series, which explores top issues confronting the nation in this presidential campaign sea- son and their impact on Americans. WASHINGTON Election Day could well determine how much you end up pay- ing in taxes. It could move the bar for fighting future wars. On energy, it could shape the balance between drill-baby- drill (and mine-baby-mine) and some big pollution controls. If you care about Obamacare, this may be your last, best chance to save it or unravel it with your vote. Long after the fuss fades over President Barack Obamas snoozy debate opener and Mitt Romneys weird flub or two, one of them will be hard at work trying to make good on his agenda. This will include pressing any opportunity to reshape the Supreme Court, which hovers over all other issues. The winners policies are almost cer- tain to find you where you live, no matter how far you are from Washington in your mind or your place. The taxman cometh. So does the Social Security check for retirees and the shakier-by-the-dec- ade promise of those checks for everyone else. Obamas mandate for almost everyone to have health in- Time to choose By Calvin Woodward THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PRES I DENT OF T HE UNI T ED S T AT ES 2 S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Age: 62 Party affiliation: Green-Rainbow Party Education: Graduated from Harvard College in 1973 and from Harvard Medical School in 1979 Political experience: Lexington town meeting representative, founder and past co- chairman of a local recycling committee appointed by the Lexington Board of Selectmen Issues: Provide grants and low-interest loans to green busi- nesses and cooperatives; reduce the budget deficit by restor- ing full employment, cutting the bloated military budget, and cutting private health insurance waste; provide tuition-free education from kindergarten through college, thus eliminating the student debt crisis. Personal: Married to Richard Rohrer, two sons: Ben and Noah Running mate: Cheri Honkala Jill Stein Barack Hussein Obama Jr. Incumbent Age: 51 Party affiliation: Democrat Education: Attended Occidental College, B.S. in political science from Columbia University; law degree from Harvard University. Political experience: President of the United States 2009 to present, U.S. Senate 2005-2008, Illinois Senate 1997-2004. Issues: Growth of economy and creation of good middle-class jobs; quality affordable health insurance for all Americans by putting a stop to insurance company abuses. Cutting taxes for every working American and keeping taxes low for middle-class families. Personal: Married to Michelle; two daughters: Malia, 14, and Sasha, 11. Running mate: Vice President Joseph Biden Turn to Shape/Next Page surance along with all the coverage pro- tections that flow from that constitutes the largest reshaping of social policy in generations, with the effects to be felt ever more as the law takes firmer hold in the next few years. If Romney wins and gets enough like-minded people in Congress, he would reset that and try something else. Though farther from home, the out- sourcing of production overseas goes to the heart of American communities large and small as factory jobs vanish, or in some cases come back. Seemingly esoteric subjects like the value of Chi- nas currency and the fine print of trade deals affect what you pay for goods and perhaps whether you or the neighbors have work. Less obviously, the debt crisis on a faraway continent affects credit in the U.S. What happens in Greece, Spain and beyond may put your home loan out of reach if the turmoil gets out of hand. Romney and Obama have sharp dif- ferences on these subjects and more, though they dont always make them easy to see. Much of the final leg of the campaign is about reaching for the middle ground. So nothing too radical, please. For Romney, that means suddenly talking about his interest Shape of future hangs on presidential vote 3 S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Age: 59 Party affiliation: Libertarian Education: B.S. from University of Mexico Political Experience: Governor of New Mexico 1995-2003 Issues: Submit a balanced budget to Congress in 2013, revise the terms of entitlement programs such as Medi- care, Medicaid, and Social Security, which threaten to bankrupt the nations future; fewer government man- dates and less regulation will allow innovation and competition to make health care more affordable. Personal: Widower, two children: Saeh and Erik; engaged to be married Running mate: Jim Gray Gary Johnson Willard Mitt Romney Age: 65 Party affiliation: Republican Education: B.A. in English from Brigham Young University; earned dual masters and law degrees from Harvard Law and Harvard Business School. Political experience: Governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2007 Issues: Rebuild American econo- my: plans to reduce taxes, spend- ing, regulation and government programs; plans to repeal Affor- dable Care Act; will pursue pow- ers that give each state the power to create its own health care plan; wants to reduce and stabilize federal spending; would like to lower marginal tax rates for all Americans. Personal: Married to Ann Romney; five sons: Taggart, Matt, Josh, Ben and Craig; 18 grandchildren. Running mate: Paul Ryan From Previous Page Turn to Candidates/Next Page S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 4 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Age: 49 Party affiliation: Green-Rainbow Party Education: High school diploma Political experience: None Issues: Enact the Full Employment Program, which will create 25 million green jobs in sustainable energy, mass transit, sustainable organic agriculture and clean manufacturing; provide full protection for workplace rights, including the right to a safe workplace and the right to organize a union; break up the oversized banks. Personal: One son: Mark Webber Running Mate: Jill Stein Cheri Honkala in seeing Pell Grants rise for low-income college students, not about the major changes in government programs that would be required for him even to get close to his deficit-cutting goals. For Obama, it means preaching fiscal discipline and an aggressive stance on energy production, not focusing on the tax increases for higher-end insurance policies in his health care law or the mercury pollution controls that could shut dozens of coal-fired power plants across the country. Although Obama failed to persuade a Democratic Con- gress to pass limits he promised on carbon emissions and he shelved a plan to toughen health standards on lung-damaging smog, a second term could give a second wind to steps like these. Both candidates talk about cutting un- necessary regulation, but Romneys view of whats unnecessary is far more expansive than the Democrats. Thats part of a larger, fundamental and familiar divide between the two parties on the proper responsibilities of government. Voters, like candidates, cant predict what economic calamity will come out of the blue. But its clear both from records and rhetoric that Obama believes in the power of government and the Treasury to stimulate growth, From Page 3 Turn to Sharp /Next Page Candidates governing principles differ Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. Incumbent Age: 69 Party affiliation: Democrat Education: Bachelors degree, history and political science, University of Delaware; law degree, Syracuse University, 1968. Political Experience: Vice president of the United States 2009 to present; U.S. Senate, 1973-2009; New Castle County Council, 1970-72. Issues: Supports Americas manu- facturing and auto industries; wants to protect retirement security for Americas seniors; make sure mil- lionaires and billionaires dont pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than middle-class families. Personal: Married Neilia Hunter in 1966; three children: Beau, Hunter and Naomi. His wife and daughter Naomi died in a car crash in 1972. Married Jill Jacobs in 1977; oine daughter, Ashley; five grandchildren. S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 5 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Age: 67 Party affiliation: Libertarian Education: University of California at Los Angeles, 1966, and law degree from the University of Southern Cali- fornia Political experience: Has never held office Issues: Repeal the failed and hopeless war on drugs by restricting the role of the federal government to assist- ing each state to enforce its chosen laws; establish sunset laws that will require an affirmative vote in Congress every seven years before any federal agencies or pro- grams can be refunded; return our educational and health care systems to the control of more local governments. Personal: Married with four children: Bill, Jennifer, Morgan and Ky Running mate: Gary Johnson Jim Gray add jobs and even save industries in ways that Romney doesnt. On Nov. 6, voters choose governing principles as much as a list of positions. That holds true on foreign policy, too. At the moment, Romney comes across as more aggressive against Iran and on the conflict in Syria. On Afghanistan, he now supports the presidents plan to end U.S. combat in 2014 and appears to have dropped his qualifica- tion that a withdrawal will depend on con- ditions on the ground at the time. Appar- ently modest differences may come to nothing after the campaign, or they could prove substantive determining whether the U.S. truly extricates itself from one war and how willing it will be to fight another. The choice in the election doesnt just matter on the issues the candi- dates want to talk about. It can matter just as much on the issues they avoid. This is where the Supreme Court comes in. With four justices in their 70s, theres a strong chance the next president will have a chance to fill at least one seat on a court closely divided between conservatives and liberals. One new face on the bench could mean a major change in civil liberties, gay relationships, gun control, health care, the approach to terrorism, perhaps access to abortion, and more, for years to come. All told, a lot of tipping points on Election Day. Thats democra- cy for you. Paul Davis Ryan Age: 42 Party affiliation: Republican Education: B.A. in political science and economics from Miami University of Ohio Political experience: U.S. representative for Wisconsins 1st congressional district 1999 to present, chairman of the House Budget Committee. Issues: Introduced the Path to Pros- perity budget proposal to help budget the mounting debt; wants to reform both Medicare and Medicaid; wants to make the Tax Code Fair competitive and simple. Personal: Married to Janna; three children: Liza, Charles and Sam. Running mate: Mitt Romney From Previous Page Sharp contrasts in defining national policy Incumbent Age: 53 Address: 70 Hayden Woods, Wrentham Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: U.S. senator Education: Degree in history from Tufts University and juris doctorate degree from Boston College Law School Political experience: Wrentham selectman 1995-1998, Massachusetts House of Repre- sentatives 1999-2004, Massachusetts state Senate 2004-2010, U.S. senator 2010 to present Issues: Wants to create jobs to stimulate the economy to get the country moving again; wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with health care reforms that drive down costs and make it easier for people to purchase affor- dable insurance and strengthen the existing private market system. Personal: Married, two daughters Scott P. Brown S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 6 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election WORCESTER Republican U.S. Sen. Scott P. Brown is being challenged by Democrat Elizabeth Warren in what has become the most expensive Senate race in state history and one of the most watched around the country this year. More than $53 million is being spent by the two candidates, in a contest that has seen each candidate leading in polls in recent months and has been expected to be a close contest. Mr. Brown, 53, surged to national political prominence in 2010, upsetting state Attorney General Martha Coakley with the help of the tea party movement, to become the 41st Republican in the Senate, which gave the GOP enough votes to block Democratic bills by filibuster in 2010. He served as a town tax assessor and selectman, state repre- sentative and as a state senator, before running for federal office for the first time in the special election in January 2010. He has served part time in the National Guard for many years and this year was promoted to the rank of colonel. Ms. Warren, 63, is a law professor at Harvard University Law School and is a well-known consumer advocate who has written extensively on the economic status of the middle class. She served as a financial adviser to the White House and President Barack Obama after the 2008 financial crisis and proposed and oversaw creation of the new Federal Consumer Protection Bureau to combat abusive credit practices. This time out Mr. Brown, who is serving out the remainder of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedys term, is seeking re-election to a six-year term in the Senate and is sticking to many of the High-profile, high-stakes contest By John J. Monahan TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF US S ENAT E RACE Turn to Brown/Next Page Address: 24 Linnaean St., Cambridge Age: 63 Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Harvard Law School professor Education: George Washington University, University of Houston and juris doctorate degree from Rutgers Uni- versity Political experience: Appointed chair of oversight for Trouble Asset Relief Program Issues: We can put people back to work by repairing roads and bridges, upgrading communications, and making sure we have teachers in the classroom and firefighters in the fire station; must level the playing field for small businesses and middle class families; invest more in our public colleges and universities; get serious about strengthening grant programs and forgiv- ing loans for those who serve their communities. Personal: Married, a daughter and son Elizabeth Warren S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 7 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election campaign themes he used in the 2010 special election. He still wants to repeal Obamas health care law and replace it with provisions to lower costs, reduce taxes and government regulations for business and describes himself as a moderate pro-choice Republican. He has said he will only support exten- sion of current tax cuts for the middle class if they are also extended for those making more than $250,000 and has called for spending cuts to reduce the deficit. He saw a Democratic version of a bill he filed this year that bans members of Congress from insider trading enacted into law, along with a crowd funding bill he filed that allows businesses to raise up to $1 million from investors without extensive Securities and Exchange Commission regulation. Ms. Warren favors tax cuts for the middle class and increas- ing taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year as part of what she calls a balanced approach to reducing the federal deficit with spending cuts and more revenue. She has called for an expedited withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and opposes any cuts in benefits to Medicare and Social Secu- rity. Mr. Brown has opposed several Democratic bills to create jobs using funds from increased taxes on the wealthy and closing of loopholes for business this year, and has signed a pledge not to vote for any tax increases. Ms. Warren says she supports job bills using federal funds for such things as in- frastructure projects to put more people back to work. Brown, Warren compete in closely watched race From Previous Page S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 8 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for the election. Area polling places are: ASHBURNHAM One precinct: J.R. Briggs Ele- mentary School, 96 Williams Road. ASHBY One precinct: Ashby Elementary School, 911 Main St. ATHOL Precinct 1: Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut St. Precincts 2 and 3: Senior Cen- ter, 82 Freedom St. AUBURN Precincts 1-5: Auburn High School, Auburn Street. BARRE Precinct 1: Senior Center, 557 South Barre Road. Precinct 2: American Legion Post 2, 450 South Barre Road. BERLIN One precinct: Town office build- ing, 23 Linden St., lower level. BLACKSTONE Precinct 1: Senior Center at Town Hall, St. Paul Street. Precinct 2: St. Theresas Parish Hall, Rathbun Street. Precinct 3: Upper level meeting room, Town Hall, St. Paul Street. BOLTON All precincts: Auditorium, Nash- oba Regional High School, 12 Green Road. BOYLSTON One precinct: Town Hall at Hill- side, 221 Main St. BRIMFIELD All precincts: Town Hall, 21Main St. BROOKFIELD One precinct: Town Hall, 6 Cen- tral St. CHARLTON Precincts 1-4: Heritage School, 34 Oxford Road. CLINTON Precincts 1-4: Town Hall, 242 Church St. DOUGLAS Precincts 1-3: Municipal Center Gym, 29 Depot Road. DUDLEY Precincts 1-3: Town Hall, 71 West Main St., in the senior center. EAST BROOKFIELD One precinct: Memorial Town Hall Complex, 122 Connie Mack Drive. FITCHBURG Ward 1, Precincts A and B: Knights of Columbus Hall, 165 Electric Ave. Ward 2, Precincts A and B: St. Josephs Church hall, Woodland Street. Ward 3, Precincts A and B: Memorial Middle School, 615 Roll- stone St. Ward 4, Precincts A and B: Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wal- lace Ave. Ward 5, Precincts A and B: MART Intermodal Station, 100 Main St. Ward 6, Precincts A and B: St. Bernards Activity Center, 260 Sum- mer St. GARDNER Ward 1, Precincts A and B: Elks Home, 31 Park St. Ward 2, Precincts A and B: Levi Heywood Memorial Library, 55 West Lynde St. Ward 3, Precinct A: Acadien Social Club, 193 Parker St. Ward 3, Precinct B: High Rise Lounge, 116 Church St. Ward 4, Precincts A and B: Sa- cred Heart Church hall, 166 Cross St. Ward 5, Precincts A and B: Knights of Columbus hall, 110 South Main St. GRAFTON Precincts 1-3: Grafton Middle School, Providence Road. Precincts 4-5: Grafton Elemen- tary School gymnasium, 105 Mill- bury St. HARDWICK One precinct: Hardwick Ele- mentary School, 531 Lower Road. HARVARD One precinct: Bromfield School, 14 Massachusetts Ave. HOLDEN Precincts 1 and 2: Senior Cen- ter, 1130 Main St. Precinct 3: Davis Hill School, 80 Jamieson Road (use 175 Highland St. entrance). Precinct 4: Mountview School (gym), 270 Shrewsbury St. Precinct 5: Light Department, 1 Holden St. HOLLAND All precincts: Town Hall, Com- munity Room, 27 Sturbridge Road. HOPEDALE One precinct: Draper gymna- sium, 13 Dutcher St. HUBBARDSTON One precinct: Hubbardston Center School, gymnasium, 8 Elm St. HUDSON Precinct 1: Hudson High School, gymnasium, 69 Brigham St. Precinct 2: Glen Road Commu- nity Center, 4 Glen Road. Precinct 3: JFK Middle School, gymnasium, 201 Manning St. Precinct 4: Mulready School, gymnasium, 306 Cox St. Precinct 5: Forest Avenue School, gymnasium, 136 Forest Ave. Precincts 6 and 7: Town Hall, second-floor auditorium, 78 Main St. LANCASTER Precincts 1 and 2: Town Hall, 695 Main St. LEICESTER Precincts 1-4: Town Hall, 3 Washburn Square. LEOMINSTER Ward 1, Precincts A, B, and C: Sky View Middle School, 500 Ken- nedy Way, off Prospect Street. Ward 2, Precincts A, B, and C: Southeast Elementary School, 95 Viscoloid Ave. Ward 3, Precincts A, B, and C: Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, 456 Litchfield St. Ward 4, Precinct A: Senior Citi- zen Drop-In Center, 5 Pond St. Ward 4, Precincts B and C: Leo- minster Veterans Quarters, 100 West St. Ward 5, Precincts A and B: City Hall auditorium, 25 West St. Ward 5, Precinct C: First Baptist Church of Leominster, 23 West St. LUNENBURG Precincts A, B, C, D: T.C. Pas- sios Elementary, 1025 Massachu- setts Ave. MARLBORO Ward 1, Precincts 1and 2: Kane School, 520 Farm Road. Ward 2, Precincts 1 and 2: Kane School, 520 Farm Road. Ward 3, Precinct 1: Masonic Hall, 8 Newton St. Ward 3, Precinct 2: Richer School, 80 Foley Road. Ward 4, Precincts 1and 2: Marl- boro Boys and Girls Club, 169 Pleasant St. Ward 5, Precinct 1: Senior Cen- ter, 250 Main St. Ward 5, Precinct 2: Masonic Hall, 8 Newton St. Ward 6, Precincts 1 and 2: 1st Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb School, library, 25 Union St. Ward 7, Precincts 1 and 2: Hil- dreth School, 85 Sawin St. MENDON One precinct: Miscoe Hill School, North Avenue. MILFORD Precincts 1 and 4: Milford Senior Center, 60 North Bow St. Precincts 2 and 3: Italian Veter- ans Hall, Hayward Field. Precincts 5, 6, 7 and 8: Portu- guese Club, 119 Prospect Heights. MILLBURY Precincts 1-4: Millbury High School, 12 Martin St. MILLVILLE One precinct: Longfellow Munic- ipal Center, 8 Central St. NEW BRAINTREE One precinct: Town Hall, 20 Memorial Drive. NORTH BROOKFIELD One precinct: Senior Center, 29 Forest St. NORTHBORO Precinct 1: Proctor School, 26 Jefferson Road. Precinct 2: Lincoln Street School, 76 Lincoln St. Precinct 3: Peaslee School, 35 Maple St. Precinct 4: Zeh School, 33 Howard St. NORTHBRIDGE Precincts 1-4: Northbridge High School, 427 Linwood Ave. OAKHAM One precinct: Town Hall, 2 Cold- brook Road. ORANGE Precincts 1 and 2: Armory, 135 East Main St. OXFORD Precincts 1 and 4: Chaffee School, 9 Clover St. Precinct 2: Oxford Middle School, 497 Main St. Precinct 3: Town Hall, 325 Main St. PAXTON All precincts: Paxton Center School, gymnasium, West Street. PETERSHAM All precincts: Town Hall, 1South Main St. PHILLIPSTON One precinct: Town Hall, 50 On the Common. PRINCETON One precinct: Town Hall annex, 4 Town Hall Drive. ROYALSTON Precinct 1: Town Hall, 13 The Common. Precinct 2: Whitney Hall, 5 School St. RUTLAND Precincts 1 and 3: Naquag Ele- mentary School, 285 Main St. Precinct 2: Rutland Library (lower level), 280 Main St. SHIRLEY One precinct: Town Offices, 7 Keady Way. SHREWSBURY Precinct 1: Richard D. Carney Municipal Office Building, 100 Maple Ave. Precinct 2: Gesang Verein Froh- sinn Club, 25 North Quinsigamond Ave. Precinct 3: Calvin Coolidge School, 1 Florence St. Precinct 4: Scandinavian Ath- letic Club, 438 Lake St. Precincts 5 and 10: Sewer and Water Department garage, 209 South St. Precinct 6: Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave. Precinct 7 and 8: Spring Street School, 123 Spring St. Precinct 9: Fire Station No. 3, 20 CenTech Blvd. SOUTHBORO Precinct 1: Woodward School, 28 Cordaville Road. Precinct 2: Trottier School, 49 Parkerville Road. Precinct 3: Finn School, 60 Richards Road. SOUTHBRIDGE Precincts 1-5: The Armory, 153 Chestnut St. SPENCER Precincts 1-4: Town Hall, 157 Main St. STERLING Precincts 1 and 2: Houghton Elementary School, gymnasium, 32 Boutelle Road. STURBRIDGE Precincts 1-3: Oliver Wight Tav- ern, 1 Old Sturbridge Road. SUTTON Precinct 1: Simonian Early Learning Center, 409 Boston Road. Precinct 2: Manchaug Fire Sta- tion, 343 Manchaug Road. Precinct 3: Wilkinsonville Fire Station, 14 Providence Road. POL L I NG PL ACES Turn to Polling places/Next Page S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 9 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election TEMPLETON Precincts A, B and C: Narragan- sett Regional High School, 464 Baldwinville Road. TOWNSEND Precincts 1-3: Memorial Hall, 272 Main St. UPTON All precincts: Nipmuc Regional High School, 90 Pleasant St. UXBRIDGE Precincts 1-4: McCloskey Mid- dle School, 62 Capron St. WALES One precinct: Senior Center, 85 Main St., Route 19. WARE Precincts 1-3: Town Hall, 126 Main St. WARREN Polling place A: Shepard Munic- ipal Building gym, 48 High St., War- ren. Polling place B: Warren Senior Center, 2252 Main St., West War- ren. WEBSTER Precincts 1-5: Town Hall, 350 Main St. WEST BOYLSTON Precincts 1 and 2: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Wor- cester St. WEST BROOKFIELD One precinct: West Brookfield Senior Center, 73 Central St. WESTBORO Precincts 1and 3: Gibbons Mid- dle School, 20 Fisher St. Precinct 2: Hastings Elementary School, 111 East Main St. Precincts 4 and 5: Mill Pond School, Olde Hickory Path. WESTMINSTER Precincts 1 and 2: Westminster Elementary School, 1 Academy Hill Road. WINCHENDON All precincts: Old Murdock Senior Center, 55 Murdock Ave. WORCESTER Ward 1, Precinct 1: Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St. Ward 1, Precinct 2: The Willows, Great Room, 101 Barry Road. Ward 1, Precinct 3: Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St. Ward 1, Precinct 4: Congrega- tion Beth Israel, social hall, 15 Jamesbury Drive. Ward 1, Precinct 5: Price Chop- per Supermarket, 72 Pullman St. Ward 2, Precinct 1: Salem Cov- enant Church, social hall, 215 Mountain St. East. Ward 2, Precincts 2 and 3: Zion Lutheran Church, social hall, 41 Whitmarsh Ave. Ward 2, Precinct 4: Lincoln Vil- lage, 134 Country Club Blvd. Ward 2, Precinct 5: Great Brook Valley, 180 Constitution Ave. Ward 3, Precinct 1: Dodge Park Rest Home, social hall, 101 Ran- dolph Road. Ward 3, Precinct 2: Belmont Apartments, community room, 40 Belmont St. Ward 3, Precinct 3: Worcester Center for Crafts, lobby, 25 Saga- more Road. Ward 3, Precinct 4: Worcester Technical High School, lobby, 1 Skyline Drive. Ward 3, Precinct 5: First Assembly of God Church, hall, 30 Tyler Prentice Road. Ward 4, Precincts 1 and 2: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Recreation Center, 10 Mulberry St. Ward 4, Precinct 3: Belmont Apartments, community room, 40 Belmont St. Ward 4, Precinct 4: Friendly House, 36 Wall St. Ward 4, Precinct 5: Lincoln Park Tower, community room, 11 Lake Ave. Ward 5, Precinct 1: Addison Apartments, community room, 15 Addison St. Ward 5, Precinct 2: EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way. Ward 5, Precinct 3: Lake Park Community House, 264 Lake Ave. Ward 5, Precinct 4: Super Stop & Shop, board room, 949 Grafton St. Ward 5, Precinct 5: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road. Ward 6, Precincts 1, 2 and 3: Worcester Senior Center, 128 Prov- idence St. Ward 6, Precinct 4: Quinsiga- mond Village Neighborhood Cen- ter, 16 Greenwood St. Ward 6, Precinct 5: Greenwood Gardens, community room, 337 Greenwood St. Ward 7, Precinct 1: Beaver Brook Park, community building, 9 Mann St. Ward 7, Precincts 2 and 4: Shaws Supermarket, 68 Stafford St. Ward 7, Precinct 3: Coes Pond Village, community room, 39 First St. Ward 7, Precinct 5: Hadwen Park Congregational Church, com- munity room, 6 Clover St. Ward 8, Precinct 1: Department of Inspectional Services, 25 Meade St. Ward 8, Precinct 2: Main South Community Development Corp., 875 Main St. Ward 8, Precinct 3: St. Peters Church, hall, 929 Main St. Ward 8, Precinct 4: Webster Square Towers, community room, 1050 Main St. Ward 8, Precinct 5: Harry Sherry Field House, 55 Camp St. Ward 9, Precincts 1, 2 and 3: Temple Emanuel, social hall, 280 May St. Ward 9, Precinct 4: Worcester Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fel- lowship Hall, 2 Airport Drive. Ward 9, Precinct 5: First Con- gregational Church in Worcester, hall, 1070 Pleasant St. Ward 10, Precinct 1: Elm Park Tower, community room, 425 Pleasant St. Ward 10, Precinct 2: AHEPA Lodge, 68 Cedar St. Ward 10, Precincts 3 and 5: Murray Avenue Apartments, com- munity room, 50 Murray Ave. Ward 10, Precinct 4: Mayside Apartments, community room, 26 Mayside Lane. From Previous Page Republican candidate Jonathan A. Golnik is once again challenging U.S. Rep. Nicola Niki Tsongas, D-Low- ell, in the election Nov. 6 for the chance to represent the 3rd Dis- trict. The two faced off in 2010 when Mr. Golnik garnered the most votes by a Republican in the dis- trict since 1992 in the general election. This election, the pair have lots of new ground to cover and are both canvassing their expansive new district, which runs from Haverhill to Win- chendon. The communities of Ashburn- ham, Ashby, Clinton, Fitch- burg, Gardner, Lunenburg, Marlboro, Pepperell, Towns- end, Westminster and Winchen- don were added to the new 3rd District when the state redrew congressional district lines after the 2010 census. The candidates disagree on a myriad of issues, including how to improve the economy and health care. Mr. Golnik, a small business- man and currently full-time congressional candidate from Carlisle, said the middle class is under siege, gas prices have doubled, food prices are up, home prices have declined 40 percent, and the unemployment rate is chronically high. The public sector does not cre- ate sustainable jobs, Mr. Golnik said, but lowering the corporate tax rate and extending the Bush administrations tax cuts per- manently is part of the solution. Ms. Tsongas, however, said she believes people are better off than they were two years ago. With the stimulus package, which she supported, she said there have been 31 consecutive months of private sector job growth. (It was) one of the largest tax cuts in the country that went into the hands of the middle class, she said. She said there needs to be a focus on getting people back to work. She said to that end, she authored legislation that cre- ates a competitive grant pro- gram that encourages hiring in hard-hit communities and has been a champion of small busi- ness development through the Small Business Innovation Research grant program. When it comes to health care, the two also sit at opposite ends of the table. Mr. Golnik said he supports a full repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act that he consid- ers job-killing legislation. Market-driven reforms are needed to get health care spend- ing under control, he said, and people with pre-existing condi- tions should pool together to increase buying power. Ms. Tsongas said Massachu- setts should be used as a tem- plate for the rest of the country when it comes to health care. Pooling those with pre-existing conditions would make the cost of health care too exorbitant for those individuals, she said, no matter how many people pool together. Massachusetts has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and we created the template, she said. New-look district has rematch of 2010 race 3RD CONGRES S I ONAL DI S T RI CT By Paula J. Owen TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 66 Address: 52 Law- rence Drive, Lowell Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: U.S. representative for the 5th District Education: Smith College and Boston University Political Experience: Represents the 5th Congressional District of Massachu- setts. Serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. Issues: Better access to health care, education and job training benefits for veterans; help the middle class get ahead; support small businesses; close tax loopholes for big oil companies and corporations that send jobs overseas. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Unde- cided Medical use of marijuana: Undecided Personal: Widowed, three children Nicola S. Tsongas Age: 47 Address: 347 Eliza- beth Ridge Road, Carlisle Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Owner of two small busi- nesses Education: Dart- mouth University and the University of Pennsylvania Political experience: Has never held a political office Issues: Maintain current levels of per- sonal income tax rate, wants to permit individuals to purchase health insur- ance across state lines. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married, two children Jonathan A. Golnik S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 10 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election WASHINGTON A look at where Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney stand on a selection of issues: ABORTION and BIRTH CONTROL Obama: Supports access to abortion. Health care law requires contraceptives to be available for free for women enrolled in workplace health plans, including access to morning-after pill, which does not terminate a pregnancy but is considered tantamount to an abor- tion pill by some religious conservatives. Supported requiring girls 16 and under to get a prescription for the morning-after pill, available without a prescription for older women. Romney: Opposes access to abortion except in cases of rape, incest or risk to the womans life. Previously supported access. Says state law should guide abor- tion rights, and Roe v. Wade should be reversed by a future Supreme Court rul- ing. But says Roe v. Wade is law of the land until that happens and should not be challenged by federal legislation seeking to overturn abortion rights affirmed by that court decision. So I would live within the law, within the Constitution as I understand it, without creating a con- stitutional crisis. But I do believe Roe v. Wade should be reversed to allow states to make that decision. Said he would end federal aid to Planned Parenthood. DEBT Obama: Failed in pledge to cut the def- icit we inherited by half by the end of his first term. The deficit when he took office was $1.2 trillion, and the $800 billion stimulus bill Obama signed soon after- ward increased the shortfall to more than $1.4 trillion. The deficit for the recently completed 2012 budget year registered at $1.2 trillion, marking the fourth consec- utive year of trillion-dollar-plus red ink. Now promises to cut projected deficits by $4 trillion over 10 years, a goal that will require Congress to raise the capital gains tax, boost taxes on households earning more than $250,000 a year and impose a minimum 30 percent tax on incomes above $1 million. The target also assumes a reduction in the amount of interest the government must pay on its debt and incorporates $1 trillion in cuts already signed into law. Nations debt surpassed $16 trillion this year. Federal spending is estimated at 23.5 percent of gross domestic product this year, up from about 20 percent in the previous adminis- tration, and is forecast to decline to 21.8 percent by 2016. Romney: Promises to cut $500 billion per year from the federal budget by 2016 to bring spending below 20 percent of the U.S. economy and to balance it by 2020, but vital specifics are lacking. At the same time would increase military spending, reverse $716 billion in Medi- care cuts and cut taxes. Defended 2008 bailout of financial institutions as a nec- essary step to avoid the systems collapse, opposed the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Stayed silent on the debt- ceiling deal during its negotiation, only announcing his opposition to the final agreement shortly before lawmakers vot- ed on it. Instead, endorsed GOP cut, cap and balance bill that had no chance of enactment. Favors constitutional bal- anced budget amendment. Proposes 10 percent cut in federal workforce, elim- ination of $1.6 billion in Amtrak subsidies and cuts of $600 million in support for the arts and broadcasting. ECONOMY Obama: Term marked by high unem- ployment, a deep recession that began in previous administration and officially ended within six months, and gradual recovery. Persistently high jobless rates of over 8 percent until the rate dropped to 7.8 in September, the same as it was in February 2009, Obamas first full month in office. The rate hit a high of 10 percent in October 2009. Businesses have added jobs for more than two years straight while public sector jobs have lagged. Obama responded to the recession with a roughly $800 billion stimulus plan that nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated cut the unemployment rate by up to 1.8 percentage points. Con- tinued implementation of Wall Street and auto industry bailouts begun under George W. Bush. Proposes tax breaks for U.S. manufacturers producing domesti- cally or repatriating jobs from abroad and tax penalties for U.S. companies out- sourcing jobs. Won approval of South Korea, Panama and Colombia free-trade pacts begun under previous administra- tion, completing the biggest round of trade liberalization since the North American Free Trade Agreement and other pacts went into effect in the 1990s. Romney: Favors lower taxes, less regu- lation, balanced budget, more trade deals to spur growth. Would replace jobless benefits with unemployment savings ac- counts. Proposes replacing certain provi- sions of the law toughening financial in- dustry regulations after the meltdown in that sector. Proposes changing the law tightening accounting corporate regula- tions to ease requirements for mid-sized companies. We dont want to tell the world that Republicans are against all regulation. No, regulation is necessary to make a free market work. But it has to be updated and modern. EDUCATION Obama: Has approved waivers freeing states from the most onerous require- ments of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law with their agreement to improve how they prepare and evaluate students. Race to the Top grant compe- tition has rewarded winning states with billions of dollars for pursuing education policies Obama supports. Won approval for a college tuition tax credit worth up to $10,000 over four years and more money for Pell Grants for low-income college stu- dents. Wants Congress to agree to reduce federal aid to colleges that go too far in raising tuition. Average tuition at four- year public colleges surged 26 percent in his term, by $1,800 to $8,655, as states cut aid, but federal grants and tax credits sheltered students from most of the increase, leaving them paying only $570 more. Romney: Supported the federal ac- countability standards of No Child Left Behind law. In 2007, said he was wrong earlier in career when he wanted the Education Department shut because he came to see the value of the federal gov- ernment in holding down the interests of the teachers unions and putting kids and parents first. Has said the student testing, charter-school incentives and teacher evaluation standards of Obamas Race to the Top competition make sense although the federal government should have less control of education. Says increases in federal student aid encourage tuition to go up, too. Wants to see private lenders return to the federal student loan program. ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT Obama: Ordered temporary morato- rium on deep-water drilling after the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, but U.S. produced more oil in 2010 than it has since 2003 and all forms of energy production have increased under Obama. Approved drilling plan in Arctic Ocean opposed by environmentalists. Proposes Congress give oil market regu- lators more power to control price manip- ulation by speculators and stiffer fines for doing so. Sets goal of cutting oil imports by half by 2020. Achieved historic increases in fuel economy standards for automobiles that will save money at the pump while rais- ing the cost of new vehicles. Achieved first-ever regulations on heat-trapping gases blamed for global warming and on toxic mercury pollution from power plants. The rules on mercury could force dozens of older coal-fired plants to shut or spend billions to upgrade. Spent heavily on green energy and has embraced nucle- ar power as a clean source. Failed to persuade a Democratic Con- gress to pass limits he promised on car- bon emissions. Shelved plan to toughen health standards on lung-damaging smog. Rejected Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada but supports fast-track ap- proval of a segment of it. Proposes ending subsidies to oil industry but has failed to persuade Congress to do so. Romney: Pledges U.S. will become independent of energy sources outside of North America by 2020, through more aggressive exploitation of domestic oil, gas, coal and other resources and quick approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Supports opening the Atlantic and Pacif- ic outer continental shelves to drilling, as well as Western lands, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore Alaska. He also has proposed reducing obstacles to coal, natural gas and nuclear energy development. Proposes accelerat- ing drilling permits in areas where explo- ration has already been approved for de- velopers with good safety records. Says green power has yet to become viable and the causes of climate change are unknown. Proposes to remove carbon dioxide from list of pollutants controlled by Clean Air Act and amend clean water and air laws to ensure the cost of com- plying with regulations is balanced against environmental benefit. Says cap and trade would rocket energy prices. TAXES Obama: Wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and ensure they pay 30 percent of their income at minimum. Supports extending Bush-era tax cuts for everyone making under $200,000, or $250,000 for couples. But in 2010, agreed to a two-year extension of the lower rates for all. Wants to let the top two tax rates go back up 3 to 4 percentage points to 39.6 percent and 36 percent, and raise rates on capital gains and dividends for the wealthy. Health care law provides for tax on highest-value health insurance plans. Together with Congress, built a first-term record of sig- nificant tax cuts for families and busi- ness, some temporary. Romney: Keep Bush-era tax cuts for all incomes and drop all tax rates further, by 20 percent, bringing the top rate, for ex- ample, down to 28 percent from 35 percent and the lowest rate to 8 percent instead of 10 percent. Curtail deductions, credits and exemptions for the wealthiest. End Alternative Minimum Tax for individu- als, eliminate capital gains tax for fam- ilies making below $200,000 and cut cor- porate tax to 25 percent from 35 percent. Does not specify which tax breaks or pro- grams he would curtail to help cover costs. WHERE T HEY S T AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Incumbent state Sen. James B. Eldridge, D-Acton, is being challenged this year by Repub- lican and former state Depart- ment of Transportation em- ployee Dean J. Cavaretta to keep his seat representing the Mid- dlesex and Worcester District. Mr. Eldridge is running on his record, which includes efforts on anti-bullying laws, restoring local aid and increasing the use of renewable energy, which may also lead to job promotion. Mr. Cavaretta said that while he is a Republican, he is the only candidate that can work with both parties, having worked un- der both Republican and Demo- cratic governors. The two candidates have been campaigning since October 2011, outlining their stands on trans- portation, education reform and tax breaks, among other issues. The Middlesex and Worcester District includes Acton, Ayer, Boxboro, Littleton, Shirley, Devens, Harvard, Stow, May- nard, Hudson, Marlboro, South- boro, Westboro, Northboro (Pre- cinct 3) and Sudbury (Precincts 2 and 3). Mr. Eldridge has served as a state senator since 2009, after having been a state representa- tive since 2002. Mr. Cavaretta, a small busi- ness owner and substitute teacher in the Acton and Acton- Boxboro School District, is fa- miliar with the inner workings of state politics, having not only worked for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on the Accelerated Bridge Pro- gram, but also as the former dep- uty campaign manager for Karyn Polito in her bid for state treasurer in 2010. In the past year, Mr. Eldridge said, he has worked to improve local aid to school districts and police and fire departments, but noted that while progress has been made, state aid levels are not back to pre-recession levels. In addition, he said, he has worked to make not only the leg- islative process more transpar- ent, but corporate tax credits transparent as well. Mr. Eldridge also supports trans- portation projects to improve roads and bridges. Edu- cation reform, acceler- ating transpor- tation pro- jects; and creating a better business climate are the key issues of Mr. Cavarettas campaign. Mr. Cavaretta is against a higher gas tax and a higher income tax, saying such taxes only further hurt working families. Rather, Mr. Cavaretta would like to roll back the sales tax to 5 percent. Education, transportation at center stage MI DDL ES EX AND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Donna Boynton TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF WESTBORO SOUTHBORO MARLBORO SHIRLEY HARVARD HUDSON STOW MAYNARD BOXBORO ACTON AYER LITTLETON NORTHBORO Middlesex and Worcester STATE SENATE S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 11 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election The two candidates for state senator in the 2nd Worcester District have been very visible during the campaign season. Incumbent Democrat Michael O. Moore of Millbury, who is seeking his third two- year term, said he has been putting in many 12-hour days that include meeting with many civic groups and others in the district, while his oppo- nent, Auburn Republican Ste- phen R. Simonian, who is in his third year as a selectman, recently estimated he has knocked on more than 25,000 doors since he started cam- paigning in March. Mr. Moore, 49, is chairman of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. He said he has supported leg- islation that has brought more jobs to the area. He also said he has backed legislation that has lowered fines that small busi- nesses in the state have to pay if a certain percentage of their employees arent covered by medical insurance. Mr. Moore describes him- self as a fiscal conservative who said he is proud to have been a legislator at a time when state aid to the communities in his district has increased even though the states economy has been very sluggish. He said Massachusetts is recovering faster from the recession than many other states. Mr. Moore said he is liberal to moderate on social issues. For example, he is pro-choice and said he has been endorsed by the Gun Owners Action League. Mr. Simonian, 49, who was laid off last December at EMC after working there for 14 years, said the economy is not doing as well as Mr. Moore asserts. He said policies supported by Demo- crats like Mr. Moore have kept small compa- nies from add- ing jobs. He said excessive state regulations hinder business growth in the state. While Mr. Moore said the states health care system is a success, Mr. Simonian said improvements can be made. Mr. Simonian said he is a fiscal conservative and noted that as an Auburn selectman he played a role in keeping the fiscal 2013 tax rate from increas- ing while keeping town ser- vices the same. Mr. Simonian said he is somewhat moderate on social services and believes less gov- ernment is better. Rivals work hard on meeting constituents 2ND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Bill Fortier TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 49 Address: 7 Momin Drive, Millbury Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legisla- tor Education: Associate degree, criminal justice, Quinsigamond Community College; B.S. degree, law enforcement, and M.A., criminal justice, Western New England College. Political experience: State senator, 2nd Worcester District; Board of Selectmen; Committee on Public Safety and Home- land Security; Senate Committee on Ways & Means and the Committee on Post Audit and Oversight Issues: Job growth; tax relief for small business using benchmark-based triggers to systematic tax relief; using private partnership and public invest- ment to make college more affordable. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married, two children. Michael O. Moore Age: 49 Address: 102 Rock- land Road, Auburn Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Unem- ployed Education: Associate degree in architec- tural engineering from Wentworth Institute of Tech- nology. Graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School Political experience: Current member of the Auburn Board of Selectmen; served as a town meeting member Issues: Need legislation to control transitional assistance abuse by reeling in the use of EBT cards; need to put the needs of the district first by having the local legislators commit to local funding and projects; need to introduce serious pension reform. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married, three children Stephen R. Simonian Age: 41 Address: Jay Lane, Acton Party: Republican Occupation: Principal of Gen X Consult- ing and substitute teacher Education: Bache- lors and masters degrees from Northeastern University Military service: Massachusetts Army National Guard 1995-97 Political experience: Former member of the Acton Housing Authority and a former member of the Stow Finance Committee Issues: Education reform; health care; creating a better business climate and faster completion of transportation projects. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Single Dean J. Cavaretta AUBURN MILLBURY WORCESTER LEICESTER GRAFTON UPTON NORTHBRIDGE SHREWSBURY Second Worcester STATE SENATE Incumbent Age: 39 Address: 267 Arling- ton St., Acton Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: State senator, Middlesex and Worcester District Education: J.D., Boston College Law School; B.A., Johns Hopkins University Political experience: Commissioner, Acton Housing Authority, 2001-2002; associ- ate member, Acton Planning Board, 2001-2002; state representative, 2003-2009; state senator, 2009 to present Issues: Economic development; support for low- and moderate-income families; improve public schools; provide affor- dable health care; public safety; affor- dable housing; environment; govern- ment and electoral reform. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Single James B. Eldridge S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 12 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Fostering economic develop- ment, creating jobs and multi- ple law enforcement investiga- tions involving a cocaine allega- tion have framed the debate in the three-way contest for the newly drawn 2nd Franklin Dis- trict. State Rep. Denise Andrews, D-Orange, is challenged by Susannah M. Whipps Lee, a Re- publican from Athol, where she is chairman of the Board of Se- lectmen. Richard F. Schober Jr. of Templeton is running as an independent. Jobs, the housing crisis, and quality of education are the biggest concerns, Mr. Schober, 55, said. At a recent debate the independent candidate said he has no chance of winning and was aware of that when he decided to seek the office. Mr. Schober concedes that the other two candidates are very successful businesswomen outside of government life, but says he continues to run because neither of these candi- dates, I think, can truly under- stand what its like for what the majority of the residents of this district have to go through. Ms. Lee, 43, said, The reason I chose to run is because we have been inadequately represented by Ms. Andrews I dont think she speaks for the people of the area. Ms. Lee says that it was wrong of Ms. Andrews to accept a posi- tion with a large drug company while serving as a state rep. I think her taking a job at a multinational company in New Jersey was dishonest she did not expose it to the people of her district; and I felt that was dis- honest. Economic development and jobs are the most important issues facing the 2nd Franklin District, Ms. Lee said. As the owner of a small but successful corporation, I know how to build jobs, I am a job creator, she said. She co-owns Whipps Inc. in Athol. Clearly the top issues are jobs and economic development people are still struggling to obtain work, Ms. Andrews, 53, said. I come from 30 years of business experience, building world-class jobs. I know how to build collaboration and I know how to get deals done and pro- tect what is important to peo- ple. The incumbent said she has been spearheading a 10-year eco- nomic development plan in col- laboration with business and community leaders called the Second Franklin District Eco- nomic Development Advisory Council. What I bring from the pri- vate sector is concept, execution and sustainability; there are many great ideas that if not exe- cuted do not help anybody, Ms. Andrews said. There was a cocaine possession accusation made by the Democrat- ic incumbent in August against the Republican challenger. The Athol po- lice chief determined the allegation was false. But ques- tions raised by that investiga- tion which includes the unauthorized release of a confi- dential police report spawned a probe about possible police misconduct as well an attorney general investigation and a continuing probe by the district attorney. The newly redrawn 2nd Franklin District includes Athol, Orange, Templeton, Erv- ing, Gill, Warwick, New Salem, Petersham, Phillipston, Royal- ston, Wendell and Precinct A of Belchertown. Jobs dominate 3-way contest 2ND F RANKL I N DI S T RI CT By James F. Russell CORRESPONDENT Incumbent Age: 53 Address: 21 Beach Lane, Orange Party affil- iation: Demo- crat Occupation: Legislator Education: Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Master of Business Administration from Xavier Uni- versity Political experience: State repre- sentative of the 2nd Franklin District Issues: Job creation through eco- nomic development; constituent services; high-quality education that is accessible to all through fiscal responsibility and innovation; environment and renewable re- sources. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Candi Fetzer Denise Andrews Age: 55 Address: 39B Cot- tage Lane, Temple- ton Party affiliation: Independent Occupation: Web and graphic designer Education: Bache- lors degree in English, University of Massachusetts at Amherst Political experience: Narragansett Regional School Committee 2006-2007 Issues: Living-wage job creation; local economic revitalization; health care reform; more state funding for public schools and regional school trans- portation; more oversight of special business tax breaks; automatic fore- closure protection for involuntarily unemployed homeowners; campaign finance reform. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Maureen; four daughters: Saffron, 16, Ameriah, 13, Noelani, 11, Keziah, 7 Richard F. Schober Jr. Age: 43 Address: 1192 Main St., Athol Party affil- iation: Republican Occupation: Co-owner, Whipps Inc. in Athol Education: Graduated from John- son & Wales University; gradu- ated from Mount Wachusett Community College Political experience: chairman, Athol Board of Selectmen Issues: Economic development; job creation; find ways to bring enterprise and industry to the district; accountability in govern- ment, and responsibility in the management of taxpayer dollars. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Undecided Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Dr. Lac V. Lee Susannah M. Whipps Lee TEMPLETON PHILLIPSTON PETERSHAM ATHOL ORANGE ROYALSTON WARWICK WENDELL ERVING GILL NEW SALEM BELCHERTOWN 2nd Franklin STATE REPRESENTATIVE U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal D-Springfield U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern D-Worcester State Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg D-Amherst State Sen. Harriette L. Chandler D-Worcester State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer D-Barre State Sen. Jennifer L. Flanagan D-Leominster State Sen. Richard T. Moore D-Uxbridge State Rep. Todd M. Smola R-Palmer State Rep. Sheila C. Harrington R-Groton State Rep. Jennifer E. Benson D-Lunenburg State Rep. Kimberly N. Ferguson R-Holden State Rep. Stephen L. DiNatale D-Fitchburg State Rep. Paul K. Frost R-Auburn State Rep. George N. Peterson Jr. R-Grafton State Rep. John V. Fernandes D-Milford State Rep. Matthew A. Beaton R-Shrewsbury State Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr. D-Clinton State Rep. John J. Mahoney D-Worcester State Rep. John P. Fresolo D-Worcester Governors Council, 7th District Jennie L. Caissie R-Oxford Worcester County Clerk of Courts Dennis P. McManus D-West Boylston Worcester District Register of Deeds Anthony J. Vigliotti D-Worcester Unopposed candidates It will be dj vu for voters in the 3rd Middlesex District when they go to the polls Nov. 6. The two candidates for the state House of Representatives seat squared off two years ago. Then incumbent state Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Stow, first elected to the 3rd Middlesex Dis- trict seat in 2008, easily fended off political novice Charles S. Chuck Kuniewich Jr. Mr. Kuniewich, a Republican from Hudson, previously ran as an independent. Voters should have a clear choice between the two. Before becoming a state law- maker, Ms. Hogan, 55, was a small-business owner in the printing and publishing indus- try for 20 years. She also worked in public affairs and served on the Democratic Town Commit- tee in Maynard and Stow. She is also a former member of the Council on Aging and the Com- munity Preservation Board in Stow. Mr. Kuniewich, 52, has never held an elected position. He is a former auto mechanic who now operates a fish aquarium main- tenance business. Mr. Kuniew- ich said his small-business ex- perience gives him the ability to balance his independent min- dedness with his keen ability to listen. Mr. Kuniewich said he is knocking on doors throughout the district to add to the name recognition he gained from the 2010 election. Ms. Hogan said she is count- ing on the work she has done for constituents during her four years in the Legislature. She is chairman of the Tele- communications, Utility & En- ergy Committee, chairman of the Public Libraries Caucus, co- chairman of the Elder Caucus and a legislative liaison to the state Interagency Coordinating Council. The candidates are apart when asked about what they think are the most important issues facing the state. Mr. Kuniewich said more jobs need to be created. Also, he said, constituents that he has spoken with on the campaign trail have stressed to him that the state needs to reduce and simplify regulations. Ms. Hogan said her highest priority is advocating for proper funding for public educa- tion, police and fire protection and Chapter 90 funds for roads, bridges and infrastructure. She also adamantly supports fire safety education for senior citizens and the expansion of the public transportation sys- tem. The 3rd Middlesex District consists of Bolton and the Mid- dlesex County towns of Hudson, Maynard and Stow. Rematch offers clear choice of candidates 3RD MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT By Elaine Thompson TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF BOLTON HUDSON MAYNARD STOW 3rd Middlesex STATE REPRESENTATIVE Age: 52 Address: 33 Temple Ave., Hudson Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Owner, fish aquarium maintenance business Education: 1987 Marlboro High School graduate Political experience: None Issues: Job creation, prioritizing spend- ing and reducing and simplifying regulations Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Single Charles Chuck S. Kuniewich Jr. S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 13 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election MARLBORO The candi- dates vying for the 4th Middle- sex District seat in the state House of Representatives have each served one term in the post. Thats why for Danielle W. Gregoire, a Marlboro Democrat, Nov. 6 will be the chance for her to reclaim the seat she was elected to in 2008, but lost to Ste- ven L. Levy, a Republican, also from Marlboro, two years later. Ms. Gregoire, 33, a lawyer, worked as a legislative aide for seven years for former 4th Mid- dlesex District Rep. Stephen LeDuc. When he stepped down in 2008, Ms. Gregoire fought a tough race to succeed her for- mer boss by defeating longtime local politician Arthur Vigeant, who is now mayor. She easily won the Sept. 6 state Democratic primary over Joseph P. Collins Sr., 35, also a Marlboro resident who works in finances at a Boston law firm. But, the race between Ms. Gre- goire and Mr. Levy is expected to be hard fought and close in votes. Both Mr. Levy, 47, an account- ant and former three-term city councilor-at-large, and Ms. Gre- goire have the reputation for working hard for the district. The candidates, however, say they give voters a clear choice based on their priorities, style and legislative record. Ms. Gregoire said that during the two years she represented the district, some of her major accomplishments included voting against several tax increases; preventing two scheduled toll increases for Met- rowest commuters; helping to re-structure the states trans- portation agency, thereby sav- ing taxpayers some $20 billion over the next 20 years; procur- ing funding for the New England Center for Children, a school for autistic children in Southboro; and creating a day in honor of the late Eunice Ken- nedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics. Mr. Levy serves on the House Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets; and on the joint committees on Revenue, and State Administra- tion and Regulatory Oversight. He said that he is one of 36 mem- bers of the House of Representa- tives who have perfect attend- ance and voting records. He said that some of his accomplishments have been successfully voting for passage of Melissas Law, which increases prison time for habit- ual offenders; municipal health insurance reforms; and placing limits on the Electronic Benefits Transfer program; and increases in local aid, assist- ance to veterans, Chapter 90 Transportation funding, Chap- ter 70 public education funding, and the Special Education Cir- cuit Breaker funding. When Ms. Gregoire and Mr. Levy ran against each other in 2008, the 4th Middlesex District consisted of all of Marlboro, Ber- lin and Precinct 1 in Southboro. As a result of redistricting, the district now is made up of 10 of the 14 precincts in Marlboro, and Precincts 1 and 3 in North- boro and Westboro. Candidates each seek second term in seat 4T H MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT By Elaine Thompson TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 55 Address: 36 Hasti- ngs St., Stow Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legisla- tor Education: B.A. degree in educa- tion, University of Massachusetts at Amherst Political experience: Two terms as state representative of the 3rd Middlesex District; Stow Democratic Town Commit- tee, 2007-2008; officer, Middlesex and Worcester Democrats, 2006-2008; co-chairman, Maynard Democratic Committee, 1999-2006 Issues: Education and school funding; infrastructure; public transportation; and expansion of the Student Awareness Fire Education program to senior citi- zens Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married Kate Hogan Incumbent Age: 47 Address: 61 OGrady Road, Marlboro Party: Republican Occupation: Repre- sentative, 4th Middlesex District; accountant Education: M.B.A., finance, Boston College; B.B.A., ac- counting/information technology, Baylor University. Political experience: One term as state representative, 4th Middlesex District; three terms as Marlboro city councilor- at-large; member of the Marlboro Republican City Committee, 2002 to present; chairman, Marlboro Republican City Committee, 2004-2008 Issues: Fiscal responsibility; job creation; economic development; education; child protection laws; openness in government by removing the current system of voice votes and closed-door debates. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Sharon; two daugh- ters: Rebecca and Ashley Steven L. Levy Age: 33 Address: 175 Maple St., Marlboro Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Lawyer Education: J.D., Suffolk University Law School; B.A., criminal justice, Saint Anselm College Political experience: One term as state representative Issues: Address the areas transportation issues; restore local aid; economic growth; job creation Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Didnt respond Medical use of marijuana: Didnt respond Personal: Single Danielle W. Gregoire WESTBORO NORTHBORO MARLBORO 4th Middlesex STATE REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER State Rep. Richard M. Bastien, R-Gardner, will not apologize for support- ing the $100,000 for repairs to the Heritage State Park building on Lake Street. He also is unapologetic about how he feels about casino gam- bling in the state. He supports casinos and he would like to see the 2nd Worcester District bene- fit from one. Democrat Jonathan D. Zlot- nik, 22, of Gardner, Mr. Bas- tiens opponent in the Nov. 6 election, is equally unapologetic about opposing casino gambling and said he would have found a better use for the $100,000 in the city than to fix the building the state has neglected for many years. Those two issues separate the two candidates who are vying to represent Gardner, Ashburn- ham, Winchendon and part of Westminster in the state House of Representatives. Mr. Bastien is completing his first two-year term in the Legis- lature and has received strong support from Republican lead- ers, including former candidate for governor Charles Baker, and Gail Huff, wife of U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass. Mr. Zlotnik has never held public office but did work for former state Rep. Robert Rice when he represented the 2nd Worcester District in the Legis- lature. Mr. Rice is supporting Mr. Zlotnik as is former Demo- cratic state Rep. Raymond LaFontaine, who also once rep- resented the district. Both candidates say the main issue in this race for them is the economy. Mr. Bastien said the Greater Gardner area has seen signs of improvement in the past two years, but still lags behind the rest of the state. Like the rest of Massachusetts, the unemployment rate has gone down, but it remains high. Mr. Bastien said he will oppose increasing the sales tax to prevent businesses in cities and towns along the states northern tier from losing cus- tomers to New Hampshire. He also said he is an advocate of the state designating Gardner a Gateway City like Fitchburg and Leominster, which would open up more state money and other resources to the commu- nity. Mr. Zlotnik said he hopes to develop the 2nd Worcester Dis- trict as a business incubator ar- ea where the resources of the district could be made available to new small businesses hoping to start up or grow. No apologies from Gardner candidates 2ND WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By George Barnes TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 14 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Improving education and reducing unemployment are the top issues facing the 8th Mid- dlesex District, and both incum- bent state Rep. Carolyn C. Dykema, D-Holliston, and Re- publican Martin A. Lamb have their own ideas about how to address those needs on a local and statewide level. Mr. Lamb, a small-business owner, vows to bring leader- ship, new ideas that will create a better business environment and create a more transparent government. Ms. Dykema said, if re-elected, she will continue her work strengthening local communities through state aid, job creation and reforms to improve efficiency. As she campaigns, Ms. Dykema is hearing growing frustration from constituents about political gridlock at the federal level, but said that in Massachusetts, there is broad bipartisan support for health care and edu- cation funding and support for vet- erans programs. Mr. Lamb, too, has heard the dis- tricts frustration and concerns about the economic outlook, taxes and lack of integrity within the Legislature. First elected as a state repre- sentative in 2008, Ms. Dykema defines herself as a full-time leg- islator, working to find state programs and opportunities that her district can take advan- tage of to not only strengthen the community, but benefit resi- dents and businesses. Ms. Dykema said the top issues facing the district and state are job creation in the MetroWest region and state- wide; improving education and increasing the efficiency of gov- ernment services to get the highest return on tax dollars. If elected, Mr. Lamb vows to bring new ideas and strong leadership to Bea- con Hill with a focus on reform and making the state more business- friendly. He said he will also be a strong presence in the district with weekly office hours. A small-business owner him- self, Mr. Lamb said he has devel- oped a plan to reduce unemploy- ment and create economic secu- rity. Mr. Lamb will work for a more transparent government. Voters want jobs, not political gridlock 8T H MI DDL ES EX DI S T RI CT By Donna Boynton TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 44 Address: 429 Marshall St., Holliston Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legisla- tor Education: M.B.A., Indiana University; B.A., Wellesley College Political experience: 8th Middlesex District representative, Holliston Wastewater Committee, Holliston Planning Board, MetroWest Growth Management Coun- cil, legislative committees Issues: Promote job creation in Met- roWest and statewide; improve educa- tional opportunity for our children; increase efficiency of government services. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Unde- cided Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to William; three children: David, Julia and Andrew Carolyn C. Dykema Age: 55 Address: 57 Wingate Road, Holliston Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Real estate attorney/ small-business owner, 1996 to present Education: J.D., Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University; B.A., political science, Hampshire College. Political Experience: Has never held public office Issues: Revive the economy; job cre- ation; cut government spending; end illegal immigration; restore integrity to Beacon Hill. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Peri; two children: Elissa, Simma Martin A. Lamb Incumbent Age: 38 Address: 72 East- wood Circle, Gardner Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: State representative for the 2nd Worcester District, educator and former retail store manager Education: Graduated cum laude from Fitchburg State College with a degree in history and a minor in political science, education license to teach history to Grades 8-12. Political experience: Massachusetts House of Representatives 2010 to present Military experience: U.S. Navy veteran Issues: Will continue to support current businesses and create more jobs; push for more funding for state scholarships and demand accountability on higher education salaries; continue fighting to lower taxes. Ballot questions: Prescribed medication to end life: No Medical marijuana: No Personal: Married to Lauren, one son Richard M. Bastien Age: 22 Address: 86 Chelsea St., Gardner Party: Democrat Occupation: Student Education: B.A. in history, University of Massachusetts at Lowell Political Experience: Has never held office. Worked for former state Rep. Robert Rice as a legislative intern from June 2008 through August 2009 Issues: Bring in revenue and create development without raising taxes; lower tax rates and incentivize new businesses and spending; boost public education by contributing state and federal money to the district. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Single Jonathan D. Zlotnik HOLLISTON HOPKINTON SOUTHBORO WESTBORO 8th Middlesex STATE REPRESENTATIVE ASHBURNHAM GARDNER WINCHENDON WESTMINSTER 2nd Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE SPENCER State Rep. Anne M. Gobi emulates her mentor, state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, in making constituent services for individuals and communities in the 5th Worces- ter District a priority. Republican challenger Jason M. Petraitis cites his four years experience as a North Brook- field selectman in being recep- tive to the needs of residents. As House chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agricul- ture, Ms. Gobi recognizes the importance of that assignment not only to her district, but for cities and towns from Pittsfield to Provincetown. Mr. Petraitis has campaigned on the promise of smaller gov- ernment, citing higher than necessary taxes and stricter than needed regulations for stalling the states economic recovery. Residents, and the small businesses they worked for, are leaving the state in search of greater economic opportunity and quality of life else- where, Mr. Petraitis said. Two years ago Republican Rodney A. Josephson of Barre polled nearly 35 percent of votes cast in the 5th Worcester Dis- trict in his challenge of Ms. Gobi. Mr. Josephson ran a low-key campaign, going door-to-door meeting voters in the majority of the district towns, which at the time stretched north to Templeton. Josephson campaign signs were as few as political ads for the candi- dates first bid for state office. Despite a 14- to 30-point lead in state polls for Presi- dent Barack Obama over Mitt Romney, Ms. Gobi said shes taking nothing for granted. Mr. Petraitis is opti- mistic his message of smaller government and lower taxes will res- onate with voters in the realigned district that includes all the Brook- fields, the five towns of the Quabbin Regional School District and precincts in Ware and Spencer. Ms. Gobi is confident her re- cord of service will be para- mount with voters going to the polls. From day one, Ive said the issues at the Statehouse are important, but its what hap- pens at your house that matters most to me; how I might be of service, Ms. Gobi said. Constituents are the focus of Gobi, Petraitis 5T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Bradford L. Miner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 15 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election LEOMINSTER Two- term Democrat Dennis A. Rosa will face Republican challenger Justin A. Brooks Tuesday for the state repre- sentative seat for the 4th Worcester District, which represents Leominster. Both say bringing jobs to the district is their top pri- ority. Mr. Brooks, 37, a market- ing consultant, said Central Massachusetts lags behind the state in recent job growth, and blames the loss of business on crippling taxes and increased regula- tions. Mr. Rosa, 65, the owner of three small local businesses, recently finished working on a 115-page economic devel- opment bill in the House, and intends to make sure the Legislature follows through. I have had to write busi- ness plans in my own busi- nesses for 37 years, he said. I know what its like to create a job and I know what its like to make a budget. Im actually a job creator. Mr. Brooks said rather than sending large House bills like the one Mr. Rosa mentioned to study commit- tees, he would encourage more roll call votes, floor debates, and faster decision making. Mainly, he is call- ing for greater transparency, ethics and reform. Mr. Rosa, an Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War, is the vice chairman of the House Joint Committee on Public Safety, and sits on the Joint Com- mittees on Veterans and Federal Affairs, and Election Laws. His goals are job creation, funding for education, including the new Leomin- ster Innovation School and new Center for Excellence School; infrastructure improvement and money for human services. Mr. Brooks, a Leominster High School wrestling star, calls for increased local aid. He supports school choice, home schooling and estab- lishing charter schools, along with stronger puni- shment for habitual violent criminals, especially sex of- fenders, and eliminating the use of taxpayer money for undocumented immigrants. He has pledged not to vote for tax increases and to limit his term to eight years (four two-year terms.) Economic issues, job creation shape race 4T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Karen Nugent TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF LEOMINSTER 4th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Incumbent Age: 65 Address: 40 Royal Oaks Way, Leominster Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legislator, owner of three small businesses Education: Associate degree in business technology, Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner Political experience: State representative for 4th Worcester District since 2009; chairman, Leomin- ster Industrial Development Commission for eight years; Leominster City Council 20 years, including 11 years as Finance Committee chairman. Military experience: Four years in U.S. Air Force; Vietnam veteran Issues: Promise to continue job growth and vote for programs that push the economy forward and put people back to work; advocate for educational funding; fight for infrastructure improvement through funding to repair and replace roads and bridges. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Widower; two children, seven grand- children Dennis A. Rosa Age: 37 Address: 252 Spruce St., Leo- minster Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Market- ing consultant Education: Dual bachelors degrees in criminal justice and history at LaSalle University in Philadelphia Political experience: Has held no political office Issues: Bolstering our economy and getting Massachusetts citizens back to work through local businesses; ensuring legislative reform to increase transparency, which means more roll-call votes, more floor debates, and making decisions on bills that have been sent off to study indefinitely; maintaining constituency relations. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Single Justin A. Brooks Incumbent Age: 49 Address: 117 Me- chanic St., Spencer Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legisla- tor, lawyer Education: Worcester State College, B.S., and Massachusetts School of Law, J.D. Political experience: State representative, 5th Worcester District, since 2001, and served as a member of the Spencer Democratic Town Committee, three years. Issues: Strengthening the small-business economy, including the agricultural sector; supporting veterans programs and programs for military families, along with senior citizens and their personal care choices; addressing school funding issues and enhancing public safety. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Single Anne M. Gobi Age: 39 Address: 22 Smith Hanson Road, North Brookfield Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Carpen- ter Education: Graduate of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, enrolled at Worcester State University as a history major with an education and political science minor Political experience: Four years on the Board of Selectmen Issues: Taxes are too high, making it too difficult to live and do business in Massachusetts. Farms, contractors, and other small businesses are over- regulated. The bailout of Massachu- setts Bay Transportation Authority and the change in the state health care laws are detrimental to well-being of district residents. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: Undecided Personal: Married with one child Jason M. Petraitis WARE HARDWICK NEW BRAINTREE NORTH BROOKFIELD WEST BROOKFIELD SPENCER EAST BROOKFIELD BROOKFIELD HUBBARDSTON BARRE OAKHAM 5th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE The race for the 6th Worces- ter District House seat kicked into high gear in recent weeks when the incumbent said his challenger dipped into her towns rainy day fund for per- sonal pet projects, while the challenger countered that the representative did not do much for Southbridge victims of the June 1, 2011, tornado. Charlton Democrat Kathleen Walker is challenging Peter J. Durant, R-Spencer, for the seat in the Nov. 6 election. A retired lease negotiator and site acquisition specialist for the postal service, Ms. Walker said that experience gave her the skills to have influ- ence on Beacon Hill. She is a 10-year selectman and Mr. Durant was one for six years before deciding not to seek re-election this year in Spencer. Both candidates stress re- cords that they say show they work hard for their constitu- ents. Ms. Walker said her main objective is to bring Worcester County together as one voice so it is valued and paid attention to on Beacon Hill. She said she recently helped re-launch an association of countywide se- lectmen to further that goal. But Mr. Durant said the Cen- tral Massachusetts Regional Planning Commissions Cen- tral 13 Prioritization Project al- ready helps serve that function. On Sept. 10, the agency held a session at which, Mr. Durant said, he met with every town administrator in his district. Ms. Walker said her accom- plishments include initiating and organizing a twice yearly meeting of all boards and com- mittees in Charlton, putting together candidates nights for Charlton residents, and reviv- ing and spurring changes to a tax work-off program for senior citizens. Mr. Durant said his cam- paign continues to focus on the economy and getting people back to work in good paying jobs. He said the district has high-tech manufac- turing jobs, and a demand for people with the skills to fill them. He said he looks to work with educators to join in that effort. Mr. Durant seeks his first full term. He defeated Geraldo Ali- cea, a Charlton Democrat who had served two terms in the House, and independents Peter J. Boria of Charlton and Robert J. Cirba of Spencer in a May 2011 special election. A judge declared the 2010 election be- tween Mr. Durant and Mr. Ali- cea a tie. Rivals cite records of work for constituents 6T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Brian Lee TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF SPENCER CHARLTON SOUTHBRIDGE DUDLEY 6th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Incumbent Age: 47 Address: 109 Charl- ton Road, Spencer Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Former vice president of service, Yankee Technology, Ludlow Education: B.S., political science, North- eastern University in Boston Political experience: Elected state repre- sentative in a special election, May 2011; six years, Board of Selectmen; seven years, Finance Committee Issues: Boosting the economy and getting people back to work through regulatory reform; improve employment opportunities through access to educa- tion; eliminate the corporate minimum tax of $500 for the first three years of a company starting up. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Lisa Durant Peter J. Durant Age: 70 Address: 96D Baker Pond Road, Charlton Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Retired from the postal service as a lease negotiator Education: Bachelors degree, sociology/ anthropology, Northeastern University Political experience: Served 10 years on Charlton Board of Selectmen, nine years on Burlington Board of Health, and served on other appointed boards and commissions. Issues: Invest in small businesses to enhance local economy; improve access to vital senior citizen programs that work to benefit more than 5,000 local seniors; and increase educational funding and higher standards to boost the public schools in the area. Ballot questions: Prescribed medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Mike Lally Kathleen Walker S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 16 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election In a district that now clus- ters close to the Rhode Island border instead of stretching across Southern Worcester County, the race for state rep- resentative in the 8th Worces- ter District focuses on who would be the better man to bring economic relief. Incumbent Kevin J. Kuros, R-Uxbridge, said that unem- ployment and accessing MassHealth benefits are the No. 1 calls his office receives. His work to address local eco- nomic concerns includes helping bring back more local aid and serving on a biparti- san conference committee to pass a jobs bill. The jobs bill featured incentives for com- panies to invest in the state and hire interns educated in the state. Mr. Kuros also advocates for a meals tax holiday to boost restaurant hiring and consumer spending. And he hopes to strengthen the bill passed this session to curb abuse of electronic benefit cards, which would save money that could be used for local aid and other programs. Challenger Robert J. Dubois, a Blackstone Demo- crat who served for 24 years on the Board of Selectmen, including 11 as chairman, said the state needs to invest more in education and train- ing, particularly in health care, technology and science fields, to help people gain good jobs. He said that in a recession, in par- ticular, invest- ment in job training and in infrastructure projects would help get the economy mov- ing again. Mr. Dubois also advocated for establishing business tax credits, credits for hiring veterans and the unemployed, low- interest loans for small busi- nesses, and easing regulation on business start-ups. This is the second run for state representative by Mr. Dubois. He lost to Jennifer Callahan by two votes in the primary in 2002. Mr. Dubois is endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. The Restaurant and Busi- ness Alliance named Mr. Kuros one of the Great 8 legislators in the last session. Jobs, training and economic relief sought 8T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Susan Spencer TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Age: 59 Address: 56 Edgewater Drive, Blackstone Party affiliation: Demo- crat Occupation: Owner of BP Taxes, employed at Worcester County House of Correction Education: Associate degree, Quinsigamond Community College; Bachelor of Arts, business management, Bryant College Political experience: Served on Board of Selectmen 24 years, 11 as chairman; Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals. Issues: He sees the economy and job creation as todays top issues. He would like to boost the economy by easing regulation on small businesses, advocate for more money to be put into job training programs to increase employment, and push for tax incentives to encourage hiring. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Patricia, three step- children Robert J. Dubois Incumbent Age: 47 Address: 18 Yankees Way, Uxbridge Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Legisla- tor, owner of small real estate firm, technology and management consultant Education: B.S. degree, quantitative busi- ness analysis, Pennsylvania State Uni- versity Political experience: One term as state representative; two terms Board of Select- men; seven years Uxbridge School Build- ing Committee Issues: Encourage job expansion by cre- ating an environment of less government intervention in private businesses; contin- ue focus on reducing government waste, fraud and abuse, such as closing the cash option on EBT cards. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Linda, two sons Kevin J. Kuros UXBRIDGE BLACKSTONE MILLVILLE BELLINGHAM 8th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 17 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Voters in West Boylston and northern Worcester will have their choice of an incumbent Democrat, a Republican and an independent to serve as the next 14th Worcester District state representative. Republican William J. McCar- thy, a professor of criminal justice at Quinsigamond Community Col- lege, and Winthrop Handy, an inde- pendent and a West Boylston busi- nessman, want the seat held for almost six years by Democrat James J. ODay of West Boylston. Mr. McCarthy is a Republican state committeeman in Worcester and president of the Worcester County Republican Club. He attacks Mr. ODay for proposing and supporting higher taxes. Mr. McCarthy says that he wants to meet with small-business own- ers and do what they want to create new jobs in that important sector. The former Connecticut state trooper also wants to crack down on welfare fraud by placing addi- tional restrictions on EBT cards. Mr. Handy says he will not be automatically voting with either the Republicans or Democrats, but is more in tune with the voters, most of whom are unenrolled in either party, as he is. Mr. Handy has been an elected member of the West Boylston Light Board for 15 years. Job creation is at the top of his list of priorities, and one way he favors creating them is to locate two casinos at Worcester Regional Airport. Mr. Handy also wants to take advantage of the expertise available through Worcester Poly- technic Institutes Venture Forum and the Worcester College Consor- tium. Mr. Handy wants to fix a host of ills, from the states failure to reim- burse West Boylston for ice storm damage to reimbursements for the cost that residents and rate payers pay for installing sewers and up- grading the sewage treatment plant in Millbury for the benefit of Boston-area water quality. Mr. ODay, who was a social worker for the state Department of Social Services for 24 years before his election, says he continues to fight to improve the lives of chil- dren and families through his work on the joint committees on Chil- dren, Families and Persons with Disabilities and on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Like his more conservative oppo- nents, Mr. ODay says that job cre- ation is a top priority. He sup- ported an economic development and jobs bill that promotes small business assistance and invest- ment in infrastructure; a bill to bring $10 billion to the state for new biotech and life sciences jobs, and the Gateway Cities Initia- tive. He defends his proposal to increase the state income tax, saying that revenue is needed to improve the quality of life that residents deserve and busi- nesses consider when they deliberate on where to locate. While people making $200,000 would contribute $500 more in taxes, Mr. ODay said, the bill includes exemptions that would prevent low- and moderate- income taxpayers from paying more in taxes. Three vying for state rep. seat 14T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Lee Hammel TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 58 Address: 41 Winthrop St., West Boylston Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Representa- tive of the 14th Worces- ter District Education: B.S. in urban studies and manage- ment, Worcester State College Political experience: Five years in the Mas- sachusetts House of Representatives, mem- ber of the West Boylston Town Democratic Committee Issues: Jobs have to be the most important issue facing my district, the Commonwealth, and the country. We need to develop policy proposals that promote economic devel- opment, growth, and job creation across the state. We need to provide enough local aid so our communities can afford high-quality education, services and protection for senior citizens, environmental protection, public safety, veterans services and repairs to our crumbling infrastructure. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Marybeth Murphy ODay, four children. James J. ODay Age: 47 Address: 16 Birmingham Road, Worcester Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Professor of criminal justice at Quinsigamond Commu- nity College, Becker College and Assumption College. Education: Ph.D., human resource/workforce development, Louisiana State University; masters degree in public administration from Clark University; B.S. in social relations from Anna Maria College Political experience: Has never held public office. Issues: Lower taxes; reform the Electronic Benefit Transfer cards and welfare system to prevent welfare beneficiaries from purchasing such items as cigarettes, alcohol and lottery tickets with taxpayer money, while making sure recipients are getting necessities; devel- op job opportunities by working with small businesses so they can invest, hire, or expand. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Debora, three children. William J. McCarthy Age: 64 Address: 53 Central St., West Boylston Party affiliation: Independent Occupation: Owner of Win- throp Studios, a portrait photography studio, digital fine art printmaking and art gallery, for 36 years. Education: B.S. in business marketing, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Political experience: Has served 15 years as commissioner of the West Boylston Municipal Light plant; served as a member of the 1999 Beaman Memorial Library Building Committee and the Townwide Planning Committee; and was chairman of the original Town Adminis- trator Screening Committee. Issues: Good paying jobs and business opportu- nities for Worcester County are my priorities. Artists, accountants, engineers, designers, manufacturers, etc., need affordable work and selling space. I would align the concept with the entrepreneurs program at WPI and expand it to include the Worcester College Consortium. I would immediately open up the former Wor- cester Courthouse as the first low-cost startup space. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married to Anne DeSantis Handy. Winthrop E. Handy WORCESTER WEST BOYLSTON 14th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Question 1would prohibit any motor vehicle man- ufacturer, starting with model year 2015, from sell- ing or leasing, either directly or through a dealer, a new motor vehicle without allowing the owner to have access to the same diagnostic and repair infor- mation made available to the manufacturers deal- ers and in-state autho- rized repair facilities. Supporters of the bal- lot question say it would make it more convenient and less expensive for car owners to get car repairs by ensuring that no one is forced to go to a dealer- ship for repairs unless they want to. Proponents say automakers already make repair information and tools available for purchase by anyone as a result of a 2002 national agreement. The Legislature struck a compromise on the mea- sure late in the last legislative session and both sides pledged to urge voters to pass over the ques- tion as moot. The right to repair coalition has now reneged and is urging voters to pass Question 1. The move came after other groups withdrew support because they believed the compromise didnt go far enough to ensure consumers rights. Availability of motor vehicle repair information QUES T I ON 1 Question 2 would allow a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at a termi- nally ill patients request, to end that patients life. To qualify, a patient would have to be an adult resident who (1) is medically determined to be men- tally capable of making and communicating health care decisions; (2) has been diagnosed by attending and consulting physi- cians as having an incur- able, irreversible disease that will, within reasonable medical judgment, cause death within six months; and (3) voluntarily expresses a wish to die and has made an informed decision. The proposed law states that the patient would ingest the medicine in order to cause death in a humane and dignified manner. Supporters of the measure say it will allow men- tally competent adults with no chance to survive their illness to take life-ending medication pre- scribed by a physician. Opponents say it restricts patients choices and control by enabling suicide as a substitute for qual- ity health care. They say Question 2 is poorly writ- ten, confusing and lacks even the most basic safe- guards. Patients would not be required to see a psychiatrist before obtaining the lethal drug. Prescribing medication to end life QUES T I ON 2 Question 3 would eliminate state criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marijuana by patients who have been diagnosed with a debilitat- ing medical condition. The patient would also have to obtain a written certification, from a physician with whom the patient has a bona fide physician- patient relationship, that the patient has a specific debilitating medical con- dition and would likely obtain a net benefit from medical use of marijuana. Supporters of the measure say it will ease the suffering of thousands of people with debilitating conditions. They also say provisions of the proposed law requiring strict regulation by the state Depart- ment of Public Health, written physician approval, a limited number of nonprofit treatment centers, and criminal penalties for fraud will help ensure only appropriate medical use of marijuana. Opponents of the ballot question say we all have compassion for those in pain, but the proposed law has loopholes that would allow corruption and exploitation. If enacted, they say, this law would allow virtually anyone to grow pot in their back- yard. Medical use of marijuana QUES T I ON 3 WORCESTER For the first time since 1993, the 15th Worces- ter District will welcome a new state representative, and voters will have a clean slate of candi- dates to choose from. Democrat Mary Keefe, of 10 Oxford St., is running against Republican Brian OMalley, of 181 Belmont St., in the newly minted minority majority district. The winner will fill the vacancy left in January when Vincent A. Pedone stepped down. Ms. Keefe, whose political ex- perience was previously limited to an unsuccessful run for City Council a few years ago, pulled off a bit of an upset in the Sep- tember primary when she hand- ily beat four other candidates, including City Councilor Kath- leen M. Toomey and School Committee member Dianna Bi- ancheria, to secure the Demo- cratic nomination. The primary win was widely viewed as a shift away from the traditional Shrewsbury Street power base of the 15th Worcester. Ms. Keefe said she isnt taking anything for granted, however, and Mr. OMalley said he thinks his chances of victory were actually bolstered by Ms. Keefes primary victory. He has repeatedly questioned her sup- port of a proposed bill that would raise state income tax on higher-income earners. I do see that as a weakness on her part, that shes so willing to embrace that, Mr. OMalley said. Its a mistake in this econ- omy. Ms. Keefe said she is sticking by her support for the tax increase, saying it asks more from those of us who have more. It could help fill gaps that dwindling local aid has left in recent years, she said. But rather than focus on her sup- port of the tax, Ms. Keefe points to a host of other issues she plans on tackling if elected. For example, she said she is partic- ularly interested in being part of the conversation about how the downtown area continues to be reshaped. Mr. OMalley has an interest- ing personal story that would catch the eye of any Democratic political strategist. He was laid off from a good job; his family was forced to live in a shelter and he even took to a tent in a state park for a while before getting back on his feet again. He has received some of the entitlements that many national Republicans rail against. But he said he sees his story as being about self- reliance and personal perseve- rance. Hes an appliance sales- man at Sears. Im just a regular working- class guy, Mr. OMalley said. I dont like the way the govern- ment is run, and its been run by Democrats most of my life. Ms. Keefe embraces the pro- gressive label, and does not hide from positions that reflect her world view. In fact, she said she thinks its part of her appeal. Voters to choose first new rep. since 1993 15T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Steven H. Foskett Jr. TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF WORCESTER 15th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Age: 48 Address: 17 Warren Ave., Leicester Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Truck driver, former police officer Education: Quinsiga- mond Community College, Assumption College Political experience: None Military experience: Gulf War veteran Issues: Roll back sales and income tax increases, which were promised to be temporary; increase local aid to improve our schools and municipal services; enable job creation by sup- porting small business; ensure veterans get real benefits instead of promises, which rarely come true. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Four children; one grandchild William G. LeBeau Incumbent Age: 65 Address: 41 Circuit Ave. E., Worcester Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Legisla- tor Education: B.A., Worcester State College Political experience: State representative since 1987; chairman, House Commit- tee on Rules, member of Worcester City Democratic Committee and Ward 7 Democratic Committee Issues: More public safety workers and teachers not only improve quality of life, but it also expands the workforce; Ive worked and voted to secure mil- lions for programs to aid the older population throughout my career. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Not married John J. Binienda Sr. Age: 48 Address: 181 Bel- mont St., Worces- ter Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Appliance sales- man at Sears Education: B.S., psychology, Worcester State Uni- versity, cum laude Political experience: Has never held public office. Served as Gardners Republican City Committee chairman. Issues: The commonwealth is constantly in a fiscal crisis, raising fees and taxes that will not allow small businesses to grow and create jobs, we need reform before revenue in state government. Most of the violence in the city is in the neighborhoods in or adjacent to the 15th District. We need to work with officials at every level of government to fund the understaffed Police Depart- ment so our streets can be safer. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Married to Patricia; three children: Amanda, Brendon, Collin Brian J. OMalley Age: 58 Address: 10 Oxford St., Worcester Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Exec- utive director of the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center Education: Marian High School; BFA, Massachusetts College of Art Political experience: Founding member of the Worcester Democrats of Massachu- setts and Worcester Labor Coalition Issues: Fighting to provide quality public schools by making sure they get the attention and resources they need; working to ensure that quality health care is accessible and affordable to all our families and bolster coverage for seniors, the unemployed and those in need; and working to preserve public places. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Three adult children Mary S. Keefe S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 18 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election State Rep. John J. Binienda Sr., D-Worcester, the longest- serving member of the Worces- ter Statehouse delegation, is facing a challenge from Repub- lican William LeBeau of Leic- ester, a political newcomer and former Spencer police officer. Mr. Binienda, 65, has repre- sented the 17th Worcester House District since 1987 and is chairman of the Houses influ- ential Committee on Rules. Mr. LeBeau, 48, a truck driver, musician and military veteran, is making his first run for public office. The district includes Leices- ter and Ward 7 and Precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Ward 8 in the south- ern and western sections of Worcester. A former middle and high school teacher in the Leicester public schools, Mr. Binienda is known as a fiscally conserva- tive Democrat who is generally opposed to tax increases, including on cigarettes and al- cohol. Mr. Binienda is a longtime member of the Houses Demo- cratic leadership, formerly serving as chairman of the Leg- islatures Revenue Committee. He is a graduate of Worcester State College and has three adult children. Mr. LeBeau was a military police officer in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years and served in the Gulf War with the 344th MP Company. He was a Spencer police officer from 1988 to 1997. After that, he was an Assumption College police offi- cer for five years. He has four children and one grandchild. He graduated from the U.S. Army Military Police School and the Worcester Reserve Police Academy. Mr. LeBeau has campaigned on traditional Republican themes such as lower taxes and opposition to benefits for illegal immigrants, and shrinking the size of government. He has also painted himself as a blue-collar working man, in contrast to the incumbent, who he says is part of an entrenched Democratic leadership structure on Beacon Hill. Mr. Binienda touts his advo- cacy for the district, including on behalf of improvements to Worcester Regional Airport, more state funding for local schools, and funding for ser- vices for senior citizens. He is a supporter of casino gambling. Binienda challenged by newcomer LeBeau 17T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Shaun Sutner TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF WORCESTER LEICESTER 17th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Age: 48 Address: 19 Oak- mont St., Webster Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Owner of a Webster-based employment agency Education: Mon- tachusett Regional Vocational Tech- nical High School, attended North Shore Community College Political experience: Member of the Web- ster Board of Selectmen for two-and-a- half years, including serving as chair- man; member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for two years. Issues: Job creation and economic development; safe and sufficient fund- ing levels for our emergency services; advocating for senior citizens and those with developmental disabilities so they receive services so they can live dignified and comfortable lives. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: Yes Medical use of marijuana: Yes Personal: Married Donald D. Bourque S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 19 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Candidates for state represen- tative in the 18th Worcester Dis- trict say theyre committed to improving the local job scene and helping towns reap more local aid. And each says hes more in touch with district resi- dents than his opponent. Incumbent Ryan C. Fattman, 28, R-Sutton, points to his bipar- tisan work in his first legisla- tive term: adding a budget amendment that returned $369,000 in local aid to the dis- trict, bringing a GOP jobs fair to the district and promoting a jobs package with employer tax credits. He also worked on the bipartisan reform bill to curb abuse of electronic benefit cards. Donald D. Bourque, 48, a Web- ster Democrat who serves on the Board of Selectmen and owns a staffing business, says Mr. Fatt- man isnt doing enough to be responsive to residents. Hed like to establish an economic de- velopment board to coordinate local, state and federal initia- tives to help businesses move into the district. The district faces another big challenge in its new configura- tion. Starting with the upcom- ing legislative session, the 18th Worcester District includes Sut- ton, Oxford (Precincts 1 and 4), Douglas and Webster. Previ- ously it included Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Sutton (Precincts 1and 2) and Uxbridge (Precincts 1, 2 and 4). Mr. Bourque said being acces- sible and accountable to resi- dents is crucial. He said the dis- trict hasnt been adequately rep- resented on Beacon Hill since redistricting was announced more than a year ago. As part of his commitment to accessibility, Mr. Bourque said he would include his cellphone number on his business card, if elected. Mr. Fattman said he has knocked on every door in Web- ster, met with residents district- wide and worked with local leaders in the districts new towns to address their concerns. As a full-time legislator, Mr. Fattman said he plans to contin- ue his 100 percent voting record and work with both parties to get the economy moving again and reform government spend- ing. Candidates vow to work for jobs, local aid 18T H WORCES T ER DI S T RI CT By Susan Spencer TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF SUTTON DOUGLAS OXFORD WEBSTER 18th Worcester STATE REPRESENTATIVE Voters going to the polls Nov. 6 will be asked to decide be- tween two types of experience in selecting the next Northern Worcester Register of Deeds. Democrat Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault has been Register of Deeds in the Fitchburg office for six years and also has 20 years as an attorney. Her oppo- nent, unenrolled candidate Patricia Buckley Malcolmson, has been a title examiner for 28 years. Both are Leominster resi- dents who support the idea of putting all deed records at the Registry dating back to the 1800s online and accessible to the public by computer. The Northern Worcester Dis- trict Registry of Deeds serves Fitchburg, Leominster, Ash- burnham, Lunenburg and Westminster. Since her 2006 election, Mrs. Daigneault, 49, has focused on educating the public and mak- ing the registry more acces- sible. She has also worked with residents who have had mort- gage difficulties due to the banking crisis that hit not long after she took office. She is the first woman and first attorney to hold the office. Among her initiatives since winning election in 2004 have been connecting the office with probate records, expanding the electronic access to deeds and other documents the office also has paper copies of. She said she has also managed to keep the office open and operating in downtown Fitchburg while dealing with $200,000 in budget cuts to the office over several years. Mrs. Malcolmson, 50, said she would be able to help people with a variety of deed issues because of her many years of experience using the registrys documents. She said she would be available full time in the office. Along with her work as title examiner, she works part time as a bank secrecy assist- ant at North Middlesex Savings Bank keeping an eye on ac- counts to ensure they are not used to launder money or as fronts for illegal activity. Also she works part time evenings as an accountant for her fam- ilys business, Buckleys Reli- gious Gifts. If elected, she said she would leave the title examiner and bank jobs. She said the job with the family business is done in the evening and would not interfere with her work at the Registry of Deeds. If re-elected, Mrs. Daigneault would continue what she has been doing the past six years, but also consider new initia- tives, including opening a satel- lite office in Leominster. Mrs. Malcolmson said she would push for more unifor- mity between registries around the state, which operate on a variety of computer programs and other systems. Experienced hopefuls tout access to records REGI S T ER OF DEEDS By George Barnes TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF Incumbent Age: 28 Address: 206 Bur- bank Road, Sutton Party affiliation: Republican Occupation: Legisla- tor Education: Bache- lors degree, political science, Suffolk University; Rappaport public policy fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government; at- tended master of public policy program at Tufts University Political experience: One term as state representative; member of Board of Selectmen for five years; chairman, Sutton Housing Partnership Committee, one year Issues: Working across party lines to improve the Massachusetts economy and foster job creation; improving local services by prioritizing the states local aid funding. Ballot questions: Prescribing medication to end life: No Medical use of marijuana: No Personal: Engaged Ryan C. Fattman Age: 50 Address: 53 Brown Ave., Leominster Party affiliation: Unenrolled Occupation: Real estate title exam- iner for 28 years, part-time BSA assistant at local bank and Buckleys Religious Gift Store. Education: Stonehill College, B.A. in sociology/criminal justice Political experience: Has never held public office. Issues: The Registry holds important historical records of all real estate transactions. It is imperative that all documents, especially the very old ones, are scanned so there is a high- quality image for viewing and have user-friendly access. The register must be a person with knowledge of the real estate laws and Registry standards and practices. Personal: Married to Ralph Malcolmson; three daughters: Molli, Emily and Julia Patricia Buckley Malcolmson Incumbent Age: 49 Address: 107 High- land Ave., Leomin- ster Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Attorney, 20 years Education: Provi- dence College, bachelor of arts; New England School of Law, Juris Doctor; National Labor Relations Board trained mediator Political experience: Register of Deeds for the Worcester Northern District Issues: As Register of Deeds, my top priority has been to provide the utmost service to the public also continued modernization. I believe service to the community is the highest form of citizenship. Professionalism and a high-quality-run office are my commit- ment. All records are available free online at fitchburgdeeds.com. Personal: Married to Christopher Daig- neault; four children, Nina, 24, Chris- topher, 23, Andrew, 21, and Rocco, 17. Kathleen Reynolds Daigneault S U N D A Y T E L E G R A M S U N D A Y , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2 20 ELECTION 2012 telegram.com/election Where do vou turn for trusted local news? You turn to the Telegram & Gazette and telegram.com. The T&Gs award-winning reporters and photoiournalists are out in vour communitv everv dav to bring vou the news and information vou count on. New England Newspaper of the Year Anytime, any place. Trusted local news Anytime, any place Stay with the the TeIegram & Gazette and teIegram.com for eIection resuIts, video and Iive chats!