Thomas DOS Concrete Services in Easthampton Mass. now in House Race
Todd 10-27-2010
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Six-term incumbent Democrat Kathleen Tallarita is being challenged by Republican Thomas Sirard, a political newcomer and first-term member of the town's board of education, in the 58th House District.

Sirard, director of concrete pumping at DOS Concrete Services in Easthampton, Mass., said he wants to help control state spending if elected.

"Over the past 32 years, common sense has slowly left the capitol," Sirard said at a debate last week at Enrico Fermi High School. "The simple principles that you and I use every day seem to not apply to our state legislature's approach to government."

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He has portrayed Tallarita as an entrenched politician who didn't seek a moratorium on a new state-mandated policy requiring in-school suspension. Sirard said the policy places an unnecessary financial burden on local governments.

At the same debate, Tallarita said she is opposed to unfunded mandates like the in-school suspension rule, but said the moratorium couldn't be introduced before the end of the legislative session. She said that after the election, she plans to work toward ending the mandate.

Tallarita, a business development representative for the Enfield Federal Savings Bank, said the next legislative session will focus on improving the state's finances and creating jobs. She said her experience will help in those discussions.

Tallarita said she plans to examine the budget for ways to save and consolidate agencies and preserve services.

"I'd love to say that I'm not going to vote in any tax increases," Tallarita said. "There is going to have to be a fine balance of cutting spending and raising taxes… Every economist that we've had come in and talk to us —Democrats and Republicans —they say there's no way you can cut yourself out of this mess."

Sirard said that the state's pension system is underfunded and could bankrupt the state as soon as 2018.

He said he hopes voters will examine his platform and reasons for running.

"I think I'm doing it for the right reasons and I hope people give me the opportunity to explain where I'm coming from," Sirard said. "There's a lot at stake and I don't know all the answers, but I know what not to do."
pump031 10-27-2010
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I hope he wins!! He has actually created jobs not killed them with spending!!!
biloximike 10-27-2010
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Good Luck - wish you would have told us sooner!
Todd 10-27-2010
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I just found out about it and posted it as soon as i saw it.
bigstick 10-28-2010
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If these last four years of a Democratic house and senate hasn't taught us that voting for anyone who isn't a Republican. I guess they Dont care about ever having a job or any freedoms.  GET RID OF THESE SOCIALISTS!!!!!