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Date: 10/6/2016
LONGMEADOW – State Sen. Eric Lesser is seeking reelection for a potential second term in the Massachusetts Senate for the First Hampden & Hampshire District and told Reminder Publications he has focused his first term in the General Court on several specific issues.
Lesser sat down for an interview shortly after he formally kicked off his reelection campaign. He is facing James “Chip” Harrington in the general election. Harrington and Lesser were both in the Democratic primary two years ago and now Harrington is running as the Republican candidate.
Lesser said that while the Massachusetts economy as a whole has improved since the 2008 recession, “The growth has not been equally shared.”
He added, “Western Massachusetts is at risk of being left out.”
Lesser believes this part of the Commonwealth is “on the cusp of a renaissance in manufacturing, especially in precision manufacturing.”
He noted Western Massachusetts has a talented workforce, but more education and job development needs to be undertaken as there are an estimated 7,000 manufacturing jobs left unfilled.
Lesser has perhaps become best known as a transportation advocate, particularly passenger rail service from Springfield to Worcester to link up with commuter lines reaching Boston. He believes that by having rail service that would be one factor to help deter the youthful talent drain as well as the greying of the population.
If he is re-elected, Lesser intends to re-file his bill in January 2017 that was approved by the Legislature but vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker creating a feasibility study for the Springfield to Worcester rail connection.
Noting that his study was supported by area chambers of commerce, the Economic Development Council and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Lesser said, “This is hardly some liberal fantasia.”
He said if the Commonwealth doesn’t investigate the possibility of such rail service, “we’ll be robbing the next generation of a transportation opportunity.”
Substance abuse has also been one of Lesser’s key issues. He has worked to close a loophole to prevent “pharmacy shopping” to curb the illegal use of prescription drug as well as work to lower the cost of Narcan, the treatment that can prevent an over-dose death.
He said that before the Patrick Administration had declared the abuse of opioids a public health emergency, Narcan was $16 a dose. It raised to $66 a dose. Now thanks to legislation and work from the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement and health professional can buy the drug for $22 a dose.
Lesser has also worked to bring recovery coaches to emergency rooms Western Massachusetts, who assist those are addicts in kicking their habits.
Tourism and cultural development is the last topic that Lesser has paid particular focus.
Tourism is vital to the state’s economy, Lesser noted and that $1 spent by tourists multiples to $7 in the local economy. Lesser has supported marketing funds for organizations such as the Spirit of Springfield.
He said when these issues are “stitched together” Springfield could rise to greater prominence as “the crossroads of New England.”
The senator noted, “These are big, big broad goals which are by no means complete. We now have a clear path to build on that is in the next term.”
He said there was a learning curve in his first term.
“I’m still learning,” Lesser said. He added he has a good relationship with Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and has sought mentors.
He said the best piece of advice he has received is to focus. “Be prepared to be engaged in everything, but become an expert. Focus helps make things more manageable,” he said.