Paul Donato- Candidate for State Representative

Paul Donato, Democratic State Representative Candidate, 35th Middlesex District

In my four terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives I have been visible, accessible, and accountable to the citizens of Medford and Malden. I feel that I have been an effective state representative in fighting for the needs of my district and in delivering constituent services. My staff and I attend to the concerns of the residents on a consistent basis. Every phone call is responded to.

Additionally, in just my third term I was elected by my colleagues as Chairman of the Committee of Steering, Policy, and Scheduling. This high-ranking position places me in a leadership position and offers me the opportunity to advocate more successfully for my district as well as to influence state legislation. I feel we had a productive legislative session with a priority on energy, environment, and health care.

Highlights of the session include approval of a comprehensive, best in the nation energy reform bill that will reduce the Commonwealth’s use of foreign oil, increase use and production of cleaner, more renewable energy and help save costs at a critical time for consumers. The House also passed legislation to encourage the use of advanced biofuels.
The Child Abuse and Neglect Bill was also passed adding protection to our most vulnerable children. For the fifth consecutive year the House voted to give consumers a two-day sales tax break and provide a shot-in-the-arm to retailers and the economy.

I sponsored legislation that would impose harsh consequences on pervasive bullying on all school levels and I filed legislation to reform Children in Need of Services. Education and the needs of children have always been one of my core missions. Fighting the over development of the Middlesex Fells has also been and will continue to be a major effort of mine.

Working with my colleagues, I was able to secure earmarks for a number of projects in the district including seating for Chevalier Auditorium, restoration of the World War II Memorial at Bell Rock Park, rehabilitation of the Fellsmere Pond, a grant for Portal to Hope (domestic violence prevention program). Funding was also secured for construction of a wind turbine at McGlynn Elementary and Middle schools, park space bordering Clippership Drive and the Mystic River, and for the Mystic River Master Plan. The transportation bond bill included a number of important projects for Medford that I supported.

Finally, my ability to get things done has earned me the endorsement of every elected official in the district as well as a number of major labor groups and organizations. They recognize that my experience is needed now more than ever because of the difficult times we are in. I respectfully ask that you to return me to me to the legislature to continue to work for you.