Jen Benson Connects With Voters at July 4th Festivities

July 7th, 2008 — Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, celebrated Independence Day with her family by attending the town bonfire in Lunenburg on Thursday night, and the Harvard Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th. Benson used the events to reach out to voters and talk about the issues facing their towns.

"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. "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 marched with supporters in the Harvard Independence Day Parade alongside Representative Jamie Eldridge, who is running for the State Senate, and members of the Harvard Democratic Town Committee. Benson's three children, Hannah, Maya, and Noah threw candy to the crowd as Benson introduced herself to spectators.

"It was such a pleasure to have Jen and her family join us for our traditional 4th of July celebration," said Dennis Bradley, Chair of the Harvard Democratic Town Committee. "Since she spent the day with us enjoying the festivities, it was a great opportunity for Harvard voters to really get to know her."

After the parade, the Harvard celebration also included music, food, relay races, and a flag raising ceremony. "On July 4th we remember the founders of our great nation, many of whom were born in our Commonwealth," said Benson. "The celebration in Harvard was a fitting tribute."

The July 3rd bonfire in Lunenburg was a 40-year-old tradition that had been interrupted for nine years, but was restarted on Thursday after a great deal of work by the Lunenburg Turkey Hill Family Lions Club. "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," Benson said. "It was a great idea to start a service organization that encourages participation of the whole family."

Talking with voters has been a key part of Benson's campaign since she decided to run for State Representative in February. "I started by reaching out to elected officials in all of the towns and attending Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee meetings," Benson said. "Now I am concentrating on talking with as many voters as I can."

More information on Benson's candidacy can be found at www.jenbenson.org.