Sandlin skeptical that opponents could 'do the job better'

Date: 8/4/2010

Aug. 4, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

AGAWAM -- The ballot is set and four candidates are vying to represent the 3rd Hampden District.

Two candidates seeking the Democratic ticket, incumbent Rosemary Sandlin and political newcomer Mark Del Negro of Agawam will face-off in a debate on Aug. 18. The victor of the September primary will compete against Agawam School Committee Vice Chair Anthony Bonavita, an Independent, and Republican Southwick Selectman Nicholas Boldyga.

Sandlin said last week, while waiting for roll call at the State House, that she's eager to debate her opponent because she's confident she's the right person for the job of state legislator. "For those who say they can do it better, I say, show me," she added.

Sandlin said she's letting her two-term record speak for itself, adding that there's much more work to be done on behalf of her district. "I think it takes more than two terms to do really good things here," she added.

Sandlin noted her top priorities for the next two years, should she be reelected, are job growth, veterans' and senior services, affordable housing, education and low taxes.

"I'm not in support of any new taxes. I've never voted in favor of taxes and won't in the future. As a people's legislator I will not put my hand back in their pockets when they're struggling. We have to do more with less," she said.

Sandlin called bringing casinos to Western Massachusetts a "hallmark" of her time in the House. She said casinos would bring much-needed jobs to this part of the state.

Sandlin is a lifelong resident of Agawam who previously served as a member of the Agawam School Committee and the Agawam Housing Authority. She's also a member of the Agawam Rotary Club, the Wilson-Thompson Auxiliary Unit 185 of the American Legion and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

Del Negro said he's unimpressed with the quality of Sandlin's work over the past four years. "I respect her as an individual but I feel that she hasn't represented the best interests of the district. But I believe I can do better," he added.

Del Negro said he welcomes the opportunity to debate Sandlin on the issues of veterans' and senior services, taxation, job growth and technology.

"Seniors are living 30 to 40 years into retirement. They need better amenities," he said, adding that the 18-month-old Agawam Senior Center should serve as model for other communities.

Del Negro noted that if elected he'd lobby for a technology park in the district similar to those in Holyoke and Worcester.

He'd also file legislation to reduce the sales taxes to 5 percent from the current 6.25 percent.

Del Negro noted that as a military veteran, improving veterans' services would also be a priority for his time in the Legislature.

Del Negro is a graduate of American International College with a master's degree in business administration and works fulltime as his own campaign manager.

The debate between Sandlin and Del Negro, hosted by Agawam and Southwick Democratic Town Committees, will take place Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 338, 46 Powder Mill Rd., Southwick.