Too many politicians do more talking than listening. A good legislator must listen, listen carefully, and learn, because only then will she be ready to lead. Much of my time is spent directly involved with constituents.
I have listened to you in coffee shops and town halls. I have visited senior centers and nursing homes, and I have sat in living rooms and kitchens across this district. I have heard about the love you and your family has for your home town; I love it, too. I have heard about what worries you the most: the economy; health care; and making sure your children receive the best education.
From these conversations came the inspiration for legislation. I have developed dozens of bills that bring direct relief, such as the Senior Circuit Breaker tax relief law. I am the only candidate in this race that has cut taxes, balanced budgets and worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass commonsense laws.
I have always felt strongly about serving others. That passion led me to become a public school teacher and, later, a newspaper reporter and editor of the Lincoln Journal. I looked critically at many issues, including how town governments work. Having learned so much, I became a selectman. My time on the board was productive, and the members twice elected me to be the chairman.
Local experience is the foundation of what I am able to do today.
The best way to develop good solutions to problems is by building solid grass roots support across the state and in the halls of the House and Senate.
You may be interested in some of laws I have championed as the author or as a lead sponsor:
· Local Aid increases for seniors, police, fire and schools;
· Senior Tax Relief — The Circuit Breaker cuts taxes for thousands of seniors in our district;
· Workplace Smoking Ban law which saves lives;
· Do Not Call law which keeps telemarketers away;
· The Children and Family Protection Act which keeps dangerous chemicals from our children's schools and playgrounds;
· Repeal of the drug tax on prescription medications;
· The Energy Savings Plan which was designed to cut government energy consumption by 10 percent to save $35,000 each day.
You can learn more about my legislative record at www.SusanFargocom.
Support from my colleagues in the House and Senate was essential to pass these laws, bipartisan support from inside the State House and across the state. Working with people to solve problems is not only possible; it is essential.
That is exactly how we increased school aid to bring $200 million to our district for school construction. Working together we kept Hanscom Air Force Base and the Edith Norse VA Hospital from being closed. Hanscom alone adds $1 billion into our local economy. Keeping them open allows us to support veterans like we did with the Welcome Home Law and the Welcome Home Bonus.
Getting the economy on the right track is essential. Thankfully, there are new businesses moving to our area to create new high-paying, knowledge-based jobs. Some are coming because of our recently passed Life Sciences law, and others are responding to our call for renewable energy development.
Over the next term I will focus on three top issues. I will continue to advocate for local aid to support our communities and schools and protect local services. We must reduce health care costs, which are the nation’s highest. As the Public Health Committee Chairman I will careful monitor our landmark reforms in health care to make certain that people's needs come first. Finally, I will work with local and state partners to create new jobs.
I will continue to be centrally involved in key reforms to eliminate waste and result in more effective services and taxpayer savings.
As a private citizen and as a publicly elected legislator, I will continue to challenge our system of government to look for simple, straightforward solutions that work. We can do better.
I thank you for your consideration, and I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.
Susan Fargo is the incumbent Democratic candidate for state senator for the 3rd Middlesex District.
