When I first ran for state representative in 2006, I promised to put people above politics. I promised to be an independent representative who would always put the best interests of his district first. These are promises I have kept. I am proud to run for re-election on my record. I believe I have been an effective representative who has earned a record of accomplishment for the communities of Foxboro, Mansfield, and Norton.

Early in my term, I was charged with helping to shepherd through the House legislation that transferred a final parcel of Foxboro State Hospital land to the developers working on Chestnut Green. Not long after I was charged with helping pass two home rule petitions from Foxboro that sought to assist the Patriots Place development as well as Chestnut Green. These projects were great examples of responsible economic development that generated new jobs and needed revenue. Both petitions were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Patrick in a timely manner.

One project I have been proud to take the lead on is the potential creation of a regional sewer district for Foxboro, Mansfield, and Norton. While hardly a headline-grabbing issue, I believe the three communities in my district can work together to share in the costs and responsibilities associated with water and sewer issues. When many balked at the proposal, I went to work meeting with state officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Business Development, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to obtain a waiver that would allow these communities to explore the possibility of regionalization. In the 2007 budget debates, I was able to secure $75,000 for the Town of Mansfield to assist in establishing a new, long-term sewer agreement for the towns.

Whether it is convening a meeting of educational leaders to discuss unfunded mandates or bringing together our police chiefs to discuss underage drinking, I have been a state representative who can bring people together for a common cause that seeks to enhance the quality of life in our district.

I am proud to note I have consistently stood against frivolous legislation that seeks to regulate our behavior. Whether it was legislation that attempted to ban trans-fats or attempted to penalize drivers for using their cell phones, I have opposed the nanny state mentality that believes government always knows best. I will continue to stand against these types of legislation. Recently, I have been criticized for votes that I have taken regarding the housing and mortgage crisis. If you know anything about Beacon Hill, you know it is easy to march in lockstep with everyone else. What is difficult is taking principled stands against popular opinion and against the speaker of the House. The proponents of that mortgage bill have admitted it has been ineffective in alleviating the pressures being felt by homeowners (State House News Service, Oct. 22). In not missing a single roll call vote in either 2007 or 2008, I have shown I am independent enough to stand alone, against my own party, and with the majority party.

Our state has many issues that need to be dealt with. State finances are spiraling out of control because the leadership at the Statehouse has proven they cannot stop spending our tax dollars, regardless of what the actual revenues are. I voted against the FY2009 state budget because a number of my colleagues and I knew that the revenues were not there and that the budget was unsustainable. Now our state is dealing with an enormous deficit. At this crucial time, I will continue to use my experience as a small business owner and community leader to speak up in favor of fiscal responsibility. I will fight to ensure that the local aid our towns depend on will not be cut. If state government overspends, it should not be the local communities that suffer for their irresponsibility.

I look forward to providing the residents of Foxboro, Mansfield, and Norton with the same open, honest, and accessible representation that I have provided over the past two years. I respectfully ask for your vote on Nov. 4.

F. JAY BARROWS is state representative of the 1st Bristol District, which includes Foxboro, Mansfield precincts 1,3 and 6 and Norton precincts 3, 4 and 5.