Christopher Thrasher, Republican candidate for Bristol 8th District. Credit: Slasher Campaign
Name Christopher Thrasher
in westport
political party republican
Seeking Congressman Job in Bristol 8th District
Q&A
christopher slasher
Work and Experience: Why are you eligible to run?
I am an attorney, small business owner, and public policy analyst with practical experience in both elected and appointed positions in Westport. I currently serve on several town committees, including the Westport School Committee, the Finance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Economic Development Task Force, and I am the Chair of the Long Term Construction Committee. In both my professional and civil service roles, I have worked on a wide range of issues that require problem solving, coalition building, and acting as a go-between to find practical solutions.
The 8th Bristol District is a difficult district to represent, stretching from the agricultural rights community of Westport, through the Forest of Freetown and the Acushnet area, to the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. Each sector has unique needs and it is important that their voices are heard. That’s why my background in coalition building and problem solving is so important. I believe that is what sets me apart from other candidates. My ability to bring people together, to tackle complex issues, and to ensure that diverse constituencies are not overlooked or overlooked in candidate coordination. I am committed to ensuring that all residents of our district are represented and supported.
Your biggest reason for running: What drives you?
The South Coast is my home and my heart. My daughter was born in Charlton earlier this year, and Arianna and I are starting our family here in Westport. I’m running because I want to make life better for my family, friends, and neighbors across the district. I feel strongly that we need representatives on Beacon Hill who are willing and able to stand up for us and put the interests of the district above partisan politics.
For me, being a good and effective legislator requires three core things. First and foremost, we are committed to serving our constituents, which means being available, listening, and ready to solve problems big and small. Second, we need fresh and actionable ideas that can be translated into good policy. These include legislation that would reduce the cost of starting a business by cutting LLC filing fees in half and reforming unfunded mandates that strain town budgets. Finally, you need the ability to actually get things done in the halls of the Capitol. This means building coalitions to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done all my life.
What is the most important problem you plan to address and how do you plan to do it?
There are so many important issues that need urgent attention that it is difficult to choose just one. The immigration crisis is an urgent issue. With the federal government spending more than $1 billion without accountability, straining city and town resources and cutting essential services, this issue must be addressed immediately.
Offshore wind power is a matter of great concern, we are being used as guinea pigs for an unproven technology, and the negative impacts on the environment, fisheries and coastal communities are unacceptable. I will thoroughly audit all tax credits and incentives given to developers, eliminate liability caps, and implement host community agreement requirements to help our cities and towns combat backroom deals. We are seeking legislation to strengthen the.
Addressing the unfunded mandates that strain local budgets is also important, and one key step is special education circuit breaker reform. As SPED demands increase, school districts are challenged by inconsistent state reimbursement. I propose automating circuit breaker funding to eliminate unpredictability and reduce the burden on school districts.
In short, I want to overhaul our spending priorities to prioritize real needs over special interests, and I am committed to immediately working to implement these clear and actionable solutions. I’m here.
With the country so divided by partisan politics, what do you think Democrats and Republicans need to do to work together?
The important thing is not to be afraid to find common ground. It turns out that the most effective and true coalitions unite between people who at first glance seem to have the most different points of view imaginable. First, we must talk about each person’s humanity. You need to have true empathy and be willing to listen. Sometimes the best ideas come when we’re not talking, but you never know when a solution will appear. I have always found that honey works better than vinegar and that addressing issues with respect and openness brings people together.
It’s not enough to simply say “the people before the party.” To actually get things done, you need to be able to manipulate the system. Now that the Democratic Party has an overwhelming majority, it is extremely important to have talented people in that environment. I intend to serve on more committees as a Republican. Because there are so few of them, and it gives our district more of a chance to be heard. I am the only candidate who can offer me the freedom to stand up without pressure from party leadership and the ability to effectively represent my constituency. I have been nonpartisan and will continue to be active on Beacon Hill.
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