Shaunna2010

U.S. Senator Scott Brown Endorses Shaunna O'Connell

2010-06-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2010
CONTACT: John Ciampa ~ 508-415.9665

O’Connell’s Campaign Gaining Momentum

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, proudly announced that she has received the endorsement of United States Senator Scott Brown.

“I am extremely pleased that I have earned Scott Brown’s endorsement,” said O’Connell. “Like Scott Brown, I want to be an independent voice for the people of Taunton.”

“Shaunna O'Connell is a dynamic fighter who will bring about real change on Beacon Hill. Shaunna will make an outstanding State Representative for the people of Taunton, and I am proud to support her candidacy,” said United States Senator Scott Brown.

This is an important endorsement for O’Connell, because Brown carried Taunton. Moreover, it is unusual for a former member of the House to endorse against a former colleague. Brown and Rep. Fagan served in the Massachusetts House together for several years.

O’Connell and Brown share many of the same positions, such as they both signed the No New Taxes pledge. On the other hand, Fagan has never signed it, and in fact, he has a terrible rating with Citizens for Limited Taxation when it comes to the issue of taxes.

“Rep. Fagan has been part of the problem. He has been a protector of the status quo on Beacon Hill just like his fellow lawyer Martha Coakley,” said O’Connell. “Fagan has had years to show his independence and failed. He voted to keep the hack holidays instead of protecting the interest of the taxpayers. In 2009, a non-election year, he voted against stopping illegal immigrants from collecting state benefits, which at a minimum cost the state $600 million. We have had enough of incumbents whose only mission is to protect their jobs.”

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and quickly becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and continues to be active in her church and as a volunteer for numerous community programs.

O’CONNELL WILL BE A FULL-TIME STATE REPRESENTATIVE

2010-05-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:John Ciampa - 508-415-9665
May 10, 2010

Part-Time Vs. Full-Time Will Be a Major Difference

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, pledged to be a full-time State Representative for the people of Taunton.

“Our state and city are facing some serious problems. It will take a full-time Representative to get the job done,” said O’Connell. “Whether it is dealing with educational funding, state spending or the economy, you can count on me to be working on the issues full-time for Taunton.”

O’Connell is pledging to put aside her work so her priorities will not be divided. She believes that Representatives receive a salary for a full-time position, so she plans to earn it by working non-stop.

“The full-time issue is a clear difference between me and the incumbent. As we saw last week, our Representative can become very busy with his legal clients,” stated O’Connell. “My priorities will not be divided between the people of this district and a legal practice.”

O’Connell will also send out informative newsletters, not at taxpayer expense, and will hold regular office hours to be fully available to constituents.

“The people of Taunton deserve the best possible representation during these tough economic times,” added O’Connell.

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and quickly becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children, has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.

Voters Will Not Be Fooled by "Election Year Conversion"

2010-05-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2010

O’CONNELL CALLS OUT FAGAN FOR FLIP-FLOPPING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

O’Connell Says Voters Will Not Be Fooled by the Election Year Conversion

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, criticized State Representative James Fagan for flip-flopping on the issue of illegal immigration.

On Wednesday of this week, Representative Jeff Perry offered an amendment requiring the screening of applicants for welfare, food stamps and public housing in order to stop illegal immigrants from collecting taxpayer funded assistance. Fagan voted against the political maneuver of burying the amendment in a study committee. However, in 2009 (non-election year) Fagan voted to put the same amendment into a study committee.

“Like many other Taunton residents, I am greatly disappointed once again with our incumbent Representative. Last year he was against it and this year he is for it. He has proven once again that he is just a shameless politician only concerned with saving his second job,” said O’Connell. “Unlike Fagan, I will be a dependable vote for stopping illegal immigration in Massachusetts.”

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, Massachusetts has 220,000 illegal immigrants. 25% collect welfare benefits, 11% received food stamp assistance, and 20% are covered by Medicaid.

“No one is being fooled by Fagan’s election year conversion,” said O’Connell. “We can assume by his flip-flop that he knew he failed to represent the wishes of Taunton residents in 2009. He should do what is right consistently, not just in an election year.”

“Voters have had enough politicians saying and doing anything to get elected. That’s why my campaign to be Taunton’s real representative is gaining momentum. People want a Representative on Beacon Hill they can trust,” added O’Connell.

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and quickly becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs. To learn more about Shaunna O'Connell's campaign, visit www.shaunna2010.com.

O’CONNELL URGES PASSAGE OF LOCAL AID RESOLUTION

2010-03-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Ciampa - 508-415-9665
3.22.10

Incumbent MIA on Defending Local Aid

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, responded to the failure of the Massachusetts House of Representatives to consider a local aid resolution at the first formal session in several weeks.

“Our tax dollars belong in Taunton rather than the Boston bureaucracy. Passage of this resolution would have made a statement that our Representatives wanted to protect local instead of slashing it,” said O’Connell. “This resolution deserved the support of every House member.”

Last week House Republicans attempted to introduce a resolution on local aid on the House Floor. The Democrat leadership refused to allow it to be debated.

“Where was our Representative? Why didn’t he stand up and do the right thing in protecting our local aid?” asked O’Connell. “Clearly he is too partisan and that is hurting us in Taunton.”

The resolution proposed the following:
1. Establish a minimum level of Chapter 70 and Unrestricted Local Aid equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY11.
* The minimum Chapter 70 appropriation must equal $4,048,324,258 for FY11
* The minimum Unrestricted Local Aid appropriation must equal $936,437,803

2. Establish a minimum level of funding for each of the following accounts to equal the amount proposed by the Governor for FY11
* Reimbursement to cities in lieu of taxes $27.3 million
* Regional school transportation $40.5 million
* Special education residential schools $135 million

“We need a Representative who will fight for Taunton and put our priorities first. By not standing up for this resolution, Rep. Fagan has proven once again that he is more obligated to the insiders on Beacon Hill than us,” added O’Connell.

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and eventually becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.

End The Beacon Hill Insider Holidays

2010-03-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

O’CONNELL FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Ciampa - 508.415.9665
3.17.10

O’CONNELL: It’s Time to End Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Holidays

Fagan Cast Deciding Vote to Preserve Beacon Hill Insider Holiday

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative, announced her support for ending the special Suffolk County holidays of Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

“At a time when so many people are unemployed, it is a disgrace that the legislature is protecting this costly perk,” said O’Connell. “There is no reason Suffolk County government workers and the legislature deserve an extra two days off.”

Last year on June 3rd, State Representative James Fagan voted against abolishing the holidays which would have saved taxpayer dollars. It was a tie vote and Fagan voted as a Beacon Hill insider. (Roll Call 145 – 78 Yeas vs. 78 Nays) Preserving these Suffolk County Holidays is just one difference between O’Connell and Fagan.

“Every day we hear about how our state is in fiscal chaos and that Taunton’s local aid is being threatened. A 25% sales tax increase was forced upon us, and yet when our State Representative could have taken a small step to protect the interests of the taxpayers, he failed. He cast the tie vote saving these so-called hack holidays,” said O’Connell. “He had a choice between Taunton taxpayers and the Beacon Hill gang. Taunton lost again. We need a Representative fighting for our interest rather than political insiders.”

O’Connell went on to state that when elected, she will cast the vote to repeal the holiday perk. “One vote can make a difference,” added O’Connell.

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and eventually becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and has been active in her church and volunteers for numerous community programs.

Voters can find more information on her by visiting www.Shaunna2010.com.

Taunton Sends a Message to Washington

2010-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in this historical election, Massachusetts sent a message to Washington: "We're the boss and we're taking control."

The people of Taunton were among the loudest voices sending that message. So it is loud and clear that the good folks in my hometown are looking for new leadership, independent leadership, someone they can trust to represent their best interests.

I intend to work very hard to earn the support of the people of Taunton. I know that being elected as State Representative will be an honor, not an entitlement.

As your State Representative, I want to go to Beacon Hill and be a leader in fighting for government reforms to demand accountability, eliminate wasteful spending, and put you back in charge of Beacon Hill.

As I have in the past, I will continue to fight for stronger laws that protect our kids and keep our neighborhoods safe.

On to the next victory for the people!
Shaunna

City of Taunton Inauguration

2010-01-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

After attending the inauguration for elected officials in the City of Taunton on January 4th, I was filled with a renewed sense of pride and respect for my city. I've always known my hometown is a great community filled with caring people, and this ceremony only deepened that understanding.

The first word that comes to mind in describing the ceremony is "all-American," from the opening prayer, to the National Anthem performed by a student, to the middle school chorus singing I'm Proud To Be An American.

The ceremony ended with an address from Mayor Charles Crowley, who assured us the elected officials will be working together to keep Taunton on the path to economic recovery, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality education, to name a few.

And that's what it's really all about: working together for something bigger than yourself, for the common good of the community.

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year,
Shaunna

Common Sense Makes a Comeback

2009-12-29T05:03:00.000-08:00

Now, here's a good piece of proposed legislation that really makes sense: alleviate some of the burdensome coverage requirements placed on insurance companies that drive up the cost of health care for everyone in Massachusetts.

Just a couple examples of some of the 37 treatments insurance companies are required to cover here in Massachusetts are infertility and chiropractic treatments.

Certainly no one wants to eliminate basic procedures and life-saving treatments. What will be accomplished is eliminating inefficient government regulations that do more damage than anything else.

The manner in which this reform is accomplished will most likely be at the center of the debate, but let's just hope that our legislature will have meaningful debate and not turn this into a partisan issue that will be buried by the supermajority on Beacon Hill.

Protect our Children...Please

2009-12-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

I read in horror, as I'm sure you all did, about the 3-year-old who was raped by a repeat sex offender who was free on bail. This monster had recently raped a 5-year-old while her 10-year-old cousin watched in fear.

The prosecution asked for $200,000 bail in the first rape case. The judge gave a mere $10,000 bail and refused to impose any conditions, such as "stay away from children." How can anyone deny the fact that we need mandatory sentencing?

Now legislation is being filed to require dangerousness hearings to be held in cases involving sex crimes against children. This allows pretrial detention for a period of time for defendants found to be dangerous.

It sounds like something that should already be required, right? So of course it will pass in the House very quickly, right? Wrong. Let's not forget how difficult it was to get even lenient mandatory sentences of 10 years passed in Massachusetts last year.

When it comes to protecting children, you can't take anything for granted in Massachusetts. We all need to call our reps and demand tougher mandatory sentences and mandatory dangerousness hearings for sex crimes against kids.

A Self-Imposed Vacation...wouldn't that be nice.

2009-11-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

Is anyone you know getting six weeks of vacation right before Thanksgiving? Maybe you are? No, I didn't think so. But if you're a member of the Massachusetts state legislature you are. And well deserved too, don't you think? (Answer: NO!)

After all, it's hard work to vote to restore $18.8 million to the "legislative fund," a slush fund we don't know much about that the legislature reserves for its own personal use. It also takes a lot of energy to fight for keeping the two "hack holidays" that the vast majority of us do not get paid for. Eliminating those would only save us about $10 million anyway. Chump change if you're an entrenched incumbent of the Massachusetts legislature.

The answer you've probably heard to any concerns about our elected officials recessing for the rest of the year when there is still much important work to do is that "those are the rules." And we know our trustworthy legislature never breaks the rules...right?

They are self-imposed rules!! Our state reps and senators make them, and they can change them. Of course, that would mean doing that dirty little thing we call "reform."

There's one sure way to get reform: vote in new candidates in 2010!

Veterans Day 2009

2009-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

A Memorable Veterans Day

This year is by far the most meaningful Veterans Day I have experienced. I had the honor and privilege to participate in several events to honor our veterans and troops.

One of the events was the Taunton Fire Department's breakfast fundraiser for grave markers. I set up a table for the kids to make Christmas cards for our troops overseas. The children wrote tear-jerking notes like "Thanks for keeping us safe" and "You're my hero." It's very important that we teach our children how much other people have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for this country.

I always feel a strong sense of pride in my community when I'm out there volunteering my time and helping to instill in our children the importance of service and charity.

Shaunna

2009-11-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

Jessica's Law Working In Massachusetts

Today is a great day for children in Massachusetts. The first convicted sex offender in Mass. was sentenced under Jessica's Law, which requires mandatory sentences for sex offenders. The D.A. praised Jessica's Law as a valuable "sentencing tool to punish this defendant for his reprehensible actions against a vulnerable child."

Contrary to the claims that children would be "ripped apart" on the witness stand, this brave young girl was able to testify in front of a jury and help put this dangerous repeat sex offender in jail.

Although a watered-down version of Jessica's Law was passed in Massachusetts, we still have some of the weakest laws in the country for sex offenders. As I have in the past, I will continue to work with legislators, like Representative Karyn Polito, and child advocacy groups to help strengthen our laws. The safety of our children should be our number one priority.

Shaunna

2009-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hopewell School Receives Blue Ribbon Award
Congratulations to all faculty and students at Hopewell School in Taunton on receiving the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award. Out of 120,000 schools in the country, only 314 were selected, three of them in Massachusetts.

The Blue Ribbon Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teachers, students and parents. This clearly demonstrates that the innovation and commitment of our teachers are key components in academic success.

2009-10-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Who Is Protecting Our Families? Not The Massachusetts Legislature.

Today there is yet another story in the Boston Herald of a woman being viciously attacked by a repeat sex offender. A violent level-three sex offender who has been charged and convicted of various sexual assaults since 1996 has spent little time in jail for his offenses.

Prosecutors tried to have David Flavell declared a sexually dangerous person in 2006, but Judge Richard T. Moses disagreed and allowed him to go free. Since then, Flavell has been charged with sexual crimes twice, once in 2007 and again in 2008 when he tried to rape a woman. Today we can add another charge to the list.

So it makes any sane person wonder why our legislature fought so hard against tough mandatory sentences for convicted sex offenders. A mere ten-year sentence was called "draconian" on the house floor. The majority of states have a mandatory 25-year sentence.

Massachusetts has some of the weakest laws for sex offenders in the country. We must strengthen laws that protect families and children and close the myriad of loopholes that let repeat sex offenders go free and unmonitored.

Our legislature continues to fail all of us when it comes to public safety.

2009-10-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I challenged everyone at my Campaign Kick-Off party to spread the word about me and my campaign, to make some noise, tell folks how we will all benefit from getting good people elected. Lisa Lima has risen to that challenge by sending the following e-mail to over 50 of her friends and family:

"On Saturday I had the honor of singing the National Anthem at Shaunna O’Connell’s Campaign Kick Off event. John and I were both very impressed with what she had to say and her goals for State Representative. She cares about and is clearly dedicated to the community. We found her to be a woman of integrity and a strong work ethics, someone who will serve the people of Taunton well.

"As you know our families are from Taunton and so our interest for their proper representation is important to us. I would like to encourage all of you get to know Shaunna and her beliefs. We feel you also will be very impressed with what she has to say regardless of your political party. We encourage you to share this email with your family and friends who live in Taunton such as we are doing with you today. Thank you for reading this and please take a look at her web site http://www.shaunna2010.com."

Join Lisa in supporting my campaign by taking action and spreading the word. Tell people you support me and encourage them to do the same. Be sure to look for my speech later this week or early next. Pictures are already posted.

Thanks for your continued support. Power to the People!

Shaunna

2009-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

And it was the best party in town! My Campaign Kick-Off Party was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came to show their support. If you missed it, you really missed out.

We had great speakers full of energy. The enthusiasm and excitement in the room was contagious. My speech was electrifying and inspiring. After hearing me talk about who I am, what I believe in and the kind of leadership I will bring to Beacon Hill, the support is just pouring in.

We hope to have the video up sometime this week. Stay tuned.

Shaunna

2009-10-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is the big day! It's my Campaign Kick-Off Party from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Jockey Club in Raynham. We had to change the location from my church in Taunton because of the weather, so it better start raining!

Join us any time from 3 to 5 today, and bring the whole family. We have pumpkin painting and crafts for the kids. $10 donation per person; kids are free!

Check out Holly Robichaud's blog about us and add your own comment:
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/news/lone_republican/

2009-10-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

HEARINGS ON OPT-IN FOR SEX EDUCATION Tuesday, October 13, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room A-1, State House.

Children in school districts across the state are still being given what some parents might consider inappropriate instruction in sexuality issues without parental permission or knowledge.

Currently the law allows parents to opt their children out of these programs, but this law is weak and flawed. Parents are either not notified or the classes are presented as being about safety, diversity, or tolerance. Parents should have to opt in to ensure they are informed of the classes and their content.

House Bill 437 is being introduced with bipartisan support. It would ensure parental notification, opportunity for parents to inspect the materials, and offer sex education only in clearly identified elective courses. Teachers and administrators would not be required to participate in such a class if it would violate their religious beliefs.

I urge you to write your representative in support of HB 437. Parents must have the ability to monitor and choose what their children are taught about so-called "social issues." As a mom, I want to teach my children with my morals and values, not those of the state of Massachusetts.

If you haven't been notified and educated about this bill from your current state representative, you have to wonder why.

2009-10-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

The verdict is in. We taxpayers, of course, already knew this. The laundry list of taxes that were raised on us did not result in more revenue for Beacon Hill. Is anyone surprised?

Maybe, just maybe, our representatives will do what they should have done YEARS ago: reform. Make that BOLD reform.

I have a few suggestions for our legislators. How about a hiring freeze? That's an easy one. They don't even have to work too hard at that. As of September, almost 2000 jobs had been added to the state payroll. No, you don't need new reading glasses.

Here's another real easy one to save a couple bucks. Eliminate Bunker Hill Day and Evacuation Day. What? You've never heard of them? That's because they're specific to Suffolk County, although state employees in other counties get them as floating holidays. So it was surprising when some state reps fought so viciously to keep these holidays.

And last, but not least, pension reform, pension reform, pension reform. Need I say more?

2009-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the plans have been made, the invitations have been sent, and the RSVP's are pouring in for my Campaign Kick-Off Party on October 17 from 3:00 to 5:00.

You do not want to miss this party! Bring your family, bring your friends, and be prepared to have loads of fun. We'll keep the kids busy with activities so the adults can enjoy stimulating conversation and have some fun of their own. You'll want to meet our special guests.

So clear your schedule and make room for this family-fun event. On this campaign, we want to hear from you and we want to meet your family.

See you on October 17 at West Congregational Church, 155 North Walker St. Ext., Taunton.
E-mail Rebecca at info@shaunna2010.com to RSVP or get more info.

2009-10-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts has received $437 million in stimulus fund money to be used for infrastructure projects. But other than a few new signs telling us there are projects going on, we haven't seen that money being put to good use.

The excuse is that bigger, long-term projects are in the works, but only one has been named -- and that is in Somerville.

I'm sure everyone reading this can list a handful of projects right here in Taunton and nearby communities that need to be immediately undertaken. What happened to all the "shovel ready" projects that were going to create jobs? After all, there were going to be catastrophic consequences if that stimulus bill didn't get passed immediately.

So where is the leadership? We have the money. We have to spend it. Yet Beacon Hill is just sitting on it. Sound familiar?

2009-10-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend I attended the AMRC conference for town and city committees. I gained a wealth of knowledge from the speakers who generously gave their time to reach out and address town and city committee members.

One very important understanding I gleaned is what an important role committee members play in the success of the candidates. Members can support their candidates by actively participating and volunteering their time. Coming to the meetings is the first step, but don't stop there. Ask a candidate what you can do for them. An active city committee plays a key role in the victorious outcome of an election.

So take the time to join your local city or town committee today. We need you. As a candidate, I can tell you that we truly appreciate everything the city committees do for us. In Taunton, you can contact me and I'll give you all the info you need to get started.

Get active, get involved, get your government back.

Shaunna

2009-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,

You are going to love this story. My 7-year-old, without my help or knowledge, hung a poster on the front door that said: "Shaunna O'Connell against James Fagan. Vote for me and I will lower your taxes."

She's a genius!

Have a great weekend
Shaunna

2009-10-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

Taunton is a great place to live. The people here are friendly, generous, and they care about their community. I took my daughters out for breakfast at Jimmy's Restaurant Tuesday morning, and I felt like I had known everyone there for years.

The folks I talked to were ecstatic that I am running for state representative in Taunton. They told me they are ready to vote for a new leader like me who will go to Beacon Hill and fight for the BOLD changes we need to shrink government, lower taxes and relieve families of the burden our state government has unfairly thrust upon them.

As I meet all these wonderful people in Taunton, I am witnessing the tidal wave of change they are going to make in 2010. I am proud and honored to be an integral part of that change.

Power To The People!
Shaunna

2009-09-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

I hear from individuals every day that they are tired of Beacon Hill politicians not representing their interests. As a public servant, the basic responsibility of any representative is to be a voice for their constituents and vote, whether yea or nay.

We need a new generation of leadership for Taunton. I am ready to go to Beacon Hill and fight for what is important to you: reforms that will result in lean, efficient government that serves the needs of the people; laws that protect families and support our law enforcement officers; reforms that will invigorate the job market with low taxes and innovative programs to attract businesses.

I'm ready to take on the tough votes with courage, pride and integrity.

2009-09-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This week Beacon Hill is finally going to conduct a hearing on legislation to require re-testing for driver's licenses at age 75. Representative Brian Joyce has been trying to introduce this legislation for several years now.

The majority of states have already passed laws on this issue. Our representatives have failed us all in their inability and unwillingness to support a bill requiring a road test for drivers at age 75.

While I understand the challenges facing seniors who are no long able to drive, it is our duty to protect the public safety.

There are a multitude of programs to get seniors transportation to appointments, the grocery store, bingo, etc. Families and community members also need to step up and volunteer their time to help our seniors.

As your representative, I will work with local agencies, volunteer groups and businesses in the community to ensure our seniors have the resources they need to retain their independent lifestyle. After a lifetime of hard work and community service, our seniors deserve respect, independence, and the support of a caring community.

2009-09-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

As we go about our busy and sometimes hectic day today, let's all take a moment to remember the victims and the loved ones left behind in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

We still mourn this great loss to our nation. We must also remember the unification of Americans as we tried to recover together from this senseless tragedy. American pride and patriotism spread like wildfire across the nation.

So as we solemnly remember the brave Americans who lost their lives that fateful day, we also remember that we, the people of this great nation, carry the responsibility of keeping America "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

I am overcome with humility and pride when I think about how great America is and how much I love my country.

2009-09-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends
I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received since starting my campaign. You have all made this an exciting, inspiring experience with your support and investment in my campaign and our great state of Massachusetts.

And Massachusetts is a great state, with so much natural beauty, so many great places to live, visit, and work. Our state is the home of some of the best hospitals and colleges in the country. Massachusetts is chock full of resources and opportunities.

We need to have low taxes, superior school systems, and a respect for laws that protect individuals and families so that we encourage people and businesses to stay here. In these difficult economic times, our legislature should not be raising taxes and fees. This only discourages spending and growth and further oppresses the economy.

We all know what we need to do to stimulate the economy -- vote in new representation on Beacon Hill!

2009-08-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but Democrats believe every day is April 15. - Ronald Reagan

2009-08-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

The passing of Senator Ted Kennedy is sure to elicit strong emotions among many people in the great state of Massachusetts and our country. Senator Kennedy's relentless support for the causes he believed in is to be admired. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Kennedy family and his faithful supporters.

2009-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down quickly. And what a great summer it has been! I have been very fortunate to have a couple of summer get-aways with my family. On the campaign trail this summer, I have met so many wonderful people who are hungry for change and eager to offer their support. The energy out there is contagious!

And so with the end of summer comes the beginning of the school year. We're all hopeful that the quality of education and staffing won't suffer due to budget cuts. Education is one area that should not live under the threat of budget cuts and layoffs every year. Our kids are too important, and maintaining the absolute highest standards in our school systems is imperative to the success of our children.

The State of Massachusetts has the ability and the means to provide the vital services that people pay for, count on and deserve. What we need is representatives on Beacon Hill who are willing to limit the size and scope of government -- not grow it every year. What we need is representatives who believe low taxes are the path to a vibrant economy. What we need is representatives who believe transparency in government is the way to educate and empower the people.

Join me in my campaign to effect these changes that will put your state government back in your hands, where it belongs.

2009-07-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

Welcome! I hope you will join me in my fight to bring bold change and reform to Beacon Hill. I'm done complaining about our legislators; I am taking action! We have been working on my campaign for several months, and we have built a strong, well-organized campaign team.

I want to put our run-away government back into the hands of the people. The only way to break the stranglehold the corrupt politicians have on our govt is to vote in new representatives who believe in limiting the scope of govt.

I am getting support -- and applause -- from people all over the state when they hear I am running against James Fagan.

We can get back to govt by the people, for the people. I need your continued support throughout my grassroots campaign to ensure a victorious outcome in 2010.

Power To The People,
Shaunna