Shishan Wang: Candidate Profile 18th Essex District

ANDOVER, MA — Shishan Wang is one of two Republicans in the primary to challenge state Rep. Tram Nguyen, a Democrat, in the 18th Essex District.

Wang, 51, lives in Andover with his wife Lijun and his three children. His daughter Sophia attends Brandeis University while his twin sons are students at Andover High School.

Wang is a research scientist and has previously run for Andover School Committee. He has a Ph.D. in food science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The 18th Essex District includes parts of Andover, Boxford, North Andover and Tewksbury. The primary contest is Sept. 1, and voters can also cast ballots early in person or by mail.

Age (as of Election Day)

51

Office sought:

State Representative

District:

18th Essex

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I have been living in Andover with my wife Lijun and three children for thirteen years. My daughter Sophia is attending Brandeis University. My twin sons are studying at Andover High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Occupation

Senior research scientist in Microbiology and Biochemistry (over 13 years).

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No

Campaign website

www.shishanwang.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking office because Beacon Hill can benefit from alternative viewpoints. Politicians are making policies in an echo chamber and that is not healthy. Just think about how fast both house and senate pushed through police reform without thorough discussion with stakeholders. I hope to represent a more moderate viewpoint and slow down controversial bills that need more debates and more thought.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

I would rate it a B-minus. To be fair, when it first broke out, the whole world was in uncharted territory. Overall, I think the Governor did a good job given the circumstances. However, from very early on, we know that elderly people and those with comorbidities are the most vulnerable. I think we should have issued stricter guidelines for elder facilities much earlier.

Also, we should have erred on the safe side and mandate mask wearing earlier. People in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan started wearing masks as early as January. They managed to contain the virus and kept their economies going. CDC and WHO were not recommending masks at that time. Given conflicting information, common sense would say to wear a mask.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

I support improving affordable housing and adopting certain zoning changes by simple majority voting rather than the existing two-thirds requirement. Massachusetts is one of the few states requiring two-thirds voting in zoning rules.

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

Residents in my district have a great relationship with law enforcement, and I don’t think there is anything that needs immediate attention. When something unfortunate happens — especially in a different state with different laws — we should resist knee-jerk reactions. Instead, we should calmly analyze our situation, gather data, collect feedback from various stakeholders — especially the police — before pushing for sweeping reform.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Our community suffered two major blows consecutively — the 2018 Columbia Gas Explosion and Covid-19. Each crisis is a reminder of how people, businesses, and communities are struggling and suffering. Meanwhile, the media are dominated by news about social unrests and political bickering. Each news blurb further divides and polarizes the public. This is not how it should be. My vision is to rebuild and have a prosperous and harmonious community where everyone has a chance to succeed and fulfill his or her dreams.

This vision can only be achieved if we:

• Share the values of hard work, grit, civility and civic-mindedness
• Teach our children personal accountability, social responsibility and citizenship
• Embrace pro-economy and pro-job policies
• Cut waste and trim unnecessary spending
• Ensure our children have access to high quality but affordable education
• Preserve law and order

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The incumbent and I are both immigrants. We are both LEGAL immigrants. However, the incumbent is for sanctuary cities/state and giving illegal immigrant licenses. I am against illegal activities, including entering this country without proper authorization. The consequences of illegal activities should be punishment or suspension of privileges, and not reward.

The incumbent is for the ROE Act (which removes parental consent for minors seeking abortions and allows for late-term abortions). I am against expanding abortion rights. I think women have adequate access to legal abortion in Massachusetts.

I oppose any form of tax increase. Instead, I want to cut waste and spending, and make tertiary education affordable.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The incumbent supports Bill S1401, the Safe Communities Act, which limits the cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. She also supports Bill S2061, the Work and Family Mobility Act, which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. These undermine law and order in our district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a research scientist in biotechnology, I have been working on and managing research and development projects since 2007. My team has successfully developed several new products which are being commercialized and used by customers.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what is right and not what is easy.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

After my family and I moved here from China, we went through some rough times. At one point, we were on H1-B visa. It was stressful. It was unnerving, especially when we have young children to feed and clothe at that time. But we worked hard, persevered, and managed to pull through. Now I have a doctorate degree and work as a research scientist. My family and I live in Andover. My daughter is attending Brandeis University and my sons are in Andover High School. Many will say I am an exemplar of the American Dream.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.