Rudnick Woos Potential Voters At Forum

About 20 people showed for a candidate forum Aug. 25 with Charles Rudnick , Democratic Primary challenger to incumbent State Senator  Cynthia Creem, at the Maugus Restaurant.

Potential voters questioned that night said that while they hadn't necessarily made up their minds, Rudnick's ideas and well-spoken manner had impressed them.  Creem and Rudnick will contend  for their party's nomination Sept. 14.

Rudnick spoke briefly about his campaign and answered questions before breaking for an informal meet and greet session with pastries and coffee at the 300 Washington St. establishment.

"I appreciate you coming out," Rudnick said. "I think the only thing that would make it better would be if Senator Creem were here." Rudnick has challenged Creem to a debate in each town in the district. Mike Sherry, campaign manager for Creem, has stated the four debates between the candidates: Aug. 3 on Newton TV at 7 p.m. , a candidates night sponsored by the Brookline Democratic Town Committee Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Brookline Town Hall, at Newton South in May and a discussion with Gatehouse Media's editors  in the company's Needham office Aug. 12. were enough.

"I believe Beacon Hill is broken and I believe we need new leadership," Rudnick said. He pointed to wind farm legislation and reform of the probation department, issues which were tabled for the senate's break, as evidence that state lawmakers aren't working diligently for the state. "Instead of tackling these issues, the senate decided to go on recess," Rudnick said.

Stella Chan Flynn of Wellesley wanted to know Rudnick's position on illegal immigrants. Rudnick replied that immigration has strengthened the US. Illegal, or undocumented immigrants, he said, have been used as scapegoats for the country's problems. He said voters' interest in the issue should be a wake-up call that federal law needs to changed to allow a legitimate, yet rigorous, avenue to citizenship.

Regarding MCAS, he said, he doesn't think it should be a graduation requirement, but he said he does support the state's adoption of the Common Core standards.

When asked what he'd do right away if elected, Rudnick said he'd work to make the State Senate committee chairmanships elected instead of appointed, to dilute the power of the speaker. After that, "Maybe somebody would be more likely to stand up," and disagree with the status quo, he said.

Rudnick said he'd also work to establish same-day voter registration on election days.

 "I haven't decided yet," said Pat Adams, when asked if Rudnick had won her vote. "As of this moment, I know him better than I know the incumbent," she said, "I'm favorably impressed."

"He's a very appealing candidate," said Tony Esposito.