Brian Hamlin: MA 2020 Primary Candidate Profile

MEDFIELD, MA — Massachusetts' 9th Norfolk District has been represented by Republican Shawn Dooley for the past six years, but Democrat Brian Hamlin is trying to change that. Hamlin is running for the seat in the Sept. 1 primary.

Hamlin is a native of the 9th Norfolk District who has not previously held political office. The seat has been controlled by Republicans for years — Dooley is the 5th consecutive Republican to represent the district.

Hamlin is not the only Democrat trying to unseat Dooley, Hunter Cohen is also running for the seat. Patch has asked both Hamlin and Cohen to answer our candidate questionnaires ahead of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. The last day to register to vote in the primary is Saturday, which is also the day early voting gets underway. Here's how Hamlin answered our questionnaire:

Brian Hamlin

Age (as of Election Day): 57

Family: Wife, Robin; Son, Brian Jr 39 Deceased; Daughter, Brandi 35; Son, Timothy 33; Granddaughter, Harper Brinn 3

Education: King Philip High School

Occupation *Please include years of experience: Cabinetmaker 40 years, Business owner 21 years

Campaign Website: brianhamlin4rep.com; hamlin4rep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to see more emphasis on mental health. I want to see changes in the prescribing industry. I want to see protection of employees safety. I want to see laws that get put in place be sure there is money to fund enforcing them.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

C-B It is all new to everyone, they are learning and making it safe at the same time.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

Biggest thing with the 40B Law is most don't understand when they hear 40B that it is only for a small percentage and the fight it. State wants it and it is a must. Does it stay 40B is always the issue. Again we need more follow up to make sure it does.

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

Police reform should be listed as reorganizing. There are bad people everywhere. When it goes wrong in policing it can cost lives. If there are offenders they need to be retrained or released

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Communication from the public to the State House. We need the residents to feel as what they are saying is heard and they react to it. Not just talk about it.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My ability to listen to what the people have to say and work on the specifics to make a difference and speak with peers at the State house so they understand how the residents are looking at it. I am a Norfolk Lion one phrase they speak of every meeting is "not above me, not below me, but with me" I live my life by it and am proud to say it with the group that reaches out to help

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Complete lack of respect for the public that has put him in their trust of watching over the public

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I work with a Substance Abuse group SAFE Coalition MA and helped set them up in office space for a great boost to the problems of the area youth as well as adults face every day.

Running my family business through some extremely tough times in 2009-2012 as well as our latest COVID-19

The best advice ever shared with me was:

John F Kennedy "Don't ask what your country can do for me, but what I can do for my country"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want to know what they will need me to help them with. This position I am going for isn't for me, it is for them!