The Massachusetts primary is next Thursday, Sept. 8. and four candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans — are in the primary runoff for the state senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dan Wolf. The Gazette emailed customized questionnaires to each announced candidate for office asking them to answer two general questions: why Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect them and what their qualifications were for office. The legislative candidates were also asked about their priorities.

Anthony Schiavi
Harwich Republican
State Senate Candidate

Statement

I have a unique and diverse set of skills learned over a very long career in public service, both in the military and local government as a town manager and police commissioner, that I believe set me apart from any of the other candidates in this race, and that I believe set me apart in a positive way. I consider myself a problem solver and able to bring forward thinking ideas and solutions to complex issues, build consensus around them and then implement them. I have a proven track record of achievements that highlight my dedication, passion and commitment to those who depend on me, since it is an important role of government to help solve problems. I am also able to work with people of differing points of view to work together to solve common problems and is also a demonstrative strength. There will also be issues that are similar on the Islands and mainland, but could very well take different approaches to solving them, and that will take creativity to do so and I know I can.

Qualifications

I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a master’s in business administration. I served 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Brigadier General, with 20 of those years station at Joint Base Cape Cod where I held numerous executive level leadership positions. I was also the first executive director of Joint Base Cape Cod and I am also an experienced town manager and police commissioner. I have owned two small businesses during my 25 years on Cape Cod. I am on the Commission for Long Term Care and Housing for Veterans and a governor’s appointee to the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. I am on the board of directors of the American Red Cross. During my 33 years of public service, I have worked on many important issues with local, state and federal officials in order to do what is best for those that I serve. I will bring the same level of passion and commitment for the greater good of Cape Cod and the Islands in the state senate.

Priorities

The opiate epidemic.

Affordable housing.

Creating more sustainable year-round job growth.

Environmental and sustainability issues (water quality and wastewater chief among them).