Jen Benson more »

Jen Benson is running to represent the citizens of the 37th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts State House. Jen is currently Chair of the Lunenburg School Committee and has a strong record of experienced, effective leadership.

Jen is the only Democrat in the race to replace Representative Jamie Eldridge who is running for State Senate.

Lancaster Debate: Closing Statement

Jen debated her Republican opponent at Lancaster Town Hall on Thursday night, August 28th. There was a great turnout for the debate and a very positive response for Jen and her message of growing the economy and creating jobs, strengthening our schools, and true fiscal responsibility.

In her closing statement, Jen discussed the stakes in this election and her qualifications for the position.

"I have the experience. I have made these tough decisions before. I have a public record to show for it," she said. "So, my suggestion to you: if you want real representation in your towns and on Beacon Hill, the choice is clear. I have been a dedicated public servant for six years. I love what I do. I am honored that my town has elected me and re-elected me and trusted me with a $15 million budget in Lunenburg, and I will continue that service for you in this position."

Jen Presents Policy Paper on the Economy and Jobs more »

July 19, 2008 — Jen Benson has released the first of four policy papers that she is presenting to outline her positions on the major issues facing the district and the Commonwealth.

"The voters in the district need to know how the candidates stand on the issues, and what specific policies they will support and pursue if elected," said Benson. "As a local elected official I am constantly confronted by the challenges we face as a Commonwealth, and I am running because I want to work towards solutions to those challenges."

The first policy paper addresses the issues of the economy and jobs with specific policy proposals in areas of growing the clean energy economy, infrastructure investment, workforce education, and property tax relief:

Jen Benson to Debate in Acton and Shirley more »

July 31, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, has accepted invitations to participate in two independently organized, non-partisan debates organized by the Acton League of Women Voters and the Shirley Volunteer.

"I am looking forward to discussing the issues that are important to the working families in our district," said Benson. "The current state of the economy is on everyone's mind. Our Commonwealth needs to help create jobs in growing areas like the life sciences and the green economy, and invest in educating the work force that will bring those jobs to Massachusetts."

The debate organized by the Acton League of Women Voters will take place on October 14th at the Acton Town Hall. The Shirley Volunteer debate will likely take place in early August.

"It is critical that debates be run by independent, non-partisan organizations so that the focus can stay on the issues," said Benson. "My Republican opponent wants to have campaign-run, partisan 'lightweight forums.' This is not a time for lightweight talk, but rather a time for serious solutions."

Jen marches in Harvard Independence Day Parade

July 4, 2008 — Harvard, MA

Jen Benson and her family celebrated July 4th by marching with supporters in the Harvard Independence Day Parade. Jen was warmly greeted by the crowd and talked after the parade with many Harvard residents about the issues facing their town.

"On July 4th we remember the founders of our great nation, many of whom were born in our Commonwealth," said Benson. "The celebration today in Harvard was a fitting tribute."

Jen was joined during the parade by members of the Harvard Democratic Town Committee and marchers supporting Representative Jamie Eldridge who is now running for the State Senate.

Two Different Approaches in Race for House Seat more »
Jen Benson Working

July 1, 2008 — PolitickerMA.com

...Benson is currently serving her sixth year on the Lunenberg School Committee, which she now chairs. Her campaign is rooted in that experience, which, she said, has prepared her to work in the state legislature to improve the education system and secure more money for the district. Education, she said, is one of the most important issues facing the community.

"Education is one of the biggest services our state provides," she said. "It effects our future. The children are the leaders of tomorrow."

Benson has also worked as the committee's liaison to the town's finance committee, so she said she has an understanding with the budget process.

"I have a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge on how state funding is affecting the town," she said. "That experience, on a broad level in a town, is very important. That relationship between the town and the state is vital."

...When asked how she plans to differentiate herself from Hayes, the former independent, Benson said she only plans to worry about her message and her campaign.

"My focus is talking with voters every day and having a serious conversation," she said. "I am not focusing at all on his campaign. I am focusing on what I need to do to help this district."

"I am running a very serious campaign," she added. "I'm a very practical person. I am not interested in political games."