Women Face Off In State Rep Race

Two local women will face off in this fall's election for the  8th Essex District state representative seat. Incumbent Lori Ehrlich says campaigning is all she knows and is ready for the challenge. Ehrlich will be challenged by Swampscott doctor Kate Kozitza. 

"I was elected in a special election and at my victory party, I was collecting signatures for the next race," Ehrlich said. "This is all I've ever known."

Ehrlich went on to say, "The job of Representative is a demanding, unpredictable and challenging full time job. That pretty much explains why I like it so much."

 Kozitza has lived in Swampscott for six years. Formerly a Democrat, Kozitza switched  to Independent and then to Republican when she moved to town.

Kozitza says she was moved to run for office after becoming increasingly frustrated by health care regulations.

"I struggle daily as a doctor to satisfy state governement's regulations," she said. "The more time I spend doing that, the more it detracts from time with patients."

Kozitza says, if elected, she will push to bring reform to state government.

"It will include simplifying and restructuring the way the state does business,"Kozitza said noting she hopes she will be working with gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Baker.

"I'll work for reduced spending and decreased taxes without compromising."

While health care is  Kozitza's top issues, she says, she also lists pension reform as something she would also work to change.

"I believe in Charlie Baker's idea to increase the minimum number of years state workers are eligible for health care benefits," she said. "And, I'd want to increase retirement from 55 years to 60 for those in pension plans."

Locally, Kozitza says the Chapter 70 funding formula must be looked at to increase local aid.

"We are below the foundation budget," Kozitza said. "Tax payers are paying but not receiving any local aid money. I'm curious to know where that money is going. As tax payers are struggling and suffocating, the government is bloating."

Unmarried, Kozitza, grew up in California and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before going on to receive her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts at Worcester. Kozitza, who has a private psychiatric practice in downtown Lynn.

Ehrlich is a certified public accountant and before taking office, practiced as a CPA for two decades. She says her experience as a CPA has led her to make more informed decisions on Beacon Hill.

Ehrlich is a 1981 graduate of Swampscott High School; 1985 graduate Lehigh University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a 2005 graduate Harvard's Kennedy School of Government where she earned her Masters in Public Administration. 

"I'm the only CPA in the legislature," Ehrlich, a Marblehead mother of two said.

"I really enjoy blending two decades of experience into how I file or advise on a bill. "

Ehrlich says she is most proud of the work she did on drafting the bullying bill recently signed into law and her work to help small businesses. Currently, Ehrlich is working with advocates and federal and state agencies to enforce matters related to the Salem Power Plant. She has also recently cosponsored and testified on behalf of a bill to undo an unintended consequence of a recent change in the law that defines who is a subcontractor and who is an employee. 

"I have an understanding of the struggles small businesses face and I realize they don't have much of a voice at the State House," Ehrlich said. "It makes me feel good that I'm there and I can be that voice."

In addition, Ehrlich heralds her work on state legislation regarding gas line leaks and a push to eliminate minimums for tax filings for small businesses. Locally, Ehrlich has worked to fund public schools, the Village School repairs and the Pleasant Street road repairs which will be on the June 15 ballot.
"I enjoy campaigning and look forward to getting out there," Ehrlich said. "It's a great opportunity to reaffirm and recommit to public service and my constituents.

 Ehrlich says while she takes the race seriously, she is confident she will be re-elected.

"I'm very touched by the outpouring of support," Ehrlich said.