Dennis Benzan for State Senate

MassBeacon.com | March 8, 2010 - Exclusive email interview with Dennis Benzan, candidate for State Senate

MassBeacon.com: You have run for office before.  What did you learn from your previous experience that will help you now?

Dennis Benzan: People will vote for you if they connect with you.  This is the main focus of our campaign.

This goal can only be achieved through a strong organization, and I learned from my past campaigns how crucial building that organization is.  I have been fortunate to have mentors who have helped me develop my organization-building skills.  Not only will these skills help me in this campaign, but they will help me in office as I help people organize in their community around their issues at the State House.

And of course, none of this is possible without fundraising.  I have learned the importance of a strong fundraising strategy and feel fortunate to have a strong team implementing it.

MassBeacon.com: Who is your political role model?

Dennis Benzan: Warren Tolman.

MassBeacon.com: What is the biggest challenge facing Massachusetts state government?

Dennis Benzan: Generally, the biggest challenge is restoring confidence in the state government, and government period.  People are justifiably angry during this economic recession and are feeling like elected officials either don’t care about their problems or more concerned about holding onto power more than anything else.

Because of the economic recession, our biggest challenge is creating jobs.  A major focus for me as a state senator will be creating jobs through investment in a green economy and supporting our local small businesses.

MassBeacon.com: The State Senate has had some public relations disasters over the past two years.  How would you as Senator help to restore public confidence in the institution?

Dennis Benzan: Everyone says it, but it’s true: We need transparency.  Everyday people should be able to understand the legislation that is being created and how it will affect their lives. I will have more specific proposals on this issue on my website very soon, but I think that certain legislation should be put into laypeople’s terms and posted online with plenty of notice, for the public to review and input.

I am a true believer in making decisions out in the open for public scrutiny, having constituents have strong input in the legislation and decisions that will affect them, and ultimately looking for consensus the majority of the time.

MassBeacon.com: The Governor and the Legislature have often butted heads during Governor Patrick’s term, despite the party affiliation of leadership.  Do you think it is important to let the Governor govern?  Or do you agree with the almost tri-government approach that has defined Massachusetts in recent years?

Dennis Benzan: I have always had an appreciation for our system of checks and balances.  The Governor should take leadership on matters that are important to the people of the Commonwealth.  The legislative body has an obligation to legislate. Both bodies need to have an approach more grounded in compromise and to try to move beyond the politics of personality and gridlock.

As a state senator, I will ultimately try to balance what is best for the Commonwealth and what is best for the constituents of my district.

MassBeacon.com: You have some noted authors helping you raise money.  At the risk of offending your supporters, what is your favorite book?

Dennis Benzan: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.