Press Release: Garlick Campaign Hosted Home Stretch Rally

Garlick Campaign Hosted Home Stretch Rally

Enrolled supporters for “Get Out the Vote” effort. 

NEEDHAM – The campaign for Denise Garlick, Vice-Chairman of the Needham Board of Selectmen and Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 13th Norfolk District, hosted nearly 100 supporters at a Home Stretch Rally at the home of Sandy and Doug Robinson on August 29. In addition to delivering remarks, the Garlick campaign enrolled supporters for its upcoming “Get Out the Vote” effort.

In her remarks, Garlick said, “I have the energy to do this job. I have the political courage to do this job, and I will work hard every day for the people of Needham, Dover and Medfield on Beacon Hill.”

Needham resident Doug Robinson, the event host, introduced Garlick and said, “For everyone that has wanted to help, this is the time. It’s important we get out and let our friends, our family and our neighbors know that this is the moment to get involved.”

Dan Matthews, Denise’s colleague on the Board of Selectmen, discussed her candidacy saying, “To me, she has the experience, the work ethic and the temperament to go to Beacon Hill. She can work with people with different points of view, she can forge workable solutions and never give up on her principles in the process.“

An image of Denise addressing the supporters from this event is attached.

The 13th Norfolk District includes Needham, Dover and parts of Medfield. The Democratic Primary will be held on September 14.

Press Release: Garlick Receives MNA endorsement

Denise Garlick Receives Massachusetts Nurses Association Endorsement

Affirms expertise and commitment to Health Care. 

Needham - The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the largest professional health care organization in the Commonwealth, has unanimously endorsed Denise Garlick, RN for State Representative of the Thirteenth Norfolk District which includes Needham, Dover and Medfield.

Garlick is an active member of the MNA, serving as its past-president.  “Denise is a strong and energetic leader. She helped transform our organization to best represent the needs of nurses and their patients in the evolving world of health care, and has been a passionate advocate for the safety of hospital patients through implementation of safe staffing standards.   Denise is smart, hard working and knows how to get things done,” said Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, president of the MNA in a release. 

 “Having worked as a Registered Nurse for over two decades I have a depth and breadth of direct care and policy experience to take with me to Beacon Hill. While Massachusetts has led the charge for health care reform, my goal as Representative is to improve cost containment ensuring access and quality of care and preserving our community hospitals.” Garlick said. She currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Needham Board of Selectmen.  Previously, she served as the Chairman of the Needham Board of Health.

Garlick has been a Registered Nurse since 1975, she has cared for veterans (VA Hospital in West Roxbury), patients in our community hospital (Glover Hospital, now BID Needham) children in our schools (substitute school nurse in Needham) individuals with mental illness (McLean Hospital) and individuals with developmental disabilities who are medically fragile (Health Supervisor; Charles River Arc). For more than 13 years Garlick was a nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital caring for acutely ill patients in the Surgical ICU and Cardiac intermediate Unit. She is currently the Community Outreach Nurse Educator at Wellesley College where she serves as the liaison between Health Services and the community campus for health education, promotion and wellness. Additionally, she is the liaison beyond the campus walls to local, regional and state organizations and agencies.

 “Garlick’s work in the area of health care on behalf of our most vulnerable populations; those with developmental disabilities and those with mental illness is a critical asset as changes to the health care system continue to take center stage,” said Kelly-Williams.  “Denise also has an interest in the preservation of public health and school health services for our children, understanding that a healthy child is a child ready to learn.” 

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest professional health care organization and the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

Garlick has previously received the endorsement of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

The Democratic Primary will take place on September 14^th.

Press Release: Garlick Campaign to Host Home Stretch Rally 8/29

Garlick Campaign to Host Home Stretch Rally on August 29

Looks to continue resounding success of August 19 fundraiser. 

NEEDHAM – The campaign for Denise Garlick, Vice-Chairman of the Needham Board of Selectmen and Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 13^th Norfolk District, will host a Home Stretch Rally at the home of Sandy and Doug Robinson on August 29, 18 days before the September 14^th Democratic primary. Everyone is invited to help make the campaign a success.

The event will be on August 29 at 5:30 p.m., and take place at 1646 Great Plain Avenue. Supporters are encouraged to park on the streets perpendicular to Great Plain Avenue.

In a message to supporters Garlick said, “There are just days left until the September 14th election. I believe good government happens when we all get involved and I need your help to win this election.”

The Garlick campaign looks to continue its success with events for Needham voters, following a successful fundraiser at the home of Needham residents Gerry and Maria McTernan on August 19. Garlick and supporter Bill Tilburg addressed the dozens in attendance, discussing Garlick’s commitment to job growth, health care cost containment and her political courage. An image of the supporters from this event is attached.

“This rally gives us the opportunity to energize the voters of Needham, Dover and Medfield for the last few weeks before the election,” said Dan Matthews, Campaign Director. “Denise has enthusiastic support in all three communities and we’re excited to build on this support.”

The 13^th Norfolk District includes Needham, Dover and parts of Medfield. The Democratic Primary will be held on September 14^th.

Denise and supporters at the August 19 event.

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Denise Garlick Recevies Education Endorsement from MTA

Release Date: Friday, August 19th, 2010

Denise Garlick Earns Education Endorsement From the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

NEEDHAM - Denise Garlick, Vice-Chairman of the Needham Board of Selectmen and Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 13th Norfolk District, has received the endorsement of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, recognizing her commitment to the students and teachers in this district.

“My goal as State Representative is to empower the teachers of Massachusetts to give our students the best possible education, and I am honored to have their support. Massachusetts is already a leader in public education nationwide; I will work hard to uphold that standard,” she said.

“Denise Garlick has the experience and leadership ability to be an effective State Representative. The students and educators of Massachusetts would be fortunate to have her in the State House,” said MTA President Paul Toner.

The MTA represents more than 100,000 educators, administrators and education support professionals in public education. It advocates for quality public education in an environment in which lifelong education and innovation flourish.

Denise’s commitment to education extends beyond her position as a member of the Board of Selectmen in Needham, a community that holds education in high regard and produces top-notch results. She served as a community representative on Needham’s Superintendant Search Committee that selected current superintendant Dan Gutenkanst in 2006.

Working with the Needham Public Schools, she helped found and served as the first co-Chairman of the Needham Coalition for Suicide Prevention, a community organization formed in 2007 following the tragic loss of four adolescents to suicide in just over a year and a half.

In her professional life, Denise is currently the Community Outreach Nurse Educator at Wellesley College.

Denise and her husband Russell raised four children in Needham: Monica, Elizabeth, Alex and Andy, that all attended the Needham Public Schools. They also led the development of a day program for intellectually delayed young adults at the Charles River Center in Needham.
The 13th Norfolk District includes Needham, Dover and parts of Medfield. The Democratic Primary will be held on September 14th.

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Issues: Casinos in Massachusetts

While I am acutely aware of the state’s need for a new revenue source, as well as the imperative need for jobs in the construction and service sectors, I am deeply concerned that the costs of the casinos outweighs the benefits. First, we need a full economic and municipal study detailing the impacts on infrastructure, regulatory agencies and public safety. Second, we must have a financial study on the impact on local economies in the state. We cannot starve the businesses in our communities to feed the casinos.

As another way to get Massachusetts working, I would advocate for the use of resources for the construction and repair of roads, bridges and deteriorating schools. This will supply the needed construction jobs and create a sustainable positive impact for towns and cities. Finally, I will continue to advocate for expanding the job market by fostering the growth of business to create the kind of jobs that will fuel our economy.

Issues: Casinos in Massachusetts

While I am acutely aware of the state’s need for a new revenue source, as well as the imperative need for jobs in the construction and service sectors, I am deeply concerned that the costs of the casinos outweighs the benefits. First, we need a full economic and municipal study detailing the impacts on infrastructure, regulatory agencies and public safety. Second, we must have a financial study on the impact on local economies in the state. We cannot starve the businesses in our communities to feed the casinos.

As another way to get Massachusetts working, I would advocate for the use of resources for the construction and repair of roads, bridges and deteriorating schools. This will supply the needed construction jobs and create a sustainable positive impact for towns and cities. Finally, I will continue to advocate for expanding the job market by fostering the growth of business to create the kind of jobs that will fuel our economy.

Issues: Sustainability

Today the Commonwealth faces challenges as great as any in our generation, but we must achieve solutions that are sustainable, both for our environment and our economy. I am proud to have the support of the Massachusetts Sierra Club because we share that commitment to environmental protection and a strong, sustainable Massachusetts. As a nurse, I am well aware of the fact that we need to preserve our natural environment as well as the indoor environment to protect the health and safety of our children, families, workers and seniors.  


We should encourage green technologies as part of a diversified economic growth strategy. This includes other potentially high-growth sectors, such as biotech and life sciences. Green technologies can bring jobs in research, design, engineering and manufacturing. I also support moving to renewable energy sources to lessen our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Issue: Supporting Needham's Businesses

My goal as a state representative would be to work in partnership with our Needham Business Association, Needham-Newton Chamber of Commerce and other motivated merchants to encourage and support our local business community. I have long been a proponent of buying local and have supported initiatives like selectively covering the parking meters, sidewalk sales days and the continued efforts of beautification of downtown and the Heights.  Beyond that, I would continue initiatives to make Needham as friendly for small businesses as possible through ensuring that our permitting process is quick, fair and efficient. Unique, well-run vendors like many we already have in Needham  are a foundation for the economic and social well being of our community.  

Issue: National Education Standards

I am deeply committed to providing our students a strong academic foundation that prepares them for college and the workplace in a global economy. I support the adoption of the National Education Standards as a means in this process but emphasize that it is just a start. There are national, state and local ramifications.

My goals as Representative for Needham, Dover and Medfield, three towns that value academic achievement are threefold. First, the Common Core Standards we adopt should meet or exceed our current standards. We must also pursue the opportunity for the significant financial support ($250 million) available that is so critical to Massachusetts schools. Finally, we need unwavering commitment to the belief that our children’s future success is linked to academic achievement and the development of their individual talents, creativity and commitment to their community. We must support our teachers, parents and school committees in this pursuit.

Issues: Charter Schools

As Representative, my goal is to provide every student in Massachusetts the opportunity for a quality education. The public has every right to demand better schools, and the legislature has the responsibility for meeting that objective.

When it comes to education, there is constant pressure for our communities to provide qualified staff and faculty, comprehensive curriculums, appropriate class sizes and buildings that keep students and teachers healthy. Unfortunately, financial resources are limited and every dollar counts.

Therefore, I do not support increased funding for charter schools. Even beyond Needham, Dover and Medfield, where there are none, charter schools only account for a small percentage of students in the state. And where they exist, charter schools can only benefit some families and students, as they employ enrollment practices that may separate students based on language proficiency, special education status or poverty. Finally, while some may post encouraging statistics, the overall record of charter schools is inconsistent.

As Representative, I will continue to strongly advocate for improving our state education system for every single one of our students from kindergarten through the state college system, leading to high achievement in academics and in life.

Issue: Affordable Housing

I support affordable housing, and do not support the repeal of the 40B law. The 40B law, which provides a comprehensive building permit that includes low- to moderate-income housing and promotes better site and building design, has been successful at creating affordable housing opportunities across the state, accounting for 80 percent of the affordable housing built outside of the cities during the past decade. It can also be a key component of our future housing and economic development needs, as laid out in the Smart Growth development plans. While the process should be less contentious, we can make progress at modifying it.

Most importantly, affordable housing helps create a diverse community, inclusive of individuals who may otherwise be unable to continue to reside in our towns. For example, many young families getting started, on-call firefighters in Dover and Medfield that want to live in the town they serve, seniors that need to downsize, and individuals with disabilities all wish to be part of our communities, but would be left out without the housing options created by 40B.

Issue: Pro-Choice

I am pro-choice. I support a woman’s right to choose, as well as providing health education, access to birth control and supporting women who choose to carry their pregnancies to term. As a working mother and community outreach nurse educator at a local women’s college, I understand the issues women face, and respect all of the personal decisions a woman may make.

My voice, as a woman, will be valuable at the State House. I have balanced having a family and a work life and know the constant strain and stress so many families face.

We don’t have balance in our Legislature. Women make up over half of our population, but only 26 percent of our State Representatives are women. And progress is not coming easily; there are fewer women in our State Legislature today than there were 10 years ago. I will bring perspective, experience and a strong voice to the debate at the State House on many issues, like jobs and economic development, containing health-care costs while preserving access and quality care and protecting local aid.

Issue: Local Aid

We need to increase, not reduce, local aid. Local aid is essential to provide needed town services without increasing property taxes even further. We also have to look at specifics, such as the Chapter 70 Education formula, to assure that our communities are treated fairly, including funding for high enrollment-growth communities such as Medfield, and funding the minimum 17.5 percent education commitment. But we need to recognize that pressure on local aid is driven by the state’s structural deficit, because local aid is the largest discretionary part of the budget, and thus the easiest to cut. That’s why it’s important that we act to rebuild our economy with infrastructure investment and sound business and workforce development policies to increase state general revenue without new taxes.

If there have to be reductions in state distributions, we should reduce state-mandated costs to cities and towns as well. There are identified opportunities to consolidate redundant programming at the state level, and to remove barriers to regionalization of services to save administrative costs. We should review each element of the state budget, achieving every economy we can, to assure that the public is getting value for the tax dollars that we have.

Needham Times: Question the Week, National Education Standards

Q:What do you think of the decision by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt national education standards in place of established state standards?

A: Denise Garlick

I am deeply committed to providing our students a strong academic foundation that prepares them for college and the workplace in a global economy. I support the adoption of the National Education Standards as a means in this process but emphasize that it is just a start. There are national, state and local ramifications.

My goals as Representative for Needham, Dover and Medfield, three towns that value academic achievement are threefold. First, the Common Core Standards we adopt should meet or exceed our current standards. We must also pursue the opportunity for the significant financial support ($250 million) available that is so critical to Massachusetts schools. Finally, we need unwavering commitment to the belief that our children’s future success is linked to academic achievement and the development of their individual talents, creativity and commitment to their community. We must support our teachers, parents and school committees in this pursuit.

Read the entire article here.