Stories From the Trail

8/5/08

$5 million was just secured from the state to study traffic at Wellington Circle. Yes, $5 million dollars to tell us that traffic through Wellington Circle is a mess and is going to get much worse with the addition of Ikea. This is government inefficiency in action.

7/28/08

This week going door to door I met two recycled 84 year old teenagers (as they call themselves). We had a great kitchen table conversation over some apple juice. I left with two votes, two kisses on the cheek and some great memories.

7/23/08

The Boston Herald mentioned the campaign with regard to an upcoming vote to repeal the 1913 law that forbids people that live out of state from getting married if that marriage is not legal in their own state. Another article written by the State House News Service also mentiones the fact that "voice votes" are often used to hide how legislators have voted on controversial issues.

Change starts with holding oneself accountable and these voice vote charades are a disservice to every voter in the state.

7/16/08

I've knocked on nearly 3,000 doors now and the fact the Medford has lost over $38 million in local aid since 2003 is on the top of everyone's mind. The momentum for change is building and folks are embracing my old-school shoe leather campaign style and my clear, direct and candid talk on the issues.

7/8/08

“You don’t change after you go to Beacon Hill, change starts with the candidate and the campaign”

A couple of weeks ago I (and the other two candidates) filled out an endorsement questionnaire. My answers to that questionnaire shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has read my issues page.

The answers given by the other candidates are in some cases the only public statement made by them on some important issues. So with that in mind I am going to commit a cardinal sin in politics and not only mention my two opponents by name, but provide a link to my, Paul Donato's and Patrick McCabe's answers.

One of the fundamental differences between me and my opponents is that I believe we need to do more to make government open and efficient before we consider looking at taxes. Both of my opponents favor raising taxes with no mention of reform or efficiency.

7/2/08

The combination of some hot weather and thunderstorms that seem to sneak up out of nowhere have made this last week of canvasing interesting. I am grateful to all the folks who have offered me water and shelter from the rain. Thank you!

6/23/08

A growing concern over the lack of local aid funding for Medford, which has led to the proposed layoff of 46 school teachers and 6 police officers, has been a major topic of conversation this week. Over the last 7 years Medford has lost over 40 million dollars in local aid cutbacks and assessments.

6/15/08

In talking with residents of Station Landing and Ninth Street there is a growing concern over the recent increase in crime, including car break-ins (in the "secure" garage) and a purse snatching. New developments have helped increase the tax base and economic development in this area but we need to keep in mind that increased crime may come with these new developments and we need to get more local aid to help prevent it.

6/8/08
This week while atteding the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention I ran into Congressman Ed Markey. I told him how when going door to door lots people mentioned him doing the same thing when he ran for State Rep. I told him they also remember his famous commercial, which he recited on cue - "They may tell me where to sit, but nobody tells me where to stand."

As the only candidate that is willing to clearly state my position on the issues, I can guarantee you will always know where I stand and that no special interest group will tell me how to vote.

6/1/08
Last week's kick-off party was a great success and thanks to your support we now have the means to launch the advertising and mailing phases of the campaign. I really appreciate all of your support and hope I can run a campaign that will make you proud.


5/27/08
I've heard many stories on Charles Shannon's door to door campaigning while going door to door myself. Folks still remember him knocking on doors and sitting in their living rooms to listen. All the good work he did has not been forgotten.

5/19/08

My official announcement is coming out this week in the Malden (Advocate and Observer) and the Medford (Transcript) papers. That will be followed up with a campaign kick-off on Thursday May 29th at 114 Mystic Ave (the VFW) in Medford.

5/12/08

After about five minutes of conversation on the issues and my background with one Medford couple, I realized I was talking with my childhood doctor and his wife. You never know whose door you are going to knock on...

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 1.5 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