Endorsements

Marblehead Police Union

From Marblehead and Swampscott Reporter:

Editorial: Ehrlich, Blaisdell for state rep

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For the Republicans: John Blaisdell

Accessibility is also a key reason we support longtime Marblehead police officer John Blaisdell in the Republican primary, but it’s an accessibility of a more “old school” variety.

Throughout this first stage of the campaign, Blaisdell has provided ample evidence that his candidacy comes from a “good place.” For example, when he notes his opposition to in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, instead of a prolonged attack, Blaisdell quickly turns talk to those he feels more deserving of a reduced-rate seat at Massachusetts colleges: those living across the border but working (and thus paying income tax) in the state, along with “border-state heroes,” those living outside Massachusetts but who have, like Blaisdell, served their country in the armed forces. (We think the state colleges could accommodate “all of the above,” but that’s a discussion for another day.)

While we don’t agree with Blaisdell on all issues, he has shown a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and pledged to vote across party lines when his conscience dictates. The value of these skills cannot be underestimated, given that his party is a stark minority on Beacon Hill. Compromise would simply be a fact of life, were he to be elected.

While he and his opponent each have public-safety backgrounds, Blaisdell’s, which came on a local level (not just with the Marblehead Police, but with the county’s courts and sheriff’s department) is more applicable to the office he is seeking. His seven years heading up the local police union could be a valuable resource as the communities in the 8th Essex District mull (or, in the case of Swampscott, revisit) joining the state-run Group Insurance Commission, one of what seems to be a finite number of options for easing pressure on municipal budgets.

Republicans are encouraged to support John Blaisdell next Tuesday, Feb. 5.

From Salem Evening News:

In the 8th Essex: Ehrlich and Blaisdell

Republicans would give themselves a good shot at competing for this seat by nominating John Blaisdell. A retired Marblehead police officer, he has remained active in the community. A fiscal conservative, Blaisdell has the knowledge and negotiating skills essential to being an effective representative in a chamber that's dominated by Democrats.