Spencer: 1 town, 3 state legislators, many constituents

Spencer: 1 town, 3 state legislators, many constituents

Sen.-elect Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, in a debate in October (T&G Staff File Photo/STEVE LANAVA)

 By James F. Russell CORRESPONDENT

SPENCER — When Republican Donnie Berthiaume is sworn in as the new state representative for the 5th Worcester District in January, there will be three legislators from Spencer on Beacon Hill.

Mr. Berthiaume will take the seat that Democrat Anne M. Gobi of Spencer has held since winning a special election in 2001. She won election Nov. 4 to the state Senate, representing the Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex District. The Senate seat has been held by Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, who did not seek re-election.

Mr. Berthiaume also will serve with state Rep. Peter Durant, R-Spencer. The men both served on the Spencer Board of Selectmen and consider themselves friends as well as colleagues.

In recent interviews the trio were asked about the anomaly of three people from one town representing a swath of people from Central Massachusetts. They all said their job is to represent everyone in the districts they represent.

"I think it's a good thing as long as all three of us take our job seriously," Mr. Berthiaume said. "Anne has a good track record. Peter has a good track record. My focus is to concentrate on the entire 11-town district."


"I know both pretty well and am comfortable I can call them at any time. It should work out pretty good," the representative-elect said.

"David Prouty produces really good graduates," Mr. Durant said, referring to the regional high school serving Spencer and East Brookfield..

"It is interesting. It is kind of unique. We probably have more representatives per capita than anyone," he said. "You hear a lot of complaints when towns get split; it is the nature of redistricting. On the other side of that coin, you get two for the price of one; in Spencer we get three."

"I will really enjoy working with Donnie. It will be nice," the Republican said.

Asked about any friction that exists between himself and Ms. Gobi and Mr. Brewer, Mr. Durant said, "Anybody who follows politics close enough realizes that Sen. Brewer and I did not get along. And Rep. Gobi and I never got along great either. However, that never got in the way of doing the necessary local work for the towns we represent. We have co-sponsored bills, Anne and I, and I have worked with Steve. On local issues, the legislators do come together. Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, you don't get anything done by yourself."

Ms. Gobi said, "For me, working with Republicans has never been an issue. One of my very good friends in the legislature is Kim Ferguson, a Republican." Ms. Ferguson resides in Holden.

The Democrat continued: "I have worked well with Republicans. My relationship with the majority of Republicans has never been a problem. I treat people the way I want to be treated."

Ms. Gobi praised Mr. Brewer.

"I had the best mentor in Steve Brewer. That is the type of politician that I am proud to emulate. And I will continue to do the best I can ... It is the people of the 28 towns that are important."

She also praised former state Rep. Henry R. Grenier of Spencer, who died in 1999.

"Rep. Hank Grenier, when I was growing up, I just knew him as my next-door neighbor. The Grenier family still lives in this area," Ms. Gobi said.

"I thought about him as a friend in the neighborhood," she said. "As a kid growing up, I did not realize the work he did, until I was elected. People associated me with him, which was a big help."

Mr. Durant represents the 6th Worcester District, consisting of Precincts 1, 2, and 3 in Charlton; Precincet 1 in Spencer, and all of Dudley and Southbridge.

The Senate district Ms. Gobi will represent includes Ashburnham, Athol, Barre, Brookfield, Charlton, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Oakham, Paxton, Petersham, Phillipston, Rutland, Spencer, Sturbridge, Templeton, Warren, West Brookfield and Winchendon in Worcester County; Brimfield, Holland, Monson, Palmer and Wales in Hampden County; Ware in Hampshire County and Ashby in Middlesex County.

Mr. Berthiaume will represent Barre; Brookfield; East Brookfield; Hardwick; Hubbardston; New Braintree; North Brookfield; Oakham; Precincts 2, 3, and 4 in Spencer; West Brookfield; and Precinct A in Ware.
 

Donnie Berthiaume of Spencer has been elected state representative in the 5th Worcester District. (T&G Staff File Photo/CHRISTINE PETERSON) 

State Rep. Peter Durant of Spencer (SUBMITTED PHOTO