On Thursday, January 31st, the Massachusetts Republican State Committee voted to elect Mrs. Kristen Hughes as the next Chair of the Republican party. Mrs. Hughes is an attorney, who currently serves as a City Councilor in Quincy. Although, I recently posted my support for her opponent Mr. Rick Green of Pepperell, I trust that she will work with all members of the Statecommittee to support candidates at all levels.

I am fully aware that the outcome does not fall on Mrs. Hughes shoulders alone. Actually, it is a collective effort of the Statecommittee and local city committees that partly determines if a candidate succeeds. Let me, Robert Aufiero, of the Melrose Republican City Committee, be the first to hold myself accountable for helping candidates and promoting conservative principles. Yes, I am a conservative.

Many Republicans, as well as Democrats and Independents, are convinced that it is not enough to just elect candidates. We need to promote core values that have made America strong. The individual person and family are the bedrock of society which the government is suppose to serve. Which is why you will hear conservatives in both political parties speak of individual liberty and personal responsibility.

The core values that have made America great are rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Such principles guided our founding fathers when they framed the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Although not all candidates for public office are either Jewish or Christian, they should be committed to helping us preserve those values that have made America strong.

Finally, both Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Green promised to work together and asked their supporters to do the same. I know that I will do my part to help candidates. I hope that those who think the same way will do likewise.

Robert Aufiero

Melrose Republican City Committee