PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mark Jester, Republican candidate for state representative, was endorsed on Friday by New Jobs for Massachusetts, an advocacy group for job creation in Massachusetts. Mike Hruby, president of the group, described Jester as the best jobs candidate.
"As a state representative, we strongly believe that Mark will fight for initiatives that will help grow jobs in Massachusetts. Mark Jester is the pro-jobs candidate," said Hruby.
NJFM conducted a survey of all the candidates running in the special election on Oct. 18 to fill the vacant 3rd District seat. Jester's survey showed that he has the best understanding of how regulations, high taxes and government bureaucracy can deter job growth, according to Hruby. Moreover, Jester supports immediate reforms that can help the commonwealth's economy.
Jester is the second candidate in the state to receive the distinction of being a "Pro-Jobs Candidate" from New Jobs for Massachusetts. Last month, newly elected state Rep. Keiko Orrall received the first recognition.
Unemployed workers
300,000
Underemployed workers
600,000
College graduates per year
90,000
High school graduates not going to college
10,000
Total
1 million
Figures supplied by NJFM
"Pittsfield residents who want to turn around the economy and create more jobs locally should support Mark Jester's candidacy in the Oct. 18 special election," said Hruby.
NJFM has been sounding the alarm that Massachusetts has a jobs crisis. According to its figures, the commonwealth needs one million jobs in order to satisfy the need for employment.
NJFM officials say the new organization is funded by private small contributions so it does not have a membership list that might face retaliation from the State House for being vocal on issues.
Mike Hruby of Boxborough has been a consultant to large and mid-sized technology companies for more than 20 years. During the course of more than 500 projects, his firm helped companies nationwide enter new markets for their products. Since 2004, he built a data center cooling business for a client based on its patent, and found licensees for corporate technologies. He wrote an award-winning book on corporate growth strategy titled "Technoleverage." He has a master's degree in resource economics from the University of New Hampshire.
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The cities of Pittsfield and North Adams will hold municipal elections for mayor, city council and school committee in 2015
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