Di Santi to make bid for State Rep seat
Date: 2/28/2012
Feb. 29, 2012By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.comAGAWAM — Sam Di Santi admits he's a political newcomer, but in today's election climate he's got a sense that may not be such a bad thing.
"It's evident people are disenchanted with their government. They feel their voice is not being heard, and I want to be that voice on Beacon Hill," he said.
On Feb. 22 Di Santi, a Democrat and 12-year Agawam resident, made public his intention to run for State Representative for the 3rd Hampden District, the seat currently held by Republican incumbent Nicholas Boldyga of Southwick. The announcement took place at 11 a.m. at The Federal on Cooper Street.
"I respect [Nick Boldyga] as a State Representative," Di Santi said. "We're just two different parties and we have two different views."
As a former public servant — he recently retired after 30 years as a business mail specialist with the U.S. Postal Service — and a small business owner, Di Santi said he sees many of today's issues, including education, job creation and business incentives, through the lens of the average worker.
"I see a trend toward electing candidates who will represent the blue collar worker and [who] have a true agenda in making a difference," he said. 'I want to make a difference in how the 3rd Hampden District is represented."
Among his credentials Di Santi lists a four-year stint in the Air Force, serving in the accounting and finance division at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. That tour, he said, gave him "a lot of business experience," and also a personal understanding of veterans issues and their need for services upon discharge.
"Especially the jobs [issue]," Di Santi said. "As they come home from combat, there are no jobs."
Di Santi said the veterans job issue dovetails with the situation facing today's average worker, supporting his platform that government needs to "relax small business and corporate taxes to provide tax incentives and small business loans to help businesses develop" and create new jobs.
As a former small business owner himself — he operated a concessions truck in front of the D'Amour Center for Cancer Care on Bernie Avenue in Springfield for two years — he said he's seen the effects growing taxes and regulations can have on the success of entrepreneurs.
"Even though [my business] wasn't brick and mortar, it was still subject to similar taxes and regulations," Di Santi said. "Small businesses are the backbone of America and at the state level, I will work to decrease business taxes," he said.
He also sees his experience in handling large budgets — he was responsible for "recording and dispersing close to $1 million in funds per year" for multiple Postal Service clients — as another strength he can use to help constituents in the 3rd Hampden District.
"I just feel I have a strong background in negotiating and business based on my work experiences," he said.
If elected, Di Santi said he would be committed to "fighting for the creation of new jobs, economic development, support for working families, continued support and respect for seniors, the education future of our children, and respect for veterans."
For a more complete look at Di Santi's campaign platform, visit his website,
www.samdisanti.com.
Individuals interested in supporting Di Santi's campaign are invited to a fund-raiser at The Federal, 135 Cooper St. on March 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ticket information is available on his campaign website.
