As a way to inform our readers about the candidates, Patch asked the candidates for State Representative in the 19th Middlesex District five questions that focused on a vaiety of topics important to the voters of Tewksbury.

Here is Question 5:

Tewksbury has been "held harmless" by the state, relative to education funding, despite dwindling student population. Should that status end, Tewksbury stands to lose more than $2 million in funding, a cut that would be catastrophic to the school system. If elected, what, if anything, will you be able to do to prevent this looming fiscal crisis?

Mario Marchese, Republican

I believe Tewksbury has taken a positive step in the right direction by approving the construction of a new high school. It is my expectation that a new high school will draw more students to Tewksbury and alleviate the situation regarding student population. The last thing any city or town needs right now are additional cuts to Chapter 70 funding for education. I will do everything in my power to reach across the aisle and make sure that funding for education in Tewksbury is at least level funded, if not increased.

Jim Miceli, Democrat

The student population in Tewksbury is down, unfortunately, but I will continue working hard to make sure Tewksbury does not lose its funding.