Sandlin to return with 'in your face' attitude

Date: 11/11/2008

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin plans to take her "in your face" attitude back to Beacon Hill for another two years after defeating challenger Nicholas Boldyga in last week's election.

In an interview with Reminder Publications, Sandlin said she is committed to problem solving and lobbying on behalf of the Third Hampden District with a relentless attitude.

When asked how she would do it, she said, "You do it by being in their face on Beacon Hill and asking and asking and asking [for what your district needs] and not taking no [for an answer]."

Sandlin explained that she has an ongoing list of priorities over the next two years including lobbying for funds for infrastructure improvements, education, a new Department of Public Works garage in Granville and money for the development of Whalley Park in Southwick.

"All that we can give our children is a good foundation of education because you can't buy them happiness and success," she said of the need to continue to fund education.

Sandlin said she will also begin initiatives which focus on providing and maintaining services for military veterans.

She explained that even with the downturn in the economy and state budget cuts she will not back down from lobbying for the needs of her constituents.

"We'll bounce back from this," Sandlin said of the current economic climate. "We have to do what people do at home and tighten their belts and see what we can put off for now. We cannot cut things that can't be cut, like education [but we also] can't spend money that we don't have."

She explained that throughout her upcoming term she will be exploring new sources of revenue for the state as well as means to create new jobs. Sandlin said she is pleased that Question 1 a measure to dissolve the state income tax failed because it would have caused more harm than good. She added that raising the sales tax would be a "more fair avenue to explore."

"If you can afford a Bentley, you can afford the sales tax," Sandlin said.

She commended the hard work of her volunteers and said she believed it was her steadfast beliefs that gained her reelection.

"Our organization worked as hard as they could work," Sandlin said. "We were on pins and needles but I knew that the army of volunteers and a constant message are what pulled us through."

She explained that she has chosen to continue her post as state representative because she believes she is indebted to a community that has given her so much.