WEST NEWBURY — This campaign season will be the last for state Rep. Harriett Stanley.
Stanley, of West Newbury, said she has been talking with supporters as well as her staff and has made the decision that if she does win re-election in November, it will be her last. Stanley, a Democrat, has represented the 2nd Essex District for eight terms — 16 years.
"We are calling it the wrap tour," Stanley said with a laugh. "In show biz they say, 'that's a wrap' and I'll be tying up the loose ends, getting health care through and finishing several projects in my district before I turn it over to the younger generation."
The district includes Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Rowley, West Newbury, precinct 1 of the town of Georgetown and precinct 3 of ward 4, and precincts 1 and 3 of ward 7 of the city of Haverhill.
Stanley said if health care had advanced prior to now, she would not be running for another term. Stanley is the chairwoman of the joint committee on health care financing.
Georgetown resident Michael Anderson, a Republican, has already launched a challenge for the seat.
"This is what democracy is all about. I welcome the discussion," Stanley said, noting she looks forward to participating in debates with Anderson. "This is a very political environment. People are unhappy with some reason and think government can just change things with the snap of a finger. The truth is that can't happen, but we should be talking."
Anderson, 35, a lifelong resident of Georgetown is the owner of Theo's Restaurant in Georgetown and recently decided to get involved in politics. Anderson will be running as a Republican.
"I've been a business owner for 10 years, and the recent sales and meals tax hike is really hurting businesses where we live so close to the border," Anderson said. "I have a 1-year-old son, and when I was growing up, Georgetown had community activities and great schools, and things have now taken a turn for the worse."
Anderson, a North Street resident, has been an on-call firefighter since he was 18 years old and has also served as fire chief and deputy chief, emergency management director and on the board of fire engineers in Georgetown.
"I'm a get-involved type of person," Anderson said. "I want to make a difference."
Anderson said trouble understanding why Stanley voted for the sales tax increase when she represents border communities is one of the reasons he is running.
"Businesses around the area are closing, and sales are down for everyone," Anderson said. "Every little bit makes a difference when people can drive 10 minutes and go to Seabrook or Plaistow (N.H.) and get what they need."
Anderson, who will officially kick off his campaign on April 9 at the Rowley VFW, said he is also for putting a cap on insurance increases for small businesses.
"I think people are eager to hear some different voices," Anderson said. "It's always the same people."
Asked whether she will be ramping up campaigning in light of the competition, Stanley said her best defense is to focus on the projects and people in her district.
"I have always campaigned with this in mind; the best thing I can do is to do my job," Stanley said.
Stanley has launched a blog, "Common Sense," where constituents will be able see what she is working on and hear "candid commentary."
Should she win re-election, Stanley said she will focus on getting at least one project done in each of her cities and towns.
"The most pressing project is to get the Rocks Bridge," Stanley said. "It's moving very slowly, but they have not seen anything like the aggressive representative they are going to see shortly."
Stanley also noted working on the beach situation in Newbury is one of her priorities.
"I'm going to pick one project to get done in each community," Stanley said. "Then I'm going to turn it over to the next generation of leaders."
Stanley said anyone who is thinking of running for the seat in two years is welcome to shadow her for a day.
"Being a representative is a full-time job, around the clock," Stanley said. "I'm going to tell anyone who is interested in running for the seat to come to my office one day a week for the next year and learn all the aspects of it."
Stanley said that with the end of her career as a state representative in sight, she doesn't feel it's bittersweet.
"I'm looking forward to the next chapter, whatever it is," Stanley said. "I'm going to give this (campaign and term) a good shake. I have a fabulous staff and wonderful supporters."
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