By Mark Revesai | Observer Contributor
Photo from electelmer.squarespace.com
Elmer Eubanks-Archbold, Business professor, hopes to unseat Democratic Representative Stephan Hay to represent Worcester’s 3rd district.
Eubanks-Archbold, is running as a Republican against a Democratic incumbent who has held the seat since 2016. He said hard work, education and self-reliance are important attributes, and that while government should be there, it should not be the only solution.
Eubanks-Archbold has been actively participating in politics from the time he became a United States citizen in 1997. As an immigrant from Costa Rica, Eubanks-Archbold is no stranger to hard work. He has worked as a janitor, earned extra money working in a bookstore, and was even a Certified Nursing Assistant; all while working towards his bachelor’s degree.
He said, “The reason I am running is because the district requires not only a minority to represent it, but also someone who represents all residents. I want to make sure we all get access to great constituent service, fix our roads and repair our school buildings, as well as improve educational funding. I would also like to work on fixing our school loan system.”
When the professor was asked whether he would quit teaching if he wins, he said he would not quit as he felt there was no conflict of interest. He also said, “I think we need a teacher representing our interests since we currently have none at the state house.” He added, “I would love to stay working, as I think it would be great to have a legislator in the classroom.”
Eubanks-Archbold believes that he is suitably qualified to be the next representative because of the experience gained over the years in such fields as education, business, government services and the private sector, claiming that these credentials make him better qualified to solve problems besetting the community such as bad roads, boarded homes and abandoned properties.
Asked what he would do differently, Eubanks said that he would re-open the district office and be more accessible to the people. Transportation to the community college needs to be improved. For example, there is a need for more bike racks on buses that take students to and from the college. “It would be great to have a shuttle between Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College,” said Eubanks.
Asked to explain why he was running for office, Eubanks said he saw boarded up homes in Fitchburg and abandoned properties. After purchasing property in Fitchburg, he went through some bureaucratic red tape which makes it hard to accomplish a task in a timely manner. From that moment, he vowed to run for office one day and fix the issues and make it easier for people to want to live and do business in their community. He also describes himself as a good listener and a problem solver.
He said, “I have experience in government as well as in the private sector. I know what it is to lose everything and having to start fresh and will fight hard for the citizens of my district. I am here to serve and to make a difference in my community.”
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