Democrat Jonathan Zlotnik is pursuing a seventh term representing Massachusetts’ 2nd Worcester District, which comprises Ashburnham, Gardner, Templeton, and parts of Winchendon. Zlotnik, who has held his position since 2012 after graduating from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, is well-versed in legislative processes. He prides himself on a pragmatic and centrist approach, focusing on collaboration amid diverse political views, particularly with Republican Rep. Kimberly Ferguson of Holden. As state investments in his district are crucial due to its limited commercial base, Zlotnik emphasizes the need for substantial funding to address infrastructure, housing, and education challenges. Recent infrastructure projects, like the significant replacement of leaky water mains in local communities, underscore the importance of such investments.
Among his many legislative accomplishments, Zlotnik played a pivotal role in the Student Opportunity Act, which revamped Massachusetts’ school funding formula to enhance equity and increase financial support for schools. He is also a proponent of universal school meal initiatives that address food insecurity among students. Additionally, Zlotnik has secured over $1 million annually in state funding for the On-Site Academy at Windy Hill Farm, a specialized treatment center for first responders dealing with trauma. Zlotnik emphasizes this program’s critical importance, noting its community-driven approach to trauma care for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, which was nonexistent when he first took office.
As he prepares for the upcoming legislative session, Zlotnik identifies housing affordability as a pressing issue. The skyrocketing costs for renting and buying homes, with rents doubling and house prices increasing significantly, have created an unsustainable financial environment for many residents. Zlotnik’s dedication to local housing initiatives is evident in his support for several projects aimed at providing affordable housing alternatives, including a veterans’ housing project in Winchendon and the conversion of old schools into residential units in Templeton and Gardner. He believes that addressing these housing challenges is vital for maintaining the overall quality of life and the economic stability of the district.
Challenging Zlotnik is Republican Bruce Chester, an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State University with a focus on computer science and ethics. Chester emphasizes the issue of undocumented immigration in Gardner, expressing concerns that migrants strain community resources and pose security challenges. Highlighting feelings of frustration within the community, Chester argues that the federal government should take responsibility for processing migrants outside of Massachusetts, enabling proper vetting while suggesting that those with criminal records be deported or excluded from entering the state. Chester clarifies that while he is not opposed to immigration per se, he believes all individuals should follow legal processes to enter the United States, thus making it fair for those who comply with immigration laws.
Chester’s platform extends beyond immigration, as he champions small business development and aims to revitalize abandoned and underutilized properties to reduce the financial burden on local homeowners. He cites the loss of a long-standing flower shop in Gardner to Fitchburg, attributing the issue to existing zoning laws. Chester emphasizes his commitment to local governance, advocating for collaboration with municipalities to ensure the retention of such businesses. Furthermore, Chester expressed a strong desire to improve local compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, pointing out necessary accessibility improvements for public buildings and parks, signaling his aim to create an inclusive community.
As the election approaches, both candidates underscore their priorities that reflect the differing concerns of constituents within the 2nd Worcester District. Zlotnik’s focus on pragmatic solutions to infrastructure and housing challenges contrasts with Chester’s stringent views on immigration and community resource management. Voters face a clear choice between Zlotnik’s experience and collaborative approach as an incumbent and Chester’s fresh perspective on economic development and immigration enforcement. These contrasting platforms highlight the multifaceted complexities of local governance in Massachusetts and the pressing issues that residents in the district are concerned about as they head to the polls.