Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Erin Buckley

TEWKSBURY, MA -- There are eight candidates running for the representatives seat that serves Tewksbury and Wilmington in the state legislature. Patch reached out to all of the candidates with a series of questions to help introduce voters to those candidates. This is the first in a series of candidate profiles we will publish leading up to the primaries in September and the general election in November.

Today we introduce readers to Erin Buckley, one of two Republicans running for the seat most recently held by James Miceli of Wilmington, who died in April. Buckley, 34, most recently worked as finance director for Rick Green's campaign for Congress and holds a B.S. in political science from Salem State University. She and her husband J.W. live in Tewksbury.

All of the candidates were asked the same questions. We are publishing their answers to selected questions as they were submitted to us, with some editing for space and style considerations.

The single most pressing issue facing our the 19th Middlesex District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Overdevelopment, which puts an undue burden on our tax base for increased services and an increased burden on our outdated infrastructure. I will work as a liaison to the towns of Tewksbury and Wilmington to secure available state funding for much needed repairs and improvements, especially for Route 38.

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

Simply, experience. Specifically, I am the only candidate to have worked in government in both the State House, as Legislative Aide, and on the municipal level, with my current work on the Finance Committee and the Local Housing Partnership. This put me in the unique position of understanding exactly what needs to be done, from Beacon Hill to town hall.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Affordable housing for Seniors is of the utmost importance to me. Also, advocating for and acquiring local funding & grants to help support our school system, specifically mental health and libraries.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

What would make my term in office a success, for me, would be meeting the needs of my constituents, every day, and being seen as an approachable and tireless resource for my neighbors in our two towns.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

My greatest mistake was believing in the supposed limitations I had growing-up. I had an impoverished childhood and thought that college and a better life was something that was simply out of reach for me. I was wrong. After getting married moving to the town of Tewksbury, I saw so many people doing so much great work in order to make the lives of those around them better. I knew that it was my job in life to do the same. Whatever I wanted in life was mine to go out, work for and achieve. And so I have. I went to college, graduated with the highest possible honors, and have worked for my hometown and Commonwealth since. Never believe you are fated to less than what you want. Advocate for yourself and take action!

Why should voters trust you?

Look at my record of service, the 19th Middlesex is my home. We all sink or swim together.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy.

"Sometimes it seems as if there are more solutions than there are problems. On closer scrutiny, it turns out that many of today's problems are a result of yesterday's solutions." -Thomas Sowell

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

The government has no wealth, the citizens have wealth. Taxpayer money is exactly that, citizens' wealth. It is to be used to fund essentials and spent as wisely -- or wiser -- than one would spend their own money. Taxes speak for all taxpayers and it is our shared burden. It is the specific burden of the government to not betray those (including themselves) who refresh the coffers that exist for the greater good.

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

As a Legislative Aide you work, daily, to achieve the agenda of the Representative. It is as close to holding the job of State Representative as one can get without being one. I was so lucky to have been able to help families and individuals from the 2nd Barnstable in my time at the State House. There are many hard-working people who are suddenly thrown into crisis by events outside of their control. I was able to help save homes and ease difficulties. I know this position, I know what it takes, and I know -- not think -- know, I have it.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

As a girl, in passing, I overheard a father say to his son, "Life would be a lot easier if you could live it backwards." I didn't know what he meant at the time but I always remembered it because it sounded so strange to my young ears. As I got older, I understood exactly what he meant; if we knew the consequences of our actions beforehand we would make better decisions. Thank you, whoever you were, I have been infinitely more considerate in my life thanks to your passing remark.

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

I am here to help the 19th Middlesex grow and succeed. I am unapologetically pro-life and pro-Second Amendment. I want Tewksbury and Wilmington to stand-out within the Commonwealth. We have a great responsibility in our inheriting these towns from those who came before us; it is one I don't take on lightly, but do take on willingly.

Coming tomorrow: Meet Pina Prinzivalli, the other Republican candidate in the state representatives race in Tewksbury and Wilmington.

Are you running to represent Tewksbury and Wilmington in the state legislature? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

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Photo by Erin Buckley.