Why Jonathan Zlotnik Is Running In Worcester Special State Senate Race

WORCESTER, MA — Apart from city council, mayoral and school committee races on the ballot this year, voters in southwest Worcester will be participating in a special state Senate election.

Former Worcester and Hampshire District senator Anne Gobi left the seat in June to become the state's new rural affairs director. The vacancy kicked off a race to fill the seat.

Following a preliminary election this fall, state Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, D-Gardner, and state Rep. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, emerged as the two contenders. We asked both Zlotnik and Durant to answer a questionnaire so Worcester voters can get to know them better. The large Worcester and Hampshire District includes more than 20 communities between I-190 and the Quabbin Reservoir, but only Worcester Ward 7 precincts 2, 4, 5, and 6 and Ward 9 precincts 3 and 4.

Here's how Zlotnik answered our questionnaire (Durant did not return a response by the Oct. 27 deadline):

First, please provide a bio listing where you live, your age, education experience, occupation, and any family

I am a lifelong resident of North Central Massachusetts. I was born and raised in Gardner, where I still proudly call home. I’m 33 years old, I have a BA in History from UMass Lowell, and a MPA from Clark University. I am the son of a retired school teacher and electrician.

Can you describe why you want to move from the state House to the Senate?

Serving the 2nd Worcester District these past 11 years has truly been an honor. During that time, I have been able to deliver a lot for Gardner, Winchendon, Ashburnham, Westminster, and Templeton, all of which I have represented at one point or another. I have also been able to play a role in fully funding our public schools, fighting for working class families, protecting our veterans and first responders, and helping small businesses. I have found success by being able to work across the aisle and build consensus at all levels of government. This is something I want to bring to this Senate seat if elected on November 7th. With much of the representation being east of our area, we will need a leader who can go to Boston and not only advocate for our community, but be heard. If elected, I will be that leader; ready to hit the ground running on day one.

For voters who may not know, what's the difference in duties between a state senator and a state rep?

In Massachusetts the House and Senate are very similar. The main difference is the size of the Senate, Senate districts, and the number of constituents. Massachusetts has 40 senators each of whom represent roughly 4 times as many people as House members, or about 140,000 people. Being a Senator also comes with more staff and resources, allowing us to better serve our constituents, track legislation, and more. Additionally, members of the Senate, again due to their fewer numbers, not only serve as members of Senate or Joint House and Senate committees, but are automatically a committee chair as well. All of this is to say that the person we elect on Nov. 7 will truly be able to make a positive impact on our community and district if they do the job effectively. Again, I aim to be that leader for our district and humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 7.

Worcester is a small portion of a much larger rural district. How would you balance the needs of Worcester constituents versus residents in more rural places?

This Senate district is in many ways a larger version of my current House district, so I’ve already been managing to balance the need of a larger city versus smaller, more rural towns. Gardner is the largest part of both the House and Senate district. First, there are many similar issues and needs that overlap. Second it is about making the time and making myself available across the district just like I have done.

What are three issues that you believe are most pressing for this district?

Development — both around our infrastructure and economically. These two pieces are of course linked in that if we do not have the roads and bridges in good enough shape for freight, goods and merchandise, and commuters to travel, then our ability to grow and expand our economy is greatly impacted. Additionally, balancing that need for growth and development while simultaneously protecting our natural resources. Our green space, parks, trails, etc. are an attraction for people from other parts of the state, so we need to ensure we protect those areas so that generations may enjoy them for years to come. Finally, continuing to work towards affordable housing and lowering costs for our working families.

What are your thoughts on the tax relief package the Legislature just passed?

I was pleased to support this effort as I felt it was a good piece of legislation. I think it will provide targeted relief to working families without stopping the investments the state is making, and needs to continue to make in things like public education and infrastructure.

Are there any pieces of legislation stuck on Beacon Hill that you would like to see move ahead and why?

One piece of legislation I would like to see advance is the Public Safety Building Authority legislation. This would set up a system similar to the MSBA, the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and would support municipalities in constructing modern public safety buildings. Many of our public safety employees work in outdated buildings and for many of our cities and towns, the smaller more rural ones in particular, the idea of building new public safety buildings is a significant challenge due to the costs. Another addresses the crumbling foundations issue. This session we passed a law to mandate quarry testing which will stop the problem from growing. However, we need to address the many homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are holding large bills to fix their foundations. This should be treated like a natural disaster and this bill, which sets forth a mechanism to pay for repairs, needs to pass as this will continue to be a major issue for years to come.

How would you spend a day off in the district?

A day off in the district for me, depending on the season, would mean relaxing at one of our local breweries like Lilac Hedge. I have fished since I was a kid, but I went out on the Quabbin for the first time this summer and will definitely be making that a more regular thing. Or taking a hike on one of our many rail trails and state parks.