Rep. James O’Day Announces Reelection Campaign, Discusses Sewer Dispute and Fair Share Amendment

“Over a year ago, the governor’s office, her attorney looked at this and said, ‘This is not a winner. You folks really need to figure out how you’re going to stop the process and start working on resolving it.’”
— Rep. James O’Day

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA-State Representative James O’Day has announced his run for reelection for the 14th Worcester District. The conversation began with O’Day talking about the history of the Sherwood Diner where the interview took place.

He addressed the ongoing $35 million sewer payment judgment involving the city of Worcester and the town of Holden, detailing the state delegation’s long-term involvement and an upcoming meeting with the lieutenant governor. He said the state’s legislative delegation had been actively involved for at least two and a half years in the complex sewer payment dispute between Worcester and surrounding towns, which dated back to 2000. He said Worcester had received a warning that the lawsuit was a loser for the city. “Over a year ago, the governor’s office, her attorney looked at this and said, ‘This is not a winner. You folks,’ meaning the city of Worcester, ‘really need to figure out how you’re going to stop the process and start working on resolving it.'”

O’Day reflected on his 24-year career as a social worker and how it influenced his legislative focus on mental health, substance use disorder, and family services. “I’m a guy in long-term recovery. I’ve been clean and sober for 29 years, so it seemed like a pretty natural flow for me to really get into those kinds of issues and try to do the best that I can to help people do the best that they can.”

He highlighted his role in the Fair Share Amendment as a key legislative accomplishment and defended his record against criticism from his opponent, framing the attacks as standard political tactics. “If you really look at the amount of money that the Fair Share Amendment has brought in, it’s well over six and a half billion dollars, well over six and a half billion.”

`He concluded by reiterating his commitment to making a difference in the community.

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