Gobi pledges to work with all rural communities

Date: 7/5/2023

The people and politicians of Western Massachusetts have long complained state lawmakers in Boston ignore the region and give special attention to what’s east of Worcester. Former state Sen. Anne Gobi is pledging to change that, shifting the focus to what benefits rural communities across the state and the four western counties.

Gobi has resigned her seat in the Senate to join Gov. Maura Healey’s administration as the new director of rural affairs in the Executive Office of Economic Development. With a hometown in Spencer, Gobi’s district included Hampshire and Worcester counties.

As rural affairs director, Gobi does not have a budget or staff of her own. She will have access to the staff and resources of the economic development office. Gobi has been tasked with advocating for all rural towns, bringing their concerns directly to lawmakers, department heads, the Healey administration, agencies, secretariates and other policymakers.

Gobi said her new position elevates rural affairs the highest level of government and executive visibility ever, and she plans to use her clout to call attention to the issues and concerns of Western Massachusetts.

“People in Western and Central Massachusetts do feel forgotten and that should not be the case,” says Gobi. “We aren’t only the people east of [Interstate] 495. We’re one state and we need to start thinking that way, and realizing the success of all depends on everyone having those same opportunities,” she says.

There are 181 rural communities in the commonwealth. Nearly half of them — 85 towns — are in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties. Gobi said she will examine existing and recommend new programs and grants, ensuring cities and towns have equal access to funding for roads, bridges, education and more.

“The Healey administration is absolutely shining a light that has never been shown before in this way. It’s a matter of equity. Our rural communities have special needs and concerns that need to be addressed,” said Gobi.

Gobi, 60, was born, raised and lives in Spencer, a Worcester County town with a population of just over 11,000 people. She has spent 21 years in the legislature, first as a representative before being elected to the Senate.

Gobi has served as the Senate chair of the Agriculture Committee, vice chair of the Higher Education Committee, and co-chair of the Commission on 21st Century Farming within the Legislature.

She also co-chaired the Rural Caucus, Food Systems Caucus, Regional Transit Authority Caucus, Municipal Light Caucus and Regional Schools Caucus, also serving on the East-West Rail Commission.
Immersing herself in the rural life and representing small town issues on Beacon Hill has always been a personal and professional mission for Gobi.

“They’re the best people in the world. I was raised in a small town. We’re very neighborly and willing to help each other. Rural communities do a lot with a little and that’s a message I plan spread. We make every penny count,” she says.

Gobi says she plans to make that point when insisting rural communities get the same access to money for broadband, road repairs, new sidewalks and more that cities receive. She’s planning dedicated office hours to help town officials identify and pursue grants.

Tourists from across the nation and world vacation in rural counties, looking to enjoy small town charm, rivers and scenery. Gobi wants to find a balance between preserving life in the country with the tourist dollars it attracts.

“It’s wonderful to preserve and conserve areas, but it’s also great to have people that want to come and enjoy it and bring those tourist dollars with them when they stay in the region,” she said.

When Gobi was reelected to the Senate last November, she said she had every intention of serving out her full two-year term. But she resigned her position just seven months later to take on this new role.

“When I ran for reelection, I had no idea this was even going to be a possibility. The bulk of my district has always been rural. I’ve always worked with and have a real love for agriculture and the environment. I didn’t feel I was leaving my communities behind. If anything, this gives me the opportunity to elevate their voices,” she said.

Gobi is pledging to visit all 181 rural communities over time, and with so many of them in Western Massachusetts, she plans to extend her reach in the four western counties.