On July 31, the two democratic candidates for 11th Middlesex District State Representative — Alex Jablon and Amy Sangiolo — met online in a debate hosted by the Charles River Regional Chamber (CRRC) and moderated by CRRC President, Greg Riebman.
Incumbent Rep. Kay Khan is stepping down from the role after an almost 30-year-long career. The winner of the Democratic primary on September 3 will run against sole Republican candidate, Vladislav S. Yanovsky, and the winner of that election will become the next State Representative for the 11th Middlesex District, which includes Newton’s Ward 1 (Precincts 2, 3), Wards 2, 3, 4, and Ward 7 (Precinct 2).
Below are highlights of the candidates’ responses to questions pertaining to the following questions. (See CRRC’s video of the event for all topics and responses.)
- Why do you want to work in a place that operates like the Massachusetts state legislature, with last-minute bills and lack of transparency?
Sangiolo: She desires to participate due to her experience with difficult issues. She highlights the City Council’s greater transparency compared to the State House and expresses a commitment to promoting transparency.
Jablon: He wants to be part of the process to help as many people as possible, emphasizing his passion for Massachusetts and experience in finance and oversight. He rejects the notion of passivity and highlights the dangers of signing off on bills without proper knowledge.
- To Jablon: Why should voters opt for you, someone with lesser legislative experience, as opposed to Sangiolo, who has been in the game for decades?
Jablon: He highlights his service on the City’s Financial Advisory Committee and his background in finance, oversight, and budget management. He notes that both he and Sangiolo would be entering the state legislature brand new, bringing different but relevant experiences to the table.
2a. To Jablon (follow up): Why not run for City Council…