Higgins calls on Marchand to Participate in Debate

For Immediate Release                                                                            Contact: Natalie Higgins – 978-602-3772
Date: August 22, 2016

LEOMINSTER - Natalie Higgins, Democratic Candidate for the 4th Worcester District, calls for her opponent Rick Marchand to debate the issues that are important to the voters of Leominster. The Leominster Champion proposed three dates for a debate between Ms. Higgins and Mr. Marchand (August 27th, 29th, and 30th). Ms. Higgins suggested August 29th, to accommodate Mr. Marchand who had already told the Sentinel and Enterprise he was available for a debate that evening; however, the Sentinel and Enterprise was unavailable because they were hosting a debate for the Democratic Candidates in the Third Worcester District and have since scheduled a debate on September 6th that Ms. Higgins agreed to with the understanding that Mr. Marchand intended on having an earlier debate with the Leominster Champion. After awaiting a reply from Mr. Marchand for several days, Ms. Higgins was informed he told the Leominster Champion he would not be available for a debate on any of the dates proposed. Upon learning that Mr. Marchand refused the debate on the 29th of August, Higgins offered three additional dates.

“The people of Leominster deserve to hear the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to them. Without the August Champion debate, the only opportunity for Leominster residents to see us debate is the September 6th Sentinel debate, less than two days before the primary. My supporters and I believe it is important that the people of Leominster have ample time between the debate and the election to consider the candidates’ responses, and the September 6th debate does not give voters enough time to make their decision. I take the State Representative position seriously and have attempted to accommodate all parties in regards to this debate, and am even willing to have the debate on the 30th, which is the night of my fundraiser, if that becomes the only time Mr. Marchand can make himself available,” said Natalie Higgins.

“It’s the oldest trick in the book” said Gloria Bachand, Higgins’ Campaign Manager.  “The entrenched politician refuses to directly address any issues or to appear along with other candidates, and hopes that the voters don’t realize that there is a contested election taking place. Natalie looks forward to sharing her positions and knowledge on issues and demonstrating her passion for Leominster.”

“As the daughter of a small business owner, I understand the importance of supporting our small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and improving the infrastructure of our city. As Leominster’s State Representative I will ensure that Leominster gets its fair share of funding that will help our community grow,” said Higgins.

Continued Higgins: “I believe every Massachusetts resident has a right to high-quality, affordable public education from pre-K through college. We must stop the attacks on public education, and focus on making sure every student and teacher has the resources they need to succeed.”

Natalie is committed to ensuring improved and sustainable access to comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment and services. She has heard time and again from voters that North Worcester County is woefully under-resourced, and she intends to address this problem.

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; and Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES).

Higgins states, “I believe a great State Representative listens to their constituents, and the cornerstones of our democracy depend on informed voters that know the qualifications and leanings of their elected officials. I hope my opponent will reconsider and debate me in a timely manner. I also want to thank the Leominster Champion and the Sentinel and Enterprise for so diligently working with us to organize these debates.”

The Democratic primary election takes place on Thursday, September 8th. Please visit electnataliehiggins.com to learn more about Natalie Higgins.
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