Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Richard Ross

Three candidates ran in the primary to step up to try to knock out current State Senator Richard Ross, running in the midterm elections against Needham's Becca Rausch for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District seat.

The Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District includes part of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley and Wrentham.

Patch reached out to all of the candidates with a series of questions to help introduce voters to those candidates leading up to the Nov. 4 election. Here we meet Senator Ross, who is 64 and from Wrentham. He has three children: Maeghan, 30, Chase, 29, and Chandler, 26.

"Always follow your heart." It's the best advice Ross said he's ever been given.

"I ran for office so I could help people," said Ross. "This mantra is what keeps me going when the days are long and I have to be away from my loved ones. They know I’m doing what I love and that I am making a difference."

Ross, who attended American University, New England School of Anatomy, has owned the RJ Ross Funeral Home for the last 40 years. He's been a state senator since 2010, and previous was a state representative from 2004 to 2010. He was a member of the Wrentham Board of Selectmen from 1999 to 2003.

"My number one focus is getting local aid back to our towns," Ross told Patch when asked what the most pressing issue is for his district. "My goals are not only to fully fund Chapter 70 education reimbursement, but to supplement that funding with other unrestricted government aid (UGA). I have been a leader when it comes to properly funding the METCO program, as well as special education, regional school districts, and school transportation."

According to Ross, one of the main differences between him and Rausch is that he is the only candidate who has served the district already. He argues that familiarity is checkmark in his camp.

"Having been elected to local office, and then in the State Legislature, the people of this district know me and know my commitment to serving them," said Ross. "This is a diverse district, with complicated needs and concerns. My background as a business, civic, and community leader have given me the skills to listen to my constituents and work on their behalf. Also, I am the only candidate that has a reputation for bipartisanship and working with all people of goodwill. As a legislator, I am saddened by the amount of partisan and political games we see these days, and I strive to lead with common sense and pragmatism."

He labels himself as an ally of Governor Charlie Baker's, and has worked closely with him to "reform state government and make it work more for the people."

"Together, we have ushered through bold legislation to tackle the opioid crisis, as well as reform such entities as the MBTA and much of our transportation system," Ross told Patch. "We can’t stop there. Our economy is booming, and unemployment has hit record lows. Jobs are being created and retained. We need to control taxes and spending and increase the quality of life for our citizens."

Ross cites bringing critical infrastructure projects back to his district as among his accomplishments. He said that he's been at the front lines of crafting laws such as the CARE Act to fight opioid addiction, the BRAVE Act to assist veterans funding for police training and several initiatives to help families with Autism and other challenges.

"I have led bipartisan efforts to develop and fund a competitive grant program for public schools to offer courses on healthy relationships and teen dating violence," said Ross. "I have been, and will continue to be, a leader when it comes to LGBT rights, and will continue my advocacy and support for all members of our community. Additionally, I have been a leader on issues such as promoting transparency in government, enhancing fiscal responsibility and accountability, as well as eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.

Holding office hours throughout the district on a regular basis, Ross reminds voters that he takes his job seriously.

"My staff and I work very hard to be accessible and responsive," said Ross. "Additionally, for the past 7 years, in the State Senate, I have a perfect attendance record. The people have continuously elected me overwhelmingly, and I owe it to them to provide them with the best constituent services and representation possible."

Photo via mass.gov