October 31, 2008 — Today Jen received the endorsement of Nashoba Publishing:
Both candidates are newcomers to state service but our pick is democrat Jen Benson. While we believe strongly in the need to increase republican representation in Boston, we also support a strong focus on the people of this district. We like what we hear from Benson; a reflection, no doubt, of her service to Lunenburg town government. We believe she has a good handle on what's important to a town and its people and will bring that understanding to Beacon Hill.
October 30, 2008 — Today Jen received the endorsement of the Acton Beacon:
When evaluating the experience of the two candidates for the state House of Representatives, it's easy to see they are both prepared to serve. But when you examine what they say they would do on Beacon Hill, Jen Benson is the lawmaker who would be more effective.
Benson bills herself as a moderate, the kind of Democrat who could have success at the State House by finding middle ground between disparate points of view. She is openly critical of the overblown size of the current state budget that the governor and legislators now have to cut back because of the struggling economy. She's against an increase in the gas tax. Her opponent — Kurt Hayes, a Republican who works for IBM — rails, with good reason, about state spending and the need to help small businesses. But Benson would have more success changing the system from within.
There's little doubt that Benson, chairwoman of the Lunenburg School Committee, will continue the advocacy work Eldridge started on behalf of state education aid reform. As a legislator, she'll need to show her mettle as supporter of the environment and champion of those in need if she is to earn the devotion her predecessor has won in the 6-year-old district.
October 27, 2008 — Today Jen received the endorsement of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette:
In the 37th Middlesex District, Democrat Jen Benson of Lunenburg has proved to be an effective leader. As a school committee member she has made difficult choices to contain costs, helping to develop a zero-based budgeting process and rebuilding frayed relations among town boards. She would bring a conciliatory and moderate voice on issues such as charter schools, special education funding and realistic budgeting.
October 28, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, received the vast majority of her campaign contributions from the towns in the 37th Middlesex District, with notable support from elected officials in those towns, according to state reports released this week.
"I have been running a strong, grass roots campaign with a focus on our district and the issues facing its citizens," said Benson. "I am proud that most of the money we have raised has come from individual donors from the towns in the district. I am even more proud of the volunteers that have made phone calls, gone door-to-door and stuffed envelopes-the kind of support that doesn't show up on spreadsheets and finance reports."
October 14, 2008 - Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, said today that if elected she will create a help-desk for businesses so that owners and managers are fully aware of the state sponsored programs to assist in financing, creating business plans, and other services.
"State government provides businesses with many opportunities for economic growth," said Benson. "As the only candidate in this race pledged to be a full-time state representative, I will spend a large part of my time making sure that our businesses know what is available from the state and get what they need from those programs."
"Many businesses don't know about help they can get from Small Business Innovative Research grants, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, or the Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation. These programs can be particularly helpful now because of the tightened private credit market," said Benson. "I will be a liaison between these innovative organizations and businesses in the district. I will visit businesses, hold workshops for business owners, and dedicate staff time to make sure they know about these programs."
October 10, 2008 — The Harvard Press
I grew up in a working-class family in Rochester, N.H. I have lived in Lunenburg for 12 years with my husband Brent and three children, Hannah, Maya, and Noah, who all attend the Lunenburg public schools. I am currently the chairwoman of the Lunenburg School Committee.
I ran for School Committee in 2003 during a difficult time for our schools. The state had just instituted mid-year budget cuts and our superintendent had to be removed from his position. I won the election for School Committee and began to work toward restoring the relationship between the schools, the other town boards, and the people of Lunenburg. We hired an outstanding new superintendent and we have succeeded in restoring trust in our schools.
I am running for state representative because I want to take the knowledge and experience I have gained at the local level to the State House to work on the critical issues facing our district. I believe that we need to strengthen our economy and create jobs, support public education, work toward a cleaner environment, and make sure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.
DEVENS, MA - October 8, 2008 - Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, presented a plan for growing the Massachusetts economy and creating jobs by targeting small business growth at a debate hosted by the Nashoba Chamber of Commerce, Nashoba Publishing, and the Lowell Sun on Monday night.
"Too often, economic development efforts focus only on large companies," said Benson after the debate. "We need to place more of a focus on younger, smaller businesses which are often able to innovate faster and grow more quickly than larger, well-established companies."
Small businesses create the majority of new jobs in the United States and employ roughly half of all private-sector workers.
Benson spoke of two problems faced by entrepreneurs starting small businesses in Massachusetts: limited access to capital in the form of low interest loans, and a burdensome, hit-or-miss permitting process.
October 1, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, has released the third of four policy papers that she is presenting to outline her positions on the major issues facing the district and the Commonwealth. The policy paper is entitled A Sustainable Future for our Environment and contains proposals on investing in the clean energy economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing access to public transportation, and promoting safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.
"Choosing between a cleaner, sustainable environment on one hand and economic viability on the other hand, is a false choice," said Benson. "By pursuing clean energy alternatives and environment-friendly technologies we can grow the economy and create jobs while also producing a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren."
Benson's first proposal would protect the environment while boosting the economy and creating jobs by providing tax incentives to certified clean energy projects. "Massachusetts, with its combination of scientific, educational, technological and entrepreneurial resources, is in an ideal position to realize the next generation of alternative fuels and energy sources, and create thousands of high quality jobs at the same time," said Benson.
September 9, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, has released the second of four policy papers that she is presenting to outline her positions on the major issues facing the district and the Commonwealth. The policy paper is entitled Stronger Education for our Children and contains proposals on special education, education funding reform, transportation aid and increased community college access.
"Every child deserves a quality education," said Benson. "I have spent six years fighting to improve education in our local school district and, if elected, I will do everything in my power get our schools the resources they need to educate the workers and leaders of tomorrow."
The first proposal aims to reform special education funding by tying the funds for a particular student in need of services directly to that student, rather than reimbursing the expenses to the school district after the fact. It also fully funds the student's educational needs, rather than the partial reimbursement that currently exists. The plan would pay for the small increase in cost that would result by establishing reasonable guidelines for payments to special educational providers, and by encouraging delivery of services through the public school districts wherever possible.
August 19, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, is releasing 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.
"It is critical that we work together to strengthen our economy and create jobs in order to move forward as a Commonwealth and not lose ground in the face of rising energy, food, and health care costs," said Benson. "Massachusetts workers are some of the best qualified and educated workers in the country—we need to give them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed."
Benson has made a video presentation containing the key points of her economy and jobs proposal which is available along with the full policy paper at www.jenbenson.org.
August 29, 2008 — Acton Beacon — Both candidates running for the 37th Middlesex state representative seat fault Beacon Hill for failing to help cities and towns. After that, the similarities run thin.
Jennifer Benson, D-Lunenburg, and Kurt Hayes, R-Boxborough, emphasized several differences at a Aug. 29 candidate's forum in Lancaster — differences between public- and private-sector experience, for example, and different ideas about how to trim waste in the state budget.
Benson, who has served on the Lunenburg School Committee for six years, said she derived a strong appreciation for education from her mother, who worked full time as a letter carrier while going to school on nights and weekends, eventually obtaining her MBA.
"She went to the post office and got a job unloading mail trucks. So I learned at very early age, from my family and my extended family, the importance of hard work and dedication, and nothing is too low, too menial, too difficult," said Benson, later adding of her mother, "She has been a role model, a hero to me, and to my children."
Hayes emphasized his business experience that would help in the political arena.
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."
July 8, 2008 — PolitickerMA.com
Jen Benson, the Democratic candidate vying to represent the Middlesex County's 37th District in the state House of Representatives, spent the weekend talking to voters in Harvard and Lunenburg and taking in July Fourth activities.
Benson, who currently chairs the Lunenburg School Committee, said state funding is on the minds of voters.
"I talked with voters from both Harvard and Lunenburg who were concerned about dwindling state aid and the affect it is having on our property taxes and on town services like road repair and schools," Benson said in a statement. "I have dealt with this issue first hand in Lunenburg, and Harvard and the other towns in the district are facing a similar set of problems."
Benson, who is fighting Republican Kurt Hayes for the 37th district seat, joined the Lunenburg Turkey Hill Lions Club on July 3 for its annual bonfire. In a statement, she commended the club for returning the bonfire to the community after a nine-year hiatus. "The Lunenburg Family Lions Club is doing a wonderful job making our town a better place through community service and by organizing events that bring us together," she said.
...Reflecting on the weekend, Benson said it was a welcome progression in her campaign.
"I started by reaching out to elected officials in all of the towns and attending Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee meetings," she said. "Now I am concentrating on talking with as many voters as I can."
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."
February 22, 2008 — The Harvard Press
In an interview this week Benson said that education funding has been "a resounding theme" among people she's talked to in cities and towns across the district.
"It's a priority," she said. "Everybody realizes that. I want to work to make sure towns get the educational funding they need."...
Benson spoke of her affection for Massachusetts.
"We are very, very lucky to live in such a beautiful state," she said. "I'm reminded of that every day as I drive through its towns and cities."
She said she is happy to be raising her three children here and is passionate about ensuring that they, and children across the state, receive the best education they can.
January 30, 2006 - Sentinel and Enterprise
...Benson took her leadership post on the town committee three years ago, which ended a period of inaction by the group.
"The committee basically hadn't met in many years," said Benson, who moved to Lunenburg nine years ago. "It was completely inactive."
The committee only met for its annual caucus to send representatives to the state convention each year.
"I was interested in getting it going again and talked to some of the other members," Benson said. "Sort of a core group of us decided to hold regular meetings and get in touch with campaigns that came through town."
And Benson said its paid off.
October 31, 2008 – Nashoba Publishing: Nashoba Publishing endorses Jen Benson
October 30, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Acton Beacon endorses Jen Benson
October 29, 2008 – Telegram & Gazette: GOP group's tactics blasted
October 28, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Finance Report Shows Support Across District
October 27, 2008 – Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Telegram & Gazette endorses Jen Benson
October 26, 2008 – Sentinel and Enterprise: Benson, Hayes outline plans to strengthen local economy
October 14, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson to create a business help-desk
October 10, 2008 – Harvard Press – Harvard Press Guest Commentary
October 8, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Proposes Help for Small Businesses
October 1, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Releases Policy Paper on the Environment
September 8, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Releases Education Policy Paper
August 29, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Benson, Hayes outline disparate visions for government
August 19, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Announces Series of Policy Papers
July 30, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson to Debate in Acton and Shirley
July 12, 2008 – Press Release – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas Endorses Jen Benson for State Representative
July 8, 2008 – PolitickerMA.com – Benson swings through Lunenburg, Harvard
July 7, 2008 – Press Release – Jen Benson Connects With Voters at July 4th Festivities
July 1, 2008 – PolitickerMA.com – Hayes-Benson race picks up steam
June 17, 2008 – Press Release – Resor Endorses Benson at Campaign Kickoff Event
June 9, 2008 – Press Release – Jen Benson Announces Campaign Kickoff Event
June 4, 2008 – Acton Beacon – Sullivan out of House race
June 2, 2008 – MassEquality.org – MassEquality PAC Announces First Round of Endorsements for 2008
April 29, 2008 – Acton Beacon – Lunenburg Dems endorse Benson
March 10, 2008 – Telegram and Gazette – Benson seeks Eldridge's old seat in Statehouse
March 5, 2008 – Sentinel and Enterprise – Lunenburg official gets backing for House run
March 3, 2008 – Press Release – Jen Benson Announces District-Wide Endorsements
February 27, 2008 – Lowell Sun – Lunenburg school official puts hat in ring for Eldridge's seat
February 22, 2008 – Harvard Press – Benson to run for state rep opening
February 20, 2008 – Sentinel and Enterprise – Benson to focus on funding in state rep race
February 19, 2008 – Telegram and Gazette – Lunenburg official announces run
February 17, 2008 – Press Release – Jen Benson launches state rep campaign
January 30, 2006 – Sentinel and Enterprise – Changing face of town politics
- Acton, Precincts 3, 4 and 5: Blanchard Auditorium
- Boxborough: Town Hall
- Harvard: Bromfield School
- Lancaster, Precinct 1: Town Hall
- Lunenburg: T.C. Passios Elementary School
- Shirley: Town Offices
- October 31, 2008 – Nashoba Publishing: Nashoba Publishing endorses Jen Benson
- October 30, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Acton Beacon endorses Jen Benson
- October 29, 2008 – Telegram & Gazette: GOP group's tactics blasted
- October 28, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Finance Report Shows Support Across District
- October 27, 2008 – Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Telegram & Gazette endorses Jen Benson
- October 26, 2008 – Sentinel and Enterprise: Benson, Hayes outline plans to strengthen local economy
- October 14, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson to create a business help-desk
- October 10, 2008 – Harvard Press – Harvard Press Guest Commentary
- October 8, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Proposes Help for Small Businesses
- October 1, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Releases Policy Paper on the Environment
- September 8, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Releases Education Policy Paper
- August 29, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Benson, Hayes outline disparate visions for government
- August 19, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Announces Series of Policy Papers
- July 30, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson to Debate in Acton and Shirley
- July 12, 2008 – Press Release: Tsongas endorses Benson
- July 8, 2008 – PolitickerMA.com: Benson swings through Lunenburg, Harvard
- July 7, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Connects With Voters at July 4th Festivities
- July 1, 2008 – PolitickerMA.com: Hayes-Benson race picks up steam
- June 4, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Sullivan out of House race
- June 2, 2008 – MassEquality: MassEquality PAC Announces First Round of Endorsements for 2008
- May 29, 2008 – Press Release: Massachusetts Nurses Association Endorsement
- April 29, 2008 – Acton Beacon: Lunenburg Dems endorse Benson
- March 10, 2008 – Telegram and Gazette: Benson seeks Eldridge's old seat in Statehouse
- March 5, 2008 – Sentinel and Enterprise: Lunenburg official gets backing for House run
- March 3, 2008 – Press Release: Jen Benson Announces District-Wide Endorsements
- February 27, 2008 – Lowell Sun: Lunenburg school official puts hat in ring for Eldridge's seat