Candidates line up to unseat Rep. Rosemary Sandlin

Date: 3/3/2010

March 3, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- The field of challengers looking to oust incumbent State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin, D-3rd Hampden, could expand in the coming weeks.

Sandlin, who made her official announcement last week, will be running against Agawam School Committee member Atty. Anthony Bonavita, Republican Southwick Selectman Nicholas Boldyga, who lost to Sandlin two years ago, but not Agawam City Councilor Robert Rossi.

"I'm proud of my record and pleased to report I have already garnered more than half of the necessary signatures to qualify," Sandlin said, adding that jobs and the economy will be her top priorities if re-elected.

"In the past two years, the Legislature has made major reforms in pension and ethics laws, and a major reorganization of transportation agencies should save billions of dollars in the next decade," she said. "We will look for more statewide cost saving measures and also look for incentives for small businesses to grow and prosper."

Bonavita explained he would run as an unenrolled candidate because he refuses to conform to party politics. "I've been in both major parties and frankly, my views cover issues on both sides of the fence and I don't believe that the people deserve to have the party rhetoric," he added.

Bonavita noted his platform calls for no new taxes, the termination of wasteful spending and his support of tax cuts to stimulate job growth.

"They [the voters] want somebody with an open mind who will work with everybody," he said. "I want to do what's right for the district. People are ready to vote for someone who has a lot of ideas."

Boldyga explained he's running for state representative because of the increasing number of jobless claims and foreclosures and the economic recession.

"It's evident that the recent increase in our taxes has not been the answer," he said. "The legislature recently announced that municipalities can expect a $150 million cut in local aid."

Boldyga noted his experience as a selectman make him a credible candidate.

"As a selectman in Southwick I have worked successfully with our board, departments and committees to make tough decisions in this difficult economy to reduce our upcoming budget by 10 percent while maintaining the vital services for our community," he said. "As your state representative, I'll continue to make difficult and responsible decisions and rein in wasteful government spending."

Rossi, a Democrat, told Reminder Publications "this is not the right time for me."

"The thought of serving the entire district, which includes Agawam, seemed very appealing to me," he explained. "However, my love, dedication and commitment to Agawam did finally win out ... We are experiencing some difficult times and the challenges are greater than ever. It is here, in Agawam, that I want to be to continue to serve our community, to face those challenges and where I will focus my energies."

Candidates must obtain 150 signatures by April 27 to be eligible for the preliminary or general elections on Sept. 14 and Nov. 2, respectively.