A look around Needham this summer has shown some new businesses popping up, but also a handful of empty storefronts in the downtown area. If elected State Representative, what are a couple of steps you would take to help ensure that local residents patronize the businesses within their communities? Denise Garlick (D) My goal as a state representative would be to work in partnership with our Needham Business Association, Needham-Newton Chamber of Commerce and other motivated merchants to encourage and support our local business community. I have long been a proponent of buying local and have …

Many believe that the way to more jobs is through green technology. Do you agree with this statement and, if so, what types of green jobs could you hypothetically see established in the area you would represent? If you don't agree, what job sector do you believe needs to see the most growth? Denise Garlick (D) Green technology is a vital component of growing jobs and strengthening the economy in Massachusetts, including this district.  We need to combine our focus on green tech with other sectors with high-growth potential, such as health services, financial services, life sciences and …

Without getting into what the best location would be, explain why seniors in Needham deserve a new senior center. Denise Garlick (D) At present, the current senior center is located in a basement, lacks modern day accessibility places for confidential counseling and exercise and is subject to periodic flooding. This is unacceptable.  For more than a decade, our town has struggled with the issue of a new building for the Senior Center and the seniors and many community members are duly frustrated by this injustice. The seniors of this community deserve an appropriate building that meets their …

The MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education recently voted to replace current state educational guidelines with a national standard. Specifically, the new guidelines would call for certain materials to be taught in English and math across the board. Do you believe it is necessary for the towns of Needham, Dover and Medfield to be brought up to a national standard or do you believe these school systems were doing just fine and should be left to their own merits? Denise Garlick (D) The national standards were adopted unanimously by the Massachusetts Department of Education and approved …

With the primaries for State Representative in the 13 Norfolk District looming on Sept. 14, several key issues are at the front of voters' minds. Before voters take to the polls, though, the five candidates for the seat currently occupied by Lida Harkins offered their view on five separate subjects. Over the course of this week, a different question will be posed each day. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. Do you support casinos in Massachusetts and do you believe they can contribute to the local economy in the towns that you would represent as State Rep? Denise Garlick (D) …