BOSTON (WWLP) – Longtime State Representative Don Humason was sworn in as a new state senator yesterday morning.
The Westfield Republican took the oath of office from Governor Deval Patrick at the State House as the new senator for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District.
The 46-year-old Humason served as a state representative for 11 years. He defeated Holyoke Democrat David Bartley in the special election to fill the seat long held by fellow Republican Michael Knapik.
“Thank you to my supporters in western Massachusetts, my family, the people that I’ve worked with over the years to help train me for this time today. I also have some nice things to say for Senator Knapik, because it’s really his fault that I’m here!” he said.
“We have to be fiscally conservative especially in this economy,” said Humason. “Our number one job should be to grow the economy for Massachusetts to make sure that everyone who needs and wants a job has one.”
“Even though he’s in a Republican party that’s very small in the Senate, he’s going to have that ability to cross party lines and be able to make things work,” said Representative Todd Smola of Palmer.
“He and his wife have been a guest of our home out in the Berkshires and I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Patrick.
Humason has been assigned to the Senate Ways and Means committee, an important position, where he’ll have a say on all state budget issues.
