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The following was submitted by the Committee to Elect Stephen Ternullo:
Civic leader, veteran, and family advocate Stephen Ternullo is running for Massachusetts state representative for the 31st Middlesex District, representing the towns of Winchester and Stoneham.
Running against incumbent Michael Day, Ternullo positions himself as a common-sense change agent determined to reverse the state’s worsening economic trajectory and promote greater affordability for working families.
Massachusetts faces an unprecedented affordability crisis, marked by skyrocketing living costs, crushing property taxes, and staggering utility rates. High taxes and regulations also have Massachusetts dead last in job creation.
Ternullo argues that the high cost of living for residents and companies has triggered an outward migration of families, businesses, and critical jobs.
“We are trapped in an economic downward spiral, and we simply cannot keep doing the same things with the same politicians and expect better results,” said Ternullo. “This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a matter of common sense. Local families are suffering under the weight of an unmanageable cost of living, and complacency is no longer an option. Our community has the power to change this trajectory in November, and I am running to deliver the real, independent leadership we desperately need.”
A central pillar of Ternullo’s platform is a comprehensive reform of local aid distribution. He contends that state education funding for Winchester and Stoneham schools is structurally inadequate and requires an immediate overhaul of the Chapter 70 formula. By securing appropriate state allocations, Ternullo aims to alleviate the mounting pressure on local municipal budgets, further property tax increases, and ensure vital capital infrastructure projects—including a new Winchester school — are successfully realized without overburdening residents.
“State waste, fraud, and abuse are draining our resources, yet Beacon Hill insiders are actively working to block basic transparency,” said Ternullo. “An overwhelming majority of our district — 72% of voters in Winchester and 68% in Stoneham — demanded accountability at the ballot box. I am running to enforce the will of the people, not the interests of political insiders who think they are above an audit.”
Additionally, his legislative priorities include driving down commercial and residential energy rates and escalating healthcare premiums.
As a father and healthy eating advocate, Ternullo is a big proponent of introducing mandatory nutritional education alongside expanded fresh food access in public schools.
Ternullo brings deep roots in regional civic advocacy to the race. In Stoneham, he served prominently on the Override Study Committee and chaired the grassroots organization Keep Stoneham Affordable for All.
A dedicated youth sports coach and a proud military veteran; he currently serves as the Quartermaster of the Stoneham VFW Post 620.
