State Senate race heating up

Flanagan gains endorsement from outgoing senator

By Owen Boss

LEOMINSTER — Lifelong Leominster resident and State Rep. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, is currently running for state Senate, and has garnered the endorsement of the man she hopes to replace, Sen. Robert Antonioni, D-Leominster, who has held the seat for the last 16 years. Ms. Flanagan said that during her time on Beacon Hill she has gained a lot of experience through watching Mr. Antonioni, and if elected she will continue to focus on the issues he emphasized as being particularly important such as improving mental health and helping teens. “I think it is important that people know that I am running for the Senate seat because I want to continue the work that has been done by Mr. Antonioni while he was in office,” said Ms. Flanagan, “We have worked collectively on a whole host of issues and have always seen positive results.” Ms. Flanagan added, “I think that the North Central Massachusetts region must have continuity in their voice.” Ms. Flanagan worked for eight and a half years as an aide in the House and including her career as a state representative, she has 13 years of experience on Beacon Hill, and said that during that time she focused her efforts toward promoting mental health. “I received a master’s degree in mental health, and it has always been something that I am very passionate about,” said Ms. Flanagan. “Mental health is one of the primary aspects of my candidacy. When I first entered the House, I specified mental health as a top priority of mine.” During her time in the House, Ms. Flanagan said she was able to do a lot of work with promoting sound mental health for teenagers, and saw firsthand what happens to children who fall through the cracks of the system. “I currently have legislation in the House to start a pilot program for drop-in centers for teens, mental health is something that I have worked on repeatedly, and will do so for the rest of my career.” said Ms. Flanagan. Mr. Antonioni, who also spent the majority of his career in the Senate promoting mental health and raising awareness about depression, said that he is confident that Ms. Flanagan will continue the work that he has been focusing on for the past 16 years. “I am endorsing Jennifer because I think that she will do an excellent job as state senator,” said Mr. Antonioni, “She is a really smart person, and she is very willing to fight for something if she thinks it is what is best for the state.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 4/25/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 99)