|
Last week, the Small Property Owners Association’s VP, Amir Shahsavari, gave Mark Tashjian the opportunity to share my views on housing policy, including proposals from this legislative session.
Topics include: rent control, tenant right of first refusal (also known as Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, or TOPA), tenant credit check restrictions, eviction sealing, transfer taxes, Mayor Wu's commercial tax hike proposal, and the approval for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).  On Thursday, August 15th, the Georgetown Republican Town Committee is hosting a Write-in Campaign training & pizza party at American Flatbread Georgetown at 7pm, in conjunction with the Committee to Elect Mark Tashjian! Stop in for a free slice of pizza and see how you can write in a candidate on the September primary ballot! American Flatbread 258 Andover St, Georgetown, MA 01833 Aug 15 | 7pm Bring a friend and your EV ballot! Open to all towns, candidates and volunteers! Let's get a republican challenger on the ballot!On Wednesday, August 7th, Rowley citizens were asked to brainstorm on town maps where the MBTA 3A zoning should be implemented -- not whether it should be implemented. Though Rowley citizens had already voted against 3A zoning, the statute has been reintroduced to be voted on at a follow up meeting. This is a clear example of the government refusing to follow the directives of the people. The Tashjian campaign aims to highlight the need for leadership and advocacy for our small towns, focusing on the out of control cost of living, halting government overreach in MBTA 3A housing, and improving transparency of state government.    Tashjian, a business owner and Armenian community leader, seeks to encourage diasporan involvement in local government to bring global experience and strengthen relationships to Armenia. GEORGETOWN, MA —Mark Tashjian, an Armenian-American small business owner and Georgetown, MA Finance Committee Member, is seeking the Republican nomination for State Representative in Massachusetts’ 2nd Essex District.
Tashjian's desire to run for State Representative is rooted in his deep ties to the Armenian-American community and his belief in the power of grassroots activism. “Armenians are some of the sharpest minds and brightest leaders in every industry. One of the reasons I am running for State Representative is to inspire the Armenian community to get constructively involved in local government,” Tashjian said. “We have brilliant examples like former California governor George Deukmejian Jr. who have gone before us, and we all have a part to play as diasporan Armenians. Let’s get involved in building a secure and globally impactful future for the United States and Armenia.” In Massachusetts, the Tashjian campaign intends to call attention to the need for leadership and advocacy to build up small town economies and responsible, local management. The six communities of the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, and Topsfield Precinct 1 – need a partner on Massachusetts’ Beacon Hill as they seek to address an out-of-control cost of living; the rampant overdevelopment of 40B housing; the need for rural education and infrastructure support; and a state government that lacks basic transparency. “The families in our local towns deserve better. At a time with so much turmoil and uncertainty, we rightly expect our state leaders to be outspoken on the issues that matter, and engaged with constituents on a personal level,” Tashjian said. “Unfortunately, we are not receiving that kind of leadership right now. Over these next few months, I intend to learn about the issues facing our community, and I hope to be a voice for leadership and action on those very issues. That’s why I’m running—to show up, to listen to the people’s needs, and to bring their voice to Beacon Hill.” “Having served as the state representative for the 2nd Essex district for over a decade, I know what it takes to bring a strong voice to Beacon Hill on behalf of our communities,” added Former Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown). “Mark will bring his incredible work ethic, experience as a job creator, and his background as an advocate for women, victims of genocide, and people struggling with mental health. He knows what it takes to win and be an effective representative, and I’m proud to be in his corner.” A grandson of Armenian genocide refugees, Tashjian is actively involved in both the local Armenian community via Ararat Church in Salem, NH and in Armenia itself: Tashjian volunteers with a mission organization based in a remote Armenian village, serving the needs of Artsakh refugees who faced ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan. Currently, he is working to support Armenia-based education and business leaders in developing relationships between US-based organizations and Armenia. As Tashjian embarks on this journey to serve as State Representative, he is calling upon the support of his fellow Armenian-Americans. By endorsing his candidacy and contributing to his campaign, members of the Armenian community have the opportunity to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of their nation and advocating for positive change. Visit www.marktash.com to learn more and donate. ### About Mark Tashjian Mark Tashjian is the grandson of Armenian immigrants. a Georgetown resident, small business owner, and a community leader. Mark’s family fled the Armenian Genocide during World War I. Mark and his family know that the values of liberty and justice for all are fleeting and must be protected. Prior to moving to Georgetown, Mark resided in Ipswich, MA for 4 years. He serves as a member of the Georgetown Finance Committee and he is the founder and CEO of Boston Polo Club. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in Georgetown’s public schools and served as a coach at Babson University. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Mark Tashjian, please contact [email protected].
In the last election, this district was shrouded in controversy, and the election was decided by a single vote. Think of that...just one vote. I want to thank Rep. Lenny Mirra for the hard work he gave to our communities for so many years, and I hope to be an advocate--in his mold--for our towns on the issues that matter:
In order to accomplish these goals and achieve proper representation for our communities, I need your help. With the election just nine months away, would you consider a donation of $50, 100, $500, or $1000 to ensure that our campaign has the resources to share our message for the need for balanced advocacy in the State House?
Tashjian, a business owner and community leader, is poised to take on State Representative Kristen Kassner following her one-vote victory in 2022
“I’m excited to hit the campaign trail and meet as many voters as I possibly can between now and November 5,” Tashjian said. “Our district is used to the quality representation of Former Reps. Lenny Mirra and Brad Hill, and I will seek to be a candidate—and representative—in their mold. Over the next nine months, I intend to learn about the issues facing our community, and I hope to be a voice for leadership and action on those very issues.”
The Tashjian campaign intends to call attention to the need for leadership and advocacy on behalf of our small towns. The six communities of the 2nd Essex District deserve a partner on Beacon Hill as we seek to address an out-of-control cost of living; the rampant overdevelopment of 40B housing; a migrant crisis that has slashed local aid budgets for education and infrastructure; and a state government that lacks basic transparency. “The families of Ipswich, Hamilton, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, and Topsfield deserve better. At a time with so much turmoil and uncertainty, we rightly expect our state leaders to be outspoken on the issues that matter, and engaged with constituents on a personal level,” Tashjian said. “Unfortunately, we are not receiving that kind of leadership right now. That’s why I’m running—to show up, to listen to you, and to bring your voice to Beacon Hill.” “Having served as the state representative for the 2nd Essex district for over a decade, I know what it takes to bring a strong voice to Beacon Hill on behalf of our communities,” added Former Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown). “Mark will bring his incredible work ethic, experience as a job creator, and his background as an advocate for women, victims of genocide, and people struggling with mental health. He knows what it takes to win and be an effective representative, and I’m proud to be in his corner.” The Tashjian campaign will hold a formal kickoff event on Wednesday, March 6 at True North Ale in Ipswich at 7PM. About Mark Tashjian Mark Tashjian is a Georgetown resident, small business owner, and a community leader. Prior to moving to Georgetown, he resided in Ipswich for 4 years. Mark serves as a member of the Georgetown Finance Committee, and he is the founder and CEO of Boston Polo Club. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in Georgetown’s public schools, and served as a coach at Babson University. Mark is the grandson of Armenian immigrants. His family fled the Armenian Genocide during World War I. Mark and his family know that the values of liberty and justice for all are fleeting and must be protected.  After 9 months of siege against Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), Azerbaijan unleashed an artillery and gunfire offensive against Artsakh civilians and military positions on September 19, 2023.
Oil-funded Azeri PR claims they launched the operation as an "anti-terror" effort, "in response to the deaths of six people, including four police, in two fatal landmine explosions on Tuesday morning" (BBC), and demanded Artsakh's surrender. The 100,483 Armenians of Artsakh, well aware of 30+ year history of Azeri aggression, chose to flee in a mass exodus of their ancestral lands rather than be subject to Azerbaijan's dictatorship and ethnic violence. Luis Moreno Ocampo, first chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, called on the world to call what happened in Artsakh by its proper name: genocide. See Washington Post article > The Armenian government took in all 100,483 refugees and assigned free housing and six months of government assistance to Artsakh families to aid in the forced transition. But the reality of the free housing available includes homes in villages with no running water, no indoor plumbing, mold-splattered walls and other poor conditions. Organizations like Hope Language Center in Agarak, Armenia and many others have been laboring to fill the many needs. In October-November 2023, Mark Tashjian joined the Hope Language Center team to deliver humanitarian aid in the form of wood bricks to keep warm during the winter and visit refugee families. Mark Tashjian of Boston Polo Club gives work opportunities to people with special abilities7/11/2017
 (Georgetown, MA) – Tommy Gravel, Wilbur Bruce and Jonathan Muldoon are an important crew at the Boston Polo Club and Equestrian Center in Georgetown, Massachusetts. As barn maintenance associates, they are responsible for the daily upkeep of the horse barn. From mucking stalls to watering the horses, their work is important; it’s the basis for the good health of the fourteen polo ponies and therapy horses that call the Boston Polo Club home. As working colleagues, Tommy, Wilbur and Jonathan share a few things in common; a strong work ethic, a love of animals and a passion for keeping things neat and tidy. They also happen to be people with disabilities that have overcome barriers to employment. “We don’t focus on the barriers or the disability, we focus on a person’s ability,” says Stacy Tofuri, Career Resource Specialist with Work Opportunities Unlimited. “Work Opportunities believes that all people can work; that competitive employment not only provides meaningful activity and personal resources, it also opens the door to allow the development of friendships and relationships. For many, work is fundamental to quality of life and key to a sense of self-worth. Just like everyone else, people with disabilities want to work, they want to be part of their community. We know this to be true and we don’t think it’s too much to ask.” As a Career Resource Specialist, Tofuri dedicates her days to breaking down barriers and opening the doors to possibilities for people with disabilities and employers alike. She’s a master at preparing people for the workplace; she helps individuals develop job skills, helps her clients foster friendships and natural workplace supports, and she coaches them while on the job, but Tofuri is also a resource for employers. “We build reciprocal relationships with employers; they have employment needs and we have a skilled employee pool that wants to work.” Perched on 78 acres of farmland in Georgetown, MA, Boston Polo Club is dedicated to introducing people to the sport of polo. Whether a novice with little to no experience, or an advanced equestrian, all are welcome. The facility also offers an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program and Polo for Veterans.  “I was impressed that there was a program like Work Opportunities,” says Mark Tashjian, owner, head instructor and manager of Boston Polo Club. “I was looking for barn help and I thought it would be a good fit, as long as they could do the job. Tommy, Wilbur and Jonathan clean the stalls, fill the water buckets inside and out, they sweep, clean up outside and around property, they put hay in horse’s stalls for when they come in at night, they help unload hay and horse feed, they organize the barn; it’s a big job. These are the essential tasks that need to be done on a daily basis, for the overall care and well-being of the horses.”
The Boston Polo Club trio honed their skills by first volunteering at the Lowell Humane Society and Strong Water Farm. “A lot of people come to our program with no work experience at all,” says Tofuri, “which can make placement a bit more challenging because they have little experience in a work environment. Volunteering is a great way for people to learn and develop all types of work and social skills that will help them on the job.” From the volunteer experience, the three men quickly stepped into jobs at an equestrian center in Westford, MA. “When they came here, I had to tweak what they did to accommodate our facility but I was pretty surprised by their skills; the guys are detail oriented and they’re on top of it,” says Tashjian. “I’ve been working with Tommy, Wilbur and Jonathan since the end of December and it’s been great. The fact that they’re dependable is one the biggest aspects. They do a good job; they may take a little longer but the quality is on par with everyone else. They’re focused on the job, they don’t get distracted, they’re not on their phones all the time, and best of all, their positive attitudes fit really well with my core values of living with a positive attitude, giving back and empowering people.” “Tommy, Wilbur and Jonathan are committed workers who bring value to the Boston Polo Club,” says Tofuri. “They’re accomplished individuals who knock it out of the park every day. Their presence in the workplace helps fight the stigma that surrounds people with disabilities. They’re doing the exact same job and they’re doing it alongside everyone else – at Boston Polo club, nobody treats them differently, they’re held accountable, they’re just one of the guys and that’s the way it should be. Simply by having a job they’re engaged in their community and through that engagement they’re changing perspectives and changing attitudes which, when you think about it, is pretty powerful.” |
RSS Feed