NORTH ANDOVER — School Committee member Karin Rhoton, a Republican, hopes to challenge veteran State Rep. David Torrisi, a Democrat, who will be seeking an eighth term in November.
Rhoton, finishing up her first term on the North Andover School Committee, filed a Statement of Organization with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance on Dec. 12.
"I think I can offer the citizens of the 14th Essex more responsive and effective representation than what's been happening," Rhoton said in an interview yesterday.
Rhoton said last month she was not seeking re-election to the School Committee.
Her term ends on March 31. She will formally announce her candidacy for the Republican nomination in September on the steps of North Andover Town Hall. So far no others have announced their intentions to challenge Torrisi.
She said she considered running in 2010 but wanted to fulfill her duty to the town of North Andover and finish out her term.
"I think the time is right for me now," said Rhoton, 36, who lives on Perry Street with her husband and three young children.
Torrisi, who will seek an eighth term to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, said that he will "hopefully convince (the voters) that I'm up for the job for another term."
Torrisi, of North Andover, said he believes the state is starting to come out of its economic recession and said state legislators are doing their best during tough times.
"I think we've done a pretty good job being good fiscal stewards at the state level," Torrisi said. Redistricting changes to the 14th Essex added parts of Methuen and Haverhill to the district while removing some parts of Lawrence. Torrisi said 35 percent of the district is new.
"It's going to be about meeting new people and new voters but at the same time reassuring those I've represented over the last seven terms that I'm still very excited and energized about the job," Torrisi said.
Rhoton, an executive at a Wilmington technology company, said her most important issues will be fiscal responsibility, budget transparency, public safety, education and family values.
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