Former Ashland Selectman Wants To Be Framingham State Representative

Jon Fetherston of Ashland, is the first candidate to announce he will be running for state representative in the 7th Middlesex District.

Last week, State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, a Democrat from Ashland, announced he would not seek re-election in 2016, after a decade at the State House. Framingham Patch was the first news source to publish his decision.

“Curbing the increase in crime, working with local and state officials on the opiate crisis, ensuring quality education standards and funding, improving the transportation options in the district and advocating for those with special needs,” will be Fetherston’s priorities.

Fetherston said he is committed to ensure the district will be a “better place to live.”

The former Ashland Selectman ran against Sannicandro unsuccessfully in 2012 for the seat, which represents Framingham and one-third of the precincts in Framingham.

Fetherston’s political experience includes being the former chair of the Ashland Board of Selectmen and Ashland Board of Health.

Fetherston is the current President of the Charles River Rotary serving Ashland, Framingham, Natick, and Wellesley.

Fetherston is Governor Charlie Baker’s appointment to the Ashland Housing Authority.

He is the vice chair of the Ashland Redevelopment Authority.

He was chair of the MetroWest Regional Collaborative.He has served on the MetroWest Regional Transportation Authority, the Ashland Emergency Fund, Ashland Coalition for Teens, and the MetroWest Growth Committee.

Fetherston, a strong advocate for those with special needs, has been very active with Autism Speaks and The Aspergers Association of New England.

He, and his wife Wendy, have two teenage boys, who attend Ashland High.

Framingham resident Mary Z. Connaughton will be the Ashland Republican’s campaign manager.

Framingham precincts 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 are part of the 7th Middlesex District.

Framingham and Ashland residents can email the candidate at ARTC PO Box 221 Ashland 01721 or call him directly at 508-816-6674.

The Committee to Elect Jon Fetherston has been established to take donations.