Caralis Jumps into State Rep Race

Medford Resident is Second Challenger for State Rep. Paul Donato

Medford resident Jim Caralis, 38, has jumped into the race for State Representative Paul Donato’s seat.

Caralis, who runs a software-consulting firm and a non-profit focused on government transparency and civic engagement, is Rep. Donato’s second challenger.

Concern over local aid and a “lack of government efficiency” motivated Caralis to run for state rep.

“Over the last seven years, local aid is down while tax revenues are up. We are paying more and getting less. It doesn’t add up. The current mindset on Beacon Hill isn’t working for Medford and Malden,” said Caralis in a statement.

Caralis was born and raised in Everett and has lived in Medford for the past eight years with his wife, Karen, and their two children.

In addition to his day job as a software consultant, Caralis founded and launched OpenMass.org one year ago with the goal of shedding light on the inner workings of Beacon Hill. Fashioned after OpenCongress.org, OpenMass.org is a free public resource that provides up to date information on the status of bills filed, spending earmarks requested, votes cast, and campaign contributions.

Caralis said the site has been viewed more than one million times in the past year.

Caralis is running as a Democrat and will square off in the Democratic Primary on September 16 against incumbent state rep Paul Donato and labor organizer Patrick McCabe, who just picked up an endorsement from the Teamsters.

– InsideMedford.com