First Face-off in State Rep Race

September 27, 2024
• The two candidates met for their first debate between one another ahead of the November election.

Much divides candidates Bill Dermody and Josh Tarsky. Dermody, a Realtor who is running unenrolled, has lived in Needham his entire life and has focused much of his efforts on local initiatives: Town Meeting, the Needham Exchange Club, the Memorial Park Trustees, to name a few. Tarsky, who won a crowded Democratic primary, has dedicated his public service to the nation and state, serving in the military before becoming an attorney and teacher-turned-principal.

Both Dermody and Tarsky, however, must pitch themselves to the entire 13th Norfolk District, comprising not just Needham, but also Dover and part of Medfield. The seat has been occupied by Rep. Denise Garlick for 14 years.

At a virtual debate held by the Charles River Regional Chamber Thursday, the candidates discussed their backgrounds, desire for public office and stance on pressing issues facing Needham and the Commonwealth.

Early on, Dermody — who has already worked with Garlick as a state political coordinator — announced she endorsed him for office. Tarsky has been endorsed by other local legislators, including state Sen. Becca Rausch and U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, who represents Needham.

Dermody described himself as being “fiscally conservative but socially liberal” with Democratic values. He considers himself a “consensus-builder” and aims to push bills forward, despite the difficulties he expects to face in that first term.

“And it is going to be hard as a new, freshman legislator. You’re kidding yourself, no matter what party you are in, if you think you could go up there, really make a change,” Dermody said, “but I think I can work with those people, listen to those people, try to get them to see what the communities need, because everyone who serves on Beacon Hill is really serving the constituents of their district and the constituents of Massachusetts.”

A Democrat since voting age, Tarsky moved to Needham in 2021 but defended his record — his service, although on a larger scale, still made a local impact, he said. By canvassing and meeting residents, Tarsky said he’s developed relationships with constituents over the course of his campaign.

“So, do I think that I need to be here for my entire life to lead this district effectively? I don’t,” Tarsky said. “I think that this outside perspective is actually going to benefit the folks here.”

On the MBTA Communities Act, both candidates both expressed support for the Neighborhood Housing Plan, which would go beyond the state’s minimum zoning requirement for multi-family housing.

For Tarsky, the expanded plan “stands the best chance of actually increasing our housing stock,” though he worries its passage won’t actually result in enough housing units.

Dermody said he was “leaning” toward the NHP — he lives near 100 West St., which could make way for more than 200 new units under the proposed plan. He indicated some apprehension, however, around how — and if — neighbors can provide input into future projects. When asked about possibly interfering or obstructing potential construction due to said feedback, Dermody clarified his position.

“I’m not advocating for stopping any project,” Dermody said. “I am just advocating that their voices be heard and that a project go forward that’s a great, fantastic project.”

Voters will weigh in on five ballot questions this election, including whether to eliminate MCAS — a state standardized test administered to K-12 students — as a graduation requirement. Tarsky, who acknowledged his career in education, agreed with Dermody on keeping the requirement.

The candidates differed, however, when it came to Question 5, which, if passed, would increase the wages of tipped workers to the state’s minimum wage. Currently, waiters and other tipped employees earn a lower hourly wage that’s made up for by tips from customers, and if those employees they fail to meet the minimum wage, their employer covers the difference.

Tarsky supports the question, but Dermody said he will vote no, given his conversations with restaurateurs on the topic. The CRRC’s board of directors announced Friday it also does not support the initiative.

Though lawmakers face differing opinions among constituents, Tarsky said he’d lend a listening ear to residents of the district.

“We want a society where our leaders are responsive and where they understand the issues and our concerns and they advocate for us,” Tarsky said. “And I think, with a race like the state rep race, which is the one we’re engaged in, it is a locally based thing where you get to know a lot of people and try to make a difference at the local level.”

The candidates were also asked for their thoughts on the Great Plain Avenue redesign, which would reduce the throughway to one-lane in both directions and potentially add other infrastructure, such as bike lanes. Neither Dermody nor Tarsky expressed outright favor for the project, though Dermody stressed the need for walkability in Needham’s downtown.

Dermody reiterated his lifelong involvement in the town after first becoming a Town Meeting member at 20 years old. Over the years, he’s also coached more than 100 youth sports teams, he said, and volunteered his time to support the town.

“I am connected to this community,” Dermody said. “The role of legislator is the connection between the town and the state, and you want somebody who knows the town, knows the people and already has those relationships in place.”

Seeking public office seemed the appropriate next step for Tarsky, he said.

“Like all the other times in my life where I see a need for someone to step up, I’ve tried to be that person, whether it’s with war and joining the military or joining the fight to make education better, I’m a public service-oriented person. And this, to me, is an extension,” Tarsky said. “And the main reason I want to do this is because I think I can extend my influence, take all the things I’ve learned throughout my life and apply it to the State House for a better Needham, Dover, Medfield, a better commonwealth and hopefully a better country.”

Tarsky and Dermody will face off again at a League of Women Voters forum Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow School. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Bill Dermody is the vice president of the Needham Community Television Development Corporation, the board that oversees the Needham Channel and Needham Local. The NCTDC did not contribute to the reporting or editing of this article.