Milford's Crean Aims To Unseat Fattman: Patch Candidate Profile

MILFORD, MA — One of this November's most interesting state-level races is happening in the Worcester and Norfolk district that spans Milford to Southbridge.

Former Milford Democratic Committee chair Christine Crean, 64, is facing off against three-term incumbent state Sen. Ryan Fattman. Crean took an unusual path to the election, mounting a successful write-in campaign in the September primary to get her name on the ballot.

Now Crean is tasked with unseating a popular Republican who has won his seat by more than 50 percent in each election where he's faced a challenger. In 2014, he took the seat from Democrat Richard Moore with 54 percent of the vote, and beat Democrat Thomas Merolli in 2018 with almost 58 percent of the vote.

But Crean has been putting in lots of time canvassing neighborhoods, and is differentiating herself from Fattman by saying she'll advocate for issues like climate change and LGBTQ rights — Fattman was one of a handful of state senators who voted against a 2016 transgender discrimination bill.

We sent both Crean and Fattman candidate questionnaires ahead of the Nov. 3 election — although between early voting and absentee voting, many votes have already been cast. Here's how Crean responded.

Christine Crean

Age (as of Election Day): 64
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Family: John Crean, Husband; Kailyn Santacroce, Daughter; Xavier, Selena, Enzo, grandchildren
Education: BSW, Providence College; MSW Salem State College
Occupation: Social Worker; Elderly Home Care 1978-1980; Department of Children and Families 1980-2015; Private Practice 2016-present
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Milford Town Meeting member
Campaign website: crean4senate.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want stronger representation for working families for my towns and communities; Build back trust in our government

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?

B-. I feel decisions were made to balance between keeping people safe and allowing the economy to thrive to best of the state's ability given the lack of support and leadership from the feds.

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

I would need to look into how well its working, compared to the intent of the law.

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

We should be doing a needs assessment on what is working and what is not working. The issues of racial profiling, and uneven treatment of suspects may not be fully documented.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Address the needs of small business and working families.

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

I believe climate change is real. I support preventing discrimination of LBGTQ.

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

Unavailable; serves special interest over rank and file working families. refuses needed funding for the towns in the district.

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

I will be a strong voice for needs of the towns and communities. I am able to build coalitions to work toward a common goal.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen and work through conflicts, don't avoid them.

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

I know I don't have all the answers. I am teachable and willing to learn.