DiNatale Announces Bid for Re-Election (04/10/10)
Posted 2010-04-10 06:45:23
STATE REP TO RUN AGAIN
By Katina Caraganis, kcaraganis@sentinelandenterprise.com
Posted: 04/10/2010 07:02:22 AM EDT
FITCHBURG -- For state Rep. Stephen DiNatale, his time in public office has always been about the people. Whether it was his time on the city's School Committee, the city council, or more recent, at the Statehouse, he's always worked for what was best for the people in the community.
And on Friday night, the Fitchburg Democrat gave the people of Fitchburg what they wanted when he announced that he is running for re-election.
Nearly 400 people attended his spaghetti supper fundraiser at St. Joseph's Parish Hall on Woodland Street to offer their congratulations and support for a man who started his political career as president of the PTO when his children were in middle school.
He went on to serve on the School Committee
and the City Council.
DiNatale has served in the Navy, is a graduate of Fitchburg State College with a degree in sociology, has worked in human resources, was a correctional program officer, worked with the state Sex Offender Registry, and was a forensic mental-health supervisor.
"It sounds insincere but it's always been about helping people and this provides me with an opportunity to be a little more effective in helping people," he said. "You're at a higher level where you can pick up a phone and make a call and present a case for someone. That's what it's all about. I worked in jobs all my life that involved helping people. That's what this it. It's to help people. It all comes under the umbrella of trying to provide something better for all of us in the city of Fitchburg."
The Leominster native said a spaghetti supper is the perfect way for him to kick off his re-election campaign.
"This is why I do this. This is what makes a difference. It's about connecting with these folks. These are the people that give me the opportunity to do the things that I want to do," he emphasized.
In addition to community members, many elected officials and prominent members of the Fitchburg community were on hand Friday night, including Fitchburg State College President Robert Antonucci.
"He's been a very strong supporter of the college both when he was a school committee member, city councilor, and now as state rep. He's a very strong supporter and he's an alum of the college," said Antonucci. "He represents our district and we're very fortunate to have a leader like Steve to be able to carry our needs to the Statehouse."
Added Antonucci, "From the college's standpoint, having him in our corner is very important. It's in his blood. It's what he wants to do. He's a natural politician who likes people and likes Fitchburg. He likes to work with people toward the good of the city."
State Sen. Jennifer Flanagan has worked with DiNatale on various issues involving the local area and is confident that he is the best choice.
"Steve has been such a hard worker on behalf of Fitchburg since the minute he began running for office. I think that Fitchburg needs someone who is very dedicated and committed to the community. That's exactly what he does. You can't not support Steve," said Flanagan. "He works hard all year long. We have a lot of tough issues in Fitchburg. As a senator, he and I work closely together but it's never easy. They're not easy issues anymore."
DiNatale's son, Marcus, a Fitchburg city councilor, was also on hand to support his father. He grew up watching his father work in the public eye and said that is what influenced him to give back to his hometown.
"He loves his job and the people of Fitchburg know he is the best candidate. He's the hardest worker for the city. If you just observe what he does during the day at Fitchburg City Hall, you'd know. His phone rings off the hook," said Marcus DiNatale. "A lot of people need assistance and he's their go-to guy. He loves what he's doing and he's going to keep doing what he's doing if the people will have him."
Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong said while serving for the city DiNatale became aware of the ever-pressing needs of the community.
"He supports the community so much and I think this is our opportunity to show him how much we all appreciate what he's done for the community," said Wong. "I am really excited that he's going to continue representing us. I think this shows we're all behind him in his re-election effort."
There are many issues affecting Fitchburg on a local level, including state aid for various programs as well as taking a stand against Unitil.
Wong noted that DiNatale has "been a big supporter of bringing us state aid and getting us aid for things like Crocker Field and the Boys & Girls Club and various non-profits."
She added, "He's also been a big push against Unitil and getting some laws passed to allow municipalities to create their own municipal electric systems which we aren't allowed to do right now. He's been kind of the bulldog on Beacon Hill for us. He has that reputation of really trying to push home his issues."
Fitchburg residents Cheryl and Rick Clouthier said their decision to support DiNatale is a personal one. Their 30-year-old son Matthew has cerebral palsy and DiNatale has been there for their family.
"He champions people with disabilities. He helped us when we needed advocacy at the Statehouse," said Rick Clouthier. "He helps up by advocating for funding in the mental-health field. If you have a problem or a question, you can call him. He's always accessible. He's more like family than anything else."
The election is in November.
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