Rogers Takes Office with Mother by His Side

After a year gap, the 24th Middlesex District now has a representative back in the House.

State Rep. Dave Rogers was sworn in to office Wednesday, Jan. 2, in front of family and friends. Rogers, a first-time candidate who claimed a decisive victory over Independent Jim Gammill and Republican Tomi Olson in November, wrote that it was especially poignant for him to have his mother, Maxine Fitzgerald Rogers, sitting next to him during the ceremony in the House of Representatives Chamber on Beacon Hill. “She just turned 92,” he wrote in an email, "and is an inspiration to our entire family for the way that she held us all together and moving in a positive direction after my dad died young, leaving her with seven children.” Rogers, of Cambridge, wrote that his first day in office was largely a day of “pomp and circumstance.” However…

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The State Rep. Candidates Make Their Closing Arguments

Jim Gammill, Tomi Olson and Dave Rogers' final appeals to the voters of the 24th Middlesex District.

Jim Gammill, Independent Open Innovative Government  I am running as your neighbor. For 26 years I lived in the district, raising a family and enjoying all the benefits that come with calling Belmont and Arlington my home.  For about ten thousand days you've seen me on the bus, on the bike paths, at the playgrounds, coaching sports teams, organizing outreach activities, and also just hanging out. I know this district first hand. I bring thirty-five years of professional experience to this race. As someone with a long track record of original ideas, I will make unique contributions to the legislative process. But the most powerful thing I'll bring to this job is your mandate and authority.  By electing me over the two party candidates, you …

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Governor Patrick Endorses Dave Rogers for State Rep.

Gov. Deval Patrick backed fellow Democrat Dave Rogers Thursday in the 24th Middlesex District race.

The following is from the Committee to Elect Dave Rogers. October 31st, 2012 – Governor Patrick today announced his endorsement of Dave Rogers, candidate for State Representative in the 24th Middlesex district. Rogers stated, “I am deeply honored to have our Governor’s endorsement.  Governor Patrick is a reformer, successfully championing improvements to transparency and openness in government as well as sound fiscal management practices. My priorities and Governor Patrick’s are well matched. Together, we are committed to finding a long-term solution to our public transportation system, and ensuring our schools receive the necessary resources and funding to allow our students to succeed. I look forward to a strong working relationship with…

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Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Long-time Town Official Supporting Rogers for State Representative

Jack Hurd writes that Democratic candidate Dave Rogers is the right choice for Arlington.

The following is a Letter to the Editor from Arlington resident Jack Hurd. Like most people in Arlington, I didn’t know Dave Rogers when the campaign for state representative began. I have come to know and support Dave because he embodies all the qualities that will make him effective representing us at the State House. Dave has knocked on over 2,300 doors throughout the district, including my own, to introduce himself and to learn what is on residents' minds. As a long-time town official and homeowner, I strongly believe Dave will work hard for our fair share of state funding. Beyond funding necessities, I am very impressed with Dave's listening skills and his true interest in learning more about the issues that concern Arlington …

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Brownsberger Backs Dave Rogers for Old Seat

State Sen. Will Brownsberger endorsed fellow Democrat Dave Rogers Thursday for his former 24th Middlesex District seat in the state House of Representatives.

The following is from the Committee to Elect Dave Rogers. October, 18, 2012 – State Senator Will Brownsberger (D-S2) endorsed Dave Rogers, candidate for State Representative in the 24th Middlesex District. This district comprises all of Belmont, precincts 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 in Arlington, and North Cambridge. Senator Brownsberger served as a state representative from 2007-2012 in this seat before being elected as a state senator. “I am pleased to endorse Dave Rogers for the state representative seat. Dave is a smart, independent thinker whose practical, common sense approach will be valuable for the legislature as well as his district,” Brownsberger stated. “Receiving Will’s endorsement is a great privilege and I am extremely honored by …

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State Rep. Candidates' Question: Maintaining MBTA Services

Part of a series of weekly questions to the candidates for the 24th Middlesex District race.

Each week for the remainder of the campaign, Arlington Patch will be providing a "Question of the Week" to the candidates for the House of Representative's 24th Middlesex District – Jim Gammill, Tomi Olson and Dave Rogers – that will run on Thursday mornings. Below is the question and the candidates' answers. Question The MBTA's Interim General Manager Jonathan Davis said while the authority will attempt to keep the level of service at current levels, he made it clear that revenue from all sources – riders and the legislature – must be increased for this this to happen. As the state representative from three communities that rely on mass transportation, would you be willing to ask 24th Middlesex District taxpayers to pay more through a tax…

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Jim Gammill

9:33 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Hi Andrew: Thanks for the comment and question. I am so glad you are working on this -- the fact that this research is being done right here is what makes the chance to represent this area at the State House exciting and special. I'm not pushing a specific proposal -- my research is not in this field -- but I am flagging it as an area where government policy and actions must be encouraging. For …   more ›

State Rep. Candidates Debate Thursday

The live televised debate starts at 6 p.m.

The Belmont Media Center and Belmont Patch will be hosting a live televised, hour-long debate at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, with the three candidates vying for the 24th Middlesex District seat in the state House of Representatives. The debate will be the first time Independent Jim Gammill, Republican Tomi Olson and Democrat Dave Rogers square off. It will be moderated by Belmont Patch Editor Franklin Tucker and former Belmont Selectman Anne Marie Mahoney at the Belmont Media Center. The format will include opening statements, questions from the moderators and then questions each of the candidates will ask their opponents before a round of closing statements. The broadcast will be screened live on Belmont cable, and Arlington residents …

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State Rep. Candidates' Question: Solving the Most Heard Local Concerns

Part of a series of weekly questions to the candidates for the 24th Middlesex District race.

Each week for the remainder of the campaign, Arlington Patch will be providing a "Question of the Week" to the candidates for the House of Representative's 24th Middlesex District – Jim Gammill, Tomi Olson and Dave Rogers – that will run on Thursday mornings. Below is the question and the candidates' answers. Dave Rogers, Democrat As I've walked across the district, listening to neighbors and hearing their concerns, I've enjoyed discussions covering a diverse range of topics. While countless issues come up, two issues surface more than any others: education and transportation.  Education is any advanced society's most critical investment, particularly now in an ever more competitive and inter-connected world. Belmont draws residents in …

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Citizens for Limited Taxation PAC Endorses Tomi Olson for State. Rep.

Olson is a Republican candidate in the 24th Middlesex District.

The following is from the Tomi Olson campaign. The Tomi Olson campaign is thrilled to announce that the Citizens for Limited Taxation PAC has endorsed her candidacy for State Representative in the 24th Middlesex District. Unlike her opponents in this race, Tomi believes that we can provide essential services without placing increasing burden on taxpayers. Tomi understands that we need to increase the number of taxpayers not raise taxes. To do that we must foster an environment conducive to growth and job creation. Yet under the current policies being pursued by the Beacon Hill establishment we are doing just the opposite. Just last week we learned that Massachusetts lost another 4,800 jobs and the unemployment rate is going up again. If …

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