JOHN CAIN
JOHN C. VELIS
WESTFIELD – The candidates for the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire State Senate District seat are kicking their campaigns into high gear as the March 31 special election approaches.
Republican John Cain, a Southwick resident and business owner, is facing Democrat John C. Velis, Westfield’s current state representative.
Both candidates have been knocking on doors to get to know the constituents that comprise the 11 communities in the district. The seat represents Agawam, Granville, Easthampton, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and a portion of Chicopee. The seat became vacant when the former senator, Donald F. Humason Jr., was elected Westfield’s mayor.
Velis started campaigning nearly a year ago when Humason announced his mayoral campaign. In that time, Velis has visited every community in the district.
“In the past few months of this campaign, we have made contact with over 15,000 citizens of the Senate district. That experience has been – and will continue to be – highly important to me, in that I heard directly from the people about matters that concern them most. I have always listened to the people, and will continue to do so,” Velis said.
The importance of bipartisanship was a major takeaway from Velis’ conversations with residents.
“We have learned so much from the residents of the 2nd Hampden & Hampshire district regarding issues that concern them,” he said. “Most compelling was the theme that it’s time to move away from the negative, partisan politics that has plagued our great nation at all levels. It has caused bitterness among so many and has seriously undermined the problem-solving process.”
Since his election to the House in 2014, Velis has crossed party lines many times, joining his Republican colleagues on votes. “We need more public servants, not party servants,” he said. “The people of Western Massachusetts need and deserve an experienced, bipartisan voice at the table.”
Velis said his experience will serve the district well.
“Experience has proven to always be our greatest teacher,” he said, “I have that experience, and I’ve learned so much from the people that I represent. In my last six years as a state representative, I have cultivated and built relationships with leadership on both sides of the aisle that have been productive. My record clearly demonstrates, I am a bipartisan lawmaker who has a demonstrable history of doing what is right and best for the people I serve, not dictated by any political party. I vow – as my past has shown – to put people over politics.”
Cain joined the race in December, but hit the ground running and has been meeting with constituents around the district.
Cain plans to address the issues facing individual communities as well as across the district.
“My main concerns for our district are the opioid crisis, small business growth, infrastructure improvements, and increasing skilled trade training opportunities within the district, as well as working on eliminating sanctuary policies that have many adverse effects on each community and spend money that should be used for citizens such as veterans and seniors,” said Cain. “City specific issues, such as the water in Westfield will also be my focus.”
Cain said the opioid crisis is a “very dynamic issue” that requires lawmakers who have experience with people who are addicted, healthcare workers, and the broken systems that are currently in place. “I have been personally impacted by the losses of the opioid crisis, but I have also had the opportunity to help close friends and family whose lives have been severely impacted by Opioid Use Disorder,” said Cain. “My wife is an emergency room nurse at Baystate Noble Hospital and many of my close friends are firefighters and EMTs. I hear the stories everyday about the lives that are being affected in our communities.”
As a volunteer firefighter, Cain said he has been active in overdose reversal responses, seeing the impact these events have on first responders, families, and the person being revived.
Small business growth, infrastructure improvements and skilled labor training is also a focus of Cain’s campaign.
“As a skilled tradesperson, small business owner and son of a now retired teacher I recognize the short comings of our education system and the lack of skilled trades people in the workforce,” he said. “The skills gap that we are facing is limiting small business growth and our ability to complete many infrastructure improvement projects. With a high demand for the skills, but a short supply of people with those skills, the costs have increased, and capacity has decreased.”
Cain said the education system has elevated a college degree to a level of prestige while diminishing the importance and pride of the American worker.
“As a father, small business owner, husband, and homeowner I know how important it is to get the most value you out of every dollar spent. My education, experience, and accountability to those who I work for make me the best candidate to work for my communities in Boston,” he said.
“My education and professional experience revolve around solving problems with limited resources,” he continued. “As a ships engineer you are limited to the resources onboard the vessel when things go wrong out to sea; as an Eagle Scout I learned to be prepared; and as a small business owner I learned that fiscal responsibility is key to longevity. Being prepared for the problems we may encounter and understanding the financial impacts of out solutions is what differentiates between success and failure. As our state senator I will bring foresight, fiscal responsibility and real world understanding of problem solving to Boston.”
While meeting constituents, Cain said everyone has an issue that is important to them.
“The people are tired of politicians and want to elect someone who has had to live under the laws, policies, and budgets which they are subjected to by the government.” He said. “They have also expressed their concern for excessive spending, criminal investigation and resignations of lawmakers, and the lack of support and recognition given to Western Massachusetts. As a lifelong resident of the district I am working for my friends, family and neighbors. The eleven communities of the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District is my home and it is my duty to do the best for the people here, not Boston.”
Cain is hosting Town Meetings in Westfield March 9, Granville March 10 and a Meet & Greet in Agawam March 11. On March 17, Cain said he “will be honored by Governor Baker who will be hosting a fundraising event to provide his support and endorsement.”
Velis will be at the Westfield Day of Action March 7 and participate in Irish Night at the American Legion in Southwick March 20.
