Two years ago, attorney Ann-Margaret Ferrante struck a blow for change even within the local Democratic Party when she swept past seven-term, 14-year incumbent Anthony Verga in that party's September primary to win the 6th Essex House of Representatives seat on Beacon Hill.
Now, Gloucester Republican Janet Holmes is making the case for change once again. And her message — easing residents' tax burden and freeing business, most notably the local fishing industry from constricting regulations that have significantly hurt local families and the community as a whole — has resonance.
But Holmes has not been able to make a case for replacing the tireless Ferrante, whose own work ethic, commitment and persistence has, among other things, played a lead role in sparking a local, regional and national push to free fishermen from the excessive regulatory and enforcement tactics they've endured for years, and an investigation into federal enforcement wrongdoing that has reached Capitol Hill, let alone Beacon Hill.
Ferrante has also worked hard in holding Gloucester's new charter school to promises — and to state laws and approval guidelines. And she has pushed hard to deliver more state assistance for Gloucester, Rockport and Essex in a first term that's seen her team effectively with Republican state Sen. Bruce Tarr to boost Gloucester's and Cape Ann's legislative clout.
Yes, Ferrante has taken some votes that have rightfully raised eyebrows. We wish, for example, she had not gone along with House leadership in voting for the 25 percent hike on the state's sales tax last year.
But she did back the pension reform plan that ultimately gained approval this past spring. And she has challenged and stood against traditional union and Democratic Party support for the embarrassing "hack holidays" that have long cost taxpayers millions.Most of all, she has shown an intense commitment to her district and the people in it — a commitment that voters in Gloucester, Rockport and Essex cannot afford to lose.
Homes has brought a fresh approach to this year's rep race. Her grassroots write-in primary campaign to earn a place on the ballot should inspire others to step forward in years to come. And her bid has sparked a good exchange of ideas.
But when district residents step into the voting booth Tuesday, they have one clear choice for state representative. That's to re-elect Ann-Margaret Ferrante.
