State Sen. Barry Finegold (2nd Essex and Middlesex District) says he is working to revitalize the Merrimack Valley by attracting jobs in high technology,new businesses and protecting the environment. In a recent interview, Finegold shared his goals for the remainder of his first term.

Tewksbury Patch Correspondent Bill Deignan: Please tell the readers about your background and what your goals for 2 Essex & Middlesex District are for your first term in office?

State Sen. Barry Finegold: I am proud to have grown up in both Tewksbury and Andover. I went to Franklin & Marshall for undergrad and took classes at night at Massachusetts School of Law for my law degree. I later attended the Kennedy School Of Government for my master's in public administration.  I live in Andover with wife Amy and two young daughters.  In addition to being a state official, I am a partner in a law firm.

I've recognized the critical need for important investment in economic development in Tewksbury and health care cost containment.  These two issues are at the forefront of my work -- both at the State House and in the District. I've heard from many of my constituents, particularity small business owners, that economic growth and job creation are essential to getting our local economy back on track.  In response, I'm supporting a bill this session-that would create a package of incentive's to help kick-start job creation in your neighborhood, including a small business job creation tax credit, and a tax credit for hiring veterans.

I am also working to promote financial literacy in our schools.  New college freshman have an average debt of $1,500 on personal credit cards.  Four out of 10 Americans admit they are living beyond their means, primary because of their misuse and misunderstanding of credit.  Americas under 25 are filing for bankruptcy faster than any other age group. A bill I filed this session would integrate financial literacy lessons into the current math curriculum of all students in the Commonwealth from kindergarten through age 12.  This will help give students in Tewksbury and throughout the state the tools to plot a course toward strong financial footing.

I am also focused on ensuring local aide for Tewksbury and the rest of my district; this source of state funds is absolutely critical for Tewksbury, especially for education and special education. We need to supply Tewksbury with the tools to educate our children, and the town cannot do that without adequate funding. Higher levels of reinbursement for the special education circuit breaker will give Tewksbury's school budgets more breathing room and our vital special educatin programs will be better funded.

I addition, I was deeply involved with securing funding for the new Tewksbury Memorial High School, which is a great investment for the town that will not only benefit our students, but improve property values. I look forward to continuing to work with the town to improve our public facilities.

BD: What ideas do you have to stimulate the economy in Massachusetts?

BF: As an elected official, my priorities are cutting spending and creating jobs. We need to promote small businesses at the local level, specifically by helping the control health care costs.  I hear every day from small businesses owners in Tewksbury and elsewhere warning that they can't afford the rising cost of health care in Massachusetts.

With one in ten Americans unemployed -- we need to focus on the re-training and training of workers to create and sustain a viable and educated pool of applicants for local businesses to hire.  I created the North Shore Clean Energy Group, which works to make the Merrimack Valley region a leader i clean energy jobs and networking in Massachusetts.

BD: What are the three most important issues facing the citizens in your district?                                                                                                  

BF: Job creation, affordable housing for seniors in Tewksbury and adequate funding for education and local services.

BD: What are you doing to bring more blue collar and manufacturing jobs into 2nd Essex and Middlesex District?

BF: I've been a supporter of the Green Communities Act, and Tewksbury has taken advantage of that program by applying for Green Community Status.  If accepted, Tewksbury will have access to grant funds for energy reduction and conservation projects for the town. That would open up the town to a number of green job opportunities.

"Green Jobs" are the sustainable and innovative jobs of the future that combine manufacturing with new technology and create the kind of good jobs our area need.  Solectria Renewables in Lawrence is a shining example of this industry. They manufacture components of solar energy systems and ship and install their products all over the United States. Solectria recently expanded their facility in the Merrimack Valley and continues to grow. I actively reach out to companies like Solectria, and work to see that we do what we can to attract new and growing businesses to the district.