Rep. Straus runs unopposed in Nov. 8 election
State Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett) has no opponents in the Nov. 8 election, but he says he’s not taking his position for granted.
“My reasons for running are the same regardless,” he said. “I feel I can be effective on behalf of the towns and the people in the district.”
Straus hails from New Jersey and studied law and public administration at Georgetown University and the Harvard Kennedy School, respectively. He eventually moved to Mattapoisett with his family and served on the town’s Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Facility Safety Council before being elected in 1992 as a state representative for the 10th Bristol District, representing the tri-town, Fairhaven and a portion of New Bedford.
Going back for another two-year term, Straus said there are two areas he’s been working on that are at a “critical stage:” Phase II of the Mattapoisett Bike Path and the South Coast Rail project.
Regarding the bike path, Straus said he was involved in the first segment, from Fairhaven to Mattapoisett Neck Road. He has continued to be an advocate as the next stage of the project moves through the design phase and proponents seek funding from the Department of Transportation.
As for the South Coast Rail project, which would connect the South Coast to Boston by commuter rail, Straus said, “I think we are within months of critical decisions that will kickoff the project by Gov. Baker.”
The house chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Straus recently worked with the Department of Transportation to get Mattapoisett funding for a new sidewalk on Route 6 from the Fairhaven line to Main Street.
“It’s a big public safety issue for people in town,” he said.
Straus said he’s also proud of the work he’s done to promote the cranberry and seafood industries, and he’s committed to continue “standing up for local education” as well as whatever other issues come up over the next term.
And after more than 20 years in public office, Straus said he appreciates the trust his constituency has placed in him to make tough decisions.
“That’s humbling every election whether you’re unopposed or not,” said Straus.
