John Dombrowski abhors party politics.
“The ongoing political divisiveness and acrimony between the two major political parties have put this country and this commonwealth in dire straits. Essentially, both parties are controlled by extremists on the far left and the far right as well as lobbyists from special interest groups. The result is political gridlock that is failing most Americans,” he said.
Dombrowski is running as an independent in the 4th Worcester District. He has not committed to caucus with either party and expressed he would caucus with both depending on the issue. He said his decisions will be based on the interests and needs of Leominster residents.
“If some of those positions fall on the Democratic side of the aisle, then so be it. If some of those positions fall on the Republican side of the aisle, then so be it,” Dombrowski said.
He added, “Party politics are ruining this country. Elected officials often do not act in the best interests of the community, but rather in accordance with the party directive … In addition, the current political climate has resulted in government leaders who are more concerned with continuing to get elected, rather than doing their jobs.”
Dombrowski is the challenger to state Rep. incumbent Natalie Higgins, but he’s not new to public office. He served as a Leominster city councilor for eighteen years, during which he said he was “instrumental” in “remedying Leominster’s drinking water infrastructure to ensure quality drinking water” and in “drafting and codifying Leominster’s zoning bylaw”, and feels a move to the state level is the “next natural step.”
“I want to help people and I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said.
Dombrowski believes his time in municipal politics prepared him for the State House, as well as his lived experiences. He has a business degree from Bentley University and a law degree from Boston University; he’s been an attorney for over thirty years, with his own practice. He’s also a divorced parent of two children (one with special needs) and is an owner of commercial and residential properties. Dombrowski is on the board for Ginny’s Helping Hands Food Bank.
“Fundamental fairness, justice, equality under the law, and honesty mean the most to me. These cornerstones must be in place before society can benefit from any government programs,” he said.
Dombrowski believes Massachusetts citizens have been overtaxed when there’s a $3 billion dollar state surplus and pledges no new taxes, including the millionaire’s tax. He is against driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants and free college tuition. He is pro-choice.
He plans to focus his energy on issues he believes matter most to Leominsterites, including inflation, public education, infrastructure, affordable housing, and improving the city’s economic outlook. Some of his ideas include using vacant Leominster buildings to fight inflation, state funding for school buses, incentivizing property owners to offer affordable housing, and fully funding all K-12 education including charter schools.
“The current political climate and priorities of the Legislature do not make any sense … There is a lack of true leadership and common sense on Beacon Hill, which will only continue and worsen if the status quo is maintained,” he said.
Dombrowski said he is “very deliberate” and analyzes all issues in detail to form an understanding, then approaches “the solution logically and with an eye for what is best for” those he represents.
He said it is “difficult to counter a well-researched logical decision that best benefits the community regardless of the current (Democratic) supermajority.”
Dombrowski has pledged not to accept any endorsements from special interest groups, but is proud of endorsements from local politicians. He’s been endorsed by Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella as well as “virtually every city councilor” he ever worked with, and said it’s “telling because they come from people who worked closely with me, despite much debate and disagreement” over the years.
For more on Dombrowski’s policy positions, see his website at dombrowskistaterep.com.
