Centurion Aims For 13th Middlesex House Seat: Candidate Profile

FRAMINGHAM, MA — For the first time since 2014, there will be a November contest for the 13th Middlesex House seat.

Incumbent Democratic state Rep. Carmine Gentile is facing a challenge from Republican Ingrid Centurion, a former military pilot. They both live in Sudbury, but their take on issues like the economy and police reform are very different.

Reducing taxes and "endless regulations" are the fore of Centurion's platform. She's also firmly against the police reform bill in negotiations on Beacon Hill. Centurion also faces an uphill climb in the district. The last Republican to run for the seat was Susan Pope in 2008, and she was defeated by Democrat Thomas Conroy by about 3,600 votes.

Patch has asked both Gentile and Centurion to fill out our candidate questionnaire. Here's how Centurion responded:

Ingrid Centurion

Age (as of Election Day): 51
Party Affiliation: Republican
Family: Jose Moreno - husband, Anthony Moreno and Brandon Moreno - sons, Eva Centurion mother
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Education: Masters Degree in Aviation Operations and Management, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Bachelors Degree Aeronautical Technology, Arizona State University, ISO9001 Quality Management Certified
Occupation: Small business owner, Ingrid Centurion professional speaker and corporate (Safety and Leadership) trainer.
Campaign website: www.ingrid4rep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To serve, represent and improve the lives of the people in the District.

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 give the state a grade of C-. While big box stores were allowed to be open, small businesses were not given an option. The state picked economic winners and losers. I don’t believe that people should have to hire a lobbyist so they can survive economically. Worse yet, is the loss of life in our nursing homes. There needs to be major reform for long term care so that the most vulnerable in our society are safe. The legislature has not met in over 7 weeks. They have failed to take up the legislation to reform the Holyoke Soldiers Home where 76 veterans died.

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

High housing costs are partially due to over regulations, government bureaucracy in the permitting process, and taxation. This is why I support limited taxation and smaller government.
One way to alleviate the problem is to allow zoning rules to permit homeowners to add accessory rental units which will increase the stock of affordable units.

There are other solutions that don’t require the government to take control of it or to restrict the rights of the property owners. In Scituate, they’re building a 30-unit affordable senior project that’s a model for public/private partnership. The Housing Authority had extra land that it leased for $1 to a private developer who accessed low income tax credit financing options, in conjunction with town’s CPA /affordable housing funds which essentially provided the subsidy to allow affordable rents and to make the project economically viable. The developer incurs all of the risk and management responsibilities and the town gains 30 affordable units.

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

Everyone is rightfully upset over the death of George Floyd. This could have been a moment of coming together. Instead it got politicized and our police got thrown under the bus. Being multi-cultural, I will bridge the divide between community and the police. As a mother, I support police being in our schools investigating gang activity. Under the current law bad police can be held accountable. What you don’t due is repeal “qualified immunity” which is basically the Good Samaritan Law for good police officers. Moreover, Massachusetts has not had a death in police custody in decades. Hence, it was wrong of the legislature to undermine the men and women who have put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Our state has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the nation. We need to put people back to work. I will support our small business community because they create the majority of new jobs. Furthermore, I will give small businesses a voice at the State House. Please visit Ingrid4rep.com to see more of my vision.

I will work to create transparency in the House of Representatives. I support the legislative exemption from the open meeting and open records laws.

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

I’m not a career politician. I am mom, Iraq war veteran, former Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Army, advocate for veterans, and small business owner who will put people ahead of politics. Being multicultural, I can bring a fresh perspective to the State House.

I will vote for the district not for the insiders. I will address the most pressing needs of this district especially during a pandemic. Unlike the incumbent, my priorities will not be divided by a second career. You will get a full time Representative.

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

Accomplishments: Innovative Programs and Projects. I have initiated multiple National Programs to support young professionals and small business owners.

Accomplishments: Professional and Commercial Pilot. Being a US Army Aviator helicopter and fixed wing pilot, test pilot and instructor pilot, I understand safety, regulations, budgets and programs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be kind to people; treat people as you would like to be treated.

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

I have the energy and determination to make a positive difference. I will vote for you at the State House – not the insiders. I will not throw people under the bus to grab a politically correct headline. I will not support knee-jerk legislation. I will make thoughtful and informed decisions. I will be a voice for the people that they are now lacking.

READ: Carmine Gentile Seeks 4th Term In MA House: Candidate Profile