Ross Running for State Senate

Wrentham’s Richard Ross made his run for the State Senate official Wednesday night before a packed room of supporters, friends, and family. In the community room within the North Attleboro Police Station, State Representative Ross ended speculation on a possible run to replace current State Senator, and now Washington D.C. bound, U.S. Senator Elect Scott Brown.

 

“This opportunity is far too great to pass," Ross said. "So I am here tonight to proudly announce that I am running to be your next senator.” He referred to the encouragement Brown gave him six years ago to run for State Representative and promised "to make myself available. To always be accessible. To do the best possible job for the Commonwealth and my constituents."

Ross explained that his perspective as a business owner gives him a unique "camera shot" to address the issues facing the Commonwealth. The biggest challenges he feels are jobs, the economy, and health care. Furthermore, he stated that the state's business model has to change to generate revenue and it is necessary to find a way to encourage businesses to stay in the state. He said the health care program Massachusetts currently operates is a good model for other states, but work has to be done to lower its cost.

 

Ross is a Wrentham native and has been the 9th Norfolk District Representative since 2004. He has served in various positions within the town government including Board of Selectman, Historical Commission, the Public School Building Commission, and Wrentham Board of Health. He’s also the president of the RJ Ross Funeral Home. You can usually catch him walking his dog on South Street, and he too drives a truck but it only has just over 99,000 miles.

 

Ross becomes the first republican to toss his hat in the ring for the state senate seat. State Rep. Lida Harkins, a Democrat from Needham, has said she is running. Other names being mentioned include Sherborn Selectman Paul DeRensis, Peter Smulowtiz, an emergency room physician, and Plainville Selectman Robert Fennessy, all Democrats.

Boston Globe's coverage here.

Sun Chronicle's coverage here.