O’Donnell would hit the ground running as senator

Several fine candidates are running to succeed Senator Stan Rosenberg. From organizing the Conference of Municipal Officials every year in Northampton, to fighting for western Massachusetts towns in budget negotiations on Beacon Hill, he was there for us and our towns.

One candidate might be the best person if she were running for Congress. Another might be better to serve in some other office. But voters are choosing a candidate for state Senate, so the question for voters is, “Who is our best candidate for state Senate?”

With the seat now vacant, and several new state reps. to be elected this year from the Pioneer Valley, our new state senator must be able to hit the ground running. Experience matters. A lot.

Ryan O’Donnell is the only candidate who has ever been elected to municipal office. Ryan O’Donnell is the only candidate who has ever dealt with the budget needs of different departments. Ryan O’Donnell is the only candidate who has helped solve constituent problems. Ryan O’Donnell is the only candidate who regularly attended meetings of the Hampshire County Select Boards Association. Ryan O’Donnell is the only candidate who regularly attended the annual convention of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA).

He was born in the Senate district. He went to public schools in the district. He graduated from UMass. He already serves the people of the district. Please elect Ryan O’Donnell to serve in the State Senate.

Ken Elstein

Past chair Hampshire County Select Boards Association, Belchertown