What Jack’s Neighbor’s Say
e following notes have been printed as Letters to the Editor in recent weeks in the several newspapers covering the Senate districts.
Jack Hurd — impressive and inspirational
As a parent, Commissioner on the Arlington Housing Authority and a someone that has always been very active in civic affairs, I am writing to express my endorsement and support for Jack Hurd for State Senate.
While I am well aware of Jack Hurd’s impressive resume of accomplishments as a coach, volunteer, Town Meeting Member, chairman of the Arlington Democratic Town Committee and a selectman for the past twelve years, I would like the citizens to know about another side of Jack Hurd.
My son Patrick, who is mildly autistic, will turn eight next week. He cannot tie his own shoes, cannot write his name legibly and won’t go to sleep unless dad is lying next to him in the bed — but he can skate like the wind. He can skate because every Saturday in the winter, Hurd laces up his skates and runs a Special Needs Skating Program (with Dan Shine and the Arlington Catholic Boys and Girls Hockey Teams).
If your child can balance him or herself, they will teach your child to skate better; if your child is unsteady, they will assign team members to hold his/her hands and teach your child to skate; if your child can’t do that, they will sit your child on a plastic milk crate and push your child around the ice.
I can’t begin to describe the joy on the faces of the kids involved, and the beaming smiles on the faces of the parents.
Hurd’s efforts put a smile on my sons face and that of countless others, He doesn’t do it for money, for political expediency or election year photo opportunities. He does it because he loves children and he loves our community.
Hurd has spent his entire adult life making our community, our children, our schools, our roads, our parks and our lives better. I sat in Jack’s kitchen a few months ago to make a list of Jack’s contributions to our community. I remember thinking how I wouldn’t be able to fit everything on paper and commented that he sure had been busy. Jack responded and in passing mentioned that “I don’t think I have ever missed a game or an event involving my three children.”
At that moment, I respected Jack Hurd more than I had ever respected another human being. I don’t believe I have ever met a more deserving candidate for office. For some, September 16 is just another election. For me, it is a referendum on the kind of person I want representing me and my family. That’s why I endorse Hurd for senator. Jack Hurd the candidate is impressive, Jack Hurd the person is inspirational. — Brian R. Greeley, Temple Street
Two important dates
We have two important dates coming up, which everyone should be aware of.
On September 16, there will be a primary election to decide candidates for the 4th Middlesex District Senate race here in the Commonwealth.
Equally as important is August 27 because it is the last day one can register to vote in both the primary elections and the latter date.
Why do I write to tell my fellow citizens about these dates? The first is important because it gives us all an opportunity to express our desires at the polls.
The latter is even more critical if you are new to the town or have reached that magic age of 18. You now have both a right and a responsibility to partake in one of our most precious heritages namely the right to vote in a free election. If you fall into either of these categories, I strongly urge you get down to the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall and register. It only takes a few minutes and one simply has to show a proof of residence i.e. a driver’s license or some document to show you are a citizen of the town.
Although I write this to promote the need to register, my secondary reason is my allegiance toward Jack Hurd, one of the Democratic candidates. His many accomplishments are well known not only as a selectman but also his support and assistance in promoting good education, affordable housing, municipal parking and annual events such as the Feast of the East Festival and the Robbins Farm July 4 celebration.
I trust you will heed my suggestion and register to vote if you are a new citizen of the town or have come of age. And that you will consider a candidate for state Senate who can further the quality of life in our town. — Roland Chaput, Precinct 12
Can he help us?
After reading several letters endorsing Ken Donnelly for state Senate that mention his many years of experience on Beacon Hill as a job qualification, I feel compelled to offer some more detailed information about exactly what that experience was. I find it interesting that the people endorsing Mr. Donnelly always mention his many years of experience but never explicitly say what that experience was.
Ken Donnelly was a lobbyist for the firefighter’s union — one of the most powerful municipal unions on Beacon Hill. I am sure that he knows how to work with the Legislature and how to protect the interests of his union members. I am also sure that he is receiving unlimited amounts of union money and volunteers (many from outside the district) for his campaign.
I am not a union member. I am a resident of Arlington, Town Meeting member and homeowner. I happen to believe that municipal unions already have too much power on Beacon Hill. Do I need to mention all of the laws that have been passed to protect their jobs and benefits?
I work in the technology industry and many of the people I know are now making less money than they were ten years ago. We are now making sacrifices to keep our homes and support town institutions, the kinds of sacrifices that the unions refuse to make.
I cannot understand why anyone who is a homeowner in Arlington and has any understanding of the town’s fiscal situation can support Mr. Donnelly’s candidacy.
In my opinion if we elect Ken Donnelly to the state Senate, we are virtually electing the fox to guard the chicken coop.
How can this help us?
And yes, I am supporting Jack Hurd. — Robin Dratch, Town Meeting Member, Precinct Three
Hurd’s open house
As you know, I am a candidate for the 4th Middlesex District Senate seat. I would like to extend an invitation to the citizens of Arlington to meet with me, ask any questions and to express your concerns on Sunday, August 17, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 75 Summer Street.
For the past eighteen years - six as a Town Meeting Member and twelve as a selectman — I have worked with the citizens of Arlington to improve our schools, our roads, our environment and our services. I understand the challenges each community must face in an era of increasing costs and decreasing state aid. As your senator, my highest priority will be increasing local aid to the 4th Middlesex Communities.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to spend a few moments with you; to listen to your opinions and advice; and to begin the process of learning to work together for Arlington’s benefit.
I sincerely hope you will join me on Sunday, August 17. — Jack Hurd, Democrat for State Senate, Summer Street
Integrity & dedication
As a parent, grandparent, former police officer, past president of the Patrolmen’s Association and former School Committee member, I am writing to endorse the candidacy of Jack Hurd for state Senate.
For the better part of the last twenty years, I have had the opportunity to work with Jack Hurd on a number of issues involving our youth, rebuilding and supporting our schools, ensuring adequate levels of public safety and budgetary issues of paramount importance.
Few elected officials have impressed me more than Jack Hurd. His honesty, integrity and dedication will serve him well in the Massachusetts Senate. As a member of the Arlington Board of Selectmen, Jack Hurd was instrumental in guiding Arlington through the recent years of declining state aid by implementing a five year stability plan; he co-chaired a Rebuild Our Schools effort that resulted in the approval of four new elementary schools; he created the Transportation Advisory Committee and led the effort that saved the Fox Branch Library from closing. He worked with residents to resolve age-old flooding issues at Reed’s Brook and has been a champion for open and responsive government. Lots of politicians talk a good game — Jack Hurd has a proven record of accomplishments for all to see.
In addition to his impressive elected office resume, Jack Hurd has been one of the most active citizens for charitable causes - he donated his time to coach youth hockey and Little League baseball as well as being the co-director of the Special Needs Skating Program every year. It’s no wonder that the Children’s Room Center for Grieving Children named him their “Person of the Year” award in 2005 and I am most proud that my own Rotary Club named him our “Citizen of the Year” in 2007.
Jack Hurd has earned my respect, my admiration and my vote. I strongly encourage all the citizens to examine his exemplary record before they vote on September 16. I believe in proven results, not political rhetoric. I believe in Jack Hurd. I encourage you to vote Jack Hurd for state Senate. — David W. McKenna, Sunset Road
No ordinary candidate
Jack Hurd is no ordinary candidate; in my opinion, he is best in class. His active history of 12 years as a selectman and six as a Town Meeting Member and his vibrant involvement as a leader in a long list of committees and activities testify to his commitment to his community, which I am sure will extend to the entire Senate District.
My first personal experience with Jack Hurd as a committed Arlington leader was up close and intense for six months back in 2000. Denis Sullivan, Jack Hurd, and I served as co-chairs on the Rebuild 2000 campaign for the second of two debt exclusion campaigns to rebuild the last four Arlington elementary schools. During this period, in addition to his responsibilities as a husband and father, Jack was a full-time production manager at Polaroid Corp. and a member of the Arlington Board of Selectmen among other public-purpose activities.
As Rebuild 2000 co-chair, Jack’s focus, energy and dedication were unwavering and awe-inspiring. He led or participated in multiple meetings of the Rebuild Campaign on a weekly basis; developed strategy and tactics to win voters to protect our commitment to Arlington Schools and the core concept of leaving Arlington a better and stronger community for the next generation; and presented at an endless number of community organizations, PTO groups and coffees at private homes in support of the campaign’s objectives. It was an intense, critical time for Arlington; Jack Hurd was not merely there, he was out in front, working at full speed, leading as he always does on the important issues of the day. His leadership of a broad group of dedicated, energetic Arlington citizens was a key to the campaign’s success.
Jack Hurd has my support and my vote in this Senate contest. I hope you will give him yours as well. — Charlie Foskett, 101 Brantwood Rd., Town Member Precinct 8, Chair Capital Planning Committee, Vice Chair Arlington Finance Committee
Hurd thanks supporters
This past week, I had the pleasure of meeting many Arlington voters who came to discuss the Sept 16 State Senate election.
I would like to thank those who attended and extend an invitation to those who could not attend to contact me with any questions or to discuss issues about my candidacy for State Senate.
The “Meet and Greet Jack Hurd for Senate” events held in each community in the 4th Middlesex District this past week were a tremendous success and rewarding experience. As I have already stated, if elected, I will hold scheduled public office hours in each of the five communities of the 4th Middlesex District.
The September 16 primary will be upon us quickly after Labor Day.
Therefore, I encourage any citizen with questions or advice to contact me directly by stopping into my headquarters at 75 Summer Street in Arlington; calling me at 781-648-1200 or perusing my Web site, www.jackhurdforsenate.com.
Together, we can ensure Your Voice Will Be (Jack) Hurd on Beacon Hill. — Jack Hurd
What it takes
Like many towns in Massachusetts, Arlington is facing tough times. A shrinking economy is pinching the town’s already overstretched budget as its current five-year financial plan draws to a close. We are a community that is divided, with tensions flaring over the management of our revenue-starved schools and town services. We need representation in the State Senate from someone who understands the needs of our community, who will deliver the resources to meet those needs, and who can bring together our town’s diverse constituencies.
Jack Hurd has what it takes to pull Arlington and other towns in similar shape through the times ahead from the state senate. Jack is a problem solver, a listener, and a consensus builder. His sights are always on what is feasible and what is fair. His first priority is restoring local aid. He will work to increase state funding for our schools. He’ll defend our civil rights, protect our environment, and encourage alternative energy development. His knowledge of what is needed in this district, his experience in public policy, and his record of community service are unrivaled in this race.
Jack has always been there to find resources to keep our town’s branch library open when it was slated to close, or improve the schools when long-overdue rebuilding was scratched by the state. He can do much more for the whole district as a state senator. I hope you will join me on September 16 in voting for Jack Hurd in the Democratic primary for state senator. — Martin Malin, Webster St.
Compelled to respond
After reading Charlie Gallagher’s letter last week attacking me personally I feel compelled to respond.
It does not really surprise me that a supporter of Mr Donnelly would try to change the subject when anyone attempts a detailed evaluation of Ken Donnelly’s political history and experience.
I should say that I have lived in Arlington almost thirty years and have been a Town Meeting member for fourteen. I have worked on many community projects. I am one of the founding members of the Friends of the Waldo Playground and we successfully renovated the playground. I am also a longtime supporter of the Fox library and am pretty well known from my community activities around town. I thought I knew most of the people who are involved with our community, but I had never heard of Mr Donnelly before he ran for the Senate. Neither had any of the people I know around town. I do not know of a single project in our town he has worked on.
I think an in-depth comparison of the candidates is very important and in today’s political culture I think the term “Fox Guarding the Hen House” is pretty tame and I stand by the statement.
I didn’t feel an urgent need to mention all of Jack Hurd’s contributions to the community. Many other letter writers are listing them and I think most voters are aware of them. Less people are aware of Mr Donnelly’s history and that is why I wrote about it. This was reinforced for me after I wrote the letter by the many people who approached me around town and thanked me for writing it.
I will continue to speak out about what I think is right and important for Arlington regardless of the consequences for me, and I will not be shut down or intimidated by any of Mr Donnelly’s supporters or political operatives. — Robin Dratch, Town Meeting Member, Precinct Three
Hurd the best candidate
As a long time residents of the Fourth Middlesex State Senate District I have come to care a lot about the area. When choosing a candidate to support for the State Senate seat, I considered many factors which I believe are important to our community. I have chosen Jack Hurd as the candidate I believe best represents my values and the needs of the town of the district.
The previous state senators who have represented the area have been noticeably absent when it comes to our wellbeing. Jack Hurd has pledged to have office hours in each community in the district. He has promised to regularly come to our towns and listen to the needs of our communities.
When choosing a candidate, where they receive their monetary support is a way to identify where their loyalties will lie. While Jack Hurd has raised his money from local donors and local fundraisers, his competitor’s campaign contribution record shows that during his previous campaign he raised 95% of his money from interest groups based outside the district. Jack Hurd is tied to the interests of his constituents because of their support. He is a candidate who has a stake in the needs of our community. (State Campaign Contribution Web site http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/default.htm).
During the Billerica Democratic Committee’s recent meet the candidate event, Jack Hurd spoke of issues which affect the people of Billerica; like local aid and the rebuilding of the Parker School, while his competitor spoke in generalities and didn’t mention one issue specific to Billerica. This is a common theme throughout the district; while Jack Hurd understands and works on local issues, his competitors interests lie elsewhere.
Jack Hurd has experience in local politics; having been an Arlington selectman for over 10 years. He knows about the needs of towns like Billerica, Arlington, Burlington, Lexington and Woburn. He understands the problems we face in out communities and has explained how he will work to better our lives.
These are some of the reasons I support Jack Hurd for state senate. Whoever you decide suits your needs and the needs of our community, please be sure to vote in the primary on September 16. — Michael Glennon, Connolly Rd, Billerica
Lifetime of involvement
I am aware of the many contributions Jack Hurd has made during his eighteen years in government as a Town Meeting member and selectman. What I would like to share with you is my experience working with Jack while serving on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Room, Center for Grieving Children and Teenagers. Jack, having lost his dad at the age of seven, became actively involved with The Children’s Room, an organization that plays an important role in the life of a grieving child. The Children’s Room is a non-profit that provides a safe and caring place for children, teens, and their families to come together, express themselves and find support after the loss of a parent or sibling. Although The Children’s Room is located in Arlington, hundreds of children from many surrounding communities have benefited from this program.
Jack was the driving force in finding a new permanent home for the Children’s Room program. The house required a great deal of work before the staff and families could move in. Jack led a major rehabilitation effort with many volunteers in a very short timeframe to get the house ready for the program.
Jack and his wife, Dale, have also supported many community outreach and fundraising events at the Children’s Room over the years, including the Yard Sale, Memories Walk and hosting an Evening of Thanks, just to name a few. For his extraordinary efforts, Jack was honored as The Children’s Room Person of the Year in 2005.
Please join me in casting a vote for Jack Hurd in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, September 16. You will be voting for someone who possesses a lifetime of community involvement, a legacy of accomplishment and proven record on public service. I believe these are the qualities that our next State Senator should have while representing all of the communities in our district. If you would like to learn more about Jack Hurd, please visit his Web site at www.jackhurdforsenate.com. — Maureen Hallice, Sagamore Road
Who will I vote for?
I have read about the candidates, Ken Donnelly and Jack Hurd, running for the senate in your paper, mailings and their Web sites. I believe both are good, sincere men. Both candidates claim that they recognize what the district needs in a senator. The letters, endorsements, mailings and Web sites seem to have one major difference. Those supporting Ken Donnelly talk about what he will do. Those supporting Jack Hurd talk about what he has done. Jack Hurd just needs to continue doing what he has been doing but represent five communities: Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Lexington and Woburn, instead of one, Arlington. Jack Hurd knows how build consensus and find creative ways to fund all the projects that keep our towns strong. — Bill Hayner, Putnam Road
Support for Jack Hurd
It is not often that I face an election believing we will be well served regardless of the outcome. However, in September’s primary for the 4th Middlesex Senate seat, I am thrilled to be supporting Jack Hurd, and I ask you to join me in casting your vote for Jack.
Jack’s accomplishments and legacy of service to the town are known to many and well-chronicled by others, but my willingness to throw my support behind Jack also stems from his character.
As one who did not grow up in town, I wasn’t familiar with the Hurd name when I became active in town government 15 years ago. My respect for Jack has been the result of only one thing — the fact that Jack has earned it.
Although positions on the issues are certainly important (and I believe Jack has taken the right positions), integrity, honesty, thoughtfulness, and most importantly, respect for others are seminal issues for me when it comes to electing state and local officials.
Jack has never lost sight of the fact that he serves us. He has never treated elected office as an ivory tower from which to talk down to us. He works hard, isn’t a self-promoter and gets his gratification not from newspaper clippings but from knowing that the fruits of his labor have improved his community.
Of course, it’s impossible to be involved in town affairs for an extended period of time and not have some fundamental disagreements. But Jack has always been able to articulate his position, based on policy, not ideology, and treat those of us on the other side of the debate with respect and courtesy.
The same work ethic and ideals that have been evident to thousands of us whose children have been mentored by Jack or whose schools have been rebuilt through his leadership is the same work ethic that he will bring to Beacon Hill.
I know Jack Hurd to be a gentleman; dedicated, thoughtful, respectful and considerate in his deliberations. We need more Jack Hurds, but right now we have just one. Let’s not miss an opportunity to put him to work for us. — Joe Tully, Gray Street
Hurd will serve whole district
It was not easy to decide which Democratic candidate, both long-time Arlington residents, to support for State Senator. I knew Jack Hurd because of his many years service in Arlington town government and non-government activities. However, I knew little about Ken Donnelly. Although I had been very active in political activities and other community activities for several decades, I had been unaware of Ken before this year. Other activists that I spoke with were also unaware of him.
But rather than simply supporting Jack Hurd because I knew him, I felt that I should base my support on a more objective standard. So I have based my decision about who to support on their stands on the issues and their experience.
Both are progressive candidates who will vote the same on issues that matter most to me, supporting education, health care, the environment, etc. Both support same-sex marriage; both are pro-choice — there was early confusion about Jack’s position on these issues, but it was clarified that these were in fact his positions.
Ken has made use of his labor background to develop solid knowledge of how the legislature works, and to demonstrate qualities of leadership; these activities were chiefly for the benefit of labor, which is commendable, and tangentially for others. His Web site describes the main issues as he sees them, but says little about his previous involvement with those issues, or about any involvement in community activities.
One of Jack’s primary focuses has been as a volunteer in many community activities, including membership on the Democratic Town Committee — on which he served as chairman — and in elected office. He played major roles in many non-government activities; many are listed at jackhurdforsenate.com, under “Community Involvement” and “Special Recognition”.
His government activities are described under “Experience in Government”, including major roles in affordable housing, rebuilding schools, budget and revenue, local transportation, etc., plus serving 12 years on the Board of Selectmen, twice as its chairman.
Jack has always been a doer rather than a talker. He has worked in the trenches, almost always in a leadership role. So for me, the choice between the candidates became in easy one. I am supporting Jack Hurd, knowing that he will be a hard-working state senator, doing his best all the people in all the communities in his district.
- Dick Smith Washington Street, Arlington
Jack for the Community
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Massachusetts will hold its Democratic primary. Among the candidates running for the office of State Senator representing the 4th Middlesex District (including Burlington, Lexington, Arlington, Billerica and most of Woburn) is my brother Jack Hurd. As a four-time selectman from Arlington, Jack hopes to bring his experience and expertise to Beacon Hill.
Growing up in Arlington, five of us raised by our widowed mother, we lived at the Veterans Housing complex. Jack often reflects on the years when we were kids and the way the community supported our family during difficult times. This has motivated him to work hard in hopes of giving back to the town of Arlington and can be reflected in his 12 years as selectman. He has dedicated his entire adult life working to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Arlington.
During his tenure as Selectman, Jack has gained first hand knowledge of the issues affecting all of us. He has years of experience dealing with numerous capital budget items. Jack was co-chair of the successful Arlington School Rebuild Committee and understands the difficult fiscal issues that towns and cities must address. He is well aware of the concerns we have in Burlington, and I know he will exert the same energy and dedication to our town.
In addition to his role as selectman, Jack has contributed to his community in many other capacities. Please see his web site at http://www.jackhurdforsenate.com to read more about his family, experience, and accomplishments.
As Jack’s sister, I know him well and can assure you he is a man of integrity, commitment, and compassion. If elected he will work tirelessly for the town of Burlington.
Thank you for your consideration.
Judy Marchese, Burlington