Chris Walsh

As many of you know I have taken out nomination papers for the 6th Middlesex District State Representative race this year. I'd like to start this campaign season by sincerely thanking all of you who so graciously and unstintingly gave of your time and resources in 2008. I thought long and hard about the implications of a second run and I have come to the conclusion that the important issues that we raised and championed last time have not been adequately addressed.

The development of stronger, job focused economics- particularly in regards to small and startup businesses is critical to a good quality of life in Framingham; likewise the development of the arts, performing arts and cultural institutions are important components of a sustainable future for our community. In short, we need to foster the development of not just individual jobs but whole job sectors in the arts and not just give incentives to large businesses but also to the small companies and startups that comprise 80% of our economy.

We need to undertake a review of the types of incentives and entitlements that have grown over the years and determine whether or not they make sense in today's world; are they are achieving what we’d hoped for or are many of them just painting us into a economic corner.   We should be fashioning bold, new incentives that will help move this community into the future, challenging our entitlement mindset and the unfunded mandates that continue to bedevil us. Taking responsibility for our own future, cultivating the uniqueness of our area and insisting on a level of parity and equality within the Commonwealth is a good place to start.

Finally I believe that we must aggressively work to make the under performing and run down areas of the town physically better. We simply cannot afford to wait for handouts and hand-me-downs, our representatives must be able to help marshall a wide array of talent from planners, developers, architects and legislators and put it to immediate use.  It is unacceptable that in the midst of one of the strongest economic areas in the state we have empty storefronts, unused shopping centers and derelict gas stations. Making the design and renovation of our community a high priority will foster greater involvement, redevelopment and renewed sense of pride in our community.

I would not take this campaign on if I felt that we could not make a positive impact and change the present course of the town and economy. It will take lot of hard work; responsible, mature judgement and faith that a bold vision and innovation can make a difference in the quality of our lives and community.

I ask that you bear with me this campaign season, the requests for your time, your opinions and your financial help, I fully realize that I cannot match an incumbent's ability to raise money but in the end, money is not the deciding factor: people count, ideas count and votes count.

I hope that you will support me,

Sincerely