Massachusetts state Sen. Don Humason is angling for a new job. The Westfield Republican announced early Thursday that he’s running for mayor.
Humason has spend the last 16 years on Beacon Hill; the last five in the Senate. As Westfield mayor, Humason said, he’d be able to leverage those Boston connections to fight longtime state budget inequity.
“I think I would do what I’ve done as a state senator, which is to constantly remind my colleagues in Boston that we exist out here in western Mass., and that we need to be remembered when it comes time for budget, or bond bills or legislation to pass,” Humason said.
Dan Allie, a Westfield city councilor, and chair of the local Republican committee, said he supports Humason.
"(Humason should focus on) restoring local aid to cities and towns...and the other thing would be, really, more money for roads," Allie said.
If successful, Humason would be in for a slight pay cut. According to the state treasurer's office, he makes just over $104,000 now, including his base legislative pay and a committee stipend. The current Westfield mayor, Brian Sullivan, makes $100,000.
Sullivan announced earlier this year that he won’t seek another term.
Candidates can pull nomination papers starting April first.
