Info on the Tenth Suffolk state rep's race

You have Paul Sullivan's link where Kelly Tynan's should be.

http://www.kellytynan.com/

First the nitpick: I live in this district, but I do not live in South Brookline (the overwhelming majority of the population in Brookline Precinct 14 lives north of Rt. 9). I must say that this characterization does not surprise me, however, because this district is specifically designed to marginalize me and my neighborhood, which is a nice segway into...

The bigger issue: I think that in the next round of redistricting the Commonwealth must end, to the maximum extent possible, the current system of allowing individual state representative and state senate districts to cross municipal boundaries. In an election for this level of government, it makes little to no sense for the neighborhood in which I live to be grouped together with neighborhoods that are a part of Boston (for larger elections - e.g., for federal offices - it is probably fine).

Of course I know why this was done (out of fear that the rich people who live around me might - gasp! - vote Republican, so better offset that with the super-strong and reliable Democratic bloc in West Roxbury!), but really, it just doesn't make sense. The issues that matter to people are very different across this district from the Boston to Brookline side, something I am reminded of by every piece of campaign mail I get (because they all talk about things in West Roxbury about which I know nothing and which really do not concern me or the neighborhood in which I live).

When it rains it pours. So many candidates, so little time.

I've spent a few hours reading websites and on-line news articles. Here are my thoughts. There off the top of my head. Rather than get pissed at me for my opinion or errors, offer yours and give your reasons.

Matthew Benedetti
Edward Coppinger
Bob Joyce
Pamela Julian
Paul Sullivan
Kelly Ann Tynan

Matthew Benedetti ~39 seems like a stand-up guy, currently Staff sergeant in the Air Force assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield. I assume strong character and leadership skills but I don't have a clear picture of his policy values (IE is he a pro-choice candidate who thinks it's an individual's decision or is he opposed to woman's right to choose?) He had a 3+ year stint as legislative aid for Boston City Council but not a lot of political activism on his record. He sonsidered running in '08 but didn't have enough signatures. He has not pursuit an advanced degree since Umass PoliSci'93. Before that Catholic Memorial.

B-

Edward Coppinger ~38 is a residential mortgage loan officer whose father is well known in West Roxbury as a stand-up guy who gave kids who got into trouble a chance to straighten out their lives. He supports casinos (I don't and I think the state government wasted a lot of time that should have been spent addressing health care costs and insurance premiums.) He got the Globe endorsement with a narrow margin over Kelly Tynan - the Globe cited his business acumen. He works on 100% commission. (I remember electing a CEO president. What a disaster. Just saying don't buy into the the businessman aura meme.) Coppinger got his BA in Accounting at Bryant. Catholic Memorial.

B

Bob Joyce. ? I ruled out Joyce for myself because he's conservative on a woman's right to choose and reactionary on 1st amendment issues. Plus he see himself as a mediator while my knowledge of him comes from how he confronted a liquor store for distributing a free newspaper that had escort ads. My god, confront the newspaper not the liquor store. Mediator indeed. Catholic Memorial; St. Michael’s BA; Florida State University JD

C

Pamela Julian, a candidate who's policy positions are thoroughly researched, well considered, and are consistent on the left end of the spectrum. If elected Pam plans to be a representative full time and not do it while holding down another job. She has experience running campaigns.

B

Paul Sullivan's campaign efforts have been unimpressive to me although his experience as ADA in Norfolk for Bill Keating (my favorite candidate in MA10 for US Congress) is good training in the law and experiences of victims and perpetrators in he criminal justice system. Catholic Memorial; Providence College Poli.Sci.; NE School of Law

B-

Kelly Ann Tynan ~32 a 4th Grade Teacher at the George H. Conley School in Roslindale. Highly motivated energetic political activist who believes in public service and has walked that walk from an early age. In 1999 and 2001, Tynan worked as campaign manager for John Tobin. In 2002, staff of District 6 Boston City Councilor John Tobin - legislative aide and community liaison. Aided in the delivery of constituent services, including education, public safety, licensing and zoning. In 2004, Executive Director of West Roxbury Main Streets - business recruitment and retention, West Roxbury Gateway Planter, storefront improvements of nearly 20 small businesses along Centre and Spring Streets.Friends of the BPL Library, Ward 20 Democratic Committee, West Roxbury Main Streets Boston Latin School Alumni Association, Corporator Hyde Park Savings Bank. Boston Latin '96; Stonehill Poli.Sci. ‘00; Suffolk MA PublicAdmin '03; Simmons College M.A. Teaching

B+