Ted Philips

Edward Philips was born in Boston, Massachusetts,[1] and lives in Sharon, Massachusetts.[2] Philips graduated from Sharon High School.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2005 and an M.P.A. from Suffolk University Sawyer School of Business in 2011. Philips' career experience includes working as a legislative aide, committee director, and staff director.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a lifelong resident of the Town of Sharon and having worked for this district for the last fourteen years, I'm asking for the promotion to State Representative because I can do so much more to help the people of Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, & Mansfield than I've been able to as a staffer.

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?

FROM THE DISTRICT, FOR THE DISTRICT- No one knows these towns and their needs better than I do.A RECORD OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE- Having worked on Beacon Hill for 15 years, I know the system and how to make it work for my district.EXPERIENCE MATTERS- In the middle of a pandemic, there's no on-the-job training. I'm ready to go on Day One.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm really passionate about reforming & modernizing our transportation system, reforming the rules of the Massachusetts House & legislature, and navigating this pandemic safely.

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

I'm a big fan of Massachusetts political figures like Tip O'Neill & Joe Moakley- men who were able to accomplish great things for their country but never lost their focus on their districts and the residents they represented. I look with admiration to the example of men like John Lewis, who led with a dignity and grace that is unmatched in American politics. Always moving forward, forgiving those who wronged him, he was an unbelievable human, let alone Congressman. Those are the types of people I admire and hope to emulate in office.

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; The West Wing.

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

Trust, loyalty, & accessibility.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Trustworthiness, loyalty, diligence.

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

1. Serve the people of your district- make sure their government is working for them.

2. Vote on legislation in a manner which best represents and benefits your district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like people to say that I made lives better for the people that I served.

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 recall was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989; I was six years old.

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

I was a Gate Guard at Lake Massapoag for a half a summer; due to a Lifeguard shortage, the Rec Department had me train up quickly and I finished the summer lifeguarding at the lake. It was the perfect summer job for a Sharon High School student.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara. A fascinating work of historical fiction that takes you deep inside the Battle of Gettysburg, its a book that just sucks you right in and you can't put it down.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Jack Ryan or James Bond.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Nice to Meet Ya, by Niall Horan.

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

The Senate is currently a more liberal body than the House because the larger district size reduces the chances that Republican opponents have.

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

Very much so- experience in government pays massive dividends for constituents when their Representative knows what they're doing, has command of the system, and has existing relationships to put to work in service of their district.

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

Financially weathering this pandemic, modernizing our transportation system, and rising to meet the moment on combatting climate change.

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

We're at our best when there is strong communication between the Executive and Legislative branches, and we fundamentally agree philosophically on the role our government should play in citizen's lives.

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

ABSOLUTELY- politics and government is an industry based on relationships. Having good relationships with other legislators allows you to more effectively navigate government, move bills, and deliver more resources and services to your district.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I believe that the fairest outcomes are achieved by a balanced, independent panel that considers all views but offers recommendations rather than the legislature.

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

Yes- Transportation, Ways & Means, & Public Health.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

While I believe ambition is a good thing in government, because striving for higher office makes you work harder to establish a record that would allow you to do so, my focus is simply on being the best State Representative that I can be for Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, & Mansfield.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a staffer, I've heard too many to count. But I'm proud that I was able to help many of those people and make positive changes in their lives, either via legislation or fixing a problem with state agencies.