John Worden, Arlington Town Moderator for nearly two decades, is running for state representative. Above, Worden poses with his two pets. Photo courtesy YourArlington.com.

- Allison Goldsberry

Another candidate has thrown his hat into the ring for State Senator Jim Marzilli’s former state representative seat.

John Worden, Arlington Town Moderator for eighteen years, announced today he will make a run for the open seat and only has five days to collect 150 signatures from Independent and Republican voters to get on the ballot.

Worden is enticing voters with eggnog and cider at his home at 27 Jason Street on Saturday in an effort to collect signatures. Voters can stop by anytime between now and the morning after Christmas to sign the papers, which will be on the front porch of Worden’s Jason Street home and also at 106 Spring Street.

“I want to be a strong voice for the people of Arlington and West Medford at the State House, and use the skills I have learned- both as a practicing lawyer and a participant in the public forum- to help formulate just and reasonable laws for Massachusetts. As a member of the local legislature in Arlington for 38 years, and its presiding officer for half of that time, I feel that I have the edge on legislative experience over any other candidate,” said Worden in a statement.

Worden has been a private practice attorney since 1963 and has worked for Simonds, Winslow, Willis & Abbott in Boston since 1975, specializing in wills, trusts, probate, and real estate law.

Worden, a Harvard Law School grad, is married to Dr. Patricia Worden, a former Arlington School Committee member, and has five children and seven grandchildren.

He has been active in Arlington’s civic and political life, including serving as president of the Arlington Historical Society and as a trustee or member of many board and organizations.

Worden so far faces competition from another political vet, School Committee member and Democratic Town Committee Vice-Chair Jeff Thielman.

The house district, represented by Marzilli for seventeen years, includes much of Arlington and part of West Medford, including all of Ward 6 and precinct 2 of Ward 3, Medford’s largest precinct.