Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Pina Prinzivalli

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 Pina Prinzivalli, one of two Republicans running for the seat most recently held by James Miceli of Wilmington, who died in April. Prinzivalli, 34, has worked in banking for 15 years and currently works as a branch manager. She is engaged to be married and lives 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.

The burden on the taxpayers. I will put the taxpayers first on Beacon Hill.

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

I'm the only candidate who has already been working to lower our tax burden. When I launched my campaign in October of 2017, I collected signatures for a ballot question to reduce the sales tax and establish an annual tax free weekend. I'm the only candidate who has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. I'll never vote myself a pay raise and will donate any increase in base salary to charity.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Making sure we get a better return on our tax dollars by focusing on local aid and not the special interests. If our district was getting more of a return on local aid to spend on public safety, schools, and our seniors, our local officials wouldn't have to constantly raise property taxes. Taking care of our seniors and veterans. Protecting our Constitutional rights and freedoms. Fighting the opioid crisis by strategically funding the right programs, making sure those who are coming out of recovery have a chance to get back to work and be successful. And I'm a firm believer in being tough on the drug dealers who are killing our loved ones.

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

Knowing that I have earned the trust and support of the taxpayers.

Why should voters trust you?

My fiancé says "look at her smile," LOL. Plus I'm Italian, I always tell it like it is. I'm a taxpayer just like you. Not a politician. I can relate and understand how difficult it is to live, work, and raise a family in Massachusetts.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy.

"Taxpayers first!"

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

"Taxpayers first" says it all. You deserve to keep more of your hard earned money to provide for yourself, your family and your loved ones. Government doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.

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

As a branch manager at a local bank, I work for the people everyday. Whether it's building for their family's future or their wanting to start a small business, I try and make their lives easier and lead them in the right direction for success. I take pride that I'm the only non politician in this race. I'm here to go to work for you.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Don't be afraid to stand up and fight for what you believe in. That's why I launched my campaign in October of 2017. The first do so. Courage. And I'll bring that courage to the State House and do what's right.

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

I'm pro life, pro 2nd Amendment, just as Mr. Miceli was. I oppose Sanctuary Cities and becoming a Sanctuary State. Our seniors and veterans have been pushed aside in favor of those who are here illegally, and that's wrong.

Previously in this series: Republican Erin Buckley (06/04/2018).

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.