The citizens of South Boston want to be included more fully in the political process. Candidate for State Representative, Patrick Brennan, will be an advocate for a smaller, more efficient government that is more responsive to the people. Two current issues will block such advocacy and take away representation from the people of the 4th Suffolk District.

First, removing or limiting referendums from our ballots will further exclude residents from active involvement in the decision making process. There has been widespread discussion and proposals to consider eliminating referendums in Massachusetts. "Referendums act as the peoples’ direct voice to ensure our legislators act within the peoples’ interests", said Brennan.

It is apparent that elected officials do not always reflect the views of the people, sometimes for good reason and at times in drastic error. Referendums allow the people to make a choice about individual issues. Referendums provide a balance between our effective representative model and a more direct method of voting on vital issues.

Second, Brennan expressed his disappointment with the legislator and Governor for recently passing a bill to eliminate the Electoral College in favor of the moving Massachusetts towards the popular vote model of electing our President.

Throughout the country, as our executive office continuously becomes decided by fractions of a percent, many have proposed the elimination of the Electoral College in favor of a popular vote. Brennan recognizes that the popular vote method will cause distortion amongst the states. The Electoral College reflects the representative balance struck in order to compromise between states that are both large and small, and protects against the domination by one faction or another.

Let us suppose the popular vote was instituted, this would leave little reason for presidential campaigns to focus on sparsely populated areas or smaller states. With our population concentrated in certain urban centers and larger states, this would leave many groups unrepresented. Would Massachusetts be fairly represented compared to huge land masses and large urban areas like California, Texas or New York?

Patrick will focus on a more careful balance between representative discretion and direct, local influence. The elimination of referendums and the Electoral College will not help to repair the broken political process; rather, we need our elected officials to listen more closely to our local communities.

Brennan stands for local government and bringing decision making back to our community. We must stand firm against proposed initiatives which will further separate our community from both Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill. To learn more about Patrick Brennan’s campaign for State Representative please visit BrennanForRep.com.

As published in the South Boston Online print addition on July 29, 2010

Dear Editor & Residents:

As a candidate for state representative from South Boston and a Massachusetts taxpayer, I read with great interest Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson’s plan to end the practice of paying prisoners for their work (Boston Globe, “Mass. GOP, sheriff: Stop paying prisoners for work,” July 13, 2010).  The plan was even featured on Fox News on Friday morning.

This is a wonderful idea to curb waste.  The article mentioned the plan could save the state up to $3 million, money State Representative Elizabeth Poirier said could be put toward elderly services, education, and services for the mentally and physically disabled.  The prisoners would still receive time toward a reduced sentence for their work.  Charlie Baker even supports charging prisoners a daily fee to curb the cost of their incarceration. 

Both Poirier’s and Baker’s ideas are easy, practical ways to cut spending and lower taxes.  Opponents of the plan say that prisoners use their money to buy toiletries, and if the state stops paying prisoners, the state will have to pay for them.  But doesn’t the state already pay the prisoners for their work?  If the plan saves the state money, I’m all for it.

A plan like this should be only the beginning.  We need a comprehensive analysis of all spending on Beacon Hill so that we can keep programs that make sense and reduce taxes—the only way to grow the economy during these difficult economic times.

Think about it.  More taxes and more regulation mean it is more difficult to start a business or keep an existing one running.  That is undeniable.  I want to eliminate the mindless hurdles that stand in the way of innovation—and lower taxes! 

As Sheriff Hodgson said, it’s time we send law-abiding taxpayers a message that they are at the front of the line, not the back of the line.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Brennan

South Boston, MA      

South Boston, MA (May 10, 2010) -- Candidate for State Representative in the Fourth Suffolk District, Patrick Brennan, addressed the graduates of Saint Joseph’s College 97th Commencement Class. The college board of directors, trustees and alumni association invited Patrick to deliver the alumni address last Saturday, May 8, 2010.

Each year the college picks an alumnus who has been an exceptional advocate for the college. In past years this speech has been delivered by veteran business, political and community leaders. Brennan was chosen to represent the many alumni for his dedication to the mission of Saint Joseph’s College and his continued efforts, since graduating, to build a stronger alumni community.

"Today you enter a strong network of professionals dedicated to helping the college and each member reach their fullest potential. Our network is only as strong as the involvement and relationships of its members. I encourage you to become actively involved and engaged as a member of the alumni association and hold your classmates to the same higher standard." Brennan said during his speech Saturday, a challenge he personally rises to.

Brennan co-founded and serves on the SJC Boston Alumni Steering Committee, attends annual alumni events, has served on various committees, visits high school college fairs, mentors students, and is an active supporter of the SJC annual fund.

Regarding his continued involvement with his alma mater Patrick says, “SJC was the perfect fit for me to thrive because of the strong sense of community in the classroom, on the court and within the resident halls and now I want to help give other students this same sense of community and opportunity to grow.” Brennan excelled academically gradating with distinction while earning a degree in finance, a degree in accounting and a minor in philosophy. During his time at SJC, Brennan also played basketball and was a resident advisor.

Brennan says, “It was an incredible honor to speak at the Saint Joseph’s College commencement ceremony to encourage graduates to get involved and stay involved with the alumni association and building community in their neighborhoods.”

To learn more about Patrick Brennan and his campaign please visit BrennanForRep.com.

SOUTH BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (April 22, 2010) – Candidate for State Representative Patrick Brennan hosted a fundraiser on April 14th for Boston Partners in Education where he raised nearly $2,000 for the South Boston charity. Brennan raised the funds for Boston Partners’ 2010 Boston Marathon Charity Program.  To date, Brennan has raised over $8,000 for the cause.

Boston Partners in Education is a local South Boston charity dedicated to improving the academic achievement and personal growth of Boston's public school students through volunteer support. This is Brennan’s second year raising money for the organization.

Patrick runs with Boston Partners because he believes the key to help turn around our under performing schools is through active community participation. Boston Partners provides this direct relationship by bringing volunteers from the community to help our public school teachers.

The State House of Representatives Candidate for the Fourth Suffolk County District in Boston ran Monday’s 114th Boston Marathon, completing his third marathon and his second Boston Marathon. Brennan began running marathons as a way to raise money and awareness for charities.  “Running a marathon is an incredibly challenging task, but knowing that my fundraising is helping Boston public school students makes the challenge worth the hard work.” 

The 114th Boston Marathon was held on Monday, April 19, 2010.  The race follows a 26.2-mile course from the town of Hopkinton to Boston's Public Library. The historical race attracted more than 25,000 runners. 

For more information about Boston Partners in Education visit their website at bostonpartners.org.    Additionally, more information about the Patrick Brennan’s campaign for State Representative can be found online at BrennanForRep.com.