John Simmons

There are two candidates running to represent the 1st Bristol District on Nov. 3, North Attleboro residents Adam Scanlon and John Simmons. The district includes Mansfield Precincts 1,5; Attleboro Ward 3 and North Attleboro.

Age 45

Education Westfield State College, B.A. Political Science, Boston University School of Law, Cum Laude

Occupation Attorney, founding partner of Law Office of Weiner Jackson & Simmons, P.C.

Community service Master Mason, Bristol Lodge A.F.&A.M, Trustee of the Bristol Lodge Angel Fund, North Attleboro Plainville Rotary Club, former member of Board of Directors, North Attleboro RTM, former member, North Attleboro Election Commissioner, former member Town Council Rules Subcommittee, Finance Subcommittee, Economic Development Subcommittee, Former Council Representative to the School Committee, North Attleboro Travel Softball Association, treasurer and past coach, Little North Attleboro League, Sponsor and past Coach, Cub Scouts, Pack 65, former Den Leader

Why are you running?

I am running to bring my lifetime of experience as a husband, father, taxpayer, small business owner and community volunteer to the State House to represent you. I understand the issues faced by taxpayers, parents with children in school, business owners and municipal governments because I have lived those same issues. I am who I seek to represent.

I understand a taxpayer’s frustration over ever increasing taxes because I have paid income, sales, real estate, payroll, and small business taxes for years. I understand the concern parents have with our education system because I have two public school children. I understand the frustration of a small business owner struggling to survive the pandemic because I am a small business owner. I understand how municipal governments are often on the short end of the stick for local aid because I have seen our communities struggle for funding.

What is your opinion of police reform bill which is currently stalled? What in this bill do you support and what would you change?

We are fortunate to have highly educated, well trained, professional local police officers. I am honored to be endorsed by the Massachusetts Coalition of Police. While we can always improve, the current versions of the police reform bill go too far.

I support POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) however we need to ensure proper funding for the training to avoid yet another unfunded state mandate. Requiring additional training but then failing to fund the program sets the system up to fail. I will ensure POST receives a sufficient dedicated funding source.

I support maintaining qualified immunity. I estimate we would lose approximately 30 percent of our most qualified officers if we eliminated qualified immunity. It would expose officers to lawsuits simply for doing their job. Officers who violate the law do not have the protection of qualified immunity.

I am in favor of banning chokeholds provided there is an exception for life or death situations.

How do you rate Gov. Baker’s response to the pandemic? Is there anything you would do differently?

I am humbled to be endorsed by Gov. Baker. The governor, and all our leaders, had to make life or death decisions regarding an unknown pandemic. Gov. Baker, to his credit, treated the pandemic as a health care issue and not a political one. It would be easy, and unfair, to second guess the decision making with the benefit of hindsight. I will say that if there is a substantial spike in cases, with the information we now have, I would not support a return to a complete shutdown. I would advocate for a limited response designed to protect our most vulnerable citizens while still allowing our struggling small businesses to operate. The Legislature should be involved in any further executive branch response to the pandemic.

How can the legislature help boost the economy, support struggling business and those out of work due to the coronavirus?

The best way to support the local economy, and help those out of work, is to support small businesses. Successful small businesses provide good paying local jobs, support community endeavors, and contribute to our local tax base. The best way government can assist business is to ensure they have the support they need to operate safely and then get out of the way and let small business owners innovate.

We have a responsibility to protect our must vulnerable citizens. I support more public/private partnerships to deliver needed services. The government alone should not be the answer. I will advocate for efficiency measures such as municipal governments partnering with private enterprise to aid our local food banks and public/private community centers and senior centers to better distribute information and aid. We can always improve efficiency to protect your tax dollars. This is not the time to discuss any tax increases.

Do you support the commuter rail extension to Gillette stadium?

Yes I am in favor of extending and improving public transportation, specifically the rail extension to Gillette. Investment in our transportation infrastructure is a positive for the environment, traffic congestion, and economic development. When reviewing the expenditure of taxpayer money I will always seek to ensure a positive return on investment. The extension of the commuter rail will serve the 14th Bristol District well and could very well lead to further economic growth on both ends of the rail line.

How will you vote on the ranked choice ballot question?

I will vote no on the ranked choice ballot question. Ranked choice voting, where implemented, has led to voter confusion at best and votes not counted at worst resulting in the disenfranchisement of citizens. I believe in our system of one person one vote and prefer a runoff election if necessary instead of ranked voting.

Name one specific goal you would like to achieve if elected?

The 14th Bristol District includes parts of Mansfield, Attleboro and all of North Attleboro. Each community is uniquely different, with residents having a long list of needs. I am pleased to share Mansfield with Representative Jay Barrows, who has endorsed my candidacy, and I look forward to working with him to serve the residents of Mansfield. Our priority should be assisting small businesses to get the economy back up and running. Together we will work with Gov. Baker, and members across the aisle, to ensure the 14th Bristol District gets its share of aid and assistance. My job is to listen to the residents and address their concerns and that is what I pledge to do.