Elect Jim O'Donnell – State Representative in 2010

WELCOME!

Thank you for coming to our website. 

As a lifelong resident and taxpayer I have come to appreciate the empowerment which occurs when the community feels connected to government.  There is no more satisfying moment for me than when I am stopped by a resident in the town and listen to them convey an idea or opportunity for this town to improve.  To me, this is what government is all about.  The ability of one resident to have their voice heard and represented.  I am committed to bringing this type of government to Beacon Hill if I am fortunate enough to be elected as your State Representative.

Communication would be a central part of my ability to serve the people of Billerica.  I would make this office open and accessible to all citizens in town and hope that all residents, regardless of their point of view, come forward to participate in their government.  I will organize your State Representative office to ensure that every mode of communication is available to allow the important thoughts and ideas of all residents to be heard; and when I vote on individual items, know that I do so with your concerns in mind.  Whether calling, e-mailing or visiting my website, residents and taxpayers will be able to directly influence my perception of the important issues of the day.

Having spoken with many of you in recent months, I know the recent economic downturn is a daily concern for us all.  If elected, I would work with all parties to bring back corporate tax revenue into the town’s portfolio. This is why I will use my experience to aggressively pursue businesses to come and occupy some of the 2 million square feet of vacant office and industrial space in town.  This will generate much needed revenue for the town and go a long way in helping our community to sustain services while at the same time provide relief to property owners and their tax burden.  One of the most significant accomplishments from retiring State Representative Bill Green’s tenure was the establishment of Billerica as an economic target area.  This is a very significant tool in our ability to set us apart from other communities when attracting businesses to come to Billerica. 

I will also focus my efforts on restoring local aid from the state, Chapter 70 monies and Special Education funds.  One of the most frustrating things for me in recent years is the ability of the state to mandate municipalities’ involvement in costly programs, but not provide funding sources to achieve these goals.  My plan as your representative would be to make the state commit funding sources to these mandatory programs.

Of course the position of State Representative must lead by example during these difficult economic times.  I feel the people who are fortunate enough to serve their respective communities should understand that the position is public service, not a place to serve individual interests.  For this reason I am committing, without hesitation, to the following statements:

• I will not accept any pay raise, mandated or otherwise, until the statewide unemployment rate is 6% or less.
• I will file legislation excluding state legislators from participating in state sponsored pension benefits.
• I will not accept any per diems.
• I will file legislation that eliminates per diems for state legislators.
• I will not accept the $7,200 bonus that state legislators currently receive.
• I will file legislation eliminating the $7,200 bonus.  
• I will file legislation restricting state legislators from receiving travel stipends when they live inside the route 495 area.

Thank you again for visiting this website.  Please come back in the near future to be updated on campaign news and events as well as participate in the forums that will be happening!