If Eric Nakajima is elected as the state representative for the 3rd Hampshire District, he aims to stabilize funding for public education, increase money for higher education and promote innovation and economic development through clean energy.
“I’m running because of the fact that by the end of the Patrick administration we had tremendous opportunities in the Valley to improve quality of life, but we wouldn’t get there unless we substantially reshaped the state investment in higher education and infrastructure,” Nakajima said.
An Amherst native who attended its public schools, Nakajima brought 14 years in policy research and development experience with Bay Area Economics in Washington, D.C., and the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, before taking on the role of senior policy adviser for Gov. Deval Patrick’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, eventually rising to level of assistant secretary for innovation policy.
“That was an opportunity to transition into real-life politics that contributed to legislation,” Nakajima said.
Najakjima, who is 49 and single, said he was inspired to run for Ellen Story’s seat out of a convergence of challenges facing the state, including growing income inequality and difficulties in funding for higher education.
His endorsements and backers come from areas where he has served, including 20 student leaders from UMass, as well as Greg Bialecki, former secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Patrick; John Walsh, Patrick’s campaign manager; former Amherst Select Board member Nancy Eddy and Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera.
“I feel like it’s a combination of recognizing my roots in the Valley and my experience on Beacon Hill,” Nakajima said.
Stabilizing Chapter 70 state aid to public schools, and going back to the 50-50 share of investment in higher education, are critical, he said. “That’s bringing affordability back into line while having a great university,” Nakajima said.
Clean, renewable energy can be achieved by putting tools in place through legislation that will allow green energy companies to seize these opportunities.
Nakajima said it is valuable to have existing relationships in Boston, which he said he developed through his experience working in the executive branch, and will work with other legislators well.
“I’m looking to be a partner with them and collaborate,” Nakajima said.
He understands there is a sense of anxiety that social services and women’s issues won’t be advocated for in the same way from the distri with Story’s retirement.
But he is confident that he can be a worthy successor.
“My knowledge of how to get things done will help me hit the ground running,” Nakajima said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.