Bourque to run for state representative seat

Webster – Selectman Donald Bourque announced Monday that he will run for state representative in the newly mapped 18th Worcester District. The district will include Webster, Douglas, Sutton, and parts of Oxford when it becomes effective in November 2012.

Statewide legislative redistricting in October dramatically changed the future composition of the 18th district, as well as the 8th and 6th.

Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) currently represents the 18th district, which is comprised of precincts in Sutton, Uxbridge, and Oxford, plus all of Bellingham and Blackstone.

Currently Webster, Douglas and Dudley are part of the 8th Worcester District, represented by Kevin Kuros (R-Uxbridge). Dudley will become part of the 6th Worcester District, currently represented by Peter J. Durant (R-Spencer).

Mr. Bourque, 47, will run as a Democrat and will participate in the September primary. If he wins the Democratic primary, and Mr. Fattman prevails in the Republican primary, the two will compete for the representative’s job in the November general election.

In his statement, Mr. Bourque said that “while serving the town of Webster as Selectman and previously as a “call” firefighter for 11 years, he learned how important it is for local government officials to work closely with their state counterparts.”

He credits his years as the owner of an employment staffing business in Auburn for his knowledge and understanding of how to create jobs in today’s environment.

“I rely on my integrity, values, morals, and ethics that my parents and my community passed on to me,” Bourque said. “I see myself as a role model and I believe that a legislator should be held accountable in the same way.”

Mr. Bourque is married and has lived in Webster for 20 years. He works part-time as an Apprentice Funeral Director in Webster. He is a member and past District Governor for Lions Clubs International, a member of the Knights of Columbus and is currently President of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

The official announcement of Mr. Bourque’s candidacy will be made at Bistro Eight Ates, 172 Gore Road, Webster, on Wednesday, December 21, at 6 p.m.