Hi, I'm Jim Caralis. Thanks for coming to my website.

I'm running to bring a new kind of leadership to Medford and Malden. I only know one way to do this; be up front about my position on issues, present a clear vision for the future and continue to work towards building a better community.

Please take some time to explore this site, learn more about me, see where I stand on issues, lend a hand to the campaign and if you would, contribute what you can.

Thanks,
Jim

Stories From the Trail

5/4/08

Personally knocking on over 1,000 doors in the last 6 weeks has paid off and we have far exceeded the number of certified signatures necessary to get on the ballot. I really appreciate all of the support I have been given.

4/27/08

Last week was the one year anniversry of OpenMass.org. - the non-profit I founded where everyday citizens can see up to the date information on the status of bills, earmarks, votes and campaign contributions for every legislator in Massachusetts. Over the last year OpenMass.org has been viewed by residents in Massachusetts over 1 million times.

4/20/08

I took a little time off the trail to attend a statewide meeting of Democrats brainstorming on how to be more effective and increase civic engagement across the state. Attendees included John Walsh (Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party), Doug Rubin (Chief of Staff for Governor Patrick), a group of Democratic State Committee members and lots of concerned citizens (including a couple from our District).

4/14/08

We have collected over 200 signatures in Medford and now this weekend it's time to go door to door in Malden. We will be canvasing just a quarter mile from one of the homes where I grew up and where my parents still live.

Don't you miss having a local movie theatre like the Granada? I remember that last movie I saw there - Rocky II.

4/7/08

Well it's pretty clear after asking folks who have signed my nomination papers that taxes, the rising cost of living and education are top issues. Your voice is coming through loud and clear.

3/30/08

Recent concerns over graffiti have been mentioned by many voters. As we were meeting voters last week I took this picture in a neigborhood playground. As a father, home owner and our next representative I will work within our community to help reduce this growing issue. We need to develop solutions that remove graffiti within 24-48 hours.

Last year Malden spent $45,000 cleaning up grafitti.Here is contact information for reporting graffiti:

Medford:
Phone: 781-393-2417
Email: dpw@medford.org, mayor@medford.org

Malden:
(781) 397-7160

3/23/08

Two things have become clear as I continue to meet with voters. There is a tremendous pride in the history of our communities and people are concerned about our future.

From the Royall House and Slave Quarters to Amelia Earhart to former Governor John Volpe, folks have universally expressed their pride in the history of our communities.

They have also talked of a growing concern for our future. Cuts in local aid, rising healthcare rates and a slumping economy have been frequently mentioned.

As our State Representative I pledge to work tirelessly on Beacon Hill and at home in our communities to help solve these issues.

3/16/08

As I have been going door to door to meet with voters, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and yes I have promised to send birthday cards!

This weekend I passed a gentleman walking his dogs and asked him to sign my nomination papers. He asked me what I was running as. I told him I was a Democrat and he shook his head no. I continued walking down the street and we talked about the Presidential race and his support of John McCain. I told him "I do respect McCain but I voted for Hillary. One thing I promise you is that you will always know where I stand." Much to my surprise he stopped and signed my nomination papers.

My Campaign Announcement

Today I am announcing my candidacy for the Democratic nomination to represent the Massachusetts 35th Middlesex District (Medford and Malden) as our State Representative. I was born and raised just down the road in Everett, attended Everett Public Schools, graduated from Northeastern University and have lived in Medford for the last 8 years.

Early in my life I learned from personal experience the power of government to help families in need. I learned from my father the dream of emigrating to the United States, working hard, building a business and raising a family. I learned through hard work and perseverance the value of education and its necessity in achieving the American Dream.

As a candidate I offer up my experience as the founder of a successful software consulting company, founder of a non-profit (OpenMass.org), a member of the State Democratic Committee on Public Policy (appointed by Chairman John Walsh in 2007) and a promise to not shy away from my stand on positions or to run away from the Liberal, yes Liberal values of our party.

As your Representative I will focus on the following issues:

I will fight for us on Beacon Hill to get the education funding that Medford and Malden deserve and work in our community to help children realize their potential.

I will fight for us on Beacon Hill to promote government efficiency, accountability and transparency before asking our community to dig further into their pockets.

I will fight for us on Beacon Hill for quality, affordable health care and work in our community to ensure all our citizens understand and make the best available use of health care options.

I will fight on Beacon Hill to get the job training funds we need to help all of us through these tough economic times and work in our community to help train adults in the new technologies necessary to compete in today's economy.

I look forward to working these next 6 months, reaching out to as many people possible, and earning your vote on September 16.

Jim Caralis, Democrat
Candidate for State Representative, 35th Middlesex District