Special GoLocal Debate: State Senate Candidates Face Off

Monday, October 29, 2012

Adam Joseph Drici, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Democratic incumbent Mike Moore will square off against Republican challenger Steve Simonian in the 2nd Worcester District State Senate debate streaming live on GoLocalTV today at 5:30p.m.

The two are battling to represent the towns of Auburn, Grafton, Leicester and Millbury, as well as portions of Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Upton and Worcester, on Beacon Hill next year.

Dueling Campaigns

Moore, a former police officer with the Department of Environmental Police and environmental investigator in the state Attorney General's Office, has held the seat since 2008 and is seeking a third term.

"As we enter the final couple of weeks of this election, my message to the voters will remain consistent with the rest of my campaign: I'm proud of the proven record of results I've achieved, I will continue to be as accessible and available as possible, and I will continue to give 110 percent to serving the needs and concerns of my constituents," the State Senator said.

His opponent Simonian, an Auburn Selectman and Navy veteran, said he has been out knocking on doors throughout the district since March, sharing his message with voters.

"I will work for them, plain and simple," he said, arguing that the Commonwealth's government should focus on what it can do well for residents and recognize how those residents would be better served by leaving some issues in their hands without the state getting involved.

"That's my goal, to try and make common sense decisions that help people, help business owners and put folks back to work."

Two Visions for the 2nd District

Simonian said one of the biggest assets he brings to the table is two decades of private sector experience in project managment and quality assurance, two key components that he said are missing in the State House.

"Government needs to think a little bit more like businesses do," he said.

"The easy thing to do is just dip into the taxpayer piggybank every time you need more money."

The Republican said that, if elected, he would put in the work to make better decisions and increase efficiency without having to take that route.

Moore has been recognized by several pro-business organizations, including the National Federation of Independent Business and the Restaurant and Business Alliance, for his efforts in support of small business and job creation in the area.

"My focus moving forward is to promote small business growth, continue with tax relief for middle class families, work towards greater investment in quality education, and make higher education more affordable and accessible," he said.

In making his case to voters in the 2nd Worcester District, Simonian has said that he will be able to serve constituents better than his opponent because he is outside the Boston political establishment and will make their needs his top priority.

"If I'm going to go out there and ask them for their support then absolutely I represent them."

Moore said he has focused heavily on increasing local aid and state funding for the district throughout his two terms, despite the fiscal challenges of the current economy.

Ground Game Matters

Both candidates noted the importance of being visible members of the community. Simonian, who engaged in an extensive door-knocking effort, said he has received a positive response from constituents.

"We can't even keep up with the sign requests," he said.

Moore said he has been attending as many community events, charitable programs, constituent office hours and civic organization meetings as he can.

"So far my message to voters has received an overwhelmingly positive response, and I'm optimistic people will recognize everything I've done so far, as well as my vision for the future."