Adam Scanlon

Adam Scanlon was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Scanlon earned a bachelor's degree from Framingham State University in 2019.[1] His career experience includes working for a nonprofit in Boston.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My devoted public service background has always centered around improving North Attleboro and the Commonwealth. I have utilized my skill set to leverage successes in North Attleboro for the last 5 years in formal elected roles including RTM member, School Committee Member and a Town Councilor.

From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people from all walks of life. My first opportunity as a community advocate was at the age of 17 when threats of cuts to the North Attleboro education budget were discussed. I reached out to the town's Finance Committee and advocated for the importance of the programs on the chopping block. Fortunately, the Finance Committee agreed to restore the funding for these vital programs. I realized the importance of President Kennedy's words, "Anyone can make a difference, and everyone should try". I believed that it was time for a new perspective in leadership, someone with new bold ideas. In 2017, I announced my intentions to run for School Committee.

As a School Committee member, I collectively oversaw and advocated for several successful initiatives. These included the rollout of 1:1 devices, social and emotional learning, increased transparency, updating curriculum, and long-term planning. Additionally, I advocated and saw to increases in student leadership positions and worked with state legislators to ensure a grant for the school district. I have developed positive relations with those in the teacher's union by assisting in contract negotiation

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A fairer state government...Beacon Hill continues to be behind the times when it comes to keeping residents informed. The Massachusetts legislature continues to expect every community to abide by the Open Meeting Law, however it won't hold itself to the same standard. Massachusetts legislators also refuse to release how they voted in various legislative committees. Additionally, the legislature again exempts itself from the public records law while expecting all cities and towns to follow it. Legislators also meet privately in executive session to discuss important priorities of the Commonwealth, such as the budget. Leadership must come from the top down, as your State Rep. I will seek a change in statehouse culture. I would be committed toTax Fairness...Massachusetts's tax system continues to widen inequity by maintaining a "regressive" tax infrastructure. Middle and lower income earners are paying a much higher share than those at the top 1%. . While a majority of taxes in Massachusetts have a single, uniform rate-for example, regardless of income, people all pay the same 5.05 percent income tax rate and 6.25 percent sales tax-different income groups nonetheless pay very different portions of their incomes in state and local taxes. On average, Massachusetts families with the lowest incomes contribute a larger percentage of their incomes in state and local taxes than do households in the top 20 percent of incomes. In fact, those with the highest incomes contribute the lowestEducation...Providing a quality education to all students has always been a close ideal of mine. The district continues to deal with a state funding formula that is not equitable to our region. As your State Representative, I would strive every day to fight as much as possible for our students and teachers. I would also fight against unfunded mandates that have a detrimental effect on our district. I would also attempt to work with other legislators to reshape the assessment process that it is more conducive to the everyday teachings in the classroom. Teachers and staff know more than anyone else on what is best to educate our kids, not government bureaucrats. North Attleboro has been very successful in embedding social and emotional core c

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Taxes, health care, environment, education, accessible government, seniors/veterans, economic development, and transportation.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I would say that I most look up to my mother and father. My mother worked 30 years as a hair stylist, often working double shifts to be able to pay bills and take care of me. One day she decided that she wanted to change career paths. Now she is the client engagement liaison at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. I respect her for her resilience and her ingenuity in pursuing something that she is truly passionate about. My father graduated from high school with nothing except the trade he had learned in school. He started his own business and has been successful for over 30 years. Both of my parents were able to achieve the American dream thru hard work and ingenuity, I am running to ensure that other families are treated equitably and given the chance to pursue any opportunity.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Profiles in Courage.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and transparency.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to the needs of your constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event that I can remember is the election of Barack Obama as president. I was 12 at the time. I remember watching his inauguration speech in middle school with my peers. His election gave hope to so many people in regards to that anyone can make a difference.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started working at the age of 15 for my local McDonald's. I remember that when I first started working, my primary duties were cleaning and tending to guests needs. Every Saturday I would come in and see all of the regulars. Thru their stories I got to learn more about my community and the struggles that everyday people faced. I am thankful for this opportunity as it gave me a chance to meet thousands of working class people over the years. I worked on and off at this McDonald's for about 5 years. I worked there throughout my entire high school career and in summer breaks during my undergrad years to help pay for college. I waited on guests, cleaned, cooked, and everything in between. I eventually became a manager before graduating from college and prior to my election to the Town Council.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

I would say that what makes Massachusetts government most unique is that the House has an 80% Democratic super majority and the Senate has a 90% Democratic super majority, while we have an elected Republican Governor that is considered popular.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think what's most important is the ability for people to build relationships with other legislators, residents, and organizations.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

I would say the ability to raise state revenue, address climate change, provide quality healthcare to everyone, and reinvigorating our transportation system.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Well historically due to the high supermajority of Democrats in both chambers, the legislature is historically known for overriding a veto or striking a compromise with the governor. The area that I think that is most in need of improvement is additional legislative oversight over administrative actions such as transportation related issues.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, it is paramount to build relationships with everyone.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would say

Education

Election Laws

Municipalities and Regional Government

Transportation

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

N/A

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would probably want to get my feet wet first if elected.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I would say that I admire Senator Edward Kennedy's model of legislative leadership.