From today's Telegram & Gazette:

​LEOMINSTER - The race for the Democratic nomination for state representative in the 4th Worcester District represents a contrast of political leanings, but a common focus on the city that contains the entire district.

Natalie Higgins, executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, identifies herself as liberal. Veteran City Councilor Richard Marchand says he is a conservative Democrat. Both are looking in the Sept. 8 primary to represent the Democratic party against Republican Thomas Ardinger in the Nov. 8 general election race to replace state Rep. Dennis Rosa, D-Leominster. Mr. Rosa announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election.

Ms. Higgins, 28, of 333 Elm St., said an internship with state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, after her first year in college convinced her that political office was something she might consider.

"For me, who was the first in my family to go to college, this was a whole new experience for me," she said. "I was just fascinated to see this woman who had one foot in the community and one foot in the Statehouse who was making government accessible."

She said that over the past 10 years she has taken advantage of all the opportunities of education, work and training to make sure she was ready to go if the opportunity presented itself to run for state representative.
As executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, she has advocated for more affordable and accessible public higher education in the state. She is also on the board of directors for Pathways for Change in Worcester, where she worked before going to law school. As a legislator, she said, she would be an advocate for public schools. She also would work for passage of the Fair Share Amendment, which would create an additional tax of 4 percentage points on income over $1 million to raise money for public education, public transportation, roads and bridges.

Ms. Higgins said she would advocate for the city to ensure that Leominster is recognized on Beacon Hill and receives resources it needs. She said she is opposed to a ballot question that would allow up to 12 new charter schools and is taking a wait-and-see attitude about the legalization of marijuana.

Should it get passed, she said, she would want to work to create appropriate regulations and ensure there is adequate treatment for people suffering from drug addiction.

Along with interning with Ms. Flanagan, Ms. Higgins said, she interned for Gov. Deval Patrick's office and has worked with state Sen. Michael O. Moore, D-Millbury, on a sexual assault prevention and campus safety bill that she hopes will be passed in the next session.

Mr. Marchand, 61, of 224 Merriam Ave., is in his 19th year as a Leominster city councilor. He represents Ward 5. He said he would follow precedent set by past state representatives, including Mr. Rosa, and finish his term on the council if elected as state representative.

"The main reason is I don't want the city to be in a position where it has to hold a special election," he said.
Mr. Marchand also said he would rather that candidates looking to replace him be able to campaign over a regular election cycle. He said it has also proved beneficial in the past to have a state representative serving on the City Council. He said he works well with Mayor Dean Mazzarella and his most recent stint as council president helped heal a rift between the mayor and the council.

A retired educator who worked 29 years as a teacher in Leominster, Ayer and Shrewsbury, Mr. Marchand said education would be a strong focus for him in the Statehouse.

"Public education is my No. 1 priority," he said. "We have a broken system. It is not equitable, with rising costs, in particular for health care."

Mr. Marchand said Leominster schools saw a 6 percent increase in health care costs and what the state allotted was a cut of 0.22 percent. He said while the city appreciates what it gets from the state, the formula needs to be changed. He said he is also concerned about the $400 million proposed for up to 12 new charter schools in the state. He said the money would be better spent on public schools, which address many of the needs charter schools are also attempting to address.

Mr. Marchand is active in the community, including as coordinator of the Johnny Appleseed Festival the past 18 years. He also worked to bring the Thayer Conservatory Orchestra back from the brink of bankruptcy and is active with youth sports.

Of the statewide ballot questions, the one Mr. Marchand feels most strongly about is efforts to legalize marijuana. He said he would vote no, calling it a gateway drug that could lead to other addiction. He also pledged to not vote to raise taxes as a state representative.

During the campaign, Ms. Higgins received almost $15,200 in donations and spent $7,192. She received 175 donations, including $1,000 from herself, $900 from Ellis Arthur, housing and employment coordinator for the state Department of Mental Health, and a $500 donation from Diane Higgins of Checkered Flag Auto Supply, two $500 donations from Maria Jobin-Leeds, political strategist from the Partnership for Democracy and Education, $500 each from the Service Employees International Union State Committee and SEIU Local 509, and $500 from the Massachusetts Nurses Association.
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Mr. Marchand received $12,375 from 38 donors and spent $10,889. Donations included $1,000 each from City Councilor John Dombrowski, insurance agency owner James Javaras, restaurant owner Margot Xarras and landscape company owner James McIntosh; $500 from Leominster resident Kayla DeCarolis and two donations of $100 from Mr. Rosa, the state representative.

From today's Sentinel & Enterprise:

If you're like me, you want a state representative to have state-level legislative experience. Someone who has worked on drafting policies on the state level and has a law degree to back up the understanding of this process. Someone who is willing to listen to the ideas and concerns of the people of Leominster and work with them to bring those ideas or plans to the Statehouse.

Natalie Higgins knows how to fight for people. She has done it before with victims of abuse/violence, college students facing debt, families trying to navigate services that they are entitled to, and she has given time and expertise to those who couldn't otherwise afford legal representation.

She values the input of the people, not just in exchange for a vote but authentically wants to use her skills and training to effectively make changes that help the people of her community.

She understands the issues that working family's face; that is why she has the endorsement from groups like the Sierra Club, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Mass Equality and many more.

Natalie will bring new energy, new ideas and an industrious work ethic, giving the people of Leominster an exciting opportunity to choose a powerful state rep in the upcoming election.

Please join me and vote Natalie Higgins on Sept. 8.
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BENJAMIN SWIFT
Leominster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          Contact: Christian Miron
August 30, 2016                                                                                 (617) 556-8800 x18
  
Natalie Higgins will fight to defend reproductive rights and work to advance policies that promote reproductive freedom
 
BOSTON, MA - NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts today announced their endorsement of Natalie Higgins in her bid for the 4th Worcester seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The Democratic primary election is Thursday, September 8th.
 
“Natalie Higgins is committed to protecting and expanding reproductive rights and freedoms in the Commonwealth,” said Christian Miron, Deputy Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. “In an election that is as critical for reproductive rights as this one is, it is vital that we elect people like Natalie Higgins who will be trusted allies in the effort to advance policies that promote reproductive freedom for the all in the Commonwealth. We trust Natalie Higgins and know she can be counted on as a true advocate in the fight to preserve and expand access to all forms of reproductive health care,” said Miron.
 
“In order to ensure that Massachusetts continues to make progress against attacks upon abortion rights, we need representatives like Natalie Higgins on Beacon Hill. The 4th Worcester District deserves a pro-choice leader like Natalie Higgins and NARAL is proud to endorse her.”
 
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and its network of grassroots member-activists work to elect pro-choice allies like Natalie Higgins to the Massachusetts legislature to increase and protect the Commonwealth’s pro-choice majority in the State House.
 
 
# # #
 
Since 1972, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts has led the way in advancing reproductive freedom for women and families in the Commonwealth. Our mission is to develop and sustain a grassroots constituency that uses the political process to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy; bearing healthy children; and choosing safe, legal, accessible abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts is proud to be the political leader of the pro-choice movement here in the Commonwealth. We are a state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. Learn more at www.prochoicemass.org. 

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In today's Leominster Champion:

To the Editor:
Natalie Higgins has experience in shaping public policy and community advocacy. That’s why she has my vote on Thursday, Sept. 8.
As the executive director of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, Natalie has been among the strongest advocates for quality education. I am a mother of two young children and that’s really important to me.

As a lawyer, Natalie understands government and knows how it works. She’s ready to hit the ground running as soon as she’s elected, and she’s exactly the kind of person Leominster needs representing us on Beacon Hill.
I hope you’ll join me in voting for Natalie Higgins on Thursday, Sept. 8.
Jessica Proietti
Leominster

Featured in the Sentinel & Enterprise:

I've known Natalie Higgins since she joined Pathways for Change Inc. (the local rape crisis center that covers North Central Massachusetts) as a volunteer hotline counselor and medical advocate in the summer of 2009. In March 2010, Natalie joined Pathways staff as a full-time teen counselor and community educator.

During the recession, Pathways suffered serious budget cuts and our four-person prevention team was reduced to just Natalie's position, but that did not intimidate her. She immediately began rebuilding the education and prevention program for teen students in 47 cities and towns across central Massachusetts, while also counseling teen survivors.

After leaving Pathways in July 2011, Natalie continued to fight to end sexual and domestic violence as a student at Northeastern University School of Law. She worked with Gov. Deval Patrick and the Council to Address Sexual and Domestic Violence; supported survivors seeking restraining orders in Northeastern's Domestic Violence Clinic; and worked in the Human Rights Law Network's Reproductive Justice Unit.

After graduating from law school, Natalie returned to Pathways on the board of directors and, after serving her first year, the Board unanimously elected her as Vice President. Last year, Natalie testified during a hearing on a bill to curb sexual violence on our college campuses, and helped us build a relationship with the bill's author, state Sen. Michael Moore. After multiple meetings and edits, we were happy to hear that the bill was passed by the Senate this session, and I cannot wait to have Natalie champion this in the House as a state representative next session.

A state representative makes government accessible for a community and makes sure that the community has the resources it needs. Natalie has been doing this for the last decade. Because of her experience as a community counselor and educator, as a lawyer, a policy advocate, and an executive director training future community leaders and advocates across the state, I could not imagine a more qualified, passionate and accessible state representative.

KIM DAWKINS
​Worcester (Executive Director, Pathways for Change)

For Immediate Release                                                                            Contact: Natalie Higgins – 978-602-3772
Date: August 24, 2016

LEOMINSTER - Natalie Higgins, Democratic Candidate for State Representative for the 4th Worcester District, is excited for the opportunity to debate her opponent Rick Marchand on the issues that are important to the voters of Leominster. After Mr. Marchand originally turned down the Leominster Champion’s invitation to debate Ms. Higgins, the Higgins Campaign had prepared a press release that was sent out stressing the importance of having a debate early enough to give the people of Leominster a chance to consider the candidates’ responses. The day after the press release was sent out, Mr. Marchand suddenly found the time to debate Ms. Higgins the week prior to the September 8th primary elections, even though he had already told the Sentinel and Enterprise he was only available on August 29th, which happens to be the date the Sentinel and Enterprise had already arranged a debate for the 3rd Worcester District candidates. Marchand told the Leominster Champion that he was not available for any of the three dates they had proposed, which surprisingly included August 29th. After finding the time to debate Ms. Higgins, Mr. Marchand proposed 10am-noon Monday, August 29th and 4pm-6pm Thursday, September 1st. Wanting to give Leominster voters a chance to absorb the outcome of the debate and not interfere with the holiday weekend, Ms. Higgins has agreed to the date of August 29th despite the inconvenient time slot for those that are working. There are currently two debates that have been arranged between Ms. Higgins and Mr. Marchand on the dates of August 29th - hosted by the Leominster Champion, and September 6th - hosted by the Sentinel and Enterprise.

“I tried to be as accommodating as possible with Mr. Marchand’s schedule, and was even willing to hold the debate August 30th, the date of my fundraiser, if that’s what it took to give the people of Leominster the opportunity to learn more about their Democratic Candidates’ knowledge and positions on the issues. The State Representative position of our community is something I take very seriously,” said Natalie Higgins.

“If Mr. Marchand is having this much trouble prioritizing his schedule as a candidate, I question his dedication to the State Representative position, and can’t imagine how he believes he can continue serving as a City Councilor, if elected,” said Gloria Bachand, Higgins’ Campaign Manager.

Higgins is humbled and overwhelmed by the support she has received from Leominster voters and also feels her candidacy is validated by the many endorsements she has received.  Endorsing organizations include: Mass Voters for Animals; Mass Nurses Association; Massachusetts AFL-CIO; Mass Care; Environmental League of MA; National Association of Social Workers; MassEquality; Massachusetts National Organization of Women; NARAL; Mass Women’s Political Caucus; Sierra Club Mass; Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 4; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4; SEIU Local 509; 1199SEIU; SEIU Local 888; SEIU State Council; Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES); and Clean Water Action.

Higgins states, “Debates are a great opportunity for voters to learn about the candidates’ values and priorities side-by-side, so that they can feel confident in their decision when heading to the polls. Leominster deserves a strong and accessible State Representative, and that is why I so insistent on securing an earlier date. And I want to thank the Leominster Champion and the Sentinel and Enterprise for organizing these important opportunities for voters.”  

The Democratic primary election takes place on Thursday, September 8th.
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From the Environmental League of Massachusetts:

The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund today endorsed Natalie Higgins of Leominster who is running in the Democratic Primary for State Representative in the 4th Worcester District.

“We are endorsing Natalie Higgins because of her strong support of environmental issues, her impressive record of leadership in the community and her commitment to addressing the health needs of the Commonwealth’s citizens,” stated ELM Action Fund Political Director Joe O’Brien. “She understands the importance of our state investing in clean energy, sustainable transportation and parks to help address climate change, create jobs, and build healthier communities.”

“As a homeowner and the daughter of small business owners, I see how rising energy costs hurt our community. At the same time, it can be difficult to understand all of the alternative clean energy options," said Natalie Higgins. "I am excited to work with the ELM Action Fund to bring information and resources to Leominster and the rest of the Commonwealth so that we can lead the fight against climate change and reduce energy costs at the same time." 

Natalie Higgins is running in the Democratic Primary on Thursday, September 8th for the seat currently held by State Representative Dennis Rosa, who has announced his retirement. You can learn more about her campaign by visiting her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NatalieforStateRep.

The ELM Action Fund helps pass laws that protect our environmental legacy, holds our elected officials accountable and works to help build the political power of the environmental community. This fall the ELM Action Fund will be working to educate and mobilize voters in key legislative races across the state. 
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Last fall, the ELM Action Fund and the national League of Conservation Voters launched a new affiliation and an aggressive plan to flex the environmental community’s policy muscle in Massachusetts.