I would like to thank all of my family, friends, supporters and the voters of the 1st Worcester District for their help and support during this election… without you, this would not have been possible! I am looking forward to my new role as your next State Representative, and understand that there is much work to be done.

-Photography by Community Vine Photo

Kimberly N. Ferguson has enthusiastically announced her candidacy for State Representative in the 1st Worcester District. The District is comprised of Holden, Hubbardston, Oakham, Princeton, Rutland, Precinct 1 in Sterling, and Westminster. Kimberly is in her third term on the Holden Board of Selectmen and has twice served as the Board’s Chairman. She has served as Vice-Chairman and has also served on numerous committees, including the Town’s Holden Tomorrow Committee (Master Plan), Starbard Scholarship Committee, and Affordable Housing Committee. She is a former member of the Wachusett Regional School District Committee. Kimberly recently led the Board and Town through a very difficult period and the hiring and transition to a new Town Manager. During 2009, she chaired the Manager Search Committee and also served as a member of the Light Department Manager Search Committee. To this end, Ferguson is pleased with the continual progress the Town of Holden has made, despite difficult financial times.

Kimberly feels that her experience, understanding of municipal and educational issues, commitment, stellar attendance, reasoned approach, and ability to weigh all sides of an issue before making a decision have aided her and will assist her in her duties as State Representative. She has never been afraid to ask difficult questions and take tough votes. “Being a State Representative is about constituent service, responsibility, respect for the office, and total commitment. It’s about efficient State government and innovative ideas. It’s about local aid, affordability, and making Massachusetts business friendly. It’s about you. You deserve someone on Beacon Hill who will work well with others and have the ability to reach across the aisle. I have always been someone who will listen first, then lead.”

Ferguson adds, “I have spoken to countless individuals, families, and business owners who are struggling to make ends meet. I am proud of our communities and feel that I can be a strong and effective voice for them on Beacon Hill. She notes “As someone with over 10 years of experience in local government, I have seen firsthand the impact of the State not upholding its commitments to our communities on issues such as regional school transportation, the Quinn bill, and lottery aid. The State’s obligations are not optional and must be honored.”

She holds a Master of Science Degree in Speech/Language Pathology and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education Leadership and Management. She is currently working as a private practice Speech/Language Pathologist and Consultant, and has been an adjunct faculty member of the Graduate Department at Framingham State College. She and her husband have two sons. She is an active volunteer in her son’s school and supports several civic organizations and charities.

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the Town of Holden during the past several years. I look forward to continuing my service and working hard for the 1st Worcester District.

Kim can be reached via email at kim@vote4kim.org.