Finegold: "My Work Ethic Sets Me Apart"

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Finegold: "My Work Ethic Sets Me Apart"

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan in Congress is wide open — at least according to state Rep. Barry Finegold.

Finegold says it's too early to put stock in polling numbers being pushed by other candidates, and said he thinks his work ethic and experience will separate him from the pack.

Finegold took time out from his kick off tour of the 5th Congressional district's 29 cities and towns yesterday morning to meet with a group of Sun editors and reporters to discuss his campaign.

Finegold touted his experience on Beacon Hill and passion for "lunch pail" Democratic issues as the difference between him and the other four Democrats running for U.S. Congress.

When pushed on whether he will be able to take unpopular votes in Congress and stand up for 5th district voters, Finegold pointed to his falling out with former House speaker Thomas Finneran because he refused to simply fall in line.

A six-term representative from Andover, Finegold said his experience representing both urban and suburban communities best positions him to hit the ground running in Washington.

Finegold's district includes parts of Andover, Lawrence and Tewksbury. Late last week, he picked up endorsements from Chelmsford Selectman Pat Wojtas, former Tewksbury Selectman Joan Dunlevy, and Westford School Committee member Judith Culver.

Pushing the basic issues of college affordability, affordable housing and secure retirement, Finegold said, if elected, no one will work harder than he to take the financial pressure off families in the 5th district.

He said he supports a flat $3,500 tax deduction for individuals or families with someone attending college.

The federal government should do more to provide low-interest loans to help young families buy their first homes, he said, and the government has a responsibility to encourage companies to provide secure retirement plans for employees.

As for economic development, Finegold said the region's future lies in investing in renewable-energy companies, like Ballard Systems in Lowell.

He pointed to Nuvera Fuel Cells, a Cambridge firm that recently moved to Billerica, as an example of a company that was convinced to stay in Massachusetts and could spin off into more jobs and companies for the region.

Finegold said he supports a bill being discussed in Congress that would offer tax incentives for venture capitalists that invest in companies that move to cities like Lowell, Haverhill and Lawrence.

Over the weekend, Finegold opened a second campaign office in Lawrence to go along with his Andover headquarters.

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