Domingo Dominguez: State Representative Candidate Profile

SALEM, MA — Domingo Dominguez is one of three candidates on the ballot looking to succeed Paul Tucker as the state representative for the 7th Essex District encompassing Salem.

The 58-year-old Salem City Councilor At-Large is vying for the Sept. 6 Democratic nomination.

A father of seven, with four grandchildren, with a degree in business from Lee University, Dominguez told Patch he is running for state representative to help secure resources for Salem's housing issues for income-limited people as well as improve public transportation and addiction and mental health services.

The statewide general election is Nov. 8.

Campaign website

www.electdomingodominguez.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Salem's most pressing community problems require state action. I intend to work on housing, transportation, education, addiction, and public safety concerns that impact all of us.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing. I support and will advocate passage of at least two bills (H 1401 and H 3270) currently before the legislature that will alleviate housing concerns for seniors and for income-limited people.

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

1. Experience : I am a three-term City Councillor. 2. Focus : State Representative is the ONLY office I will hold if elected. My opponent has said he will keep his school committee seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Addiction: I have made three important proposals to boost the fight against this scourge and to support mental health treatment for those in need. Transportation: prioritizing the opening of a South Salem stop on the commuter rail line that serves our city.

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

In my six years as a city councilor I have taken a leadership position to resolve contentious zoning and over-development issues that have come before the Council and which have generated important push back from our residents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To be my own person and not to be a follower.

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

Constituent service means a lot tome. If Salemites ask for my help, I give it whenever I can.

Holding public office isn't only about advocacy and laws. It's about making people's lives better, even if in a small way.

Sometimes it's the small helps that really count. That is who I am.