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State House delegation visits, surveys Nashua River Rail Trail conditions

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GROTON — State Sens. Jamie Eldridge and Ed Kennedy made their way to Groton last Friday to survey the current state of the Nashua River Rail Trail.

The Nov. 18 site visit, which also included representatives of state Sen. John Cronin and state Rep. Dan Sena’s offices, came in response to a letter penned by Peter Cunningham, a member of the Groton Select Board and the Friends of the Nashua River Rail Trail, back in August that described the condition of the “vital recreational resource” as “deteriorated.”

Managed by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, Cunningham recently said he felt the NRRT had been neglected by the agency.

That said, he called Friday’s visit “huge” for the future of the trail.

“Obviously (a visit by the legislators) can help us raise awareness, but I think it can also help (the legislators) back on Beacon Hill when they need to sort of articulate what we’re dealing with,” Cunningham said. “You can be somewhere, you can read a letter and maybe understand at a certain level, but seeing the condition of the trail firsthand like they have today can really make a difference.”

“Having (state) Sen. Eldridge and (state) Sen. Kennedy here, that’s huge, it’s all a part of that process and, hopefully, it’s just the beginning,” he said.

Through constant use, the trail has become inundated with potholes and other markings. Likewise, weather, rocks and roots have cracked parts of the trail and, in some areas, even broken through the surface of the pavement from underneath, leading to large mounds in the asphalt that the FNRRT refer to as “volcanoes.”

After they walked a section of the trail, Eldridge and Kennedy both called for a complete “rebuild” of the trail by DCR and said the pockmarked surface could pose a safety risk to those that continue to use the trail.

“This is one of the oldest rail trails in the state and has seen more and more people use it every day,” Eldridge said. “So I think, now, it’s time for DCR to not just patch certain sections, but commit to a plan to fully rebuild and replace the entire Nashua River Rail Trail.”

“It’s bad — the trail is more than 20 years old at this point and, I know some areas have been fixed up, but it really needs a total overhaul,” Kennedy said. “Anybody that’s walked that trail, that’s seen the damage, it’s evident that it’s a safety concern for people and it’s something I would like to see addressed by DCR with greater emphasis.”

While Eldridge said he did not expect “significant” action from DCR until Maura Healey is sworn in as Massachusetts’ next governor in January, he hoped to develop some sort of plan for the NRRT moving forward alongside the agency and other local legislators. He also stressed that funding for such a plan is already available.

“Obviously, a funding decision might not happen until the (Healey) administration is in place, but I think we can and should begin working on a plan now,” he said. “Clearly, any plan to address the (Nashua River Rail) trail will have to be comprehensive, so getting a jump start on that now could go a long way.”

“It’s also important to emphasize to DCR that these funds are there, we have ARPA money, federal infrastructure money and other funds thanks to the congressional delegation. So if (funds) are what DCR needs to (rebuild the trail), I think local, state and federal elected officials have to work together to make that clear to (DCR),” he said.

Cunningham said he hoped to see a renewed commitment to the NRRT by DCR in the near future and noted that the agency has enacted similar efforts for other rail trails across the state.

“It has been done elsewhere, it’s not some black magic,” Cunningham said. “A whole rebuild of the trail is what really needs to happen here — and I would love to see that, so hopefully (DCR and the state Legislature) can work together to make that happen.”

Going forward, Eldridge, Kennedy and Cunningham called for continued and “robust” advocacy for the trail by local constituents to ensure the state Legislature and those at DCR know that the NRRT is a “priority.”

“The letter we got back in August, that to me is representative of the people of these communities — they are fed up with the inaction and want to see real change,” Eldridge said. “Still, we need to hear from more of those constituents about what a priority (the NRRT) is, because that pressure is what gets things moving at the state level.”

“Very often with bureaucracies, you have to gain a certain level of momentum to try and change something or get that bureaucracy to really pay attention,” Cunningham said. “Those that frequent the trail, know the condition of the trail — we need them to sort of translate that knowledge into advocacy, contact their local (state) Reps. and Sens. to let them know that this is something they really care about.”

Andrew Shepherd edges out competition, takes 1st Middlesex representative seat

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By the narrowest of margins, Andrew Shepherd would appear to be the next state representative for the 1st Middlesex District.

Shepherd, a Republican, is set to take the seat vacated by former state Rep. Sheila Harrington, also a Republican, who stepped down from the position last February to serve as clerk magistrate of Gardner District Court. He faced Democrat Margaret Scarsdale and Independent Catherine Lundeen in Tuesday’s general election.

At press time, according to preliminary results, Shepherd had led with 9,305 votes to Scarsdale’s 9,271 votes and Lundeen’s 1,057 votes.

While he refused to declare victory Wednesday morning, Shepherd called it a “hard-fought race” and was appreciative of those that voted for and supported him throughout his campaign.

“It was a hard-fought race by everyone involved,” Shepherd said. “We are very proud of that, as well as all of the support we’ve received — we appreciate each and every volunteer that has been here for us and the campaign over the past 11 months.”

“Now we’re just looking forward to each town certifying their results and, hopefully, going down to Beacon Hill to represent the (1st Middlesex) district,” he said.

Shepherd’s victory came after a similarly hard-fought primary election back in September, where he faced Lynne Archambault for the Republican nomination. Shepherd bested Archambault by a count of 2,255 to 2,174.

Prior to election night, Shepherd touted the “duality” of his experience, both in “real life” and on Beacon Hill, and stressed that it better prepared him for the vacancy. A business owner — Shepherd is the owner of the Bayberry Hill Water Company — Shepherd also interned in Harrington’s office and, later, served in the state’s Office of Access and Opportunity during his time as a student at UMass Amherst.

Shepherd also said the race had “humbled” him and, if elected, he would do his best to “put more money in families’ pockets” and focus on what he called “kitchen table economics.”

Late Wednesday evening, Scarsdale remained positive as she commented on Tuesday’s election.

“As the polls have now closed this election day and while we await final results, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support our campaign has received,” Scarsdale said. “Together our team knocked on over 5,000 doors, made over 3,000 phone calls, sent thousands of handwritten postcards and hosted dozens of meet and greets and visibilities across the district.”

“Without our amazing volunteer team, none of this would have been possible. Regardless of the final outcome, we have so much to celebrate and be proud of and our team truly left it all out in the field,” she said.

Lundeen could not be reached for comment.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a comment from Margaret Scarsdale.

‘Humbled’ by opportunity, Andrew Shepherd hopeful to serve 1st Middlesex District

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TOWNSEND — For Andrew Shepherd, public service is nothing new. Neither is the campaign trail.

After a September primary that was decided by fewer than 100 votes, the firefighter-turned-business owner is expected to take part in another tight race on Nov. 8. The Republican nominee for the vacant 1st Middlesex District representative seat, Shepherd will face Democratic nominee Margaret Scarsdale and Independent candidate Catherine Lundeen during Tuesday’s general election.

As a candidate, Shepherd can offer a unique combination of State House and “real world” experience.

During his time at the University of Massachusetts: Amherst, Shepherd interned with former Republican state Rep. Sheila Harrington and, later, in the Office of Access and Opportunity. He said these experiences were what inspired him to pursue the vacancy.

“During my time with Harrington and in the Office of Access and Opportunity, I saw firsthand how impactful it can be when you have people that not only care about the district, but understand and can operate the system effectively,” Shepherd said. “So, when (Harrington) decided to move on, I immediately knew this was something I wanted to pursue.”

Since his time on Beacon Hill, Shepherd has taken part in his family’s agricultural and construction business, Shepherd’s, and even come to own and operate his own business, the Bayberry Hill Water Company.

Shepherd described the “duality” in his experience as a “positive differentiator” when compared to the other candidates. He also said it would make him more “relatable” and attractive to voters, but also more effective as a representative.

“Those experiences have given me a real understanding of what families and people throughout the district are going through, what they’re facing and struggling with,” Shepherd said. “With that in mind, I can bring that sort of blue-collar work ethic to the State House, put in the work for this district and make it a better place for everyone.”

“Being the only candidate that’s worked on Beacon Hill, deeply understanding the nature of the role and how to be successful at it, but also owning my own business, having to worry about things like a payroll, I think it has prepared me to go down to Beacon Hill and serve effectively, to get resources back in our area and advocate for what our district needs,” he said.

To that end, Shepherd has earned his fair share of endorsements. Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito endorsed his candidacy, as have many current and former members of the state Legislature as well as numerous state organizations and local businesses.

While he was appreciative of each endorsement, Shepherd said he was “most proud” of the endorsement of voters throughout his campaign.

“I’m proud of each and every one of my endorsements,” Shepherd said. “But I’m most proud of the voters that endorsed me through the primary and have continued to come out and meet with me on the campaign trail every day.”

Shepherd said, if elected, he would “hit the ground running” as a “strong voice” and advocate for the district, promoting the local economy and small businesses that “make up the fabric of our communities.”

While he listed the local economy, education and lowering costs for his constituents as “priorities,” Shepherd also said, if elected, the first order of business would consist of “kitchen table economics” and “working to put more money in families’ pockets.”

“If I’m fortunate enough to be chosen by the people, I can proudly say that we’ll be going to work right away,” Shepherd said. “Whatever we can do to put more money in people’s pockets, whatever we can do to make the 1st Middlesex more affordable and just a better place to live.”

Days away from the election, Shepherd said it was “surreal” for everyone on the campaign. He also said, regardless of the outcome, that he was “humbled” to ask for the voters’ support to have had the chance to serve the district.

“The whole team is energized and it’s certainly surreal, but we’re proud to serve and I’m proud to be running and have the potential opportunity to represent the 1st Middlesex District,” he said. “However you vote, I am truly humbled to be here.”

For more information on Shepherd or his campaign, visit repshep.com.

Margaret Scarsdale hoping to bring ‘fierce, engaged’ leadership to 1st Middlesex District

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PEPPERELL — When asked to describe her style of leadership, Margaret Scarsdale kept it simple: “fierce, engaged and successful.”

Now, the Democratic nominee for the 1st Middlesex District representative seat in Tuesday’s general election, Scarsdale has the chance to bring that kind of leadership to the State House.

Left vacant after the departure of former Republican state Rep. Sheila Harrington, the district — made up of Ashby, Dunstable, Groton Precincts 2 and 3, Lunenburg Precincts A, B1, C and D, Pepperell and Townsend — has lacked proper representation on Beacon Hill since February. Ahead of the Nov. 8 vote, Scarsdale, who went unopposed in September’s Democratic primary, said she has the requisite experience and “necessary” disposition to grasp the position and lead the 1st Middlesex into a brighter future.

“I represent a proven, experienced and engaged leader with a proven track record in the community,” Scarsdale said. “I have seen, first hand, the power of community engagement, I genuinely and passionately believe in the work I’ve done and I hope to continue that work for the people of the 1st Middlesex District.”

To her credit, Scarsdale boasts an extensive history as a municipal public servant and community leader.

Elected to the Select Board in 2019, Scarsdale worked tirelessly for the residents of Pepperell. She also played a pivotal role in the establishment and execution of a number of local and regional initiatives, such as the Toxic Dirt Taskforce or the North Central Climate Change Collaboration.

According to Scarsdale, those experiences are what separate her from Republican Andrew Shepherd and Independent Cathrine Lundeen, her competition on Tuesday’s ballot.

“Those experiences taught me the power and importance of collaboration,” Scarsdale said. “Between my time on the Select Board and everything I’ve committed myself to outside those duties, I’ve learned to juggle multiple priorities at once and I think that’ll be a real advantage on Beacon Hill.”

“Advocacy, partnerships, experiences — they all matter. And, while other candidates might talk about what they want to do if elected, I know what it can take to get the job done because I’ve done it. I can speak to what I’ve done and, if elected, the vision I have to continue that work for the 1st Middlesex District,” she said.

Scarsdale’s endorsers, which include the Massachusetts Teacher Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Attorney General Maura Healy and numerous other state legislators would seem to back up that sentiment. Scarsdale said those groups endorsed her because they believe she is the “best choice” to serve in the role.

“They endorsed me because they want a proven, engaged leader that knows how to successfully advocate for the changes that need to be made on Beacon Hill,” Scarsdale said. “They recognize that I’m the best choice for that and I hope, with their support, that voters see it that way on Tuesday.”

While she listed climate change, economic development, education and affordable housing as “priorities,” Scarsdale said, if elected, she would do anything and everything she could to address the needs of everyone in the district.

“I plan to do my best to achieve the goals of everyone in the community equally and passionately,” Scarsdale said. “And I don’t just think it’s important to touch on these issues — I’ve lived through them myself, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and worked on them for many years and I hope I can continue to do so at the state level.”

While she hoped for their support, Scarsdale urged everyone, regardless of their candidate of choice, to vote on Tuesday. And, whether she win or lose the race, Scarsdale said she looked forward to “celebrating months and months of hard work with friends, families, coworkers and colleagues” that supported her on the campaign trail.

“Regardless of the outcome, we want to celebrate the work we’ve put in, the conversations that have taken place in our communities over the course of this campaign,” Scarsdale said. “We are so lucky to live here, to have such kind, thoughtful people in the 1st Middlesex District and it has been an honor and privilege to speak with and work for them.”

For more information on Scarsdale or her campaign, visit www.margaretscarsdale.com

Local leaders call for DCR action on Nashua River Rail Trail

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GROTON — After pressure from multiple municipalities and members of the state Legislature, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is expected to take the first of many steps to address structural and safety issues of the Nashua River Rail Trail.

The state agency is “looking into devoting funds” to deliver much-needed repairs to the 11-mile trail, according to state Sen. Jamie Eldridge. The action came after a letter, sponsored by the governing bodies of Ayer, Dunstable, Groton and Pepperell concerning the present condition of the trail and lack of reconstructive action by DCR was shared with the Baker-Polito administration back in August.

Eldridge said DCR is expected to send out a contractor to “assess the scope of necessary repairs” in the near future, while a site visit by members of the state Legislature was likely to occur at a to-be-determined date.

Groton Select Board member Peter Cunningham, who penned the letter to the Baker-Polito administration, said DCR’s “neglect” of the NRRT has been an “ongoing problem for several years now,” but he was cautiously optimistic about the development. Eldridge called it a “step in the right direction,” but hoped to receive “more of a firm commitment” from DCR to the trail soon.

“This is certainly a positive,” Cunningham said. “But, at this point, the trail needs a complete reconstruction, so I hope this serves to address more than just spot repairs in certain areas.”

“Those sort of quick repairs, they might take care of certain sections for a few years, but then you’re right back at square one and none of us want that,” he said.

“Obviously we want more of a firm commitment, but it’s a start,” Eldridge said. “DCR doesn’t receive adequate funding — that’s something that I think has played a part here and where I believe the legislature needs to continue to increase investment — but the fact that they responded to our inquiry, I think it’s a step in the right direction.”

A trail assessment conducted by DCR back in 2017 acknowledged the need for major repairs and listed 2022 as the year of the NRRT’s “anticipated reconstruction.” That said, and, according to Cunningham, while DCR has shown an ability to prioritize and properly maintain other properties managed by the agency, the NRRT has received little more than patchwork restorations, which has led to numerous “safety concerns and incidents.”

As far as the NRRT is concerned, significant funds are available to DCR courtesy of state Sen. Ed Kennedy and the Transportation Bond Bill that was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker back in January 2021. Still, as of now, DCR has failed to take the necessary steps to secure those funds and apply them to the trail.

Cunningham called the neglect of the trail by the agency in the intervening period “extremely frustrating.”

“A lot of the time when you deal with public policy issues, it’s always a question of resources, not enough money for this or that,” Cunningham said. “But that’s not the case here — this is more of a question of momentum, starting the process of accessing and applying for those funds that were specifically earmarked for this.”

“Even back (in 2017), DCR recognized the trail needed to be rebuilt. Obviously, that’s not happening and I know there are a lot of factors that play into it, but recognizing that the resources are there, the fact that the agency hasn’t taken the steps to make this happen is extremely frustrating,” he said.

Neither Cunningham nor Eldridge expects significant action by DCR until the next state administration is in place after November’s General Election. Until then, both urged locals and frequenters of the NRRT to lobby their local legislators for support.

“I know plenty of people have, but we need to continue to advocate with our legislative representatives,” Cunningham said. “They need to continue to hear from us, we need to continue to push if we want to see DCR and the state take the proper action.”