Arthur Vigeant for State Representative

Editorial: For the Legislature

2008-10-28T12:45:00.006-04:00

GHS
Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 12:45 AM

Question 1, the ballot initiative repealing the state income tax, isn't just a bad idea. It is a symptom of a disillusionment with state government that runs deep in the Massachusetts electorate.

This public cynicism has grown over the last several decades, fueled by a series of failures: Cost overruns on the Big Dig; the Legislature's rejection of voter-approved initiatives; rising Mass. Pike tolls; state employee pension scams. Each is a separate story, but together they have undermined confidence in state government.

Many are responsible for this problem, none more so than the state Legislature. There are some fine legislators, and the body often gets things right, but there is an entrenched culture on Beacon Hill and throughout state government that feeds negative perceptions.

The Legislature's institutional shortcomings stem in part from its domination by Democrats. There are just 19 Republicans in the 160-member House and five in the 40-member Senate. Unchecked power leads to arrogance, secrecy and cronyism. Taking care of friends and allies becomes more important than accountability and oversight.

We've seen this dysfunction in the last two years. The Legislature's Democratic leaders, with no statewide mandate of their own, have refused to even let some of the governor's top priorities come up for a vote. The House budget process played out behind closed doors, amid reports that appropriations were being used as chits in an insiders' game of who'll succeed Sal DiMasi as speaker. The result was a spending spree at a time when there were ample signs that the economy was falling and would take state revenue projections with it - followed by what will likely be the worst fiscal crisis state and local government have experienced in decades.

Fixing Beacon Hill will require, among other things, more Republicans. A vigorous opposition party can open the process, present alternatives and help ensure proposals are debated, not just gaveled through. It takes five senators to force a roll call vote, the minimum requirement for accountability, and 16 representatives. That could be lost in a Democratic sweep on Nov. 4.

These thoughts guide our endorsements in this year's legislative races. As always, we look for candidates who have experience at the state or local level, who will serve their districts, who can work effectively with MetroWest legislators of all parties on issues of importance to the region, who are committed to bringing more transparency and accountability to Beacon Hill.

There is no Democratic or Republican way to deliver constituent services. Party is secondary when it comes to serving the needs of the district. No district should be saddled with poor representation just for the sake of tipping the partisan balance in the Legislature. But between two equally qualified candidates, we put a thumb on the scale this year in favor of Republicans.

Here are our endorsements:

* State Senate, Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex: Republican SCOTT BROWN is an articulate leader of the minority party who has worked across the aisle on issues like Metco funding, environmental protection, Mass. Pike tolls and veterans issues. His 10 years experience in the House and Senate, following service as an assessor and selectman in Wrentham, trumps that of his Democratic opponent, Sara Orozco, who is seeking her first public office.

* State Senate, Middlesex and Worcester: During his three terms in the House, Democrat JAMIE ELDRIDGE, has established a reputation as an independent voice, an advocate for reform and an effective coalition-builder. His opponent, Republican Steven Levy, brings experience as an accountant and Marlborough City Council member to the race, but we believe Eldridge shows more leadership potential.

* House, 8th Middlesex: The race to succeed Republican Rep. Paul Loscocco features two attractive candidates. Democrat Carolyn Dykema, a Holliston Planning Board member, would be another fine voice in a large Democratic chorus. Our scale tips to Republican DAN HALEY, former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, who has a keen eye for how Beacon Hill works and good ideas on how a moderate Republican can serve both the district and the state.

* House, 4th Middlesex: Democrat Danielle Gregoire served ably as Rep. Steve LeDuc's aide before he resigned earlier this year and has filled in for him since, but her experience outside the State House halls is limited. Republican ARTHUR VIGEANT, a CPA who has served 15 years on the Marlborough City Council, brings an understanding of small business and municipal government that would give him a strong voice in the House.

* House, 13th Middlesex: This is a rematch from two years ago, when Democrat Tom Conroy unseated Republican SUSAN POPE. Conroy has expertise in economic development - in his other job, he's an international business consultant - he hopes will vault him into a leadership role. We're more impressed by Pope's experience as a Wayland selectman, school committee member and current finance committee member. In 10 years in the House, she always put the needs of her district and her constituents first.

* House, 4th Middlesex: Democratic activist Kate Hogan speaks passionately about economic and environmental issues, but Republican SONNY PARENTE brings four years' experience as a Hudson selectman, a commitment to helping people and a lot of creative energy.

T&G choices

2008-10-27T16:18:00.002-04:00

Candidates must have tools to tackle fiscal challenges

In the current economic climate the Statehouse needs a mix of seasoned, fiscally responsible lawmakers and fiscally savvy newcomers who are sensitive to local needs. Also needed are lawmakers who work across party lines to build a new ethic of transparency and accountability. With that in mind, the Telegram & Gazette offers the following recommendations for legislative races in Central Massachusetts:

SENATE

Both candidates in the 2nd Worcester District are sitting selectmen with strong records of local service and community ties. Democrat Michael O. Moore’s more than 20 years as a state environmental police officer, work in criminal justice, familiarity with the political process through work on behalf of Democratic candidates, and his strong record of financial accountability and spending restraint in Millbury make him the stronger candidate.

In the Middlesex & Worcester District, Republican Steven L. Levy, a Marlboro city councilor and professional accountant who has helped guide the city to fiscal stability in recent years, offers valuable skills in fiscally troubled times. His commitment to protecting local aid, keeping budgets in check and electing “more accountants and fewer lawyers” make him a promising choice.

HOUSE

In the 7th and 8th Worcester districts, a pair of reliable incumbents — Democrat Paul Kujawski of Webster and Republican Paul K. Frost of Auburn — have earned re-election. Both men are moderate, fiscally responsible and respected legislators who understand their communities and work effectively on behalf of their constituents.

First-term Democrat Geraldo Alicea of Charlton has been an effective voice in the 6th Worcester District. He has been an advocate for the Southbridge “Cops and Kids” program, helped Southbridge obtain more than $700,000 in state reimbursement for the purchase of surplus state land, and brings his experience as a probation officer to his committee assignments on public safety and mental health.

Spencer Democrat Anne M. Gobi also has been a voice of moderation in Boston. A member of the powerful Ways and Means committee, she nonetheless has parted from the House leadership on issues of special interest to her constituents in the 5th Worcester District, including opposition to hikes in the cigarette tax and hunting license fees. She is a leader on issues such as renewable energy and the preservation of the state’s dairy farms.

Voters have interesting choices for four open House seats:

For the 3rd Middlesex District being vacated by Patricia A. Walrath, we recommend Republican Sonny Parente of Hudson. A local business owner and selectman, he has faced difficult budget choices on the local level and vows to bring that fiscal sensibility to Beacon Hill and push for greater accountability in state contracting.

Republican Arthur Vigeant’s solid record as Marlboro city councilor and fiscal acumen make him easily the right pick for the open 4th Middlesex District seat. In 15 years as councilor and council president, he has effectively promoted economic development and open-space preservation and used his skills as a certified public accountant to strengthen the city’s finances.

Voters in the 8th Middlesex District will choose between two Holliston candidates with solid credentials. We give the edge to Republican Dan Haley, who has staked out a clear position against increased taxation and pledges to bring an independent, business-friendly and fiscally responsible voice to Boston. His experiences as a campaign worker in Washington and special assistant district attorney in Middlesex County also bode well for his ability to tackle entrenched bureaucracies.

In the 37th Middlesex District, Democrat Jen Benson of Lunenburg has proved to be an effective leader. As a school committee member she has made difficult choices to contain costs, helping to develop a zero-based budgeting process and rebuilding frayed relations among town boards. She would bring a conciliatory and moderate voice on issues such as charter schools, special education funding and realistic budgeting.

The Telegram & Gazette can only make recommendations. The endorsement that truly counts is that of engaged residents who cast their votes on Nov. 4.

Beacon Hill picks

2008-10-27T16:06:00.002-04:00

By Boston Herald Editorial Staff
Monday, October 27, 2008

Incumbency sure has its privileges and never has that been more apparent than on the state ballot in Massachusetts.

There are only nine contested races in the 40-seat Senate.

And of the 160 House seats only 42 are contested.

Sure it makes our job easier. But in the interest of a thriving democracy we certainly hope this is the low point.

The Herald is pleased to endorse Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Wrentham for re-election in the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district.

Brown is one of a tiny band of GOP senators who endeavor to hold back the majority tide - voices that take the Democratic leadership to task on spending and, in this budget cycle, the only votes to sustain many of Gov. Deval Patrick’s modest vetoes. The Senate can’t afford to lose any one of those voices of reason.

In the Second Suffolk District, the Herald supports Sonia Chang-Diaz of Jamaica Plain, who defeated Sen. Dianne Wilkerson in the Democratic primary but is fending off Wilkerson’s silly sticker campaign (and a Socialist Workers Party candidate) in the general.

While Chang-Diaz’s policy positions differ dramatically from this newspaper’s she brings fresh perspective and a clean record that will serve her constituents well.

On the House side, meanwhile, the Herald recommends Republican Dan Haley of Holliston to replace outgoing Rep. Paul Loscocco in the Eight Middlesex district. While serving as a lawyer in the Romney administration Haley, former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, drafted the anti-drunk driving bill that became Melanie’s Law. A lawyer in private practice he understands the State House better than another freshman rep might and has pledged to fight the closed-door culture that plagues Beacon Hill.

Voters in the Fourth Middlesex district should give the nod to Republican Arthur Vigeant, a longtime Marlborough city councilor who would bring a voice of fiscal sanity to the House.

While it’s true that it’s a slow year for legislative races, no contest is too small for voters to turn their attention to.

Perhaps future candidates will look at that long list of unchallenged incumbents - and find inspiration.

Governor Cellucci Hosts Vigeant Event

2008-10-05T14:08:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday, October 1 former Governor and Ambassador A. Paul Cellucci hosted a fundraising event for Arthur at the Holiday Inn in Marlborough.

To view more photos, visit the "Photo Gallery" page on our website.

2008 Heritage Hero

2008-09-30T15:24:00.006-04:00

Arthur was featured in last week's Main Street Journal, a local newspaper in Marlborough. He joined Heritage Festival Committee member Elizabeth Gowaski and Chamber of Commerce President Susanne Morreale Leeber at a press conference to bid farewell to the retiring Labor Day Parade Director George Whapham, who was named the 2008 Heritage Hero.

Mayor orders precautionary spending freeze

2008-09-29T14:42:00.001-04:00

Mayor orders precautionary spending freeze
By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff
Tue Sep 30, 2008, 06:38 AM EDT

MARLBOROUGH -
Mayor Nancy Stevens has ordered a spending freeze on all noncontractual items - a precaution during unstable economic times for the state and the country.

The city is in good financial shape, but the picture at the state and federal levels remains unclear, Stevens said.

"I think it's the fiscally responsible thing to do," she said. "I think it's the right thing."

With state revenue projected to be down, Gov. Deval Patrick may make cuts in the future. In addition, the impact of the nationwide economic difficulties on the local level is unknown, Stevens said.

"It is purely a precautionary measure. We are in great shape," Stevens said of the city.

The freeze, instituted last week, was the correct move, City Council President Arthur Vigeant said.

"I think it's prudent to see what's going to happen," he said. "Locally, we're fine. If we do get some cuts from local aid, that changes things."

Stevens said she now has to approve any items that are not contractually obligated, such as repairs, maintenance work and other purchases.

Items such as necessary repairs will get done, but additional supply orders can be put off, Vigeant said.

"We're not taking anything away," he said. "There is just one extra step to the process."

Stevens said she typically institutes a spending freeze in January for about two or three weeks. At that time, departments look at how they stand halfway through the fiscal year.

Stevens did not put an end date on this freeze.

Vigeant said he expects some cuts and the city must prepare for them.

The Legislature may give Patrick the authority to make "9C" cuts. The term "9C" or Massachusetts General Laws - Chapter 29 - refers to steps the executive branch can take to ensure a balanced budget when projected revenues fall short of projections.

Vigeant said he expects that to happen after the election.

"I'm just hoping they're cuts we can sustain," Vigeant said. The city might be able to absorb smaller cuts into the budget, but it would be difficult to deal with decreases in such items as education funding, he said.

"We're just being very cautious going forward," Vigeant said.

Stevens said her work with other city offices is a collaborative process and believes the department heads trust her opinion. Stevens may call a department head meeting in the next week.

"I would not institute this if I didn't believe it was necessary," Stevens said. "I want to continue to be in the position we're in, which is a financially stable position."

(Paul Crocetti can be reached at 508-490-7453 or pcrocett@cnc.com.)

Mr. Main Street

2008-09-16T14:46:00.007-04:00

Mr. Main Street
Arthur Vigeant, 50, president, Marlborough City Council

(BILL POLO/GLOBE STAFF)
August 16, 2007

Mayor Nancy Stevens may be the official face of Marlborough, but the image that the city has presented to the public lately has increasingly come to resemble its powerful City Council president, Arthur Vigeant.

Blunt-spoken, conservative, and pro-business, Vigeant has pushed a variety of measures that, for better or for worse, have put Marlborough at the center of public debate over issues of immigration, education, and even civic civility. And the city has followed his lead. Vigeant recently pressed for the US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to open a branch office in the city to discourage illegal immigrants from settling there. Not long after, the city's School Committee passed a measure, criticized by immigration advocates, requiring parents to show three proofs of residency before their children would be allowed into the Marlborough schools.

Former mayor Mike Hogan said Vigeant's influence stems from his stature as the city's longest-serving public official and as a consistent vote-getter come election time. Hogan also said that Vigeant's deep family roots and his local business ventures give him a home-field advantage.

"He's constantly seeing people in the post office and at local restaurants," said Hogan, who is now president and chief executive of the giant A.D. Makepeace cranberry company. "When you're always there, you have a different seat at the table."

Southborough Summer Nights Festival

2008-09-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

At the Southborough Summer Nights Festival on August 25th, Arthur walked around and met with attendees to introduce himself and hand out literature.

Vigeant's war chest dwarfs 4th Middlesex opponents'

2008-09-10T15:52:00.001-04:00

By Matt Lynch/Daily News staff
The MetroWest Daily News
Posted Sep 09, 2008 @ 10:20 PM

MARLBOROUGH —While two Democratic candidates for the 4th Middlesex state rep seat steel themselves for the Sept. 16 primary, Republican candidate Arthur Vigeant is sitting pretty with a campaign war chest more than four times bigger than either of his potential opponents.

From Jan. 1 to Aug. 29, Vigeant raised nearly $31,000, compared to about $7,000 for Democrat Danielle Gregoire and $2,600 for Democrat Matt Giancola, according to filings made Monday with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Gregoire said she has raised additional cash since the deadline for a total of about $15,000 to date, still less than half of Vigeant's total.

"I think people are hesitant because of the Democratic primary," said Gregoire, who said she would hope to raise between $20,000 and $30,000 to run against Vigeant in the general election should she win her party's nomination."

Coming out of the primary, I think we'll see an increase in donations," she said.

Giancola, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this year and is seeking his first public office, said he focused more of his time on meeting with voters than on fundraising.

"I think we raised enough for the primary to get us through," he said. "I didn't want to focus my time on fundraising. The most important aspect for me is getting out and talking to voters."

Officials from Ken's Foods, which is based in Marlborough, and construction companies Fafard and Gutierrez, which have projects in the city, have given Vigeant the maximum of $500, according to his filing with the state.

"I don't have the special interests' or lobbyists' money coming into me," said Giancola. "I'm not looking for the big checks of $500. I think that's corrosive to politics."

Vigeant said he had no qualms accepting the donations from Arthur and Gloria Gutierrez, of Gutierrez Construction. In the past year, firm has run afoul of residents and councilors alike for its work on the western part of the city.

"I think they've made general contributions to many candidates," said Vigeant, adding he needs the cash to combat free mailings sent out by unions on behalf of Democratic candidates.

Mayor Nancy Stevens, who accepted donations from Gutierrez officials during her re-election bid last November, at one point halted construction after residents and Ward 3 Councilor Scott Schafer complained of the company's failure to follow soil-removal guidelines.

Gregoire said she is battling Vigeant's financial edge by aggressively going door-to-door and organizing neighborhood meetings.

"I'm trying to meet as many people as I can," said Gregoire, 29, who served as a legislative aide to former state Rep. Stephen LeDuc before LeDuc resigned to become an assistant clerk magistrate at Marlborough District Court.

"That's where our money is going," she said. "It's all about door knocking and voter outreach. I have to meet people because people already know Arthur."

(Matt Lynch can be reached at 508-490-7453 or mlynch@cnc.com.)

Southborough Senior Luncheon

2008-09-08T14:21:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday, September 3rd Arthur attended the Southborough Senior Luncheon held at the Southborough Senior Center to meet and greet attendees and give a brief introduction about his candidacy.

Marlborough mayor's endorsement of GOP hopeful riles Dem

2008-08-28T15:53:00.002-04:00

By Matt Lynch/Daily News staff
The MetroWest Daily News
Posted Aug 27, 2008 @ 09:25 PM

MARLBOROUGH —
The head of the city's Democratic committee blasted the mayor yesterday for crossing party lines to endorse a Republican candidate in the race for the area's state House of Representatives seat.Mayor Nancy Stevens, who was elected to a second term last year with more than 70 percent of the vote, has thrown her support behind City Council President Arthur Vigeant, a Republican, rather than Democratic candidates Matt Giancola and Danielle Gregoire.

``I was totally surprised by the endorsement,'' said Tom Hill, chairman of the city's Democratic committee. ``She's forgetting she ran with Democratic support and (is) turning her back on us.

''Vigeant said yesterday that Stevens and seven of his 10 fellow councilors have endorsed his bid for the 4th Middlesex seat vacated earlier this year by Stephen LeDuc.

``No one is more dedicated, committed and knowledgeable of our community than Arthur Vigeant,'' Stevens said in a statement from Vigeant's campaign. ``His passion for our city is unsurpassed. I look forward as mayor (to) having Arthur represent this city on Beacon Hill.''

Stevens served on the City Council with Vigeant prior to being elected mayor.

In an event last week in front of City Hall, Vigeant also received endorsements from fellow councilors Patricia Pope, Steven Levy, Michael Ossing, Joseph Delano, Paul Ferro, Scott Schafer and Robert Seymour.

``The city benefits when officials from both sides of the political spectrum work together for what is best for their constituents, leaving politics behind,'' Vigeant said.Hill, however, argued that electing Vigeant will get the district shut out of a State House dominated by Democrats.

``If we have a Republican representative, he won't even get to the table,'' Hill said. ``We haven't had a Republican representative since the '50s. If you want to waste a vote, vote Republican.''

``While I respect the mayor's endorsement, I believe Marlborough deserves a full-time legislator,'' said Giancola, who lists former independent candidate Joseph Valianti in his camp. ``I've been more focused on hearing the thoughts of the public than soliciting endorsements.''

Gregoire said she wasn't surprised by Stevens' choice.

``Mayor Stevens and my opponent have a longstanding relationship,'' said Gregoire, who has support from Democratic state Sen. Pam Resor as well as the state AFL-CIO chapter and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. ``I am really proud of the support I've drawn from across the district.''

Casinos in the future for Milford and Marlborough?

2008-08-26T14:50:00.002-04:00

By Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff
GHS
Posted Aug 23, 2008 @ 11:23 PM

Casinos could be in the cards for Milford and Marlborough, but local and regional officials aren't exactly starry-eyed over the idea.

While casinos have yet to be approved by Massachusetts lawmakers, Marlborough City Council President Arthur Vigeant is skeptical of billionaire Sheldon Adelson's rumored interest in bringing gambling to his city.

"I'm open-minded to talk about it, but I'm not real excited about it," said Vigeant, who is running for state representative. "...I'd still rather attract some good clean industries - biotech and high-tech and medical pharmaceutical companies. I think that's a better way to go."

Meanwhile, about 15 miles south on Interstate 495, Colorado real estate developer David Nunes is exploring Milford as a host community for a casino he wants to build.

Milford Selectman Bill Buckley says it's too early to talk about the plan, which was made public last week, but he said it would be "terrible" if a casino opened in a neighboring town.

"Anything that would keep me up at night would be that scenario," Buckley said, worrying about traffic and other secondary affects. But if a casino came to Milford, officials say the town could reap about $50 million a year in taxes and payments in lieu of taxes, and benefit from negotiated infrastructure improvements.

Last week, Nunes called his plan "very, very, very, very" preliminary, especially considering Milford can't bring in blackjack, baccarat and craps games until the state legalizes casinos.

Nunes, who has worked with Donald Trump and the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, said he is searching the area. He met with selectmen in executive session last month, and has reportedly taken options on up to 500 acres of land in Milford.

As for Adelson, his spokesman, Ron Reese, last week declined to comment on his boss's intentions in Massachusetts.

Vigeant noted Marlborough officials have never spoken to Adelson nor representatives from his company, Las Vegas Sands.

Barry Feingold, president and CEO of the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce, said it is difficult to speculate on how a casino would affect the area. He noted Nunes and his associates haven't even given selectmen a proposal to host a Foxwoods-type destination in their working class town.

"I think we're in a wait-and-see mode. The ball is in their court, or I suppose you could say, the chips are on their table," Feingold said.

State Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, was one of a majority of legislators who rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's hotly debated proposal in March to license three casinos in the cash-strapped Bay State.

The governor's idea was "too many casinos too fast," Fernandes said.

"Do we want to start with three and have six? What culture are we trying to create?" asked the freshman lawmaker.

Fernandes said it's way too early to discuss a casino going in any specific city or town in Massachusetts. The focus now is creating legislation that will get enough support at the State House to pass - preferably for one "high class" casino that is very carefully regulated with strong local control, Fernandes said.

"My position all along has been, we ought to start with a casino, a single casino," he said.

Fernandes expects new casino legislation to be filed next year, if nothing more than a "motivator."

The Mashpee Wampanoags, granted sovereignty by the federal government last year, are proceeding with their plans to build a tribal casino in Middleborough, 45 minutes southeast of Milford on I-495, near the South Shore. The Indian tribe has an $11 million-a-year agreement with Middleborough, and promises to provide $250 million in infrastructure improvements and has submitted a land-into-trust application to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"It's going quite well and it's going very quickly," tribal spokeswoman Gayle Andrews said last Thursday, noting Indian Affairs was taking a tour and evaluating the tribe's properties. The Wampanoags must also strike a deal with the state.

Trump Entertainment, owned by billionaire Donald Trump, last winter expressed interest in the Plainville Racecourse in Plainville for a casino. Any possible plans, town officials said at the time, would hinge on the state's casino legislation.

Meanwhile, Susanne Morreal-Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, just doesn't see how a casino could work in the city.

For starters, "aside from taking buildings down," there isn't enough open space, Morreal-Leeber said. "The theory is it'll bring money into the state, but it also brings other issues that you have to bear in mind. The transportation is a huge, huge, huge thing."

The 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership's Paul F. Matthews agrees, seeing potential plusses but also disadvantages if a developer were to roll the dice in Milford or Marlborough.

"A casino proposal is neither black nor white; it would be a whole host of grays," said Matthews, executive director of the Westborough-based development and advocacy organization.

Negotiations could be worked so a developer would make improvements to I-495 and prevent major tolls on communities. But the big unanswered question, Matthews said, is what the casino would really mean for the region, its resources, and its transportation and infrastructure needs.

"Until there's some specifics it's impossible to say," he said.

"It's not a silver bullet by any means," Matthews said of a casino and any promises from a developer. "We still need continued state investment and federal investment."

Fernandes emphasized that there's a long way to go before a casino or two or more could even become a reality in the state.

"I'm certainly committed to making sure no community has imposed on it such a dominant feature without that community's willingness," he said.

Danielle Ameden can be reached at 508-634-7521 or dameden@cnc.com.

Westboro RTC BBQ

2008-08-11T13:15:00.004-04:00

On August 3rd Arthur attended the Westboro Republican Town Committee's Cookout. Arthur, along with several other Republican candidates, were present to meet and address constituents.

Memorial Day photos

2008-06-27T16:42:00.000-04:00

State GOP tries to claw back from brink

2008-06-25T16:07:00.000-04:00

Party gets dozens of candidates for House, Senate seats

By Steve LeBlanc THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON— Massachusetts Republicans are hoping to reverse a half-century tumble toward political obscurity with the help of a cadre of fresh-faced candidates such as Arthur Vigeant.

The Marlboro City Council president is one of dozens of new House and Senate candidates enlisted by Massachusetts Republican leaders this year to bring the once powerful party back from the brink of extinction.

The task is enormous.

The last time Republicans held a majority in the state House was 1947, the same year Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball’s color barrier. The GOP lost control of the state Senate a decade later.

It’s been 15 years since the party even had enough lawmakers to sustain a gubernatorial veto, one of their last vestiges of political clout on Beacon Hill. There are now just 19 Republicans in the 160-member House and 5 in the 40-member Senate.

In 2006, the party lost the governor’s office after 16 years of GOP rule.

The climb back is long and hard. Even if every Republican legislative candidate managed to win this year, the party would still be outnumbered by Democrats.

“The Republican Party is a small party. We need to rebuild. We can’t expect to go to majority status in one cycle,” Republican Party Chairman Peter Torkildsen said. “We’ll support a Republican anywhere that wants to run, but we have to focus on the districts where we have the best shot.”

Republicans have what they hope is a secret weapon: Deval L. Patrick.

The election of Patrick was a blow to Republicans, but they also hope it bolsters their “one party rule” pitch to voters. It’s an argument that’s been strengthened as Patrick’s popularity has dipped and Democratic House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, D-Boston, has been dogged by ethics questions.

“I think everyone in Massachusetts has an interest in having a viable two-party system,” Torkildsen said.

The party has made the same pitch before, with little success.

In 2004, when former Gov. Mitt Romney backed a slate of more than 100 Republican legislative candidates, GOP leaders also urged voters to bring more party balance to Beacon Hill. Republicans ended up losing three seats that year.

Even some of the party’s star candidates are downplaying their Republican affiliation.

Vigeant, who’s served on the Marlboro City Council for 15 years, said he’s not counting on voters to support him just to bring balance to Beacon Hill.

“I think in my case it’s not going to have as big an effect. People in this community are going to be voting for me on my record,” said Vigeant, who is running for the seat formerly held by state Rep. Stephen P. LeDuc, D-Marlboro, who resigned to take a job as an assistant clerk magistrate.

Two Democrats and an independent candidate also are running and Vigeant is hoping to appeal across party lines, pointing to his endorsement by Marlboro’s Democratic mayor.

“I’m hoping that the people in Marlboro, Berlin and Southboro vote for the person not the party,” he said.

He has little choice. The Republican Party’s dwindling numbers on Beacon Hill have been mirrored in the party’s decline in voter affiliation.

Just 12 percent of Massachusetts voters are registered Republicans compared with 37 percent registered Democratic and 50 percent not enrolled in any party. About 1 percent are enrolled in smaller parties.

Republicans are busily trying to map out a strategy to reverse the trend. They say having a smaller number of candidates allows them to target their resources better.

“Ironically, because they are out of the corner office, they may actually see that as an opportunity to be able to be more competitive,” said Paul Watanabe, a professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

The party is hoping to make inroads in the Worcester, Merrimack Valley, Bristol and Plymouth areas and along the Interstate 495 belt, party leaders said.

At the same time, they’re trying to hang onto the few seats they already have. At least three incumbent Republican lawmakers are not running again.

One is state Rep. Mary S. Rogeness, R-Longmeadow, who announced she would not be seeking re-election. Republicans are hoping William Scibelli, a lawyer, real estate agent and member of the Longmeadow Board of Selectmen can keep the office Republican.

“I think it’s important to keep this a Republican seat. It’s been a Republican seat for 40 years,” Scibelli said. “We’re not a loud voice because there are only a few dozen of us out there, but someone’s got to play devil’s advocate.”

Democrats say they aren’t planning to give up any seats without a fight, and are hoping to pick off a few Republicans.

Council re-elects Arthur Vigeant as president

2008-06-25T16:04:00.000-04:00

By Galen Moore/Staff Writer
Tue Jan 09, 2007, 11:55 AM EST

Marlborough -

MARLBOROUGH - Councilor at Large Arthur Vigeant won reelection to the City Council presidency, last night, in an uncontested vote.

It took less than a minute for the council to unanimously return Vigeant, a seven-term councilor and a perennial favorite for the council president's seat on the dais. Vigeant served as president last year, as well as in 2004, and in 1999.
Vigeant was the only councilor nominated for the position.

Councilors elected Ward 3 Councilor Scott Schafer vice president. That election was also unanimous, and uncontested.

``We're just going to keep things going as they have been,'' Vigeant said. ``I don't see much in the way of changes.'' He again said he is pleased with the way the council has been working together over the past year.

Mayor Nancy Stevens said she is looking forward to another year of working with Vigeant and the current council. Stevens and the entire council are up for reelection in 2007.

``I think it's been a very productive year,'' Stevens said. ``There's a lot of mutual respect between the council and the administration, and I see no reason for that to change.''

Vigeant said he does not plan any changes to council committee appointments.

Galen Moore is a MetroWest Daily News staff writer. He can be reached on 508-490-7453, or gmoore@cnc.com.

Vigeant joins race for House vacancy

2008-06-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

By Matt Lynch/Daily News staff
Thu Feb 28, 2008, 06:46 AM EST

MARLBOROUGH -

City Council President Arthur Vigeant announced yesterday he will run for state representative and vowed to be a fiscal watchdog if elected.

Vigeant, a Republican councilor at large, is the second candidate to enter the race for the 4th Middlesex District seat, which opened when Rep. Stephen LeDuc, D-Marlborough, resigned to take a job with Marlborough District Court.

Independent Joseph Valianti announced on Monday his intentions to succeed LeDuc.

Vigeant said yesterday his experience in both the public and private sector make him the better candidate.

"I have 15 years of proven record on the City Council," said Vigeant, a certified public account with an office on Main Street for the past two decades. "I have been frugal but still maintained services for residents."

Vigeant touted Marlborough's fiscal stability and said he supports a proposal to make a one-time payment of $150 million from the state's $2 billion rainy day fund to cities and towns.

"Many communities are in dire need of local aid and are laying off police, firefighters and teachers," said Vigeant, a 50-year-old married father of three. "If the state has rainy day money sitting there, communities need to get a piece of it."

Vigeant said he has experience working with other communities in the district, such as
Southborough, from his time on the council. Vigeant said four years ago, Marlborough councilors worked with the state and Southborough officials on Fairfield Apartments affordable housing project.

The project, which has an entrance in Southborough but was originally designed to have its apartment buildings in Marlborough, was redesigned so that Southborough would also receive units as credit toward its 10 percent affordable housing supply.

Vigeant said he would also work with other representatives to address social issues he worked on while a Marlborough councilor.

In the last two years, the council has passed a strict ordinance banning sex offenders from living certain places in the city and launched an unsuccessful bid to bring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to Marlborough.

"We have to maintain the fact there is no free in-state tuition for illegal immigrants," he said. "They are not entitled to benefits legal residents are entitled to."

Vigeant also said he would ensure cities and towns have control over where casinos, if approved under Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal, are built.

"We have to allow local communities to have a say over whether they do or don't want a casino," he said.

Vigeant and Valianti are the only declared candidates so far.

Democrats Scott Schafer, a city councilor, and Sean Navin, an aide to U.S. Rep. James McGovern, have said they are considering runs.

(Matt Lynch can be reached at 508-490-7453 or mlynch@cnc.com.)