Rep. Jim Dwyer Announces Candidacy For Re-Election

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the State Representative for the 30th Middlesex District over the past four years. Today, I announce my candidacy for re-election in this fall’s election on Tuesday, November 6th.

During my second term as your State Representative, the Legislature has had many accomplishments that have continued to move Massachusetts forward. Early in the session, the Legislature focused on major issues, including expanded gaming that will lead to increase funding for local aid and education, a court reorganization bill that brought accountability and transparency to our judicial system (particularly the Probation Department), and an unprecedented open redistricting process.

This past year, we have made strides in economic areas, health care, government efficiency, foreclosure reform, and public safety. First, we passed an economic development bill that included tax incentives for small businesses that will create jobs, and instituted a Sales Tax holiday the 3rd weekend of August. In addressing the costs of health care, we revolutionized the way operate our health care system by putting in place price controls and more efficient operating practices. With regards to government efficiency, we passed strong welfare reform regarding Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that will bring more accountability and root out abuses in our welfare system. In reviewing the causes of and reactions to the foreclosure crisis, we put in place reforms that will help those that were preyed on by predatory lenders to stay in their homes and a find ways to responsibly pay off their mortgages.

The most important accomplishment of this legislative session was the passage of the habitual offender law, commonly known as Melissa’s bill. This legislation finally puts into place a system where those who are violent, habitual offenders, the “worst of the worst” are not granted parole are their third violent felony, and therefore must serve the maximum sentence for their crime. I devoted myself to this cause over the past four years, and even more so over the past two, because the most important responsibility of an elected official is to ensure the public’s safety.  

Moving forward, I am committed to continue the accountable and responsive representation that the people of Reading and Woburn deserve and have come to expect. I have kept my promise to be a full-time State Representative by returning thousands of phone calls, emails, and letters that you have sent me addressing your questions and concerns. In the 2011-2012 legislative session, I didn’t miss a vote.  I have also made sure to keep constituents aware of my voting record and reasons for voting the way I did by issuing monthly updates through the local newspapers. I have met with constituents in our district during monthly office hours and have made my best effort to be present and support many local programs and events in Reading and Woburn.

In this day and age, many people have come to expect less from their elected officials. I have done my best to raise the standard of what is expected of a State Representative. I live by three traits that have guided me throughout life as a husband, father, and grandfather; honestly, integrity, and character.

The course of the last four years has been a very humbling experience for me. I look forward to continuing to represent the hardworking taxpayers of Reading and Woburn. I will be committed to working hard to make sure that your state government works better for you. If re-elected as your State Representative, I will continue to bring an independent, common sense voice to the State House, focusing on the issues that are important to you. It will be a privilege to continue to serve the people of Reading and Woburn. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote on November 6th so that we can continue to change the way business is done on Beacon Hill.

To learn more about our campaign, or Representative Dwyer’s stances on issues, please visit our website at www.reelectjimdwyer.com

Jim Dwyer is a candidate for re-election as State Representative for the 30th Middlesex District, which includes wards 2-6 in Woburn, and precincts 2-5 in Reading. Jim and his wife Mary Ellen have been married for 37 years. They have two daughters; Shannon who is married to Dan Ryan, and Kara who is married to John Conti. They are also the proud grandparents of Kaleigh and Jameson Ryan, and Bradley Conti.