Lewis running for Casey's seat
Published on September 19th, 2007
STONEHAM, MA - Two years after defending his seat against then-challenger John Prindiville, Rep. Paul Casey (D-Stoneham) once again has some competition for his post again this year.
Winchester resident Jason Lewis has throw his hat in the Democratic ring and announced his candidacy for State Representative to both Winchester and Stoneham.
The South African native moved to the US as a 12-year-old and went to high school in New Jersey before settling in the Boston-area for schooling and then later as a professional -- and now he's hoping to give back to a community that has provided him with a wealth of opportunities.
Stating the district needs "new leadership to tackle the challenges facing Stoneham and Winchester," Lewis announced this week he will be a candidate in the Democratic Primary for State Representative in September, 2008.
According to a press release provided by the challenger, Lewis has already raised more than $10,000 towards his run and will be holding a kickoff event in October.
"We're ready to start ramping up the campaign," said Lewis. "I'm looking forward to meeting people from all across the district, listening to their concerns, and talking about how to move our communities forward."
Lewis, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, has pursued a successful career in the software industry while also maintaining an active role in the Town of Winchester.
A resident of Winchester since 1998, he has served on the Master Plan Steering Committee, Finance Committee, Superintendent Selection Committee for the public schools, and the Board of Trustees for the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence.
"I have experience running a business," said Lewis. "I'm also a parent and dedicated community member. I don't have a traditional political background, which I believe will help me bring a fresh approach and new ideas to the State House.
"Families in Stoneham and Winchester are concerned about the quality of our schools, access to affordable healthcare, and making sure that vital local services are adequately funded," added Lewis. " We can do a lot better on all of these issues, and that's my priority."
Winchester resident Gloria Legvold will serve as the Chair of Lewis' campaign, and feel strongly about the candidate's qualifications.
"It's important to have leaders who share our values and really listen to our concerns," said Legvold. "Jason brings a strong combination of business acumen, understanding of social justice issues, and a commitment to represent everyone in our community."
Lewis, a first time candidate, and his wife, Susan, have two young daughters.
His campaign kickoff will take place on October 25, 2007 at 7pm at the Sullivan/Ingari residence, 16 McCall Road, Winchester. More details are available on the campaign website at www.electjasonlewis.com. All are welcome to attend.
Family
Jason and his wife Susan settled in Winchester in 1998, where they are raising their two daughters, Sophie, age 8, and Jessie, age 5. Sophie is a third grader at Ambrose Elementary School and Jessie will be entering kindergarten at Ambrose next year. Jason coaches Sophie's soccer team. Susan is a Web producer for the PBS science series NOVA. She served as the Co-President of the Winchester Family Action Network and is an active library and classroom volunteer at Ambrose.
Education and Business Career
Jason attended public high school in New Jersey. With the help of merit scholarships, he graduated from Harvard College in 1990 with a degree in economics with high honors. He worked for McKinsey & Company in global management and strategy consulting. Later, he attended Harvard Business School. After receiving his MBA, Jason launched a successful career in management and marketing in the software industry, with RSA Security in Bedford and later Endeca Technologies in Cambridge.
Community Service
Jason has been active in his local community. He serves on the Winchester Master Plan Steering Committee and the Winchester Finance Committee. He previously served on the Superintendent Selection Committee for the Winchester public schools. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence, and the leadership team of Stand for Children, a nonprofit grassroots group that advocates for adequate state funding of education.
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