Published in the September 7, 2016 edition
By MARK SARDELLA
Saritin Rizzuto
Jennifer Migliore
WAKEFIELD — With two candidates for State Representative vying in tomorrow’s Democrat State Primary Election for the chance to oppose incumbent Saugus Republican Donald Wong in the Nov. 8 general election, the Daily Item posed the same two questions to Jennifer Migliore of Saugus and Saritin E. Rizzuto of Wakefield.
Wong is unopposed in the primary.
We asked each Democratic candidate what she would do to make sure that Wakefield receives its fair share of Chapter 70 state aid to public education. Local officials have long felt that the funding formula places Wakefield at a disadvantage compared to demographically similar communities.
Migliore said that she would work closely with other legislators to address the funding inequity.
“While overseeing Congressman Seth Moulton’s federal grant program, I realized that the Ninth Essex District was not getting our fair share of local aid,” Migliore said. “The Chapter 70 funding formula is one example where Wakefield is getting shortchanged by our Commonwealth. Wakefield receives $4.8 million a year from the state in Chapter 70 education funds, while the neighboring communities of Reading and Melrose receive $9.5 million and $7.3 million respectively. Simply put, Wakefield is not getting our fair share.
“For the past decade, legislators have been looking for solutions to address the inadequate Chapter 70 funding formula. The formula has not been updated since 1993. It has not kept pace with what education truly costs. Health insurance costs have risen steadily, eating up a far greater share of school budgets than anyone imagined back in 1993.
“Under the leadership of Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Paul Brodeur, the legislature created the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) to look at the shortcomings of the Chapter 70 formula. I plan to work with Congressman Seth Moulton, Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Paul Brodeur to implement the reforms recommended by the FBRC so that we can fully invest in the future of our kids.
“I also support the Millionaire’s Tax Amendment, which will significantly increase funding for our public schools,” Migliore noted. “Unlike my opponent, I support saving our public schools and oppose lifting the cap on charter schools. Wakefield is projected to lose over $500,000 in funding in 2017. We need these funds to stay in our Wakefield public schools.”
Rizzuto said that she would bring her advocacy and management skills to bear in tackling the funding disparities.
“As the only candidate in this race with children in Wakefield’s public schools, I know only too well the challenges that our education system faces, Rizzuto said. “With the odds stacked against them, our teachers do a heroic job despite insufficient resources.
“We are fortunate to have a strong public school system here in Wakefield – it is one of the things that drew me to the town – but we all agree that there is still work to be done. Time and time again, residents have told me that we need smaller class sizes to ensure that children get the attention they need, along with improved resources for students with developmental and behavioral disabilities.
“With 25 years of experience advocating on behalf of some of the most vulnerable in society, I know too well that you don’t solve a problem with inflammatory rhetoric, but instead, roll up your sleeves and work together to build a consensus and creating workable solutions,” Rizzuto said.
“Working alongside the Administration and the State Legislature, I would establish a task force to examine education funding in the Commonwealth and how it could be made more equitable.
“I believe Chapter 70 can be reconfigured to deliver adequate and effective funding for schools throughout the Commonwealth. Working with lawmakers and other stakeholders, we can develop a plan that delivers an education system to prepare our young people for an increasingly complex and global future.
“I would also engage with other municipalities to take a regional approach to hire grant writers who can effectively identify and secure additional funds for our school systems,” Rizzuto said. “Finding individuals who are able to effectively articulate an organization’s need is incredibly valuable and having worked for many years within the non-profit management sector, I have seen this first-hand.”
The Daily Item also asked each Democrat how she would work as a legislator to support Wakefield’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown business district.
Migliore believes that assets like the Lake, the town’s school system and public transportation can be leveraged to attract businesses and further economic development.
“As your next State Representative, I plan to be a strong, full-time advocate for smart and innovative development in our downtown,” Migliore said.
“My close friend, Lauren Donati, recently opened up ‘The Bread Shop’ at a vacant Main Street store front. Lauren chose Wakefield’s downtown to begin her career as a young, entrepreneurial businesswoman because she recognized Wakefield’s potential. She saw the downtown as a unique business opportunity due to its proximity to Lake Quannapowitt, the brand new Galvin Middle School and public transportation options, including the commuter rail and bus service.
“As a young candidate who aspires to bring innovation to Beacon Hill, I want all small business owners to recognize Wakefield’s potential,” Migliore said. “While knocking on doors, many Wakefieldians expressed the desire to create a downtown that is aesthetically pleasing and family friendly — and that’s what I plan to do.”
Rizzuto said that she would seek to forge partnerships with all downtown stakeholders and use her knowledge of funding sources to assist with downtown economic development.
“I am the only candidate in this race with a proven track record of working with local businesses to create economic opportunities,” Rizzuto said.
“As State Representative, I would develop a partnership with landlords, businesses and residents to ensure that the whole community is represented as we chart a way forward.
“Having worked with numerous business organizations over the years, including the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and the Newmarket Business Association, I understand how important it is to have the buy-in of the local community when developing plans for revitalization.
“As a member of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, I was instrumental in driving forward a plan to bring Chelsea’s downtown back to life. I worked with local business and community leaders to establish a path forward that benefits everyone as well as engaging with the State’s Secretary for Housing and Economic Development, Jay Ash, to access the resources and technical support that made the project possible.
This experience gives me a unique perspective on revitalizing Wakefield’s downtown. While some may complain that we’re not being given our share of funding, I say we need to engage and make sure we proactively access the resources and support that is there when you know where to look.
“I know where to look,” Rizzuto insisted. “I know how to go about finding – and getting – funding that others have dismissed. I know how to engage with officials at the highest levels to ensure we get the support that we need and I know how to work with stakeholders throughout the town to make sure that everyone feels engaged, everyone is able to give their thoughts and that everyone is able to benefit from the revitalization of Wakefield.
“For too long economic development opportunities have focused on Saugus,” Rizzuto maintained. “As the largest town in the Ninth District it has traditionally wielded a lot of power. I am the only candidate able to see beyond Saugus. I am the only candidate with the knowledge, skills and experience to drive forward an action plan, in partnerships with the community, that would deliver a downtown revitalization that benefits everyone.”
The State Primary Election takes place tomorrow, Sept. 8. Polls are open in Wakefield from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
