senate Special.
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Congrats to Rep. Marzilli