Freshman legislator gets right down to business

Date: 1/26/2011

Jan. 26, 2011

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Editor

SOUTHWICK — Freshman State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga isn't taking his new responsibilities lightly.

The Southwick selectman and now legislator representing the 3rd Hampden District for the past three weeks has already set up a new constituent services Web site (www.3rdhampden.com), started monthly e-mail updates to those in the district, instituted public office hours each Friday and drafted legislation for consideration in the House.

"I knew what I was getting into and I'm looking forward to the work ahead. I was in Boston [working at the State House] late last night and enjoyed being there," Boldyga said in a phone interview with Reminder Publications on Jan. 21.

"I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on things even though there is still so much to learn," he added.

The representative said his goal is to be "as transparent as I can" with constituents. His top priority, he noted, is to meet with all those who require face-time to discuss their concerns and needs within the district. Boldyga said constituents are most concerned by unemployment, foreclosures and affordable health insurance.

In addition to co-sponsoring bills on alimony reform and increasing prison sentences for violent repeat offenders, Boldyga has filed his own legislation titled, "An Act Relative to the Well-being of Public Assistance Recipients." The bill calls for the establishment of a commission to study the validity of random drug testing for those receiving state assistance, he explained.

"We want to make sure that people are getting a hand up and not a hand out and getting back in the workforce," Boldyga added.

He strongly emphasized that his bill is not calling for the establishment of random drug testing for beneficiaries throughout their pay period, rather reiterating that the legislation requires a commission to study the possible benefits of such a requirement.

Boldyga said another top priority during his first months as a state legislator would be the fiscal year 2012 budget.

"The state is $2.5 billion in debt and we have to look at wasteful spending," he added. "Preserving local aid is critical. As a selectman I understand how difficult it is to prepare a budget when you're uncertain of your local aid numbers [from the state]."

Boldyga is available to meet with constituents during walk-in office hours each Friday at Southwick Town Hall, the Agawam Senior Center and the Agawam Public Library. Those wishing to make an appointment with Boldyga may contact him by phone at 569-5188 or via e-mail at nicholas.boldyga@mahouse.gov.