E12th Middlesex State Representative candidates Bill Humphrey, Greg Schwartz, and Rick Lipof
With two retiring State Representatives creating two open House seats, candidate debates and forums are occurring at the rate of one or two a week. Last week, three Newton environmental groups hosted a climate/environment forum for candidates in both races. On Monday, June 24, the Newton Democratic Ward Committees within State Representative Ruth Balser’s 12th Middlesex district (Wards 5, 6, 8, and precincts 2, 3, and 4 of Ward 7) invited the three candidates running for that seat. More than 80 people attended.
Democratic State Committee Secretary Joe Kaplan (from Mansfield, as the moderator, asked questions prepared by members of the organizing committee. Mr. Kaplan explained that in this race, since there are no Republican candidates, the September 3 Democratic Primary would determine the next State Representative for the district.
The three candidates – City Councilor Bill Humphrey, City Councilor Rick Lipof, and former City Councilor Greg Schwartz — answered questions about experience, transparency, public transportation, and establishing working relationships in the Legislature – questions also covered in the earlier forum.
Asked about working with local unions, Councilor Humphrey said he grew up in a union household. His mother is a member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which has endorsed him. He has also been endorsed by the Newton Teachers Association, two construction trade unions, and the Teamsters Local 122. Councilor Humphrey said that legislators need to listen to union issues, especially health care union issues.
Dr. Schwartz said he has always been a strong union supporter and will continue Rep. Balser’s work with organized labor. Councilor Lipof reported that he has been endorsed by the Police and Firefighters unions of both Newton and Brookline (12th Middlesex includes four Brookline precincts) and he said that the…