My name is Sandi Martinez and I am running for State Senate because I believe that our legislature has become detached from those it is supposed to represent; it governs without the “consent of the governed”.
Over my many years of political participation, I have sensed a growing disconnect between the people and the Legislature as time and again, the people speak and are ignored. Special interest lobbyists have the attention of our leaders while the tax-paying citizens are without a voice. I will bring common sense, an independent voice, and a change of culture to Beacon Hill! I will bridge the divide between the people and their elected representatives.
I believe that I can better represent the people of the 3rd Middlesex District because I am one of you. I was born in Waltham, the oldest of seven children. When I was 3 years old, my father was killed during fighter-pilot training for service in the Korean War. After his death, my family settled in Chelmsford where I excelled in school and went on to attend the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
I married and had five children. When they were small, I founded my own Information Technology consulting company so that I could fulfill my primary responsibility as mother. I instilled in my children my own cherished values — hard work, a strong sense of family, and a love of country. All of my children are graduates of the Chelmsford Public Schools. Three have decided to follow in their grandfather’s footsteps and serve their country; my older daughter spent eight years in the Air Force, and my two sons are currently serving in the Marines. One is in Iraq and the other is a RECON Marine in an undisclosed location.
I served as a Chelmsford Town Meeting Representative for seven years, was a board member of the Chelmsford Youth Soccer Association for over 12 years, and volunteered to serve on many different committees serving the local schools.
My top legislative priorities are economy, accountability, and children.
As a small-business owner and a life-long resident of this district, I understand the difficult time that Massachusetts businesses face. I am also greatly concerned with making Massachusetts economically competitive. Excessive regulations and taxes are causing companies to move and to expand elsewhere, often taking talented Massachusetts residents with them. We are taxing one of our best resources (our people) right out of this state. In addition, a healthy economy will solve many other problems as there will be more, stable revenue and less expense for unemployment insurance and other assistance.
Our Legislature recently increased taxes by about $800 million, we have the highest per capita debt of all the states, and the state budget is still about $1 billion more than expected revenue. That’s just plain irresponsible!
Where is all this money going? The first bill I file will require the state to open its “checkbook” so we can see how OUR money is being spent. This will result in immediate savings. Questionable expenses are less likely to be put in the budget when someone might find out where the money is going.
I refuse to vote for any bill that would weaken our education reform laws. Current proposals to remove MCAS requirements or other accountability measures are bad for our economy and our children. I believe that our teachers must be held accountable to at least the same standards as the students they are teaching! If a teacher cannot pass the certification test after three tries, he or she is not qualified to teach our children!
Like many of you, I was disappointed in the way that Jessica’s Law was watered-down before it was finally passed. I will be a strong advocate for the children and against those who would harm them.
If elected, I will be an advocate for local aid so that cities and towns are not forced to raise property taxes. I will also work with the communities to come up with creative ways to manage budgets in these difficult economic times.
